3734                                            JOINT RESOLUTIONS

combustion products of building materials may result in more
effective prevention of fire deaths; and

WHEREAS, The relationship between the fire deaths and the
ease of ignition, rate of heat release, smoke development, toxic
combustion products, and other factors, such as detection devices
and new development of quick response sprinklers, may require
that government reexamine the regulation of the use of materials
for constructing and furnishing buildings, fire safety systems,
and detection and suppression, or other remedies; and

WHEREAS, The long term effects of toxic combustion products
on the health of the public is generally unknown, and the effects
of these products on the health of fire fighters may require
additional evaluation of protective equipment, physical fitness,
and health care of these valued public servants to protect our
property from catastrophe; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is requested to establish a Task Force to study fire
deaths, the cause of fire deaths, combustibility, flammability,
fire gas toxicity, suppression and detection systems, and
encourage state of the art research being conducted with regard
to fire safety in the United States of America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force be composed of the following
members appointed by the Governor:

(1)  A member of the Maryland State and District of
Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association;

(2)  A member of the International Association of Fire
Fighters;

(3)  A member of the Maryland State Volunteer
Fireman's Association;

(4)  The Secretary of the Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene or has the Secretary's designee;

(5)  A representative of the Department of Economic
and Community Development;

(6)  A member of the Maryland Council on Toxic
Substances;

(7)  The Commissioner of Labor and Industry or has the
Secretary's designee;

(8)  Two 2 local fire officials having responsibility
for the enforcement or administration of fire codes;

(9)  A representative of the Maryland Association of
Counties who has knowledge of or is responsible for the
administration of building codes;