The enforcing agent may approve an alternative equipment, material or method of construction provided it finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this chapter, that the equipment, material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least equivalent to that prescribed in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation or that the methods of installation proposed conform to other acceptable nationally recognized standards.
The enforcing agent shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate claims that may be made regarding the use of alternative equipment, material or method of construction.
Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the enforcing agent may require tests as proof of compliance to be made at no expense to the enforcing agent. Tests shall be made in accordance with approved standards, but in the absence of such standards the enforcing agent may specify the test procedure.