Texas Fire Alarm Rules and Statutes TFM11

Initial Registration Certification Fee

$500

Renewal of a registration certificate for each year

$500 ($1000 after 2 yrs)

Renewal of registration certification for selling single station devices

$250 annually ($500 for 2yrs)

Initial Branch office registration certificate

$150

Initial/Renewal training school approval fee

$500 annually

Renewal of branch office registration certificate annually

$150 ($300 for 2 yrs)

Initial/Renewal of a training school instructor approval

$50 annually

Initial license fee (non-residential)

$120

License Renewal fee (non-residential)

$100 annually ($200 for 2 yrs)

Initial license fees and annual renewal (Residential)

$50 ($100 for 2yrs)

Initial Exam Fee

$30

Re-exam fee

$20

Fee for duplicate registration certificates, license, or changes

$20

Limited registration certificates are for organizations restricted to _____________

Monitoring

Each separate office location must have a _____________

Branch office registration certificate

A branch office must be a part of a ____________ firm

Registered

Registered firms that deal only with ____________ station devices do not need ______________ for separate locations.

Single; Branch office registration certificates

What are the limits of insurance?

$100K for combines single limits for bodily injury and property damage for each occurrence;

$300K aggregate for all occurrences for each policy year

Proof of insurance must be in the form of ___________

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

What is needed for a residential fire alarm license?

Application and evidence of completion from an approved training school.

A fire alarm tech can perform/supervise __________.

A fire alarm planning superintendent (APS) can act as _____________ or __________.

A residential fire alarm superintendent (RAS) may act as ____________

Monitoring; Fire Alarm tech or residential Fire Alarm superintendent; Fire Alarm tech

Renewal license is valid for how long?

2 years

An unexpired license may be renewed when?

Before the expiration date

How to renew a license that is expired for 90 days or less

Renew by paying: Renewal fee and a fee not to exceed 1/4 the initial fee

How to renew a license that is expired for more than 90 days but less than 2 years?

Renew by paying: all unpaid fees and a fee not to exceed the initial fee

How to renew a license that is expired for more than 2 years?

May not renew, must reapply (initial fee)

When can the fire marshal suspend, revoke, or refuse certificate or license?

Only after notice and hearing

Change of ownership application should be completed how many days before completion?

14 days prior to change

How and when should a change corporate officers be reported?

In writing to the state within 14 days of the change

Install, inspect, service, test, maintain, monitor, and certify alarms or detection devices

Functions of: Fire Alarm Tech license

The monitoring of fire alarm or devices and systems

Function of: Fire Alarm Monitoring Tech license

Provide training school in installing, certifying, inspecting, and servicing systems in single- or two-family residences

Functions of: Instructor approval

Planning, install, certifying, inspecting, testing, servicing, and maintaining to single-station smoke or heat detectors which are not a part of or connected to any other device/system in single- or two-family residences.

Function of: Residential fire alarm superintendent single station license

Plan, install, certify, inspect, test, service, monitor and maintain alarm/detection devices and systems in single-family or two-family residences.

Functions of: Residential fire alarm superintendent

Planning, install, certify, inspect, test, service, monitor and maintain alarm/devices

Functions of: Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent

Install, certify, inspect and service (but NOT plan) alarm/devices and systems in single- or two-family residence

Functions of: Residential Fire Alarm Tech

Conducting required training necessary for obtaining a residential fire alarm tech license

Functions of: Training School Approval

Applications for corporations must include:

*Name of each shareholder owning more than 25% of shares

*Corporate Tax ID number

*Charter Number

*Copy of corporate charter of a TX Corp

*TX certification of authority to do business

*Copy of current franchise tax certificate of good standing

Fire Marshal's have how many days to approve application for a training school?

60 Days

How many days do you have to report a cancellation of monitoring to the AHJ?

A minimum of 7 days before termination

What color, height and width are installation tags?

White with black lettering; 3in H and 3 in W

What color, height and width are inspection tags?

Blue with black lettering; 3in H and 3in W

An inspection/test tag may be removed after how long? By who?

After 5 years by a licensed employee or agent of a registered firm

When to apply a yellow tag?

After any service, inspection or test a system does not comply with applicable codes and adopted standards

When to apply a red tag?

After any service, inspection or test a system or any part is inoperable, has a fault condition, or is impaired from normal operation.

What is the purpose of the 'Texas Fire Rules'?

To regulate the planning, selling, installing, servicing, monitoring and maintenance of fire devices and systems. And to prohibit the use of unrecognized devices

What does NFPA stand for?

National Fire Protection Association

Name a Recognized National Standards Organization?

The National Fire Protection Association

What is a Fire Alarm Device?

Any device capable of warning, audibly or visually, that a fire has occurred.

What is a Fire Detection Device?

Any device capable of detecting that fire or smoke is present.

What 5 things can a municipality or county demand in addition to the Fire Alarm Rules?

1. They can mandate that a system must be installed if they feel it is needed.

2. They can require standards that arc higher than law.

3. They can require regular inspections.

4. They can require a permit to he obtained for the alarm.

5. They can require, that the monitored property be contacted before a dispatch is sent out

What Insurance is a firm Required to have?

General Liability with PRODUCTS, and COMPLETED OPERATIONS

What amounts of insurance is a firm required to have?

$100k for each incident of bodily injury or property damage. S300k for all annual occurrences

What two things are required to become licensed?

1. You must pass a written exam.

2. You must be employed by a registered firm.

What 4 Standards & Codes may the Fire Commissioner adopt to create the rules?

1. NFPA standards

2. Federal law or Regulatory standards

3. Standards published by a recognized national standards organization

4. Information provided by manufacturers

What 5 things can a Municipality or County NOT require of a license holder?

I. Demand they obtain a franchise

2. Demand fees or taxes

3. Post a Bond

4. Demand they maintain a business location in their municipality /county

5. Demand financial requirements on them

Who do the Texas Fire Rules NOT apply to?

1. Anyone not involved with planning , certifying, leasing, servicing, sales or maintenance of fire systems

2. Anyone who installs electrical wiring or devices for fire systems as long as: The work was supervised by a licensed employee of a registered firm. OR if the registered firm assumes ALL responsibility for the system

3. Anyone who installs systems on their own property

4. Anyone who does not charge for the device or its installation

5. Anyone who sells fire equipment EXCLUSIVELY over-the-counter or through mail order, and who will not plan, certify, install, service or maintain the devices

6. Any engineer acting in his professional capacity 7. Anyone who installs AT NO CHARGE battery operated, single-station, residential equipment that is NFPA compliant and installed by 'knowledgeable' installers.

8. An employee of a registered firm who is being supervised by a License holder.

9. Any building owner who installs and monitors on-site, at no cost to the resident, a system that meets NFPA standards with equipment recognized by a testing laboratory.

10. An employee of a registered firm who installs single station, non-monitored, Lab recognized equipment for residential use, so long as the installer is knowledgeable and meets NFPA standards.

11. A licensed alarm technician who installs fire keypad panics

True or False: A 'fire detection device' is any device capable through audible or visible means of warning that fire or combustion has occurred or is occurring?

False

In what situations do the Texas Fire Rules not apply to Certified Electricians?

1. Certified Electricians who install single-station residential equipment.

2. Certified Electricians who install multiple-station equipment that meets NFPA standards and that does not communicate off-premises

How long does the State Fire Marshall have to inform examinees of their results'?

No more than 30 days after the exam, the results shall be mailed.

If a certificate or pocket card is defaced or damaged it becomes

Invalid

How long is a Certificate of License renewal valid for?

Two years. The renewal fee for each year is payable upon renewal.

At what point must the Fire Marshall notify a license holder that their license is about to expire?

At least 30 days before the license expires

How does a person with an UNEXPIRED license obtain renewal?

Pay the renewal fee before the expiration date.

How does a person obtain renewal of a license that has been expired for less than 90 days?

Pay the renewal fee PLlJS a fee not to exceed one fourth (25<½1) the original fee paid to obtain the license.

How do you obtain renewal of a license that has been expired for between 90 days & 2 years?

Pay the renewal fee PLUS a fee that does not exceed the original fee (100%) paid to obtain the license.

How do you obtain renewal of a license expired for more than 2 years?

You do not. You take the test again.

Can a firefighter Sell and Install Fire systems?

No, unless he is licensed to do so.

If you submit your renewal application and it is not complete what happens?

You are granted 30 days to complete the application. Beyond that, you can be charged late fees.

Let's say you are no longer employed by a registered firm. Can you renew your license?

Yes, but you may not engage in 'license activity' until you are employed by a registered firm again.

Must you be employed by a licensed firm to have a license ISSUED?

Yes!

Can non-laboratory certified equipment ever be used?

Yes, so long as it complied with the law at the time of installation, and has not been modified.

What 3 things should a firm do to train and supervise an employee who is exempt from the rules'?

1. Ensure that each install complies with NFPA standard

2. Ensure that each device is Laboratory Certified 3. Ensure the individual is knowledgeable in fire protection and placement of detectors

What 3 practices concerning the Fire licensing are prohibited by law?

1. Planning, certifying , selling, installing, monitoring and maintaining fire systems without a license.

2. Attempting to obtain a license fraudulently.

3. Violating any of the Texas Fire Rules

What happens if the Rules are violated?

After notice and a hearing , the State Fire Marshall may suspend, revoke or refuse to issue a license.

If a license is revoked how long must a person wait to re-apply?

You must wait until at least one year after the date the license was revoked. You must also request a public hearing to show why your new license should not be denied.

Which 3 actions constitute a criminal offense?

1. Planning, installing or monitoring systems with out a license

2. Running a separate branch without its own certificate

3. Running a firm without at least one employee who is a Technician, Superintendent or Planning superintendent

What type of criminal offense is committed?

Class B Misdemeanor

What is Monitoring equipment?

Equipment used to transmit and receive Fire trouble, supervisory and alarm signals to and from a firm registered to monitor such signals

What does NICET stand for?

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies

What is an Approved Testing Laboratory?

An organization that lists all equipment that complies with the State Fire Rules

What is an Approved Testing Organization?

An organization that tests license applicants, such as NICET

What are the 'rules' governing a firm's Certificate of Registration?

A specific location must be maintained by the firm and listed on the certificate. & The certificate must he posted Conspicuously at the business location

What would invalidate a firm's certificate?

The total change of a firm's ownership. (Like ADT buying Brinks)

What Causes a Firm's certificate to be revised?

A change of the business's name, location or mailing address.

What business change must the Marshall be notified of but does not require a revised certificate?

A change of corporate officers

What does a 'Fire Alarm Technician' license allow?

Allows the installation, inspection, service, testing, maintaining and monitoring and certifying of fire devices and systems.

What does a 'Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician' license allow?

Allows the monitoring of fire devices and systems ONLY.

What does a 'Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent Single-station' license allow?

Allows the planning installing, certifying , inspecting, testing, servicing and maintenance of RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-STATION devices and systems.

What does a 'Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent' license allow?

Allows the planning, installing , certifying inspecting, testing, servicing , monitoring and maintenance of RESIDENTIAL devices and systems. This license means the superintendent may act as a fire alarm technician.

What does a 'Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent license allow?

Allows the planning, installing, certifying, testing, servicing, monitoring and maintenance of Fire devices and systems.This license means the superintendent can act as a fire alarm technician, or as a residential fire alarm superintendent.

Where must all licenses be kept or displayed?

A pocket license must be kept on the licensee when they are working and a paper wa11 license must be displayed CONSPICUOUSLY at the business location. Any altered licenses will be rendered invalid.

When can a licensee NOT engage in fire activities?

When they are NOT employed by a registered firm

How long does a firm have to notify the Fire Marshall of an employee's termination?

Within 14 days of termination.

Which License applicant ONLY need take the Marshall's technical test?

'Residential Fire Alarm Single-station' and 'Fire Alarm Monitoring Technician applicants.'

What must 'Fire Alarm Technician' and 'Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent' applicants furnish the Marshall with?

A notification from NICET confirming they have passed a test in work elements pertaining to fire systems. They must also pass the Marshall' s qualifying test.

What must an applicant for a Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent furnish the Marshal with?

A notification from NICET confirming they haw passed a test in work elements pertaining to fire systems and proof of registration in Texas as a professional engineer

How many times can an applicant schedule a test within 12 months?

3 Times

What is considered 'repair' ?

'RESTORATION TO OPERATING CONDITION 'Replacement of old equipment in the same location with new equipment is also considered repair. New equipment must meet the latest standards but the entire system does not need to be brought up to code.

What color is an installation label?

White