The Security Industry Association (SIA) and the Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (PBFAA) will be offering an online program Jan. 22, 2003 to help fire alarm system installers in Pennsylvania know and understand the new building codes that will go into effect in the new year. Fire alarm system installers working in the state could be pulled off of their jobs unless state inspectors can verify that they have the proper qualifications and understand the new building codes.
Entitled, “How the New Statewide Building Code in Pennsylvania Impacts the Alarm Industry,” the program, referred to as a “webinar,” combines a conference call, done over a toll-free line, with online training. This format enables participants to talk and network while they train online with other attendees and seminar leaders, enhancing their overall comprehension of this urgent material, experts say.
In 1999, the state government passed new legislation that created a statewide building code for the commonwealth. Since then, the Department of Labor and Industry has been developing the regulations. As part of these new regulations, thousands of referenced codes will be included in the new regulations. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72(r), is one of the referenced codes.
“While all this has been going on since 1999, most installers in the area either haven’t had the time, or haven’t understood the importance of getting verifiable training,” says Dale Eller, executive director of the PBFAA. “When local AHJ’s are doing inspections, they can request proof that [fire alarm installers] meet the training and experience requirements, and remove those companies from projects that do not comply with the codes requirements.”
The program costs $125 per person or site, and is payable online with a credit card. Multiple people from any one location can login and attend, and are encouraged to do so. Participants register online. For more information on the event, visit www.pbfaa.org.
