Current through Reg. 50, No. 249, December 24, 2024
(1) The
application by a testing laboratory for recognition by the State Fire Marshal
as a "nationally recognized testing laboratory" shall not be on any particular
form but shall include all of the information and material requested in
subsection (2), below.
(2)
(a) The address and telephone number of the
main facility and all branch offices.
(b) A current organizational chart showing
the relationship between administration, operation, and quality
control.
(c) Resumes of the
education and experience of key personnel.
(d) A floor plan of the main facility and all
branch offices indicating location of the equipment used for testing portable
fire extinguishers or pre-engineered systems.
(e) A list of all equipment used to test
portable fire extinguishers or pre-engineered systems, identified by
manufacturer, model number and serial number; detailed plans and specifications
shall be submitted on any testing equipment fabricated by the
applicant.
(f) Procedures for
selecting, receiving, storage, handling, and shipping of test
specimens.
(g) Test standards and
procedures most frequently used.
(h) Method and frequency of test equipment
calibration.
(i) Procedure for
safekeeping of records and files.
(j) Copies of all data sheets and test report
forms.
(k) Facsimiles of all
contracts executed between the testing laboratory and portable extinguisher or
pre-engineered system clients.
(l)
Procedure for periodic updating of the report.
(m) Method of distributing test reports and
certifications, including an indication of who may obtain copies of the final
reports and how the reports may be obtained.
(n) A copy of the laboratory's partnership
agreement, if a partnership, or of the articles of incorporation, if a
corporation, and a copy of any by-laws.
(o) A list of all the portable fire
extinguishers or pre-engineered systems presently listed by the testing
laboratory showing the manufacturer and the model number.
(p) Copies of the test reports on all listed
portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems which must be in sufficient
detail to provide for complete verification and evaluation of the operations
and objectives, and must include the signature of personnel performing the test
and must also include the name of the supervisory engineer.
(q) Whether the applicant testing laboratory
has been recognized as a "nationally recognized testing laboratory" by any
other state or by an organized, voluntary recognition organization such as the
National Voluntary Laboratory Association Program and whether recognition by
any other state or organization has been denied.
(r) How long the applicant testing laboratory
has tested portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems.
(s) A notarized statement of independence
which shall state that, with reference to the laboratory's testing of portable
extinguishers or pre-engineered systems:
1.
There are no managerial affiliations with any producer, supplier, or
vendor,
2. There are no securities
investments in any portable extinguisher or pre-engineered systems product
line,
3. The employment security of
personnel is free from influence by any producer, supplier or vendor of
portable extinguishers or pre-engineered systems,
4. There are no stock options in any portable
extinguisher or pre-engineered systems product line,
5. The laboratory is not owned, operated, or
controlled by any producer, supplier, or vendor of portable extinguishers or
pre-engineered systems.
(3) Upon receipt of a complete application,
the State Fire Marshal shall either accept or deny the application. If the
application is accepted, the State Fire Marshal shall notify the laboratory and
enter the laboratory on its list of acceptable testing laboratories. If the
application is denied, the State Fire Marshal shall notify the applicant in
writing, stating the reasons for denial and informing the applicant of its
rights under chapter 120, F.S.
(4)
(a) Testing laboratories recognized as
"nationally recognized" may be subject to random, unannounced inspections to
verify the adequacy of their facilities.
(b) Testing laboratories accepted as
"nationally recognized" are required to notify the State Fire Marshal within 30
days of any of the following:
1. Change in the
company name or the company address,
2. Changes in any major test
equipment,
3. Establishment of a
new branch office or facility at which portable fire extinguishers or
pre-engineered systems are to be tested,
4. Changes in principal officers, key
supervisory personnel, or key testing personnel in the
company.
Rulemaking Authority 633.104 FS. Law Implemented 633.104,
633.306(1)(b), 633.308(2), 633.314(2)
FS.
New 2-7-89, Amended 10-20-93, Formerly
4A-21.403.