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JUAN CARLOS PEREZ vs ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LICENSING BOARD, 98-003634 (1998)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Aug. 12, 1998 Number: 98-003634 Latest Update: Jul. 15, 2004

The Issue Whether the Respondent should receive a passing grade on the Alarm Systems I Contractor Examination administered January 30, 1998.

Findings Of Fact Based on the oral and documentary evidence presented at the final hearing and on the entire record of this proceeding, the following findings of fact are made: The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating electrical contractors, including alarm systems contractors, in the State of Florida. Sections 489.511, .515, and .533, Florida Statutes (1997). Mr. Perez sat for the Alarm Systems I Contractor Examination on January 30, 1998. He disputes the Department's determination that the answers he gave to questions 21, 58, and 59 are incorrect. These three questions are objective, multiple- choice questions, and the examination candidate is to choose the correct answer from among four possible answers. According to the Department, the correct answer to question 21 is "A"; Mr. Perez chose answer "C." Question 21 is clear and unambiguous, and the correct answer was included among the choices provided. The correct answer is found in the Specifications for Plans which, together with a set of blueprints, was provided to the examination candidates with the examination booklet. On the back of the Specifications for Plans, the examination candidates were told that the document was to be used with the examination for licensure. Several of the questions on the examination were based on information contained in the specifications and blueprints. Although the examination candidates had not seen the specifications and blueprints prior to the examination, the requirement that the candidates use these documents in answering questions on the examination is not unfair. The Department could have had the legitimate purpose of testing the candidates' ability to read blueprints and specifications. Mr. Perez should not receive credit for his answer to question 21 because, according to the information contained in the specifications, the answer he gave is not the correct answer. According to the Department, the correct answer to question 58 is "C"; Mr. Perez chose answer "A." Question 58 is clear and unambiguous, and the correct answer was included among the choices provided. The correct answer can be derived from information found in the reference material Mr. Perez was permitted to use while he was taking the examination. Although the correct answer could not be found in the reference material word-for-word, it was not unfair for the Department to expect the examination candidates to use the information provided to calculate the correct answer to the question. Mr. Perez should not receive credit for his answer to question 58 because the answer he gave is not the correct answer. According to the Department, the correct answer to question 59 is "D"; Mr. Perez chose answer "A." Question 59 is clear and unambiguous, and the correct answer was included among the choices provided. The correct answer can be derived from both text and a schematic found in the reference material Mr. Perez was permitted to use while he was taking the examination. Although the correct answer could not be found in the reference material word-for-word, it was not unfair for the Department to expect the examination candidates to derive the correct answer from the information available in the materials. Mr. Perez should not receive credit for his answer to question 59 because the answer he gave is not the correct answer.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, enter a final order dismissing Juan Carlos Perez's petition challenging the subject examination questions. DONE AND ENTERED this 27th day of April, 1999, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. PATRICIA HART MALONO Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 27th day of April, 1999. COPIES FURNISHED: Illa Jones, Executive Director Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board Department of Business and Professional Regulations 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 R. Beth Atchinson, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Rgulations 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32300-1007 William Woodyard, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulations 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Juan Carlos Perez 7451 Southwest 161st Place Miami, Florida 33193

Florida Laws (3) 120.569489.511489.516
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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs LITTO`S APARTMENTS, 00-004323 (2000)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Avon Park, Florida Oct. 19, 2000 Number: 00-004323 Latest Update: Mar. 28, 2001

The Issue Did the Respondent commit the offenses alleged in the Administrative Complaint Following Emergency Closure and, if so, what penalty should be imposed?

Findings Of Fact Upon consideration of the oral and documentary evidence adduced at the hearing, the following relevant findings of fact are made: The Department is the agency of the State of Florida charged with the responsibility of licensing and regulating public lodging establishments. At all times pertinent to this proceeding, Respondent was a licensed public lodging establishment as that term is defined in Section 509.013(4)(a), Florida Statutes, license number 38-00194-H, located at 1720 US Highway 27, Avon Park, Florida. At all times pertinent to this proceeding, Richard Barnhart was employed by the Department as a Sanitation and Safety Specialist. At all times pertinent to this proceeding, Ed Madden was employed by the Department as a Sanitation and Safety Supervisor. On March 10, 2000, Barnhart performed a routine inspection of Respondent's public lodging establishment (Litto's Apartments) and observed two safety violations which were classified as violations of critical concern. A violation classified as of critical concern is required to be corrected immediately. The safety violations observed by Barnhart were: (a) fire extinguisher missing on north side of Units 1 an 2 which resulted in some of the apartments located in Units 1 and 2 not having a fire extinguisher available within a maximum distance of 75 feet; and (b) no smoke detectors in apartments 1, 3, and 8. On March 10, 2000, Barnhart prepared a Lodging Inspection Report advising Respondent of, among other things, the safety violations that had to be corrected by March 18, 2000. Eugene Riggs, Respondent's Apartment Manager, acknowledged receipt of the inspection report listing the violations and the date for correction of the violations of critical concern. On March 21, 2000, Barnhart performed a Call Back/Re- Inspection of Litto's Apartments and observed the same safety violations that were observed on March 10, 2000. On March 21, 2000, Barnhart prepared a Call Back/Re- Inspection Report advising Respondent that the violations observed on March 10, 2000, had not been corrected. This report advised Respondent that the report should be considered a warning and that Respondent would be issued a Notice to Show Cause why sanctions should not be assessed against Respondent's license. Eugene Riggs acknowledged receipt of a copy of the Call Back/Re-Inspection Report. During a routine inspection conducted on March 21, 2000, Barnhart observed that: (a) the apartments' water supply was less than 75 feet from a septic tank and drain field, a sanitation violation of critical concern not observed on March 10, 2000; (b) there was raw sewage in an open septic tank on the premises, a sanitation violation of critical concern not observed on March 10, 2000; and (c) a septic tank had been disconnected resulting in raw sewage being dumped on the ground, a sanitation violation of critical concern not observed on March 10, 2000. Barnhart prepared a Lodging Inspection Report listing the violations observed during his routine inspection on March 21, 2000. Eugene Riggs acknowledged receipt of a copy of this report which, among other things, advised Respondent of the deadline of March 28, 2000, for correcting the additional violations observed on March 21, 2000, and the deadline of March 21, 2000, for correcting the violation observed on March 10, 2000, and not corrected by March 21, 2000. On March 28, 2000, Barnhart performed a Call Back/Re-Inspection of Litto's Apartments and observed that the violations observed on March 10, 2000, and March 21, 2000, had not been corrected. Barnhart prepared a Call Back/Re- Inspection Report on March 28, 2000, advising Respondent that the violations had not been corrected and that a Notice to Show Cause why sanctions should not be assessed against Respondent's license would be issued. On April 7, 2000, Barnhart and Supervisor Madden conducted a joint routine inspection of Litto's Apartments and observed that the violations of March 10, 2000, March 21, 2000, and March 28, 2000, had not been corrected. On April 7, 2000, a Lodging inspection Report was prepared advising Respondent that the violations noted on March 10, 2000, March 21, 2000, and March 28, 2000, had not been corrected. Based on the testimony of Richard Barnhart and Ed Madden, whose testimonies I find to be credible, there is sufficient evidence to show that: (a) a fire extinguisher was missing from the north side of the Units 1 and 2 which resulted in some of the apartments in Units 1 an 2 not having a fire extinguisher available within a maximum distance of 75 feet at the time of the inspection on March 10, 2000, and no fire extinguisher had been installed on the north side of Units 1 and 2 at time of the inspection on April 7, 2000, or during the intervening time; (b) smoke detectors were not installed in apartments 1, 3, and 8 at the time of the inspections on March 10, 2000, and smoke detector had not been installed in apartments 1, 3, and 8 at the time of the inspection on April 7, 2000, or during the intervening time; (c) at the time of the March 21, 2000, inspection, there was raw sewage in an open septic tank and sewage on the ground due to a septic tank blowout which had not been corrected at the time of the inspection on April 7, 2000, or during the intervening time; and (d) the water supply was located less than 75 feet from septic tank and drain field at the time of the inspection on March 21, 2000, which had not been corrected at the time of the inspection on April 7, 2000, or during the intervening time. Respondent's failure to have sufficient fire extinguishers properly located on its premises and Respondent's failure to correct this violation resulted in a significant threat to the public safety and welfare in that the residents were not properly protected from the danger of fire. Respondent's failure to provide smoke detectors in all of the apartments resulted in a significant threat to the public safety and welfare in that the residents were not being properly protected from the danger of fire. Respondent's failure to correct the contaminated water supply, correct the situation concerning the raw sewage being dumped on the ground, and to correct the situation where raw sewage was being left in an open septic tank resulted in a significant threat to the public health, safety, and welfare in that not only were the tenants being subjected to those unsanitary conditions but the general public as well. An Order of Emergency Suspension of License and Closure was issued by Respondent and signed by Gary Tillman, District Administrator, having been delegated this authority by the Director of Hotels and Restaurants. The Order of Emergency Suspension of License and Closure is dated March 7, 2000. However, this appears to be scrivener's error in that the order alleges violation that are alleged to have occurred on March 10, 21, 28, 2000, and April 7, 2000. Also, the Certificate of Service is dated April 7, 2000. The Order of Emergency Suspension of License and Closure was still in effect on December 18, 2000, the date of the hearing.

Recommendation Having considered the serious nature of the offenses committed by the Respondent, that Respondent is presently under an Order of Emergency Suspension of License and Closure for these same offenses, and that the Department is requesting that only an administrative fine be imposed against Respondent, it is recommended that the Department enter a final order finding that Respondent committed the offenses alleged in the Administrative Complaint Following Emergency Closure and imposing an administrative fine of $1,200.00 as requested by the Department. DONE AND ENTERED this 15th of February, 2001, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. ___________________________________ WILLIAM R. CAVE Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6947 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 15th day of February, 2001. COPIES FURNISHED: Charles F. Tunnicliff, Esquire Division of Hotels and Restaurant Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Litto's Apartments 1720 U.S. Highway 27 Avon Park, Florida 33825-9589 Ahmed Anjuman 1720 U.S. Highway 27 Avon Park, Florida 32825-9589 Susan R. McKinney, Director Division of Hotels and Restaurants Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Barbara D. Auger, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792

Florida Laws (3) 120.57509.013509.221 Florida Administrative Code (3) 61C-1.002161C-1.00464E-6.005
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KENNETH J. MAXWELL vs ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LICENSING BOARD, 98-003468 (1998)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Jul. 29, 1998 Number: 98-003468 Latest Update: Jul. 15, 2004

The Issue Whether Petitioner meets the criteria to sit for the Alarm Contractor I licensure examination.

Findings Of Fact The Electrical Contractor's Licensing Board is the agency of the State of Florida responsible for licensing alarm system contractors. Section 489.505, Florida Statutes, contains the following definitions pertaining to this proceeding: As used in this part: "Alarm system" means any electrical device or combination of electrical devices used to detect a situation which causes an alarm in the event of a burglary, fire, robbery, medical emergency, or equipment failure. "Alarm system contractor" means a person whose business includes the execution of contracts requiring the ability, experience, science, knowledge, and skill to lay out, fabricate, install, maintain, alter, repair, monitor, inspect, replace, or service alarm systems for compensation, including, but not limited to, all types of alarm systems for all purposes. "Alarm system contractor I" means an alarm system contractor whose business includes all types of alarm systems for all purposes. . . . Petitioner applied to sit for the alarm system contractor I examination pursuant to the provisions of Section 489.511(2)(a)3.c., Florida Statutes, which provides that a person can sit for the licensure examination if that person: c. Has, within the 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application, at least 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education, or broad experience associated with an electrical or alarm system installation or servicing endeavor; or Rule 61G6-5.003(1)(c)2., Florida Administrative Code, provides, in pertinent part, as follows: Any person desiring to take the certification examination must establish that he or she meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria: * * * (c) Has, within 12 years immediately preceding the filing of the application, at least 6 years of comprehensive training, technical education, or broad experience associated with an electrical or an alarm system installation or servicing endeavor. The experience required must include: * * * 2. For an alarm contractor I, at least 40% of work that is in fire alarm systems. By letter dated June 16, 1998, Respondent denied Petitioner's application on the ground that the application failed to demonstrate compliance with Rule 61G6-5.003(1)(c)2., Florida Administrative Code. At all times pertinent to this proceeding, Petitioner worked full-time for Florida Power and Light in the capacity of a connect and disconnect man. Petitioner described this position as installing electric meters or disconnecting electric meters when there has been an initiation, change, or termination of service. Petitioner's employment with Florida Power and Light does not require him to work directly with any type of alarm system. The application form provided by Respondent required Petitioner to submit a representative list of his experience. He was to provide a detailed description of the work performed, the job location and address, the general contractor's name, and the name and telephone number of the contractor who pulled the permit. Petitioner provided information pertaining to five jobs in his application and at the formal hearing. Petitioner claimed to have worked on the burglar and fire alarm system during the construction of the First Baptist Church of Brownsville, 4600 Northwest 23rd Avenue, Miami, Florida, between March 29, 1997, and February 9, 1998. Petitioner claimed that he designed the fire alarm system and drew the plans for that system on the blueprint that was used for the construction of the building. Petitioner also claimed to have participated in the installation of the fire and burglar alarm systems. Petitioner testified that the alarm system had 99 devices and was a Fire Light 5210 U.D. system. Petitioner testified that he kept a computer generated time ticket for each job. These computer records were not offered into evidence. Petitioner testified that he spent approximately 2300 hours on the job involving the church. 1/ The second job identified by Petitioner was a joint project with West Kendall Electric for the installation of a NAPCO 2600 model fire alarm system in a residence between March and October 1993. Petitioner estimated that he spent approximately twenty hours on this job. The third job identified by Petitioner was the installation of a residential fire alarm system, security system, burglar alarm system, intercom system, television antenna system, and telephone system at a residence located at 199905 Southwest 135th Avenue, Miami, Florida. The dates of the job were between December 19, 1990, and July 15, 1991. The fire and burglar alarm system was a NAPCO 2600 model. Petitioner did not estimate the amount of time he expended on that job. The fourth job identified by Petitioner was the installation of a NAPCO 3000 model system at 14911 Southwest 144th Terrace, Miami, Florida. Petitioner described this system as an industrial fire and burglar alarm panel with automation and approximately 35 sensors. The dates of the job were between January 6, 1995, and October 20, 1996. Petitioner testified that he expended approximately 90 hours on this project, with forty to forty-five percent of the job being devoted to the fire alarm system. The fifth job identified by Petitioner was the installation of a NAPCO 2600 model fire and burglar alarm system at 14460 Southwest 152nd Court, Miami, Florida. This was another joint project with West Kendall Electric. Petitioner estimated that he expended 80 hours on that job with forty to forty-five percent of the job being devoted to the fire alarm system. This job lasted between December 14, 1993, and March 27, 1994. Petitioner testified that he spent 2,358 hours on the five jobs he identified. He also stated that he had devoted 1,414 of those hours to burglar alarm systems, "according to the ratio." 2/ Petitioner testified that he had been a member of the National Fire Protection Association since 1994. There are no standards for admission to that association, other than the payment of a membership fee. Petitioner has attended various fire alarm seminars over the years sponsored either by system manufactures or associations, such as the National Fire Protection Association. He attended a seminar consisting of 16 hours sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association in May of 1994. He attended an alarm installers seminar sponsored by a manufacturer in February 1990 consisting of 24 hours over a three-day period. He attended another seminar sponsored by a manufacturer for eight hours on October 29, 1992. Petitioner attended a fire alarm training seminar on May 19, 1998.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent enter a Final Order that denies Petitioner's application to sit for the certification examination. DONE AND ENTERED this 4th day of January, 1999, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CLAUDE B. ARRINGTON Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 4th day of January, 1999.

Florida Laws (2) 120.57489.505 Florida Administrative Code (1) 61G6-5.001
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DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS vs GALILEE, 03-002409 (2003)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:West Palm Beach, Florida Jul. 01, 2003 Number: 03-002409 Latest Update: Jul. 15, 2004

The Issue The issue for determination is whether Respondent committed the offenses set forth in the Amended Administrative Complaint and, if so, what action should be taken.

Findings Of Fact At all times material hereto, Galilee was licensed by the Department. Galilee's last known address is 4685 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach, Florida. Galilee is a lodging establishment, consisting of rental apartments. It was originally constructed in 1995 as an assisted living facility but, as a business decision, the owner subsequently converted it to rental apartments. The Department's inspector inspected the outside of Galilee on December 18, 2002, and again on January 17, 2003. The inspector found deficiencies at the first inspection, and at the second inspection three deficiencies remained uncorrected. The uncorrected deficiencies were (1) the current report of the annual inspection for the fire sprinkler system was not available; (2) fire extinguishers failed to have state certification tags affixed; and (3) no backflow prevention device on the exterior hose connection to the apartment building. The failure to have available the current report of the annual inspection for the fire sprinkler system was a critical violation. The deficiency was classified as a critical violation because the annual report is the only way that an inspector can ascertain that the fire sprinkler system is operational. The inspector requested the current annual report at the first visit but it was not available. The failure of the fire extinguishers to have state certification tags affixed was a critical violation. The deficiency was classified as a critical violation because the state certified tag verifies that an extinguisher is in proper working order and is being properly maintained. The failure to have a backflow prevention device on the exterior hose connection to the apartment building was not a critical violation. The backflow prevention device stops negative water pressure. At the first inspection, the inspector explained the violations to the owner and gave him a 30-day warning to have the violations corrected, advising the owner that she would return on January 17, 2003, for a follow-up inspection. The violations were not corrected at the follow-up inspection 30 days later. The evidence shows that all the violations were corrected within a month to a month and a half after the second inspection. Galilee provided mitigating circumstances for the violations not being corrected at the time of the second inspection. As to the deficiency regarding availability of the current report of the annual inspection for the fire sprinkler system, Galilee has a current report dated February 27, 2003. Also, Galilee suggests that the inspector did not request the report. The undersigned finds the inspector's testimony credible that she requested the report. Further, the evidence shows that Galilee confused the requested report with the report of the fire department's inspection. The inspector testified, and her testimony is found credible, that the report of the annual inspection for the fire sprinkler system is generated by a private company, not the fire department, because the fire department does not perform the inspection required for the requested report. As to the deficiency regarding tagging of the fire extinguishers, Galilee's owner purchased fire extinguishers from Home Depot and was not aware that the extinguishers were required to be tagged at the time of the first inspection. Subsequent to the second inspection, the fire extinguishers were tagged by the AAC United Fire and Safety Department, with which Galilee has a contract to inspect the fire extinguishers. As to the deficiency regarding backflow prevention device, it too was corrected subsequent to the second inspection. Furthermore, even though the deficiencies were corrected subsequent to the second inspection, Galilee began the process to correct the deficiencies after the first inspection. Galilee was not ignoring the deficiencies. The deficiencies were not timely corrected because Galilee's owner was attempting to obtain, whom he considered, the proper people to perform the tasks involved and have the tasks performed at a reasonable expense. No evidence of prior disciplinary action being taken against Galilee by the Department was presented.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants enter a final order: Finding that Galilee violated NFPA Life Safety Code 25, 1-8.2 and Food Code Rule 5-204.12. Dismissing the violation of Florida Administrative Code Rule 61C-1.004(5). Imposing an administrative fine of $1,500.00, payable under terms and conditions deemed appropriate. S DONE AND ENTERED this 31st day of October, 2003, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. ____ ERROL H. POWELL Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of October, 2003.

Florida Laws (2) 120.57509.261
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DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND TREASURER vs POLK FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE INC., AND IRA DEVON CANADY, 92-006551 (1992)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Lakeland, Florida Oct. 29, 1992 Number: 92-006551 Latest Update: Aug. 02, 1993

The Issue Whether or not Respondents improperly serviced portable fire extinguishers and pre-engineered fire suppression systems as specifically alleged in the administrative complaints filed herein on October 8 and November 4, 1992.

Findings Of Fact During times material herein, Respondent Polk Fire Extinguisher Service, Inc. and its owner, Ira Devon Canady, was a licensed dealer for portable extinguishers and pre-engineered systems for fire protection and prevention. During times material hereto, Respondent Floyd E. Nicks, was a permittee for the servicing of portable extinguishers and pre-engineered systems. On or about January 29, 1992, Respondent Polk caused its licensed permittee, James G. Boykin, an employee under Respondent Polk's direct supervision and control, to service a pre-engineered fire suppression system at the Highway 27 truck stop in Lake Wales, Florida. On March 14, 1992, a fire started in the kitchen area of the truck stop. On March 17, 1992, Investigator Phillip J. Gruda, an employee in the fire sprinkler industry in excess of 26 years, was summoned to investigate the fire which occurred in the restaurant (kitchen area) of the truck stop wherein the fire suppression system failed to function as designed. Investigator Gruda immediately initiated his investigation. He noted that a fire started in the kitchen. The fire origin was in the area of the range hood which became completely engulfed in flames and the suppression system did not activate. The fire suppression system which was installed in the hood of the oven utilizes a fusible link which melts when exposed to intense heat. The melted link sets off an ignitor which lets the fire retardant powder from the system extinguish the fire. An examination of the system revealed that the control head was twisted and the cable which connects the fusible link and the remote pull station was twisted preventing the system from discharging. Investigator Gruda also discovered that the cable had dislodged from the pulley extending from the control head which further prevented the system from firing. On approximately January 29, 1992, Respondent Polk used its agent/permittee, Boykin, to also service two portable extinguishers at the truck stop in Lake Wales. Permittee Boykin failed to perform the required six-year maintenance on portable fire extinguisher No. 873430; failed to discover that the gauge on said extinguisher indicated it had discharged; failed to discover that the extinguisher had leaked and to remove the old label from the extinguisher; failed to perform the hydrostatic test on the extinguisher and placed an incorrect serial number on the service tag. Also, Boykin did not leak test the extinguisher. The above-referenced extinguisher failed to discharge during the fire on March 14, 1992 at the truck stop. On or about December 19, 1990, Respondent Polk caused its agent/permittee, Floyd E. Nicks, an employee under Respondent Polk's direct supervision and control, to service a pre-engineered system at the truck stop in Lake Wales. Respondent Nicks was dispatched to perform a six-year service maintenance on the system and at Respondent Polk's direction, used a generic BC powder instead of the required safety first specified powder thereby invalidating the underwriter's laboratory (UL) listing. During December, 1990, Respondent Nicks also failed to perform the required hydrostatic test for cylinder No. 24991 which was part of the pre- engineered system at the truck stop. Respondent, by its agent and employee Boykin, during December, 1991, serviced a pre-engineered system at the Lone Palm Country Club in Lakeland. Agent Boykin failed to properly service the system and investigations by Gruda subsequently revealed the following violations: S-4 Venturi was missing over the char- broiler appliance tee. Incorrect duct nozzles and plenum nozzles. Six elbows were used to connect the yoke instead of the specified five. The pipeline limits did not meet specifi- cation. The system was not piped in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The duct nozzle was not centered. The filters were not baffled and "range guard" corner pulleys were used instead of "safety first" as specified. Based on these violations, the gas charbroiler was not properly protected by the fire suppression system. On or about July 31, 1991, the parties entered a consent order against Respondent Polk wherein Respondent was placed on probation for one year. One condition of probation set forth in the Consent Order was that Respondent Polk would strictly adhere to all provisions of Chapter 633, Florida Statutes and rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of facts and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that: Petitioner enter a final order revoking the licenses and permits of Respondents Polk Fire Extinguisher Service, Inc., Ira Devon Canady and Floyd E. Nicks. RECOMMENDED this 2nd day of August, 1993, in Tallahassee, Florida. JAMES E. BRADWELL Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 2nd day of August, 1993. APPENDIX TO THE RECOMMENDED ORDER IN CASE NO. 92-6551 and 92-0023 Ruling on Petitioner's proposed findings of fact. Paragraph 8, rejected as being a conclusion. COPIES FURNISHED: Tom Gallagher, State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner Department of Insurance and Treasurer The Capitol, Plaza Level 11 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Bill O'Neill, General Counsel Department of Insurance and Treasurer The Capitol, Plaza Level Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Daniel T. Gross, Esquire Division of Legal Services Department of Insurance and Treasurer 612 Larson Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300 Ira Devon Canady, Owner Polk Fire Extinguisher Services, Inc. Post Office Box 384 Lakeland, Florida 33801 Floyd E. Nicks, pro se 1137 Carlton Lake Wales, Florida 33853

Florida Laws (1) 120.57
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