Section 1.4 of NFPA Standard 130 is hereby amended to read as follows:

1.4* Equivalency. The building official and the fire marshal shall have the authority to evaluate and approve or reject alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code; provided, that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction may be approved where the building official and fire marshal find that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and life safety.