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Sprinkler fitters ask committee to clarify that testing and inspection are covered by prevailing wage
Summary
Sprinkler fitters and their union representatives urged the committee to treat testing and inspection of fire‑protection systems as prevailing‑wage work on public projects (SB1288 / HB2120), arguing testing often uncovers repairs that are covered work and that inconsistent application threatens public safety.
Sprinkler‑system workers and their union testified that testing and inspection of fire‑protection systems should be explicitly covered by prevailing‑wage requirements on public projects. Matthew Jones of Sprinkler Fitters Local 550 told the committee that testing and inspection typically lead directly to repair work done by the same licensed workers; when testing is carved out of prevailing‑wage documents, he said, unqualified workers sometimes perform the work and public safety can be affected.
Jones cited recent, tragic events and argued the public has an interest in ensuring that individuals performing inspection and testing on public buildings are qualified and paid appropriate prevailing wages. The committee heard no opposing testimony on SB1288 / HB2120 during the hearing; members asked about how awarding authorities draft bid documents and include prevailing‑wage clauses.
No committee vote was taken.
