NYC attitude to NFPA 25

[SIfrank]

In N.Y.C. compliance with NFPA 25 has been the law for years, and in mid 2011 it was announced that starting in Jan. of 2012 the FDNY will be enforcing it more aggressively. One of the larger companies that I consult for sent out an e-bulletin advising their customers and received only a tepid response.
It seems that the owners/managers would rather roll the dice on a violation or summons than invest in a safe environment for their tenants. I’ve heard of one fairly large hotel in Manhattan that hasn’t tested it’s fire pump since the warrantees expired 10 plus years ago.
Another response is that they want to cherry-pick items from the 25 code for ITM, but not comply to 25 in its entirety. I know the economy is tough but how can this make any sense ?
Can anything be done, short of a catastrophe, to get their attention ? Just wondering if the other major cities in the US are as callus as NYC ?

 

[MGXFP]

It seems human nature to let things slide until there is an expensive mistake or negative consequence of negligence. From their point of view nothing has happened in 10+ years so what's the risk?

 

[stookeyfpe]

I suspect FDNY is starting to see the lack of maintenance of fire protection systems due to the economy or more than likely, the I won't get caught syndrome. I've had discussions with businesses expressing concerns over the cost of IT&M. I remind them that in many cases they got to occupy the building because of the IBC or IFC gave them credit for an automatic sprinkler system. Sometimes owners need to be reminded of their investment. In the case of Hazardous occupancies or high-piled storage, they are one step away from having an operating permit rescinded if they fail to conduct proper IT&M. When I was a code official I suspended a few permits until fire pumps or sprinkler systems were tested. During the period of suspension no new products could be brought into the building. Owners don't like paying for trailers full of products staged at truck docks.

Personally, I like how one Texas fire department deals with this: they find a fire protection system in gross disrepair, you pay the city to have an fire inspector perform a fire watch @ $85.00/hour. Nothing motivates someone to perform the required maintenance and tests like paying for a sworn fire inspector performing a fire watch. Their strategy works pretty well because the business owner learns very quickly that fire protection systems are a serious matter.