Monday, January 25, 2016

ERROR CLOUDS SOLAR FIRE-SAFETY REGULATIONS

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

7 comments:

  1. Can't they come to a compromise? A ccess is vitally important...

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    1. I 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.

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  2. Did you send this to the FD in Montrose?

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    1. Yes to my contacts there and around the county.

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  3. Wow that was a scary article.

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  4. Fire fighters first, profits last.

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  5. So the panels that are already installed will have to be removed to be up to code?

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