Lastname, Firstname 2004-06-22 2004-06-22 2005-06-30 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Safety and Buildings Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Safety and Buildings, Commerce, Safety and Buildings, Comm, Credentials, Certifications, Buildings Codes, Registrations, Construction, Public Safety, Licenses, Permits, License application forms, Trades, Administrative codes, Regulations, Statutes, Administrative rules, Cities, City, Towns, County, Counties, Municipal, Ordinances, Hygiene, Hazardous, Diseases, Design, Engineering, Continuing education, Audits, Grants, POWTS, Private wastewater treatment systems, Septic field, Septic tanks, Sewage treatment, Sewage disposal, Accessibility, Accessible, Disability, Disabilities, Clean air, Clean water, Air quality, Public sector employees, Applications, Plan review, State, Bureau of Program Development, Bureau of Field Operations, Bureau of Integrated Services, Environmental assessments, Environmental impact statement, Soil erosion, Drinking water, Appliances, Plumbing Products, Fire prevention and protection, Firefighter safety, Fire Sprinklers, Rental unit energy efficiency, Rental weatherization, Commercial buildings, Forms, Publications, Plumbing, Inspection, Inspectors, Consultants, Waste disposal, Historic buildings, Occupational and industrial safety, Occupational health, One and two family dwellings, Houses, Housing, Homes, Multifamily dwellings, Mine Safety, Mining, Mines, Open pits, Quarries, Blasters, Plumbers, Electricians, Boilers, Wastewater, Elevators, Lighting, Energy, Mobile homes, Manufactured homes, Welding, Structural systems, Gas systems, HVAC, Refrigeration, Public swimming pools, Wisconsin Fund, Explosives, Amusement rides and attractions, Tramways lifts and tows, Government facts figures and statistics Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Safety and Buildings, Commerce, Safety and Buildings, Building, Wisconsin, Safety, Construction, License. Safety and Buildings Division - Dec. 2001 Wisconsin Plumbing Codes Report articles Take a ride to Wisconsin Dells for two days of Plumbing Continuing Education: HTML file,. You may select the number of the article you are interested in, or scroll down thrrough the article: 1. Check your license status via WebSite; 2. POWTS security - Locks and enclosures; 3. POWTS in Wisconsin 2001 - 2002; 4. Wieser info missing from Products Register; 5. UW-Madison Winter 2002 POWTS Education Sessions; 6. Continuing education, December "OSHA Safety for Plumbers" classes; 7. Plumbing education continues in Jan, Feb; 8. Code-compliant dishwasher connections - What can I do, where?; 9. Sizing the water supply is especially important for emergency fixtures   1. Check your license status via WebSite
You can now check the status and continuing education credit hours of your license, certification, or registration with a new search feature on the Safety and Buildings Division WebSite. Entering the customer number from your credential card will provide a readout of some basic information from the S&B computer database. The feature replaces the long lists of people holding various credentials that previously had been posted monthly on the WebSite. The search service is much faster than downloading the lists. No special software will be needed to use the service. The new service includes a secondary feature allowing searches for groups of credential-holders by type and zip code. The information provided does not include specific addresses or other detailed contact info like telephone numbers, though it will provide status info. A link to the search page will be featured for a month on the top of the S&B HomePage (http://www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html) and will be available from many of the site's pages, among the links on the left of the pages, as "Credential Status Check." The page's direct address is http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-CredentialStatusCheck.html.   2. POWTS security - Locks and enclosures
by Roman Kaminski, S&B POWTS Progam Manager Several county code administrators have contacted Safety and Buildings Division staff recently seeking guidance on two POWTS installation issues, relating to protective enclosures and locking devices. One of the issues concerns the protective enclosures that are required around the lateral turn-ups in a pressure distribution network. In order for the protective enclosure to serve its intended purpose, the enclosure must be installed in such a way as to prevent dislodging or removal of the entire enclosure when access is sought to the lateral turn-up. If the configuration of the enclosure is such that self-anchoring is not possible, then additional provisions must be made to secure the protective enclosure. This means, for example, that if you are using a larger diameter plastic pipe, placing it over the turn-up, there must be a suitable means of anchoring the pipe, similar to the way observation pipes are installed. Another issue is, "What constitutes a locking device?" Comm 84.25(7)(f), states: "Covers located at or above ground for openings larger than 8 inches in diameter shall be provided with locking devices and shall remain locked except for cleaning or maintenance purposes." The intent of a locking device, as described in a code interpretation in 1981, is "to prevent opening of the manhole by anyone other than those responsible for necessary repair or maintenance." The intent remains the same today . If someone could open the "locking device," other than a service provider (for example, is there a danger to curious children?), it is unacceptable. The county inspector can and should order it removed and replaced. If you have any questions about either of these issues, please feel free to contact any POWTS Plan Reviewer or Wastewater Specialist, http://www. commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivContacts.html.   3. POWTS in Wisconsin 2001 - 2002
by Roman Kaminski, S&B POWTS Program Manager, rkaminski@commerce.state.wi.us, 715-345-5334 I want to summarize some of the Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System-related activities in Wisconsin in 2001. In many respects, 2001 is probably representative of what the future holds for the POWTS program. I expect constant change in the form of advances by the industry, both locally and nationally, and in the form of code revision activities in response to the advances. The Safety and Buildings Division will continue to keep you informed via the WPCR and our WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html. -After several years of economic prosperity in our state, which was reflected in onsite system installation, calendar year 2001, as of the end of September, was trending toward a slight decline. Based on a survey comparison of state Sanitary Permit activity from January 01 to September 30, I project a 6 percent decline in the number of state Sanitary Permits issued for the year 2001, when compared to the year 2000. While this is a relatively small decline, considering many counties reported that year 2000 was a record setting year, the decline will impact the S&B fiscal situation (which is supported via program revenue such as sanitary permit fees). -Acceptance of the revised Comm 83 code has reached a level where focus has shifted from debating the merits of having a revised code (with a couple of exceptions), to discussion of technical design, installation, and maintenance code provisions. Ironically, while the lawsuit appeal by those who feel that the code is too permissive remains in the court system, a citizen group in northern Wisconsin is contacting local elected officials state-wide urging them to oppose Comm 83 demanding a repeal of the code because it is too restrictive and an assault on what they define as property rights. A similar group sued Wood County over their implementation of a maintenance tracking system operated by a private vendor. That suit was recently dismissed by a Wood County judge. -The Comm 83 code council met several times during the year. Council members are working on a code change package to correct code language that either was found in error, needs clarification, or that was removed during the last code revision process and is now being re-introduced. The most significant proposed revisions include modifications to the soil application rate and vertical soil separation tables. Of particular interest will be the reintroduction of the so-called "third column" in the vertical soil separation table. This column is intended to recognize that POWTS pre-treatment devices that are capable of consistently producing a high quality effluent of less than 103 cfu/100ml fecal coliform should be given two feet of soil treatment equivalence. Recent studies conducted by UW-Madison researchers and the state Lab of Hygiene appear to support this concept. Acceptance of this proposal would eliminate the disadvantage that the single pass sand filter design has based on the current code. While all other POWTS systems need only to provide three feet of soil treatment, the single pass sand filter provides four feet of soil treatment. The sand filter, while providing a high quality effluent, is doing so at a competitive disadvantage. Some other highlights in the latest version of the proposed code revision package include: - Wording that clarifies that the code is a "uniform" state code; - Delegation of holding tanks designed for less than 3,000 gpd design flow to governmental units for plan review; - Allowing governmental units to review plans for gravity flow systems that serve up to two, one- or two-family dwellings with an accessory building; - Clarification of the processing steps for large systems between the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (of which S&B is part) and the Department of Natural Resources; - Listing of public water mains in the Horizontal Setback Table; - Repeal of the requirement for water meters for properties served by holding tanks; - Clarification that the owner must report inspection, maintenance, or servicing events to the governmental unit, rather than to S&B; - Modification of the inspection, maintenance, or servicing reporting deadline from 10 business days to 30 calendar days; - Clarification that the governmental unit, not S&B, is responsible for maintaining records related to inspection, maintenance, and servicing; - Clarification of the language in Comm 85 that relates to less than A+4 soil conditions; - Clarification of the abrupt-textural-change code language; - An inclusion of "registration" language for privies serving state-owned properties. S&B staff are continuing work on the code package. Notice of public hearing will appear in a future issue of the WPCR. + S&B recently concluded releasing funds for the fiscal year to counties that participate in the Wisconsin Fund program. Funding eligibility was determined on the same basis as in past years. Contrary to concerns raised by a few individuals, eligibility was determined based on the least costly method for the POWTS system that was installed. In other words, if a mound was installed, existing funding tables for mound systems were used to determine the funding amount. The cost of a holding tank, for example, was not used when determining the cost of a mound system. + Mike Corry, S&B Division Administrator, is spearheading an effort by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) to develop a model national onsite code. The intent is for NOWRA to market this code to the states and municipalities in a similar fashion as other national model codes such as the national building code or national electrical code, both of which have widespread acceptance around the country.   4. Wieser info missing from Products Register
Eight pages of informaion on Wieser Concrete approved septic tanks and the stipulations of their approval were omitted from the October 2001 Wisconsin Plumbing Products Register. The publication is issued quarterly. The correct WPPR information is available on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivPublications.html. If you are aware of any other products that should have been listed in the register, but were not, please contact Margaret Slusser, 608-261-6546, mslusser@commerce.state.wi.us   5. UW-Madison Winter 2002 POWTS Education Sessions
Arlington (Feb.14), Tomahawk (Feb. 21), Rice Lake (Feb. 26), Fond du Lac (Feb. 28) - Drip Distribution Design, Installation and Maintenance (3 cr.)
- Linking Linear Loading Rate to Soil Morphology (3 cr.)
- Mound/At-Grade System Design with Pressure Distribution (3 cr.)
- Matching Soil Science, Code Requirements, and Reality (3 cr.)

Three continuing education credit hours approved by S&B for each session for MP, MPRS, JP, JPRS, POWTS Insp., POWTS Maint., and Soil Tester.

Cost of each session is $35. Lunch available with advanced registration only, $7.50.
Class sizes may be limited. Brochures will be available in December. For more information, contact Jim Peterson, UW Environmental Resources Center, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, 53706; 608 262-3799; jopeters@facstaff.wisc.edu   6. Continuing education, December "OSHA Safety for Plumbers" classes   7. Plumbing education continues in Jan, Feb
Safety and Buildings Division winter education classes continue in January and February, featuring "Code Update" topics. These classes do not count toward the continuing education responsibilities of people whose plumbing license or certification expires March 31, 2002. The education period for March 31, 2001 renewals ended December 31, 2001. The "Code Update" topics focus on a code change package that has been developed over several years by S&B staff and the Plumbing Advisory Council, a package which is expected to go to public hearings in early 2002. (Watch the WPCR and the S&B WebSite for hearing info.) Some of the code change ideas were discussed in an August, 2001 WPCR article, page 6. Copies of the WPCR are on the WebSite under "Publications," "Publications Archives." A registration form for the S&B classes was in the October, 2001 WPCR . The form is also available on the Internet, http://www.commerce. state.wi.us/SB/SB-HomePage.html (scroll to middle of page). Dates and locations
-Jan. 8, 2002 - The Colonial, Sparta 1415 W Wisconsin St, Sparta, 608-269-1806 -Jan. 10, 2002 - Country Inn and Suites, 10290 Hwy 27 S, Hayward, 715-634-4100 -Jan. 15, 2002 - Park Inn, 300 Highway 151, Platteville, 608-348-2301 -Jan. 17, 2002 - Wintergreen Resort, 60 Gasser Road, Wisconsin Dells, 608-254-2285 -Jan. 23, 2002 - Holiday Acres, 4060 S Shore Drive, Rhinelander, 715-369-1500 -Feb. 5, 2002 - Ramada Inn, 2750 Ramada Way, Green Bay, 920-499-0631 -Feb. 7, 2002 - Ramada Plaza Hotel, One North Main St., Fond du Lac, 920-923-3000 Categories eligible to earn 3 credit hours: Journeyman Plumber License; Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Appliance License; Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Service License; Master Plumber License; Master Plumber-Restricted Appliance License; Master Plumber-Restricted Service License; POWTS Inspector Certification; Plumber-Journeyman License; Plumber-Journeyman Restricted Appliance License; Plumber-Journeyman Restricted Service License; Plumber-Master License; Plumber-Master Restricted Appliance License; Plumber-Master Restricted Service License; UDC-Plumbing Inspector Certification.   8. Code-compliant dishwasher connections . . . What can I do, where?
by Lynita Docken, S&B Plumbing Program Manager, 608-785-9349, Ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us There are two locations for air gaps for dishwasher connections currently listed in the plumbing code, Comm 82.33(9)(d). One option is for an air-gap or air-break located below a countertop. The other option is for an air-gap located above a countertop. Below Countertop Installation
Comm 82.33(9)(d)1a: "An air-gap or air-break may be located below a countertop. Where an air-gap or air-break is located below a countertop, the indirect waste piping from the dishwashing machine shall discharge into a standpipe. The standpipe shall be at least 1 1/2 inches in diameter and shall extend at least 12 inches above the trap inlet." Above Countertop Installation
Comm 82.33(9)(d)1b addresses the requirements when you want the air-gap above the countertop (notice that the above the countertop installation only permits an air-gap, not an air-break): "An air-gap may be located above a countertop. Where the air-gap is located above a countertop, the indirect waste piping from a dishwashing machine shall discharge into either a standpipe or local waste piping. The standpipe shall be at least 1 1/2" in diameter and shall extend at least 12 inches above the trap inlet. The local waste piping shall connect to the fixture drain of a kitchen sink above the trap inlet. Where a hose is used for local waste piping, the developed length shall not exceed 18 inches."   9. Sizing the water supply is especially important for emergency fixtures
by Lynita Docken, S&B Plumbing Program Manager, 608-785-9349, Ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us It's important to pay extra attention to sizing the water supply system for plumbing designs which include emergency fixtures such as showers and eye washes. There are no Wisconsin plumbing rules that require the installation of emergency fixtures. However, if an emergency fixture is to be installed, a plumber must comply with Comm 82.40(7), which contains rules for sizing the system. The language in Comm 82.40(7) is based on performance. "The sizing of the water supply system shall be based on the empirical method and limitations outlined in this subsection, or on a detailed engineering analysis ..." An empirical method is defined as one which is developed "solely on practical experience and without regard for system or theory." From that definition, Tables 82.40-1, 2, and 3 were developed using practical experience. The water system design process in the code is based on Hunter's Curve and probability of simultaneous use. The code would allow you to use these tables. However, nowhere in Table 82.40-2 will you find the water supply fixture unit (WSFU) value for an emergency shower or eyewash. You can use the second part of the code requirement for sizing, i.e., an engineering analysis to size the system. Above right is an example of an analysis that would be acceptable: Step One - Calculating Demand Calculate the demand of the system in gallons per minute. Most of the fixtures in the system will be included by adding WSFUs (Table 82.40-1 or -2) and converting them to gallons per minute (Table 82.40-3). The emergency fixture demand will be added to that demand. For example, if the system demand without an emergency fixture is 20 gpm and the demand of the emergency shower is 20 gpm, the total demand of the system will be 40 gpm. Most emergency fixture manufacturers construct fixtures to comply with the ANSI Standard Z358.1-1998. This standard requires that the minimum flow rates for emergency fixtures are as shown here:
Eye Wash .4 gpm
Face Wash 3 gpm
Drench Hose 3 gpm
Drench Shower 20 gpm Safety and Buildings division plumbing plan reviewers will accept a design submitted with other information as to the demand of emergency fixtures, however, in general, the reviewers will be use the ANSI standard specifications as assigned in Table 1. Step Two - Assigning the Controlling Fixture Comm 82.40(7)(a)5 requires that the water supply sizing calculations include the minimum flow pressure needed at the controlling fixture. When assigning the value of the controlling fixture, emergency fixtures should be evaluated. The ANSI standard requires that fixtures complying with the standard operate at a pressure of at least 30 psig, so without additional information from the manufacturer, the reviewers and plumbers should assume a pressure of 30 psig for emergency fixtures. Depending on other fixtures within the system, this 30 psig could, in many instances, be the pressure needed at the controlling fixture. With the correct information, the plumbing system can be reliable and safe. Without the consideration of high-demand emergency fixtures and controlling fixture pressure requirements, the system could be incorrectly designed to respond in emergency situations. If you have more questions, contact a reviewer or consultant listed on page 2 of this WPCR. 10. New, updated multipurpose piping calc sheets
Combination water calc worksheet for home plumbing and NFPA 13D fire protection system, SBD-10717 (R11/01)
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivForms.html
or, from a Safety and Buildings Division plumbing plan reviewer Email this page's manager, Todd Taylor, Todd.Taylor@Wisconsin.gov The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TTY 608-264-8777, or Todd.Taylor@Wisconsin.gov.