Rhode_Island_Fire_Safety_Code_Effective_01-01-2013

Regulation Authority:

RIGL 23-28.1-2 & RIGL 23-28.3-3

Purpose and Reason:

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION FIRE SAFETY CODE BOARD OF APPEAL & REVIEW RHODE ISLAND FIRE SAFETY CODE PROPOSED RULES AND REGULATIONS OCTOBER 2012 Concise Summary Non-Technical differences between the existing and proposed rules and regulations pursuant to RIGL section 42-35-3(a)(5) These rules and regulations are proposed to clarify the latest editions of the national fire codes adopted pursuant to PL 12-337, to address issues that have arisen due to strict compliance with the fire code, to further provide the business community, and the general public, with significant economic relief while maintaining a high standard of fire safety throughout Rhode Island, to streamline the fire code plan review process, and to maintain several additional Rhode Island specific exceptions to full compliance with the national codes. The Rhode Island Fire Code, as proposed, is a consolidation of the recently adopted National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards with the Fire Board’s proposed rules and regulations. The proposed Rhode Island Fire Code consists of fifteen (15) listed sections. While Sections 11 through 15 are currently reserved, the ten (10) other sections are as follows: Section 1. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State of Rhode Island to simplify, clarify and modernize the laws governing fires and fire prevention and to specify minimum requirements for fire safety. Section 2. Consolidation of the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code. This section explains how the fire code is structured and that the effective date is January 1, 2013. Section 3. This section directs that the fire code shall be enforced consistently, with all current General Laws and Executive Orders, by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and its affiliates. Section 4. Definitions. This section provides several Rhode Island specific definitions that are utilized throughout the fire code. Section 5. Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal & Review. This section outlines the statutory composition of the Fire Board. Section 6. Administrative Powers of the Fire Safety Code Board of Appeal & Review. This section outlines the statutory mission of the Fire Board and the specific procedures that are followed before, during and after an appeal hearing. Section 7. Rhode island NFPA 1 Fire Code. This section incorporates Rhode Island -specific amendments into NFPA 1 (2012 Edition). NFPA 1 is a national code that addresses many types of building occupancies but it primarily regulates hazards and other dangerous activities. Section 8. Rhode Island Life Safety Code. This section incorporates Rhode Island -specific amendments into NFPA 101 (2012 Edition). NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code and it primarily addresses the safety of people within the various types of occupancies. Section 9. Rehabilitation Building and Fire Code for Existing Buildings and Structures. This section re-adopts the current Rehabilitation Building and Fire Code that allows for the renovation and/or conversion of existing structures such as old mills into apartments. Section 10. Rhode Island Fire Alarm Code. This section adopts the latest version of NFPA 72 as the Rhode Island Fire Alarm Code with amendments. As stated above, Sections 11 through 15 are currently “Reserved” by the Fire Board. There are no differences between the proposed rule and the final rule.

Editorial Notes:

ERLID 7138 has been superseded by 9479, 9480, 9481, 9482, and 9483.