Company Qualifiers – What happens when you need to replace them?

In Louisiana, a qualifier for a business licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office must meet certain criteria to ensure that the business is capable of performing fire protection and safety services.  The qualifier plays a critical role in ensuring that the licensed business adheres to fire safety standards and operates within the regulatory framework set by the state.  It is very helpful for companies to have more than one qualifier on staff as the need to replace a qualifier often comes without notice.  If a company licensed by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office loses its qualifier (the individual responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance), the company must take the following steps to maintain its license:

1. Notify the State Fire Marshal’s Office: The company must inform the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office immediately (currently the law states within 10 days) upon the loss of the qualifier. This could be due to resignation, termination, death, or other reasons for the qualifier no longer being employed by the company.
2. Appoint a Temporary Qualifier (if applicable): In some cases, the State Fire Marshal may allow the company to appoint a temporary qualifier if another qualified individual is available within the company. This person must have the required knowledge and experience but may still need to pass the necessary exams.
3. Find a Replacement Qualifier: The company is required to designate a new full-time qualifier who meets all the necessary qualifications, including passing the required examinations.  If you have more than one qualifier on staff this is simply a matter of paperwork
   1. Professional Expertise: The qualifier must have sufficient knowledge and experience in the fire protection industry relevant to the specific license category, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, or life safety systems.
   2. Passing Required Exams: The qualifier must pass the appropriate training and examination(s) administered or approved by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. The exams ensure the individual understands the technical and regulatory aspects of the services the business intends to provide.
   3. Employment with the Licensed Company: The qualifier must be a full-time employee of the company seeking a license. They are responsible for overseeing the compliance of the company’s operations with state regulations.
4. Application for New Qualifier: Once a new qualifier is selected, the company must apply to the State Fire Marshal’s Office identifying the new qualifier, along with their qualifications, exam results, and relevant experience.
5. Compliance Period: The State Fire Marshal’s Office typically grants a grace period for the company to find a new qualifier. During this time, the company can continue operating, but it must ensure that a new qualified individual is appointed within the timeframe allowed. Failure to do so could result in the suspension or revocation of the company’s license.
6. Suspension of License (if necessary): If the company fails to designate a new qualifier within the allotted time, the license may be suspended, and the business may be prohibited from performing fire protection work until a new qualifier is approved.
7. Continuing Education and Recertification: The qualifier is required to complete 8 hours of continuing education or training per year in addition to mandatory Administrative Review and Plan Review Classes taught by the State Fire Marshal’s Office to maintain their status and stay current with fire safety codes and regulations.

It’s essential for the company to act quickly to avoid disruptions in their business operations.  It is strongly suggested that companies have more than one qualifier on staff to avoid the issues that can arise in the event the current full-time qualifier is no longer available to the company.