Illinois PFAS Reduction Act Aqueous film-forming (AFF) foam is a fire suppressant used to extinguish flammable liquid fires. While this foam was once a crucial part of many fire suppression systems, research shows that AFFF contains toxic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These substances have raised environmental and health concerns. Therefore, efforts […]
Updated Fire Sprinkler Contractor and Inspector Licensing Rules Are Now in Effect The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has adopted the updated Fire Sprinkler Contractor and Inspector Licensing Rules (41. Ill. Adm. Code 109). This statute is now in effect and requires that all fire sprinkler inspection staff be licensed after January […]
MUNICIPALITIES’ FIRE CODES ARE CHANGING. IS YOURS ONE OF THEM? USAFP CAN HELP YOU STAY UP TO DATE Many municipalities across Illinois have updated or adopted a new fire code. More than 100 municipalities across Northeast Illinois require fire sprinklers in residential homes, with a few new additions this year. How does a fire protection […]
Fire Prevention Week 2023 On October 8th, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire broke out, wreaking havoc on the city. The two-day blaze killed over 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned over 2,000 acres of land. 152 years later, Chicago still remembers the horrific damage the fire left behind. In commemoration […]
Lake County Illinois Adopts New Building Codes In 2022, 86 people died across the state of Illinois in residential structure fires. To help prevent such tragedies in 2023 and beyond, the Lake County Board has adopted the 2018 series of International Code Council building codes, and these new building codes are now in effect. What […]
Check the Weight Before It’s Too Late In August 2023, the Libertyville Fire Department reported that many businesses were not compliant with current fire extinguisher codes. Chapter 6, Article V, Section 906.3 of the Libertyville Code of Ordinances states that the minimum size ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher permitted shall be 10 pounds. Fire safety […]
National Backflow Prevention Day On August 16th, 2021, the first National Backflow Prevention Day was celebrated nearly a century after one of the most tragic backflow incidents in U.S. history. The 1933 Chicago World Fair attracted people from all over the world to see the rapidly growing metropolis of Chicago. Unfortunately, two of the main […]
NFPA 25 Inspection Requirements The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a nonprofit organization. This organization is responsible for setting codes and standards for best practices in the fire protection industry. As advancements are made in sprinkler technologies and new methods are developed, the codes require regular updates. Recently, the NFPA has included new requirements […]
Make Eye Protection Part of Your 2023 Vision Workplace eye injuries send 20,000 people to the emergency room each year. To help raise awareness and prevent such accidents, the American Academy of Ophthalmology names July National Eye Injury Prevention Month. With half the year gone already, take some time to refocus your safety efforts to […]
NICET III Updates for 2023 As of January 1, 2023, NICET III certification in the Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems is required. There will be a rejection of all inspections if NICET III Inspectors are not used. Therefore, you will not be in compliance. These new code updates must be followed as stated in […]