Committee backs bill to allow third-party certification of large CO2 systems

The Senate Business and Labor Committee on Feb. 25 voted unanimously to favorably recommend House Bill 240, which would authorize the State Fire Marshal to create a certification and tagging program for large, permanently installed bulk carbon dioxide systems.

Sponsor Representative Gwen told the committee the bill targets large tanks (roughly over 100 pounds of liquid CO2) used in retail and industrial settings and is intended to address public- and employee-safety risks from leaks. Fire Marshal Arad explained the measure would not create new installation codes but would allow third-party certification and a visible tag—similar to the tag on extinguishers or alarm systems—so municipalities and first responders can be confident installations meet existing industry standards.

Industry witness Ronald Longley, a licensed contractor and manufacturer of monitoring systems, testified Utah lags neighbors in requiring certification for these systems and that the change would align the state with IFC and NFPA 55 requirements. 'It would really bring a level of professionalism and safety in the installations and also the continued maintenance of the system,' he said.

The committee placed a motion to favorably recommend HB240 and recorded a unanimous committee vote, 4-0. The bill will proceed to the full Senate under the committee recommendation.

Next steps: HB240 will be scheduled for Senate floor consideration.