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House considers sprinkler-inspection certification for commercial systems
Summary
Representative Joseph G. Murray introduced HB 47 to require annual inspections and certified inspectors for commercial sprinkler systems per international fire and building codes; members asked about scope, training and who will administer tests; the Utah State Fire Marshal will set curriculum and testing under the bill.
House Bill 47 would require annual inspections and a certification program for inspectors of commercial sprinkler systems. Sponsor Representative Joseph G. Murray described sprinklers as "one of the greatest firefighting devices" and said the bill aligns inspection requirements with the International Fire Code and International Building Codes.
Representative Murray told the floor the measure applies to commercial systems only and not residential installations. He said the Utah State Fire Marshal’s office would develop the curriculum and testing for certification and either conduct or coordinate training; he acknowledged there would be costs for training and testing but said the bill had no state fiscal note and estimated minimal fiscal activity tied to registration and renewals.
Members asked whether the bill creates a new annual-inspection requirement or simply formalizes existing practice; Murray confirmed an annual inspection is part of the bill. Representatives also questioned whether suppression systems in computer rooms or kitchens would be covered; the sponsor said this measure addresses sprinklers specifically and other suppression systems may already be covered by existing certification programs.
Next steps: Voting was opened on HB 47 in the provided transcript segments; a final roll-call result is not printed in the segments supplied.
