Fire Alarm Systems - major change for NYC inspection, testing and service
June 8, 2012
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Ken
I know that your forum readers are all over the country, but recent proposals in New York City may very well have impact beyond NYC by influencing other major cities.
YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL, SERVICE, OR MAINTAIN FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
You may already be aware that although you have a New York State license for the Business of Installing, Servicing or Maintaining Security or Fire Alarm Systems, which is Article 6-D, General Business Law, required throughout the state of New York. In New York City (which includes the five boroughs) you must have a Master Electrician License to install a fire alarm system!
But that didn’t necessary preclude NYS licensed companies from inspecting, testing, and servicing fire alarm systems once they were installed and approved.
However, by August 2012 all individuals who inspect, test and service fire alarm systems in New York City must be certified by the FDNY
Alan Glasser, Executive Director
METROPOLITAN BURGLAR & FIRE ALARM ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INC.
PO Box 54, Brooklyn, New York 11204-0054
(718) 894-6712
e-mail mbfaa.ny@gmail.com www.mbfaa.com
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From the FDNY official web site:
Certificate of Fitness (C of F) for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (S-97).
Major change is coming for fire alarm systems inspection, testing & service
Fire alarm systems inspection, testing & service technician(S-97) test will be available approximately by the end of August 2012.
We will start certifying principals of active and approved companies on 3-26-12 for S-97 C of F who have the required qualification (licenses).
Application for a C of F for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection Testing and Service Technician (T-97) and Notice of exam will be available on 4-16-12 for those who temporarily do not have the required licenses to get S-97 C of F. This T-97 certificate will be provided without an FDNY administered written test and is valid only for 18
months.
By July 1, 2012 all individuals who inspect, test and service fire alarm system must be certified.
Also from the FDNY official web site:
REV. 04-10-12
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (S-97).
FIRE DEPARTMENT – CITY OF NEW YORK
Bureau of Fire Prevention, Public Certification and Education Unit
9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3857
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND _________________ .
This memorandum provides the procedures to follow in order to obtain a Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (S-97). This certificate is valid for 3 years. Applications for alternative issuance must be submitted by only FDNY actively approved companies for smoke detector maintenance or central station monitoring by mail only. S-97 C of F is being issued to principals to ensure proper supervision of staff.
(Application for a C of F for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (T-97) will be available on 4-16-12 for those who temporarily do not have the required licenses to get S-97 C of F.
Issuance of the S-97 is required for any submission of T-97. By August 2012 all individuals who inspect, test and service fire alarm system must be certified.)
1. SUBMIT COMPLETED S-97 APPLICATION
S-97 application must be filled out by the employee and a principal of the FDNY approved company stating that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of and has received training in the manufacturer manual for different types of fire alarm systems and the Fire Code Chapter 9, Fire Rules § 901-01, Building Code Section 907 and applicable sections of NFPA 72, 2002 edition. The statement must include the applicant’s full name and experience. Additionally, this statement must affirm that the applicant is thoroughly familiar with the fire protection and fire suppression systems in the premises where he/she will be servicing.
4. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Applicant must hold one of the following certificate or license:
a. National Institute for Certification in Engineering
Technologies fire alarm certified Level II or above or;
b. NYC DOB Master Electrician License.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (T-97).
NOTICE OF EXAMINATION
1. TITLE
Certificate of Fitness for Fire Alarm Systems Inspection, Testing and Service Technician (T-97).
2. VALIDITY OF THE CERTIFICATE
The T-97 certificate is valid only for 18 months and it is not renewable. T-97 certificate holders will be required to take the new S-97 test or provide proof of current NICET Level II credential or higher prior to expiration. The S-97 Certificate of Fitness (C of F) for fire alarm systems inspection, testing and service technician will be available approximately by the end of August 2012.
3. DATE OF TEST
This T-97 certificate will be provided without an FDNY administered written test. FDNY will start accepting applications and issuing the T-97 C of F starting April 16, 2012. Applications for T-97 must be submitted only by FDNY actively approved companies for Smoke Detector or a Central Station by mail only.
Note: The W-26 C of F is still required to test or maintain smoke Detectors
4. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT
4.1. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
4.2. Applicants must have a reasonable understanding of the English language.
4.3. The applicant must have at least three 3) years of full-time experience and has received training in the manufacturer training manual for different types Fire Alarm Systems and the Fire Code Chapter 9, Fire Rules
§ 901-01, Building Code Section 907.
4.4. Applicant and a principal holding an S-97 C of F must fill out and sign
T-97 application.