| (a) To be eligible for a Multipurpose Residential Fire
Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement an applicant must:
(1) hold a current Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber,
or Plumbing Inspector License; and
(2) have successfully completed an approved training
program that provides the training necessary for the proper installation
of a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system as
required by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13D
and any other applicable codes and standards recognized by the state.
(b) The training program required by subsection (a)(2)
of this section shall be at least twenty-four (24) hours in length,
incorporate the training criteria included in the American Society
of Sanitary Engineering Series 7000 as it relates to plumbing-based
residential fire protection systems installers for one and two-family
dwellings, and include:
(1) one (1) hour to review applicable standards, codes,
and laws, including the Plumbing License Law, Board Rules, and the
fire sprinkler rules set forth in 28 Texas Administrative Code §§34.701
et seq., and their integration and identifying the enforcing authorities;
(2) four (4) hours to study definitions, to identify,
at a minimum, the various types, specific parts, specific terminology,
and concepts of the system;
(3) four (4) hours to learn the acceptable type, material,
location, limitation, and correct installation of equipment, including,
but not limited to: pipe, fittings, valves, types of sprinkler heads,
supports, drains, test connections, automatic by-pass valve, smoke
alarm devices, and other appurtenances;
(4) two (2) hours to learn the acceptable type, configuration,
and material--which may or may not be required for a water supply--including,
but not limited to: backflow preventers, shut off valves, water meters,
water flow detectors, tamper switches, test connections, pressure
gages, minimum pipe sizes, storage tanks, and wells, including the
ability to perform a water flow test of a city water supply;
(5) eight (8) hours to learn which rooms require sprinklers
and the correct positioning of a sprinkler head based on its type,
listing, temperature rating, and the building structure, including,
but not limited to: understanding the concepts of the area of coverage,
spacing, distance from walls and ceilings, listing limitations, dead
air pockets, manufacturer's requirements, and obtaining knowledge
of how structural features such as flat, sloped, pocket, or open joist
ceilings, close proximity to heat sources,and other obstructions such
as ceiling fans, surface mounted lights, beams, and soffits may adversely
influence the location of a sprinkler head;
(6) three (3) hours to learn critical hydraulic concepts
for the installer that may adversely affect the original design plan
due to field construction changes, including, but not limited to:
remote area sprinkler operation, flow versus pressure, elevation pressure
loss, sprinkler K-factors, fixture units, minimum pipe diameters,
additional pipe lengths, and understand which household water appliances
affect or do not affect the sprinkler hydraulics/performance; and
(7) two (2) hours to learn the required testing, maintenance,
and documentation, including, but not limited to: the final inspection
and tests normally required by the local fire official, when permits,
working plans, as-built plans, or hydraulic calculations are required,
and who provides for the system maintenance and instructions.
(c) An applicant who holds a current Master or Journeyman
Plumber License issued by the Board and a current RME-General or RME-Dwelling
License issued by the State Fire Marshal's Office, Texas Department
of Insurance, is exempted from completing the training program required
by subsection (a)(2) of this section prior to taking the Multipurpose
Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement examination.
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