ccld review newsletter - minnesota department of labor and industry · • a plumbing contractor...
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1 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
CCLD REVIEWCCLD REVIEWConstruction Codes and Licensing Division • Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry • Winter 2016
ePlans – electronic plan review – reduces costs and saves timeService available for plumbing, building, fire sprinkler and manufactured structures plansePlans is a web-based workflow and collaboration system that allows applicants and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) staff to collaborate electronically during the plan review process. Read more about ePlans at www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/ePlans.asp.
ePlans provides an alternative to printing and shipping paper construction documents to DLI for review and allows for numerous cost- and time-saving efficiencies including:
• Upload documents electronically from the convenience of your office anytime.
• Notations by the plan reviewer are added as an overlay on the electronic plans to provide clear direction for required corrections.
• Re-submit corrected documents from the convenience of your office anytime.
• Users are notified immediately and receive access to approved, stamped plans once review is complete.
ePlans – electronic plan review – is available for the review of plans for plumbing, building, fire sprinkler and manufactured structures projects.
DLI receives solar award
Ken Peterson, DLI commissioner, left, and Dustin Denison, president of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association (MnSEIA), display the Excellence in Solar Implementation award given to DLI during the 2016 MnSEIA Midwest Gateway to Solar Conference. DLI staff presented at numerous sessions and participated in panel discussions about the growth of solar in Minnesota at the event in Bloomington on Nov. 15-16, 2016.
Educational events calendarAnnual Institute for Building Officials:Jan. 4-19, 2017, http://cce.umn.edu/annual-institute-for-building-officials
2016 ICC Upper Great Plains Region III Educational Institute: Feb. 6-10, 2017, www.iccsafe.org/Training
Midwest Rural Energy Council Rural Energy Conference: Feb 9-10, 2017, www.mrec.org
Continuing educationDLI-approved continuing education course offerings are at https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/ccldcecourses/.
2 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
CCLD Review is a quarterly publication of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Receive email notification when an issue is available by subscribing online.
Contact information
CCLD main contact infoPhone: (651) 284-5012 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3944Fax: (651) 284-5749
Visit the Contact Us page
Licensing [email protected]/contractor licenses and bonds: (651) 284-5034(Including: electrical, HPP, plumbing, residential, manufactured structures, mechanical bonds, technology system, water conditioning)
Personal licenses and certificates: (651) 284-5031(Including: boiler engineers, electricians, plumbers, power limited technicians, pipefitters, unlicensed individuals, building officials)
Electrical informationPhone: (651) 284-5026 Fax: (651) [email protected]
Boiler, high-pressure piping, boats-for-hire inspectionPhone: (651) 284-5544 Fax: (651) [email protected]
Plumbing informationPhone: (651) 284-5063 Fax: (651) [email protected]
License enforcement detailsPhone: (651) 284-5069 Fax: (651) [email protected]
Contractor registrationPhone: (651) 284-5074 [email protected]
Schedule of board and council meetingsBelow is a schedule of board and council meetings at DLI. To view meeting minutes, agendas, rulemaking documents and schedules for these meetings and additional boards and councils, visit www.dli.mn.gov/Boards.asp.
Board of Electricity www.dli.mn.gov/Boe.asp• Jan. 10, 2017• April 11, 2017• July 11, 2017• Oct. 10, 2017
Board of High-Pressure Piping www.dli.mn.gov/Bohpps.asp• Jan. 12, 2017 • April 13, 2017• July 13, 2017 • Oct. 12, 2017
Construction Codes Advisory Council www.dli.mn.gov/Ccac.asp• March 16, 2017 • June 15, 2017 • Sept. 21, 2017 • Dec. 21, 2017
Plumbing Board www.dli.mn.gov/Pb.asp• Jan. 17, 2017• April 18, 2017 • July 18, 2017• Oct. 17, 2017
Meeting dates and times may change. Visit www.dli.mn.gov/Boards.asp for current listings.
Rulemaking noticesSign-up to receive notices of agency rule proceedings from DLI. Visit www.dli.mn.gov/Rulemaking.asp for details and to register.
Building Plan Review adds new staffKen Egger joined CCLD’s Building Plan Review Unit as a plan reviewer Nov. 1, 2016.
Egger spent the past 13 years with the city of St. Paul as both a plan reviewer and inspector. Prior to that, he ran his own construction business.
View contact information for CCLD staff at www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/ccldcontactus.asp.
3 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
Use DLI’s online license renewal to reduce paper forms, save timeTry to renew early to allow time for assistance should there be questions about your applicationRoughly half of all residential building contractor and remodeler licenses expire March 31, 2017. DLI’s online license renewal process helps building contractors and remodelers renew their licenses without having to submit multiple paper forms that have been required in the past.
During the online renewal, contractors can review and update the information DLI has on file for their business. Business licensees need to provide only two documents to renew online: a liability insurance certificate and workers’ compensation insurance compliance form. Contractors who choose not to renew online will need to mail a completed packet of renewal application forms and the appropriate renewal fee.
Liability insuranceBusiness licensees should ensure that an updated liability insurance certificate is submitted to DLI if an existing policy is renewed or replaced. Since most contractors’ insurance policies are not synced to their license renewal, it is important for their insurance
agent to submit an updated liability insurance certificate as soon as possible.
Insurance agents can use the proper certificate form or an ACORD form (as long as DLI is listed on the ACORD form as a certificate holder). The insurance certificate should be emailed to [email protected], faxed to (651) 284-5743 or mailed to the address on the form.
Workers’ compensationChanges to a contractor’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage can be submitted on a workers’ compensation insurance compliance form. This form can be emailed to [email protected], faxed to (651) 284-5743 or mailed to the address on the form.
Renew earlyTo ensure a quick renewal process, try to submit all documents by March 1, 2017. That allows time for assistance should questions arise about a renewal. All renewals that are received after March 31, 2017, will be subject to an $80 late fee.
Updated elevator test forms availableSafety test forms for elevators and escalators have been revised and are available on DLI’s website.
Using feedback from users, the form has been revised to separate testing requirements for traction elevators and hydraulic elevators.
Understanding that multiple tests are not always completed in a single trip to a job site, the redesigned form allows a mechanic to sign-off on only the completed tests done during each visit.
Download the updated forms at:• Traction elevator: www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/PDF/elev_traction.pdf • Hydraulic elevator: www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/PDF/elev_hydraulic.pdf • Escalator: www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/PDF/escalator_inspection_report.pdf
Tests should be reviewed by the responsible individual (or their designee) prior to submission to DLI. Elevator safety test forms can be mailed to the address on the form or scanned and emailed to: [email protected].
4 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
Enforcement actionsView enforcement and license actions taken
against licensees.
Qualifying individual’s renewal date may not be linked to license‘Q’ number used to track completion of qualifying individual’s continuing educationResidential building contractor, remodeler and roofer licenses are issued to businesses, but each business must also identify an individual to act as its “qualifying builder” (or remodeler or roofer) for the license. This individual – who must be an owner, officer or managing employee of the business – is responsible for passing a license exam and taking CCLD-approved continuing education courses every two years.
The qualifying person is assigned a number that begins with the letter “Q” that is separate from the license number assigned to the business. The primary purpose of the “Q” number is to track the continuing education hours for that qualifying individual.
Q number not always synced to license renewalA qualifying individual’s continuing education deadline is tied to the renewal of their Q number, not the renewal of the company’s business license, though in some
cases the dates are the same. Q numbers are assigned to an individual as soon as they pass the required exam. Although business licenses always expire March 31, Q numbers expire on the anniversary of when they were first assigned. For that reason, a qualifying individual may need to complete their 14 hours of continuing education before the business license comes up for renewal.
A qualifying individual’s Q number and expiration date can be found using DLI’s license lookup tool. Qualifying individuals can also use the lookup tool to verify the continuing education courses they have taken and to which renewal period those courses were applied.
Questions?Contact the Licensing Unit at (651) 284-5031 or [email protected].
Summaries of all final CCLD enforcement actions are available at www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/Enforcement.asp. Questions about specific enforcement actions should be directed to (651) 284-5069 or [email protected].
Licensed residential building contractor fined $15,300Some recent CCLD enforcement actions include:• A licensed Golden Valley residential building contractor breached its contract with
a homeowner when it accepted payment for materials and then abandoned the project before doing any work and failed to reimburse the homeowner. Additionally, the contractor provided false, misleading or incomplete information on its license application and failed to cooperate with CCLD’s requests for information. The contractor’s license was revoked, the company fined $15,300 and ordered to cease and desist from engaging in residential contracting activities.
• A residential contractor from Superior, Wisc., who engaged in unlicensed residential building contractor activity, was fined $7,500 and ordered to cease and desist from unlicensed contracting.
• A licensed electrical contractor from Lakeville failed to submit required requests for inspection and failed to obtain the inspections prior to the work being covered. Additionally, the contractor provided false and misleading information to DLI and demonstrated incompetence or untrustworthiness. The contractor was censured, ordered to cease and desist from unlawful activity and fined $4,000.
• A plumbing contractor from Chatfield engaged in unlicensed plumbing work, failed to submit plans to DLI for review and failed to obtain inspections. The contractor was order to cease and desist from unlicensed activity and fined $2,500.
5 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
Inspections and permits required for some boilers and pressure vessels Minnesota has required safety inspections for boilers for more than a centuryFor more than 135 years, Minnesota has inspected commercial boilers, water heaters, pressure vessels and boats-for-hire.
Boilers must be inspected by a National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessels-commissioned inspector after installation and every year thereafter.
Boilers that must be inspected include:• steam boilers over 100,000 BTU input;• water heaters and hot water supply boilers over
500,000 BTU input; and• hot-water-heating boilers over 750,000 BTU inputNote: The BTUs are the input for all boilers connected to a common header.
ExceptionsExceptions to the inspection requirements include boilers identified in Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.988, and:• boilers in buildings occupied solely for residential purposes
with accommodations for not more than five families;• boilers under the direct jurisdiction of the United States; and• boilers located on farms used solely for agricultural or
horticultural purposes (section 326B.958).
Is a permit required to install these boilers?Installation permits are required for individual boilers or a boiler connected to a common circulation manifold if the individual or combined BTU input exceeds: • 100,000 BTUs for steam boilers; • 500,000 BTUs for hot water supply boilers; or • 750,000 BTUs for hot water heating boilers.
Installers must ensure each boiler is inspected by DLI after installation is complete and before the boiler is placed in operation. Installing contractors can obtain a boiler installation permit instantly using DLI’s online eTRAKiT permit system at www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/etrakit_boiler.asp.
View additional information about boiler and pressure vessel requirements in Minnesota at www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/Boiler.asp.
Questions?Contact Chief Boiler Inspector Joel Amato at (651) 284-5137 or [email protected].
6 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
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Minnesota Plumbing Code frequently asked questions and answersIs the installation of emergency equipment, such as an eyewash station, required to meet the Minnesota Plumbing Code? Yes. Emergency eyewash and shower equipment must meet ISEA Standard Z358.1-2009 for compliance with flow rate, flow pattern and temperature of flushing based on the hazard of the material. Tepid water may be required to provide a suitable range of 16-38 C (60-100 F) for proper use depending on the hazard. Installation of equipment must meet the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The designer should also consult with OSHA regarding chemicals or hazards of the project to determine compliance with this and other applicable OSHA requirements.
See Minnesota Rules part 4714.0416, section 416.0, for more information about emergency equipment.
Can secondary (emergency) roof drainage systems discharge onto sidewalks or public walkways?No. Water from roofs or any building roof drainage must not flow onto the public sidewalk (Minnesota Rules part 4714.1101, section 1101.1). Both primary and secondary roof drainage systems must meet this requirement. Unlike warm-climate states, Minnesota has specific requirements to address seasonal conditions of freeze and thaw when the discharge from roof drains could create unsafe, icy conditions on sidewalks.
Can alternate engineered designs be considered under the current plumbing code?Yes. Provisions for alternate engineered designs are prescribed under Minnesota Rules part 4714.0301, section 301.4. Alternate engineered systems must be reviewed in accordance with the requirements of this section and approvals are at the discretion of the administrative authority on a case-by-case project basis. Requests must include:• application and designs by a Minnesota-licensed professional engineer;• technical data to support the proposed design to show that the design meets the intent of the code;• complete stamped design documents;• additional testing to substantiate proof of code equivalency;• independent review of the design documents by a third party Minnesota-licensed professional engineer; and• inspection and testing.
Requesting an alternate engineered design does not guarantee approval.
Sampson receives electrical award from MEASam Sampson, senior electrical representative at DLI, received an award from the Minnesota Electrical Association (MEA) in recognition and appreciation of his more than 20 years of contribution to the electrical industry. Sampson received the award at MEA’s December meeting from newly-appointed president Clara DeRosier (pictured at left). Sampson has worked for the state since 1996 and is the electrical code subject matter expert at the agency.
7 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
Electrical staff present at NCEES eventSam Sampson and Dean Hunter, DLI electrical representatives, both presented at the October 2016 meeting of the North Central Electrical Engineering Society (NCEES) about “mysteries of grounding and bonding in the NEC.” NCEES is an affiliate under the North Central Electrical League (NCEL). The pair reviewed general concepts of grounding and bonding, discussed NEC requirements, looked at potential changes to the 2017 NEC and hosted a question-and-answer session.
Top 10 significant changes found in the 2017 NECThe following is a brief synopsis of the top 10 changes found in the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC). Refer to the text of the 2017 NEC for exact language and any applicable conditions for the changes. The Minnesota Board of Electricity has started the rulemaking process for adoption of the 2017 NEC, with an anticipated effective date of July 1, 2017. For more information visit, www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/Electrical.asp.
1. 210.8 GFCI protection in other than dwelling units includes all single-phase receptacles rated ≤150 volts to ground and ≤50 amps as well as all three-phase receptacles rated ≤150 volts to ground and ≤100 amperes installed in below grade crawl spaces and unfinished basements.
2. 210.8(E) GFCI protection is required for 120-volt lighting outlets installed in crawl spaces in an occupancy.
3. 210.11(C)(4) An exception permits readily accessible outdoor receptacles to be supplied by the dedicated 120-volt, 20-amp receptacle branch circuit in garages.
4. 210.12(B) and (C) AFCI requirements include bathroom outlets in dormitory units and all outlets and devices in guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels.
5. 210.71 Meeting rooms less than 1,000 square feet must have a 15- or 20-amp 125-volt non-locking receptacles.
6. 250.94(B) An exception states that an intersystem bonding termination device is not required where communications systems are not likely to be installed.
7. Table 310.15(B)(3)(C) The ampacity adjustment for raceways and cables on rooftops only applies when raceways and cables are installed less than 7/8 inch above the roof.
8. 336.10(9) Type TC-ER cable with power and control conductors is permitted for interior wiring in one and two-family dwellings when installed according to Part II of Article 334.
9. 406.12 In addition to previously required locations, 125- and 250-volt non-locking-type tamper-resistant receptacles locations include preschools, elementary education, medical and dental offices, outpatient facilities, assembly occupancies and dormitories.
10. Article 555 The rules apply at one- and two-family and multi-family dwellings. Overcurrent devices shall have ground-fault protection not exceeding 30 mA. Electric shock hazard warning signs must be posted.
8 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
The image above represents a storefront that includes a definitive show window and would be required to follow the applicable provisions found in the 2014 NEC.
Below is a storefront that, depending on how it is used, may or may not be classified as a show window. In this instance, the designer, building owner and local inspector would need to discuss the usage of the space before deciding if it was or was not a show window, for purposes of the NEC.
Electrical code question and answer: Is it a show window?The National Electrical Code includes rules for those storefronts deemed show windowsQuestion: When is a store window a “show window,” and does the National Electrical Code (NEC) mandate one or more receptacle outlets for lighting, electric signs, holiday decorations and so on?
Answer:It depends on several circumstances. It is always best for the designer, the owner and the local electrical inspector to have a conversation and answer that question prior to construction.
If a store window is used or designed for the display of goods or advertising material and it is determined by mutual agreement to be a “show window,” then the NEC has installation rules for the location and quantity of receptacle outlets, how to calculate the load for the branch circuit and how to calculate the load for a feeder or service.
Communication about intended usage is importantFor new construction or remodeling, the designer and the owner are responsible for determining whether or not a store window will be used for the display of goods or advertising material, in consultation with the AHJ. In existing situations, if a store window were to become used as a show window, and portable extension cords were improperly being used in lieu of permanent electrical wiring, then an inspector could issue a correction order.
Need a speaker for an event? DLI staff are availableDLI staff members regularly speak to community, industry and school groups about issues that affect employees, employers, property owners and other stakeholders.
As part of its outreach efforts to stakeholders, DLI’s speakers bureau can provide interested parties with a knowledgeable speaker in an array of topics.
For more details about having a speaker at your event visit www.dli.mn.gov/speakers.asp.
9 • CCLD REVIEW • Winter 2016 www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp
Page Number________of___________ ele - Jobsite Daily Attendance Record
Jobsite Daily Attendance Record
DATE
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR NAME
LICENSE NUMBER
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ON-SITE REPRESENTATIVE IN CHARGE
PHONE NUMBER
JOBSITE NAME
JOBSITE ADDRESS (including city or township and county)
EMPLOYEE PRINTED NAME LICENSE OR
REGISTRATION EFFECTIVE
DATE EXPIRATION
DATE SIGNATURE
443 Lafayette Road N. St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 www.dli.mn.gov
Construction Codes and Licensing Division
(651) 284-5026 1-800-657-3944
Jobsite daily attendance form will track licensed electrical workersA new Jobsite Daily Attendance Record form will be distributed to large electrical projects by CCLD’s electrical representatives and electrical inspectors to assist with enforcement of Minnesota’s electrical licensing laws and rules.
Electrical contractors benefit from using the new roster on these larger projects saying they prefer the use of an attendance record form to the alternative of assembling the entire crew at one place for license verification. Likewise, electrical inspectors have an accurate record of the licensed and registered workers on the project site in a single, convenient location.
Some jobsites already use a daily roster to account for the large number of electrical workers on the jobsite, but because the Minnesota Electrical Act requires specific information to ensure compliance, this new roster form will replace any existing rosters in use.
While the form makes license verification more convenient for the workers at the jobsite, electrical inspectors have the option of conducting random license checks to verify compliance and maintain the authority to conduct license checks across the entire work site if necessary.
YOU could be a Minnesota contract electrical inspectorDo you have a master or journeyman electrical license?
Do you own your own contracting business and wished you didn’t have to do collections?
Are you ready to move to the next level in your career?
DLI is looking for individuals who enjoy a challenge, serving customers and working with contractors, electricians and the public. You also must understand and be able to apply the National Electrical Code.
Jan. 3, 2017, we will publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) for all state electrical inspection areas.
What does this mean? DLI contracts with individuals and businesses to perform electrical inspection services on behalf of the State of Minnesota, and we are hiring. All contracts are for one year, but DLI can extend contracts for as long as five years. Then, we must publish all state electrical inspection areas and again request proposals from prospective inspectors.
Where do I sign up?Visit www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD/ElectricalInspect.asp for information and links to help you register as a vendor. Then, come back on Jan. 3, 2017, and download the RFP.