SEE PRODUCT RECALL - GAS VENT DAMPERS 11-08

NEW...NFPA CODES NOW ONLINE...NFPA ONLINE

WATCH...State of Michigan PLENUM CABLE VIDEO

FREE ONLINE VERSION OF THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL CODES

Follow this link for a free online version of the 2003 International Codes...LINK BEING UPDATED, SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

FIRE SAFETY ANALYSIS MANUAL DOWNLOAD

National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) announce availability of new FIRE SAFETY ANALYSIS MANUAL. The manual provides forms and a step-by step method for completing a written FIRE SAFETY ANALYSIS as required in the 2001 edition of NFPA 58, LP-Gas Code. In addition to providing a valuable tool for system installers, consultants and enforcement officials, the FIRE SAFETY MANUAL serves as a reference for enforcement officials, especially those unfamiliar with LP-GAS facilities and the improvements made to product control features.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE "FIRE SAFETY ANALYSIS MANUAL" DOWNLOAD.

"COM-check-EZ" SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD

"Com-check-EZ" software is available from the U.S. Department of Energy which will assist builders to determine ASHRAE compliance for the building envelope. All heating and air conditioning equipment must now contain a label certifying compliance to the ASHRAE standard. The "Com-check-EZ" software can be downloaded for free from www.energycodes.gov.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE "COM-CHECK" SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD.

MICHIGAN ENERGY CODE

The new MICHIGAN UNIFORM ENERGY CODE went into effect on April 1, 2003. Significant changes from the previous edition include Rules 1087, 1088 and 1089.

Rule 1087: Rules governing the energy efficiency for the design and construction of buildings and structures, not including residential buildings, shall be those contained in the ASHRAE energy standard for buildings expect low-rise residential buildings. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA standards 90.1-1999, including appendices A, B, C, and D. With the exceptions noted, the standard is adopted in these rules by reference.

Rule 1088: Section 3.2 of the standard is amended to read as follows: 3.2 Building official. "Building Official" means the person who is appointed and employed by a governmental subdivision charged with the administration and enforcement of the state code or codes and who is registered in accordance with the requirements of 1986 PA 54, MCL 338.2301 et seq. residential. "Residential" means spaces in buildings used primarily for living and sleeping. Residential spaces include, but are not limited to dwelling units, hotel/motel guest rooms, lodging houses, fraternity/sorority houses, and hostels.

Rule 1089: Section 4.1.2.2.2 of the standard is amended to read as follows: 4.1.2.2.2 New HVAC equipment as a direct replacement of existing HVAC equipment shall comply with the specific minimum efficiency requirements applicable to that equipment including, but not limited to, air conditioners and condensing units, heat pumps, water chilling packages, packaged terminal and room air conditioners and heat pumps, furnaces, duct furnaces, unit heaters, boilers, and cooling towers. Any new control devices as a direct replacement of existing control devices shall comply with the specific requirements of sections 6.2.3 to 6.2.3.9 Exceptions: (a) For equipment that is being modified or repaired but not replaced provided that such modifications will not result in an increase in energy use. (b) Where a replacement or alteration of equipment requires extensive revisions to other systems, equipment or elements of a building and such replaced or altered equipment is like-for-like replacement. (c) For a refrigerant change of existing equipment. (d) For the relocation of existing equipment.

BUREAU OF CONSTRUCTION CODES & FIRE SAFETY

Be sure to check out the "BULLETIN", a quarterly publication of the Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety within the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services. For information on how to receive this publication contact the BCC & FS at:

Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety
PO Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 241-9313
Fax (517) 241-9308
DLEG - MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth

AS OF MARCH 2004 "BULLETIN" WILL NO LONGER BE MAILED UNLESS REQUESTED
In the event you do not have access to either e-mail or the web site, and wish to continue to have the "BULLETIN" mailed to you, please forward your name and address to:
Diane Barmes, Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety
(use above address)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Stay aware of governmental and legislative activities, regulations, and laws on a weekly basis with the LEGISLATIVE UPDATE. For more information on how to receive this publication contact:

Contractors Legislative Services
4823 River Ridge Drive Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 323-2087
Fax (517) 323-0615
email: lynnbriggs@comcast.net