SENATE MEMORIAL 27

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Michael S. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE DAMPERS, SMOKE DAMPERS AND SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS.

     WHEREAS, fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems that are not properly inspected and maintained present a risk to the health and safety of the residents of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, faulty and inoperable fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems are likely to exist in New Mexico without periodic inspection and testing as required by law and applicable industry codes and standards; and

     WHEREAS, fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems are installed and maintained in the ductwork of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of buildings throughout New Mexico in accordance with applicable state and local laws and industry codes and standards; and

     WHEREAS, fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems impede the spread of fire and smoke to areas beyond the origin of a fire; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico Commercial Building Code has adopted and incorporated by reference the International Fire Code; and

     WHEREAS, the International Fire Code requires that fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems be installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the national fire protection association standards;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state fire marshal be requested to convene a working group to study, evaluate and make recommendations concerning the inspection requirements applicable to fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group study, evaluate and make recommendations regarding particularized requirements for the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems in facilities that house occupants who require evacuation assistance; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group study, evaluate and make recommendations concerning the certification of contractors who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group include representatives from local fire departments, hospitals, assisted living facilities, the fire insurance industry, the corrections department, the office of the state fire marshal and contractors involved with the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire dampers, smoke dampers and smoke control systems; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of the state fire marshal, the corrections department, the New Mexico center for assisted living, the New Mexico state fire fighters' association, the New Mexico fire chiefs association, the New Mexico professional fire fighters association, the New Mexico hospital association and the sheet metal workers local union 49.

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