Nov/Dec 2017 Sprinkler Age by SprinklerAge

CHANCE MCCOLLISTER 10 IS TOP APPRENTICE

NOV / DEC 2017

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 36/06

WAYNE WEISZ 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2018 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

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SprinklerAge

Vol 36 / 06 November/December 2017

Features 10 | McCollister Wins National Apprentice Competition

AFSA Showcases “Best of the Best” in Vegas

16 | AFSA36 is the Biggest Industry Event Ever

Record-Breaking Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition

20 | Welcome Your 2017-2018 Board of Directors

Officers and Directors Lead AFSA

24 | Too Busy to Train?

Abandon That Attitude and Embrace Apprenticeship Training!

26 | Adequacy of Building Structure Support

Responsibility Does Not Lay With Sprinkler Contractors

ON THE COVER

28 | M/S Council Elections Held

Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems,

29 | Legislative Review 2017

AFSA’s Chairman of the Board. Read

Representatives Work on Behalf of Associate Members Codes, Standards and Regulations in the U.S. and Canada

38 | California Sprinkler Fitter Classification

What You Need to Know

42 | NFPA 13D Water Supplies

VSC Fire & Security Thinks “Outside the Box” to Recruit the Next Generation

46 | Five Steps to Better Advocate for Home Fire Sprinklers

How to Better Promote This Technology and, in Essence, Your Business

50 | AHJs and Contractors

Develop Good Relationships

52 | Increasing Productivity

The Field/Office Connection

55 | Thank You for Your Support!

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

56 | Scholarships + Sprinklers

details about the incoming Board on page 20. Inset; Congratulations to Chance McCollister, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana, AFSA’s top apprentice!

What is the Actual Duration of Your 10-Minute Tank?

44 | Recruiting in the Fire Sprinkler Industry

Lodi, California, has been elected

A Recipe for Success

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

62 AHJ PERSPECTIVE 64 NEW MEMBERS 65 U.S. CONSTRUCTION 66 CHAPTER NEWS 68 AFSA NEWS 70 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 74 PRODUCT NEWS 76 INDUSTRY NEWS 78

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

58 | Three Decades of Design Training

Popular School Prepares Designers to Become Productive Upon Graduation

60 | AFSA Updates Fitter Training Series

Customize Training to Your Business’ Needs

SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bimonthly for $33.95 per year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SPRINKLER AGE, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 5

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE EDITORIAL: 214 349 5965

BY WAYNE WEISZ AFSA Chairman of the Board

FRANK MORTL III, CAE, Publisher D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115 dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext. 126; nduvall@firesprinkler.org ADVERTISING: 214 349 5965

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org CIRCULATION : 214 349 5965

As I sit here this morning and reflect back on the last couple of weeks, it is hard for me personally to not just be thrilled. As we know, every two years the AFSA Board of Directors has a change in officers. I have been given the honor of serving as Chairman of this incredible association. When I look at the list of names of the past Chairmen and look at the impact they have had on the industry, it is a little humbling for me to add my name to such an esteemed list. I would also like to congratulate the rest of our executive committee: Ted Wills, First Vice Chair; Jack Medovich, Second Vice Chair; Linda Biernacki, Secretary; and Paul DeLorie, Treasurer.

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WAYNE WEISZ, CHAIRMAN 209-334-9119 THEODORE C. WILLS, JR., FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN 610-754-7836 JACK A. MEDOVICH, SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN 410-787-0639 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, SECRETARY 318-841-0330

I would be remiss if I did not first of all thank outgoing Chairman Michael Meehan. Under his leadership as Chairman of Board of Directors these last two years, we have witnessed growth in membership, chapters developed, and overall strength of our association within the fire sprinkler industry. All of this was happening while we were navigating through a change in the position of president of our association. Steve Muncy’s decision to retire after 28 years of very dedicated service to our association led to the hiring of our current president Frank Mortl III, CAE. It was a very eventful two years for Michael.

PAUL DELORIE, TREASURER 603-432-8221

At the time of this writing, we have just finished the largest convention in the history of our industry: AFSA36: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition. The participation numbers for this year’s show in Las Vegas were unprecedented: over 250 fire sprinkler contractor organizations, 136 individual exhibitor companies, 11 designer groups, and 32 Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). The total number of individuals registered was 1,411. Representatives from 29 chapters throughout the country and Canada were present. Participants enjoyed a fantastic lineup of seminars as well as an equally impressive group of presenters. Most seminars were full to capacity. I want to thank Marlene Garrett and the outstanding staff at AFSA for all of their hard work. It was truly the best convention I have ever attended.

AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965

For me, one of the biggest highlights at this year’s convention was the presentation at the general session by Frank. He talked about what it means to be a part of the “AFSA family.” As he spoke, I could only think back over the years about the friendships that I have personally made at these conventions and the friendships I have seen others make. We see each other once a year and it truly is like coming to a family reunion. The “AFSA family,” for a lot of us attending, became the theme for the show.

Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the Fire Sprinkler Industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

As we all know, the festive mood of Las Vegas was shattered on the Sunday evening following our convention. Words can not begin to describe how the actions of one sick individual can destroy so many lives. As far as we know, none of our convention participants remained in Las Vegas through Sunday. Some of us did have friends and family that attended the music concert. Please keep all of those that attended the tragic show in your thoughts and prayers. I am so excited about this next year serving as Chairman of AFSA. As an organization, we have so much to offer. I encourage everyone to get as involved as you can. Our association is strong; our chapters are strong. Become a part of the “AFSA family.” n 6 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN 757-213-3660 DONALD G. ALBARES, 504-837-0572 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949 R. DONALD KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 JEFF PHIFER, 803-438-2994

FRANK MORTL III, CAE, President ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121 MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President of Meetings & Operations, ext. 118 BRADLEY ELLIOTT, Director of Member Services, ext. 135 LAVERNE DAVIS, Director of Financial & Administrative Services, ext. 112 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext. 126 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 ROGER GRAGG, Director of Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116

Published by American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Call (214) 349-5965, FAX (214) 343-8898, or email sprinklerage@firesprinkler.org for information. Copyright © American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN USA. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all editorial and advertising material published is the opinion of the respective authors and/ or companies involved and should not be construed as official action by or approved by Publisher or the Association. Sprinkler Age is a membership benefit, provided free of charge to AFSA members. For information on non-member and/or foreign subscription rates, call (214) 349-5965. ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscription to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for membership information. See AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY FRANK MORTL III, CAE AFSA President

Participation. The act of taking part, sharing, and reaping the benefits of being related to a larger whole. The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has been developing and offering worthwhile educational courses, training exercises, advocacy outreach, product awareness, and impactful networking programs for over 36 years. How fitting then, at the close of AFSA’s “calendar year” (the association runs convention to convention), that this year’s Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition delivered record numbers in terms of contractor participation levels. AFSA36, held September 24-27, 2017 in Las Vegas at The Bellagio, was the highest attended fire sprinkler event in the history of the industry. Think about that for a minute. Those ultimate participation levels account for any association or group that’s been involved with fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers or suppliers, covering any decade, in the 100-plus years of organized functions on behalf of industry companies. Ever. Credit, of course, belongs to the 515 different companies that made the forward-thinking decision to take time out of their busy schedules and participate in AFSA’s convention this year. Of the 515 companies, over 250 fire sprinkler contractor organizations were represented and reaped the benefits of 45 technical and contractor-focused business-plan seminars presented over three days at the premier conference property location along the iconic Vegas Strip. The Bellagio provided an ideal setting in terms of hotel luxury, staff service at the highest levels, and convenience in terms of meeting and guest rooms for attendees as well as location directly in the heart of Las Vegas. Fire sprinkler contractors, designers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) took advantage of unprecedented education and training at AFSA36, which accounted for why over 1,500 individual attendees chose to participate in this year’s convention. Many contractors had to send multiple people from their company, just to keep up with capturing invaluable information from 45 seminars geared to grow their business! In all, over 650 individuals represented as fire sprinkler contractors participated in AFSA’s convention this year. Those are staggering numbers simply for the amount of training and education they will now take into the marketplace to better themselves personally and professionally. Additionally, those 650-plus contractors were also afforded unprecedented depth of exposure and reach in terms of fire sprinkler products and services within the industry. AFSA36 offered seven hours of exhibition hall time for participants to learn about cutting-edge technology and the most innovative sprinkler design supplies in a hands-on environment. Another industry record was achieved with 165 exhibit booths made available for contractor, designer, and AHJ attendees. Those 8 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

165 exhibit booths were made up of 136 individual exhibitor companies who sent 579 total people to represent their business interests at The Bellagio for the AFSA convention. Huge numbers which point to the value manufacturers and suppliers in the fire sprinkler industry are finding by participating in American Fire Sprinkler Association meetings and events – not just at our annual convention, but throughout the year during any of the 29 local AFSA chapter/state affiliate gatherings as well. Your AFSA staff obviously worked extremely hard to develop and deliver the highest attended fire sprinkler event in the history of the industry at AFSA36. But it was the direction from the association’s Convention Committee this year, which provided our team of professionals with the tools to turn leadership’s vision into tangible results we’re all so very proud of. Led by Chair Don Kaufman, the 2017 Convention Committee received invaluable participation in terms of volunteerism, ideas, meeting attendance, work between meetings, as well as personal and company support from the following industry leaders: Derek Allen, Dwight Bateman, Linda Biernacki, Buck Buchanan, George DiMatteo, Mike Dooley, Lyle Hall, Randy Lane, Tom McKinnon, Paulene Norwood, Bernie Parsons, Chris Stason, Jack Viola, and Meaghen Wills. Tying this tremendous group of volunteer participants together was AFSA’s Convention Committee Staff Liaison and Vice President of Meetings & Operations Marlene Garrett. It’s not easy pulling off such a monster show on behalf of an industry – but like putting together a challenging jigsaw puzzle, when the right pieces fit together just right, the payoff can be quite rewarding. While it’s likely many of the record number of participants involved with the 2017 AFSA convention will attend AFSA37 next year in Washington D.C., I would encourage those contractors, designers, and AHJs who didn’t make it to The Bellagio to consider joining us at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center next September. This splendid property features a complex district which includes luxury hotel experiences, restaurants, shops, and waterfront recreation. Additionally, the amazing MGM National Harbor, which is less than a year old, is home to upscale retail, dining, entertainment and gaming experiences located a mile from the Gaylord National! Needless to say, AFSA leadership has lofty expectations to provide another world-class convention, exhibition, and apprentice competition to its members again in 2018. With an eye toward education, training, advocacy, product exposure and business development networking, the benefits to engage with an association dedicated to providing merit shop contractors with the services to succeed forecast a bright future for achieving record numbers of fire sprinkler industry participation. n

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McCollister Wins National Apprentice Competition AFSA Showcases “Best of the Best” in Vegas REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

The 24th Annual National Apprentice Competition at AFSA36: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada was a showcase of top apprentice talent in the industry. The convention and competition this year drew a record crowd of over 1,500 industry professionals from all parts of the world. After outscoring well over 100 other hopefuls to secure a spot as one of the seven apprentice finalists, Chance McCollister, Fire Tech Systems, Shreveport, Louisiana, advanced to the competition finals in Las Vegas. From there, McCollister completed the most challenging task yet, outscoring the six other well-qualified finalists to take home first prize. Road to the National Competition From a young age McCollister started in construction with his father, but he quickly found a new passion for fire protection when he decided to branch out and learn more about different aspects of construction. He applied at Fire Tech Systems, Inc. and in doing so found a career that both interested and challenged him to strive for his best every day. McCollister first heard about the apprentice competition through Fire Tech Systems, Inc. He recalls, “I couldn’t take the qualifying test the last year because I was working in Oklahoma, but this year we were all remembering how close our coworkers were to qualifying.” He continues, “Fire Tech Systems is very supportive of its apprentices wishing to join the competition. The encouragement drove me to show them what I was worth and what I could do.”

Chance McCollister is the winner of this year’s competition.

Once set on competing, McCollister immediately got to work. He studied workbooks, created note cards, and recalled all of his field knowledge for the qualifying round of testing. He studied hard daily and was sure he reviewed all four levels of the AFSA Apprenticeship Program books thoroughly leading up to the competition. This hard work and motivation paid off when McCollister found out he’d advanced to the finals of the 2017 competition. Safety Director and Training Manager for Fire Tech

AFSA’s 2017 national apprentice finalists gathered in Las Vegas to compete. From left to right: Joshua Allen, Timo Broecker, John Cowger, Chance McCollister, Jonathan Henderson, Heman Mills, and Gregory Schneider. 10 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

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Third-place winner Jonathan Henderson with Eagle Automatic Fire Sprinkler, Houston, Texas.

Second-place winner Joshua Allen with JG Tate Fire Protection System, Inc., Poway California.

Systems Tracy Hadwin says, “I wasn’t at all surprised to find out Chance had advanced to the finals. He showed a lot of dedication for studying and preparing. He and his wife worked hard, studying nightly, to prepare him.” The studying didn’t stop there, McCollister and his wife could be seen studying in quiet corners during AFSA36 up until the last minute on Tuesday, September 27, when the seven finalists took the second, more thorough written examination based on all four levels of AFSA/NCCER Contren® Learning Series Sprinkler Fitting curriculum. The live competition was the last task for the apprentices to complete. For four hours on the Wednesday the 27th the seven apprentice finalists constructed and pressure-tested a miniature sprinkler system in front of a bustling exhibition hall. McCollister recalls, “the competition was slightly nerve-wracking at the start, but once I got started moving and thinking about the next step everything disappeared. I didn’t look at anyone else, I focused on my work and what I knew to do.” For the practical portion of the competition, each finalist was given a drawing of the system and all of the required materials to install it. Finalists then constructed the system, comprised of five sprinklers, onto a nine-foot tall metal frame structure. Competitors had to measure, cut, thread, and use fabricated materials for the installations per the drawing they were provided. This exercise required pipe threading, math, and pipe make-up skills to complete the mini-system in the four-hour time limit. 12 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

The CPVC section of the system was joined using one-step solvent cement. After the entire system was installed and allowed to set, it was placed under a static water pressure test of approximately 80 psi, with points deducted for any leaks or pressure drop. Judges for the 2017 competition were Don Kaufman, Kaufman Fire Protection Systems, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brett Heinrich, Bamford, Inc., Kearney, Nebraska; Meaghen Wills, Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania; Bernie Parsons, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Concord, North Carolina; Jack Viola, P.E., JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Massachusetts;,and Jeff Phifer of Crawford Sprinkler Co. in Lugoff, South Carolina. During the mini-installation, the apprentices were judged in three areas – accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety – to form their practical score, which were then combined with their written test score to determine the winner. Apprentices Honored at Awards Party At the Rat Pack Awards Party held at the beautiful Bellagio pool, Apprentice Competition Judge Don Kaufman recognized the hard work of the seven national apprentice competitors and named the newest apprentice competition winner – Chance McCollister. McCollister said when he heard his name it was, “exhilarating.” Though the competition was over and he was happy with his performance, all the apprentices had acknowledged that it was anyone’s game while awaiting the results. Then McCollister was announced as the first place winner and he says, “There is no other word for it, it was euphoric. I wanted this win so badly for both my career path and my personal life. The opportunity to proudly represent my company and bring home a win is like nothing else.” In addition to joining an elite group of past winners, McCollister received bragging rights for the next year as well as a $5,000 grand prize. Looking to the future McCollister says, “I will continue to work hard toward [my] goal of becoming a foreman, and know that every day [my] work is saving lives.” McCollister also wanted “to

Check 4” Double old style

Finalist John Cowger.

Finalist Timo Broecker.

Finalist Heman Mills.

Finalist Gregory Schneider.

thank Linda Biernacki and AFSA for giving people like me the opportunity to excel in our field by supporting the next generation through apprenticeship programs.”

Denver, Colorado; Heman Mills, American Fire Protection Group, Jackson, Tennessee; and Gregory Schneider, American Fire Protection Group, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Joshua Allen of JG Tate Fire Protection Systems, Inc., Poway, California won second place and a $3,000 cash prize, and Jonathan Henderson with Eagle Automatic Fire Sprinkler, Houston, Texas took third place and the $2,000 prize. Honorable mentions received $1,000 prizes: Timo Broecker, Industrial Fire Sprinkler, San Diego, California; John Cowger, Rapid Fire Protection,

Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems and Secretary of AFSA’s Board of Directors praised both the National Apprentice Competition as well as the AFSA and regional apprenticeships programs saying, “We are so proud of [McCollister’s] win. It represents the depth and seriousness of our apprenticeship program that we continually put great effort into. It shows the value of apprentice programs on both the regional and national level,” she continues. “We provide educational tools to these apprentices and they provide excellence in the work they do and how they represent us in the field. It’s a win-win.”

2017 National Apprentice Competition Sponsors AGF Manufacturing, Inc. AllSouth Sprinkler American Fire Protection Group, Inc. Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers Armstrong Pumps, Inc. Brendle Sprinkler Co. C B Partners, LLC Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc. Central Connecticut Fire Protection, Inc. Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc. Diamond Automatic Sprinklers, Inc. Eastern Fire & Safety, LLC ETNA Supply Company Ferguson Fire & Fabrication Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Flexhead Industries

Foothill Fire Protection, Inc. Foster Engineering Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation Guardian Fire Equipment Jimco Fire Protection, Inc. Milwaukee Valve Co. MobileEyes (TradeMaster, Inc.) Noble Company Permabond Engineering Adhesives Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Inc. Sunland Fire Protection, Inc. Texas Manufacturing Company United Brass Works, Inc. Victaulic Victory Fire Protection, Inc.

In-Kind Donors Core & Main (formerly HD Supply Fire Protection) Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina Ferguson Fire & Fabrication Flexhead Industries Johnson Controls Kaufman Fire Protection Lubrizol -– BlazeMaster® Fire Sprinkler Systems

Quality Fabrication & Supply Rapid Fire Protection, LLC RIDGID Southeast Fire Protection Victaulic Viking Group Viper Trade Show Services Western Fire Protection, Inc.

14 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

In addition to the expense-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete at the AFSA convention, each of the national finalists received a commemorative plaque, tools, cash prizes, and a complimentary convention registration for their employer to attend the convention to cheer them on! History of the Competition Started in 1994 by the late Robert L. (Bob) McCullough, then chairman of the Apprenticeship & Education Committee, AFSA’s Annual National Apprentice Competition was created to promote apprentice training and give recognition to the apprentices who are actively enrolled in the AFSA Apprenticeship Program. Over 20 years later, the competition continues to bring fire sprinkler apprentices from AFSA local chapter and member training programs from all corners of United States together in the association’s foremost showcase of excellence in training among future industry leaders. Enrolling in AFSA’s apprentice training program not only offers an excellent education and a fulfilling career, it is also the gateway to competing in the AFSA National Apprentice Competition. Entry forms for next year’s event at AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition at the Gaylord National Resort & Conference Center in Washington, D.C. September 30 – October 3 will be made available spring of 2018. For more information or to view photos of the apprentices in action as well as other convention activities, visit firesprinkler.org/apprentice. n

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AFSA36 is the Biggest Industry Event Ever Record-Breaking Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition AFSA36: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, held in Las Vegas, September 24-27, 2017, attracted a record number of registered attendees – 1,411 to be exact. Hosted by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), fire sprinkler industry professionals from around the world convened at the Bellagio Las Vegas to collaborate on fire codes, specifications, and practices. Colleagues gathered for sessions, committee meetings, apprentice competitions, networking and social events, and annual awards.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 26, more than 400 attendees stood silently with their hands over their hearts as the convention kicked off with the National Anthem performed by Trina Heinrich of Bamford Fire Protection in Salina, Kansas, during the General Session, which was emceed by comedian Andy Martello from NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

As one attendee noted, “Every year we say it gets better and better, and 2017 was no exception.”

During the General Session, AFSA President Frank Mortl III, CAE honored outgoing director Joe Heinrich of Bamford Fire Protection in Salinas, Kansas. AFSA Chairman of the Board Mike Meehan, VSC Fire & Security in Virginia Beach, Virginia, presented the association’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee Award, to Bob Caputo, CFPS, CET, of Fire & Life Safety America in Richmond, Virginia, for a lifetime of service to the industry. Additionally, Randy Miller, deputy fire marshal in the Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal’s Office in Camas, Washington, was presented the Advocate of the Year Award by AFSA Legislative Committee Chair Ted Wills of Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. Tiffany Moore of Moore Fire Protection in Issaquah, Washington, was awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award by NextGen Initiative Chairwoman Meaghen Wills of Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. The seven finalists in the AFSA National Apprentice Competition were also recognized by Apprenticeship & Education Committee Co-Chairs Rod DiBona of Rapid Fire Protection in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Don Kaufman of Kaufman Fire Protection in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

AFSA Chairman of the Board Mike Meehan (right) presented the 2017 Henry S. Parmelee Award to Bob Caputo.

AFSA Legislative Chairman Ted Wills, Jr. (left) presented Randy Miller with his 2017 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award.

“I am so proud to see that we broke records in every category this year from total attendance to the largest exhibitor participation,” says Marlene Garrett, CMP, vice president of meetings & operations. “You could feel the excitement and energy throughout the event. This reality makes me proud of our organization and industry as a whole to see how passionate our members are to take part in this training year after year.” The week began Monday, September 25 with educational sessions, featuring a record-breaking 45 seminars on topics that promised to bring value to attendees’ operations. From learning how to optimize their business to a discussion on code updates, the over 1,400 participants were given the tools needed to further improve their fire sprinkler businesses.

16 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

This page clockwise from top left: Tiffany Moore (right) receives AFSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Professional of the Year Award from AFSA NextGen Chair Meaghen Wills. AFSA36 Convention Chair Don Kaufman (right) presents a donation for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors to Lorraine Carli, president of the society. AFSA President Frank Mortl III (far right) welcomed the DeCamara family to the General Session. AFSA Director Joe Heinrich (far left) visited with members during the NextGen mixer. Manufacturers and suppliers presented the latest products and services and visited with contractors during the Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reception and official exhibit hours. Heinrich (left) was recognized by AFSA and Mortl for his service to AFSA.

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 17

Following the opening session, attendees had the opportunity to explore the industry’s largest fire sprinkler exhibition, which hosted 165 booths sprawling over four ballrooms. As one exhibitor put it, “[AFSA36] gives us the best direct exposure to our core customer base. There is no better event to introduce new products, solicit customer input on potential new products, and to simply enjoy time together with colleagues, distribution partners, and customers.” Technical and educational sessions provided attendees with the latest research, best practices, and the opportunity to earn CEUs/CPDs. After Wednesday’s educational opportunities, attendees were able to look on as the seven apprentice competition finalists built mini fire sprinkler systems in the heart of the exhibition hall. In addition to the industry’s largest trade exhibition, AFSA hosted a number of networking events, such as the Rat Pack Awards Party where attendees and guests gathered on the Bellagio pool deck for an evening of networking, entertainment, and great food. Wrapping up the Rat Pack Party was the announcement of the 2017 winners of AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition. Chance McCollister of Fire Tech Systems, Inc. of Shreveport, Louisiana, took home first place in the competition, followed by second place finisher Joshua Allen of JG Tate Fire Protection Systems, Inc. of Poway, California, and third place finisher Jonathan Henderson with Eagle Automatic Fire Sprinkler of Houston, Texas. Honorable mentions were: Timo Broecker, Industrial Fire Sprinkler of San Diego, California; John Cowger, Rapid Fire Protection of Denver, Colorado; Heman Mills, American Fire Protection Group of Jackson, Tennessee; and Gregory Schneider, American Fire Protection Group of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Other highlights of AFSA36 were networking meals, NextGen Day, and the semi-annual Chapter Leadership Conference. “As the highest attended fire sprinkler event in the history of the industry, AFSA36 provided elite levels of education, networking, and product innovation along with a forum to celebrate the association’s accomplishments,” states AFSA President Frank Mort III, CAE. “Another world-class event is expected for Washington, D.C. in 2018, which will be designed to professionally develop our regular convention attendees as well as many more new participants.” AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Washington, D.C., will take place at the Gaylord National, September 30 – October 3, 2018. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this gathering of industry leaders from around the world. More information will be available at firesprinkler. org in spring 2018. n This page from top: The top three apprentices celebrated at the Awards Party. Parks Moore, Bethany Brendle, Buck Buchanan, and Hunter Brendle had fun at the Rat Pack Awards Party. James Golinveaux presented one of the technical seminars. The exhibit hall was packed both days, with attendees viewing the latest products and services available in the fire protection industry. 18 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

This page clockwise from top left: Attendees listened to music and recognized AFSA’s top seven apprentices at the final night’s Rat Pack Awards Party (three photos). Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. entertained the crowd. One hundred and thirty six manufacturer and supplier companies hosted 165 booths during AFSA’s exhibition, making it the largest the industry has ever seen (four photos). Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 19

The members of the 2017-2018 Executive Committee are (l to r): Chairman Wayne Weisz, First Vice Chair Ted Wills, Second Vice Chair Jack Medovich, Secretary Linda Biernacki, Treasurer Paul DeLorie, and Immediate Past Chairman Mike Meehan.

Welcome Your 2017-2018 Board of Directors Officers and Directors Lead AFSA REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 2017-2018 officer elections during the September 24, 2017 Board meeting at AFSA36: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Lodi, California, was elected Chairman of the Board. Other officers elected were: At-Large Director and First Vice Chair Theodore Wills, Jr. of Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania; At-Large Director and Second Vice Chair Jack Medovich, Fire & Life Safety America, Hanover, Maryland; At-Large Director and Secretary Linda M. Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana; and Region 7 Director and Treasurer Paul DeLorie of Hampshire Fire Protection Company, Londonderry, New Hampshire. New Leadership, New Focus With new leadership for the association comes a new focus on association initiatives. Weisz has his sights set on association growth at the national and chapter level for his upcoming term as Chairman. However, to best understand the drive behind his upcoming initiatives for the association, it is helpful to know his history with AFSA and the fire protection industry. 20 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Weisz has been in the fire sprinkler industry since 1979 when he married into fire protection and worked with his father-in-law. In 1986 Weisz escalated his commitment to fire protection by starting his company, Cen-Cal Fire Systems in Lodi, California with his brother Byron. While initially Weisz and Cen-Cal experienced success and growth, they also sought out opportunities to advance and improve on their services. Weisz decided he wanted Cen-Cal not only to excel in any one aspect of fire sprinkler installation, but also wanted Cen-Cal Fire Systems to represent excellence in all aspects of fire protection. With this mindset, along with the encouragement of his brother, Weisz began seeking out additional educational and networking opportunities which he found by joining AFSA in 1987. For three years he reaped the benefits of this further education, and saw great value in his membership. However, when a nationwide recession hit in 1990, Cen-Cal’s budget underwent scrutiny. Weisz believed one of the first things he should cut was his AFSA membership. Instead, Weisz received a visit from Lloyd Ivy, who was then the director of membership for AFSA. Weisz recalls, “He told us that he wanted us to stay on as members. Both Cen-Cal and

AFSA were young at the time, and he believed our relationship would be beneficial for the growth of Cen-Cal.” That meeting and discussion was a turning point for Weisz. From that point on he became more involved in AFSA, immersing himself with apprenticeship training and learning to train his employees from within with the help of AFSA’s programs. In 1995 Weisz became active in the California American Fire Sprinkler Association (CAFSA) and joined its board of directors. During this time, Cen-Cal continued to grow and expand into Nevada, and Weisz aligned his involvement in AFSA at both the regional and national levels with Cen-Cal’s growth. As a result, he saw more and more value being returned through the membership benefits, education, and training AFSA offered. In 2005 Wayne joined the AFSA Board of Directors as an At-Large Director. He was humbled to be offered the role, but also found it was the beginning of a long relationship with association leadership. Weisz has since served as chairman of the Convention Committee and has chaired the Membership/Chapter Devel-

opment Committee since 2008, until this year when he was elected as Chairman of the Board. Weisz’s interaction and experience with AFSA over the years has shaped his passion and initiatives for leadership for the next two years. After seeing the benefits firsthand, Weisz is keen to continue developing them. He says he’s “not out to reinvent the wheel, just eager to continue the forward momentum of an organization that is already on a roll.” Weisz continues, “I just want to keep [AFSA] firing on all cylinders and always have the emphasis on member services.” Weisz is exceedingly proud of all the new member services AFSA continues to add to provide value to its members. However, as in all things, there is always room for expansion and improvement. He hopes to guide the association in developing and refining the already extremely valuable services provided. To sum up his plans for future programming development and changes, Weisz says, “We want to continually improve upon the services offered, and to add valuable new services to the education and training available to the members who keep this association and this industry thriving.” In addition to growing program offerings for members, Weisz hopes to see chapter-level development and growth. He has seen firsthand how invaluable support at the regional level can be. AFSA chapters offer the ability to enact national initiatives on a local level. Networking, apprenticeship programs, continuing education through seminars – all of these items are being offered at the regional level to reinforce national programming, but also to allow that programming to reach every member who joins AFSA. During his time as Chairman, Weisz will lead the association in accomplishing its goals of growing chapter membership and participation, as well as increase, refine, and improve member services. He will have the support of the rest of the Board of Directors to aid in accomplishing these goals. Consisting of seven Regional Directors (one for each of the

Hall

Kaufman

seven membership regions), At-Large Directors, and the Immediate Past Chairman, the Board of Directors has a wide array of expertise, experience, and education that provides strong support to both the Chairman and the association as a whole. Meet your 2017-2018 Board of Directors below. Regional Directors Region 1 Director Lyle Hall, vice president and co-owner of Western Fire Protection in Poway, California, has been in the fire sprinkler industry for 37 years, with the last 21 years at Western Fire. Prior to that he was a helicopter-based wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He has a degree in fire science with continuing education at University of California San Diego. Hall started in the fire sprinkler industry as an apprentice pipe fitter and worked his way into design, project management, sales and eventually management. His past accomplishments include past board of director for the San Diego Fire Protection Association, past chapter chairman of the San Diego Chapter of the AFSA; past chairman of the California American Fire Sprinkler Association – Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee. and past chairman of the California Fire Training Alliance. Hall currently serves on the California American Fire Sprinkler Association – Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee and the AFSA Legislation, Contractor Support and Convention Committees. Region 2 Director is R. Donald Kaufman, president of Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico. With over 40 years in the sprinkler business, Kaufman was instrumental in starting AFSA’s New Mexico Chapter and is a past president of the chapter. On the national level, Kaufman served

DiBona

Bateman

as 2009-2011 Chairman of the Board and has chaired several committees including the Apprenticeship & Education and Convention Committees. He also served as chairman of the New Mexico State Board for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, three terms as chairman of the New Mexico State Apprentice Council, and currently serves on the New Mexico Construction Industries Commission. He is an active member of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), past president of ABC’s New Mexico Chapter, member of the American Society of Professional Estimators, and past charter president of Albuquerque Rotary Del Sol. Region 3 Director Rodney DiBona is the vice president and part owner of Rapid Fire Protection, Rapid City, South Dakota. With its corporate offices in Rapid City, Rapid Fire Protection currently has satellite offices in North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. DiBona entered the fire protection industry in 1990 as a shop employee of Prairie Fire Protection. He then entered the AFSA apprenticeship program in 1991 and started working in the field. In October of 1993 he was asked by Marty Hammon to join him, his son and son-in-law to create Rapid Fire Protection. DiBona was a national finalist in the AFSA National Apprentice Competition in 1995. DiBona started and has continued to grow Rapid Fire’s apprenticeship training into a highly recognized program. DiBona currently serves on the board of directors for Rapid Fire. He is a NICET Level III Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout. Region 4 Director Dwight E. Bateman is founder and president of Southeast Fire Protection, Inc. in Houston, and is a past Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 21

Chairman of the Board. Beginning his career as vice president of Semico International, Inc., a fire sprinkler contractor, Bateman has 40-plus years of experience in the industry. He opened Southeast Fire Protection in 1986 and joined AFSA in 1989. Bateman has served on and chaired a number of AFSA national committees. Region 5 Director Jeff Phifer is president of Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina, based in Lugoff, South Carolina, one of the oldest familyowned and continuously operated fire sprinkler contractors in the nation. Phifer has been working at Crawford for 40 years, working as a fitter, service technician, and in administration. In 1999, he became the third generation to be president and chairman of the board. Phifer was on the board of directors of the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association from 2000-2009, serving as president from 2003-2006. He is also a member of ABC and was a member of the board of directors for the ABC Carolinas Chapter from 2001-2004, vice chairing the chapter in 2003. Region 6 Director and Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Michael F. Meehan is president and a co-owner of VSC Fire & Security, Virginia Beach, Virginia. A 1981 graduate from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Meehan began his fire sprinkler career working summers as a pipe fitter apprentice. He is a NICET Level IV Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based (formerly Automatic Sprinkler) Systems Layout and has more than 35 years’ experience in sprinkler design engineering, estimating, project management and senior management. Meehan has served on the AFSA Board of Directors since 2008. Region 7 Director and Treasurer of the Board Paul DeLorie is senior vice president of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Hampshire Fire Protection is one of the largest merit shop fire sprinkler companies in New England. DeLorie is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He has over 30 years’ experience in sprinkler design, estimat22 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Phifer

Albares

ing, sales, project management and senior management. He serves on the AFSA Contractor Support & Advisory Committee, Insurance & Safety Committee, and Legislative Committee. He is an active member of ABC. He was a member of the board of directors of the ABC New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter from 2002-2012, serving as chapter chairman in 2007, and an ABC National board director from 2008-2012. At-Large Directors At-Large Director Donald G. Albares, vice president of American Sprinkler Co., Inc. in Harahan, Louisiana, started his career in the fabrication shop at the age of 13. After attending the University of South Alabama on a baseball scholarship, he began as an apprentice fitter. As past president of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association and an active member of ABC, Albares worked jointly for two years with the state chapters of ABC and AFSA to get the AFSA apprenticeship program recognized by the state of Louisiana. He has served on several AFSA national committees including Contractor Support & Advisory, Convention, Legislative, and Membership. He also sits on the Louisiana ABC’s Legislative Review Committee, and was chairman of the Insurance Committee for many years. At-Large Director and Secretary of the Board Linda M. Biernacki is founder and president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc. in Shreveport, Louisiana. She has served on the AFSA Board of Directors since 2007, holding the office of secretary. With over 26 years of experience in all phases of business, she is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast. She holds NICET Level IV, Senior Fire Protection Engineering Technology Water-Based Systems Layout and represents AFSA on the NFPA 232

Committee for Protection of Records. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal appointed Biernacki to the state’s Residential Task Force, and the mayor of Shreveport appointed her to the city’s Architectural and Engineering Selection Committee, and the Governor of Louisiana appointed her to the Small Business Entrepreneurship Commission. Biernacki is president of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association. Fire Tech Systems, Inc. has earned the AFSA Quality Contractor designation and is one of the first to attain Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Residential Fire Sprinkler Contractor Accreditation. At-Large Director and Second Vice Chair Jack A. Medovich, P.E., is senior vice president and founding partner of Fire & Life Safety America, formerly known as East Coast Fire Protection Inc., in Hanover, Maryland. A 1983 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering, Medovich served three years as fire marshal of Fairfax County, Virginia, before joining the fire sprinkler industry 30 years ago. He has been active in AFSA since 1991, chairing its Chesapeake Bay Chapter from 1994 to 2002 and currently chairing the Virginia Chapter and its board of directors. He has served on several AFSA committees and he chaired the 2010 Convention Committee. He represents AFSA on the Sprinkler System Discharge Committee of NFPA 13, and in the past he has served as a member of the following NFPA committees: NFPA 14, 20, 25, 101 and 750. At-Large Director and First Vice Chair Ted Wills, Jr., Anchor Fire Protection Company, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, was an active member of AFSA in its early years. He previously served on the AFSA Board of Directors from 1987-1993 and chaired the Convention Committee in 1990 and 1991. A graduate of Waynesburg College, Wills began his fire sprinkler industry career in 1978, when he started a fire protection division as part of his father’s me-

chanical company. The division flourished, and in 1981, Wills and his father incorporated that division into Anchor Fire Protection. Retiring Director Honored At the opening general session of AFSA36, AFSA President Frank Mortl III, CAE recognized retiring Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Joseph A. Heinrich Heinrich, president of Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Salina and Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Heinrich entered the industry as a fitter after college in 1972 and has over 40 years of experience in design, estimating, sales and administration. His company joined AFSA in 1982, and he has served on the AFSA Board since 2004. Heinrich has been involved in a number of AFSA committees and has served as chairman of the Bylaws, Legislative, and Contractors Support & Advisory Committees. He has been actively involved in updates of the apprentice training modules and has served as a judge for the National Apprentice Competition for several years. Heinrich has also served on the board of the Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational affiliate of AFSA. In addition to his AFSA involvement, Heinrich is a longtime member of ABC and served a term as president of its Kansas Sunflower Chapter. Here to Serve You AFSA’s Board of Directors is strongly committed to the continuance of the merit shop philosophy, the promotion of property and life safety through the use of automatic fire protection, and the continued development of training for fire sprinkler fitters, layout technicians, inspectors, and management. AFSA members are encouraged to voice any questions, concerns or suggestions with any member of the Board or staff. If you have a question or comment, please select the member you wish to contact from the list located in the front of every issue of Sprinkler Age or on the AFSA website at firesprinkler.org. n

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Too Busy to Train? Abandon That Attitude and Embrace Apprenticeship Training! CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association

As business in the fire sprinkler industry picks up, more contractor companies are finding themselves with a wealth of projects to tackle. Despite the fact that this is what all contractors hope for, that kind of good fortune can also come with its own set of problems. When there is so much work to do, it can lead to the feeling that you are simply “too busy” to train employees. When you have enough work on your plate that you need your team to jump right in and get to it, it can be tempting to let that happen without going through previously vital steps, steps like the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Training program.

But as many industry leaders can attest, that can lead to sloppy work and a poor reputation for the contractor. Below are the top five ways that investing in training now could help grow and improve your business for years to come. 1. Meet future workforce needs If you have been working with a fully trained team for a long time, the need to train can often sneak up on you. Training your workforce through apprenticeship allows you to have within your company a pool of experienced employees of different ages so that you will be better able to plan to meet future workforce needs due to expansion plans or the retirement of older employees. Lyle Hall, vice president and co-owner of Western Fire Protection in Poway, California, and co-chair of AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education (A&E) Committee, experienced exactly that. “In 2007 we realized that our experienced senior installers were getting closer to retirement age and we had not been training their replacements,” says Hall. “So we began an aggressive in-house training program using the AFSA training materials…. I had no idea the benefits we would see in the coming years from that decision.” By choosing to train now, rather than waiting until your most veteran employees are retired, you can save yourself valuable time and money in the long run, and never be left in the lurch. 2. Improve your bottom line An investment in your workforce is an investment in your business, and training an apprentice can save you money in more ways than one. First, perhaps the most obvious way: apprentices save you money on wages. But not only that, apprenticeship can be more

24 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

cost-effective than hiring already highly skilled individuals for one key reason: there’s a good chance you would end up paying those already-trained individuals for having more knowledge than you need at the time. When you train an apprentice, you form the ideal employee for your company, from scratch. 3. Fill your skills gaps and increase productivity Apprentices are learning the cutting edge of the trade. Hiring apprentices, or hiring an employee with the intention of training them in an apprentice program, brings the most up-to-date knowledge to your company. “The content of AFSA’s apprentice training series is continually refined,” says Leslie Clounts, AFSA’s director of education services. “It allows contractors from any state in the country to tailor AFSA’s curriculum to fit their business’ needs. Whether you need straightforward, in-house training or a comprehensive, federally approved four-year program, it’s easy to make it yours.” And when you can make a program your own, you are sure to fill whatever unique skills gaps that your company might be facing. 4. Reduce absenteeism and turnover A trained employee is an employee who feels valued. They know that you believe in them and want them to succeed, and they are grateful for that. Western Fire Protection has graduated 21 apprentices since starting AFSA courses in 2007, and has maintained a retention rate of 85 percent. “Yes, the [AFSA] program does work,” attests Lyle Hall, “not only to educate but to build employee loyalty. Something that is becoming harder to find in today’s market.” Apprentices tend to be loyal to the company that invested in them. Re-

member, an apprentice is with you because they want to be – they have made an active choice to learn on the job and they have made a commitment to the fire sprinkler industry. 5. Receive national recognition Once you decide to train an apprentice, you have plenty of options. “It’s easy to find training,” says Leslie Clounts. “But the quality and customization of AFSA’s apprentice training series distinguishes it from the rest.” Apprentices who train through AFSA’s program are eligible to enter the prestigious National Apprenticeship Competition. The competition accepts hundreds of apprentices from all around the country who are eager to prove what they can do, and culminates in seven apprentices hanging pipe at AFSA’s Convention during the apprentice competition. The first place winner takes home a $5,000 cash prize, the second and third place winners take home $3,000 and $2,000 cash prizes respectively, and all four honorable mention winners take home $1,000

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each. In addition to the prizes, each competitor’s company gets publicly recognized leading up to and during the convention. “Western Fire Protection was fortunate enough to have an apprentice in the last two competitions,” says Lyle Hall. “While we didn’t bring home the gold, we did bring home a lot more than we had anticipated. After our first year at the apprentice competition we noticed an increase in our senior installers asking for more training and wanting to better themselves and take on more responsibility. There was more communication and passing of information and skills on the job site between the foreman and the apprentice. Having a competitor in the competition not only made us very proud but also showcased Western Fire Protection, opening networking doors and opportunities that we would never have been exposed to.” It comes down to this… Rod DiBona, vice president and co-owner of Rapid Fire Protection, Inc. in Rapid City, South Dakota and co-chair of

AFSA’s A&E Committee, has heard the phrase too busy to train quite a lot in his time. “We have all heard this sentiment many times, whether actually said or implied,” says DiBona. “Each time the same picture pops into my head. It is a small cartoon with a guy that says ‘If I train my people they will leave!’ and the reply from the second man is ‘And if you don’t they will stay?’” When put that way, putting off training seems ridiculous at best. Would you want an untrained worker on your team, especially if the only reason they will stay is because no one else will hire them? “At the end of the day it is quite simple,” says DiBona. “We need to train our people so that they have opportunities to leave, but treat them so well that they have no desire to do so!” If you are interested in learning more about the training and education that AFSA, visit firesprinkler.org and click the Education tab, or call 214-349-5965 and ask to speak to the Education Department. n

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Adequacy of Building Structure Support Responsibility Does Not Lay With Sprinkler Contractors KRAIG KIRSCHNER | AFCON

The fire sprinkler contractor demonstrates their professionalism by reputation, experience, and license. Such a license strictly limits their scope of contract to the design and installation of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, systems conforming to the local building code. The Engineer of Record (EOR) is responsible for the design of the building structure. This design shall include the ability of said structure to support the fire sprinkler system and its points of attachment. Since the EOR does not design the fire sprinkler system, it is incumbent on them to allow latitude in the design of the building structure to accommodate the added load required to support and seismically brace the fire sprinkler system. The fire sprinkler contractor’s job is to design the most cost effective NFPA 13 sprinkler system for the buildings stated

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occupancy per building plans furnished by the owners’ representative. The local building codes require the design and installation of the sprinkler system to conform to NFPA 13, and to the applicable sections of ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. The fire sprinkler contractor must regard the building structure as capable of supporting this system design at its required points of attachment. It is the professional domain of the EOR to confirm the ability of the structure to support the fire sprinkler system in conformance with NFPA 13. The EOR contracts with the building owner to represent his or her best interest and ensure adequacy of the building design for its intended purpose. The EOR is contractually bound to review the fire sprinkler drawings to limit liability to the owner, the owners’ representatives, and the fire sprinkler contractor. The EOR is legally responsible for this decision. Again, no fire sprinkler contractor should ever assume responsibility for the adequacy of the building structure. It should be resisted vigorously because it is beyond the scope of their license and expertise. When the existing building structure does not provide adequate NFPA 13 support; any alteration of said structure, reinforcement of sprinkler system points of attachment or possible rerouting of fire sprinkler piping should be a contract extra. In conclusion, if contractors were required to submit their drawings for the EOR’s approval, prior to system fabrication and installation, all parties would be better served. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kraig Kirschner is a thirdgeneration fire sprinkler contractor and a journeyman fitter. He is a principal member of NFPA 13 Hanging and Bracing Technical Committee and serves on Standard Technical Panels of UL 203, UL 203A and FM 1950. Kirschner is a Life Member of NFPA and was named Person of the Year in 2009 Fire Protection Contractor magazine. He holds dozens of patents that enhance the installation and application of hangers and sway braces. EDITOR’S NOTE: It should be noted that the above is the author’s opinion as a member of the NFPA 13 Technical Committee on Hanging and Bracing. It has not been processed as a formal interpretation in accordance with the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects and should therefore not be considered, nor relied upon, as the official position of the NFPA or its committees.

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M/S Council Elections Held Representatives Work on Behalf of Associate Members The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council has elected its 2017-2018 members, with Mike Dooley of FlexHead Industries in Holliston, Massachusetts, voted as chairman and Chris Stason, Victaulic Company, Temecula, California; voted as vice chairman. “For the past four years, it has been a privilege to be a member and serve on the AFSA’s M/S Council and an incredible honor to be elected as chairman for the next two years,” Dooley comments. “The dedication, commitment and the depth of knowledge of the fire sprinkler industry that the Council members bring to AFSA and the M/S Council is extraordinary.” He continues: “Since being a member of the AFSA’s M/S Council and various AFSA committees, I have been able to see firsthand how valuable it is to participate in AFSA events. I believe that more AFSA associate members could benefit by attending and supporting their local AFSA chapters and also by sitting in on AFSA committee and M/S Council meetings.” Established in 1983, the M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at level A-6 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company. There are seven elected representatives, and persons serving in these positions may represent any supplier or manufacturer company that includes, but is not limited to, suppliers, other manufacturers, or manufacturer’s representatives as long as the company is an AFSA member in good standing. Members are elected for a term of three years. The M/S Council represents the interests of AFSA associate members and also work with AFSA’s Board of Directors to achieve the goals of AFSA. One of those goals 28 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Members of the M/S Council met in Las Vegas during AFSA36. Front row, sitting left to right: Phil Schechinger, Tim Freiner, Bill Phair, and Mike Dooley. Back row, standing left to right: Ray Fremont, Jr.; Rex Schwediman; Joe Tieman; James Golinveaux; Luke Connery; Chris Stason; Chuck Kitts; Derek Allen; and Mike Mottice.

is public education and awareness. Dooley notes: “All members of the M/S Council believe that educating the public on the benefits of fire sprinklers is extremely essential. I’d like to thank NextGen Initiative Chair Meaghen Wills and M/S Council Member Ray Freemont, Jr. from AFSA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter for putting a side-by-side burn video together!” Dooley encourages readers to view the video online at: youtu.be/XRdjskqwwDI. The 2017-2018 M/S Council members are: Chairman Mike Dooley of FlexHead Industries in Holliston, Massachusetts; Vice Chairman Chris Stason, Victaulic Company, Temecula, California; Derek Allen of Core & Main, Hayward, California; Ray Fremont, Jr. of General Air Products, Inc., Exton, Pennsylvania; Michelle Hoffman, WinSupply, Dana Point, California; Chuck Kitts of System Sensor, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Randy Lane, The Viking Corporation, Hastings, Michigan; Bill Phair of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Passaic, New Jersey; Phil Schechinger of Anvil International, Exeter, New Jersey; Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Dallas, Texas; Joe Tieman of Johnson Controls, Hillard, Ohio; and Ralph Watson, Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, Michigan.

Michelle Hoffman with WinSupply is a newly elected Council member. “I am honored to be a part of M/S Council and hope I can put my talents and experience to use to help our growing organization. As a council member, my goal is to use innovative ideas to assist our industry and to keep our organization strong and growing while serving all our membership.” Marlene Garrett, AFSA vice president of meetings & operations and council staff liaison, acknowledges the commitment of Council members. “AFSA is grateful to all the manufacturers and suppliers who give their time and expense to travel with our Board of Directors and committee members to provide insight from their perspective into the industry,” she states. “Discussions at these meetings are critical for future growth. We also appreciate the associates who come and sit on the sidelines to learn more about what’s happening in the industry. This community of industry leaders makes a difference.” AFSA members are encouraged to contact M/S Council representatives if they have any questions or ideas. Members interested in serving on the council should contact Garrett at mgarrett@ firesprinkler.org. n

Legislative Review 2017 Codes, Standards and Regulations in the U.S. and Canada This issue of Sprinkler Age features our 30th annual legislative review. This summary of legislation and codes offers a quick overview of regulations affecting the fire sprinkler industry in individual states and Canadian provinces. The information in these charts was gathered from a survey sent to the fire marshals of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the provinces of Canada in September 2017. If a response was not received, information that appeared in the 2016 Legislative Review (November 2016 Sprinkler Age) has been reprinted, and the fact that the information is a repeat is denoted by an asterisk (*) after the state or province name in the left column of the chart. Survey Questions and Responses The 2017 AFSA Legislative Survey asked the following questions: 1. What, if any, national codes have been adopted by your state? 2a. In adopting the national codes, were any amendments or modifications made to the code or referenced standard (i.e., NFPA 13, 101, etc. or state supplemental rules) that affect fire sprinklers? 2b. If yes, what were the modifications? 3a. Which edition of NFPA 13 have you adopted, either directly or indirectly by code reference? 3b. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adopted the latest edition of NFPA 13, do you allow local jurisdictions to use the latest edition? 4. Do the codes adopted by your state have a minimum base or a minimum/ maximum for enforcement purposes? 5. Is the scope of state code enforcement limited to the type of occupancy and/or other requirements (i.e., public assembly over 100, business over 50 ft, etc.) or is it all encompassing?

6. If buildings are not included in the state jurisdiction, is there a recognized code adoption recommended for local authorities or is it on individual preference? 7. Are you in a code revision/adoption cycle now? If yes, what codes and years do you anticipate adopting? 8. Has your state adopted NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems? 9. Does your state have any pending legislation regarding fire sprinklers, more restrictive or less restrictive, for: Hotels & Apartments, Dwellings & Lodging Housing, Health Care, High-Rise, Nursing Homes, Education, Public Assembly, Business Occupancies, Mercantile, Institutional, Other. 10. Are you adopting the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)? If yes, will it be adopted with the residential sprinkler requirement intact or modified/removed? If modified, please specify modifications. 11. Does your state have fire sprinkler retrofitting requirements for the following occupancies? Hotels & Apartments, Dwellings & Lodging Housing, HighRise, Health Care, Nursing Homes, Education, Public Assembly, Business Occupancies, Mercantile, Institutional, College Dormitories, Other. 12. Are there any towns/cities that you are aware of that have retrofitting requirements in excess of the state requirement? List a contact person and phone number for retrofitting information. 13. Does your state require a P.E. to do sprinkler design concepts (i.e., identify occupancies and water supply)? 14. Does the Office of the State Fire Marshal have authority over all projects in

the state or only over state-owned or state-financed projects? 15. Are there any local jurisdictions that you know of in your state that have residential ordinances for the following occupancies? Single-family, multi-family, high-rise condo/apartment? Please list. 16. Please provide a telephone number that a person can call if he/she has questions about jurisdiction in your state (i.e. State vs. Local Authorities) regarding fire sprinkler plan review/inspection. 17. Does your state require certification of Plan Reviewers? Inspectors? 18. Does your state require licensing for: Fire Sprinkler Contractors? Fire Sprinkler Fitters? Fire Sprinkler Designers? Fire Sprinkler Inspections? Fire Alarm Inspections (separate from sprinkler)? 19. Does your state require licensing for sprinkler drawings: P.E./Architect Seal? NICET Level III? NICET Level IV? 20. Does your state require any of the following for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of waterbased fire protection systems? NICET Level I? NICET Level II? NICET Level III? Other (e.g., CSA, Local)? 21. Does your state require seismic protection on fire sprinkler systems? 22. Do you require a signed copy of the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certification (see NFPA 13, section 4.3) as part of the working plan submittal? The tables on pages 30 through 35 provide the answers to most of the survey questions. The table on page 36 provides licensing and certification information (questions 17-19). The tables on page 37 provide the telephone numbers requested in questions 12 and 16 and the answers to questions 20 and 21. Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 29

Survey Findings In Canada, AHJs from British Columbia and Manitoba responded. No updates were given regarding pending legislation regarding fire sprinklers in occupancies. For fire sprinkler retrofits, Manitoba indicated health care, nursing homes, and residential care facilities have requirements. Neither province has adopted the 2015 IRC. Regarding pending sprinkler legislation (question 9) for the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, California has pending legislation for accessory dwelling units. Hawaii has pending legislation for dwelling and lodging housing that is less restrictive and pending legislation for healthcare that is more restrictive. Indiana indicated pending legislation for fire sprinklers “to transfer to the fire code from building code.” New Hampshire follows NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, regarding fire sprinkler legislation. Oregon is considering legislation for high-rises. Question 10 concerns the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC). California has adopted it (water supply) and

Colorado has adopted it for dwellings associated with public schools. Connecticut indicated it has adopted the code. Washington, D.C. is currently in a code cycle and plans to adopt it. Florida is adopting it for 2017-2018. Maryland has adopted it with no modifications. The 2015 Michigan Residential Code was to become effective in February 2016 and was to adopt by reference the 2015 edition of the IRC with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed necessary for use in the state. Washington state adopted the 2015 IRC but did not adopt chapters 11-25 and notes residential sprinklers, if added, need to meet IRC P2904 or NFPA 13D. West Virginia has also adopted the code but refers readers to section 87-4-5 of the state building code. Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Virginia are adopting the IRC with the residential sprinkler requirement removed. Georgia House Bill 1196 (2010 legislative session) prohibits any residential sprinkler requirement, past or future. Idaho has adopted the 2012

edition and covers the IBC, IFC, and IRC. North Carolina modified the adopted code with residential sprinkler requirements, townhomes, only, with the option for two-hour fire separation in lieu of sprinkler protection. In Ohio, there are construction trade-offs for the adopted IRC. South Dakota is not adopting the 2012 IRC and indicated the state fire marshal has no authority in most residential occupancies (i.e., one- and two-family dwellings – only six stories or higher). Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming indicated they are not adopting the IRC. New York has adopted a modified IRC and directs readers to dos.ny.gov/dcea for details. South Carolina has adopted it with modifications and directed readers to see 2012 ICC modifications at llr.state.sc.us.pol/bcc. In regard to states or local jurisdictions adopting the 2015 IRC, which includes the requirement for fire sprinklers in new

Province

Province Code Adoption

Additional NFPA Standards

NFPA 13 Edition Adopted

Local Jurisdiction Can Use Latest NFPA 13 Ed.

Minimum Base or a Min/Max for Enforcement

Alberta, Canada*

2014 Alberta Building Code (amended 2010 NBC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/AHJ

Minimum

British Columbia, Canada

NBC 2010 amended

2010 NBC adopted in ‘12 but updated in ‘17 to req. NFPA 13R (‘13 ed.). Also updated ‘14 to req. ‘10 versions of NFPA 13D, 14 & 20

2013 as of 12/14

Minimum

Manitoba, Canada

NBC 2010 amended

Yes, Fire Code and Bldg. Code amendments can be found online

2007

Yes

Minimum

New Brunswick, Canada*

2010 NBC

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2010

Yes, w/AHJ

Minimum

Newfoundland, Canada*

2010 NBC & NFPA 101

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

Latest

Yes

Minimum

Nova Scotia, Canada*

2010 NBC

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/AHJ

Minimum

Ontario, Canada*

2012 Ontario Building Code (amended 2010 NBCC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/AHJ

Minimum

Prince Edward Island, Canada*

2010 NBC & NFPA 1 & 101 (NBCC Province not Authority)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/AHJ

Minimum

Quebec, Canada*

2015 Quebec Construction Code (amended 2010 NBCC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2007

Yes, w/AHJ

Minimum

Saskatchewan, Canada*

2010 NBCC with 2013 Saskatchewan amended

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2007

Yes, w/AHJ approval

Minimum

approval

approval approval approval approval

*Abbreviations: NBC-Natoinal Building Code of Canada; BOCA/National-Building Official and Code Administrators International; IBC-International Building Code; IFC-International Fire Code; IFGC-International Fuel Gas Code; (cont. on next page)

30 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Canada Inspection, Testing & Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements

Alberta* British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick* Newfoundland* Nova Scotia* Ontario* Prince Edward Island* Quebec* Saskatchewan*

N N N N N N N N N N

N Y1 -

Yes/No

N N -

Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems:

Other (CSA, Local)

NICET Level III

Province

NICET Level II

Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems:

NICET Level I

construction of one- and two-family homes, there has been a great deal of legislative activity in a number of states during the past couple of years. And, while the legislative charts in this issue indicate the most recent responses received from the individual states, some states did not provide updated information to this year’s survey. Therefore, Sprinkler Age recommends that our readers visit the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative website, firesprinklerinitiative. org, on a regular basis. Click on the Legislation & Adoptions tab at that site to find the most up-to-date information on local and state adoption of residential fire sprinkler requirements, as well as anti-sprinkler legislation that has been introduced.

Only in active seismic areas Yes Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas

When asked about sprinkler retrofit requirements for occupancies (question 11), numerous states indicated they have requirements. Regarding nursing homes, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, and Virginia have retrofit requirements. Retrofit requirements for healthcare can be found in Florida,

Manitoba requires apprenticeship certification for sprinklers.

Maine, and New Jersey. Virginia has requirements for hospitals and Connecticut for elderly occupancies. Georgia, Maine, and New Jersey have retrofit requirements for public assemblies (PAs). Georgia also has retrofitting for existing PAs as listed in 120-3-3.

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

Recognized Code Adoption for Local Authorities or Individual Preference

In a Code Revision Cycle Now? Codes & Years Anticipating Adoption

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBCC

No provincial code enforcement; done by local govts. (municipalities & regional districts)

Code adopted by province & applies in all local govts.

Yes, working towards adopting NBC 2015 in year 2018

Y, 2008

All Encompassing

Yes, 2015 NBC

Y, under Manitoba

Fire Code

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

All Encompassing

For hotels and apartments, Florida, Nevada, and Virginia have retrofit requirements. Connecticut retrofits only hotels. Florida and Nevada have requirements for dwellings and lodging housing. New Jersey retrofit institutional occupancies. New Jersey, Virginia, and Wyoming have requirements for college dorms. Signed copy of owner’s certificate as part of working submittal plan

State Requires PE to do Sprinkler Design Concepts

Office of State Fire Marshal Has Authority Over All Projects in State or Only Over State-Owned/ Financed Projects

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

Local govts would decide

Yes

N/A

Yes

All, the codes apply to all bldgs. except those under federal juris.

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

Yes, 2015 NBC

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

RCA

Yes, OBC

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBCC

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBCC

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

High-rise Condo/apt

MultiFamily

Local Jurisdiction With Residential Ordinances

SingleFamily

Locally

Provincewide

Adopted NFPA 25

(cont. from previous page) IMC-International Mechanical Code; IRC-International Residential Code; LSC-Life Safety Code; NBC-National Building Code of Canada; NEC-National Electric Code; NFPA 5000-Building Construction & Safety Code.

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 31

State State

State StateCode Code Adoption Adoption

Additional AdditionalNFPA NFPAStandards Standards

NFPA NFPA13 13 Edition Edition Adopted Adopted

Local Local Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Can CanUse Use Latest LatestNFPA NFPA 13 13Ed. Ed.

Minimum Minimum Base Baseororaa Min/Max Min/Max for for EnforceEnforcement ment

Alabama* Alabama*

2009 2009IBC IBC&&IFC IFC

No No

2007 2007

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Alaska Alaska

2012 2012IBC, IBC,IFC, IFC,IMC IMC&&IFGC IFGC- allallamended amended

Yes, Yes,http://dps.alaska.gov/fire http://dps.alaska.gov/fire

2010 2010

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Arizona* Arizona*

2003 2003IFC IFC

Yes, Yes,view viewatatdfbls.az.gov dfbls.az.govunder underFire FireMarshal MarshalArizona ArizonaState StateFire Fire Code. Code.Amendments Amendments&&code codeadopted adoptedthrough throughAZ AZrule rulewriting writingprocess process

IFC, IFC,2003 2003 NFPA NFPA13, 13,1999 1999

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Arkansas* Arkansas*

2012 2012IBC, IBC,IRC IRC&&IFC IFC- all - all amended amended

Yes, Yes,requirement requirementfor forsprinklers sprinklersininone oneand-two-family and-two-familydwellings dwellings deleted deleted

2010 2010

No No

Minimum Minimum

California California

2016 2016IBC IBC&&IFC, IFC,both both amended amended

Yes, Yes,https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/chapter/content/2237 https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/chapter/content/2237

2016 2016

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Colorado Colorado

2015 2015IBC IBC&&IFC; IFC;2015 2015IRC; IRC;2012 2012 NFPA NFPA101 101

No No

2013 2013

Yes Yes

Depends onon Depends occup. type occup. type

Connecticut* Connecticut*

2012 2012IBC, IBC,IFC IFC&&NFPA NFPA101; 101; 2012 2012NFPA NFPA11- -amended amended

Yes, Yes,new newbuildings buildingsgreater greaterthan thanfour fourstories stories&&allallnew newschools schools

2010 2010

No No

Min/Max Min/Max

Delaware Delaware

2012 2012NFPA NFPA101 101&&2015 2015NFPA NFPA Yes, Yes,http://regulations.delaware.gov http://regulations.delaware.gov 1,1,both bothamended amended

2013 2013

No No

Minimum Minimum

Ed. No Ed.2010. 2010.See See No Ch Ch35, 35,IRC IRC2012 2012 for forallallref. ref.stds. stds.

Minimum Minimum

District DistrictofofColumbia* Columbia* 2012 2012IBC IBC&&IFC, IFC,both both amended amended

Yes, Yes,visit visitdcra.dc/gov/page/permits_codes_zoning dcra.dc/gov/page/permits_codes_zoningtotosee seeapplicable applicable codes codes

++ Florida Florida

2012 2012IBC, IBC,NFPA NFPA11&&NFPA NFPA 101 101- -allallamended amended

Yes, 2010 Yes,Florida Floridaspecific specificamendments amendmentsto: to:NFPA NFPA1,1,NFPA NFPA11&&IBC. IBC. 2010 myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/bfp; myfloridacfo.com/division/sfm/bfp;http://codes.iccsafe.org/Florida.html http://codes.iccsafe.org/Florida.html

No No

Minimum Minimum

Georgia Georgia

2012 2012IBC, IBC,IFC IFC&&NFPA NFPA101 101- all - all amended amended

Yes, Yes,allallmodifications modificationstotoNFPA NFPA13, 13,15, 15,20, 20,22, 22,24 24&&101 101are arecontained containedinin GA GAChapter Chapter120-3-3 120-3-3(revised (revised1/1/2015) 1/1/2015)

2013 2013

Minimum Minimum

^ ^ Hawaii Hawaii

2006 2006IBC IBC&&UPC, UPC,2015 2015IECC; IECC;2014 2014 Yes, Yes,NFPA NFPA11Act Act53 53ofofthe the2017 2017legislative legislativesession sessionprohibits prohibitsthe the NEC; NEC;2010 2010ASME; ASME;2012 2012NFPA NFPA1 1- - counties countiesfrom fromreq. req.automatic automaticfire firesprinklers sprinklersininoneone-&&two-family two-familyococallallamended cup.; amended cup.;provided providedthis thisshall shallnot notapply applytotonew newhomes homesthat thatreq. req.aavariance variance

2010 2010

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

from fromaccess accessroad roadororfire firefightering fighteringwater watersupply supplyreq.; req.;http://www. http://www. capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=11 capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=11 53&year=2017 53&year=2017

Idaho* Idaho*

2012 2012IBC IBC&&IFC IFC- both - bothamended amended

No No

2013 2013bybyref. ref.

No No

Minimum Minimum

Illinois* Illinois*

2006 2006ororlater laterIBC IBC(default (defaultcode codeinin those thoseareas areasw/out w/outa abldg bldgcode); code); 2000 2000NFPA NFPA1 1- amended - amended

n/a n/a

Ed. Ed.inineffect effect when whenspspsys sys installed installed

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Indiana* Indiana*

2006 2006IBC IBC&&IFC, IFC,2006 2006IMC/IFG IMC/IFG Yes. Yes.Indiana Indianaamendments amendmentstotocodes codesand andstandards standardsare areatat - all in.gov/legislative/iac/iac_title?iact=675 - allamended amended in.gov/legislative/iac/iac_title?iact=675

No No

Min/Max Min/Max

ยง ยง Iowa Iowa

2015 2015IBC IBC&&IFC; IFC;2012 2012NFPA NFPA101; 101; 2015 2015IMC, IMC,UPC UPC&&IECC; IECC;2012 2012 UBC, UBC,210 210ADAAG, ADAAG,2014 2014NFPA NFPA7070

Yes, Yes,bcinfo@dps.state.ia.us; bcinfo@dps.state.ia.us;fminfo@dps.state.ia.us fminfo@dps.state.ia.us

2013 13, Yes 2013NFPA NFPA 13, Yes 13D 13D&&13R 13Rbybyref. ref. from fromIBC IBC&&IFC IFC

Minimum Minimum

Kansas Kansas

2006 2006IBC IBC&&IFC, IFC,amended; amended; 2006/2012 2006/2012NFPA NFPA101 101

No No

2007 2007

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Kentucky* Kentucky*

NFPA NFPA1 1&&101 101&&IBC, IBC,amended amended

No No

2000 2000

No No

Min/Max Min/Max

Louisiana Louisiana

2012 2012NFPA NFPA11&&101; 101;2015 2015 IBC IBC- -amended amended

No No

2016 2016

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Maine Maine

2009 2009IBC; IBC;2006 2006NFPA NFPA11&& 2009 2009101 101

Yes, Yes,removal removalofofreq. req.ofofoneone-and andtwo-family two-familyhomes homestotobe besprinklered sprinklered

2016 2016

Minimum Minimum

Maryland* Maryland*

2012 2012IBC, IBC,NFPA NFPA101 101&&NFPA NFPA 11- -allallamended amended

Yes, Yes,mdsp.org/sfpc; mdsp.org/sfpc;Melt Meltout outceiling ceilingtiles tilesnot notpermitted; permitted;fire firepumps pumps not notpermitted permittedininvaults vaultsororpits pits

2010 2010

Yes Yes

Minimum Minimum

Massachusetts Massachusetts

2009 2009IBC IBCamended, amended,IFC IFC partially partiallyamended, amended,2012 2012NFPA NFPA1 1 amended amended(1/1/15) (1/1/15)

Yes, Yes,reduced reducedsprinkler sprinklerthresholds thresholds

2010 2010

No No

Min/Max Min/Max

Michigan Michigan

2012 2012NPFA NPFA101 101&&2006 2006NFPA NFPA 11- both - bothamended amended

No No

2010 2010

No No

Min/Max Min/Max

Minnesota Minnesota

2012 2012NFPA NFPA101, 101,2012 2012IBC IBC&& IFC IFC- -allallamended amended

Yes, Yes,see seefire.state.mn.us fire.state.mn.us

2010 2010

Not Notrecomrecommended mended

Min Minfire firecode; code; Min/Max Min/Max bldg. bldg.code code

^ Hawaii information is provided for Oahu only. +In Florida, systems <50 heads may be designed by contractor; shop drawings not required to be sealed by a P.E. ยงIowa has adopted NFPA 25 statewide by reference from 2015 IFC and 2014 NFPA 25. Abbreviations: BOCA/National-Building Official and Code Administrators International; IBC-International Building Code; IFC-International Fire Code; IFGC-International Fuel Gas Code; IMC-International Mechanical Code; IRC-International Residential Code; LSC-Life Safety Code; NBC-National Building Code of Canada; NEC-National Electric Code; NFPA 5000-Building Construction & Safety Code.

32 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

Recognized Code Adoption (RCA) for Local Authorities or Individual Preference (IP)

In a Code Revision Cycle Now? Codes & Years Anticipating Adoption

Signed copy of owner’s certificate as part of working submittal plan

State Requires PE to do Sprinkler Design Concepts

Office of State Fire Marshal Has Authority Over All Projects in State or Only Over State-Owned/ Financed Projects

All Encompassing

Yes, 2015 ICC, IFC

Y,es ‘08

Yes

All

All Encompassing

Yes, ‘11

All

Limited

RCA

Yes, IFC 2012

Yes, ‘98

All

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2011

All

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018 IBC & IFC

Yes, ‘11

Yes

Yes or licensed fire sprinkler contractor

State Only for creating regulation state and occupancies A, E, H, I, R

Limited

Yes

NICET III or Above

All for suppression systems

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, ‘11

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018 NFPA codes

Yes, ‘14

Yes

All

All Encompassing

n/a

Yes, 2015 ICC ICodes amended

Yes

None; DCRA has authority over construction

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NFPA 1, NFPA 101

Yes, ‘11

Don’t track

but not aware

of any

Yes

State Only

All Encompassing except 1 & 2 family & individuallyowned residences

Yes, ‘11

Juris. varies

Limited

RCA

Yes, 2015 NFPA 1; 2017 NEC; 2012 IBC, IRC & UPC

Yes, ‘11

Yes ‘11

Yes

No State Fire Marshal’s Office

LImited

RCA

Yes, 2015 IBC & IFC

Yes, ‘11

State Only

All Encompassing except 1 & 2 family homes and public schools

IP, locals adopt their own codes

Yes, ed when sp sys installed

Yes

All

All Encompassing

Yes, 2012 IBC, IFC, IMC, IFGC - eff. 12/1/14

Yes, ‘11

All

All Encompassing

Yes

All

Limited

Yes, 2018 IBC, IFC, NFPA 101

Yes

All

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes

N/A

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes

Yes, ‘14

Yes

All

Limited

RCA

Yes, 2015 IBC

Yes, ‘14

Yes

State

All

All Encompassing

Yes, ‘14

Yes

All

All Encompassing

Yes, updating fire & bldg codes in Jan. 2018

Yes, ‘11

Yes

Limited

RCA

Yes, ‘11

State Only & other

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018 IFC in 2020

Yes, ‘11

All

High-rise Condo/apt

MultiFamily

Local Jurisdiction With Residential Ordinances

SingleFamily

Locally

Statewide

Adopted NFPA 25

regulated facilities

Abbreviations: BOCA/National-Building Official and Code Administrators International; IBC-International Building Code; IFC-International Fire Code; IFGC-International Fuel Gas Code; IMC-International Mechanical Code; IRC-International Residential Code; LSC-Life Safety Code; NBC-National Building Code of Canada; NEC-National Electric Code; NFPA 5000-Building Construction & Safety Code.

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 33

State

State Code Adoption

Additional NFPA Standards

NFPA 13 Edition Adopted

Local Jurisdiction Can Use Latest NFPA 13 Ed.

Minimum Base or a Min/Max for Enforcement

Mississippi Missouri*

2015 IBC & IFC

2013 by ref.

Minimum

None

n/a

Yes

n/a

Montana

2012 IBC and IFC

2010

Yes

Nebraska

2009 IBC; 2003 NFPA 1; 2000 NFPA 101

2003

Minimum

Nevada

2012 IBC & IFC, amended; 2012 IWUIC, UMC & UPC

2013

Yes

Minimum

New Hampshire*

2009 IBC amended; 2015 NFPA 1 & 101 - both amended

Yes, no sprinkler req. for one- and two-family dwellings

2013

Yes, w/variance

Minimum

New Jersey*

2015 NJ IBC New Construction; 2006 IFB NJ as maintenance code - both amended

2013 as ref. by 2015 IBC

Yes only by the designer for specific issues not in 2013 ed.

Min/Max

New Mexico*

2009 IBC & 2003 IFC - both amended

Yes, 903.2 exception does not apply; 903.2.7 does not apply to detached one- and two-family homes

1999, ref by IFC 2003

Yes

Minimum

New York

2015 IBC & IFC, both amended

Yes modify R313 of 2015 IFC

2013

Minimum

North Carolina

2009 IBC & IFC, amended

2013

Yes

Min/Max

North Dakota*

2009 IBC, amended; IRC, IMC & IFGC amended

Yes, legislative action prevents the installation of fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes

n/a

Yes

Minimum

Ohio*

2009 IBC & IFC, both amended

Yes, A-3 sprinkler req., R sprinkler req.

2010

Minimum

Oklahoma*

2006 IBC & IFC, 2007 NFPA 101, all amended

2007

Yes

Minimum

Oregon

IBC & IFC, both amended

2013

Yes

Min-Fire/Max-Bldg

Pennsylvania*

2009 IBC & IFC

2007

Minimum

Rhode Island*

2012 IBC, NFPA 1 & 101 - all amended

Yes, residential deleted

2010

Yes

Minimum

South Carolina

2015 IBC & IFC, both amended

Yes, see llr.state.sc.us/pol/bcc

2013

Yes

Minimum

South Dakota

2009 IBC & IFC - both amended

Yes, threshold for sprinkler protection multi-family dwellings at six or more units

2010

Yes

Minimum

Tennessee

2012 IBC amended; 2012 IFC & NFPA 101

Yes, eliminate sprinklers from one- and two-family dwellings & townhomes

2010

Yes

Minimum

Texas*

2012 NFPA 101 amended

2013

Yes

Minimum

Utah

2015 IBC & IFC - both amended; 2015 NFPA 101

2013

Minimum

Vermont

2015 IBC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 101 - all amended

Yes, firesafety.vermont.gov

2013

Minimum

Virginia*

2012 IBC & IFC - both amended

Yes, IBC Ch 9 modifications per the VA USBC Par I; dhcd.virginia.gov/images/SBC/CodeBooks/ 2012%20Virginia%20Construction%20Code.pdf

2010 per ref. stds. of IBC & IFC 2012

Yes

Min/Max

Washington

2015 IBC, IFC, IRC, IMC & UPC; 2015 NFPA 101 amended; NFPA 5000 amended

Yes, IRC. Did not adopt Ch 11-25. Residential sprinklers if added need to meet IRC P2904 or NFPA 13D

2013

Min/Max

West Virginia

2015 IBC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 101 - all amended

Yes, sprinklers as option in one- and two-family dwellings

2013

Minimum

Wisconsin*

2009 IBC & NFPA 1 - both amended

Yes, systems req. in most bldgs over 60 ft in height. Different sprinkler thresholds protection and alternatives for smaller apt bldgs & townhouses, Comm 6.2.09 (5) Wis. Section Code

2007

Yes

Minimum

Wyoming

2015 IBC & IFC

2013

Yes

Minimum

34 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Scope Recognized In a Code Scope of of Recognized CodeCode In a Code Enforcement Adoption (RCA) Revision Revision Enforcement Adoption (RCA) is Limited for Local AuthoriCycle Now? is Limited or or for Local AuthoriCycle Now? All Encompassing tiesIndividual or Individual Codes & Years All Encompassing ties or Codes & Years Preference Anticipating Preference (IP) (IP) Anticipating Adoption Adoption

Signed StateState Office Office of State Local Jurisdiction With Signed of State RequiresFire Marshal Fire Marshal Residential Ordinances copycopy of of Requires Has Has owner’sPE toPE Authority owner’s doto doAuthority OverOver All All certificate Sprinkler Projects in State certificate Sprinkler Projects in State or or as part Design OnlyOnly as part of of Design OverOver workingConcepts Concepts State-Owned/ working State-Owned/ submittal Financed Projects submittal Financed Projects planplan

Locally

SingleFamily SingleFamily MultiFamily MultiFamily High-rise Condo/apt High-rise Condo/apt

Locally

Statewide

Adopted NFPA 25

Limited Limited

No No

Yes Yes -

Yes Yes

StateState Only Only

n/a n/a

No No

No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

No No

NoneNone

Limited Limited

RCA RCA

No No

Yes, ‘11 Yes, ‘11 -

No No No No No No

No No

All

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

Yes, NFPA 2012 NFPA Yes, ‘02 Yes, 2012 101 101Yes, ‘02 -

No No No No No No

No No

All

RCA RCA

Yes,IFC, 2018IBC, IFC, IBC, Yes, ‘11 Yes, ‘11Yes, 2018 IWUIC,IWUIC, UMC &UMC UPC& UPC

No No Yes Yes No No

Yes Yes

StateState Only Only

Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

No No

Yes Yes

StateState Only Only

No No No No No No No No

No No

Yes Yes

StateState Only Only

Yes Yes

All

Limited Limited

All Encompassing All Encompassing

Yes, NFPA 2015 NFPA Yes, 2015 1 w/ 1 w/ref.; IBC 2015&IBC ref.; 2015 IRC& IRC

Yes Yes

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

No No

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

Yes, 2015 Yes, 2015 IFC IFC

Yes, ‘98 Yes, ‘98 -

No No No No No No

Limited Limited

Yes Yes

Yes, ‘14Yes, ‘14

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes

StateState Only Only

Yes, ‘14Yes, ‘14 -

Yes Yes -

No No

StateState Only Only

RCA RCA

All Encompassing All Encompassing

Yes, IBC 2015w/IBC w/ Yes, 2015 amendments amendments

Limited Limited

Yes, 2012 IBC, IRC, Yes, 2012 IBC, IRC, No No IMC, IMC, IFGCIFGC

Limited Limited

No No

Limited Limited

RCA RCA

No No

All Encompassing IP All Encompassing

Yes Yes

No No

StateState Only Only

Yes, ‘08 Yes, Yes, Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes, ‘08 OH Fire OH Fire Code Code

No No

StateState Only Only

Yes, ‘02Yes, ‘02

No No

All

Yes, IRC 20097/1/11 IRC 7/1/11Yes, ‘08 Yes, ‘08Yes, 2009

No No No No No No

No No

StateState Only Only

No No

Fire Marshal PA FirePA Marshal has no has codeno code enforcement authority enforcement authority

Yes Yes

All

Yes Yes

All≠ All≠

Yes Yes

Certain Certain publicpublic bldgsbldgs outlined in statute outlined in statute

Yes Yes

StateState Only Only

No No -

Yes Yes

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

No No

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

Yes, 2015 Yes, 2015

Yes, ‘11 Yes, ‘11 -

No No Yes Yes Yes Yes -

See llr.state.sc.us/ See llr.state.sc.us/ pol/bcc pol/bcc

No No

Yes, ‘14Yes, ‘14

No No No No No No

Limited Limited

RCA RCA

No No

No No Yes Yes Yes Yes -

Yes, ‘11 Yes, ‘11 -

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

All Encompassing IP All Encompassing

Limited Limited

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

No No No

No No

Yes Yes

No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes -

No No

StateState Only Only

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

No No

StateState Only Only

RCA RCA

Yes, IBC 2015w/IBC Yes, ‘11 Yes, 2015 ref.w/ ref.Yes, ‘11 No standards; 2015 IFC standards; 2015 IFC ref. standards; w/ ref.w/ standards; 2015 2015 ref. standards IRC w/IRC ref.w/ standards

No No No No No No No

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

Yes, 2018 Yes, 2018

Yes, ‘14 Yes, ‘14 -

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

Limited Limited

No No

Yes, ‘14 Yes, ‘14 -

No No

Yes, ed. 2012 Yes, ‘08 Yes, 2012 of ed. IBC,of IBC,Yes, ‘08 IMC, IFGC, IECC,IECC, IMC, IFGC, & NFPA 1 IEBC IEBC & NFPA 1

No No

No No No No No No

All Encompassing IP All Encompassing

All Encompassing RCA RCA All Encompassing

Yes, ‘14 Yes, ‘14 -

All

Yes, ‘14 Yes, ‘14 -

Yes, ‘14 Yes, ‘14 No No -

Yes Yes

RCA RCA

All Encompassing All Encompassing

All

Yes Yes -

No No

All

No No

n/a n/a

No No

All

Engineer, n/a n/a Engineer, architect, architect, or sprinkler or sprinkler contractor contractor

Yes Yes

All

≠ South Carolina has statewide authority to enforce state and local fire codes, but the requirement to use its free plan review services comes from the primary AHJ or AHJs that control permits, licenses, etc., and can involve AHJs who are state or local or may involve both.

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 35

Illinois and New Hampshire retrofit per NFPA 101, Iowa per Chapter 11 of the 2015 IFC, and South Carolina per Section 1103.5 of the 2015 ICC.

36 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Fitters

Designers

Inspections

Fire Alarm Inspections

PE/Architect Seal

NICET Level III

NICET Level IV

Contact the respective AHJ for more detailed information for particular states. We thank the many individual state fire marshals, deputy state fire marshals, deputy chiefs, fire protection engineers, code specialists, and others who participated in this year’s survey. Some respondents did not provide a specific telephone number for questions regarding jurisdiction over fire sprinkler plan review/inspections. In those cases, we have listed the telephone number for the state fire marshal’s office, with the hope that a state representative can direct contractors to the appropriate authority. n

Alabama* Alaska Arizona* Arkansas* California Colorado Connecticut* Delaware D.C.* Florida+ Georgia Hawaii Idaho* Illinois* Indiana* Iowa Kansas Kentucky* Louisiana Maine Maryland* Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri* Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire* New Jersey* New Mexico* New York North Carolina North Dakota* Ohio* Oklahoma* Oregon Pennsylvania* Rhode Island* South Carolina≠ South Dakota Tennessee Texas* Utah Vermont Virginia* Washington West Virginia Wisconsin* Wyoming

Contractors

Conclusion The AFSA staff has made every effort to provide the most accurate and current information. Because of the time lapse between gathering the information and publication of these charts, changes may have occurred. Also, code adoption cycles/processes vary from state to state, but most statewide codes are updated once every three years. So states that are not listed as considering adoptions within the next year may in fact be initiating the process of reviewing all available codes.

State

Requires for Sprinkler Drawings:

Inspectors

When asked about towns or cities having retrofit requirements in excess of state requirements (question 12a), several states indicated “yes;” however, most did not provide a list of cities, towns and/or villages.

Requires Requires Certification Licensing Of: For:

Plan Reviewers

High-rise retrofits are in place for California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Nevada. Massachusetts retrofits nightclubs. Arkansas has retrofit requirements for I-2 occupancies. Michigan has retrofit requirements pending for college dorms and correctional facilities. Oregon is considering retrofitting high-rises. Nevada has requirements for building occupancies.

State Licensing & Certification Requirements

N Y Y N N Y Y N N Y N N N N N N Y N Y Y N N N N N Y Y Y N Y N N N Y N N Y Y Y N N Y Y N Y N N Y Y

N Y Y N Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N N N Y N Y Y N Y N N N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y

N Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y N Y N Y N N Y N Y Y N Y N N Y N Y N N Y N Y N Y Y N N Y N N N N N

N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N Y Y N Y N Y N Y N Y Y N N Y N Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y N

Y N Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y N Y N Y -

Y N N Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y N N Y -

Y Y N Y Y N N Y+ N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y

Y N Y N Y N N Y Y Y N Y N Y N

Cert Only Cert Only Cert OnlyCert Only Cert Only

Y Y Y Y N

Cert

Y Y N

Cert

Y Y N

Cert

lni.wa.gov

Either

Depends

N N Y Y Y N

N N Y Y Y

PE or

NICET II

Only

NICET II

Y Y Y N N N N Y -

N Y N N Y N N -

Depends

Encouraged

N N Y

Req.

N N N

Y & cert des

N N -

Must be

sealed by

1 of the 3

State Fire

Marshal

Cert

N Y

Y N Y -

or sp ctr

Y Y

Y N Y Y N -

N -

N Y -

Information not available for Canada. A “-” indicates no response was given. +In Florida, a contractor can design systems with less than 49 sprinkler heads. ≠In South Carolina, certification per Title 6, Chapter 8 of SC Code of Laws. The SC-specific design and shop drawings requirements can be found in Title 40, Ch 10 of the SC Code of Laws.

Hawaii Idaho* Illinois* Indiana* Iowa Kansas Kentucky* Louisiana Maine Maryland* Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri* Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire* New Jersey* New Mexico* New York North Carolina North Dakota* Ohio* Oklahoma* Oregon Pennsylvania* Rhode Island* South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas* Utah Vermont Virginia* Washington West Virginia Wisconsin* Wyoming

Numbers in ( ) are for retrofit questions. Phone numbers not available for Canada.

Alabama* Alaska Arizona* Arkansas* California Colorado Connecticut* Delaware D.C.* Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho* Illinois* Indiana* Iowa Kansas Kentucky* Louisiana Maine Maryland* Massachusetts Michigan+ Minnesota Mississippi Missouri* Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire* New Jersey* New Mexico* New York North Carolina North Dakota* Ohio* Oklahoma* Oregon Pennsylvania* Rhode Island* South Carolina• South Dakota Tennessee Texas* Utah Vermont Virginia#* Washington West Virginia Wisconsin* Wyoming

Y Y N N Y via waiver N Y or Y No Req N Y Y Y State N N N N N Per Y No Req No Req No Req N N Y No Req N N Y

Y N N N Y Minimum Y N Y or Y No Req N N N N License N N Y N NFPA 1 & N No Req No Req No Req N N No Req -

Yes, State Fire

N Y NICET I State No Req

Marshal Cert

N Req Registered No Req

Yes/No

Georgia

N Y N N Y No req N N N No Req No Req No Req N No Req

State

Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems:

Other (CSA, Local)

California Colorado Connecticut* Delaware D.C.* Florida

NICET Level III

Alaska Arizona* Arkansas*

334-241-4166 (334-241-4166) 907-269-5491 602-364-1003 501-618-8624 (501-618-8624) 916-327-4998 303-239-4600 860-713-5750 302-323-5365 202-442-4589 850-413-3610 (850-413-3610) 404-617-8515 (404-617-8515) 808-723-7176 (808-723-7176) 208-334-4370 312-814-8960 317-232-1421 (317-233-1421) 515-725-6145 (515-725-6145) 785-296-0659 502-573-0365 x201 1-800-256-5452 (1-800-256-5452) 207-626-3880 (207-626-3889) 410-713-3780 (410-766-3881) 978-567-3375 (978-567-3375) 517-241-9371 (517-241-9371) 651-201-7204 601-359-1061 573-751-2930 (573-522-6207) 406-791-2710 402-471-2027 775-684-7532 (603-271-3294) 609-984-7609 (609-633-6741) 505-476-0080 518-474-4073 919-647-0011 701-328-5555 614-728-5460 (614-728-5460) 405-522-5006 503-934-8269 (503-934-8269) 717-346-2729 401-393-7717 803-896-9800 605-773-3562 615-741-6246 512-305-7909 801-284-6350 802-479-7566 804-371-7150 (804-371-7150) 360-596-3913 304-558-2191 608-266-0251 307-777-8710

Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems:

NICET Level II

Alabama*

U.S. Inspection, Testing & Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements

NICET Level I

Local Jurisdictions and Retrofit Information

Y No Req N No Req No Req

Y Y Y Y Y N Y Per NFPA 13 N N N Y Y

or union trained

No Req No Req N No Req No Req N Y NFPA 101 No Req No Req No Req Y state cert No Req No Req Y, state cert.

Tester No Req

Only as req by NFPA 13 Yes, dep on area of state

Yes N Y N N N Yes, in some areas Y N N Y Y N Y Y Yes, some Y Based on IBC req Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Yes, not all systems N Y N Y Y

A “-” indicates no response was given. + In Michigan, in regulated facilities they have to be Act 144 Certified • In South Carolina, the adopted bldg code determines when seismic protection is required.

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 37

California Sprinkler Fitter Classification What You Need to Know KEVIN KORENTHAL | American Fire Sprinkler Association

In 2011, California became the first state to pass a statewide fire sprinkler requirement, serving as an example for many other states. With the surge of demand for fire protection in the state, many sought to regulate the marketplace. In 2017, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal announced the approval of the Fire Sprinkler Fitter Certification Regulation. This regulation, which went into effect July 1, 2017, impacts anyone who installs, tests, maintains, and/or provide service to water-based fire protection systems in California. Following is a list of key dates and requirements for sprinkler fitters in the state of California. July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 Period for Journeyman Fire Sprinkler Fitters (those who possess an active C-16, or those employed by a C-16 who meet the minimum qualifications) to certify without taking the certification examination. • Among the requirements, the minimum verified work qualification is 7,000 hours which needs to have occurred during a minimum of five years. Requirement is 3,500 hours/two years for multi-family residential installers. • Verification can be obtained through a copy of the fitter’s resume and a letter from the current employer outlining experience obtained under that employer. There is no evidence that an authority will check the accuracy of resumes but it would be a good idea for the current employer to do his/her due diligence here. July 1, 2018 Certification card required for fitters; requirement calls for at least one certified fitter per job site. • Contractors need to be aware that a certified fitter is someone who has taken and passed the certification test or who met grandfather qualification through either the possession of a C-16 or by proving the 7,000-hour/ five-year or 3,500-hour/two-year requirement. January 1, 2019 All fitters shall possess a certification card, all trainees and apprentices shall possess a registration card. By this point, everyone on the job is either: 1. A Certified Fitter 2. An Apprentice actively registered and participating in an approved apprenticeship program (for AFSA members, this is the program administered by CAFSA). 3. A Registered Trainee working for a C-16 license holder and under a Certified Fitter for up to one year after the date of 38 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

hire. After one year, the trainee must become an apprentice by enrolling in an approved apprenticeship program. Guidance is needed to determine if a worker may be registered as a trainee at the beginning of the requirement even though they may have already been employed by the contractor for more than a year. Fees are required for certification, apprenticeship registration and trainee registration. Residential Fitter the Requirement The requirement that residential fire sprinkler fitters be certified is by far the most contentious aspect of a certification regime that already imposes a very high degree of obligation on fitters and their employers. To date, a non-union, residential-specific sprinkler fitter apprenticeship program is not available in the State of California. This means that companies working on multi-family residential fire sprinkler projects will be required to meet all the certification requirements for their workers as stated above. AFSA encourages contractors to certify their journeyman workers through the grandfather clause, enroll their midterm workers into an apprenticeship program, and register their inexperienced workers as trainees. AFSA members needing assistance can visit the California American Fire Sprinkler Association’s website at cafsa.org or contact AFSA’s Membership Department at 214-349-5965 or via email at membership@firesprinkler.org. Summation Even with the onerous requirements set forth in California Sprinkler Certification, merit shop contractors in California can abide by the rules and flourish just as they always have. The rules, while somewhat skewed to benefit union contractors, will also benefit the merit shop by reducing the number of unlicensed or otherwise unqualified contractors. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kevin D. Korenthal is AFSA’s manager of chapter relations and acts as AFSA’s advisor on matters of government relations. He has an extensive background in apprentice issues and has been involved in apprenticeship programs in California. Korenthal can be reached via email at kevink@firesprinkler.org or via phone at 214-349-5965 ext. 133.

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NFPA 13D Water Supplies What is the Actual Duration of Your 10-Minute Tank? DANIEL J. MATHIAS, PE | Absolute Fire Protection, Inc.

About 87 percent of US. households are served by a public water supply. We take for granted that these “city water” systems have sufficient flow, pressure, and duration to meet the demands of a residential sprinkler system. However, some areas are not served by a municipal water supply. When a fire sprinkler system is required in those jurisdictions, an alternative water supply must be provided in order to meet the demand of the fire sprinkler system. One alternative is a that a fire sprinkler holding tank and pump, stored water supply, be provided. The 2016 NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Oneand Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, section 6.1.2 requires, “Where stored water is used as the sole source of supply, the minimum quantity shall equal the water demand rate times 10 minutes... ” According to the explanatory text of the NFPA Automatic Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies Handbook, the basis for this 10-minute requirement is to, “provide sufficient time for occupants to evacuate or escape from the effects of fire in most homes of any size.” Additionally, residential sprinklers must limit room temperatures for a minimum of 10 minutes to meet the listing criteria. Using that simple calculation allowed by section 6.1.2 as our guide, have we really provided a 10-minute water supply? Let’s see. The standard industry practice in NFPA 13D sprinkler design is to determine the required flow of the two most hydraulically remote sprinklers and then multiply that flow (in gpm) times 10 (for the duration in minutes) to deter42 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

mine the total amount of stored water in the tank. For example: The minimum two sprinkler demand at 16 ft x 16 ft maximum spacing is 13 gpm/each x 2 = 26 gpm (to simplify the example we’ll ignore the typical greater flow by the second sprinkler). Hence, a minimum tank size of 26 gpm x 10 minutes = 260 gallons and we’re done, right? While we may have satisfied NFPA 13D requirements, we also may have not provided an actual 10-minute water supply.

will discharge more than the minimum flow. The overdischarge may be greater in the case of large houses with significant piping between the pump and the most hydraulically remote sprinklers.

What about the safety margin provided in the hydraulic calculations? NFPA 13D does not require a safety margin; however, many designers provide a safety margin to accommodate field installation changes, fluctuations in water supply, etc. Sometimes safety margins are sizeable as it just works out that way due to the fact that many NFPA 13D sprinkler systems might only consist of two pipe sizes: 11/4-in. riser and 1-in. branch lines. Many (if not most) jurisdictions require a safety margin in hydraulic calculations. Additionally, pump choices are perhaps limited to a handful that a company purchases. The problem is the actual discharge of the sprinklers will most likely be greater than the minimum discharge we have calculated. Therefore, the water supplied by the minimally-sized tank will be less than 10 minutes during an actual two-sprinkler discharge at the hydraulically most remote two-sprinkler compartment.

What if we provide an oversized pump? A pump with a “flatter curve” may result in a greater overdischarge.

What if the two sprinklers discharging are not located on the top floor but are much closer to the pump? They are located in the least hydraulically remote compartment. Perhaps the living room is located on the lower level of the house near the utility room. Those sprinklers

Add to the above, the effect of building height. If the house is three levels, the sprinklers in the basement will discharge at significantly more pressure than the sprinklers on the top floor, again contributing to an overdischarge.

All of the above factors may compromise the viability of the 10-minute tank we may have thought we were providing. Various hydraulic calculations for four different houses were performed. The four house designs evaluated were: House #1: (large house – 9,389 ft2, three levels, 1-hp tank/pump in basement, 11/4-in. riser and mains, 1-in. branch lines, 4.9 k factor pendent sprinklers, 16 ft x 16 ft maximum spacing) House #2: (small house – 2,160 ft2, two levels, 1.5-hp tank/pump in lower level, 11/4-in. riser, 3/4-in. branch lines, 4.9 k factor pendent sprinklers, 16 ft x 16 ft maximum spacing) House #3: (same house as house #2 above but with larger piping and smaller pump, 3/4-hp tank/pump in lower level, 11/4-in. riser, 1-in. branch lines, 4.9 k factor pendent sprinklers, 16 ft x 16 ft maximum spacing) House #4: (same house as house #2 above but with 3/4-hp tank/pump in lower level, 1-in. riser, 3/4-in. branch

lines, designed with zero safety margin at two most remote sprinklers, 4.9 k factor pendent sprinklers, 16 ft x 16 ft maximum spacing). (See Table 1.) As is shown in the Table 1, where the minimum tank capacity required by NFPA 13D may be as small as 262 gallons, the actual water required to provide a true 10-minute, two-sprinkler demand may be as much as 435 gallons. In this case, the actual duration provided by a 262 gallon tank is a mere six minutes and three seconds! In fact, as part of this study, additional calculations were performed discharging one sprinkler in the least hydraulically remote area instead of two. In all four cases, the minimally designed tank size did not provide a 10-minute, one-sprinkler discharge. How can we achieve a true 10-minute duration tank/pump water supply? Perhaps an additional set of hydraulic calculations should be performed? The designer would still be required to prove required minimum sprinkler discharge in the hydraulically most remote area. Then, in the case of a stored water supply, the tank capacity could be determined by performing an additional demand calculation at the two least hydraulically remote sprinklers located within a compartment. This calculation would be performed “to the curve” (without safety margin). While using the above method, an automatic refill should be considered. In fact NFPA 13D section 6.1.4 allows the refill to be added to tank while determining required water. As part of this investigation, five random houses served by wells were tested at a 1/2-in. hose bib. The average flow rate of the five houses was 6.3 gallons per minute. This amount of water could be used to reduce the required tank size. Perhaps the required tank size could be calculated as such: Maximum discharge of two hydraulically least remote sprinklers – (minus) tank refill rate provided by well x 10 minutes. Using the example of house

Demand GPM and Calculated Minimum Tank Size per NFPA 13D Section 6.1.2

Maximum Discharge of Most Remote Two Sprinklers and Tank Capacity Required to Meet that Flow

Maximum Discharge of Least Remote Two Sprinklers and Tank Capacity Required to Meet that Flow

Actual Water Necessary to Provide True 10-Minute Supply

Actual Duration Provided by Minimum Tank Size Per NFPA 13D Section 6.1.2

House #1

26.3 gpm 263 gal

33.2 gpm 332 gal

43.5 gpm 435 gal

435 gal

6 minutes 3 seconds

House #2

26.2 gpm 262 gal

33.33 gpm 333 gal

42.1 gpm 421 gal

421 gal

6 minutes 13 seconds

House #3

26.2 gpm 262 gal

31.9 gpm 319 gal

42.0 gpm 420 gal

420 gal

6 minutes 14 seconds

House #4

26.3 263 gal

38.1 gpm 381 gal

381 gal

6 minutes 54 seconds

Table 1. Actual discharge durations.

#1 above with a refill rate of 6 gpm would result in a required tank capacity of 375 gallons [(43.5 gpm 6 gpm) x 10 minutes] as opposed to 435 gallons without automatic refill. Furthermore, the actual refill rate might be greater if larger piping is extended to the automatic refill device which would result in a smaller required tank. The resultant 375 gallons is 112 gallons more than the 263 gallons as determined by use of NFPA 13D section 6.1.2. In the above example, an additional 112 gallons of water and an automatic refill device would certainly add to the cost of the sprinkler system, however, it would be assured that a 10-minute water supply is actually being provided. As can be seen, the often referenced 10 minutes can readily be accomplished. The calculations clearly show that, in actuality, we are not providing a 10-minute supply to two sprinklers based on the required tank capacity using NFPA 13D section 6.1.2 as our guide. This begs the question: Is the 10-minute interval an intended goal? The obvious answer is no. The reference in the Sprinkler Handbook to the 10 minutes being more relevant to tanks is inaccurate and could lead an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to inappropriately reject a set of plans. Section 6.1.2 uses 10 minutes to dictate the required volume of water, not a duration of flow. Knowing that the test

standard for listing residential sprinklers uses 10 minutes could lead one to jump to an incorrect conclusion. It’s simply a reasonable benchmark and should only be interpreted to mean that the temperature can be controlled for up to 10 minutes. It was never intended that an actual 10-minute duration be required. If that were the case, it would be part of the hydraulic methodology in NFPA 13D. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dan Mathias, PE, is president of Absolute Fire Protection, Inc., Severna Park, Maryland. Absolute designs and installs both commercial and residential sprinkler systems. Mathias holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, and is a licensed professional fire protection engineer. He currently serves as voting alternate representing AFSA on NFPA Committee for Residential Sprinklers. EDITOR’S NOTE: It should be noted that the above is the author’s opinion as a member of the NFPA Committee for Residential Sprinklers. It has not been processed as a formal interpretation in accordance with the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects and should therefore not be considered, nor relied upon, as the official position of the NFPA or its committees.

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 43

Recruiting in the Fire Sprinkler Industry VSC Fire & Security Thinks “Outside the Box” to Recruit the Next Generation CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Many companies in the fire sprinkler industry today, and in trade industries as a whole in the United States, are facing a new problem as the demand for contractor services rises: a lack of skilled contractors entering the industry. As the economy continues to grow and the market for fire sprinkler contractor services does the same, it follows that there are plenty of contractor positions for companies to fill. But as current contractors begin to retire from the industry, and the skills gap widens as fewer high school graduates enter the trades, more and more companies are facing a deficit of skilled employees.

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On sale nOw www.firesprinkler.org 44 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

When VSC Fire & Security, headquartered in Ashland, Virginia, found itself facing this problem, the company had to start thinking creatively about ways to solve it. Jeff Lewis, vice president of Inspections at VSC, and his team came up with a plan at the end of 2016. “Looking at our situation,” says Lewis, “and the age of our employees, we knew we needed to recruit some new talent, and we began to reach out.” They started small, by reaching out into their local community to find out which high schools had vocational programs. They introduced themselves to educators in vocational schools that were in close proximity to their division offices and found themselves with a foot in the door. Finding the Right Candidates As they began to explore the local vocational schools, VSC found there were plenty of opportunities to recruit, but they had to remain vigilant. “These aren’t just kids being trained as pipe fitters,” states Lewis. “We met kids being trained in plumbing, electrical, firefighting, etc. I didn’t realize these high school vocational programs had these fire safety and fire protection programs, but they’re gearing everyone toward firefighting. We had to fight the fire service for the kids who have an interest in fire protection.” VSC calculated that it was a one- to four-year investment when recruiting employees directly out of high school. So they started small, with just couple of high schools or a few community colleges, if they were linked to the high school. Their goal was to meet students who had not quite graduated yet, or who were consider-

ing the industry, to come take a look at it and see how VSC does business. They quickly found that to appeal to milliennials, you need to appeal to their ideals. “It’s all about communicating what the mission of the fire sprinkler industry is,” says Lewis. “It’s environmentally friendly. It’s about protection. It’s about saving lives. You could be putting in a fire protection system in a nursing home where your grandmother lives, or the hospital where your sister works. You are protecting your community.” Creating a Training Program that Fits After finding the right people for the job, Lewis and his team had to take a look internally to make sure they had a way to bring the new recruits to the level of service VSC provides. “We had to ask ourselves, what does our training program look like?” recalls Lewis. “How do we manage it? How do we track their achievements and train them? How do we fit them into our organization, and get them trained to become a fully functional employee? We had to step back and correct our structure.” District managers and personnel met to discuss the process for moving new employees through a training program and into the culture of the company. It was quickly decided that if VSC recruited someone to come into the company as a fitter, that individual would then enroll in the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Training Program. If the recruit was more interested in becoming an inspector, they would enroll instead in AFSA’s Inspection, Testing & Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development

program. “With AFSA supporting us with its training programs,” says Lewis, “it makes it easier for us to bring young kids on and have them be functional employees within a couple years.” When working to recruit inside high schools, VSC was often asked if they have internships. “We didn’t, but we do now,” states Lewis. “That way we can work with kids who are younger, introduce them to the industry.” It is adaptations like this that are contributing significantly to the company’s successful recruiting efforts. Learning and Growing As time has passed, VSC’s strategy for recruitment has changed. Lewis and his team are learning what to look for at a vocational school, and learning how to better communicate with the kids that they meet. Lewis involved the marketing department, and they worked on a marketing campaign that was geared specifically to high school kids. They created giveaways and banners to draw the kids to VSC’s booth at every job fair and event. VSC found that some schools had a strong AutoCAD program, while other schools have a stronger electrical program, or a better plumbing program. They began to learn, through trial and error, where they needed to look, the questions they needed to ask, and who they needed to speak with when they went into schools. “It’s a time-consuming process,” says Lewis. “It took time and investment to get ourselves ready, and just as much time and investment to get where we are now.” Telling the Best Kept Secret “What I’ve discovered is the sprinkler industry is a well-kept secret,” says Lewis. “There are few educators that I’ve run into who actually know of the sprinkler industry. Most of them thought plumbers put in sprinklers and electricians put in alarms.” Lewis and his team at VSC are doing their best to tell that “secret.” They made contact with local educators this past summer, and they are looking forward to going into classrooms and addressing students directly. Their goal by this time next year is to recruit five or six new employees. “We were hoping for just one, and we found that,” says Lewis.

“We’re changing our culture. The fire protection industry never had to go out and look for people before. People always came to us, but they’re not coming anymore. I don’t know what it is, but the well is running dry. We have to go out and recruit them ourselves.” To do that, you have to have a good message, a good mission, and you have to have the structure ready so that when the young people are coming in they don’t get lost in the process or forgotten about. “The AFSA programs make this

possible for us,” says Lewis, “because otherwise we would have to sit down and develop these programs ourselves, which would be impossible.” To learn more about VSC Fire & Security, visit vscfs.com. If you want to learn more about AFSA training programs, visit firesprinkler.org. n EDITOR'S NOTE: AFSA has materials to help contractor members promote careers in the fire sprinkler industry. Find out more online at firesprinklercareers.com.

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Five Steps to Better Advocate for Home Fire Sprinklers How to Better Promote This Technology and, in Essence, Your Business FRED DURSO, JR. | National Fire Protection Association

I recently had some informal conversations with members of the fire sprinkler industry involved in residential installations. Their answers helped gauge their current level of fire sprinkler advocacy. While some admitted to promoting home fire sprinklers here and there, others admitted to having no involvement in advocacy or not knowing where to start. Becoming a vocal ally supporting home fire sprinklers has its benefits; it raises awareness of a technology to a generally unaware public, which, in

turn, aids your business by increasing sprinkler acceptance and use. If unsure how to perfect your pitch for sprinklers or where to begin, don’t fret. There are easy steps you can take to perfect your pitch. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative is an entire campaign dedicated to increasing requirements for home fire sprinklers via advocacy efforts. Using the initiative’s resources, here are five ways you can take action today.

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I. Understand the Problem Before you can promote the solution to America’s home fire problem, you must explain why the solution matters. Use NFPA’s extensive research reports underscoring, annually, the tragedies associated with home fires. Key point: each year, nearly 2,500 people die from home fires, and another 13,000 are injured. Obtaining local fire statistics over a 10- to 15-year period will better illuminate what’s happening in your area to the public and your local decision makers. Check the Fire Sprinkler Initiative website’s sprinkler coalition pages, many of which include this data. Also, get educated on the fire sprinkler laws, or lack thereof, in your state. • Fire sprinkler requirements: FireSprinklerInitiative.org/Legislation • Research reports: FireSprinklerInitiative.org/Research • Sprinkler coalitions: FireSprinklerInitiative.org/Coalitions II. Join the Good Fight You now can lend your expertise on fire sprinklers to a growing, grassroots movement. Thirty states (and one Canadian province) have developed state sprinkler coalitions. Coast to coast, these groups are in need of sprinkler installers and contractors with extensive knowledge of this technology to help promote the cause. Some coalitions are strictly educating the public on sprinkler effectiveness while others are championing for mandated fire sprinklers. If your state has a coalition, contact the coalition chair and see how you can get involved. If your state doesn’t have a coalition, contact NFPA. We can help you initiate one. (See coalition link above.)

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III. Promote the Solution Home fire sprinklers reduce the risk of dying from fire by 80 percent, and reduce property loss by 70 percent. If you’re looking for resources promoting these astounding statistics, visit the Fire Sprinkler Initiative’s “Take Action” page. There, you’ll find infographics (which might be a nice component to your company’s website), fact sheets, and videos ideal for social media sharing. Our newest resource is a downloadable, advocacy toolkit featuring the Fire Sprinkler Initiative’s greatest hits. Additional, and more educational, resources are offered by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HomeFireSprinkler.org). Don’t forget to download its new home fire timeline which vividly portrays the speed of today’s home fires and rapid response of fire sprinklers. • Advocacy tools: FireSprinklerInitiative.org/advocacy-tools IV. Counter the Opposition In case you missed it, a 2016 story by the nonprofit news organization, Pro-

Publica, illuminated the power of the homebuilding industry, one of the most powerful opponents against fire sprinkler requirements. The report states that this industry has spent more than $517 million in the last decade on state politics, and has been influential in thwarting sprinkler requirements in at least 25 states. We might not be able to match these dollars, but we do have fire safety on our side. Anytime you hear or see a “sprinkler myth” being perpetuated in your region, use your voice and state the facts. Write a letter to the editor in response to an anti-sprinkler story or let the public know a home fire incident may have been prevented if fire sprinklers were present. If there is a “sprinkler save” in your region, highlight it. As one of our advocates eloquently wrote, “If fire sprinklers are important enough to make it into every model building code, why are fire sprinklers not important enough for Massachusetts homes?” Insert your own state into that sentence, and you’ve

made a pretty compelling case for this technology. V. Stay in the Know We are always creating new resources aimed at taking the guesswork out of fire sprinkler advocacy. Check the Fire Sprinkler Initiative’s site for these new additions. You’ll also read about sprinkler news making headlines and new tactics for advocacy. The more knowledgeable you are, the more effective you can be as an advocate. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Fred Durso, Jr., is communications manager for NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative. Follow him on Twitter @FredDursoJr. For ways to advocate for home fire sprinklers in your region, visit NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative website at FireSprinklerInitiative.org.

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AHJs and Contractors Develop Good Relationships JOHN F. VIOLA, FPE | JFV Engineering, LLC

According to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, “the ‘Authority Having Jurisdiction’ [AHJ] is the organization, office or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard or for approving equipment, materials, an installation or a procedure.” It should be no surprise to sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, and the engineering community that the “AHJ” plays a pivotal role within the fire sprinkler industry. These authorities may be an individual such as a fire chief, fire marshal, fire prevention officer, water department inspector, health inspector, electrical inspector, building official, or others. In the case of life safety and property protection, the AHJs have been delegated the responsibility of inspecting and accepting the systems that have been installed, and is often a statutory requirement authorized by local, state, or federal laws. Frequently, the authorities with whom we communicate are representatives of the fire service and we know fire service personnel have been known to be strong proponents of fire sprinkler requirements. It should be no surprise that our

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success as a sprinkler industry is directly connected to having our work inspected where the results provide a positive outcome for the public and all those concerned with the design and installation of the systems we install. The effect of their reviews, interpretations, and inspections have an impact on the way we design and install our work to the extent that the AHJ controls the final acceptance of the fire sprinkler system. Most bid specifications require our work to be done in accordance with all the AHJs. We also know that in most cases final payment is contingent upon a final inspection by one or more AHJs. It is vitally important that contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and engineers maintain a professional and working relationship with these representatives of the public who are indebted to no one other than the public for the sake of public safety. We all have had some strained experiences with AHJs who have interpreted the codes and standards in a way in which we did not agree. A considerable amount of time is invested by contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, and others convincing authorities that we have provided a design, installation, and material selections that are consistent with the applicable codes and standards. The premise and expectation here is that the authority is exposed to continuing education and training in this industry – an industry that is constantly changing with new technological advances. For years, the driving force for this change has been through the research and development departments of manufacturers and suppliers of sprinkler devices and materials used by the sprinkler contracting community. NFPA recognizes this influence when it states in its equivalency section in every NFPA standard that, “Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety as those prescribed by this standard.” For the reasons stated above, all authorities who oversee and approve our work must be familiar with the codes, standards, materials, and devices that are used in conjunction with our systems. The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) offers a variety of training programs and seminars that can assist the AHJ and the fire sprinkler contractor. Additionally, AFSA offers a way to get informal interpretations of a specific code or NFPA standard. Over the last few years AFSA has seen a dramatic increase in Informal Interpretation requests it receives. Most of the interpretations are processed by AFSA’s Technical Services Department with the help and assistance of

AFSA codes and standards representatives. These representatives who are appointed by AFSA, attend NFPA standards committee meetings and are well informed as to the reasons for specific standards’ language and current revisions to the standards. So, AFSA members, don’t miss out on this valuable tool. This is a perfect avenue for a sprinkler contractor or AHJ to clarify and validate a position taken in the course of design and installation of a fire sprinkler system. Last year, AFSA announced the completion of an NFPA 25 ITM Inspector Development Program for contractors and the fire sprinkler community. There are also many other seminars intended to focus directly on AHJ plan review, which also emphasize significant changes within the sprinkler industry. These programs and many more are currently available to the industry and AFSA encourages the AHJ community to participate in these valuable programs as well. The AHJ must also have confidence in those who are directly involved with the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems. To this end, we encourage our membership to continue to utilize our designer’s courses and apprenticeship courses, and attend AFSA’s one- and two-day seminar series, webinars, and our two-week Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools.

of these great membership benefits. Visit AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org for a complete listing and description of all that are currently available. Continue to work with your local AHJs and if you haven’t already tried, develop the kind of relationship with the enforcement community that fosters trust and confidence. You are a part of one of the greatest and most rewarding professions available. Utilize what is available and let AFSA play a bigger part in making it even better for you. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jack Viola, FPE, is president of JFV Engineering, LLC in South Hadley, Massachusetts. He was instrumental in the formation of AFSA, was on its initial Board of Directors, and has served as Chairman of AFSA’s Board of Directors and on numerous AFSA committees. Viola has experience in all phases of the sprinkler business, starting as an apprentice, then moving on to project manager, sales manager and designer with a NICET Level IV Certification. He was owner and president of HFP Fire Sprinkler Corporation of Westfield, Massachusetts until its sale in 2008. He currently is an NFPA representative on the NFPA 13D, 13R and 15 committees, and was just reappointed as a member of the Massachusetts Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters. Viola is currently a Massachusetts registered Fire Protection Engineer.

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Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 51

Increasing Productivity The Field/Office Connection GREG WILLSON | Rapid Fire Protection, Inc.

What is the “secret ingredient” to ensure a successful field workforce? Is it pay, benefits, apprenticeship, mentoring, quality tools and equipment, or maybe communication? This is a question for which companies struggle to find an answer, and one that can make or break the company. Like baking a cake, there are many ingredients to a successful field workforce, and it can be distasteful to leave out any of those ingredients. Over time, I have had the pain and privilege of seeing how an imbalance or implementation of these key components can either drive or derail a company’s labor force. From experience, trial and error, observation, and research, it seems apparent that affirmation, strong leadership, and a strong field office connection in just the right amounts

can come together to create the recipe for success. One of the leading reasons people leave their job is that they do not feel appreciated. Making sure there is a strong sense of appreciation for a company’s fieldworkers is vital to job success. Feeling appreciated is essential to making employees loyal, hardworking, and willing to put in an extra effort. This can be accomplished through wages, profit sharing, awards (monetary or other), company social gatherings, and foremen and office staff alike taking interest in the employees. A contentious relationship between the departments in a company can make it so employees are more likely to leave and less likely to work harder. A company is wise to look at ways to motivate and appreciate the employees who

make them successful. Your workforce is your number one resource, and decisions should be made with that in mind. Doing so will create employees who are more likely to stick with the company. Loyalty and a good work ethic can be enhanced and improved with strong leadership. Management should be vigilant to guard and promote that all employees develop in an environment in which good leadership principles are modeled on a daily basis. There are plenty of leadership concepts that a company can plant its flag upon. John C. Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership is one such model that Rapid Fire Protection has built our foundation upon. Maxwell’s leadership laws are time tested and proven to be very effective principles that can develop the leaders within your company. Without a solid leadership foundation, a company may not be able to withstand economic/ financial hardships of labor fluctuations. Whatever the school of thinking one chooses, it is important a company continually builds the leadership skills of its managers and foremen. Which brings us to the connection between the field and the office. Most specifically to the fire protection field, a strong field to office connection is essential. When there is communication, encouragement, and accountability throughout the entirety of the project the results are generally positive. A project can lose steam quickly when the project manager gives up and disengages from the project feeling frustrated with the field team. Once this happens, the foreman generally picks up on this disengagement and will in turn adopt a “Why should I care?” attitude. Hopefully, proper leadership and team work between divisions can avoid this situation. If not, it is the job of the labor superintendent to pick up on any indicators of disengagement and call a meeting between the project manager and foreman. He or she can then ensure issues

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are addressed and that the team is committed to close the project with the best possible results, which brings us back to how to make the field and office work together smoothly. A field and office connection sounds pretty vague, so what does that look like? Essentially, it is the whole company working as a team and all areas are committed to excellence. It’s surprising how many companies have a huge disconnect between its design/project management team and its installation team. In fact, many companies have cultivated an “us against them” division promoted by foremen and managers. So, how can this be avoided? How can you protect your company from this divisiveness? Below are some steps that will help to prevent this destructive behavior. 1. A job start-up meeting between the foremen and project managers is essential. Some of the items to discuss could include; blueprint clarification, pipe elevations, types of sprinklers and their coverages, phone numbers of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and general contractor, types/sizes of lifts and ladders, date and time of material delivery, forklift arrangements, motel reservations, special labor requirements (Davis-Bacon, prevailing wage, licenses), working hours, etc. 2. The foreman should call in the inventory shorts and back-ordered materials to the project manager. 3. Make sure that any changes or deviations from the original design that is going to be done in the field are discussed with the project manager to see if they are change-order or hydraulic-calculation relevant. 4. A picture of the current highlighted install prints should be emailed to the project manager at the end of each work week. Using highlighters to mark areas of completion on a set of field plans is very beneficial to both the project manager and the installers. This will show the percentage of completion which helps with billings for the project manager. The field crew benefits by having an up-todate indication of what has been installed and where the loose ends remain. Having the weekly picture taken also helps in the event that a print is damaged or lost; the project manager can re-highlight a copy

of the print and get it into the hands of the foreman within a day. Highlighted prints also help with quality control. If you have each installer highlight with their own individual color, then, if there are quality issues (leaks, crooked outlets, improper sprinkler installation), the mistakes can be traced back to the negligent installer for follow-up training. 5. There should also be an end-of-the-week phone conversation between the foreman and project manager to cover the following week’s labor needs and to discuss any installation problems. 6. A quarterly meeting on large projects and midway meeting on small projects between the foreman and project manager is important to assess how the project is tracking and whether the allotted labor hours and materials are tracking to be profitable. 7. A job closeout/completion meeting between the foreman and project manager to discuss any design problems, labor issues, material shortages that caused a hardship to the project. Also, cover some of the procedures and design ideas that stood out as contributors if the project ended profitably. The more that each team member (be it in the office or the field) performs his/her role and stays within the boundaries of that role, the better the results will be. It is absolutely critical that all members of the team work to make sure your people know they are your most important resource. That means creating an environment of connectivity and affirmation. It also means that the management must strive to model and use strong leadership principles. Finally, it means that the design and installation teams must work together with strong communication and good practices. The end result will be that the field team will begin to grow in trust and loyalty and believe that their contribution is appreciated. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg Willson has been involved in the fire protection industry since 1995. He currently is labor superintendent for Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., Rapid City, South Dakota. Willson can be reached via email at gregw@rapidfireinc.com.

Thank You for Your Support! Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 36th anniversary in 2017, we also recognize those members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured in the table below have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership. Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in November and December 2017, including Contractor Member Cen-Cal Fire Systems in Lodi, California, celebrating 30 years. Recently elected AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz, president of Cen-Cal, shared with Sprinkler Age some of the experiences and knowledge he’s gained in the fire protection industry. How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? I’ve been in the industry since 1979 when I married into it! I found it was something I really enjoyed doing. In 1986 my brother Byron and I started our own company, Cen-Cal Fire Systems. How did you get involved with AFSA? I think we saw an issue of Sprinkler Age magazine and Byron and I talked about wanting to get involved in the association. It was a great way for a young company to get involved with the industry. So we decided to join! What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? What is really nice about AFSA is there are many different ways to be involved and many programs and services. People in our office are regularly on the SprinklerForum [an email discussion list on issues relating to automatic fire sprinklers]. Obviously, we utilize informal interpretations. We have fitters enrolled

in the apprenticeship training program, we’ve sent people to the Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School, and enrolled an employee into the ITM Inspector Development Program. What is your favorite AFSA memory? One of the biggest highlights was in the ‘90s when AFSA Director of Membership Lloyd Ivy came to personally meet with us and encouraged us to stay in the association at a point in time when we really couldn’t afford to stay in it. That really made an impact. What is your favorite AFSA convention memory? Our first convention was Hawaii in 1987. We took both our families and it was a great trip. It wasn’t a huge convention but it was a cool one, right on Waikiki Beach. Of course, one of our favorite conventions was Phoenix in 2015 when our Apprentice Jared Sutliff won the National Apprentice Competition. We’ve had several apprentices compete, but Jared was first to win. What is the most significant change you’ve seen in AFSA or the industry over the past 30 years? I don’t know that there is one single, specific thing. This industry continues to evolve and grow. It has been an amazing ride for sure. What’s the key ingredient to your success? My brother always says, “We have to do what we tell people we’re going to do.” Doing what you say and following through makes the difference – taking care of your customers, your employees, your family. Follow through! If I weren’t working in fire protection, I would be... I was 21

when I got involved in the industry, so I’m not sure! I’ve always loved the outdoors and before this I was involved in the snow- and water-skiing industries and I still love those to this day... so who knows? Cheers! AFSA congratulates the members celebrating anniversary milestones and looks forward to celebrating with more members in the future. Recognition in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. Happy Anniversary! n

AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries November and December 2017

35-Year Anniversary

Contractor Members Eastern Fire Protection Co., Auburn, ME

30-Year Anniversary

Contractor Members Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, CA

25-Year Anniversary

Contractor Members Metro Fire & Safety Equipment Co., Carlstadt, NJ Protech Mech. Contractors, Inc., Landisville, PA

20-Year Anniversary

Contractor Members Triple ‘A’ Fire Protection, Semmes, AL Concord Fire Protection, Cincinnati, OH

15-Year Anniversary

Contractor Members American Fire Systems, Inc., Houston, TX U.S. Sprinkler, Inc., Stockbridge, GA Designer Members Fire Systems Enterprise, Inc., Schenectady, NY Pro Fire Pro Design, Reno, NV Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 55

Scholarships + Sprinklers A Recipe for Success D’ARCY MONTALVO | American Fire Sprinkler Association

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to offer financial assistance and public awareness of sprinklers through its online scholarship program, AFSAscholarship. org. A total of $25,000 is awarded through this public awareness campaign to 10 lucky graduating high school seniors and five college students as they pursue their higher education goals. Since its creation in 1996, the AFSA Scholarship Contest has sought to promote the scholarship outside of the fire sprinkler industry in the hope of reaching students who may otherwise never have recognized the importance of automatic fire protection. Now entering its 22nd year, the AFSA scholarship continues to grow, attracting over 146,743 unique visitors to its website in 2017. Scholarships for Seniors For the high school senior contest, applicants must be a current high school senior planning to attend an accredited U.S. college, university or trade school in the coming fall. Applicants are required

Field Sprinkler Testing UL tests sprinklers sampled from field installations in accordance to NFPA 25 as a service to inspection authorities,the sprinkler industry, the insurance industry and property owners to assess the effectiveness of sprinkler systems currently in service. • Online Submitting and Managing Requests • 24/7 Online Access to Informative Reports • Knowledgeable Staff to Answer Questions

FOR REQUESTS OR INQUIRIES:

56 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

to read a passage about fire sprinklers – which describes their history, how they operate to save lives and property, and the types of careers that are available in the industry – and take an eight-question reading comprehension test. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry into a drawing for one of ten $2,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible. The winners were randomly selected from 70,742 students who entered to receive a one-time $2,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university or trade school. The 10 national winners for 2017 are: Miljana Djurovic, Des Plaines, Illinois; Zachary Duncan, Okemah, Oklahoma; Karolina Madro, Roselle, Illinois; Kendall McCulty, Los Angeles, California; Emily Miller, Bluffton, Indiana; Angela Murillo, Coachella, California; Robert Nelson, Winslow, Arizona; Anna Newton, Oxford, North Carolina; Cameron Smith, Redlands, California; and Sarah Sutton, Sandwich, Massachusetts. Most of this year’s winners were unaware of the life- and property-saving benefits of fire sprinklers before entering this contest. Talking with them afterwards confirms they have been exposed to this life-safety message and hopefully will be sharing that knowledge with others. Miljana Djurovic who plans to study accounting at DePaul University in Chicago states: “I learned about contest through my high school career counselor. [Fire sprinklers] are a fantastic, necessary, life-saving thing all buildings should have.” Anna Newton agrees. “I was looking up scholarships on Google and did not know much at all before this contest. They are vital to the safety and protection of your homes and families.” Newton plans to study nursing at UNC-Chapel Hill in North Carolina this fall. Karolina Madro “knew a little [about fire sprinklers] but learned a lot more from the articles I read.” After entering the contest, “I think they are very important and a necessity to have in every household.” Zachary Duncan states he now “understands how important it is to have fire sprinklers installed. The impact fire sprinklers can have on the safety of people and the preservation of property is enormous.”

Second Chance Scholarships Applicants for the second chance contest must reside in the United States, hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, and be enrolled at or accepted to a college/university or certified trade school. The winners of this scholarship were randomly selected from 38,671 students who entered to receive a one-time AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university or trade school. Second chance students follow the same rules and procedure as the high school senior students for entering. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry into a drawing for one of the scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible. The five “second chance” winners for the 2017 contest are: Brandon Amatrudo, Northford, Connecticut; Paige Dunn, Ypsilanti, Michigan; James Kacsur, Furlong, Pennsylvania; Daniel Peganoff, Avon, Ohio; and Kyle Taylor, San Jose, California. Winner Daniel Peganoff who is studying business accounting at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio learned the value of fire sprinklers: “They can save lives and seem to be very under utilized especially in single-family homes.”

Paige Dunn is definitely more aware of fire sprinklers after reading the online materials required to enter the contest. “I think very highly of fire sprinklers in multiple situations. I am much more conscious about the safety and usefulness of fire sprinklers.” Students Enter Online Both contests are being offered in 2017-2018. The high school senior contest is currently open until April 1, 2018 and the second chance contest will run again in the summer of 2018. “The contests are designed to offer education about fire sprinklers year round, with the high school contest open during traditional school months and the second chance contest open during summer time,” comments AFSA Director of Communications Nicole Duvall. “Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with the message that fire sprinklers save lives and property, and to make students aware that fire sprinkler systems are something they should look for in on- and off-campus housing.” AFSA scholarships are open to U.S. citizens or legal residents and are not based on financial need. For details or to apply for either scholarship, visit afsascholarship.org. n

Kyle Taylor notes that he didn’t know very much about fire sprinklers before entering the contest. “I now realize how important they are in fire safety.”

FIRE SPRINKLER FITTER APPRENTICE TRAINING

For over 35 years, AFSA has set the standard in

Levels I-IV

Level I

Updated

(Includes New 5th Ed. Core Curriculum) Recognized curriculum in all 50 states Nearly 600 training hours Customizable to fit your company’s needs Streamlined online testing AFSA MEMBERS SAVE $200 PER COURSE

www.firesprinkler.org/fittertraining

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 57

Three Decades of Design Training Popular School Prepares Designers to Become Productive Upon Graduation In 2018, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) enters its 34th year of training new designers with its Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School. The course was first

launched in 1984 under the tutelage of Dan Mallow, PE. “AFSA has a long history serving the fire protection industry with training

ing k o o l ild u B To s? t i f o Pr

AFSA is ready to train the next generation of designers in 2018 with seven sessions scheduled: January 8-19, March 5-16, April 30-May 11, June 18-29, July 23-August 3, September 10-21, and November 5-16. Taught by Tom Noble, CET, AFSA technical programs specialist, the Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School teaches the essential elements of system layout in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Currently, the school focuses on the 2016 edition, but planning is underway for the 2019 edition’s anticipated adoption.

Don’t Sell Yourself Short of Success. For Fire Sprinkler Systems

Michael L. Brown

ESTIM ATING , BIDD ING, SELLI NG,  CONT RACT ING A guide for

Fire Sprinkler Systems Michael L. Brown

•

AN AFSA PUBLICATION

The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s “Estimating, Bidding, Selling, and Contracting for Fire Sprinkler Systems” is a quintessential guide to help the expert – or novice – fire sprinkler professional successfully estimate, bid, sell and contract jobs. This book, written by Michael L. Brown, gives you the tools that you need to be a profitable fire sprinkler sales representative and represents best practices developed from years of real-life experiences by successful fire sprinkler contractors across the country. With over 300 pages of industry insight, this guide walks through every step of the process – from receiving a set of drawings to the post-bid review.

ESTIMATING, BIDDING, SELLING, AND CONTRACTING

Selling is a noble profession, but you don’t make money unless you make the sale. Selling is not a magic process, but one that can be learned and refined with effort and training.

On Sale nOw www.firesprinkler.org 58 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

and education programs, and the Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School is one of our most popular offerings,” comments AFSA Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland J. Huggins, PE. “Designers gain the latest technical knowledge and receive hands-on experience designing systems to the latest NFPA standards. Contractors quickly realize the value of their investment when their newly trained designers return to the workplace.”

“With the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 proposed to present chapters in order of how a sprinkler system is designed, we have restructured the classroom format to mirror that,” says Noble. “The new NFPA standard and our school will now start with the water supply at the outside of the building and work towards the building and the fire sprinkler system in accordance with the applicable chapters. For example, spacing criteria currently is contained in Chapter 8 in the 2016 edition. It’s proposed to cover five chapters in the 2019 edition –

five chapters versus just one,” he adds. “We’ve also revised the office plan that we design a sprinkler system for, which adds additional hydraulic calculations to the classwork – as time permits.” The school will continue to use the 2016 edition until the 2019 edition is approved, which is anticipated to be mid-to-late 2018. Materials presented will also be continually updated and changed as the upcoming standard is finalized. AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School is geared toward those with limited experience or those who need assistance with design. Classes are held at AFSA’s training center in Dallas, and presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Students receive two full weeks of instruction: 60 percent is study and review of NFPA 13 and 40 percent is preparation of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings and hydraulic calculations. Students learn by actually planning and drawing sprinkler systems while studying and applying NFPA 13.

Students are taken on a field trip during their studies. School instructor Tom Noble, CET (center, holding football) took the August 2018 class to visit AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, for a special tour.

(maximum 18 students per session) and enrollment is open exclusively to AFSA contractor members until six weeks prior to each school. Early registration is highly encouraged and the will be available soon online at firesprinkler. org/education-center/schools.

For additional details, contact AFSA Meeting Programs Manager Maricarmen Martinez via email at mmartinez@ firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965 ext. 132. n

Attendees are given the tools to accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications; determine the proper and economical planning of fire sprinkler system layout and installation methods; know the importance of sprinkler specifications, types of pipe, hangers, fittings, flow tests, etc.; learn to develop shop drawings from start to finish; learn to coordinate with other trades such as plumbing, mechanical, structural and electrical; perform manual hydraulic calculations, preparing the student for an easier decision-making process when using a computer to perform hydraulics; and prepare shop drawings in class for projects with different applications. Registration prices are $1,400 for AFSA members and $2,600 for non-members. Classes are kept small Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 59

AFSA Updates Fitter Training Series Customize Training to Your Business’ Needs

A recent update to AFSA’s training series includes the new 5th Edition Core Curriculum by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The Core Curriculum comprises the first half of AFSA’s Level I and includes a highly illustrated design, technical hints and tips from industry experts, review questions, and more. Starting with the basics, such as safety, tools, and construction math, the four-level series leads your new sprinkler fitter through steel, CPVC, copper and other pipe applications; then installation elements of wet, dry, preaction, and deluge systems. Additional content includes shop drawings, standpipes, water supplies, fire pumps, and even touches upon system layout, ITM, and special extinguishing systems. The fourth and final level concludes by introducing foreman skills to your advanced sprinkler fitter. Each module in the Trainee Guide includes learning objectives, trade terms, “Did You Know?” supplements to spur additional thought, applicable NFPA references, tables, and figures, and review questions. (See the excerpt from the Trainee Guide.) For trainers wanting to optimize the fitters’ learning experience, Annotated Instructor Guides (AIG) are also available for each of the four levels. The AIG includes teaching tips, performance testing, and classroom prompts to define a term, stress a point, or ask a question, while also showing the instructor the same text that students see in the Trainee Guide for ease in keeping everyone on pace, page by page. These illustrated and comprehensive texts are authored and published jointly by AFSA and NCCER, with a team of subject matter experts and experienced fire sprinkler industry veterans at the helm. AFSA has also developed test assessments for your fitter training program, available online or on paper. Upon successfully passing all tests in each level, a completion certificate citing earned CEUs is issued to your student by AFSA, with a final series certificate issued upon completion of all four levels. Perhaps you have a newly hired fitter with training experience and you are unsure where he or she fits in your company’s training 60 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

NOTE

justed up through the clamp as far as the structure overhead will allow. Beam clamps come in a variety of configurations and attach to the upper or lower flange of standard structural steel I-beams. Beam clamps are available up to 5,000 pounds. Beam clamps may fracture or deform if tightened too much. Use care and do not overtighten the beam clamp set screw and lock nut. See the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the appropriate torque. NFPA 13 requires clamps used in fire sprinkler systems to be Listed by a recognized testing laboratory.

2.4.5 Wall Support Straps for CPVC If the piping system runs along a wall, simple straps can be used. These straps fasten directly to the wall to hold the pipe firmly and closely against the wall. Figure 6 shows support straps.

NOTE

The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Training Series has steadfastly remained the tried-and-true answer for fire protection contractors throughout the country seeking to raise the bar for their fitters’ training. For over 30 years, this four-level series has kept pace with applicable codes, standards, safety practices, new building applications, and industry trends.

CPVC pipe can require special considerations. Be sure to check the pipe manufacturer’s guidelines for additional information regarding proper size and location of hangers, supports, guides, and restraints.

2.5.0 Hangers for Wood Hangers and other hardware for wood are used to hang pipe from wooden structures. Common

1 ⁄2 JOIST DEPTH MAX.

wood hangers and components include the following: • • • •

Lag bolts and coach screw rods Drive screws Specialty fasteners U-hooks

2.5.1 Lag Bolts and Coach Screw Rods Lag bolts and coach screw rods are types of wood screws used to provide proper holding power. A pilot hole that is 1 ⁄8 inch less in diameter than the root diameter of the thread is predrilled into the wood supporting member. The preferable use of these rods is in the side of a beam where the load is in shear on the lag bolt. Figure 7 shows a lag bolt and coach screw rod plus shear and tension load directions. Table 4 shows minimum bolt or lag screw sizes. 2.5.2 Drive Screws Drive screws have limited holding power. These are only used in the sides of beams with U-hooks where the load is in shear across the diameter of the drive screw. Drive screws are not allowed with any hanger other than U-hooks and only with pipe diameters of 2 inches and smaller, unless specifically Listed in another application. Figure 8 shows a drive screw. 2.5.3 Specialty Fasteners Self-drilling, self-tapping specialty fasteners (Figure 9) are a simple and convenient means of rod

1 ⁄2 JOIST DEPTH MAX.

13⁄4" MAX. (A) BRANCHES SUPPORTED WITH BLOCKING

13⁄4" MAX. (B) BRANCHES SUPPORTED WITH HANGERS

201F06.EPS

Figure 6 Joist support straps.

1.8

SPRINKLER FITTING

Level Two

program. AFSA offers placement exams for Levels I and II – a multiple-choice test taken online to assess your new hire’s field knowledge base. Armed with the test results, you can be confident in determining your new hire’s placement in your program. The beauty of this series is the ability to customize to your business’ training needs. Written by sprinkler contractors for sprinkler contractors, it is designed to fully integrate into fire sprinkler contracting firms throughout the country. Many companies have found success in registering their own apprenticeship training programs utilizing the AFSA curriculum. Wage concessions on federally or state-funded jobs is a substantial incentive for a registered apprenticeship program. Presently based upon the 2013 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, the series’ next extensive update will correspond to the 2019 edition. To learn more about this fitter training and how it can work for you, contact AFSA’s Director of Education Services Leslie Clounts at 214-349-5965 ext. 130 or visit firesprinkler.org/fittertraining. n

FInd the rIght pAth to reSolutIon wIth AFSA’S ClAImS ASSIStAnCe progrAm did you know that sprinkler contractor members underwritten by aFsa’s Contractors Insurance solution are automatically enrolled in a Claims assistance Program? Today in the fire sprinkler industry, each sprinkler contractor looks to fully protect their financial interests both during and after completion of any contractual work performed. however, claims will arise from time to time. When that occurs, you can count on aFsa’s Claims assistance Program to help you find the right path to resolution. aFsa’s Claims assistance Program features a coverage services support team, which includes state-of-the-art loss control services, professional claims handling services, and a customized state-of-the-industry back room claims review by nFPa experts to support your needs.

Claim Occurs Claim occurs and is turned over to the insurance company

Claims Handling Services

Claims Assistance Program

All contracts and documents related to a loss reviewed for paths of consideration

Each claim uniquely reviewed relative to all NFPA standards by a team of NFPA experts

Contractual Experience

Code-Related Experience

Adjusting Team Working with the claims asssistance team, the adjuster uses Contractual and Code-Related input to determine the strengths and weaknesses in defending or denying claims

Resolution Insurance Carrier transfers claim back to the responsible party and/or assumes the contractor’s responsibility and settles the claims quickly Ultimate goal is to identify the best outcome for the Contractor

AFSA’S ContrACtorS InSurAnCe SolutIon The only ConTraCTor InsuranCe Program endorsed by aFsa When determining contractor claims, it’s important to base decisions not only on contractual experience but code related experience as well. That’s where our Claims assistance Program kicks in. after all contracts and documents related to a loss have been reviewed for paths of consideration, each claim is then uniquely reviewed relative to all nFPa standards by aFsa’s team of nFPa experts. These experts assist the adjusting team to determine the strengths and weaknesses in defending or denying claims. In many cases this process allows the Insurance Carrier to transfer property owner standards from nFPa 25 back to the responsible party and settle claims faster, which typically lowers the contractor’s loss.

The ultimate goal of our Claims Assistance Program is to work quickly and efficiently to identify the best outcome for an AFSA member contractor.

to leArn more About the AFSA ContrACtorS InSurAnCe SolutIon Contact: Robert Leonhart at 469-320-4030

The american Fire sprinkler association Contractors Insurance endorsed Program was created in 1989 and continues to be the program of choice for fire sprinkler contractors nationwide. For more information, please visit: firesprinkler.org/business-solutions

AHJ PERSPECTIVE BY RONNY J. COLEMAN

It’s Off the Charts Whenever we want to emphasize the significance of a particular event, we often refer to it as being “off the charts.” Usually this means that whatever we are looking at is statistically significant and produces compulsive evidence that is worthy of consideration. Most often, you think of things being off the charts as being spectacular or superlative. So, what is it that is off the charts for our consideration today? The answer is fire deaths in single family dwellings. In a recent special issue of the NFPA Journal, there were some statistics given that should grab everyone’s attention. Author Stephanie Schorow cited that 80 percent of fire fatalities occur in home fires and that 75 percent of civilian fire injuries occur in home fires. These are statistics. As most everyone knows, there are lies, damn lies, and statistics. People are easily bored by them.

When I was in college, I took a class on statistics and my lifelong suspicion of them began right then and there. In the case of civilian fatalities, the fact that eight out of 10 die in a single-family dwelling is personal. It’s not a statistic. Anyone who has ever experienced a fire fatality can remember the details with finite clarity. If you have ever gone to a burn ward to visit a fire victim, then 75 percent doesn’t really make any difference. It’s the victim that is in front of you that really makes the difference. All of the statistics that we have been using to make our case for residential sprinklers are chart worthy, but they don’t tell the whole story. Fire deaths are not just numbers, but they are human beings, families, and friends. The fact that we lose over 3,000 people a year to fire is a national embarrassment. We need to go into battle on residential sprinklers better armed and better prepared to go off the chart and into the hearts of those who would deny us the use of residential sprinklers as a life safety measure. I would strongly recommend that everyone who is involved in the battle to get sprinklers in, take the special issue of home fire sprinklers in the NFPA Journal and distribute it to everyone of your elected officials. Then, you should distribute it to every developer, and then it should be distributed to special interest groups in your community. Then, you should make copies available as a giveaway in your fire prevention bureau. All of these numbers need to be personalized. They need to be “off the charts” in terms of public awareness. Copies of the NFPA Journal should be provided to everyone who has a house fire in your community. The pursuit of community awareness should be relentless. One of our objectives should be to totally eliminate those 10 myths that have been haunting the debate for some 40 years now. They are not myths, they are misrepresentations of reality. My second suggestion is to obtain a copy of the new Fire Protection Research Foundation report on “Stakeholder Perceptions of Home Fire Sprinklers.” This report provides a variety of opinions of home fire sprinklers by homeowners and government officials. It is not myth, it’s not conjecture, it is fact. It analyzes the opinions of three groups: government officials, homeowners, and water purveyors. A copy of that report should be on the desktop of every fire marshal when acting upon residential sprin-

62 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

kler requirements. Notably, these researchers focus their work on areas that have some real experience in installing the systems, primarily California and Maryland. Summary We now have 40 years of experience in the use of residential sprinkler technology. Yet we are still arguing over the 10 basic myths of sprinklers. What we need to do now is to start publishing the truths of residential sprinklers. Distributing these facts backed by research may be more important than any other single action that we can take. Fire deaths are still off the charts. I will make you a bet. If you look at the fire death statistics from a geographical point of view, homes that already contain sprinklers are not contributing to this embarrassing loss. Those areas that have been denied the use of this tool are more likely to be experiencing losses. I can remember when the whole argument used to be that fires don’t occur in new construction. Some of that construction is now 40 years old and sprinklers are being used effectively to limit loss. The chart I would like to see more thoroughly debated is what percentage of American housing is being protected as it is being built.

As an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), you need to have every resource available to you that identifies the use of residential sprinklers as a viable tool in reducing loss of life and property in the single-family setting. Obtaining copies of recent reports as described in this column, is an appropriate action on behalf of every fire prevention bureau in the country. Forewarned is forearmed and needs to be exercised extensively. Not unlike any other technology, the growth of its use will depend a great deal on community acceptance. Perhaps someday we will replace the 3,000 fire deaths with a new chart that says that a very small percentage of fires occur in unsprinklered buildings. n REFERENCES: 1. Schorow, Stephanie, Front Line, NFPA Journal, October 2016 2. Ibid ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ronny J. Coleman is currently the president of Fireforceone. He is a past president of the IAFC and CFAI. Over his lifetime, he has received numerous awards including the AFSA’s 1989 Henry S. Parmelee Award, the 2011 Mason Lankford Award from the Congressional Fire Services Institute, and the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award from Fire Engineering in 2014. He continues as a contributor to the fire service in many ways.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation 13. Publication Title

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below

Sprinkler Age magazine

Sept/Oct 2017

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation

Average No. Copies No. Copies of Single Each Issue During Issue Published Preceding 12 Months Nearest to Filing Date

Requester

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet (1) requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.) b. Legitimate Paid and/or In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. Requested (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet Distribution (2) requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, (By mail employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.) and outside Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter the mail) (3) Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS® (4)

d. Nonrequested (2) Distribution (By mail and outside the mail) (3)

(4)

3950

2709

2771

Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®)

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4))

(1)

3380

Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources)

2761

2824

224

In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g., First-Class Mail, nonrequestor copies mailed in excess of 10% limit mailed at Standard Mail ® or Package Services rates) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (Include pickup stands, trade shows, showrooms, and other sources)

NOTE: Sept/Oct 2017 issue is distributed at 2017 AFSA Convention

Total Nonrequested Distribution [Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)]

203 427 3188

Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e)

Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3))

Total (Sum of 15f and g)

Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100)

800 882 3706

192

244

3380

3950

86.6%

76.2%

* If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3.

PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4)

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 63

AFSA MEMBERSHIP New Members The following is a list of new contractor members that have joined as of October 25, 2017. Contractor A+ Fire Protection San Jose, CA BAT Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Antioch, CA Bay Cities Fire Protection, Inc. Santa Rosa, CA Fire Design of New Jersey Kenilworth, NJ Fire Systems of New Jersey, LLC Jackson, NJ

Integrated Fire & Safety Ventura, CA

Texas Fire & Sound Dallas, TX

Livingston Fire Protection, Inc. Hyattsville, MD

Thorpe Design, LLC Nashville, TN

Platinum Fire Protection, Inc. Denver, CO Prairie Fire Protection Sauk, WI

Tristar Fire Protection, Inc. Lynn, MA Victory Fire Protection, Inc. Antioch, CA

Redline Fire Protection Dallas, TX

Associate

International

Premier Specialities. West Chicago, IL

Contractor Rapid Fire Protection Ltd. Chilliwack, British Columbia

AHJ State of Florida Fire Marshal Office N.E. Region Jacksonville,FL

Designer

Associate Segment-Behaelter-Bau Wolmirstedt, Germany

KNS Sprinkler Design, LLC East Stroudsburg, PA

Designer

Ohio Bill Hausman, Chair 937-859-6198 Don Eckert– Exec. Dir. 513-310-9660

South Carolina scfsa.org Jason Strickland – Chair. 843-664-0077 Jule Buffington – Exec. Dir. 803-951-2800

Rioux Fire Protection Ltd. Okotoks, Alberta

Southwest Fire Pros Thousand Palms, CA

AFSA Chapter Contacts Alberta, Canada Kevin Mozark – Pres. 780-203-5263 Arkansas Coleman Farrar – Chair. 479-986-909 Wallace Reed – Vice Chair. 501-945-2900 Carolinas afsacarolinas.com David Smith – Chair. 828-327-4116 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456 Chesapeake Bay Jay Zollars – Co-Chair. 410-286-3314 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-635-3022 Connecticut afsact.org Rick Russo – Chair. 203-877-7983 Wendy Callahan – Exec. Dir. 978-855-6495

Florida afsafl.org Chris Johnson – Chair. 800-327-7604 Carolyn Mohr – Exec. Dir. 239-771-3907

Mid-Atlantic afsamac.org Meaghen Wills – Chair. 610-754-7836 Michael Leister– Exec. Dir. 215-362-0700

Greater Bay Area Cory Riley – Chair. 510-490-7873 Lorelei Upshaw – Exec. Dir. 925-954-5031

New Jersey Thomas Bowlby Jr. – Chair. 908-226-5313 Robert K. Melofchik – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056

Greater Kansas City Mark McKenzie – Chair. 913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich– Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710

New Mexico Pete Newstead – Vice Chair. 505-884-2447 Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712

Louisiana Linda Biernacki – Chair. 318-688-8800 Mark Taylor – Vice Chair 504-837-0572

North Central Michael Winiecki – Chair. 651-484-5903 Michelle Loren – Exec. Dir. 320-676-3771

Michigan Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair 616-784-1644 Frank L. Mortl – Exec. Dir. 517-285-7665

Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair. 802-865-3600 Tim Stone – Exec. Dir. 802-434-2968

Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Tracy Moore – Chair. 425-271-5598 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

Southern California Jeff Bridges – Co-Chair. 714-285-0200 Terry Housholder– Co-Chair. 714-632-8646 Amber Barrios – Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492

Rocky Mountain Brent Heiner – Chair. 801-544-0363 Adam Millward – Exec. Dir. 801-216-4545

Vancouver, Canada Alan Thompson – Pres. 778-867-7039

Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Bill Gray – Chair. 916-663-3582 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635 San Diego As called by Chair. Ron Aday – Chair. 858-513-4949 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 858-513-4949

Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich – Chair. 804-222-1381 George Wagner – Exec. Dir. 757-486-3103 Yankee Roger Piacentini – Chair. 631-689-6869 Joshua Fitzgerald – Exec. Dir. 617-903-3191

AFSA Affiliate Contacts Alabama Affiliate alfiresprinkler.org Charles Bielair – Pres. 334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Ray Vance – Chair. 404-226-8304 Billy Wood – Exec. Dir. 404-226-8304

64 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chair. 918-266-2416

Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres. 713-466-9898 Carol McCain – Exec. Dir. 281-361-8069

CONSTRUCTION REPORTS

U.S. Construction

At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $711.6 billion, new construction starts in August slipped 2 percent from July, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The decline followed July’s 6 percent increase, yet still kept total construction activity 5 percent above the relatively subdued pace reported during the second quarter. The nonbuilding construction sector in August dropped 24 percent after soaring 26 percent in July, reflecting decreased activity for public works and power plants, even with the August start of a $1.3 billion natural gas-fired power plant in California. Residential building in August eased back 1 percent, due to weaker activity for multifamily housing. Nonresidential building was the growth sector in August, climbing 14 percent with the start of two massive projects in New York NY – the $1.6 billion Moynihan Station project and the $1.2 billion Javits Convention Center expansion. For the first eight months of 2017, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $481.7 billion, down 1 percent from the same period a year ago. The year-to-date performance for total construction was restrained by a 39 percent drop for the electric utility/gas plant category. If the electric utility/gas plant category is excluded, total construction starts in this year’s first eight months would be up 2 percent from the same period in 2016.

The value of new construction starts in September soared 14 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $814.8 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The nonresidential building sector strengthened for the second month in a row, climbing 37 percent with the boost coming from the start of a $6.0 billion ethane cracker plant in western Pennsylvania plus two projects in New York NY – the $4.0 billion Delta Airlines new terminal facility at LaGuardia Airport and the $1.7 billion 50 Hudson Yards office tower in Manhattan. Residential building in September edged up 1 percent, as both single family and multifamily housing registered modest gains. Running counter in September was a 3 percent drop for nonbuilding construction, with decreased activity for its public works segment. Through the first nine months of 2017, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $557.7 billion, essentially matching the

Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value

August 2017

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

September 2017

corresponding amount from a year ago. The year-to-date dollar volume for total construction was dampened by a 38 percent decline for the electric utility/gas plant category. If the electric utility/gas plant category is excluded, total construction starts during the first nine months of 2017 would be up 3 percent compared to the same period last year, reported as July starts. If the electric utility/gas plant category is excluded, total construction starts in this year’s January-July period would be up 3 percent from a year ago.

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Aug 2017 July 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $268,332 $234,725 +14 Residential Building $293,433 $294,972 -1 Nonbuilding Construction $149,838 $197,154 -24 Total Construction $711,603 $726,851 -2 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) August 2017...............151 July 2017....................154

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Sept. 2017 Aug. 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $368,818 $269,799 +37 Residential Building $298,942 $294,906 +1 Nonbuilding Construction $147,071 $151,367 -3 Total Construction $814,831 $716,072 +14 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) September 2017...............172 August 2017.....................151

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 8 Mos. 2017 8 Mos. 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $168,276 $159,551 +5 Residential Building $202,892 $201,573 +1 Nonbuilding Construction $110,569 $126,212 -12 Total Construction $481,737 $487,336 -1

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 9 Mos. 2017 9 Mos. 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $203,711 $188,598 +8 Residential Building $228,388 $226,573 +1 Nonbuilding Construction $125,596 $141,541 -11 Total Construction $557,695 $556,712 -0-

Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017 65

CHAPTER NEWS Alberta On October 25 Fire & Life Safety America Vice President of Tech Support & Training (and AFSA Trainer) Bob Caputo, CFPS, CET presented the seminars “NFPA 20 (2016 Edition): Fire Pumps” and “Technical Changes from the 2013 to the 2016 Edition of NFPA 13” to the chapter. AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott was also in attendance to discuss the benefits of AFSA membership. On October 26, Caputo, Elliott, and AFSA Alberta Chapter Board Members Kevin Mozak and Donovan VanTwuyver of Meridian Fire Protection visited the Red Deer College Trade School in Alberta. They received a tour of the sprinkler training room, and Caputo spoke to the fitter apprentices and faculty about changes to NFPA 13 coming in the 2019 edition. Visit afsaalberta.ca. Arkansas On September 21, a meeting of the Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association was held at Rogers Catfish House in Rogers. There were 45 attendees present, and Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation presented new products to the attendees during the meeting. Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal also presented on the benefits of AFSA membership. Association officers were also elected: Randy Gilliam, president; Coleman Farrar, vice president; and Kenny Sledge, secretary/treasurer. Connecticut The Connecticut Chapter held its first annual charity golf tournament on September 12, raising $5,000 for the Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital. Many contractor and supplier members participated and generously supported the event. The chapter board has already chosen to hold next year’s event the same week in September. Other charities the chapter will support are the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition’s “Sprinkler Education Box,” and AFSA’s support of Salvation Army in hurricane relief efforts. In conjunction with the Connecticut Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, the chapter financially and administratively assisted with a mailing to every building code official in the state. The packet included the brochures, “Protect What You Value Most” and “The Benefits of Home Fire Sprinklers.” Most importantly, it included a copy of the Connecticut statue for new home construction contractors chapter 399A section 20-417D which requires that the contractor must discuss with the consumer the installation of an automatic extinguishing system. Chapter board members are seeing these items on display in town halls across the state. At the chapter’s fall meeting, Doug Nadeau, president of RAN Fire Protection Engineering, 66 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Left photo: Coleman Farrar (right), president of the Arkansas Chapter, welcomed Doug Crowder with Simplex/ Grinnell to the chapter meeting. Right photo: The Arkansas Fire Sprinkler Contractors Associated had a good turnout for its September meeting.

Left photo: Bill Rhodes, Hampshire Fire Protection; Tom Jacquel; and Jim Forristall, Hampshire Fire Protection played the Connecticut Chapter’s first charity golf tournament. Right photo: Connecticut Fire Protection had a foursome for the Connecticut Chapter’s tournament: Chris Silvestri; Rick Russo, Jr.; Ronald LoRicco, Sr.; and Richard Russo, Sr.

The Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association was pleased to present a $26,000 check to JDRF.

Alberta Chapter members recently toured the Red Deer College Trade School.

LFSA had an excellent turn out for its NextGen social at Tsunami Sushi. presented “Anatomy of a Fire” where he discussed the terrible fire he was involved in last year. The chapter will hold its holiday party on December 7. Visit afsact.org. Louisiana On October 24 the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA) hosted a membership meeting in Baton Rouge. The meeting focused on the new AFSA online Safety Portal, plan review, and apprentice training. The membership meeting was followed by an LFSA NextGen social at Tsunami Sushi.

On October 25, LFSA hosted the 11th Annual LFSA Golf Tournament, benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The golf tournament is held in memory of Brad Bella, son of retired Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal Fire Marshal V.J. Bella. At the end of the day, $26,000 was raised for JDRF allowing LFSA to make its largest donation in the 11 years it has hosted the tournament. LFSA gives a big thank you to tournament sponsors! For a list of tournament winners, visit lafiresprinkler.org.

IN JO !

W NO

AFSA’S ONLINE SAFETY PORTAL

www.afsasafetyportal.comoRTAL.COM AFSA American Fire Sprinkler Association

THE TOOLS YOU NEED FOR WORKER SAFETY This virtual library proactively delivers the accident-prevention and safety related information you need to educate your staff, help prevent claims and create a safe work environment. Highlights include: • Electrical Safety • Ladder Safety • Loss Control • Personal Protection • Vehicle Safety • Reference Links • OSHA Resources Links • Workers Comp Resources

• AFSA’s Toolbox Talks (a safety series custom tailored for the fire sprinkler industry)

www.afsasafetyportal.com

CHAPTER NEWS CONT. Virginia On October 3, 2017, the AFSA Virginia Chapter held a Burn Survivors Foundation Board meeting, chapter board meeting, and chapter regular meeting, followed by the 2017 trade show at the Bon Secours Redskin Training Facility in Richmond. At the meeting, AFSA President Frank Mortl III, CAE gave an update on all the activities of national AFSA and its recent convention, J. Buckley Warden, attorney with Durrette Crump PLC, gave a presentation on how to navigate using the Virginia General District Courts, and

Scott Monroe of Ferguson Fire gave an update on products Ferguson Fire represents. The trade show featured 36 vendor tables, food, and drinks for the 225 attendees to enjoy. Many great prizes were given. Three Washington Redskin Cheerleaders were present to sign autographs, take pictures, and to promote the Burn Survivors Foundation. A special thanks to Craig Smith and Cari Simmons on the Trade Show Committee for their hard work in planning this event. Visit afsavirginia.org. n

The Virginia Chapter recently hosted a successful trade show with vendor tables, food, drinks, NFL cheerleaders, and prizes.

AFSA NEWS Martinez Promoted to Meeting Programs Manager The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Maricarmen Martinez to meeting programs manager. She will report directly to Vice President of Meetings & Operations Marlene Garrett, CMP. In her new role, Martinez is responsible for coordinating all live seminars for AFSA regional chapters as well as the annual National Apprentice Competition, and assisting with the planning of the AFSA quarterly board meetings. In addition to these new responsibilities, she will continue to assist with organization and registration of AFSA’s educational programming, and to answer questions about programming for members. Marlene Garrett expresses, “I could not be prouder of Maricarmen for her professional growth and her ability to plan events with such precision and attention to detail.” She continues: “She has developed incredible skills in managing multiple projects while keeping member support her number one priority, and has a bright future here at AFSA. We are truly fortunate to have her on our team and I am proud to have her in my department.” Martinez joined AFSA in 2012 as education coordinator. She holds a degree in exposition and meeting management from Richland College in Dallas. Prior to joining AFSA she served as a manager at a national retail store.

newest free member resource, the AFSA online Safety Portal at afsasafetyportal.com. Developed by the AFSA Safety & Insurance Committee in partnership with Blue River Underwriters, an AFSA-endorsed insurance partner, the Safety Portal is a customized safety portal built with the specific needs of fire sprinkler contractors in mind. With over 1,000 resources and references, the Safety Portal aims to address some of the key issues in construction safety today, such as electrical safety, ladder safety, loss control, personal protection, and vehicle safety. This new member-only website proactively delivers the accident-prevention and safetyrelated information members need to educate their staff, help prevent claims, and create a safe work environment. In addition to expanding upon AFSA’s popular Toolbox Talks, a weekly safety series custom tailored for the fire sprinkler industry, the Safety Portal also provides a wealth of practical resources from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Labor (DOL), the Center for Construction Research and Training, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, the National Safety Council, and many others. Whether members are in need of OSHA regulations, workplace safety posters, or even loss statistics to better prepare their staff, AFSA’s Safety Portal helps to make your place of business a safe and compliant one. Because a safer business means better business. Check out all the resources at afsasafetyportal.com.

AFSA Online Safety Portal Launches The

MMIC Health Insurance Update The recent Executive Order issued by President

American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) announces the immediate availability of its

Trump directs the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury

68 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

to consider expanding access to association health plans, short-term limited duration policies, and health reimbursement accounts. The Executive Order is designed to increase competition and choice and allow health insurance plans that cover fewer benefits and consumer protections. Please note, that nothing is likely to happen immediately, since it will take at least six months to craft new regulations and guidance to carry out the Executive Order. Small businesses would be allowed to join together to buy health insurance coverage. Furthermore, small businesses and individuals would be able to collectively buy health insurance through association group plans. These plans will offer group coverage across state lines [providing a broader range of policies at lower rates. By not being subject to the Affordable Care Act regulations, there will be plan options that have lower rates but provide less coverage. Finally, the Executive Order will: • Allow short-term health insurance plans to lengthen the coverage of these polices and permit renewals. • Expand health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) to reimburse workers for a wide array of expenses including premiums. As the formal rulemaking process consistent with the Executive Order is underway, MMIC will keep members informed of the activity taking place. In the meantime, MMIC will continue to remain focused on selling, enrolling and providing customer service to AFSA members on individual and group health insurance plans. Visit MMIC’s website at mmicinsurance, email mmic@ mmicinsure.com, or call toll-free 800-3491039 with any questions.

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS In Memoriam: Ramon Daniel “Dan” Mallow

Viola

Maynard

Wittenburg

Viola Reappointed to Bureau Jack Viola, FPE, president of JFV Engineering, LLC in South Hadley, Massachusetts, has been reappointed to the Massachusetts Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters. The Bureau promulgates rules and regulations for the examining and licensing of fire sprinkler contractors, pipefitters, refrigeration technicians, and sprinkler fitters. The Bureau also meets to review license applications and to determine and approve eligibility of applicants. Viola has experience in all phases of the sprinkler business, starting as an apprentice, then moving on to project manager, sales manager and designer with a NICET Level IV Certification. He was owner and president of HFP Fire Sprinkler Corporation of Westfield, Massachusetts until its sale in 2008. He currently is an NFPA representative on the NFPA 13D, 13R, and 15 committees, and is a Massachusetts registered Fire Protection Engineer. Viola was instrumental in the formation of AFSA, was on its initial Board of Directors, and has served as Chairman of AFSA’s Board of Directors and on numerous AFSA committees. “Jack has demonstrated and continues to provide exemplary leadership and influence both nationally and throughout the state of Massachusetts,” comments AFSA President Frank Mortl III, CAE. “He has been instrumental in guiding AFSA’s nationwide purpose of training merit shop fire sprinkler apprentices and journeypersons, and has also provided industry guidance through AFSA’s partnership with the Associated Builders and Contractors, who share common AFSA written curriculum used to train fire sprinkler apprentices throughout the country including Massachusetts. “Locally, Jack has been a staple of involvement for many years with AFSA’s Yankee Chapter, based in Massachusetts. The fire sprinkler contractor industry is extremely fortunate to have had a person of Jack’s caliber as a representative during this critical period in its history.” Core & Main Announces Appointment of New Senior Leadership Team Members Core & Main recently announced the appointment of two new senior leadership team members. Tim Maynard, vice president of corporate development, and Mark Whittenburg, general counsel and secretary, both joined the company in late September 2017. Maynard is responsible for pursuing and executing growth opportunities for Core & Main. He reports directly to LeClair, and leads the company’s merger/acquisition and corporate development function, including strategy and inorganic growth initiatives, pipeline development, strategic evaluation, deal structure, valuation, due diligence and negotiation. He joined Core & Main following his most recent position as vice president of corporate development for FEI Company. As the company’s new general counsel and secretary, Whittenburg manages a team of legal and compliance professionals who handle 70 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Born in Corsicana, Texas, Ramon Daniel “Dan” Mallow, PE, 92, had a profound impact on the technical formation of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Trained in electrical engineering at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Mallow started his 50-plus year career in weapon systems engineering, but by the early 1970s, he began Mallow focusing on the fire protection industry and formed Mallow Associates, Inc. in Dallas. “In the early days of AFSA in the late 1980s and 1990s, Dan Mallow was the technical services department of AFSA, providing services as an independent contractor,” recalls retired AFSA President Steve Muncy. A registered engineer in the states of Texas and California, he was the first instructor to the AFSA School of Sprinkler Design, a precursor to the current Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School; and assisted in the development of the Training for Excellence series, AFSA’s first four-year apprentice training course. He authored the AFSA’s “Residential Fire Sprinkler Handbook” in 1985 and “Using Pitot Tubes” in additional to dozens of articles in industry publications, including Sprinkler Age. He also edited AFSA’s “Design Digest,” a semi-monthly technical publication, and served as the AFSA representative on the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, committee, the NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, subcommittee, and the National Fire Protection Research Foundation Technical Advisory Council. Muncy concludes, “Although time has dimmed the contributions of Dan Mallow to AFSA, he provided very important skills and experience that helped set AFSA on track to become what is today. […] As AFSA grew and provided more tech services by adding staff, AFSA’s reliance on Mallow’s services began to taper – but it all began with Dan Mallow.” The funeral was held November 3, 2017 at Mesquite Church of Christ in Mesquite, Texas. More information can be found online at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com. n

Mallow instructing AFSA’s School of Design in the 1980s.

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gineering/applied science technicians and technologists. It recognizes a sustained record of excellence over many years, and not for one specific year or singular accomplishment. Pugsley was nominated for this award by his students, alumni, and faculty from Seneca College. Visit SenecaCollege.ca/fire.

Pugsley

Mizak

Salisbury

all of Core & Main’s corporate governance, compliance and legal matters. He also advises the company’s senior leadership team and board of directors on legal and strategic matters such as merger and acquisition activities. Whittenburg reports directly to LeClair. Prior to joining Core & Main, Whittenburg was based in Shanghai, China where he served as vice president, Legal for the Asia Pacific region with Autoliv, a $10 billion automotive safety company. His background also includes multiple roles of increased responsibility with GE throughout the U.S. and Far East, culminating as vice president and general counsel in Charlottesville, Virginia and finally chief compliance officer in Shanghai, China. Visit coreandmain.com. Scott Pugsley Receives OACETT 2017 Outstanding Educator Award During its Annual Provincial Honours and Awards Gala, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) presented Scott Pugsley, professor within the School of Fire Protection at Seneca College, with their Outstanding Educator Award. The award is granted to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the training and education of en-

AFSA Employment Opportunity Technical Services Fire Protection Engineer The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is looking for an individual to join our team. We are currently seeking an engineer with extensive sprinkler experience. If you have five-plus years of sprinkler related experience and good communication skills, you may qualify to join us. This position is also open to more senior levels of experience. The successful candidate will have a detailed understanding of the primary NFPA standards and the ability to explain these criteria. For more details on this exciting opportunity, please visit: firesprinkler.org/jobs. AFSA supports and influences the sprinkler industry by working on NFPA technical committees, teaching and training to broad audiences, and providing informal interpretations on critical issues. If you would like to join a team that has helped shape the industry for 36 years, we encourage you to send your resume to: resume@firesprinkler.org. NOTICE: AFSA does not run employment ads in Sprinkler Age regarding general employment opportunities for other associations, member and non-member companies, etc.

72 Sprinkler Age | November/December 2017

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Announces Two New Sales Team Members Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company welcomes Anthony Mizak as its newest regional sales representative in the Northeast. Mizak’s territory includes New York, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania and reports to Todd Bresnahan, director of national accounts. He has a 17-year history in the pipe, valve, and fitting distribution business with 14 of those years dedicated to the fire protection industry. Mizak’s experience includes sales, sales management, and co-ownership of a sprinkler pipe fabrication facility. He is a graduate of East Carolina University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics with a minor in business administration. Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company also welcomes Steven Salisbury to its sales team as their New England regional sales representative. His territory includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. He reports to Michael Cauley, New England regional sales manager. Salisbury has 15 years of experience in the finance and insurance industries. He graduated from LeMoyne College with a Bachelor of Science in finance and marketing. Visit reliablesprinkler.com Seneca College Hires Dr. Kerry Kwan Dr. Kerry Kwan BSc, BEd, MEd, PhD joined the School of Fire Protection at Seneca College in the role of professor. She will be teaching mathematics and chemistry within the two-year Technician and three-year Technologist programs. She has been working for Seneca as a partial load teacher and has also worked at a variety of other educational insti- Kwan tutions. Kwan will also continue her research and development of master learning in mathematics for the Fire Protection, Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology programs. For more information contact Scott.Pugsley@SenecaCollege.ca. n

Correction In the September/October 2017 issue of Sprinkler Age we erroneously report that the AFSA ITM Inspector Development Training program, “… produces NICET Level 2 certified inspectors in about 19 months.” We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused. AFSA’s program prepares inspectors for NICET Level II exams in about 20 months. However, AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments or exams will ensure passage of related NICET test elements or certification by NICET. For any questions or further details on AFSA’s ITM program, please contact the Education Department at (214) 349-5965 or visit firesprinkler.org. n

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