Public Meeting Notice  BBRS Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Advisory Committee Meeting - 4.29.26

Microsoft Teams Meeting Link 

Meeting ID: 265 866 077 077 77 

Passcode: pB2cw3Bc 

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+1 857-327-9245,,711630778# United States, Boston 

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Phone conference ID: 711 630 778#

In accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30A § 20, notice is hereby given that the Board of Building Regulations and Standards 11^th Edition Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Subcommittee will be convening a meeting. 

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting, please reach out to Cheryl Yebba at 617- 701-8711. The Agency will make best efforts to accommodate requests received in a timely manner.

In accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 30A § 20, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards 11^th Edition Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Subcommittee convened a regular meeting on: 

Microsoft Teams Meeting April 29, 2026 

The topics shown below were discussed at the aforementioned meeting: 9:30 A.M. Chair LeBlanc called the open meeting to order. 

Board members present:

• Chair LeBlanc, Fire Protection Engineer (Chair)
• Matthew Bourque, Building/Commercial Developer
• Tom Farland, Municipal Fire Official
• Carissa Lisee, Division of Occupational Licensure Appointee
• Luke McKneally, BBRS Member (Secretary)
• Steven Nocco, Municipal Building Official
• Jake Nunnemacher, State Fire Marshall Designee
• Michael Yanovitch, Building Contractor

Board members absent: 

• Eric Svahn, Architect

DOL Staff present: 

• Tammy Gropman, Executive Director 
• Charles Kilb, Senior Board Counsel

Acknowledged public attendees: 

• Js Rancourt, HTS and DXS New England
• Thomas Deary, AHRI

1. Review/Discuss/Vote Minutes of March 25, 2026 meeting 
   1. Jake Nunnemacher motioned to accept the meeting minutes as presented,  seconded by Carissa Lisee.  During discussion, request made by Jake Nunnemacher to edit the minutes to reflect a clarification about statutory reference to nightclub definition.  By unanimous consent, the motion to approve was amended to include this amendment. 
   2. The members present voted unanimously to accept the minutes with amendment as requested by Jake Nunnemacher, no abstentions, no oppositions.
2. Review/Discuss Code change tracker form
   1. Luke McKneally had no new updates to provide
3. Reviewed/Discussed/Voted Assigned code sections
   1. A2L update given by Js Rancourt and Thomas Deary

      1. Chair LeBlanc introduced the topic of A2Ls.  Js Rancourt was invited to speak to the code proposal submitted along with accompanying presentation and supporting evidence.  He noted ASHRAE schedule 15 issued addendum B which clarifies things related to shafts. Mr. Rancourt shared a summary of the code proposals previously submitted noting the main proposal is to allow ASHRAE 15 to be an alternate compliance path, removing conflicts between ASHRAE and IMC.  The major items addressed for A2Ls that are missing in IMC 2024 included but are not limited to how volumes are calculated, refrigerant detectors, pipe shafts, and ventilation requirements.  It was discussed how IMC 2024 will also pull in ASHRAE language, yet the proposals are for allowing for an alternate path.  Mr. Rancourt provided background of pipe shaft and ventilation over the last editions of ASHRAE to include the most recent addendum B as well as recent IMC editions.  Chair LeBlanc noted an ask of the subcommittee for research correlating A2L in shafts specifically was unfounded.  Ignition source was provided as a driver by AHRI noting conclusion that sparks from electrical devices in wall cavity would not ignite A2L.  Link to testing provided to subcommittee.  Mr. Rancourt noted that IMC 2027 has already changed the language on the topics of shafts in the clause to match ASHRAE’s language and share requirements have been eliminated. The discussion continued with refrigerant suppression systems and how the alarm functions work. 

         Attorney Kilb commented that the BBRS voted to adopt code changes to the 10^th edition based on 2021 I codes which are still in progress. 

         Luke McKneally stated he would take all the code proposals along with code language and make a blended code doc for Chapter 11 to see how changes fit in with current IMC 2024 Chapter 11. 

         Mr. Rancourt will share with staff an updated word doc that combines all code language into a blended doc with strikeouts and additions. This document will replicate the seven underlined questions from code proposal doc and include background/supporting information.  It was noted the current code change proposal is a difficult and clunky form to use.  Recommendation to BBRS to create a word doc template instead of PDF template.

   2. Chapter 4 IBC 
      1. Chair LeBlanc introduced the topic.  Minimal discussion on signposting.  This will be added to next meeting. 
   3. Chapter 9 IBC
      1. Chair LeBlanc introduced the topic.  Discussion started with Section 913 and references in a sprinkler section that might involve the plumbing code.  Attorney Kilb will follow up with DOL plumbing staff to see if the plumbing code is implicated.  Discussion tabled.  Section 913.6  Second Power Source discussed.  Debate raised should all fire pumps require back up power.  Meeting  was nearing time, therefore this topic will be carried to next meeting.   
4. Reviewed homework assignments
   1. Minimal discussion to ensure members have sections complete and as word docs for next meeting to allow for discussion
5. Discussedother matters not reasonably anticipated 48 hours in advance of the meeting. No matter presented. 
6. Adjournment – the next meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM
   1. Michael Yanovitch motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jake Nunnemacher. 
   2. The members present voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 12:28 PM.  No abstentions, no oppositions.

Items relied upon during the open meeting

• Agenda
• Draft minutes
• Code proposals
• Presentation

It is anticipated that the topics shown below will be discussed at the aforementioned meeting: 

1. Review/Discuss/ Vote Minutes of the following meeting: 
   1. March 25, 2026 
2. Review/Discuss Code change tracker form
3. Review/Discuss/Vote Assigned code sections
   1. A2L update given by Thomas Deary and Js Rancourt
   2. Chapter 4 IBC 2024 (including sections 415, 421, 425)
   3. Chapter 9 IBC 2024
4. Review/Discuss Homework assignments
5. Discuss matters not reasonably anticipated by the chair, 48 hours in advance of the meeting

Adjournment – the next scheduled meeting is May 13, 2026