Louisiana State Fire Marshal Code Interpretations (Interpretive Memos)
The purpose of this page is to keep you up to date with revisions or interpretations to codes, laws, and ordinances regulated by the State Fire Marshal's Office.
2023 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2023-01 - Fire Protection and Life Safety requirements for Commercial Buildings
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2022 Interpretive Memos
None at this time
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2021 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01 - RESCINDED
Emergency Egress Drill Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic
MEMORANDUM 2021-02 – HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane Ida Temporary Occupancy and Damage Repair Procedures
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01 REINSTATED
Emergency Egress Drill Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic - REINSTATED
Interpretive Memorandum 2021-01
Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) Service Providers
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2020 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01
Emergency Egress Drill Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-01 RESCINDED
Emergency Egress Drill Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic - RESCINDED
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-02
Hurricane Laura Temporary Occupancy and Damage Repair Procedures
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-23_Revised
Restaurant / Food Service Outdoor Seating Criteria - Revised
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-23
Restaurant / Food Service Outdoor Seating Criteria
Interpretive Memorandum 2020-24
Outdoor Religious and Places of Worship
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2019 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2019-01
Special Locking Arrangements
Interpretive Memorandum 2019-02
Specialized Care Locking Arrangements
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2018 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2018-01
Health Care Sliding Door Installations
Interpretive Memorandum 2018-02
Fire Alarms and Operations in Educational Occupancies
Interpretive Memorandum 2018-03
Classroom Security for Existing Educational and Day Care Facilities
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Historical Memos/Interpretive Memos
2017 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2017-01
Labels on Fire Door Assemblies in Health Care Facilities and Inspection Checklist
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2016 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2016-01
Low Frequency Alarm Signal
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2014 Interpretive Memos
Interpretive Memorandum 2014-01
Non-Required Fire Alarm Systems
Interpretive Memorandum 2014-02
Cloud Ceiling Sprinkler Protection
Interpretive Memorandum 2014-03
UL300 Compliance for Existing Dry Chemical or Non Compliant UL300 Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems
Interpretive Memorandum 2014-04
Sprinkler Placement Below Folding and Telescopic Seating
Interpretive Memorandum 2014-05
Backflow Preventers Added to Existing Sprinkler Systems
Interpretive Memorandum 2014-06
Halloween Haunted Houses
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2013 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2013-01 | Revised as IM 2018-03
Classroom Security for Existing Educational (Grades K -12) and Day-Care Facilities
Formal Interpretation 2013-02
(P.O.R.) Shop Drawing Review Stamp (Revised to Replace Interpretive Memorandum 2011-02 Dated February 18, 2011)
Formal Interpretation 2013-03
Life Safety and/or Fire Protection System/Special Locking Submittals
Formal Interpretation 2013-04
Evaluation and use of temporary emergency evacuation shelters
Formal Interpretation 2013-05
Open Flame (Boiling) Areas
Formal Interpretation 2013-06
Horizontal-Sliding Door Assemblies
Formal Interpretation 2013-07
Evaluation of Conex (Seacan) Containers Used as Storage Occupancies
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2012 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2012-01
Awnings, Canopies and Pedestrian Walkways
Formal Interpretation 2012-02
OSFM Plan Review for Facilities Licensed by DHH, Health Standards Section
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2011 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2011-01
Sprinkler Protection for Skylights and Ceiling Pockets
Formal Interpretation 2011-02 | Revised as IM 2013-02 (see above)
(P.O.R.) Shop Drawing Review Stamp
Formal Interpretation 2011-03
Protection of Hazards
Formal Interpretation 2011-04
Evaluation of Lodging Occupancies
Formal Interpretation 2011-05
Fire Protection and Means of Egress Requirements of the LSUCC
Formal Interpretation 2011-06 | Revised as IM 2012-02 (see above)
Plan Review and Checklist for DHH Health Care Facility Licensing Requirements
Formal Interpretation 2011-07
Limited Combustible Materials (Vinyl Faced Insulation)
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2010 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2010-01
Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke | NOTE: This Memorandum voids and replaces IM 2006-05 and IM 2007-03
Formal Interpretation 2010-02
Use of Listed Heat Trace with NFPA 13R systems
Formal Interpretation 2010-03
Temporary Emergency Evacuation Shelters for Nursing Homes
Formal Interpretation 2010-05
Commericial Kitchen Exhaust Hoods and their Immediate Environment
Formal Interpretation 2010-06
Protection of "Corridors" in Day-Care Occupancies
Formal Interpretation 2010-07
Mechanical Platforms
Formal Interpretation 2010-08
Parking Garages and Rubber Tire Storage
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2009 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2009-01
Use of Residential Hood Suppression Systems | NOTE: This Memorandum replaces this office's IM 2001-08 dated as revised on April 26, 2001
Formal Interpretation 2009-02
Exits for Educational and Day-Care Occupancies
Formal Interpretation 2009-03 | Revised as IM 2019-01 (see above)
Special Locking Arrangements - Request for Installation
Formal Interpretation 2009-04 | Revised as IM 2019-01 (see above)
Magnetic Lock Releasing Devices & Electrified Locks/Latches
Formal Interpretation 2009-05 | Revised as IM 2019-02 (see above)
Special Healthcare Locking Arrangements
Formal Interpretation 2009-06
Folding (Disappearing) Attic Access Ladders
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2008 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2008-01
Gas Fired Furnaces and Hot Water Heaters Not Requiring Fire Resistant Separation or Extinguishment Protection
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2007 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2007-01
Sprinkler Protection for Exterior Roofs, Canopies, or Porte Cocheres
Formal Interpretation 2007-03 | Revised as IM 2010-01 (see above)
Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke
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2006 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2006-01 | Replaced by Level-1 submittals through the OSFM-IMS
Building Modifications: Request for Exemption from Formal Plan Review
Formal Interpretation 2006-02
Head Height at Automotive Service Lifts
Formal Interpretation 2006-03 | Revised as IM 2009-03 (see above)
Special Locking Arrangements Request for Installation
Formal Interpretation 2006-04 | Revised as IM 2009-04 (see above)
Magnetic Lock Releasing Devices
Formal Interpretation 2006-05 | Revised as IM 2010-01 (see above)
Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke
Formal Interpretation 2006-06
Lost Plans or Shop Drawings
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2005 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2005-02
Requirements for Daycare Occupancies
Townhouse Plan Reviews
Re-posted 8.25.06
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2003 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2003-01
Alcohol-Based Waterless Hand Sanitizers
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2002 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2002-01
Temporary Buildings
Formal Interpretation 2002-02
Tents and Canopies in Industrial Facilities
Formal Interpretation 2002-04
Definition of Parking Garages | (See IBC for Guidance)
Formal Interpretation 2002-05
Emergency Forces Notification for Small Building Additions & Modular Classroom Buildings at Educational Occupancies
Formal Interpretation 2002-06
Fire Alarm Systems at Educational Facilities
Formal Interpretation 2002-07
Sleep Disorder Clinics & Similar Facilities
Formal Interpretation 2002-08
Fire Rated Compartmentation for Building Isolation
Formal Interpretation 2002-09
Vinyl Insulation/Top of Barrier Wall Termination
Formal Interpretation 2002-10
Closed Door Ovens
Formal Interpretation 2002-11
Utilization of the Central Model EC-25 Extended Coverage Area/Density Sprinkler, manufactured by Tyco Fire Products
Formal Interpretation 2002-12
Shade Fabric Equivalency to "Burn-Out" Ceiling
Formal Interpretation 2002-12R
Shade Fabric Equivalency to "Burn-Out" Ceiling; Revised to include "XLS Revolux" fabric
Formal Interpretation 2002-13
Combustible Structural Members Penetrating Fire Barrier Wall Assemblies
Formal Interpretation 2002-14
Signage for the Visually Impaired for Special Locking Systems
Formal Interpretation 2002-15
Fire Suppression Protection of Tilt Skillets/Braising Pans, Open Kettles & Steam Kettles
Formal Interpretation 2002-16
Accessible Route from an Accessible Parking Access Aisle
Formal Interpretation 2002-17
Protection of Rubber Tire Storage | (See IBC for Guidance)
Formal Interpretation 2002-18
Smoke Partition Penetrations
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2001 Interpretive Memos
(DRAFT) Survivability
Notification Appliance Circuitry & Fire Command Center (Public comment on this draft memo is invited prior to finalization)
Formal Interpretation 2001-02
Fire Alarm Remote Station Personnel Requirements
Formal Interpretation 2001-04
Dry Chemical Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
Formal Interpretation 2001-05
Licenses Required for Suppression & Fire Detection Systems
Formal Interpretation 2001-06
Licenses Required for Plan Review
Formal Interpretation 2001-08
Use of Residential Hood Suppression Systems | Revised as IM 2009-01 (see above)
Formal Interpretation 2001-09
Mobile/Modular Health Units
Formal Interpretation 2001-10
Baptismal Fonts
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2000 Interpretive Memos
Formal Interpretation 2000-01
Location of Suppression Agent Containers Expellant Gas Assemblies for Local Application & Total Flooding Fire Protection Systems
Formal Interpretation 2000-04
Floor Level at Pre-Manufactured Special Use Rooms
Formal Interpretation 2000-05
Sprinkler Protection for Telescopic Bleachers 12' or Less in Height
Formal Interpretation 2000-06
Strobe Placement in "Common Use" Areas
Formal Interpretation 2000-07
Use of CPVC Pipe & Fittings in Sprinklered Facilities
Formal Interpretation 2000-08
Apartments/Equivalency to Sprinkler System
Formal Interpretation 2000-10
Exemption Request Form for Non-Required Fire Alarm Systems
Formal Interpretation 2000-11
Exemption Request Form for Temporary Construction Buildings at Job Site
Formal Interpretation 2000-12
Corridor Rating Requirements in Day Care Occupancies
Formal Interpretation 2000-13
Protection of Residential Type Gas Fired Appliances
Formal Interpretation 2000-15 | Revised as IM 2009-05 (see above)
Special Locking Arrangements in Health Care Occupanices
Formal Interpretation 2000-16
Fire Alarm Service Calls
Formal Interpretation 2000-18
Internal Joint Sealants for Kitchen Exhaust Hoods
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1999 Interpretive Memos
99 Memo Unnumbered
Protection of Mechanical Equipment in Concealed Locations
99 Memo Unnumbered
Elevator Power Shut Off & Sprinker Operation
Formal Interpretation 99-01
Location of Extinguishing Agent Containers in a Hood Extinguishing System
Formal Interpretation 99-02
Fire Alarm Exemption Request Forms for Remote Monitoring of Supervised Sprinkler Systems & Elevator Recall
Formal Interpretation 99-03
Height of Strobes Above the Floor
Formal Interpretation 99-04
Elevator Lobby Separations in High Rise Buildings
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1998 Interpretive Memos
98 Memo Unnumbered
Usage & Storage of Flammable Liquids in Nail Salons
Formal Interpretation 98-01
Accessible Lines of Sight in Motion Picture Theaters
Formal Interpretation 98-02
Silencing of Visual Alarm Notification
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Historical Memos/Inner Office Memos
2007 Inner Office Memos
Sprinkler Protection for Exterior Roofs, Canopies, or Porte Cocheres
03.07.07
Fire Retardant Mattresses and Box Springs
03.27.07
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2006 Inner Office Memos
Water Heaters Without Separation Requirements
10.25.06
Furnace Units Without Separation Requirements
10.25.06 | Updated 02.06.08
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2005 Inner Office Memos
Construction for Modular Structures
04.05.05
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2004 Inner Office Memos
Egress Issues at RBC Facilities
03.16.04
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2003 Inner Office Memos
System Review Processing for State & Local Subdivisions
01.29.03
Portable Buildings Plan Review
07.25.06
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2000 Inner Office Memos
Fire Alarm System Review: Rejection List
02.07.00
Fire Alarm Checklist
06.07.00
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1999 Inner Office Memos
Residential Board & Care Facilities
04.29.99 RE: Furnishings, Bedding & Decorations
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1998 Inner Office Memos
Fire Alarm Central Station Memo
05.05.98
Unsolicited or Unidentifiable Project Documentation
06.03.98
New Amusement Ride Requirements
06.04.98
Preliminary Reviews of Fire Alarm System Shop Drawings
06.15.98 for Fire Alarm projects exceeding $125,000
Modifications to Existing 110V Fire Alarm Systems in Educational Occupancies
06.17.98
Fire Extinguishers in Apartment Complexes
07.06.98 (Revised 03.07.05)
Sprinkler Submittal Checklist
This is the checklist referred to in the AIA Letter.
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Historical Memos/SFM Memos
Fire Alarm
Churches: Visual and Audible Notification
07.08.97
Inspections: Device Addition in Response to Inspections
03.09.00
Inspections: Tagging Process
11.19.97
Review Process: Central Station Signaling Systems
05.05.98
Review Process: Exemption Form For Panels
03.04.98
Smoke Detectors: With Respect To Ceiling Fans
04.20.94
Visual Alarm Notification: Silencing
11.09.98
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General Architecture
ADA-AG: Churches & Private Clubs Exempt
03.07.97
ADA-AG: Handrail Size
10.16.92
ADA-AG: Minimum Ramp Width
09.17.96
ADA-AG: Single Occupant Toliet Door Swing
03.06.97
ADA-AG: Wheelchair Turning Radius In Bathroom
04.26.96
Apartment Fire Extinguishers
07.06.98
Arma Coatings; Truck Bedliners
02.26.98
Corridors: Dead Ends
11.13.96
Daycare: Occupancy Load & Inspection Procedures
10.19.94
Detention: Aisle Space Between Bunks
08.07.97
Detention: Mattresses
09.08.94
Electrical Power Prior to Plan Review
03.05.97
Elevator Lobby Separations in High Rise Buildings
05.24.99
Exits: Obstructed, Criminal Action
01.29.98
Exits: At Schools
04.25.96
Festival Seating: Concert Halls, Arenas, Auditoriums
01.30.96
Fire Alarms: System Conductors
09.04.97
Fire Barriers: Joints for Gypsum Walls
12.16.97
Fire Separations: Hotels/Motels
07.18.83
Flame Spread Material (Partial)
12.12.91
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters - Citations In Review Letters
04.21.95
HVAC: Return Air Plenums
05.20.97
Inspections: Measured Travel Distance
12.23.97
Locks: Voting Machine Warehouses
04.22.97
Miracle Vents: Freeze Protection
04.15.99
Occupancies: Bed & Breakfast Definition Classification
12.21.95
Oil Pits: Egress
10.07.97
Repair Garage Sprinkler
06.27.96
Review Procedure: Preliminary Review Guidelines
03.06.97
Submittal Requirements: Over/Under $125,000
04.06.99
Tanks: Protection of Supports
11.23.98
Tanks: Sure-Check Double Wall Above Ground System
03.04.92
Vinyl Insulation At Roof Deck
06.13.97
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Interpretive Memorandums
Accessible Route From Accessible Parking Aisle
2002-16, 10.30.02
Accessible Seating: Motion Picture Lines of Sight
1998-01, 11.09.98
Apartments: Equivalency To Sprinkler System
2000-08, 04.18.02
Baptismal Fonts
2000-10, 11.30.01
Building Modifications - Request for Exemption from Formal Plan Review
2006-01, 02.16.06
Classroom Security for Existing Educational (grades K — 12) and Day-Care Facilities
2018-03a, 03.01.18
Closed Door Ovens
2002-10, 05.15.02
Combustible Structural Members Penetrating Fire Barrier Wall Assemblies
2002-13, 07.29.02
Day Care Occupancies: Exception To 1-Hour Fire Resistance Rating
2000-12, 03.30.00
Day Care Occupancies: Requirements For
2002-03, 04.18.02
Deep Fat Fryers
06.10.94
Detention Centers Evacuated During Hurricane Katrina
2005-06, 09-20-05
Dry Chemical Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
04.23.01
Elevator Lobby Separations
1999-03, 05.24.99
Fire-Rated Compartmentation for Building Isolation
2002-08, 04.03.02
Fire Alarms and Operations in Educational Occupancies
2018-03b, 03.01.18
Fire Alarms: Emergency Forces Notification for Small Building Additions & Modular Classroom Buildings at Educational Occupancies
2002-05, 04.03.02
Fire Alarms: Exemption for Non-Required Systems
2000-10, 05.18.00
Fire Alarms: Service Calls
2000-16, 08.16.00
Fire Alarms: Strobe Placement in Common Use Areas
2000-06, 01.20.00
Fire Alarms: Silencing of Visual Alarm Notification Appliances
1998-02, 11.09.98
Fire Alarms: Systems in Educational Facilities
2002-06, 04.18.02
Fire Suppression Protection of Tilt Skillets, Braising Pans, Open Kettles, & Steam Kettles
2000-07, 04.27.01
Firestopping Around Electrical Outlets and Switches in Fire Walls and Smoke Barrier Walls
04.28.99
Floor Level At Pre-Manufactured Special Use Rooms
2000-04, 04.04.01
Head Height At Automotive Service Lifts
2006-02, 02.17.06
Internal Joint Sealants for Kitchen Exhaust Hoods
2000-18, 04.04.01
License Requirements: For Plan Review Submittal by Fire Protection Firms
2001-06, 04.23.01
License Requirements: For Suppression & Fire Detection Systems
2001-05, 04.23.01
Lost Drawings
2001-03, 07.09.01
Mobile/Modular Health Units
2001-09, 09.14.01
Parking Garages: Definition Regarding Vehicle Quantity and Type
2002-04, 04.18.02
Pipe Insulation
Processing of Non-Required Fire Suppression Systems
2007-02, 06.15.07
Remote Station Personnel Requirements
2001-02, 04.18.01
Residential Modification of Requirements for Protection of Residential-Type Gas-Fired Appliances In Existing and New Occupancies
2000-13, 06.28.00
Shade Fabric Equivalency To Burn-Out Ceiling (Revised)
2002-12, 03.07.05
Signage For The Visually Impaired For Special Locking Systems
2002-14, 10.08.02
Sleep Labs, Sleep Disorder Clinics and Similar Facilities
2002-07, 04.18.02
Smoke Detector Location With Respect To Ceiling Fans
04.20.94
Smoke Partition Penetrations
2002-18, 11.14.02
Sprinkler Protection for Exterior Roofs, Canopies, or Porte Cocheres
2007-01, 037.07.07
Sprinkler Protection for Telescopic Seating
2000-05, 01.13.00
Suppression Agent Containers & Expellant Gas Assemblies
2000-01, 01.03.00
Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke
2006-05
Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke
2007-03
Formal Interpretation 2007-03
Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Provided to Resist the Passage of Smoke
Telescopic Seating, Sprinkler Placement
2000-05, 01.13.00
Temporary Buildings: Industrial
2002-01, 01.28.02
Temporary Buildings: Exemption Request Form
2000-01, 05.18.00
Tents and Canopies in Industrial Facilities
2002-02, 01.08.02
Vinyl Insulation/Top of Fire Barrier Wall Termination
2002-09, 05.08.02
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Kitchen Hoods
Accuttemp Steam 'N' Hold
07.27.01
AUTOFRY Ventlesss Deep Fryer
05.27.98
Automatic Extinguishing Systems in Hood Systems
Chain Driven Pizza Ovens
11.06.96
Dry Chemical Systems
08.19.99
Expellant Gas Assembly Placement
06.27.95, 06.29.95
Fire Alarm Connection
06.27.94
Flameshield Blanket
10.30.96
Giles Ventless Hood
10.02.95
Kidde: WHDR™-500 System Cylinders
06.26.96
Maintenance of Wet Chemical Systems
08.12.98
McDonalds, Placement of Extinguishing Agent
09.18.96 (Also see Expellant Gas Assemblies)
NFPA 96: Pre-Existing Hoods
11.06.92
NFPA 96: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Operations Enforcement Changes
02.2097
NFPA 96: Ventilation of Cooking Equipment
1964 Edition
Oven Protection: Hoods Above Ovenes
12.13.96
Penetrations: Screw Penetrations
07.20.95
Perfect Fry Model 686
08.08.97
Pizzas of Eight Baking System Model PC-18
04.20.98
Promat Grease Duct Enclosure
02.10.89
Smokearoma Bar-B-Q-Boss
12.09.98 (See also Promat Grease Duct Enclosure)
Tank Locations in Hood Reviews
10.30.97
Tank Expellant Gas Assemblies
06.27.95
UL 300 Upgrade
10.02.95
UL 300: Impact of Upgrade
02.15.95
Unprotected Cooking Applicances; Unused
01.30.96
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Sprinkler
Backflow Preventers, Installation of
03.16.98
Elevators & Shafts: Elevator Power Shut Off & Releasing Water to Sprinklers Protecting Elevator Shafts
03.22.99
Elevators & Shafts: Power Line Connections, Proposed
04.28.98
Exemptions, 20 Heads or Less
04.16.90
Isolated Hazards
01.28.97
Louisiana Automatic Fire Alarm Association: Questions & Answers
03.19.99
Mud Daubers, Damage to Sprinklers
01.29.99
Penetrations of Ceilings With Sprinkler Heads
03.20.98
Quick Response Sprinkler Head Requirements
06.16.99
Review: Sprinkler Rejections
03.23.97
Review: Submission of Packages
06.03.98
Review: Submission of Sprinklers With The Architectural Plans on State Projects
02.07.96
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This page was last modified on February 20, 2023
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