Relates to standards for fire hydrant systems

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to standards for fire hydrant systems; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

This bill clarifies the frequency at which fire hydrants must be tested, and provides for a report on fire hydrant maintenance over the last year.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: amends Section 378 of the executive law by adding subdivisions 17 and 18, which provide for the frequency of fire hydrant testing, the maintenance of records, and for the creation of a report by the department of public service.

Section 2: sets the effective date and sets forth for the repeal of subdivision 18 upon satisfaction of the report.

Justification

Currently, the Fire Code requires periodic testing, as determined by local code officials, but it fails to define how often "periodic" is. The public relies upon working fire hydrants, so fire departments can extinguish fires quickly and efficiently. Testing of hydrants is necessary to ensure the continued functionality of all fire hydrants. Providing for a minimum amount of time between tests would help ensure that hydrants are in proper working order.

This bill would require a minimum of one test per hydrant, per year. Setting a testing standard of at least once per year is sufficient to allow local water authorities or public works departments to complete such a requirement with existing resources, while maintaining public safety. Additionally, local authorities would have to keep public records of each test, providing accountability. Finally, the department of public service would now create a report detailing the maintenance and inspection of hydrants for the last year. This will make testing history publicly available with information on how often hydrants were tested prior to the passage of this bill.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.