Fire Protection Contractors

Here is some information that pertains to contractors who provide services for fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection system services.

• List of active endorsed contractors
• Backflow Reports

The Vancouver Fire Department does not regulate water quality. Annual backflow test reports should be emailed to backflowtestreports@cityofvancouver.us. For more information about this please visit the Backflow and Cross-Connection Prevention page.

Files

 Installer’s certificate for kitchen suppression systems

 Freeze Protection Illustration

 Fire Alarm ITM Report Form

 Kitchen Fire Suppression ITM Report Form

 Commercial Kitchen Solid Fuel Chimney Inspection and Cleaning Report

 NFPA 13R Fire Sprinklers in Exterior Closets

 Single family residential sprinkler permits

 Fire Sprinkler ITM Report Form

 Hood Duct Cleaning PDF Format Form

Fire Contractor Quick Report Submittal As of January 1, 2017 we have migrated to a new system. For this there will be a one-time registration requirement. If your company had an account last year please email us to obtain your login and temporary password. Already Registered? – Login (civicgov2.com) New contractor in Vancouver?

Fire Contractor Quick Report Submittal

As of January 1, 2017 we have migrated to a new system.

For this there will be a one-time registration requirement. If your company had an account last year, please use the forgot username or password link. If you still have difficulty, please email us to obtain your login and temporary password. Email us at vanfmo@cityofvancouver.us

Already Registered? – Login (civicgov2.com)

New contractor in Vancouver? – Register (civicgov2.com)

Once you are logged in you can:

1. Manage your company and individual endorsements.
2. Manage staff.
3. Submit ITM reports as required by VMC Section 16.04.166

Please contact our office if you have questions 360-487-7260

As of January 1, 2017 we have migrated to a new system.

For this there will be a one time registration requirement. If your company had an account last year please email us to obtain your login and temporary password.

Already Registered? – Login (civicgov2.com)

New contractor in Vancouver? – Register (civicgov2.com)

Once you are logged in you can:

1. Manage your company and individual endorsements.
2. Manage staff.
3. Submit ITM reports as required by VMC Section 16.04.166

Please contact our office if you have questions 360-487-7260 or vanfmo@cityofvancouver.us

Here are some questions we receive related to code & standard references to what is “approved by the authority having jurisdiction”. Some of these questions are clearly answered in the code or standard but we get asked frequently anyway.
 

General Fire Protection Questions

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

Only issues within the scope of the T.I. permit are required to be made compliant with the current code. An exception is a fire alarm addition to system with a non-working panel. The new devices would not be testable without a working panel.

Bracing, spacing, obstructions etc., if found outside the scope of the permit will be a correction to the building owner but should not hold up final approval of the T.I. permit.

WATER-FLOW ALARMS

Exterior audible water flow gong or horn is required and should be positioned where it might be heard. Ref .IFC 903.4.2 Exterior water flow visual devices are not required. If voluntarily installed, it should be positioned where it might be seen.

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLIES

DCVAs are allowed by VFD to be installed inside a building on an exterior wall that is accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance. A vault may be used but presents problems for electronic supervision due to potential water accumulation. Please check with Vancouver’s Water Quality Department to determine if the DCVA/DDVA is allowed to be installed inside the building or is required to be installed closer to the City water main.

WATER QUALITY FOR NFPA 13D SYSTEMS

For NFPA 13D fire sprinkler systems, Vancouver’s Water Quality Department requires either a backflow preventer on the sprinkler system or a remote flow through point such as a toilet on each level of the home that has water piping.

FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS

Installation heights for FDC ports are 18 inches to 48 inches above grade.

BUCKET TESTS

Required for all NFPA 13D systems and some NFPA 13R systems where the hydraulic calculations leave very little safety factor – unless the construction has a 2″ or larger water supply.

CONTRACTOR MATERIALS & TEST CERTIFICATES (CMTC)

CMTCs are required for NFPA 13 & 13-R systems but not for 13-D systems.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR SPACING FOR COMMERCIAL PROTECTED PREMISES

5.8.5.3 Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Detectors

5.8.5.3.1 Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed as specified in the manufacturer’s published instructions in accordance with 5.8.5.3.1(1) and 5.8.5.3.1(2), or 5.8.5.3.1(3):

(1)*On the ceiling in the same room as permanently installed fuel-burning appliances

(2)*Centrally located on every habitable level and in every HVAC zone of the building

(3) A performance-based design in accordance with 5.8.5.3.2

5.8.5.3.2 Performance-Based Design

5.8.5.3.2.1 Performance-based designs submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review and approval shall include documentation, in an approved format, of each performance objective and applicable scenario, together with any calculations, modeling, or other technical substantiation used in establishing the proposed design’s life safety performance.

HEAT TAPE

Heat tape is not allowed for systems or large areas, it must be dry or antifreeze.

Heat tape can be used for branch lines. The tape must be listed for branch lines and be electronically supervised. Listed sprinkler pipe heat tape can be used for small unheated areas like external architectural features but must be electronically supervised.

Ref 2007 NFPA 13 Sections 8.16.4.1.2 through .5

7.2.5.2.3 Heat tape shall not be used in lieu of heated valve enclosures to protect the dry pipe valve and supply pipe against freezing.

WATER METERS

System development charges are not increased when up-sizing the water meter is triggered by the fire sprinkler system. For NFPA 13D or IRC P2904 systems, typically a 1 inch meter is provided at the system development charge cost of a 5/8 inch meter.

MIXED USE

For all other uses where NFPA 13 is required, it shall be required throughout the building regardless of fire areas. (exception, 3-hour horizontal fire separation between occupancy floors.)

For multi-family residential dwellings with parking below that is accessory to the group R and not for public parking, NFPA 13 OH1 can be used for the parking area and NFPA 13-R above.

POST INDICATOR VALVES

In Vancouver, PIVs are not additionally required to be installed because all fire water valves are required to be electronically supervised.

Where installed, PIVs shall be electronically supervised and should also be locked in the open position.

FIRE WATER STANDPIPES

Where both a Fire Department standpipe is required in a stairwell, Vancouver requires this standpipe to be in the same stairwell as the roof access stairwell.

UNDERGROUND FIRE LINES

FIRE HYDRANTS and mains are to be in a public easement and become the property and responsibility of the City once approved.

FIRE LINES: Fire lines between the City main and the structure are entirely private regardless of the location of the double check valve assembly. See illustrations regarding WAC 212-80 for Washington State Licensing requirements.

VALVES

All fire protection water supply valves shall be electronically supervised. Where an individual situation makes this impractical, the applicant may submit an appeal to the fire marshal for an alternate method of supervising the valve’s open position.
Ref IFC 903.4

KITCHEN SUPPRESSION SYSTEM MONITORING

Only required when there is a building full fire alarm system. It is required to be monitored (supervisory ok if a sprinklered building, alarm if not).

Not required for buildings with dedicated function panels (sprinkler monitoring).

SMOKE DETECTOR COVERAGE

LIMITED AREA DETECTION is allowed and does not necessarily have to meet the spacing requirements of NFPA 72. Building smoke/heat detection or area fire detection is required to meet the minimum spacing requirements.

PORTIONS OF A FIRE AREA with smoke detection and notification undergoing a T.I. and not meeting the current NFPA 72 spacing requirements shall be made complaint with the current edition of the code. Hallways and rooms outside the scope of the permit are not required to be retroactively brought into compliance.

NUISANCE ALARMS shall be taken into consideration when designing a monitored fire alarm system. Areas subject to dust, steam, fumes or cooking smoke may be required to have alternative detection such as heat detectors rather than smoke detectors. Examples of these areas include kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, attics and areas frequently exposed to the outside elements such as near a main entry door.

LOW FREQUENCY SOUNDERS FOR SLEEPING AREAS

These are required in Vancouver for new projects.

NFPA 72, 18.4.5.3* Effective January 1, 2014, audible appliances provided for the sleeping areas to awaken occupants shall produce a low frequency alarm signal that complies with the following:

(1) The alarm signal shall be a square wave or provide equivalent awakening ability.

(2) The wave shall have a fundamental frequency of 520 Hz ± 10 percent.

This means that the practice of installing piezo horns in the sleeping rooms is no longer acceptable.

FIRE ALARM WIRING ONLY

Fire alarm wiring may be installed under the building’s general electrical permit. Any devices or connections must be made under a separate fire alarm permit.

SUPERVISORY SIGNALS

Duct detectors (NFPA 72 6.16.5.3); CO detection and fire extinguisher monitoring (NFPA 72 – 6.8.4.11) should be transmitted to the supervising station as “supervisory” signals, not general alarm.

FIRE ALARM PANEL REPLACEMENT FORMAL INTERPRETATION 

INTENT:
This formal interpretation clarifies the difference between a new fire alarm system and a partial existing system upgrade.

INTERPRETATION:
A fire alarm panel is a component of a fire alarm system. The replacement of a panel does not equate to a new fire alarm system.

1.0 DEFINITIONS

1.1 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: More than one device interconnected for the purpose of detecting or notifying people who may not be aware of an emergency condition.

1.2 FIRE ALARM PANEL: A component of a fire alarm system.

2.0 POLICIES

2.1 New fire alarm systems

2.1.1 New systems shall be installed it in accordance with the requirements of the standards referenced by the current edition of the Fire Code, the component listings.

2.2 Existing fire alarm systems

2.2.1 Existing systems that were code-compliant at the time of their installation may have components replaced and/or upgraded provided that they are compatible and provided that the replacements are not part of a large scale building renovation.

2.2.1 Existing systems that were not installed under a permit or were not in compliance with the code and/or referenced standard and/or the component listings at the time of the original installation shall be treated as a “new fire alarm system” when a fire alarm panel is upgraded or replaced and brought into compliance with current codes and standards.

2.2.2 Existing systems that are altered or upgraded as part of a larger scale building renovation listings shall be treated as a “new fire alarm system” and brought into compliance with current codes and standards.

2.3 Fire alarm panel replacement or upgrade where current code required voice evacuation.

2.3.1 In the case of occupancies required by the current edition of the code to provide voice evacuation, the applicant shall be advised that if there are any future system additions (a new portable classroom for example), the voice evacuation requirement will be in effect for that addition. We will encourage, but not require them to install a panel with the capability to support voice evacuation with an eye to the future.

3.0 PROCEDURES

3.1 Permits

3.1.1 Fire alarm panels

A replacement fire alarm panel may be installed under a permit with a minimum fee base of a new system plus one device. (The affidavit permit is specifically prohibited by City ordinance from being used for a fire alarm panel).

Documentation demonstrating inter-compatibility of all components with the new panel shall be provided.

Voltage drop calculations shall be provided.

The final acceptance test will entail random devices within different zones and a full panel test including a report from the monitoring company.

3.1.2 Fire alarm components other than panels

Like for like twist-in devices that do not require disconnecting electrical conductors may be replaced as normal maintenance. A permit is not required for this work; however, the FMO shall be notified of all component failures with a description of the failure and the product information. Send such notification to vanfmo@cityofvancouver.us

Other initiating, notification and supervisory devices are handled under the usual affidavit or alarm system permit as the scope dictates. Documentation proving compatibility of all components shall be provided.

3.1.3 Emergency repairs

Catastrophic panel failures may be repaired immediately. A permit for the work and inspections are required to be acquired by the fire alarm contractor by the next business day.

Maps:

 What part of the water supply is considered “Fire Underground”?

Here are many of the questions we receive regarding  our Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement program.

General Questions

When was this program developed? How long has this been in effect?

Background work on this program began in 2004 and continued with stake holder meetings for nearly three years until an ordinance was passed by Vancouver City Council in May 2007. Based on discussions with contractors during stakeholder meetings and local trade groups (NW Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Society of Fire Protection Engineers – Cascade Chapter, etc.), a decision was made to delay the implementation date of the new endorsement requirements for 18 months. The original effective date was going to be January 1, 2009 until further discussions with contractors led to another 6 month extension in order to allow additional time for getting staff certified.

Where do I find these requirements?

The requirements were codified as amendments to the International Fire Code through the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC). Additional information can be found in VMC 16 using the menu link above.

Is a Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement required to install, inspect, maintain or test fire protection equipment in the City of Vancouver?

Yes, however these requirements will not be enforced until July 1, 2009 in order to allow contractors time to achieve the necessary requisite certifications. Any work submitted, started or conducted on fire protection equipment after July 1, 2009, must be completed by a contractor possessing the proper company endorsement and performed or supervised by an employee with the proper individual endorsements meeting the requirements of the Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program.

How does one go about obtaining a Fire Protection Endorsement?

Applications are available on the City of Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) website. We accept completed company applications, accompanied by an individual endorsement application for the respective specialty if none has been provided previously. A listing of the requirements needed to obtain an individual endorsement is found in Administrative Rule 9.01, also available on the city website. Multiple individual endorsements can be included with company applications and additional individual endorsements can be added accordingly.

Our employees are currently certified or approved to work in Seattle, WA and/or Portland, OR by passing their respective certification or contractor exams. Will evidence of those approvals suffice?

No. The FMO does not have staffing to allow review of certification programs from other jurisdictions to ensure they remain current; particularly as the codes and standards evolve with each code cycle. The requirements found within Administrative Rule 9.01 were established with input from local contractors through multiple public stakeholder meetings. The adopted Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program utilizes certifications that are recognized nationally and represent each of the respective fields without creating additional workload on FMO staff.

What constitutes fire protection equipment that requires a contractor to obtain an endorsement?

Water-based fire protection systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, foam-water systems, water mist), fire alarm equipment, kitchen hood extinguishing systems, halon/clean agent systems, CO2 systems, dry chemical systems and the cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust systems.

What is the fee associated with obtaining a Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement?

There currently is no fee.

Do all employees need to have an individual endorsement?

No. It is not the intent of the Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program to require all employees to have an individual endorsement.  The requirements dictate that at least one qualified endorsement holder is on the job site while work is being done on the respective type of system. Additional trainees or employees would work under the supervision of the individual possessing the endorsement.

System Testing/Maintenance Questions

Is it required to submit copies of confidence test reports in the City of Vancouver and if so, who is responsible? The 2006 International Fire Code (IFC) states that records of inspections, tests and maintenance are to be kept on the premises for three years and copied to the fire code official upon request.

Confidence test reports are required to be submitted to the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) by the contractor performing the inspection or service within 30 days of the service date in accordance with VMC 16.04 which adds IFC 901.6.2.2.The IFC was amended locally through the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) requiring that records be maintained for a minimum of six years on site.

Requirements of the Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program, including the submission of confidence test reports from contractors, became enforceable in June of 2007. The requirement for companies and individuals to obtain endorsements is the only issue with delayed enforcement. Contractors must send confidence test reports within 30 days of the service date.

How will the FMO deal with contractors who fail to submit confidence test reports within 30 days?

If a FMO staff member identifies during a regular fire code inspections that a contractor performed required preventative maintenance and failed to submit copies of the test reports, the contractor is in violation of the VMC and will be issued a Notice of Order and Correction and given an opportunity to submit the report. Failure to submit the testing report after the Notice of Order and Correction may result in a monetary penalty.

Will confidence test reports from non-endorsed companies be accepted by the FMO if the business wasn’t aware or this requirement?

Testing reports submitted by contractors without an active endorsement will be rejected and the business owner will need to have the testing performed by a contractor with an active endorsement. Contractors or employees without an active endorsement who submit inspection, testing and maintenance reports will be given five business days to submit the Endorsement Application and may be issued a $1,000 citation. 

Is there a fee associated with the submission of confidence test reports?

Yes. The contractor will not be responsible for or assessed this fee. An inspection fee ordinance passed in November 2006, added Section 16.04.280 to the VMC which imposes fees to recoup a portion of actual costs for certain occupancy inspections, operational permits, and the review of inspection and test reports related to fire protection systems. 

Fire Marshal Office staff review the inspection and test reports as they are received. The information is recorded in a database and any noted deficiencies or violations are noted for follow up. The business and/or property owner will be responsible for payment of a $40 review fee that will be invoiced to the business. The business/property owner will only be charged the $40 fee once in a calendar year for each type of fire protection system.

Deficiencies noted on inspection/testing reports may result in a special inspection to the site by Fire Marshal Office staff to verify the deficiencies are corrected. If the deficiencies are not repaired, the business/property owner will be assessed a special inspection fee at a rate of $65/hour. It is important for contractors to document all applicable deficiencies and whether those deficiencies were repaired or not to prevent any unnecessary special inspections.

Will the fees for submitting confidence test reports start in July 2009 with enforcement of the endorsement program?

No. The ordinance that adopted the inspection and confidence test review fees was separate from the Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program ordinance. Fee assessment began January 1, 2008 in accordance with Ordinance M-3768, Amended, 11/13/2006, Sec 1.

Our clients do not want us to perform all the necessary inspection/testing elements required by the respective NFPA document (NFPA 17A, NFPA 25, NFPA 72, NFPA 96, etc.) due to the cost. Customers don’t want to pay for a full Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (IT&M) program. What will the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office do to enforce the required testing?

Contractors and employees conducting required inspections and maintenance should identify whenever there is a deviation from the required testing. If certain elements of the required testing are omitted at the request of the client due to cost, inconvenience or any other reason, it is an expectation that service contractors detail these reasons on the inspection report. Failure to do so will provide an assumption that the testing was in full accordance with the applicable standard.

For example, if no records exist of sensitivity testing of smoke detectors within the appropriate testing cycle, then it is required for inspection personnel to note this as a deficiency. Or, if no records exist indicating that a standpipe or fire department connection has had the required 5 year interval flow test/backflush, this would be considered a deficiency and should be identified as such on the inspection report.

Failure by a contractor to include these details on a confidence test report will likely result in a deputy fire marshal visiting the inspected property to investigate the completeness of the inspection and issues requiring follow up. If a deficiency exists that wasn’t repaired after 30 days from original service date (or provide an estimated repair date on the original submission), the property owner will be issued a Correction Notice to fix the deficiency AND receive an invoice from the City of Vancouver for a fire department inspection.

What is the penalty for a business that fails to conduct the IT&M on a required fire protection system as found in IFC Table 901.6?

A business should expect a special inspection by a deputy fire marshal resulting in a fee and could potentially face a $500 civil citation for failing to maintain fire protection systems if appropriate corrective actions are not taken.

Are the testing requirements any different for a non-required system?

No. It is mandatory that non-required systems to be maintained as if they were required. Failure to do so will result in enforcement provisions according to VMC 22.

The VMC indicates that confidence test reports are required to be submitted on approved forms. Are there specific forms we need to use?

Due to investments by some contractors with paperless inspection programs and internal forms, the Fire Marshal’s Office is not requiring the use of Vancouver Fire Department developed forms. However, inspection forms submitted must include all pertinent information required to be tested by the appropriate standard (i.e. NFPA 25, NFPA 72, NFPA 96, NFPA 2001, etc.). Contractors may download forms that were developed by the Fire Marshal’s Office if they wish. Fire Marshal Office staff may require contractors to submit additional information if the forms submitted are incomplete.

Can fire protection contractors be found in violation of VMC Section 16.04.140 Amendment to IFC Section 401.3.1, – Making false reports and how does that apply to me?

Yes. If in the course of testing fire protection equipment, employees initiate more than four alarm signals in a 12 month period to Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, a civil citation can be issued to the persons responsible regardless of the physical street location. Alternately, if a particular contractor has repeated violations, the FMO can pursue criminal misdemeanor charges for tampering with fire protection equipment.

Sprinkler Contractor Questions

Is this endorsement program redundant with the licensing requirements through the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (WSFMO)?

Requirements identified in Administrative Rule 9.01 to obtain a Vancouver sprinkler endorsement requires nothing more than providing verification that the company is properly licensed through the WSFMO. There are no additional requirements or fees. Further, WAC 212-80 requires local jurisdictions to verify that contractors are properly licensed. This program allows the City of Vancouver to verify that any contractor performing work within the city limits is properly licensed.

Our company is licensed through the WSFMO as a Level 3 Contractor. What endorsements are we required to obtain? Do we need to obtain SSC1, SSC2 and SSC3 endorsements?

The company would submit an application for a Sprinkler System Contractor – Level 3 (SSC3) Endorsement along with an application for the individual Sprinkler System Designer of Record – Level 3 (SSDR3) Endorsement. Supporting documentation would include a copy of the state-issued Level 3 Contractors License. The individual Designer of Record Endorsement would include a copy of the individual’s Certificate of Competency.

We are a Level 3 Contractor providing annual inspection, testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems. What endorsement is needed by employees performing testing?

At least one employee on site during the inspection and testing must have a Sprinkler System Testing Technician – Level 2 (SSTT2) Endorsement. To obtain this, the employee would fill out an application and provide a copy of their Inspection Testing Technician certification from the WSFMO. This allows us to identify that employees are approved to inspect and test all types of water-based fire protection systems.

A Level 1 (SSTT1) endorsement holder would work for a testing company and is limited to inspect only wet or dry pipe sprinkler systems.

Our company was hired to inspect a fire sprinkler system. During our site visit, we saw a water-foam sprinkler system but we were not hired to inspect it. Are we required to mark this on our inspection report?

Possibly. If your company tested the sprinkler system used to deliver the foam-water solution, then yes, this should be marked as a deficiency needed to be inspected and tested. If this was tested by another firm, this should be noted on your inspection. If your company did not touch any component of that system because it is on a separate riser, then no, you do not need to report that system.

Fire Alarm Contractor Questions

Is it necessary that all portions of a fire alarm system be installed by someone possessing a Fire Alarm System Installation or Repair (FASIR) Endorsement in accordance with VMC 16.04.095, IFC 105.8.2.3?

No. An electrician, properly licensed by WA State Labor & Industries, is able to run wiring and connect line voltages into a panel without possessing a FASIR endorsement. It is the connection of fire alarm equipment (i.e. detectors, horn/strobes, NACs, circuits in the fire alarm control panel, etc.) that must be made under the direct supervision of someone holding a FASIR endorsement. It is the responsibility of this individual to ensure the installation of fire alarm equipment meets the requirements of NFPA 72. A permit to install or modify a fire alarm system will only be issued to a contractor possessing a Fire Alarm System Contractor (FASR) endorsement.

I have a NICET Level IV in Special Hazards Suppression Systems. Can this be substituted for a NICET Level III Automatic Fire Alarm Systems certificate so I can obtain a Fire Alarm System Designer of Record endorsement?

No. To obtain a Fire Alarm System Designer of Record (FASDR) endorsement, Administrative Policy 9.01 requires a NICET Level III or Level IV Automatic Fire Alarm Systems certificate. You may not substitute NICET certification.

New Construction Questions

Can I request a final acceptance inspection for an FRI permit without an active endorsement? 

Requests for final acceptance inspections for active FRI permits after July 1, 2009 must be made by an employee of a contractor with a valid endorsement. Permits will not be given final approval until the contractor possesses an active endorsement. A temporary final approval will be provided until an application is received by the FMO.

Qualification Requirements for Fire Protection System Contractors & Employees

PURPOSE

It is the intent of this policy to ensure that fire protection systems and interrelated equipment are altered, cleaned, designed, installed, maintained, repaired, serviced or tested by individuals and companies who have demonstrated a basic knowledge to perform such work in accordance with the applicable codes and nationally recognized standards.

REFERENCES

International Fire Code (IFC); Vancouver Municipal Code, Section 16.04

SCOPE

This policy is applicable to all locations where the City of Vancouver has jurisdiction and is intended to apply to new and existing fire protection systems.

An integral part of being recognized as a trade is that some form of training and certification is required on the part of the people performing the work. Training and certification establishes individuals are aware of how the work should be performed, what expectation levels are required and what are the rules governing the performance of the trade and the equipment they work on.

In order to ensure that fire protection systems are serviced properly, amendments made to the International Fire Code via the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) require that work is supervised by a person holding the necessary endorsements.

APPLICATIONS

Application can be made via our website. Applicants are required to submit documentation along with a completed application identifying they meet the following requirements.

Applicants for individual endorsements may be required to provide current personal identification in the form of a valid driver’s license or another form of picture identification acceptable to the fire code official.

INDIVIDUAL ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Commercial Cooking Exhaust Cleaner (CCEC) Endorsement.

Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by an independent third-party testing and certification agency. Submission of a current certificate from any of the following approved programs is acceptable. However, you may propose an OTHER equivalent 3rd party certification for consideration.

*See the State Mandated change to qualification requirements below.

• CECS Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist, administered through the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA)
• PECT Designation as a Professional Exhaust Cleaning Technician, administered through the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA)
• CHDCA Certified Hood & Duct Cleaners Association, administered through the Certified Hood & Duct Cleaners Association.
• PAECCP Phil Ackland’s Exhaust Cleaners Certification Protocol, administered through Phil Ackland Holdings Ltd.

IMPORTANT: Washington State’s revision to 2018 IFC Section 904.1.1 supersedes the above list as of July 1, 2020 as follows

904.1.1 Certification of service personnel for fire-extinguishing equipment. Service personnel performing system design, installation or conducting system maintenance or testing on automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall possess the appropriate ICC/NAFED certification.
904.1.1.1 Preengineered kitchen fire-extinguishing systems. A current ICC/NAFED certification for preengineered kitchen fire-extinguishing systems is required when performing design, installation, inspection/testing or maintenance on kitchen suppression systems.
904.1.1.2 Engineered fire suppression systems. A current ICC/NAFED certification for engineered fire suppression systems is required when performing design, installation, inspection/testing or maintenance on kitchen suppression systems.
904.1.1.3 Preengineered industrial fire-extinguishing system. A current ICC/NAFED certification for preengineered industrial fire-extinguishing system is required when performing design, installation, inspection/testing or maintenance on kitchen suppression systems.

Fire Alarm System Designer of Record (FASDR) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III or IV in Automatic Fire Alarm Systems OR be a licensed engineer with experience in fire protection system design. Licensed engineers may be required to provide proof of experience in design of fire protection systems.

Fire Alarm System Install/Repair (FASIR) Endorsement

Applicants shall work for a properly licensed electrical contractor, possess and submit a copy of an appropriate electrician license as identified by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries and possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or higher in Fire Alarm Systems.

Fire Alarm System Testing and Inspection (FAST) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or higher in Fire Alarm Systems.

*See the State Mandated change to qualification requirements below.

Fixed Suppression System Designer of Record (FSSDR) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III or higher in Special Hazards Suppression Systems and proof of factory certification by the manufacturer for the specific system being designed/submitted OR be a licensed engineer with experience in fire protection system design. Licensed engineers may be required to provide proof of experience in design of fire protection systems.

Fixed Suppression System Install, Repair, Testing (FSSIRT) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or higher in Special Hazards Suppression Systems and a current factory training certificate; or a current  training certificate and another proposed certification acceptable to the jurisdiction; or be a NICET Level 3 or higher in Special Hazard Systems; OR be a licensed engineer with experience in fire protection system design. Licensed engineers may be required to provide proof of experience in design of fire protection systems.

Pre-Engineered Kitchen or Spray Booth Fire Suppression System (PEKSBSS) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a copy of a current certificate issued by an independent third-party testing and certification agency. Submission of a certificate from any of the following approved programs is acceptable. However, you may propose an OTHER equivalent 3rd party certification for consideration.

• FACTORY Factory certification for the individual by the manufacturer for the specific system
• CKFSSS Commercial Kitchen Fire Suppression System Servicing administered through Fire Protection Certification Limited (FPCL)
• PKSST Pre-Engineered Kitchen Suppression System Technician certification administered through the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED)

IMPORTANT: Washington State’s revision to 2018 IFC Section 904.1.1 supersedes the above list as of July 1, 2020 as follows:

904.1.1 Certification of service personnel for fire-extinguishing equipment. Service personnel performing system design, installation or conducting system maintenance or testing on automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall possess the appropriate ICC/NAFED certification.
904.1.1.1 Preengineered kitchen fire-extinguishing systems. A current ICC/NAFED certification for preengineered kitchen fire-extinguishing systems is required when performing design, installation, inspection/testing or maintenance on kitchen suppression systems.
904.1.1.2 Engineered fire suppression systems. A current ICC/NAFED certification for engineered fire suppression systems is required when performing design, installation, inspection/testing or maintenance on kitchen suppression systems.
904.1.1.3 Preengineered industrial fire-extinguishing system. A current ICC/NAFED certification for preengineered industrial fire-extinguishing system is required when performing design, installation, inspection/testing or maintenance on kitchen suppression systems.

Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDR1) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level 1 certificate of competency or higher issued by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design.

Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDR2) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level 2 certificate of competency or higher issued by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design.

Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDR3) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level 3 certificate of competency issued by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design.

Sprinkler System Designer of Record (SSDRU) Endorsement

Applicants shall possess and submit a current Level U or 3 certificate of competency issued by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office and be an employee of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor meeting the respective certification level requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043 for the type of fire protection system design.

Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIR1) Endorsement

Applicants shall submit documentation from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office  for Sprinkler Fitter Certificate of Competency (journey, residential or trainee level) along with temporary certification number. Must be employed by a Level 1 or higher state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043.

Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIR2) Endorsement

Applicants shall submit documentation from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office for Sprinkler Fitter Certificate of Competency (journey, residential or trainee level) along with temporary certification number. Must be employed by a Level 2 or higher state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80-043.

Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIR3) Endorsement

Applicants shall submit documentation from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office for Sprinkler Fitter Certificate of Competency (journey, residential or trainee level) along with temporary certification number. Must be employed by a Level 3 state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80- 043.

Sprinkler System Installer or Repair (SSIRU) Endorsement

Applicants shall submit documentation from the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office for Sprinkler Fitter Certificate of Competency (journey, residential or trainee level) along with temporary certification number. Must be employed by a Level U or 3 state licensed sprinkler contractor meeting the requirements of Washington Administrative Code 212-80- 043.

Sprinkler System Testing Technician – Level 1 (SSTT1) Endorsement

Persons conducting inspections or tests on Wet and Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems shall provide proof of certification as a Washington State Fire Sprinkler Inspection and Testing Technician OR be a licensed engineer with experience testing fire protection systems. The individual must be employed by either a licensed level 3 Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor or an Inspection and Testing Contractor.

Sprinkler System Testing Technician – Level 2 (SSTT2) Endorsement

Persons conducting inspections or tests on Pre-Action, Deluge, Anti-Freeze, Fire Pumps or Foam Systems shall provide proof of certification as a Washington State Fire Sprinkler Inspection and Testing Technician OR be a licensed engineer with experience testing fire protection systems. The individual must be employed by a licensed level 3 Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractor and be supervised by the Certificate of Competency holder for the WA State licensed Level III fire sprinkler contractor.

CONTRACTOR ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS

All companies contracting to provide services on fire protection systems inside the City limits of Vancouver shall employ at least one employee holding the necessary individual endorsement(s) for the type(s) of system(s) worked on. The applicant will also need to provide a valid and current WA UBI number together with Washington electrical licensing (where applicable).

CCEC – Commercial Cooking Exhaust (Cleaning) Contractor

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required

FASC – Fire Alarm System Contractor

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required, and
2. A current Washington State Contractor electrical license

FASDOC – Fire Alarm System Design Only Contractor

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required

FSSC – Fixed Suppression System Contractor

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required

KSBSSC – Kitchen & Spray Booth Suppression system Contractor

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required

FSSC – Fire Suppression System Contractor

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required

SSC1 – Sprinkler System Contractor – Level 1

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required, and
2. A current Washington State Fire Marshal Contractor License

SSC1 – Sprinkler System Contractor – Level 1

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required, and
2. A current Washington State Fire Marshal Contractor License

SSC2 – Sprinkler System Contractor – Level 2

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required, and
2. A current Washington State Fire Marshal Contractor License

SSC3 – Sprinkler System Contractor – Level 3

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required, and
2. A current Washington State Fire Marshal Contractor License

SSCU – Sprinkler System Contractor – Level U

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required, and
2. A current Washington State Fire Marshal Contractor License

SSTC – Sprinkler System Testing Contractor

1. A minimum of one qualified employee required, and
2. A current Washington State Fire Marshal Contractor License

PROCEDURE: Endorsements issued to applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will remain valid until the required license/certification expires.

Prior to the expiration date of endorsements, applicants shall submit a renewal application through the City of Vancouver Contractor web portal and upload a copy of all current required documents. Work performed with an expired endorsement will be subject to enforcement under Section 105.12 Enforcement of Endorsement Requirements of the International Fire Code as adopted by the Vancouver Municipal Code.

IMPLEMENTATION: This policy will be effective immediately upon the effective date of the enabling ordinance. Contractors and individuals designing, installing, testing, inspecting or cleaning kitchen exhaust systems, fire alarm systems, and other types of fixed fire protection systems will have 18 months from the effective date of the enabling ordinance to obtain the necessary endorsement(s).

VIOLATION: Endorsements may be suspended or revoked by the fire code official. In addition, failure comply with the Vancouver Municipal Code shall subject  the company and/or individual(s) to monetary and/or criminal penalties referenced by VMC  Section 16.04.095.

Endorsements remain the property of the Vancouver Fire Department and shall be surrendered upon request or revocation.

Qualification Requirements for In-house Employees & Government Officials

PURPOSE: It is the intent of this policy to provide an interpretation on the exceptions found in VMC 16.04.095 adopting International Fire Code (IFC) 105.10.

REFERENCES: International Fire Code;  Vancouver Municipal Code, Section 16.04; WAC 212-80-015 Compliance

SCOPE: This policy is applicable to all locations where the City of Vancouver has jurisdiction and is intended to apply to new and existing fire protection systems.

In order to ensure that fire protection systems are serviced properly, amendments made to the International Fire Code via the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) require that work is supervised by qualified individuals.

BACKGROUND: Section 105.10 of the IFC provides some exceptions to the requirements of obtaining endorsements. These exceptions are similar to some found in WAC 212-80-015 and were provided to maintain some consistency with regulations already in place for licensing of sprinkler contractors by the WA State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Of particular note for licensing at the state level for sprinkler contractors is WAC 212-80-015 (7) which specifies, “A full-time employee, or owner of a facility who is qualified to the satisfaction of the local authority having jurisdiction to perform inspection and testing of fire protection sprinkler systems in said facility.” This exception in the sprinkler licensing exempts employees from having to be licensed but does not exempt them from having to demonstrate to the local AHJ that they are appropriately qualified. Examples include but are not limited to employees of school districts, maintenance personnel for city or county agencies, maintenance personnel/employees of large commercial/industrial facilities or national retail stores.

An additional exception provided in both WAC 212-80-015 and IFC 105.10 adopted locally by the VMC relates to government employees acting in their official capacities. This exception was provided in the VMC for situations where employees of a government employer (federal, county, city) may be called upon to mitigate an emergency and mitigation efforts require operation or shutdown of a fire protection system.

While an employee of a county/city or even school municipality could be requested or assigned the responsibility to test or repair a fire protection system as part of their normal job duties, it is not the intent of this exception to consider normal job duties as an official capacity. If that were the case, that would mean that any employee, regardless of training or knowledge could be assigned to test/maintain or repair fire protection equipment potentially creating an undesirable outcome.

INTERPRETATION: It is the policy of the Vancouver Fire Department, that employees performing routine inspection, testing, repair, maintenance or other work requiring employees of companies contracting the work to provide verification of meeting requirements specified in Administrative Policy 9.01.

While the requirements found in Administrative Policy 9.01 cover all fire protection systems, this decision is further supported by a mutual decision amongst all Clark County AHJ’s regarding employees doing in-house work on sprinkler systems. That decision is documented in a bulletin explaining that prior to employees performing work on sprinkler systems for buildings owned by their employer, the employees must submit documentation proving they meet the same minimum qualifications required for individual employed by contractors hired to do the same level of work.