A must-read: ERROR CLOUDS SOLAR FIRE-SAFETY REGULATIONS, Poughkeepsie Journal 1/24/16
-The future of proposed rules limiting rooftop space for solar panels in
New York will depend on whether the state accepts national standards that
were published by mistake, the Poughkeepsie Journal has learned.
-The
state's Fire Prevention and Building Code Council is weighing new codes
that would require a 3-foot setback from the edge of residential rooftops
to allow safe access for firefighters. But
the model rules were published in error in 2014 by the International
Code Council, a group that develops building and fire-prevention codes
for structures...All 50 states have adopted them at some level....
-An
official for a statewide solar industry
association opposes the changes...they say this could reduce rooftop space in NY by 40% or more.
-Firefighters who support the changes say they are needed not only to
reduce the chance of electrocution, but also to provide safe access.
READ THE REST OF THE POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL'S INVESTIGATION HERE
Can't they come to a compromise? A ccess is vitally important...
ReplyDeleteI agree Jan. Access is of paramount importance actually. As you can see from the comment of the statewide solar industry spokesperson, however, what's more important to them is that they will potentially lose space--and money. In my world, the fire fighters come first.
DeleteDid you send this to the FD in Montrose?
ReplyDeleteYes to my contacts there and around the county.
DeleteWow that was a scary article.
ReplyDeleteFire fighters first, profits last.
ReplyDeleteSo the panels that are already installed will have to be removed to be up to code?
ReplyDelete