posted on Thursday, November 29, 2007 12:27 PM
by
klehan
Massachusetts Sprinkler Law Deadline Passes
One entertainment business has closed in Chicopee, MA, and several other venues have been given more time to comply with the state's new sprinkler and fire alarm system law.
The law went into effect on Nov. 15, 2007, and requires sprinkler and fire alarm systems in nightclubs, discos, bars and other entertainment venues that have an occupancy of 100 or more. Ten businesses in the city were required to meet the requirements of the law, which was set up in the wake of the 2003 blaze at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, R.I., that killed more than 100 people.
"They are required by law to have the sprinklers in there," Deputy Fire Chief James P. McInerney said yesterday. "Either you cooperate or you go out of business. You need to follow the letter of the law."
McInerney said several of the venues that are in the process of complying with the law are behind schedule because area contractors are inundated with work.
"In three months we will re-inspect," McInerney said.
Since the Mount Pleasant, Iowa, city council last met with officials from Iowa Wesleyan College in late September to address the issue of false fire alarms at the college dorms, the college has seen one more incident.
As a result, members of the council's ordinance committee argued it was time to begin leveling fines against the college and any other sources of repeated false alarms.
"It's costing us money, and it's costing us morale," said council member Steve Engberg, who sits on the ordinance committee. "You're not going to make them do anything unless it costs them."
No decision was made on the amount of the fine to be imposed, with suggestions ranging from $100 to $500. It was also suggested the fines might increase with each successive false alarm. City administrator Brent Schleisman estimated that it cost the fire department at least $200 to respond to any alarm.
The ordinance committee will take up the issue again at its Nov. 26, 2007, meeting.
"The problem is with students; you can fine Wesleyan all you want - they'll keep pulling the handles," said council member Matthew Crull.
Engberg said the college ought to install breakable glass boxes around the alarms if necessary. "I don't want their problem to become our problem," he said.
Officials from Iowa Wesleyan declined to comment directly on possible council action, but said the college was addressing the issue.