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 - Articles from the January 2000 Wisconsin Plumbing Codes Report Choose from this list or articles, or scroll down: 1. Fee increases proposed for some S&B plan review, inspection, and credential services 2. What comes first, a Building Permit or a Sanitary Permit? 3. Event Calendar 4. There's still time to sign up for the Safety and Buildings Division winter continuing education classes 5. S&B winter soil and site evaluations restricted because of sunlight angle and weather 6. Change in dwelling inspections due to UDC law 7. Spring 2000 Code Training Sessions 8. Continuing education cycles vary from credential periods 9. Safety and Buildings studies how and why it approves continuing education classes 10. UW POWTS seminars in early 2000 11. Continuing education advertisement 12. Could you teach a continuing education course? 13. POWTS management is another business I can see someone getting into 14. Discusssion of DNR stormwater rules continues 15. Tagging cross connection control assemblies 16. Plumbing rules exemplify changes in language 17. New Plumbing exams are in use
Fee increases proposed for some S&B plan review, inspection, and credential services The Safety and Buildings Division proposes to increase some fees to cover costs of providing services for the next four years. The most recent fee increases were in 1992. The division is required to collect fees which should, as close as possible, cover the cost of providing services. Fees are set for early reserves, which are then used to cover costs which increase over time. The current S&B reserves are expected to be depleted in October, 2000. If adopted, the new fees would be effective in September, 2000. Plan review services affected include those for buildings, elevators, gas systems, plumbing, private onsite wastewater treatment systems, and swimming pools. Inspection services affected include those for buildings, elevators, boilers, mechanical refrigeration, amusement rides, and ski lifts. Certifications involved are those for electricians. Licenses involved are those for blasters. The code which would be most revised to complete the changes is Comm 2, Fees. There are also changes proposed in Comm 5, Credentialing, Comm 45, Mechanical Refrigeration, Comm 82, Plumbing, and Comm 84, Plumbing Products. Public hearing information and draft rule proposals will be available as soon as possible on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-RuleChanges.html. Information and drafts also will be available from Roberta Ward, 608-266-8741, rward@commerce.state.wi.us. In some program areas the current fee amounts will remain unchanged: Manufactured Dwellings, One- and Two-Family Dwellings, Rental Unit Energy Efficiency, Plumbing Licensing, Fire Sprinkler Licensing, HVAC Certification, Refrigerant Handling Certification, Soil Tester Certification, and all Inspector Certifications. Under the proposed rules, the fees for lighting plan review are combined with the fees for building plan review. Submittal requirements for lighting plans, however, are not being changed. The proposals, based on study of division staff time reporting and projected workloads, are estimated to cover costs for four years. Potential staff increases, such as for commercial building soil erosion control or in the Uniform Dwelling Program, have not been included in revenue projections. The proposed rules contain minor revisions to the requirements for plumbing plan review and plumbing product review. The threshold for submitting plumbing plans would be raised from 11 to 16 plumbing fixtures. Plumbing product review would be discontinued for cross connection control devices and for water treatment devices listed as complying with NSF standard 44. Following is a summary of the major proposed fee changes:
1. Boilers, Pressure Vessels, Anhydrous Ammonia, and Mechanical Refrigeration
- Current fee amounts for plan reviews and inspections would generally be increased 35 %, rounded to $5 increments.
- Current fee amounts for Permits to Operate would be increased 40 %.
- Current fee amounts for anhydrous ammonia plan review and initial inspection would be increased 200 %.
2. Elevators and Lifting Devices
- Current fee amounts for plan review and initial inspection in Table 2.15-1 would be increased 100 %.
- Current fee amounts for periodic inspections in Table 2.15-2 would be increased as follows based on the expected average inspection times shown below and a "billing" rate of $60 per hour:
0-4 landings - 63 % increase (1.5 hours);
5-10 landings - 41 % increase (2.0 hours);
11 or more landings - 30 % increase (2.5 hours);
escalators - 30 % increase (2.5 hours);
- The current fee amount for a Permit to Operate would be increased 75 %.
3. Mines, Pits, Quarries, and Explosives
- Current annual safety fee amounts for mine, pit, or quarry production in Table 2.17, which range from $1.85 per thousand tons of production to $3.70 per thousand tons of production, would be changed to a flat $3 per thousand tons of production.
- The remaining current fee amounts in sections Comm 2.17, 2.18, and 2.19 would be increased 45 %, rounded to $5 increments.
- Current fee amounts for blaster licenses in Table 5.02 would be increased 50 %.
4. Amusement Rides
- Current fee amounts for plan examination and inspection would generally be increased 60 %, rounded to $5 increments.
5. Tramways, Lifts and Towing Devices
- Current fee amounts for plan review and inspection would be increased 160 %.
- The current fee amount for a Permit to Operate would be increased 120 %
6. Buildings, Structures, Heating and Ventilation
- Current fee amounts for separate review of building plans and HVAC plans would be increased 35 %, generally rounded to $10 increments. The current "discount" for simultaneous submittal of building plans and HVAC plans would be replaced with a method involving a $100 plan entry fee to accompany each plan submittal.
- New fees would be created for review of fire alarm system plans and fire suppression system plans. The additional revenue from this new service is projected to be $100,000 per year, based on an workload of 550 plans and average fee of $182.
7. Mobile Homes
- Current fee amounts for formaldehyde testing and investigation would be increased 20 %.
8. Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Liquefied Natural Gas and Compressed Natural Gas
- Current fee amounts for plan review and inspection would generally be increased 30 %.
9. Material Approvals, Petitions for Variance
- Current fee amounts for material reviews would be increased 25 %.
- Current fee amounts for petitions for variance for public buildings under Comm 50 to 64 and 66 would be increased 2 %.
- Current fee amounts for petitions for variance for public sector employment under 101.055, Stats., would be increased 50 %.
- Current fee amounts for petitions for variance of all other rules not specifically mentioned in Comm 2.52 would be increased 25 %.
10. Plat Review and Investigations
- A new fee would be created for lot restriction waivers.
11. Plumbing Systems Plan Review
- Current fee amounts would generally be increased 15 %, rounded to $5 increments. Some fee amounts, such as for building storm and clear water drain systems, would be increased 25 %.
12. Private Sewage Systems Plan Review
- Current fee amounts would generally remain unchanged. The method of fee calculation would be changed so as to be based on the "design wastewater flow of the proposed system," instead of septic tank or holding tank volume. The change in calculation methods is not expected to change the overall revenue rate; it is expected to result in more equitable fees for the various system designs recognized in Comm 83.
13. Plumbing Product Review
- Current fee amounts for holding or treatment components for private onsite wastewater treatment systems would be increased 100 %.
14. Sanitary Permits
- Current fee amounts for sanitary permits issued by governmental units (counties) would remain unchanged. A new fee would be created for permits issued by S&B.
15. Swimming Pool Plan Review
- Current fee amounts would be increased 100 % and the current "discount" for simultaneous submittal of pool plans would be discontinued.
16. Electrician Certification
- Current fee amounts would be increased:
- Master Electrician Certification - 25 % increase
- Journeyman Electrician Certification - 50 % increase
- Beginner Electrician Certification - 20 % increase.
What comes first, a Building Permit or a Sanitary Permit? A new law requires all new one- and two-family dwellings to be inspected to determine compliance with the state one- and two-family dwelling code, effective May 1, 2000. Cities, villages and towns with a population of 2,500 or less, which are currently exempt from the code, will be required to administer the code unless they pass a resolution declining to do that administration. If the municipality does not pass a resolution, and does not have an inspector, the Safety and Buildings Division will help arrange for third-party inspection services. With the potential for new parties to be involved in the building permit issuance program comes a need for a reminder about the statutory obligations listed in 66.036, Wis. Stats. This statute subsection, adopted in 1977 states, in part: "No county, city, town or village may issue a building permit for construction of any structure requiring connection to a private domestic sewage treatment and disposal system unless a system satisfying all applicable regulations already exists to serve the proposed structure or all permits necessary to install such a system have been obtained." The purpose of this requirement is to assure that construction of any building, private or public, which must be served by a private sewage system, does not proceed without first determining whether such a system may be installed. In most cases for new construction, this means the issuance of a Sanitary Permit prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. More information about the changes in the Uniform Dwelling Code program is here, or contact Tom Kasper, 608-267-7586, tkasper@commerce.state.wi.us.
Event Calendar Feb. 2, 2000 - Wednesday - Uniform Dwelling Code Council - 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Wisconsin Builders Association, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison - Duane Hubeler, 608-266-1390, dhubeler@commerce.state.wi.us Feb. 3, 2000 - Friday- Plumbing Advisory Code Council - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Thompson Bldg., Rm. 3C, 201 W Washington Ave., Madison - Jean MacCubbin, 608-266-0955, jmaccubbin@ commerce.state.wi.us Feb. 9, 2000 - Wednesday - Multifamily Dwelling Code Council - 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Wisconsin Builders Association, 4868 High Crossing Blvd., Madison - Sam Rockweiler, 608-266-0797, srockweiler@commerce.state.wi.us March 9, 2000 - Thursday - Commercial Building Code Council - 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection - 2811 Agriculture Dr, Rm. 106 - Sam Rockweiler, 608-266-0797, srockweiler@commerce.state.wi.us March 16, 2000 - Friday- Plumbing Advisory Code Council - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Thompson Bldg., Rm. 3B, 201 W Washington Ave., Madison - Jean MacCubbin, 608-266-0955, jmaccubbin@ commerce.state.wi.us
There's still time to sign up for the Safety and Buildings Division winter continuing education classes There are morning and afternoon sessions in Green Bay on February 8, in Fond du Lac on February 9, in Mauston on February 15, and in Pewaukee on February 17. For information on the classes see the September and October, 1999 WPCRs, or contact Sue Hansen, 608-261-8501, shansen@commerce.state.wi.us.
S&B winter soil and site evaluations restricted because of sunlight angle and weather Along with much of the Midwest, Wisconsin has experienced mild winters in the past few years. Lack of appreciable snow cover, coupled with warmer temperatures that reduced frost depth, have allowed outdoor construction activities to continue later into winter than in the past. The Safety and Buildings Division has received several inquiries about the S&B's winter soil and site evaluation policy. In general, the policy remains the same, limiting onsite visits for soil evaluation by the S&B Wastewater Specialists from November 15 through March 15 each year. Onsite visits for soil evaluations during this period are limited to emergency replacement situations. While we all may have experienced some warmer temperatures recently, the angle of the sun during this time period has not changed. With the sun lower on the horizon ,particularly during the first half of the winter soil testing period, it is particularly difficult to evaluate certain soil conditions. That, coupled with the complexity of sites Wastewater Specialists are often asked to evaluate, raises the potential for error. Does this mean that the Wastewater Specialists are not available at all to conduct any soil and site evaluations- No. It does mean is that when a soil and site evaluation must be conducted, it must be done under the best weather conditions possible. This means that all parties involved must closely coordinate activities such as soil tester and backhoe operator availability. It also means that due to rapid weather changes, it may be necessary to cancel an appointment at the last minute and reschedule it for another time, if the conditions at the site preclude an accurate evaluation. If you have any questions about the winter soil testing policy, please contact any Wastewater Specialist listed on page 2 of this WPCR.
Change in dwelling inspections due to UDC law by Tom Kasper, Safety and Buildings Division Training and Certification Coordinator, 608-267-7586, tkasper@commerce.state.wi.us The recently-enacted state budget bill included important changes to the enabling statutes for the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC), the statewide building code for one- and two-family dwellings built since June 1, 1980. Currently, municipalities of less than 2500 population have the option of whether or not to provide enforcement of the UDC. In either case, the UDC still applies to all newer dwellings. Beginning May 1, 2000, all municipalities of less than 2500 will need to pass a resolution formally declining UDC enforcement, if that is their choice. If they do not pass such a resolution, and do not have a local UDC enforcement program, then the Safety and Buildings Division will have authority to enforce the UDC in that municipality. S&B will mail information to municipalities on the options. For municipalities that do not adopt a resolution declining UDC enforcement, and which choose to not do enforcement themselves, S&B plans to contract out enforcement to state-certified independent inspectors, where they are available. There would be a bidding process, beginning around midyear 2000. The first round of contracts would likely be effective around the beginning of 2001. S&B staff expect that before then, some municipalities which newly choose to enforce the UDC will make local arrangements for their own inspector, with an inspector from an another municipality, or with a county inspector. For homeowners, this law change means a greater assurance of the health, safety, energy efficiency , and durability of what is typically their largest lifetime investment. For some building contractors and designers, this will mean they will need to be more aware of code and permitting requirements, as municipalities start enforcing the UDC. It also means conscientious builders will be at less of a competitive disadvantage to other, less conscientious builders. - Know the code requirements. The applicable codes are the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, Comm 20-25; state Uniform Plumbing Code, Comm 82-87; state Electrical Code, Comm 16; and NFPA 70,1999 National Electric Code (NEC). To purchase copies of the current Wisconsin codes, contact Document Sales, 800-362-7253. Codes are also available on the Internet for free viewing or downloading at www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code. S&B offers a UDC Code and Commentary, covering construction and HVAC requirements, for $21. Contact Peggy Hobbs, 608-267-4405, phobbs@commerce. state.wi.us. To purchase the NEC, contact the National Fire Protection Association, 800-344-3555. - For local permits, submittal is necessary of two complete sets of construction plans and a completed energy worksheet, prior to beginning construction. Free energy compliance software is available tailored for Wisconsin's energy code, www.energycodes.org. - A person must hold the Dwelling Contractor Financial Responsibility Certification with S&B in order to take out building permits for any home that they will not occupy. Contact the S&B Credentialing Unit, 608-261-8500, madisoncred@commerce. state.wi.us, for application materials - The responsible state-licensed master plumber must be declared before any interior plumbing work begins. - Local inspectors need to be called for inspections at various points prior to covering completed work or allowing occupancy of the dwelling.
Spring 2000 Code Training Sessions A brochure describing the Spring 2000 "Code Update" sessions was sent to people holding inspection credentials (except for people whose only certifications are as POWTS Inspectors, or UDC Plumbing Inspectors, or Rental Weatherization Inspectors). If you have not received a copy and want one, contact S&B Material Orders Section, 608-267-4405. IAEI Analysis of the 1999 NEC In January and February, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors will present six one-day sessions on "Soares Grounding of Electrical Systems" and two sessions on the 1999 NEC, which was adopted by Wisconsin this fall. If you did not receive a flyer and want more information, contact Joe Hertel, S&B Electrical Program Manager, 608-266-5649, jhertel@commerce.state.wi.us. Con ed credit hours available: 8 hours CEI, UEI, Master Electricians, and Journeyman Electricians. There will be a fee. UW Code Refresher and Special Sprinkler Session On February 15 and 16, the UW-Madison Department of Engineering Professional Development will present its annual "Wisconsin Building Code Refresher," in cooperation with the Safety and Buildings Division. There will also be a third day of classes, February 17, which will concentrate on sprinkler topics. This year's agenda for the first two days includes sessions on erosion control rules, accessibility, International Codes adoption, building envelope energy conservation, and fire safety code changes. Con ed credit for course #549 for the two days is 15 hours for Commercial Building Inspectors. There will be a fee. Among the topics on the third day of classes will be sprinkler system design and installation, new NFPA standards in Wisconsin, new sprinkler plan review rules, and the revised NFPA 13. Continuing education credit for course #2945 is 7 hours for Commercial Building Inspectors. There is a fee. If you have not received a program brochure and registration form, contact the UW Department of Engineering Professional Development at 800-462-0876. You can register for the first two days, the third, or all three. NFPA Adopted Standards Training In cooperation with the National Fire Protection Association, the Safety and Buildings Division is offering one-day training sessions on the revisions in several adopted NFPA standards for code enforcers only. Details are in the September, 1999 Wisconsin Building Codes Report. There will be sessions on the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, on February 8 in Madison and on February 10 in Wausau. Con ed credit for course #2947 is 7 hours CBI. There will be sessions on the NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code on February 23 in Madison and on February 24 in Wausau. Con ed credit for course #2946 is 7 hours CBI and Tank Inspectors. Call S&B Credentialing, 608-261-8470, for details. Wisconsin Building Inspectors Institute The Wisconsin Building Inspectors Association will hold its annual Institute April 12 to 14 in Wausau. Tentative topics include: wood and moisture issues, the International Building Code, in depth HVAC topics, and "Verbal Judo." If you do not receive a flyer in March for the Institute, contact the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, 608-267-2380. Course #405 con ed credit 6 hours CBI, UCI, and UHI.
Continuing education cycles vary from credential periods It can be confusing to consider which continuing education credits apply to which renewal cycle. The Credentialing Code, Comm 5, requires that continuing education for the renewal of any license, registration, or certification must be completed three months prior to renewal. The table below shows renewal and continuing education cycles of plumbing-related licenses, registrations, or certifications. Master Plumber 2 years March 31 December 31 Master Plumber-Restricted Service 2 years March 31 December 31 Master Plumber-Restricted Appliance 2 years March 31 December 31 Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Service 2 years March 31 December 31 Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Appliance 2 years March 31 December 31 Plumbing Apprentice 1 year Date of Issuance NA Plumbing Learner-Restricted Appliance 2 years Date of Issuance NA Plumber Learner-Restricted Service 2 years Date of Issuance NA Utility Contractor 2 years March 31 NA Pipelayer 2 years March 31 NA Cross Connection Control Tester 2 years Date of Issuance NA UDC Plumbing Inspector 2 years June 30 March 31 POWTS Inspector 2 years June 30 March 31 For example, if you hold a Journeyman license in Wisconsin, in order to renew your license for the period beginning April 1, all continuing education must be completed by December 31 of the previous year. Any continuing education taken in January, February, and March counts toward the renewal of the license two years in the future. Someone who holds both the Master Plumber License and the UDC Plumbing Inspector certification would have a year like this: Dec 31 - MP con ed cycle ends (12 hours over two years). Jan 1 - New 2-year MP con ed cycle begins. Mar 31 - MP license expires, UPI con ed cycle ends (12 hours over two years). April 1 - MP license cycle begins, UPI 2-year con ed cycle begins June 30 - UPI certification expires July 1 - UPI certification cycle begins If you have questions concerning continuing education cycles, contact the S&B credentialing unit, 608 266-3151, madisoncred@commerce.state.wi.us.
Erosion Control for Homebuilders - Erosion Control for Small Construction Sites Feb. 10 Sheboygan Falls, March 7 Oshkosh, March 14 Bristol, March 15 Madison, March 30 Lake Mills, April 11 Ashland, TBA Baldwin Continuing ed credits: UDC Construction Inspector 4 Commercial Inspector 4 Journeyman Plumber 6 Journeyman Plumber Restricted Service 6 Master Plumber 6 Master Plumber - Restricted Service 6 All programs will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch is included. Fee is $50. For information, contact UW-College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outreach Services - 608-263-1672.
Safety and Buildings studies how and why it approves continuing education classes The Safety and Buildings Division is studying the process by which it approves continuing education classes for people who have S&B credentials and who have continuing education responsibilities. There are issues such as how useful specific classes are, about consistency between different types of credentials, and about the division following defined rules. The plumbing profession, for example, includes many responsibilities besides design, installation and inspection of plumbing. What about safety- Should first aid classes receive credit- How about CPR classes- What about driving the truck to the site- The division needs to be clear about how it determines what classes are relevant to a credential category. If the class topics mentioned just above are approved for plumbers and plumbing inspectors, should electricians or building inspectors also be eligible for receiving credit for taking classes on those topics- The division needs to be aware of consistency and fairness in approving con ed credits for the roughly 20 credential categories for which it administers continuing education. If code-related courses are acceptable for continuing education credit, how expansive should the con ed outlook be- For example, if a course on the Wisconsin Plumbing Code is approved, should a course on a national or international plumbing code also receive approval- Consider a 4-hour class on plumbing electrical systems. If this should be approved, what about a semester-long class in electrical systems- If the plumbing electrical systems class is approved for con ed for electricians, should a more in-depth course on plumbing systems be approved- It is important that there be a wide selection of classes available for people who have continuing education responsibilities. At the same time, S&B wants its class approval process to reinforce the ability of individuals to provide safe, code-conforming installations for the people of Wisconsin. If you have comments or questions on S&B's studying and defining the continuing education class approval process, contact Randy Baldwin, Integrated Services Bureau Director, rbaldwin@ commerce.state.wi.us, fax 608-267-9566.
UW POWTS seminars in early 2000 Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Choose from two morning or two afternoon sessions each day! Feb. 3, 2000, Thursday, Arlington Feb. 8, 2000, Tuesday, Tomahawk Feb. 22, 2000, Tuesday, Fond du Lac Mar. 2, 2000, Thursday, Rice Lake A.M. = Mound and At-Grade System Design presented by Jim Converse. OR Sand Seminar presented by Jerry Tyler. 3.5 hours, $33. P.M. = Inspection, Maintenance and Troubleshooting "New-tech" Systems presented by Jim Converse. 3 hours, $30. OR Soil Color Description and Interpretation presented by Jerry Tyler. 3 hours, $33. *Continuing education for MP, MPRS, JP, JPRS,CST and PowtsI *Contact Joyce McConnell or Jim Peterson at UW-Madison Env. Resources Center, 608-262-0020; Fax 608-262-2031; email jopeters@facstaff.wisc.edu, Check website: http://www.wisc.edu/sswmp/
Continuing education advertisement The Wisconsin Onsite Waste Disposal Association, Inc. invites you to participate in our Annual Conference and Trade Show February 18-19, 2000 Ramada Inn, Wausau Two full-day sessions Registration includes sessions for both days, lunch on Friday and Saturday, as well as the Friday evening reception. We are expecting 250 attendees and 30 exhibitors. Call the Ramada Inn at 715-845-4341 or 800-754-0923, Room block # 5525, for conference rate of $69 per night before January 25, 2000. 4 Con Ed credit hours for Friday 4.5 Con Ed credit hours for Saturday for Journeyman Plumber License, Journeyman Plumber-Restricted Service License, Master Plumber License, Master Plumber-Restricted Service License, POWTS Inspector Certification. Pre-registration deadline February 8, 2000 For more information on the conference call WOWDA at 1-800-377-6672, or Fax: 1-262-966-0471
Could you teach a continuing education course? by Robert DuPont, S&B Program Development Bureau Director, 608-266-8984, rdupont@commerce. state.wi.us Individuals, associations, businesses, and the academic community should consider providing professional continuing education opportunities. Traditionally, Safety and Buildings Division-sponsored training has been the major part of continuing education offered in Wisconsin to fulfill con ed responsibilities in the licensing, registration, and certification programs which the division administers. Usually, S&B has presented code-related subject matter and "refresher" courses. Over the last few years, I've noticed an increase in the number of industry-sponsored training opportunities. Now might a good time for people to consider whether presenting more of their own continuing education would fit their needs, while offering economic opportunities. For example, consider the continuing education involved with Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. The POWTS industry on a national level is experiencing an explosion of new products, materials, and installation techniques. The program here in Wisconsin is witnessing a dramatic increase in the numbers and types of wastewater treatment devices and designs. While S&B may be asked to review and approve the technical specifications or performance claims of these devices and designs, it is the industry that will be purchasing and installing them. With changes in an industry comes the need for more specialized training, not just for industry members, but the regulators and property owners, also. Individuals, associations, and businesses could work separately or together to provide their own con ed sessions. They know their topical needs better than S&B does. They can make sessions more convenient than S&B can. For their own advantage, they could also take some of the continuing education "business" away from S&B. Training that is tailored to the specific needs of industry members is always well received; industry members can serve themselves. Also, local regulators ask for training from the experts, i.e., the industry. And, for example, working with POWTS homeowners who need to learn about more technical POWTS can make double use of the education provider's fund of knowledge and can open leads to customers. The idea of industry members expanding education offerings in Wisconsin works for you as a taxpayer, too. It could allow S&B to focus on providing timely information on code and policy-related activities, while placing the specialized training in the hands of those who are in the best position to offer and appreciate it.
POWTS management is another business I can see someone getting into by Robert DuPont, S&B Program Development Bureau Director, 608-266-8984, rdupont@commerce. state.wi.us Since the first release of the proposed Comm 83 code package in 1995, a lot of thought has involved management and maintenance of private onsite wastewater treatment systems. It is generally understood by the industry and property owners that all POWTS require periodic maintenance. For traditional septic tank soil absorption systems, this maintenance consists of pumping the septic tank on a periodic basis, typically every three years. As septic tank outlet filters became more popular, the need increased for more frequent maintenance. With advent of newer technologies such as aerobic treatment units, sand filters, and driplines, maintenance on a pre-determined schedule is imperative. The proper operation of these technologies is dependent on regularly scheduled status checks (typically semi-annually), with maintenance performed on an as-needed basis. At each stage of Comm 83 code package development, whether at public hearings or speaking engagements, S&B has promoted POWTS management and maintenance requirements. The proposed code contains specific language requiring a management and maintenance plan for each POWTS approved for installation. Offering management and regularly scheduled maintenance could be a viable business opportunity. With approximately 700,000 POWTS systems installed in Wisconsin, the ability to "grow" a POWTS business is intriguing.
Discusssion of DNR stormwater rules continues S&B staff has been participating in discussions of non-point source water pollution rules with the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. I think these stormwater control talks are important to people in the construction industry. For example, the agencies are looking at draft DNR rules on nonpoint source pollution (NR 151) in terms of how to implement stormwater management plans. Stormwater management plans potentially could be needed for all construction projects, under the DNR draft. Several of the proposed standards included in NR 151 affect plumbing in building design and construction. For example, a requirement to "shave the peak" off the hydrologic curve for a storm might be met by including a controlled-flow roof drain system for a building, by constructing an infiltration trench, or by reducing imperviousness on the building site.
Tagging cross connection control assemblies Included in a Comm 82 code change proposal is a requirement that testable cross connection control assemblies be tagged and numbered so assemblies can be more easily identified in the field. Testers often have complained of not being able to tell exactly which assembly they're dealing with, which makes it difficult for them to report tests. S&B plans to offer testers a first supply of tags. After the program is implemented, I hope organizations, individual testers, or manufacturers will produce the tags. Because assemblies requiring tags also require testing on an annual basis, the entire state should be "tagged" within eighteen months after tags are issued. If you'd like more information about this program, contact Ryan Boebel, rboebel@ commerce.state.wi.us, 608-261-6535.
Plumbing rules exemplify changes in language By Richard Meyer, Safety and Buildings Division Code Development Supervisor, 608-266-3080, rmeyer@commerce.state.wi.us Wisconsin statutes require state agencies to draft administrative rules in the same written style that is used to draft laws. Rules are quasi-laws that are enforceable by courts. Drafting styles of statutes change over time. Following that lead, rules put into place in the 60's and 70's often read differently than rules of the 80's and 90's. Language in adopted standards written by national organizations may differ from any style current in Wisconsin at a specific time. Since not all of a rule chapter is at one time, style differences sometimes can be noted within a given rule chapter. This is especially true where a particular rule contains several major sub-elements. To illustrate the style changes, consider a current rule contained in the plumbing code, specifing minimum separation distances between building drains and building sewers and wells. Comm 82.30(11)(d) Location limitations. Building drains and building sewers shall be separated from water wells by the following minimum distances: 1. Eight feet for building drains and building sewers of cast iron pipe; 2. Eight feet for building drains and building sewers of plastic pipe; 3. Twenty-five feet for building drains and building sewers of other materials; and 4. Twenty-five feet for all pressurized building drains and building sewers. If this section was rewritten today using current drafting style guidelines, it could read as follows: Comm 82.30(11)(d) Location limitations. Building drains and building sewers shall be separated from water wells by the applicable minimum distance in accordance with all of the following types of installation: 1. Eight feet for building drains and building sewers of cast iron pipe. 2. Eight feet for building drains and building sewers of plastic pipe. 3. Twenty-five feet for building drains and building sewers of other materials. 4. Twenty-five feet for all pressurized building drains and building sewers. Note the subtle difference in drafting styles between the two versions. In the rewritten version, the underlined phrase "all of the following" more clearly shows all of the enumerated conditions need to be complied with. Also, each enumerated condition ends in a period, as opposed to a semicolon, and the "and" is deleted between the last two conditions. In this example, the requirements did not change; but the drafting style provides the reader with a clearer message as to what is required. As code sections containing multiple conditions are updated, the text will usually be revised to include phrases such as "one of the following" or "all of the following," to clarify which conditions apply.
New plumbing exams are in use It took almost a full year to revise all S&B plumbing exam questions, and make it so the exams can be graded by computer scanning equipment. The first new exams were administered in December and S&B is reviewing the results, after which revisions may be necessary. It is a goal of the division to have exams that successfully reflect skills and knowledge appropriate to obtain licenses, certifications, or registrations. In the case of plumbing exams, the revisions also attempt to better separate the knowledge required at journeyman and master levels. If you have questions concerning the new exams, contact Lynita Docken,S&B Plumbing Program Manger, ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us, 608-785-9349. Link to this page's manager, Todd Taylor, ttaylor@comerce.state.wi.us Explanation of formats of files 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.