16
KEVIN MOZAK YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
JUL / AUG 2018
SPRINKLER AGE
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION
VOL 37/04
RICHARD SMITH FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
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SprinklerAge
Vol 37 / 04
July/August 2018
Features 10 | Smith Named Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year
AHJ’s Tireless Devotion to Residential Sprinkler Education
16 | Mozak Named Young Professional of the Year
Humility, Honesty, and Hard Work are Keys to Career Success
20 | Seismic Bracing of CPVC Pipe
Don’t Overlook This Requirement
22 | Structural Support Bracket
Not Part of the NFPA 13 Hanger Assembly
24 | Learn and Earn at AFSA37
Record-Breaking 48 Seminars Offered
34 | BlazeMaster Receives New UL Certification
Two Years of Research and Development
36 | Explore the Largest U.S. Fire Sprinkler Exhibit
AFSA37 Features Top Manufacturers, Suppliers in the Fire Sprinkler Industry
38 | Seismic Requirements for Vertical Pipes
It’s Not Just About Four-Way Braces
44 | Coffey Takes Home Gold at ABC
AFSA Contractor Member Apprentices Sweep Competition
ON THE COVER Richard Smith is the 2018 recipient of the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award. Also in this issue: seismic protection.
6
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
8
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
62 NEW MEMBERS
46 | Jumping Into the Fire?
63 U.S. CONSTRUCTION
50 | We Can Work It Out
66 AFSA NEWS
54 | Chief Stefancic Receives Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award
69 ASSOCIATION NEWS
Considerations Before Entering the Fire Alarm Systems Market Home Fire Sprinkler Advocates and Homebuilders Team Up to Secure Landmark Sprinkler Ordinance AHJ Helps Firefighters Understand the Effectiveness of Fire Sprinklers
56 | Honoring Les and Diane Woods’ Public Education Efforts
Couple Receives Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award
58 | U.S. and Canada Unite During First Home Sprinkler Day
64 AHJ PERSPECTIVE 68 CHAPTER NEWS 70 INDUSTRY NEWS 72 PRODUCT NEWS 76 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 78
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Showcasing the Power of This Life-Saving Technology
60 | AFSA Announces New Colorado Chapter
AFSA Members Band Together in the Centennial State
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.
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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE EDITORIAL: 214 349 5965
BY WAYNE WEISZ AFSA Chairman of the Board
NICOLE DUVALL, 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 we glide through the summer, I believe things are playing out just as predicted at the start of the year. It has been a busy year to this point. I have talked to many contractors and associates around the country and am constantly hearing: “We are busy and we could really use a few more people.” Nationally, unemployment is at record lows and skilled labor is just hard to find. Training from within our individual companies has become a priority for most of us. When I look back to the origins of AFSA, the founders of this association wanted to have a mechanism in place to train a merit-shop workforce. Developing a skilled workforce was as big of a problem back then as it has become today. We can see it today in the record numbers of participants in the AFSA Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship program, the Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School, and the recently introduced ITM Inspector Development program. Merit shop contractors around the country are investing more than ever in training and developing their work force. In May we did have a change at the helm of AFSA. Frank Mortl III, CAE decided to go a different direction and pursue other interests. With his wife Kara having their first baby, they felt moving closer to family in the Northeast would be a lot easier on the family as a whole. We, as a Board of Directors, and all of us who know Frank and Kara wish them well and much success for whatever the future holds for them. As for the day-to-day operations of AFSA, we have a tremendous staff that has stepped up and not let our association miss a beat. The staff is led by Vice President of Meetings & Operations Marlene Garrett who has been with AFSA for over 20 years. Marlene has been put in charge of overseeing the day-to-day operations. Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, P.E., has been a tremendous help through this transition as well. Under the guidance of Marlene and Roland, along with an excellent staff, the level of service and meeting the needs of our membership has never been better. We recently opened registration for AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Washington, DC and the response has been tremendous thus far! Contractor, manufacturer, and supplier registrations are keeping pace with our record-breaking event last year, and we are on track to set an association record again in 2018. I have said this before, but it bears repeating: this is truly shaping up to be the biggest fire sprinkler convention that our industry has ever held. Our association is strong and membership numbers have never been higher. I encourage everyone to get involved and take advantage of all of the great member services AFSA has to offer. Enjoy the rest of the summer and I look forward to seeing you all at AFSA37 in Washington, DC. n
6 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
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 PAUL DELORIE, TREASURER 603-432-8221 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 AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965
MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President of Meetings & Operations, ext. 118 ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121 ROGER GRAGG, Director of Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext. 126 BRADLEY ELLIOTT, Director of Member Services, ext. 135 LAVERNE DAVIS, Director of Financial & Administrative Affairs, ext. 112 Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the Fire Sprinkler Industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication. 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.
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VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP AFSA Vice President of Meetings & Operations
Nearly a thousand members and counting. As I look back on my work experience with AFSA, I can’t help feeling grateful. I landed here 20 years ago looking to begin a new career in association meeting planning. I got my dream job. Since beginning this job, I have seen the association grow in members and in services. I have seen business relationships flourish. I have seen business competitors collaborate on common goals as friends – not as competitors against each other, but as competitors with each other to advance the interests of a vital industry that saves lives and property from Hawaii to New York. I have led a staff that is dedicated to providing the best member experience
possible. I have seen great leaders retire but continue to support the association in selfless dedication to a cause that is bigger than themselves. I am fortunate and proud to be part of AFSA. In January of 2017, I was promoted to vice president of meetings and operations. I was given more responsibilities to work closely with staff directors. I have genuinely strong bonds with staff, so this new role felt very comfortable to me. Sitting in team meetings and collaborating with staff on projects that will have a positive impact on our members is what drives this organization. Working with such a dedicated staff makes this job extremely rewarding and gives a leader a sense of purpose. Our staff has a tremendous amount of pride in this association. Many have been with AFSA for well over 20 years, and have a wealth of institutional knowledge. This dedication to the association and experience within its network is the foundation on which we grow as an organization. In June, the AFSA Board of Directors asked me to lead the association until a permanent replacement for the president position can be filled. I am honored to be given this responsibility. This new role gives me the opportunity to remember our roots, the importance of our integrity, and the trust that our members invest in this great organization. We are a fire sprinkler contractor trade association. This is our mission statement: “The American Fire Sprinkler Association is the voice of the merit shop automatic fire sprinkler contractor. In support of the merit shop objective, the American Fire Sprinkler Association promotes the development of
8 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
educational and training programs to maintain the quality and effectiveness of automatic fire sprinklers, encourages an expanded role for automatic fire sprinklers in protecting lives and property, disseminates information on labor, technology and business, and provides programs to enhance business practices for the merit shop contractor.” We will never lose focus of this foundational mission. I was hired as a meeting planner and educational director, and although my role has changed significantly in the last 20 years to include collaboration on issues within membership, technical services, communications, and marketing, you will still find me collaborating with staff on meetings and education programs as I did when I first started my position here. I am grateful for the career path that has brought me to where I am today. While continuing to lead the organization, my eyes and energies are now focused on AFSA37 in Washington, DC. As every convention in the past, our team is again looking to break records, offering more educational opportunities than ever before and attendance numbers which have increased every year for last decade. This one will be one to remember. Attendance at this convention offers network opportunities which are invaluable in the business world day. This convention offers a networking hub which is trusted and respected throughout the industry. We have nearly 1,000 members and counting. Is your company going to be counted among our numbers attending AFSA37 looking to advance their business in 2018? n
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Smith Named Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year AHJ’s Tireless Devotion to Residential Sprinkler Education REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association
For Richard Smith fire protection has always been an important part of everyday life. Born in Oxford, Maryland, Smith recalls having an interest in fire protection extremely early on because he lived just down the road from a fire company and recalls, “as a young man there wasn’t a lot to do around here and everything that did happen, happened at the fire company.” The fire company served as not just a place of protection, but a place where relationships were made and friendships were formed in the city. Throughout his life Smith’s respect, adoration, and commitment to fire and life safety through volunteer firefighting and the promotion of fire sprinkler legislation in Maryland has always been front and center just like that fire company was in Oxford. While Smith continues his long and distinguished career filled with many important accomplishments, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to honor him for all of his contributions so far, as well as those yet to come, as its 2018 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award recipient. Humble Beginnings Smith’s volunteer firefighting career began in 1965 and this career would ultimately lead to his introduction to fire sprinkler efforts. He joined the Oxford, Maryland fire company, following in his brother’s footsteps and joining many of his friends in becoming a volunteer firefighter. Much of Maryland utilizes volunteer firefighting instead of career firefighters, even to this day. Just one short year after joining the fire service, in 1966, Smith left for a year to serve as an infantryman for the U.S. Army and returned from service in 1967. Upon his return, Smith quickly found himself elected second lieutenant of the fire company. He strongly credits this election to the president of the fire company at the time, Price Sinclair. However, it didn’t stop there. From that election, Smith recognized his need for further education on both firefighting and other methods of fire protection and began to meet with an instructor from the University of Maryland who taught him more about both subjects. While developing and honing his skills, Smith proceeded to continue to work his way up through leadership until he became the fire chief in 1975. As firefighting was volunteer only, not career, Smith continued to hold a “second” job at a printing company to support his family as well as being a firefighter. He worked at the printing company for 24 years before leaving and finding 10 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
AFSA is proud to honor Richard Smith as its 2018 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year recipient.
new work in a furniture business with one of his close friends. In addition to his other responsibilities, his new furniture job required him to travel. But Smith didn’t let that deter him from continuing to travel on behalf of his passion, fire protection. He continued to travel on behalf of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) guaranteeing he was kept busy and engaged year-round. There is a lot to be said for the fact that Smith didn’t let his passion for fire protection stop at just the volunteer firefighting level, though. Despite being where it began, it was only the tip of the iceberg. During his tenure serving as fire chief, Smith recalls that “believe it or not, even back in those days they talked about commercial fire sprinklers.” He continues, “even years ago sprinklers were there, you just didn’t hear
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Smith is proud of an article detailing firefighters’ opposition to Maryland House Bill 19, which attempted to allow counties to opt out of residential sprinkler installations in new construction.
Smith was nominated for firefighter of the year the first year the award was established in Maryland.
about them and we certainly didn’t have them in Oxford or in most residences.” However, Smith quickly recognized the importance of the impact fire sprinklers could have on his town, because of his background serving with a smaller volunteer fire company that was often stretched thin. He simply explains the importance of fire sprinklers saying, “We all know putting the wet stuff on the red stuff puts out the fire, so having a sprinkler system in your home that means the water will get there long before [firefighters] do.” Once legislation began being discussed in Maryland about residential fire sprinkler requirements, Smith says the logical next step was to jump on board in support. The Fire Sprinkler Fight Once the fire sprinkler legislation was introduced in the Maryland Legislature, his work began in earnest. Smith traveled around to surrounding counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to gain support for fire sprinkler legislation which was ultimately passed in 2012. Smith describes his efforts explaining the legislation to the public and working for support as a matter of “impressing that if you have a fire in your house within 18-20 seconds the fire is out [with sprinklers].” After the legislation passed in 2012, there was a three-year graced period to opt out that ended in July 2015. During that time Smith worked tirelessly, meeting with elected and fire service officials alike to defeat introduced legislation 12 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
which would have permanently given counties the opportunity to opt out of installation of residential sprinklers in new construction. This legislation was introduced by Maryland Delegate Christopher Adams. Adams told local media outlets that the state’s law had the ability to negatively impact new home construction. To combat this messaging, Smith once again took to the legislatures to spread accurate information. “We knew it was coming,” he says. “We knew which committee it was going to and which subcommittee it would wind up in. We started visiting [committee members] and asking them for support. We brought documents with us. A lot of the information that was being passed out [from sprinkler opponents] was, as usual, incorrect,” recalls Smith. In large part because of his efforts and those working with him, Maryland successfully defeated Maryland Delegate Adams’ proposed legislation that would have allowed an indefinite opt-out period. Smith tirelessly met with lawmakers and government officials as a proponent of the residential sprinkler legislation, but taking it a step further and utilizing his background in the fire service, to make compelling arguments about the importance of fire sprinklers (especially in such a volunteer firefighter heavy area) to the public as well. Of this outreach Smith says, “it was always very important to us to visit schools to impress upon kids the importance of fire sprinklers.” He continues, “It’s important because they take that information, internalize it, and bring it home to mom and dad.” Even though Smith is proud to say the residential fire sprinkler requirements went into full effect in July 2015 and the opt-out legislation was defeated, he also says his work is far from done. He says that MSFA is still a consistently a strong advocate of fire sprinklers and he works tirelessly on its behalf while serving as vice chairman of MSFA’s Legislative Committee, to change the minds of those opposed to fire sprinklers or who think negatively about them. “There is a lot of misinformation out there on sprinklers. Like the myth that if one goes off, they all go off.” He elaborates, “We make sure to correct that misinformation with the public so as to
From l to r: Chuck Walker, Richard Smith, Delegate Shree Sample-Hughes, Legislation Committee Chair Stephan Cox, and John Spiker visit in the State House on Maryland Day.
Smith received the Senator William H. Amos Memorial Legislative award for his legislative efforts on behalf of Maryland’s fire, rescue, and emergency medical services.
hopefully change some minds of people who think negatively about sprinklers.” Smith says MSFA in conjunction with NFPA have also acquired burn trailers to present live side-byside burn demonstrations at events and in counties that are less-than-keen on the current legislation. He says, “It serves as a travelling billboard going down the road. When we get there, people are intrigued enough to stop, watch, and hear what we have to say!”
which is given in “recognition of an individual’s contributions and determination in promoting the betterment of Maryland fire, rescue and emergency medical services through successful legislation and the legislative process.” Additionally, he has received MSFA’s highest honor, the Gladhill-Thompson Trophy, which offers the opportunity to “honor an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the future welfare of MSFA.” Lastly, Smith was inducted into the MSFA Hall of Fame for his dedication, commitment, and hard work on behalf of MSFA.
Smith sums up his experience with not just this legislative battle, but with all of his previous and ongoing efforts by saying, “[Fighting anti-sprinkler legislation] takes a lot of time and dedication. Make friends with your legislators. Gain their trust. Supply them with honest-to-goodness facts. Above all, emphasize that this is a life-safety issue for the homeowner and fire service.” What about now? These days, Smith still spends a good portion of the year travelling on behalf of the MSFA executive committee after retiring from his full-time job about seven years ago. He also took a new job at the local golf course for fun a few days of the week. Additionally, Smith is excited to begin taking an occasional, but well-deserved break in Florida in his new vacation home. However, a break doesn’t mean he’s done advocating for the firefighting profession or fire sprinklers by any stretch of the imagination. Smith still loves the work he does as much as he did on day one and is happy staying busy travelling and advocating for fire protection while balancing more time with his family. If it sounds like Smith is extremely busy, it’s true. However, all this travel, hard work, dedication, and commitment hasn’t been without recognition as Smith has been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards in the past. First, he received the Senator William H. Amos Memorial Legislative award
“I would like to thank my wife Cindy for all the support and encouragement to get this far in the fire service,” notes Smith. “Without her I would not have been able to accomplish what we did.” Fire Sprinkler Advocate Award Smith’s newest award, AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award, was created to honor individuals not directly involved in the fire sprinkler industry whose efforts have had national impact in advancing life safety and property protection through the use of automatic sprinklers. Each year, AFSA’s Legislative Committee selects a recipient from a pool of nominations, with approval of the AFSA Board of Directors. This year, Smith was nominated by Chief Stephan Cox, past president of MSFA. Cox said that, “Chief Smith should be elected for his dedication and tireless hours of work in meeting with elected officials and fire service officials to defeat legislation introduced to give counties the opportunity to opt out of the installation of residential sprinklers in new construction.” When informed that he would be receiving this award for 2018 Smith said, “This is a very prestigious award for a volunteer firefighter like myself; I was quite honored to receive this award and I cannot wait for my family to attend Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 13
Side-by-side burn demonstrations have helped Smith and MSFA educate the public about the life- and property-saving benefits of residential sprinklers. The leaders of MSFA worked tirelessly to educate the public and legislators about fire sprinkler legislation. Front row, l to r: Stephan Cox, Richard Smith, Past President Michael Davis, Past First Vice President Mark Bilger. Back row, l to r: Past President Fred Cross, and Second Vice President Richard Blair.
[AFSA37] to see me receive this award. I’m truly lucky, this is a very honorable award and I don’t have an arm long enough to pat myself on the back for receiving it.” AFSA Vice President of Meetings & Operations Marlene Garret is proud to recognize all of Smith’s accomplishments saying, “Richard Smith is a true inspiration and a well deserving recipient of AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award. He’s devoted much time and energy meeting
with elected officials and fire service officials to defeat legislation introduced to give counties the opportunity to opt out of the installation of residential sprinklers in new construction. Maryland passed legislation that became law as of July 1, 2015 requiring new residences to have residential sprinklers.” Smith will be presented with AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award during the general session at AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition on October 2 at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, DC. To learn more about the schedule of events and register for AFSA37 visit firesprinkler.org/AFSA37. n
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Mozak Named Young Professional of the Year Humility, Honesty, and Hard Work are Keys to Career Success NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association
A “self-made man” is a classic phrase first coined on February 2, 1832 by United States Senator Henry Clay who referred to the self-made man in the United States Senate, to describe individuals whose success lay within the individuals themselves, not with outside conditions. Kevin Mozak, the 39-year-old president of Meridian Fire Protection in Edmonton, Alberta and founder/chairman of the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Alberta Chapter, has been described as one such self-made man. Mozak started Meridian in May of 2006 as a one-man-in-a-van operation with only one contract. Today, the Edmonton-based company – which installs and services residential and commercial fire protection systems – has a fleet of 28 service vehicles and nearly 50 employees. As AFSA’s first Canadian national committee member, Mozak serves on three national committees, including the Apprenticeship & Education, Membership & Chapter Development, and Public Education & Awareness. For these reasons, AFSA is pleased to announce that Mozak has been elected by a panel of his peers on the NextGen Initiative as recipient of AFSA’s 2018 Young Professional of the Year award. The award highlights the efforts of a young and talented fire protection professional, who is under 40 and demonstrates exemplary technical, professional, and inclusive leadership skills not only in their own businesses, but also at a national level. The third annual award will be presented during the general session at AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition held at the Gaylord National Harbor in Washington, DC. Building a Business Mozak started in the fire sprinkler business when he was 18. For a decade he worked for a handful of Edmonton’s largest sprinkler firms, including Grinnell Fire and Viking Fire. But in 2006, just after the birth of his first son, Mozak decided to head out on his own and found Meridian Fire Protection. Mozak recalls: “I borrowed some money from my father-inlaw and got a van. I didn’t have a business plan. I was lucky.” As Meridian’s core business began to grow, Mozak continued to do everything himself, often working from sunup to sundown. The hard work paid off and Mozak hired his former helper Michael Jackson, who still works for him today, to help run the company and complete work orders. 16 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Kevin and his wife Nicole are working to instill the values of hard work and humility in their four boys – Connolly, Drake, Cash, and Cruz.
“Back then, no one wanted to do service and maintenance. In the beginning, we didn’t even have a website, but we did good work,” says Mozak. By 2007 Mozak realized he needed more employees to fulfill the growing orders. Mozak outlined a plan to add installing and upgrading systems in addition to maintaining them. As the business grew so did the accolades. In 2010, Meridian was named by Canada’s Profit magazine as one of its “Top 50 Start-ups.” Jackson, who has worked with Mozak for 17 years – 12 of which have been at Meridian Fire Protection, Inc., said he wasn’t surprised when his boss and friend sought to help others and the industry. “His tutelage to me as a new apprentice 17 years ago was always one of sharing his knowledge. He was never one to hoard knowledge to protect his own employability. Since I have attained my journeyman status, his support and encouragement to further educate myself in other aspects of the sprinkler trade has been pivotal in my being able to become a better fitter and provider for my family. This support and encouragement for education is not limited to employees, as he routinely offers support and serves as a sounding board for other contractors, customers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction when needed.”
Mozak and fellow Alberta Chapter board member Donovan Van Twuyver visited the Red Deer College Trade School with AFSA Instructor Bob Caputo and AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott in October 2017. The group toured the sprinkler training room and Caputo spoke to the fitter apprentices and faculty about changes coming to NFPA 13 in the 2019 edition. From l to r: Joel Gingrich, Mozak, Van Twuyver, Caputo, Christopher McCloskey, Elliott, and Bre Fitzpatrick.
Oh Canada! In 2017, AFSA officially expanded north of the US/Canada border, but the process all started when Kevin Mozak approached the AFSA booth at the 2016 NFPA Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mozak felt that merit shop contractors in Alberta didn’t have enough training and educational opportunities or a unified voice on legislative issues. He says, “I saw the benefits of being part of an association, but open shop is growing in Canada and there was no one talking on behalf of open shop and talking about our issues, like fitter compulsory certification, here.” Mozak says he wanted to change that, and AFSA was more than happy to oblige. “[Kevin’s] decision to approach AFSA regarding its first Canadian chapter was no surprise to anyone who knows him, as his message throughout his career so far has been one of ‘education and information.’ He feels strongly that his values towards the sprinkler industry aligns with those of AFSA,” says Jackson. During the AFSA’s 2016 convention in Nashville, Tennessee, Mozak attended its Chapter Leadership Conference. There he learned chapter development best practices through presentations, panels, and roundtable idea exchanges. He took the things he had learned and the connections he made back to Alberta and started the process of building a chapter.
in June 2017 they elected their first board with Mozak naturally assuming the position of the chapter’s first chairman. As the open-shop philosophy continues to grow in Western Canada, Mozak has been able to look past day-to-day competition to grow and better the industry through AFSA benefits such as training and increased communications with other fire sprinkler professional in the province. “Over the years there have been many discussions about forming a local association to work on opportunities for growth and change without success,” continues Proud. “After attending some AFSA events, Kevin recognized the value and opportunities that could be realized within our market and our province if we aligned with AFSA and he began the heavy lifting required to bring the benefits of an AFSA affiliation to our industry here in Alberta. This affiliation is yielding immediate results.” Since forming the chapter, Mozak feels the voice of the merit shop contractor is finally being heard. “Open shop and union
He recruited new contractor members, exposing them to the benefits of AFSA membership and opportunities a chapter could bring to the market. “Our market here in Edmonton continues to yield opportunities for growth in our industry; however, as you can imagine, bringing the personalities to together to focus on what’s best for our industry and the products we deliver to the end-user rather than what’s best for individual companies is no easy endeavor,” commends Ken Proud of Proudline Fire Protection Services, Ltd. “It takes the determination and commitment of many, but without strong leadership, the potential cannot be realized.” On April 28, 2017 the founding contractor members officially signed a letter of intent to start an AFSA Alberta Chapter, and
The Mozak boys recently earned their Disneyland Autopia driver’s licenses. Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 17
Christopher Crivello, PE Honorable Mention AFSA’s NextGen Initiative is pleased to announce that Christopher Crivello is an Honorable Mention winner for the Young Professional of the Year award. Crivello, principal and partner of RAN Fire Protection Engineering, PC, Albany, New York, has dedicated his life to the fire protection industry. He has earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, along with a Master’s of Science degree in fire protection engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He also became a Licensed Fire Protection Professional Engineer in the State of New York in 2015. He has been working with RAN since 2011 and during that time, he has worked on numerous fire protection designs in various fields which include commercial, healthcare, industrial, historical, and residential buildings. He is also actively involved in the Patriot and Upstate New York chapters of AFSA. George Olson, with Potter Signal, nominated Crivello for the award. “Over the past three years, I have witnessed Chris speak at numerous association events throughout the Northeast. He also travels to a different city about once a month to teach an all-day seminar on fire protection engineering. At the crux of all of his presentations is one message: ‘The decisions we make impact lives,’ which sums up his dedication to advancing the field of fire protection.” In addition to his professional pursuits, Crivello was involved in a life-changing experience on October 28, 2016. That night, while enjoying dinner with family and friends at a local restaurant, a gas leak lead to an explosion in the kitchen and the building became engulfed with fire. In a building which did not contain fire sprinklers or a fire alarm system, Crivello not only managed to escape unharmed, but his actions were responsible for saving the lives of 40 people that night. Since then, Chris has become dedicated to spreading his knowledge about fire protection engineering, working to educate engineers, designers, contractors and anyone who will listen about fire protection awareness. “The night of the Blessings Tavern fire, no one reacted until I started shouting ‘Get out of the building!’ People just watched as the fire was growing,” states Crivello. “This just goes to show how important fire sprinklers and fire alarms are to saving lives.” What keys to success does Crivello offer to those in the industry? “My secret to success is simple: work hard, continue to learn every day, and have fun while you’re doing it,” Crivello states. “You need to enjoy what you are doing to stay motivated and be successful. In fire protection, we get to experience something different every day and know that we are saving people’s lives in the process; that is what I enjoy and what keeps me motivated.” Crivello also notes that education is important – both within and outside of the industry. “Education is the key to your professional responsibility. This goes across the board. Whether you are a sprinkler fitter, NICET technician, company owner, AHJ or professional engineer, it is your responsibility to act within the limits of your education and experience when designing and installing code compliant systems,” Crivello notes. “Fire protection is a business that few people understand, and people are afraid of what they don’t know. Because of that we are seeing legislatures pass licensure laws across the country, whether we as an industry agree with them or not. I think the key for our industry in the future is not necessarily fighting these legislatures, but rather educating them to make sure the licensure laws are based on education programs which can actually produce qualified and competent workers, such as the AFSA apprentice training and foremanship training programs.” When Crivello does find free time outside of the industry, he spends it in the water as an avid fisherman, watching hockey, and volunteering as a coach for the Artic Foxes women’s hockey team from Clifton Park, New York. AFSA commends Crivello on all he has done for the industry and congratulates him on this recognition!
18 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Mozak, an Edmonton Oilers fan, played in the Alzheimer’s FaceOff Pro-Am game.
never sat at the same table before to talk industry, and now, we’re fighting compulsory certification from a joint committee. It’s very exciting.” “In his quest for becoming a better contractor he encouraged seven or eight other contractors to join AFSA as well as encouraging Vancouver to form its own chapter,” recalls AFSA Secretary of the Board Linda Biernacki of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., who also serves as chair of the Membership & Chapter Development committee. Following its success in Alberta, AFSA founded its Vancouver Chapter in September of 2017. “Kevin is a big reason why AFSA has chapters in Western Canada,” says AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott. “He is very humble about his role in bringing AFSA to Canada, but from the moment I met him it was clear he understood the communication, networking, public awareness, and legislative clout that a local chapter could bring. He is a great leader for the Alberta Chapter with a vision to strengthen merit shop contracting in Western Canada.” Despite all his worldly success, Mozak is also one of the most humble and generous human beings around. When asked about his role in AFSA’s northern expansion, he simply says, “I was the guy who did the homework. I was a guy with an idea, but I didn’t do it alone. I have strong competitors, but many are good friends who also believe in the vision.” One such competitor is Ken Proud, who has mentored and supported Mozak’s endeavors, comments, “Kevin has taken a significant amount of time from his family and his business to build a strong foundation for the AFSA here in Alberta and I commend him for his efforts and support his selection as AFSA Young Professional of the Year.” While he concedes that it has taken time to build his business as well as the chapter, Mozak says it’s important to empower people and for them to learn to make mistakes as well as tactical decisions. At home, he is working to instill those same values of hard work and humility with his wife of 15 years, Nicole, in their four boys – Connolly, 13; Drake, 11; Cash, 9; and Cruz, 8. In his spare time, he enjoys trips to his family’s
lake house and coaching his son’s youth hockey teams. (And, yes, the family are big Edmonton Oilers fans.) One to Watch This year marks the third annual Young Professional of the Year award – awarded by AFSA’s young professional group the NextGen Initiative. For three years, AFSA’s NGI has been on a mission to recognize the outstanding talent and achievements of young professionals in the fire sprinkler industry. These young professionals aged 40 and under can be described by a variety of adjectives – movers and shakers, disrupters, innovators; but by all definitions, NGI’s Young Professional of Year award winners are most recognized for how they shape the business landscape with their passion and sense of community. Meaghen Wills, chair of the NextGen Initiative and the inaugural winner of the Young Professional of the Year award, knows what takes to grow at the local and national level. As the chair of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, serving Pennsylvania and Delaware, Wills has rebuilt her chapter and admires Mozak’s effort. She says, “Kevin has a big passion for the fire sprinkler industry. I admire the task that he took on with building AFSA in Canada and I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes it.” The award also seeks to promote the emergence of young, talented professionals and inspire companies to invest even more in the development and excellence of the profession. “It has been very exciting to get know Kevin a little and witness firsthand the passion he has for the fire sprinkler industry,” says AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc. “He has been motivated to get involved with AFSA and learn about all of the training programs AFSA has to offer. He has taken that knowledge back and incorporated it not only in his own company, but also shared it with other merit-shop contractors in Central Canada.” Biernacki was also excited to hear that Mozak had been selected by his peers as this year’s Young Professional of the Year. “He certainly is the epitome of the industry’s young successful professional,” she recalls. “I remember the first time I met Kevin, I asked him why he joined AFSA. Without hesitation he told me we were the premier organization for training and industry best practices for the fire sprinkler contractor. I was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm about becoming more involved with AFSA and the opportunities for not only his company but more importantly his competitors to embrace the culture of training and instilling excellence in all we do. Kevin has amazing energy and I am very excited about his future and AFSA’s future with our NextGen Initiative!” The third Annual Young Professional of the Year Award will be presented to Mozak during the general reception Tuesday, October 2 at AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in Washington, DC. For more details on AFSA, its NextGen Initiative, or AFSA37, visit firesprinkler.org. n
Stuart Weeks Honorable Mention AFSA’s NextGen Initiative is pleased to announce that Stuart Weeks has been selected as an Honorable Mention winner for its Young Professional of the Year award. Weeks began his fire protection career in January of 2000 and is currently with American Fire Protection, Inc., in Greenville, South Carolina. He is NICET IV certified in water-based systems layout and Level II certified in inspection and testing of water-based systems. Weeks is licensed in five states. His previous work experience includes design, management, sales, and organizing and teaching in-house training for design trainees, field foremen, and fitters at American Fire Protection and VSC Fire & Security. “I am honored to receive this recognition!” comments Weeks. “I think this award is an excellent motivator for our NextGen to go the extra mile in their contributions to the association.” Weeks is definitely self-motivated to better the industry. He currently serves as president of the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association, and has served on the board of directors as vice president and as the Education Committee as chairman. He is also part of a group working to build a better relationship with the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office to improve the plan review process for fire sprinkler shop drawings. He has also acquired ICC accreditation for the AFSA seminars being presented this August in Columbia in order to give South Carolina’s Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) CEU credit towards maintaining their certifications. In addition, Weeks has worked with state legislators as an advocate to reduce the cost of local water department tap fees for fire sprinkler systems. Weeks advises those in the industry to “be organized, be honest, show respect, listen and guide. Guide the ones who follow your path, listen to the ones who have walked the path, and respect the ones who made the path.” “Respect the ‘Last Gen,’ the trail blazers of this industry,” he comments. “Regardless of their education, title or accolades, they all provide valuable knowledge to be used throughout a career. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Business owners, managers, salesmen, designers, foremen, and fitters alike will impart valuable knowledge to those who treat them with the respect of simply listening to what they have to say. He continues: “Guide, mentor, support and encourage your ‘NextGen.’ See to it that those who show the willingness to learn this industry have the tools necessary to succeed. Allow your ‘NextGen’ to rise to their full potential and make sure they know they have that opportunity.” Ralph K. Foster, III, PE, SFPE, Foster Engineering & Consulting, LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, nominated Weeks for the award. “I’ve known Stuart for over 18 years. He has always been an intelligent go-getter who wants to learn why we do things, not just memorize the code. He’s a great father and family man.” Foster continues: “He’s not afraid to try something different. For example, during his time as president, the chapter was able to donate $4,000 to Shriners Hospitals for Children from the South Carolina Chapter’s inaugural fishing tournament.” Foster concludes: “He’s not only a good sprinkler designer; he’s a good person. He’d take the shirt off his back to help you. He’s all about life safety and that’s what our industry is all about. It’s refreshing to be a part of that.” Weeks sees changes on the horizon for the industry. “A lot of people who have made the industry what it is today will be retiring,” he notes. “This is why I am a big supporter of AFSA’s NextGen Initiative, continuing education, and training. We have to be as prepared as we can as young professionals to fill some impossibly big shoes.” Weeks is definitely ready to meet the challenge and AFSA congratulates him on this honor! Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 19
Seismic Bracing of CPVC Pipe Don’t Overlook This Requirement KEN WAGONER, C.F.P.E., C.W.S.B.P., S.E.T. | Parsley Consulting
Fire sprinkler systems in areas subjected to seismic activity – earthquakes! – must be provided with a means to protect them from damage. The ability of the seismic protection to keep the sprinkler system operational after an earthquake is a matter of some significance and is well worth the attention provided in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Contractors are increasingly utilizing CPVC piping in systems protecting light hazard and residential occupancies. The positives and negatives of using this material in fire sprinkler systems are best discussed another time. The point of this article is that all pipe installed per NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of
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Sprinkler Systems, is required to have seismic protection when the seismic design category from either the building code or the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 7 designates the building as needing to address this issue. When the design is to follow NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, the guidance in that document mandates that the “hanging and bracing methods shall comply with NFPA 13” [2016 edition, section 6.13]. This article will only discuss the lateral and longitudinal bracing for CPVC piping. It is worth noting that there is no allowable omission of bracing for the type of pipe identified in the standard. So, the requirements of section 9.3.5.5.1 requiring lateral bracing on “all feed and cross mains regardless of size” [emphasis added] as well as “branch line pipe 2½ in. and larger” applies, as does the provision in section 9.3.5.6 for longitudinal bracing being required for “feed and cross mains.” Lateral bracing must be provided at intervals not exceeding 40 ft-0 in. on center [section 9.3.5.5.2.2], within 6 ft-0 in. of the end of the main [section 9.3.5.5.5], and the maximum load FPW which the braces transmit to the piping must not exceed the values in Table 9.3.5.5.2(g) for CPVC. For example, when lateral bracing is provided on a 2-in. CPVC main, with braces spaced more than 30 ft-0 in. and not more than 35 ft-0 in. apart, the maximum FPW must not exceed 87 pounds. Additionally, longitudinal bracing must be provided on feed and cross mains at a distance not more than 40 ft-0 in. from the end of the main [section 9.3.5.6.3] and at an interval not exceeding 80 ft-0 in. on center [section 9.3.5.6.1].
There are two items which are mistakenly applied to allow the omission of lateral bracing and both are related. When pipes are individually supported within 6 in. of the structure lateral bracing can be omitted per section 9.3.5.5.10.2(1). Piping supported with CPVC pipe straps – regardless of the manufacturer – are not the equivalent to pipe being individually supported within 6 in. of the structure by hangers. Although not explicitly stated, this allowance applies only to approved hangers as NFPA allows piping to be supported listed components. While the use of pipe straps conforms with their listing, none of that hardware has been tested and listed to achieve this goal, and they can’t be used to allow omission of lateral seismic bracing. Further, the use of such straps is not the equivalent of the U-type hooks keeping the pipe tight to the structure as noted in section 9.3.5.5.11. The straps are not U-type hooks. And it’s best to keep in mind that many site locations which require seismic protection will most likely have a CP value which exceeds 0.50. Such a value does not permit the omission of lateral bracing on mains, per section 9.3.5.5.10.2(4). Currently most of the manufacturers of seismic bracing hardware have a fitting to attach to CPVC piping which will provide lateral bracing. An isometric example of such lateral bracing is provided. (See Figure 1.) This is based on the brace member (pipe, angle, flat, rod, etc.) meeting the limitations provided in Tables 9.3.5.11.8(a)-(c) for the material to be used, the length of the brace and the angle of the brace from vertical. Further, the maximum capacities in Tables 9.3.5.12.2(a)-(i) for the methods used to fasten the brace to the structure must not be exceeded.
Figure 1. Example of lateral brace for CPVC.
However, at the time of this writing no manufacturer has developed hardware which specifically provides longitudinal bracing for CPVC. It’s easy to see why when you consider how longitudinal braces normally work. The pipe attachment must clamp down sufficiently on the pipe, in order to keep the main from moving or sliding within the attachment. The CPVC material is not capable of resisting the stress of the force required to stop such movement. In order to provide longitudinal bracing, the use of a lateral brace within 24 in. of the centerline of the pipe to be braced is acceptable if the pipe where the lateral brace is attached is of equal or greater size than the pipe requiring bracing. This is allowed per 9.3.5.5.8. (See Figure 2.)
Figure 2. Example of lateral brace providing longitudinal brace for CPVC. merous articles on seismic bracing, hydraulic calculations, system design and the plan review process; has presented online virtual seminars, and teaches classes sponsored by AFSA and the San Diego Fire Protection Association (SDFPA). He is an active member of AFSA, NFPA, and SDFPA.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.
In summary, when seismic bracing is required for a fire sprinkler system, the use of CPVC piping does not allow the omission of such bracing. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ken Wagoner, C.F.P.E., C.W.B.S.P, S.E.T. is a 1977 graduate of Bethany College (Kansas), and owner of Parsley Consulting, located in Escondido, California. He has 37 years of experience in automatic sprinkler system and fire alarm system design, plan review, and construction management. He is an AFSAdesignated alternate representative to the NFPA 1031 committee, principal member of the Hanging and Bracing Committee of NFPA 13, and past chairman of the NFPA 24 and 291 committees. Wagoner has published nuSprinkler Age | July/August 2018 21
Structural Support Bracket Not Part of the NFPA 13 Hanger Assembly KRAIG KIRSCHNER
I get many technical questions regarding code and standard jurisdiction for the structural support bracket. The answer to these questions varies, but usually includes both the building code and NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, for different reasons. In defining the structural support bracket (SSB), we should note that it is commonly used to provide fire sprinkler system support in building systems which use a hybrid wood roof structure. The SSB provides an approved point of building structural attachment for hanger mounting that corresponds to the fire sprinkler routing locations for cross mains and
bulk mains. The fire sprinkler contractor provides system pipe location and identifies specifics regarding its weight. When the SSB is provided, the fire sprinkler contractor is required to mount the fire sprinkler hangers to it. NFPA 13’s jurisdiction for the SSB is limited to performance specification. The bracket is designed for installed sprinkler hanger load at 1wt + 250 lbs. NFPA 13 considers the SSB as part of the structural roof assembly and not part of the fire sprinkler hanger assembly. Accordingly, the SSB is not a listed hanger component per NFPA 13. Further, the mounting of the SSB bracket to the building structure is
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beyond the purview of NFPA 13 or the fire sprinkler contractor. The SSB is within the jurisdiction of the building code as a structural component. Thus, the fire sprinkler contractor has no direct input regarding SSB engineering or design. The structural engineer of record provides the SSB material specification, including its method of attachment to the structure. Then, the roof contractor provides and installs the SSB bracket corresponding to the geometry of the fire sprinkler system. Occasionally, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) request a position statement regarding “Alternate Methods and Means” per NFPA 13. This article should be used to alleviate that requirement. 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 the National Fire Protection Association (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.
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Learn and Earn at AFSA37 Record-Breaking 48 Seminars Offered Come to the nation’s capital and be a part of the largest event of its kind in the fire sprinkler industry as the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosts AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition from September 30 to October 3. Join industry peers at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for technical and managerial seminars offering CEU/CPD credits, social events including an exclusive event at the Newseum; an exciting, live apprentice competition; and a packed exhibit hall! This convention is the nation’s largest gathering of fire sprinkler professionals, and offers unparalleled professional development opportunities. AFSA37 will offer a record-breaking 48 technical and managerial seminars in Washington, DC. New this year is a track system on the following topics: AHJ Training, Business Management, Field Supervisor Training, NFPA Standards Training, Next Generation, and Specialized Training. Attendees can follow the seminars on a particular track or mix and match to best suit their needs. A brief description of topics to expect at the convention is provided below, many
offering attendees the opportunity to earn CEUs, CPDs, or contact hours. 3D Coordination vs. BIM in the Fire Sprinkler Design Phase Travis Mack, SET, MFP Design, LLC Track: Specialized Training This seminar will be comparing fire sprinkler design on BIM versus 3D coordination, scheduling projects with BIM, added cost factors, plus real-world examples. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) AFSA Benefits: Properly Utilizing AFSA’s Apprenticeship Curriculum and Other Benefits to Maximize your Membership Bradley Elliott, AFSA & Tracy Hadwin, Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Track: Business Management Attend this seminar to learn more about all the great benefits of AFSA membership. Attendees will learn the many technical, educational, business, legal, safety, and other helpful resources available to AFSA members, and how to set up and administer an effective apprenticeship training program utilizing AFSA’s curriculum. Department of Labor and State Apprenticeship Council registration and approval for Davis-Bacon work will also be discussed.
Seminars Spotlight: Train-the-Trainer Workshop All trainers welcome! Whether you train in the field or in the classroom, this is for you. This special workshop will be held on Sunday, September 30. Train-the-Trainer Workshop Bob Caputo, CET, CFPS, Fire & Life Safety America Whether you are preparing to be a professional trainer, or you are someone who does a bit of training as a part of his or her job, you’ll want to be prepared for the training that you do. You will begin the process of becoming trainers, understanding that training is a process where skills, knowledge, and attitudes are applied. This full-day “Train-TheTrainer” workshop will give all types of would-be trainers’ tools to help them create and deliver engaging, compelling training programs that will encourage trainees to not only want to learn, but come back for more. New trainers will gain a strong foundation in critical training skills and seasoned trainers will be introduced to new approaches for delivering more powerful training. This workshop is included in your all-access registration or is available for purchase a la carte.
24 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Ambiguities in NFPA 13 Roland Huggins, PE, AFSA Track: NFPA Standards Training There are criteria within NFPA 13 that leave many wondering what is actually required. For example, when the aisles between racks are too narrow, we are to treat it as a multiple row rack. What does that tell us regarding the placement of in-rack sprinklers? Other installation topics will include obstruction rules for CMSA, concealed spaces with TJIs, and floating clouds. A discussion on design topics will include when the definitions for commodity classification do not apply, going up the design curves, and the owner’s certificate. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Automated Testing, Inspection and Distance Monitoring Terry Victor, Johnson Controls, Inc. Track: Specialized Training NFPA codes and standards are recognizing the need to keep up with technology including the use of internet and other data transmission and collection sources to accomplish tasks historically performed by an individual. The concepts of automated inspection and testing and distance monitoring are already in use in NFPA 72 for fire alarm systems, but can they be applied to water-based fire protection systems? NFPA 25 anticipated the use of this technology by adding a new section to Chapter 4 in the 2017 edition titled “Automated Inspection and Testing.” To complement this allowance in NFPA 25, NFPA 13, NFPA 14, and NFPA 20 are including new definitions and sections describing these concepts and the devices that need to be properly installed and tested to accomplish them. This seminar will describe the latest language proposed to the three installation standards, the ITM tasks that could potentially be performed, and devices that could be used to accomplish the tasks. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Best Practices in Fire Alarms Presented by Potter Electric Signal Co.
Bainbridge
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Track: Specialized Training Whether you are new to fire alarms, have little experience, or come with a lot of knowledge, this class will have tips for all levels. It will teach you not to be scared of fire alarms with understanding of the code, to realize the code is not complicated, and to realize that fire alarms can be a good source of recurring monthly revenue. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Considerations for Adding Low Voltage Scott Holland, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. Track: Business Management A great way to solidify your relationship with clients is by expanding your service offerings to include low-voltage services. This seminar is designed to give an understanding of the components of the fire alarm business, what needs to happen to jump in, suggested business model, and the required personnel and practices. It’s not just sprinklers anymore. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Customer Service and the NFPA 25 Inspector Russ Leavitt, SET, Telgian Corporation Track: Business Management This seminar is designed to help employers and their inspectors deliver the very best customer service. It examines the basics of excellent customer service including topics such as physical appearance, manners, reviewing and scheduling scopes of work, effective communication including explaining customer responsibilities, effectively communicating the need to correct deficiencies, and resolving conflicts. This session also reviews use of safe work practices, plan and perform work with least interruption to a business, and how to deal with uncooperative customers. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Delivering the Water – Challenges of Rack Storage Protection James D. Lake, Viking Corporation Track:
Caputo
Carter
Specialized Training One of the biggest challenges to any fire sprinkler system is obstructions that prevent the discharge reaching the hazard. This becomes an even greater challenge when obstructions are integral to the component being protected. Such is the case with commodities being stored on racks. Whether it is a horizontal barrier, slatted shelf rack, solid shelf rack, or the commodity itself, the designer faces a number of challenges to the delivery of water to the fire. This presentation will explore the various obstruction challenges within storage racks and the solutions for addressing them. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Design Management: The Least Expensive Profit Enhancement Jason Gill, Fire & Life Safety America Track: Business Management This seminar is intended to enhance the attendee’s understanding of the relationship between project success/profit, and strong, efficient design management, and will include open discussion. Topics covered will include the evolution of the sprinkler design technician and the modern design department; scheduling and planning designer manpower; recruiting, training and retaining good designers; improving design quality, accuracy, precision and efficiency with strategic oversight; documentation and communication; and keeping a balanced workload with varying designer skill sets or experience. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Designing Protection for Attics & Concealed Spaces James D. Lake, Track: Specialized Training Attics and concealed spaces pose particular challenges for the sprinkler system designer. Beginning with the question: “Is the space a concealed space?” Then moving on to the question: “Does the space require sprinkler protection?” And
Catron
Denhardt
finally: “What is the best design approach for providing protection?” This presentation will explore each of these questions, providing insights into the requirements in NFPA 13 and design options for protection. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Diesel Fire Pumps: Design and Installation Considerations John Denhardt, PE, Strickland Fire Protection Track: NFPA Standards Training Diesel-driven fire pump systems present unique design and installation challenges which will be presented in this seminar along with approaches to overcome them. Upon the completion of this seminar, the participant should be able to recognize the unique design and installation challenges a diesel-driven fire pump system presents and describe the coordination required with other trades to successfully complete a diesel-driven fire pump system installation. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Estimating the True Cost of the Project Specifications Randy Stutzman, FMI Capital Advisors, Inc. Track: Business Management There is a saying in golf that you miss 100 percent of the putts you leave short. Fire protection professionals could similarly say that you lose money on 100 percent of the estimates that don’t cover your costs. Estimating is both art and science and profitable contractors understand the necessity of knowing both their true costs and the market conditions that allow them to maximize returns. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Field Supervisor Training, Part 1: Improving Productivity Bob Caputo, CET, CFPS, Fire & Life Safety America Track: Field Supervisor Training This introductory segment will address the need for sharp focus on field productivity Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 25
Durso, Jr.
Elliott
and provide specifics on why and how to improve field performance. Discussion will include: why monitoring and measuring field productivity is more important than other phases of the work or parts of the company; smart use of field resources and manpower; how to measure productivity; how to develop standard procedures and systems to create a lean operational process; and how to predict and drive toward positive outcomes. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Field Supervisor Training, Part 2: Planning for Success Bob Caputo Track: Field Supervisor Training This second segment will focus on pre-game planning. Participants will learn and
Fessenden
Hadwin
discuss: how to anticipate and avoid common mistakes made prior to project launch to eliminate lost time caused by poor planning and time-wasters; how and why to plan pre-job start-up calls and meetings with stakeholders; and looking at the project as a new start every week. Avoid getting pulled into quicksand when something goes wrong... and something always does! (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Field Supervisor Training, Part 3: Leadership Skills Bob Caputo Track: Field Supervisor Training Natural-born leaders may exist, but most are taught to be good leaders through example and practice. This session will focus on motivating people to accomplish
Seminars Spotlight: Inspector Training Inspector training is provided in the following seminars. Note that some seminars are concurrent while some seminar blocks do not offer a related seminar. Sunday, September 30 1:00pm NFPA 25, 2017 Ed.: ITM for Chapters 5-8, 13 & 14 Monday, October 1 8:00am NICET Certification - or Customer Service & the NFPA 25 Inspector 10:00am
Foam System Inspection, and Maintenance
3:30pm
Testing: Fire Pump Acceptance and NFPA 25
Tuesday, October 2 8:00am Automated Testing, Inspection, and Distance Monitoring - or NFPA 25, 2017 Edition: ITM Challenges and Training 10:00am
What is Really Required to Inspect and Test Sprinklers per NFPA 25, 2017 Edition
Wednesday, October 3 8:00am NFPA 25 vs. NFPA 72: System Integration and Who Owns - or What NFPA 25: Relationship Among the Contractor, AHJ, and Building Owner 26 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Hogan
Hollis
pre-determined goals; improving communication skills; what made you a good foreman and how can you teach others to do the same; confrontation and dealing with difficult people and situations; and team building. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Fire Sprinkler System Design for Storage Occupancies Steven Scandaliato, CFPS SET, SDG, LLC Track: Specialized Training This seminar will review fire sprinkler system design for storage occupancies. Topics will include a detailed review of applicable definitions that have significant influence on design criterion; determining commodity classifications; a systematic approach to choosing the right sprinkler; and what, when and how to apply available modifiers. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Foam System Inspection and Maintenance Skip Westbrook, Johnson Controls, Inc. Track: Specialized Training This session is an overview of inspection and maintenance of fixed-foam fire suppression systems and is based primarily upon NFPA 11, NFPA 16, NFPA 25 and NFPA 409. The seminar will define major foam system components and their functions. Attendees will learn the inspection and maintenance requirements, and also be shown how to properly perform the requirements accurately and safely. Examples will be provided on how to perform tasks that are not clearly defined. While the focus is on systems that have already been installed, engineers, designers, and installers will also find value in this class to prevent common installation mistakes. 0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Freeze Protection of Fire Sprinkler Systems Mark Fessenden, Johnson Controls, Inc. Track: Specialized Training
Huggins
Klaus
The NFPA restrictions on the use of antifreeze can sometimes create challenges for the design and proper installation of fire sprinkler systems. We will review the challenge antifreeze represents to effective fire control and discuss options for dealing with freezing conditions. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Getting Your Employees Involved in Safety Tracy Hadwin Track: Specialized Training Are your employees encouraged to speak up at safety meetings if they have questions? Do they know they can call someone within the company if they find themselves in a situation where they need assistance? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, your employees are probably not involved enough in your safety program. This presentation will show you some easy ways you can encourage your employees to get involved. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Good Fire Protection Victoria Valentine, PE, SFPE Track: Specialized Training In order to actually achieve good fire protection, a multitude of people, processes, and criteria are involved. The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has been looking at different perspectives and working in different arenas in order to culminate information to produce good fire protection. This program will review the roles and best practices of numerous stakeholders such as the owners, contractors, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), over the life of the fire protection scheme. In addition, new information improves the fire protection used. In this light, the new “SFPE Research Road Map” with respect to water-based fire protection, will also be discussed. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours)
Lake
Leavitt
Harassment and Retaliation in the Workplace Brian J. Smith, Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz PLLC Track: Business Management This presentation covers a broad overview of actionable types of harassment; how to avoid harassment allegations; train employees to avoid conduct that could be considered harassment; and how to handle personnel issues that arise from harassment accusations and including avoiding allegations of retaliation. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Hiring & Retaining Employees Randy Stutzman Track: Business Management The goal of most organizations is to have a robust workforce that supports the right people in the right positions and a set of systems and culture that keeps them excited to be there. However, the current reality for the fire protection industry is that there is not only an insufficient quantity of craft workers, supervisors, managers, and staff for available positions, but also that the industry may not be appealing enough to attract and retain the younger Millennials or the upcoming Generation Z. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Managing Your Risk and Risk Avoidance George Bogris Track: Business Management This seminar will go through the basics and benefits of using solid contracts and important clauses to include in contracts. We will have examples of real investigations and discuss how contracts could have benefitted the contractor and what could have been done differently to avoid the risk/loss entirely. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Mitigating Fire Loss During Construction Mark Fessenden Track: Specialized Training Fire prevention and protection during building construction can be challenging. Factors contributing
Leyton
Lindley
to a building vulnerability during construction include: accumulation of combustible materials and debris, the presence of ignition sources, and limited means to control or extinguish fires. Fires can result in significant financial loss for the owner or developer or even personal injury to site personnel. There are steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk of having a fire and, should a fire start, aid in fire control. We will discuss notable recent large-loss fires and review current criteria for safeguarding building construction and demolition operations found in NFPA 241 and similar criteria found in the International Building and Fire Codes. The effectiveness and areas of concern involving the use of active automatic sprinkler protection, as well as recent changes to other NFPA standards, will be discussed. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) New! NFPA Certified WaterBased System Professional Program John Denhardt; Matt Klaus, PE, NFPA; Kacee Paige, CFPS, CWBSP; Leslie “Chip” Lindley, II, CFPE, CWBSP Track: Business Management This session will look at NFPA’s newest certification offering, Certified Water-Based System Professional (CWBSP). This panel discussion will feature several members of the certification advisory group that helped build the certification. This session will include an overview of the topics covered in the certification blueprint, the origin and development of the certification, and the benefits of the certification to contractors and system designers. Panel members will provide their perspective on what makes this certification unique and how it benefits not only the individual, but also the sprinkler industry as a whole. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 27
Mack
Miller
NFPA 13, 2019 Edition Update Russ Leavitt Track: NFPA Standards Training The 2019 edition of NFPA 13 is a complete reformat of the previous editions. This seminar provides an overview of the new format and how to use the reorganized document. It also includes a review of the major technical revisions included in the new edition. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) NFPA 13: Installation Changes to the 2016 Edition Bob Caputo Track: NFPA Standards Training This program
Mozak
Paul
NFPA Standards Training This session will look at the various obstruction rules in Chapter 8 of NFPA 13 and outline the application of the rules based on the type of sprinkler being installed. The program will outline where the various sprinkler rules should be applied, including the three and four times rules, and also define types of obstructions to better apply the standard. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours)
NFPA 13 Obstruction Rules Explained Roland Huggins Track:
NFPA 13R: Changes to the 2016 Edition, Plus IBC Applications Pete Schwab, Wayne Automatic Sprinklers Track: NFPA Standards Training This seminar will explore changes to the 2016 edition of NFPA 13R. Discussion will include clarifications for sprinkler protection of buildings with residential and mixed occupancies as modified in the 2016 edition, and important changes for corridors in conjunction with the 2015 International Building Code (IBC). Finally, we will examine upcoming modifications to the 2018 IBC for protection of attics resulting from the spectacular conflagration of the Avalon Bay apartment complex in Edgewater, New Jersey. This course is a must for sprinkler contractors active in the NFPA 13R residential market. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours)
Designer training is provided in the following seminars. Note that some seminars are concurrent while some seminar blocks do not offer a related seminar. Sunday, September 30 1:00pm NFPA 13 Obstruction Rules Explained (offered again on 10/3) - or - NFPA 20: Fire Pump Design and Installation for Fire Protection Contractors Diesel Fire Pumps: Design and Installation Considerations - or - Ambiguities in NFPA 13
Monday, October 1 8:00am 3D Coordination vs. BIM in the Fire Sprinkler System Design Phase - or - NICET Certification 10:00am
Fire Sprinkler System Design for Storage Occupancies
1:00pm
NFPA 14, 2019 Update and 2022 Preview
3:30pm
Designing Protection for Attics & Concealed Spaces (offered again on 10/3)
Tuesday, October 2 8:00am New! NFPA Certified Water-Based System Professional Program 10:00am Freeze Protection of Fire Sprinkler Systems - or - Design Management: The Least Expensive Profit Enhancement - or - NFPA 13, 2019 Edition Update Wednesday, October 3 8:00am Designing Protection for Attics & Concealed Spaces (repeat of 9/30) and Building Owner 10:00am
Delivering the Water: The Challenges of Rack Storage Protection - or - NFPA 13 Obstruction Rules Explained (repeat of 10/1)
28 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Schwab
will address significant technical changes from the 2013 to the 2016 edition of NFPA 13, with explanation of the reason for each change. Participants will understand where and why each technical change was considered and how it was addressed by the technical committee. This program should appeal to sprinkler designers, estimators, and engineers, fire code officials, and plan reviewers. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours)
Seminars Spotlight: Designer Training
3:30pm
Scandaliato
NFPA 14, 2019 Update and 2022 Preview Steve Leyton, Protection Design and Consulting Track: NFPA Standards Training The recently closed 2019 revision cycle for NFPA 14 brought several significant changes to the standard. The program will include updates to NFPA 14, 2019 edition, and how the standard is evolving to address and incorporate the firefighting strategies, practices and equipment that are in use throughout the fire service. With nearly a third of the technical committee now composed of fire service and enforcer members, the 2022 cycle will
Smith
Strickland
also be an active one that addresses performance-based and collaborative design practices. There will also be discussion of the tactical and operational practices that are commonly used by fire departments worldwide. With building construction going ever higher and wider, the challenges associated with delivering adequate firefighting water supplies to the upper stories and outer reaches of high- and mid-rise buildings can be problematic. Topics covered will include the new chapter on pier, wharf and marina systems, fire department connection placement, zoning of standpipe systems using pressure regulation, significant changes to NFPA 14, 2019, and a look ahead to the 2022 edition. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) NFPA 20: Fire Pump Design and Installation for Fire Protection Contractors Steven Scandaliato Track: NFPA Standards Training This seminar will review the most important topics associated with the proper design and installation of fire pumps in fire protection systems. Detailed discussions regarding applicable definitions, understanding the requirements on the suction side versus the discharge side, how to properly size a fire pump, and the consequences when manipulating pressure will be included. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) NFPA 25, 2017 Edition: ITM for Chapters 5-8, 13 & 14 Jason Williams, CET, AFSA Track: NFPA Standards Training The focus of this seminar will address common inspection and testing requirements when conducting visual inspections of sprinkler systems and prioritizing deficiencies for discussion with building owner; become a liaison, not an enforcer. We will touch on test requirements for standpipe systems (automatic and manual),
Stutzman
Valentine
requirements from NFPA 1962, and other test and inspection procedures including private service mains for hydrants and flow testing, and fire pumps (new minimum inspection requirements and evaluating test results). Discussion will cover Chapter 13 with regard to testing deluge, dry and preaction valves, FDCs, and forward flow testing of backflow preventers; and conclude with an overview of obstruction investigation in Chapter 14. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) NFPA 25 vs. NFPA 72: System Integration and Who Owns What Terry Victor Track: NFPA Standards Training When it comes to sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems, there is often some confusion over roles and responsibilities. This session will look at the integration of sprinkler and fire alarm systems from both the installation and maintenance perspectives. Some of the specific questions we will address are: What do NFPA 13, 72, and 25 say
Victor
Wagoner
about this integration?, Should I care about the new standard NFPA 4?, and As a sprinkler contractor, what role do I have in dealing with fire alarm systems connecting to sprinkler systems I am installing/maintaining? (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) NFPA 25 ITM Challenges and Training Russ Leavitt & Jason Williams Track: Specialized Training This seminar is designed for today’s ITM challenges and opportunities. It addresses methods for handling issues that fall outside the scope of work of NFPA 25. Automated inspection and testing requirements are reviewed and how these new components impact inspection service providers. Participants receive an in-depth look at those things customers need to know about their responsibilities as system owners. The session also reviews new or expanded requirements for sprinkler clearance, the current status of antifreeze systems, and other com-
Seminars Spotlight: NextGen Initiative Looking to join or involve your under 40 employees in the industry’s most forward-looking young professionals group? AFSA’s Next Generation Initiative (NGI) will host a “NextGen Day” Monday, October 1 during convention. Leadership Forum Meaghen Wills, AFSA’s 2016 Young Professional of the Year and project manager at Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, will moderate an NGI Leadership Forum panel discussion with Christina Catron, NCCER; Ryan Hogan, principal at Preferred Insurance Services in Fairfax, Virginia and president of the American Subcontractors Association’s (ASA) Front Runners – ASA’s young professional group; Kevin Mozak, president of Meridian Fire Protection in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Jay Strickland, president of Strickland Fire Protection in Forestville, Maryland. Developing a Practical Plan to Work with Schools Seminar Christina Catron with NCCER will lead the discussion how to build a plan to work with schools, including the key elements and resources needed for implementation. Hands-on activities will be included along with (1) career and technical education terminology crossword puzzle; (2) outline of PowerPoint to present at schools; and (3) industry activity sheet to take to schools. NextGen Reception An invitation-only NGI reception will be held in the evening. To become involved in NGI and participate in its related events at convention, visit AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org/NextGen.
Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 29
Westbrook
Williams
mon items that are often overlooked or misunderstood during inspections and tests. In addition, the presenters discuss the negative impact of under-trained and/or over-extended ITM teams placing an emphasis on displaying professionalism in delivering these services. Finally, participants receive a brief description of the AFSA ITM Inspector Development Program and the reasons why the program was created. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) NICET Certification Chip Hollis, NICET Track: Business Management An overview and update on NICET certification programs with a focus on sprinkler layout, inspection, and testing. The overview will cover the rigorous program development process, application instructions, the
value of a qualified workforce, new programs, and what is coming soon. In addition, learn how training and certification go hand-in-hand for Wills the benefit and safety of the public. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Ownership Transfer & Management Succession Planning: An Accelerating Trend in the Construction Industry Randy Stutzman Track: Business Management Transferring ownership in a fire protection company is a complex, technical, and emotional undertaking. Whether it’s to the next generation, a third-party buyer, or your employees, succession planning can be extremely challenging. The foundation of successful transitions is leadership planning and development. The demographic trend of the baby boomers aging out of the construction industry is creating the biggest challenge facing owners of closely held firms today – transferring the business’s ownership and manage-
Seminars Spotlight: AHJ Training Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can attend these seminars and tour the exhibit hall for free on Wednesday, October 3. Fire Sprinkler Systems Plan Review for AHJs Kenneth Wagoner – This seminar will include discussion of the requirements for plans and calculations contained in Chapter 23, and an exercise in hands-on review of a sample fire sprinkler system plan, including the overall design concept, hydraulic calculations, and underground supply system. Evaluation of decisions made by system designers dealing with hazard and commodity classification, building construction type, sprinkler positioning, coverage areas, and materials selection will be among the topics of the review discussion. This seminar will generate a list of items which require further clarification or revisions to submittal, and conclude with Q&A. Plan reviewers and field inspectors should find this seminar helpful, while most likely identifying areas where their own review checklists can be improved. An architect’s scale and the NFPA 13 (2016 edition) are strongly recommended for attendees. (0.4 CEUs | 4.0 CPDs | 4.0 Contact Hours) NFPA 25: The Relationship Among the Contractor, AHJ and Building Owner NFPA 25 is one of the most misapplied standards produced by NFPA. This session will look at the scope of the document and the expected roles that the owner, contractor and AHJ play. Specifically, this program will address the expectation when it comes to executing a compliant maintenance program and how these stakeholders are intended to communicate and interact. We will explore what makes for an effective relationship between the contractor and their owner and AHJ, and what actions can drive a wedge between the participants in this delicate relationship. (0.2 CEUs| 2.0 CPDs)
30 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
ment to the next generation. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Selling Value...Not Low Price Bruce Carter, North American Fire Track: Business Management This seminar is an essential training session providing basic selling training for fire protection’s “non-sales reps” – those individuals who are being asked to do some selling, but who have had little or no exposure to formal sales training. Some of the topics covered include: questions are the answer; 80 percent of value is in the presentation; the tie down, the boomerang and alternate of choice; there is only one best way to say anything; cross selling... it is easier than cold calling; and people will do what you want them to do if you will ask them to do it. The entire session is fun, very motivational, and includes a comprehensive work/ study guide. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Selling to Win! Bruce Carter Track: Business Management Selling is a collection of specific skills which must be learned, practiced, and perfected in order to be successful. Selling is something that anyone with a desire and willingness to learn can be successful at. Techniques applicable to the sale of tangibles, like fire equipment, as well as a proven strategy for selling intangibles like service, are presented in a format that is fun, motivational, and gets results! Some topics include: hot tips for cold calling; delivering a super professional sales presentation; handling difficult customer objections; and closing strategies that put you in the big dollars. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) Safety: New Silica Dust Requirement and Other OSHA Hot Spots Tracy Hadwin Track: Specialized Training OSHA started enforcing the new silica dust ruling for construction in September 2017. With the new regulation being enforced it is important to be up-to-date with all the changes regarding the standard. Do you and your employees know what is required to stay in compliance? This seminar will cover the changes to the regulation that affect the work we do. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours)
AFSA 37 Schedule of Events 8:30 pm - 5:00 pm
SUN, 9/30
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Seminars Session I
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Seminars Session II
7:00 am – 8:30 am
Networking Breakfast
MONDAY, 10/1
10:00 am - Noon 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Seminars Session III
Seminars Session IV Optional Tour 2
Lincoln Assassination Tour 1. 2. 3. 4.
When Non-Sprinkler System Sections of IBC Affect Sprinkler Contractors NFPA 20: Fire Pump Design and Installation for Fire Protection Contractors NFPA 13 Obstruction Rules Explained NFPA 25, 2017 Ed.: ITM for Chapters 5-8, 13 & 14
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
NICET Certification 3D Coordination vs BIM in the Fire Sprinkler System Design Phase Customer Service & the NFPA 25 Inspector Safety: New Silica Dust Requirement and Other OSHA Hot Spots NFPA 13: Installation Changes to the 2016 Edition
1. 2. 3. 4.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Ambiguities in NFPA 13 Diesel Fire Pumps- Design and Installation Considerations NFPA 13R: Changes to the 2016 Edition, Plus IBC Applications Construction Law: Fire Protection Legal Issues
Fire Sprinkler System Design for Storage Occupancies Foam System Inspection and Maintenance Hiring & Retaining Employees Selling Value, Not Low Price Field Supervisor Training, Part 1: Improving Productivity
Washington DC Highlights Tour
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Networking Lunch
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Seminars Session V
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
NextGen Initiative Leadership Forum The Survivors & Incentives to Protect Single- Family Developments with Home Fire Sprinklers Ownership Transfer & Management Succession Planning Selling to Win! NFPA 14, 2019 Update and 2022 Preview
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Seminars Session VI
1. 2. 3. 4.
Developing a Practical Plan to Work with Schools (NextGen Initiative) Estimating the True Cost of the Projects Specifications Getting Your Employees Involved in Safety Testing: Fire Pump Acceptance and NFPA 25
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm 7:00 am – 8:30 am
TUESDAY, 10/2
Optional Tour 1
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Special Event
Networking Breakfast
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Seminars Session VII
10:00 am - Noon
Seminars Session VIII
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Optional Tour 3
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Networking Lunch
3:00 PM - 4:00 pm
Special Event
1:30 PM - 3:00 pm 4:00 PM - 7:00 pm
7:00 am – 8:30 am
10:00 am - 1:00 pm 8:00 am - 9:30 am
WEDNESDAY, 10/3
Train the Trainer Workshop
10:00 am - Noon 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
12:30 pm – 3:30 pm 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Next Generation Initiative Reception (Invitation Only) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Mitigating Fire Loss During Construction Properly Utilizing AFSA's Apprenticeship Curriculum & Other Member Benefits Automated Testing, Inspection and Distance Monitoring New! NFPA Certified Water Based System Professional Program NFPA 25, 2017 Ed.: ITM Challenges and Training
Freeze Protection of Fire Sprinkler Systems What is Really Required to Inspect and Test Sprinklers per NFPA 25, 2017 Ed. Design Management: The Least Expensive Profit Enhancement NFPA 13, 2019 Edition Update Field Supervisor Training, Part 2: Planning Planning for Success
Cooking Demo
Special Event
General Session
Exhibits Open
Chairman’s Reception (Exhibits Open)
Networking Breakfast Optional Tour 4
Exhibitor Appreciation Hour
Capitol Hill Tour
Seminars Session IX
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
NFPA 25 vs. NFPA 72: System Integration and Who Owns What Considerations for Adding Low Voltage Designing Protection for Attics & Concealed Spaces Harassment and Retaliation in the Workplace NFPA 25: Relationship Among the Contractor, AHJ and Building Owner
Seminars Session X
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Good Fire Protection Best Practices in Fire Alarms Delivering the Water - The Challenges of Rack Storage Protection Field Supervisor Training, Part 3: Leadership Leadership Skills NFPA 13 Obstruction Rules Explained (REPEAT) Capitol Hill Day Preparation
AHJ Seminar
Networking Lunch
Fire Sprinkler Systems Plan Review (AHJs only)
Exhibits Open
(Exhibits Open)
Special Event
Awards Party (Depart Hotel at 6:30 pm)
Competition
National Apprentice Competition Finals
Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 31
Testing: Fire Pump Acceptance and NFPA 25 Bob Caputo & Matt Klaus Track: NFPA Standards Training Fire pumps are a critical part of an automatic sprinkler system. NFPA 20 and NFPA 25 provide requirements on the initial acceptance testing and periodic testing of this vital system component. This session will examine the difference between the acceptance test and the “post-occupancy” periodic tests. This program will look at answering important questions including: “How do I pretest my pump so that I pass my acceptance test with the AHJ and what are the different periodic tests I should be trained to execute?” (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) The Survivors and Incentives to Protect Single-Family Developments with Home Fire Sprinklers Fred Durso, Jr., NFPA; Randy Miller, Camas-Washougal FMO; Peg Paul, HFSC Track: Business Management The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has produced “The Survivors,” a multi-part podcast series that takes an extensive look at a family who lost two children in a home fire. The podcast showcases the lifelong toll fire has taken on this family and the life-saving impact of home fire sprinklers. This session will illustrate the human impact of today’s home fires, identify the statistics (local and national) around America’s home fire problem, and identify simple ways the fire sprinkler industry can take action in support of home fire sprinklers. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition introduced new tools to teach the need for and value of offering trade-ups as incentives to get developments sprinklered. Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Miller, Camas-Washougal (Washington) Fire Marshal’s Office, will present his case study, 14 years of working with planners to offer developer incentives that resulted in more than 2,000 sprinklered homes. He will also discuss how he worked with contractors allowing the systems to be more cost effective. The presentation will include the role of home fire sprinklers related to firefighter health and safety and the ability to reduce responder exposure and contamination dangers. It will also provide information to help fire depart32 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
ments merge sprinkler education into community risk reduction strategies. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) What is Really Required to Inspect and Test Sprinklers per NFPA 25, 2017 Edition? Terry Victor Track: NFPA Standards Training Most users of NFPA 25, whether it’s the building owner, the AHJ, or the contractor providing inspection, testing, and maintenance services, know that sprinklers need to be inspected and tested on a periodic basis. But do they fully understand the requirements of NFPA 25 related to those inspections and tests? This seminar will focus on these requirements, explaining what needs to be done and at what frequency; the pass/fail criteria; the classification (non-critical deficiency, critical deficiency, and impairment) of failed sprinklers; and what actions must be taken to correct them. Photos of sprinklers that have the conditions described in Chapter 5 of NFPA 25 will be shown and used for discussion. Frequently asked questions such as: Who is responsible to identify recalled sprinklers? and Should the cover plates of concealed sprinklers be removed to perform a visual inspection? will also be answered. (0.2 CEUs | 2.0 CPDs | 2.0 contact hours) When Non-Sprinkler System Sections of IBC Affect Sprinkler Contractors Russ Bainbridge, PE, AFSA Track: Specialized Training When doing design-build projects the sprinkler contractor is frequently acting as the fire protection consultant. Requirements in the IBC outside of Chapter 9, Fire Protection Systems, affect where and when sprinkler systems shall be required. This presentation will cover some of these issues and where the IBC overrides the requirements of NFPA 13. Basic requirements of firestopping when penetrating a fire barrier with sprinkler system equipment will also be covered. (0.15 CEUs | 1.5 CPDs | 1.5 contact hours) Inaugural Capitol Hill Day AFSA is also excited to announce a new initiative, AFSA’s inaugural Capitol Hill Day! For those attending AFSA37, stay an extra day to take part in advocacy activities on Capitol Hill on Thursday, October 4, 2018. Facilitated by AFSA’s Legislative
Committee, the program seeks to harness the tremendous power of fire sprinkler industry representatives delivering a unified message to Congress to affect positive change. Prior to arriving Capitol Hill, participants will receive an agenda with their appointments (made by AFSA), talking points, background information, and training. After prepping for their meetings, participants will depart for Capitol Hill for face-to-face meetings with senators, representatives, and their staff on issues, such as home fire sprinkler legislation, apprenticeship, and infrastructure spending. If you’re interested in participating in AFSA’s inaugural Capitol Hill Day, visit AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org/capitol. Convention Headquarter Hotel The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center will welcome AFSA convention attendees and put them right in the middle of the action! See page 36 of this issue for all hotel details and benefits. Hotel Reservation Alert! AFSA has been made aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendor. These companies mislead you to think they are working on our behalf. Companies that use this tactic include Exhibitor Hotel Reservation Services (EHR), Global Housing, and National Travel Associates. They are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences such as no hotel reservations and no free networking meals nor complimentary internet access. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, you must book directly with the hotel by phone or using the link found on AFSA’s convention website (firesprinkler.org/AFSA37). Network in the Nation’s Capital Visit firesprinkler.org/AFSA37 now to register for convention and reserve your hotel reservation. Learn from industry experts; earn CEUs, CPDs or contact hours; view the largest sprinkler exhibit; network with peers; and enjoy the nation’s capital with AFSA this fall! n
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BlazeMaster Receives New UL Certification Two Years of Research and Development MARK KNUREK | BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems
It’s only a certification to UL 1821, Standard for Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings for Fire Protection Service, but it represents two years of research and development on the part of BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems. BlazeMaster Pipe & Fittings has updated its UL certification for use in basements with exposed joists up to 16 in. in height and expanded blocking requirements to 40 ft. Previously, it had been certified for use in basements with exposed joists only up to 12 in. in height and blocking requirements to 32 ft. It is now the only CPVC fire sprinkler system to be approved for use in basements with exposed joists up to 16 in. in height. The push for the new UL certification began at a 2014 meeting BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems held with fire sprinkler contractors to get feedback on its products and keep abreast of industry issues. The standard size for basement joists was increasing from 1 ft. to 14 in. and even 16 in., the contractors said. That was a problem for those who wanted to be able to use the CPVC product in basements with the taller joists, but were forced to switch to steel instead. “This was a specific contractor request. We stay current on industry standards and listen to our customers and make every effort to give them what they need,” states Forest Hampton III, manager of codes and approvals for Lubrizol Corp., BlazeMaster’s parent company. Hampton led the effort to secure the new certification. “Preliminary research showed that the pipe and fittings could meet the 16-in. standard and that the effort to earn the new listing would make sense economically,” Hampton said. Then it was a matter of designing and initiating the testing process. 34 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Figure 1. One of the tests conducted to receive UL 1821 certification.
“BlazeMaster hadn’t updated its UL certification in years and many of the people who were involved the last time had retired,” Hampton says. “We had to figure out what we needed to do and design the tests.” BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems performed two extensive rounds of testing, trying different sprinkler spacings and patterns, varying ceiling heights, joist sizes and blocking distances. The challenge with taller joists is that the sprinklers on the bottom of the joists are farther away from the ceiling where the volume of hot air builds first; engineers had to prove that the sprinkler system would still activate in time to control the fire without it suffering any damage that could interfere with its ability to perform. A typical test involved positioning a sprinkler on a joist above a heptane fire; allowing the fire to burn for 10 minutes to activate the sprinkler; allowing the sprinkler to knock down the fire; replacing the sprinkler; re-pressurizing the system to 175 psi for 15 minutes while checking for leaks.
“You can’t have any leaks at all,” Hampton comments. “Even a drip leak means failure.” The construction of the ceiling was the same for all eight tests. The blocking was at 40 ft and the joists were 16 in. The material did not change and the sprinkler head spacing was 16 ft. A chart with the differences is provided. (See Figure 2.) • Low Pressure – The piping system is to be filled with water, vented of air, and pressurized to between 100 and 120 psig. The fire source is to be ignited and allowed to burn freely. After the sprinkler(s) operate, the flow is to be maintained at the Listed flow rate for the sprinkler of 13 gpm per sprinkler. • High Pressure – The piping system is to be filled with water, vented of air and pressurized to 175 psig. The fire source is to be ignited and allowed to burn freely. After the sprinkler(s) operate, the pressure at the inlet to the piping assembly is to be maintained at a flowing pressure of 160 psig.
Once BlazeMaster Pipe & Fittings was satisfied with its results, it went to UL to perform the tests that would determine if it could achieve the new certification. “It’s common for manufacturers to do their own testing before approaching UL,” states Engineering Manager Emil Misichko. “Companies prefer to submit products for testing when they are confident they’ll pass. As a third-party testing and certification organization, UL even works with manufacturers on the development of products to help them understand the construction and performance requirements to meet UL standards.” UL witnessed the conducting of eight tests in four days last year and verified the results against its requirements. BlazeMaster Fire Protection Systems earned the certification, Misichko comments. “It took a year-and-a-half of testing from when we started to when we were finished, but it was worth it,” Hampton says. The new certification is welcomed by BlazeMaster’s manufacturing partners, such
Test
Ceiling Height (feet)
Pressure
Head Configuration (number of heads)
1
8
Low Pressure
16
2
8
High Pressure
16
3
8
Low Pressure
12
4
8
High Pressure
12
5
10
Low Pressure
16
6
10
High Pressure
16
7
10
Low Pressure
12
8
10
High Pressure
12
Figure 2.Test parameters.
as Tyco Fire Protection Products. “The contractors in basement markets are very happy with the new listing. This is something they have been asking for, so job well done by Lubrizol to listen to our customers and deliver a solution back to the market,” states Don Ricca, Global Product Manager – Water Fire Suppression Products for Tyco. The new certification will make it easier for contractors to install BlazeMaster pipe, he says. “Builders don’t want to hear why something can’t be done. As an industry, we want to show builders that having residential fire protection and all its life-saving
benefits doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult,” Ricca concludes. Tyco appreciates BlazeMaster’s commitment to updating its UL certifications. “An initiative such as this definitely supports our partnership. Creating more applications for the use of CPVC helps us, our customers, and the industry as a whole,” Ricca says. To see a video of the testing, visit youtube. com/watch?v=iP76rwYKSAQ. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Knurek is national sales manager for BlazeMaster.
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Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 35
Explore the Largest U.S. Fire Sprinkler Exhibit AFSA37 Features Top Manufacturers, Suppliers in the Fire Sprinkler Industry This is one event you don’t want to miss! AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition is offering this year’s largest display of fire sprinkler products and services in the country! Visit Washington, DC and the top fire sprinkler industry manufacturers and suppliers September 30-October 3 at the Gaylord National Resort. This year’s event will feature 100 companies in 139 booths, 48 technical and managerial seminars, the 25th Annual National Apprentice Competition, fun-filled optional tours, and entertaining social events. This is
four days with 600-plus decision makers, representing 200-plus contractor companies – a valuable opportunity to grow your business, your contacts and your knowledge! Exhibit Hall Excitement Meet new faces and reconnect with friends as you visit companies from around the globe, each exhibiting innovative products and services in the industry. Leading manufacturers and suppliers will present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions: the ever-popular Chairman’s Reception
on Tuesday, October 2 from 4:007:00 p.m. and the unopposed exhibit hall afternoon Wednesday, October 3 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. The Chairman’s Reception is the most anticipated event at AFSA’s annual convention. AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, California, will host the reception and will offer the first look at this year’s exhibits. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served as you visit with manufacturers and suppliers.
AFSA37 Convention Exhibitors (as of June 6, 2018)
A-C Fire Pump Systems, Morton Grove, IL AGF Manufacturing, Inc., Malvern, PA ARGCO, Denver, CO ASCO Power Technologies/Firetrol Brand Products, Apex, NC Aleum USA., Anaheim, CA American AVK Company, Minden, NV American Backflow Products Co., Tallahassee, FL American Fire Sprinkler Association, Dallas, TX Anvil International, LLC, Exeter, NH Armstrong Pumps, Inc., North Tonawanda, NY Asurio, Inc., Broomfield, CO Backflow Direct, LLC, Rancho Cordova, CA BlazeMaster® Fire Sprinkler Systems, Cleveland, OH Blue River Underwriters, Irving, TX Buckeye Fire Equipment, Arlington, TX BuildingReports, Suwanee, GA Bull Moose Tube Company, Chesterfield, MO C-Aire Compressors, Inc., Dresser, WI CST Industries, Kansas City, MO Center for Life Safety Education, Dallas, TX Cintas Corporation, Mason, OH Cla-Val Company, Costa Mesa, CA Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc., Cincinnati, OH Core & Main Fire Protection, Rutherfordton, NC Croker Division: Fire-End & Croker Corp., Elmsford, NY Dixon Fire, Chestertown, MD Doringer Cold Saws, Gardena, CA Driven Fire Consultants, Sioux Falls, SD Dropmaster by Gecco, Inc., Factoryville, PA Dyne Fire Protection Labs, Woodbury, MN EasyFlex, Inc., Garden Grove, CA Eaton Industries (Canada) Co. – Fire Pump Controllers, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
36 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Eaton Industries (US), Highland, IL Elkhart Brass, Elkhart, IN Engineered Corrosion Solutions, St. Louis, MO Ferguson Fire and Fabrication, Mansfield, TX Fire Tech Productions, Centerville, OH General Air Products, Inc., Exton, PA Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, MI Guardian Fire Equipment, Inc., Miami, FL HRS Systems, Inc., Petersburg, TN Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, Frankford, IL Hydratec, Inc., Windham, NH ITW Sammys, Glendale Heights, IL JG Innovations, Inc., Janesville, WI Job Gmbh, Ahrensburg, IL Johnson Controls, Inc., Lansdale, PA Loos & Company, Inc., Naples, FL M.E.P. Cad, Henderson, NV MTH Pumps, Plano, IL Milwaukee Valve Co., Inc., New Berlin, WI MobileEyes (TradeMaster, Inc.), Troy, MI NCCER, Alachua, FL NICET, Alexandria, VA National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA NextGen Initiative, Dallas, TX Noble Company, Spring Lake, MI nVent CADDY, Solon, OH Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK Pace Machinery Group, Inc., Wasco, IL Patterson Pump Company, Toccoa, GA Peerless Pump Company, Indianapolis, IN Permabond Engineering Adhesives, Somerset, NJ PHD Manufacturing, Inc., Columbiana, OH Polymer Molding, Inc., Erie, PA Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, MO
Reed Manufacturing Company, Erie, PA Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Elmsford, NY RIDGID, Elyria, OH SPP Pumps, Inc., Norcross, GA School of Fire Protection, Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Senju Fire Protection, Corporation, Irvine, CA ServiceTrade, Inc. Durham, NC Sigma Piping Products, Houston, TX Smith-Cooper International/FPPI, Commerce, CA South-Tek Systems, Wilmington, NC Spears Manufacturing Co., Sylmar, CA System Sensor/Honeywell Security and Fire, St. Charles, IL Talco Fire Systems, Portland, OR Texas Manufacturing Company, Whitesboro, TX The Hose Monster Company, Lake Zurich, IL The Metraflex Company, Chicago, IL The Solberg Company, Green Bay, WI The Viking Corporation, Hastings, MI Tornatech, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada U.S. Saws, Tampa, FL UL, LLC, Northbrook, IL United Brass Works, Inc., Randleman, NC United Fire Systems, Kenilworth, NJ Valmont Industries, Valley, NE Victaulic, Easton, PA Viega, LLC, Broomfield, CO Wheatland Tube Company, Sharon, PA Wheeler-Rex, Ashtabula, OH Wilkins (a Zurn Company), Paso Robles, CA WinSupply, Dayton, OH
The next afternoon, the hall will open once again to attendees. The 25th Annual National Apprentice Competition sprinkler installation practical test will take place in the hall during this time and convention goers will be able to watch as the top seven apprentices cut, thread, and install a steel and plastic pipe system with sprinklers. Judges will perform a pressure test on each system and calculate points earned in this phase of the competition. You will have the opportunity to watch this competition to the end and decide for yourself who you think the judges will deem most successful. Then join AFSA Wednesday night as we crown the National Apprentice Competition champion at a party in one of the hottest museums in DC. Considered one of the most interactive museums in the world, the Newseum has even levels with 15 galleries and 15 theatres. Exhibits include the 9/11 gallery, the Berlin Wall gallery, and the Pulitzer Prize Photographs gallery. Dinner is being catered by the internationally acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck. A night of fun that includes dinner, drinks and live entertainment will cap off the convention. Be there to see to whose name is added to the AFSA Apprentice “Hall of Fame” plaque and takes home the top prize – the title of the nation’s top fire sprinkler apprentice and $5,000 cash. Networking Night and Day In addition to the evening events where you will mingle and visit with industry peers, the days of AFSA’s convention are filled with opportunities as well! For contractors and exhibitors with an “all-access” registration, three hot breakfasts and three hot lunches are provided. Contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers can gather together to share ideas and share information on products while enjoying a great meal together. This meal offer is valid for one breakfast and one lunch per night reserved at the Gaylord National Resort in the AFSA group block. Optional tours are another way to connect and have fun with fellow
industry members. The Lincoln Assassination Tour will take from the White House to Ford’s Theater and other sites including the National Theater, Baptist Alley, Peterson Boarding House, Lafayette Square, Star Saloon, and the U.S. Treasury Building. The Washington, DC highlights trip will entertain you with unique, historical, and entertaining facts about the nation’s capital. Travel by iconic DC memorials and buildings, with view of the White House, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Smithsonian museums, and many more. A historically trained private guide will lead the tour of the U.S. Congress and its two legislative bodies, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Guests will also be taken through the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. Finally, the Gaylord National Chef will delight all your senses in the Cooking Demonstration event. Held in the Old Hickory Steakhouse, the chef will focus on techniques of Modern Sous Vide, the French culinary trend, cooking “under vacuum.” Included is a meal of soup, two entrees, and a dessert. Convention Headquarter Hotel Immerse yourself in an unrivaled stay at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Located on the Potomac River, just steps from the shopping and entertainment National Harbor is known for, this waterfront resort provides you with the best of both worlds. Bring the whole family to enjoy a ride on the Capital Wheel, while visiting MGM National Harbor® with the city’s complimentary circulator bus. Explore the Gaylord’s very own 19-story glass atrium, enjoy the fountain show, then make a splash of your own in the indoor pool. Satisfy your cravings at one of the seven onsite stylish eateries, and discover exotic cocktails and breathtaking views at Pose Lounge & Nightclub. The Gaylord National Resort & Convention
Center always provides a memorable stay! In addition, the entire AFSA room block is located in the Gaylord National Resort, just steps away from all meeting spaces. The AFSA group rate for the Gaylord National Resort is $249 per night plus tax for a run-of-the-house room (limited availability). Reservations may be made online during the convention registration process at firesprinkler.org/AFSA37. Group rates are available for stays September 26-October 6, 2018, but reservations must be made by August 24, 2018 to assure AFSA convention rates. After August 24, 2018 room rates are based on availability. Be sure to ask booking agent to confirm your reservation includes both the resort fee and the complimentary internet. Visit firesprinkler.org/AFSA37 now to make both hotel and convention attendance registrations at the same time. Be sure to register by the regular registration deadline of August 24, 2018, to secure the best rates before late registration prices go into effect. Mark your calendars, make your reservations, and join us in the nation’s capital! n Hotel Reservation Alert! AFSA has been made aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendor. These companies mislead you to think they are working on our behalf. Companies that use this tactic include Exhibitor Hotel Reservation Services (EHR), Global Housing, and National Travel Associates. They are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences such as no hotel reservations and no free networking meals nor complimentary internet access. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, you must book directly with the hotel by phone or using the link found on AFSA’s convention website (firesprinkler.org/AFSA37).
Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 37
should be designed to resist the seismic force distribution system. The shared support struct designed for a load in which the zone of influ the water-filled sprinkler pipe and all other d tems attached to the shared support structure.
Seismic Requirements for Vertical Pipes
Flexible coupling
£12 in. (305 mm) Ceiling/floor assembly
FIGURE A.9.3.2.3.2(2) Flexible Coupling on Vertical Portion of Tie-In. A.9.3.4.10 Figure A.9.3.4.10 is an example of piping supported by structure where there is no clearance required at the point of contact between the piping and structure.
It’s Not Just About Four-Way Braces
A.9.3.4.11 Structural elements include, but are not limited to, beams, girders, and trusses. Frangible ceilings should not be considered structural elements for this purpose.
E. PARKS MOORE, P.E., CFPS, SET | S & S Sprinkler Company
When you think about seismic bracing for vertical sprinkler systems, your thoughts probably go straight to four-way bracing for risers. But there are several additional requirements that may come into play under the hanging and bracing requirements in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, for vertical sprinkler piping in certain cases. These requirements can affect the design and installation for drops to hose stations, rack sprinklers, or mezzanines as well as riser nipples and sprigs. Section 9.3.2.4 of the 2016 edition of NFPA 13 requires that flexible couplings be installed on drops supplying hose lines, rack sprinklers, mezzanines, or other similar free-standing structures. It is important to note that the term “drop” used in this requirement is not intended to apply to a sprinkler drop to a single sprinkler. The purpose of the flexible coupling is to allow for some additional flexibility in the vertical piping connecting the overhead sprinkler system to piping fixed to a lower level structure that could move differentially during a seismic event. The flexible couplings are required, regardless of the diameter of the pipe that drops from the overhead system. Flexible couplings are required within 24 in. of the top of the drop, within 24 in. above the uppermost drop support attachment, and within 24 in. above the bottom of the drop if no additional drop supports are provided. (See Figure 1.)
A.9.3.5 Figure A.9.3.5(a) and Figure A.9.3.5(b) are examples of forms used to aid in the preparation of bracing calculations. A.9.3.5.1.3 All horizontal loads given in this document are at allowable stress design levels. When performing a more advanced analysis procedure, as described in 9.3.1.2, care should
A.9.3.5.1.5 It is the intent of this section to avo patibility of displacements between the shared ture and the sprinkler seismic bracing, as migh supports are located on separate adjacent struc
A.9.3.5.2.3 The listed load rating must includ safety factor of 1.5 against the ultimate break s brace components and then be further reduced the brace angles.
A.9.3.5.2.3.1 Depending on the configuration tings and connections, it is not always the case th component of a brace assembly tested at a bra degrees will be the same or will fail in the sam weakest component when tested at other brace fore, determining an allowable horizontal load tors in Table 9.3.5.2.3 and a listed load ratin solely by testing along the brace assembly at 90 not be conservative. In most cases, a single list can be determined by testing the brace assemb 30, 45, 60, and 90 degrees, reducing the horiz failure found for each of these angles by an app
≤ 24 in. (600 mm) [Paragraph 9.3.2.4(1)] In-rack sprinkler drops Flexible couplings Flexible couplings
≤24 in. (600 mm) [Paragraph 9.3.2.4(3)]
≤24 in. (600 mm) [Paragraph 9.3.2.4(2)] Drop supports
FIGURE A.9.3.2.4 Flexible Couplings for Drops. Figure 1. Table A.9.3.2.4 – Flexible couplings for vertical portion of tie-in. Reproduced with permission from NFPA 13-2016, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety which may be obtained through the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org.
The reader is told in section A.9.3.2.4 of the annex that he or she should evaluate the possible differential movement between the overhead piping system and a freestanding storage rack or other structure using the lesser value obtained from the following two formulas. D = H x 0.06 x S1 x Fv or D = H x 0.05 Where: D = the horizontal differential movement between the freestanding structure and the overhead system H = the vertical height of the top point of attachment of the pipe drop to the freestanding structure S1 = one second period spectral acceleration per USGS 2010 Seismic Design Maps (see SEI/ASCE7) Fv = one second period site coefficient (Site Class D)
there are several things to be aware of. First, the amount of deflection listed by manufacturers is for the total swing. So, for horizontal movement from vertical in one direction, only half of the available deflection is applicable. Second, the amount of movement depends on the type of groove. A cut groove allows for twice the amount of deflection of a rolled groove. Therefore, close attention should be paid to how each different manufacturer lists their maximum deflection values. Some list the values based on cut grooves while others’ values are based on rolled grooves. The diameter of the pipe also affects the amount of deflection. In general, larger diameter flexible couplings allow less deflection than smaller diameter couplings. For example, a 11/4-in. flexible coupling from one manufacturer allows 4 degrees of total deflection while the same manufacturer only allows 2 degrees for a 6-in. flexible coupling. A final point is that some manufacturers will provide a maximum possible amount of deflection on their product data tables with a footnote stating that only 25 percent to 50 percent of the deflection is to be used for design and installation purposes.
Before jumping into an example, let’s discuss a few details. The variable D is the amount of horizontal movement from the vertical (at rest) position of the rack. When determining the amount of movement afforded by a flexible coupling,
Let’s now move to an example. Assume for a moment that we have a building with a 46-ft ceiling height and 40-ft-high racks with in-rack sprinklers. The pipe drops from the overhead system to the in-rack sprinklers with 2-in diameter
38 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
pipe. Assume that the drop is attached to the rack structure 5-ft below the top of the rack. Looking at several different flexible coupling manufacturers, we can see that the maximum angular deflection for a 2-in. flexible coupling ranges from approximately 1.5 to 3 degrees. For this example, we will assume the use of cut groove pipe, making it 3.0 degrees. Since we are evaluating movement from vertical in a single direction at a time, we must reduce the deflection to 1.5 degrees because the manufacturer’s data give total range of motion in both directions. This translates to a horizontal displacement of about 0.31 in. per one foot of vertical pipe. So, if we have a row of rack sprinklers beneath the top tier of storage this would likely equate to a 10-ft-long drop. The assumption is that the overhead system piping is at an elevation of 45 ft and the rack piping is at 35 ft. The amount of rack movement is calculated using the height at the point of attachment. It is important to observe that the longer the length of piping is between the flexible couplings and the point of attachment to the structure, the larger the horizontal deflection of the drop. In other words, if the distance between the couplings and the point of attachment is short, this will translate into a much smaller deflection than if the couplings are further away from the point of attachment. For this illustration we will assume that there is a coupling at the top of the rack drop and each additional coupling will have a separation of 8 in. Remember that every coupling proceeding down the drop will provide less movement than previous couplings.
Calculation for Rack Displacement at Point of Attachment: D = 35-ft rack x 0.05 = 1.75 ft of horizontal displacement = 21 in. Calculation of Coupling Displacement: Topmost Coupling: • 1.50 deflection per cplg = 0.31 in. per 1 ft of drop x 10-ft drop = 3.1-in. deflection for topmost cplg Second Coupling: • 10 ft - 0.66 ft (8-in. lower) = 9.34 ft x 0.31 in./1 ft of drop = 2.9 in. of additional deflection • Subsequent couplings will be 8-in. lower for every coupling thereafter, resulting in further reductions in horizontal displacement. • Assuming there are a total of nine couplings the last coupling provides 1.5 in. of horizontal movement. • The cumulative displacements should be added together to calculate the total allowable movement. Total Deflection: 3.1 in. + 2.9 in. + 2.7 in. + 2.5 in. + 2.3 in. + 2.1 in. + 1.9 in. + 1.7 in. + 1.5 in. = 20.7 in. This would mean that we could need as many as nine or 10 flexible couplings in the drop to the top row of rack sprinklers, with the lowest coupling being 5.33-ft below the topmost coupling. If you have rolled grooves, you can fill the entire 10-ft drop with 16 couplings and only have 13.6 in. of movement. This is still well short of the recommended 21 in. Even with cut grooves, if you apply the recommended 50
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Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 39
System Type
TRADITIONAL Per NFPA 13 (standard spray sprinklers)
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percent reduction for design, you only have 13.6 in. of movement; still not enough. It is important to clarify that, other than the couplings required in section 9.3.2.4, the additional couplings on the drop to a rack or similar structure and the calculations of the displacement of the same structure are all printed in the Annex. Therefore, these are not currently requirements by the standard. So, meeting the minimum requirements for flexible couplings in the standard could, in many cases result in an installation that falls well short of the recommended flexibility in movement to prevent the drop piping from potentially being damaged during an earthquake. Let’s now move to the next item. When riser nipples are utilized in a system that requires seismic bracing, the stress placed on the riser nipples by seismic forces must be evaluated unless one of the following conditions is met: • The riser nipples are 4 ft or less in length and Cp is 0.50 or less. • The riser nipples are 3 ft or less in length and Cp is less than 0.67. • The riser nipples are 2 ft in length or less and Cp is less than 1.0. If one of the three conditions is not met then the stresses that would be placed on the riser nipples during an earthquake must be calculated to verify that the allowable yield strength of the riser nipples would not be exceeded. The following formula is used to evaluate the stress on the riser nipples: (Hr * Wp * Cp) <Fy S
Where: • Hr = length of the riser nipple (in.) • Wp = tributary weight (pounds) for the branch line or portion of branch line in the zone of influence for the riser nipple • Cp = seismic coefficient • S = section modulus of the riser nipple • Fy = allowable yield strength of the riser nipple material (30 ksi for steel or copper, 8 ksi for CPVC) If the calculation determines that the actual stress on the riser nipple exceeds the allowable yield strength then longitudinal seismic bracing must be provided for the branch line that is fed by that riser nipple. Longitudinal seismic loads on the branch line are calculated and used to size the longitudinal brace(s) for the branch line. Note that the above equation has been corrected. The equation shown in section 9.3.5.9.6.1 of the 2016 edition of NFPA 13 incorrectly states that the calculated value of the stress on the riser nipple should be greater than or equal to the allowable yield strength. One final item to cover is sprigs. As mentioned previously in this article, drops to individual sprinklers, regardless of length, do not require flexible couplings. Sprinkler drops, as well as armovers, are also exempt from the requirements for restraint. Sprigs however, if 4 ft in length or more, are required to be restrained. The restraint of long sprigs is required because, while gravity will help to maintain drops in a general downward orientation, sprigs will tend to roll downward during seismic activity. This can be even more pronounced in installations where grooved branch lines are used. Sprigs should be restrained using restraining wire or other approved means. In conclusion, while much of the focus on seismic protection for sprinklers systems is placed on the main piping and risers, the aforementioned requirements for drops and riser nipples should not be ignored. After all, any system is only as robust as its weakest part. The failure of a sprinkler system caused by the shearing off of a 2-in. rack drop during a seismic event would be more than enough damage to completely cripple the system. n
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Parks Moore is the chief executive officer of S & S Sprinkler Company in Mobile, Alabama. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University and a master’s in business administration from Tulane University. Parks is a licensed fire protection engineer, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist and holds a NICET IV certification in water-based systems layout. He currently serves as an alternate member on the NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Installation, principal member of the NFPA 15 Technical Committee for Water Spray Fixed Systems, and formerly served as a member on the NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Hanging and Bracing. He is a past president of the Alabama Fire Sprinkler Association and has been actively involved as one of its board members since 2007. Moore is also a member of AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The article and its content is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.
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Coffey Takes Home Gold at ABC AFSA Contractor Member Apprentices Sweep Competition D’ARCY MONTALVO | American Fire Sprinkler Association
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was well represented and swept the competition at the 31st Annual Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) National Craft Championship (NCC) held in Long Beach, California, March 18-22. Bryant Hamilton Coffey won first place and a gold medal in the fire sprinkler category. Coffey is an apprentice with AFSA Contractor Member Piper Fire Protection, Inc., Clearwater, Florida, and participated in the event as a competitor from the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. “I have known Bryant since he was a young man when I served as a youth group leader at our church,” says Piper Fire’s President Chris Johnson. “Bryant has excelled at his chosen profession and has impressed our leaders and the leaders of ABC from very early on in his apprenticeship.” Coffey grew up in the Largo/Clearwater, Florida area, and has been with Piper Fire Protection for six years, starting as a shop/ field helper. He applied for a fire extinguisher technician position and ended up in the sprinkler construction department, finally becoming a full-blown fire sprinkler fitter even though he had no experience with tools or any concept of what construction actually looked like from the inside. He has since graduated from his journeyman apprentice program. “Bryant’s personal career goal was to medal at ABC National’s competition, and I had very little doubt that he would accomplish that goal,” remembers Johnson. “I am so proud to have been able to spend time with Bryant throughout his teen years and I could not be prouder of the adult he has become.” Apprentice Anthony Alezzy with AFSA Contractor Member Advanced Fire Protection Systems, LLC, representing 44 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Bryant Hamilton Coffey, an apprentice with Piper Fire Protection, won gold at ABC’s 2018 NCC. From l to r: ABC National Chair George Nash, National Craft Championship Chair and HVAC Project Manager Mitch Clark, Coffey; and National Craft Championship Fire Sprinkler Project Manager David Victor. Photo credit: ABC National.
ABC’s Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter, won the Silver and Safety awards. “Advanced Fire Protection Systems [AFPS] is incredibly proud of Anthony Alezzy for his accomplishment,” comments AFPS President Justin Szurek. “Tony is a dedicated team player and a process-driven thinker. He respects the fact that every piece of pipe he installs may one day save someone’s life. “We are thankful for the organizations that train our employees to be among the most qualified sprinkler fitters in the world. AFPS currently employs two second-place ABC NCC winners, and we will continue to seek new opportunities to help us train our leaders to be the best in the industry,” he concludes. Bronze Winner Zachary (Zach) Dague is an apprentice with AFSA Contractor Member Brenneco Fire Protection, and represented ABC’s Indiana/Kentucky Chapter. “Zach has demonstrated outstanding technical and leadership skills,” comments Ray Wallace, operations manager at
Brenneco Fire Protection. “His dedication to the sprinkler fitter trade and the team at Brenneco places him above his peers.” ABC’s 2018 NCC featured a field of more than 170 craft professionals competing for top honors in 15 competitions representing 12 crafts, including a team competition with journey-level craft professionals from five different crafts working to complete a joint project. Competitors first took an intense, two-hour written exam and then competed in daylong, hands-on practical performance test. The NCC event is a part of ABC’s effort to raise the profile of careers in construction and highlight the $1.1 billion that ABC member companies spend annually on workforce development. The competition was developed in 1987 to help celebrate and recognize craft training in construction careers. AFSA congratulates these apprentices on their accomplishments! Education and training are the foundation upon which AFSA was built. For more information on AFSA’s apprenticeship training series and other education and training opportunities, visit www.firesprinkler.org/education. n
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Jumping Into the Fire? Considerations Before Entering the Fire Alarm Systems Market CRAIG SUMMERS | Potter Electric Signal
More and more fire sprinkler contractors are looking to the fire alarm systems market to add a new stream of revenue to their businesses as well as to help differentiate their service capabilities from that of their competitors. It seems logical, doesn’t it? A fire sprinkler contractor is in the fire protection business and fire alarm systems help protect lives and property from fire. Although there are many fire sprinkler contractors who have successfully added fire alarm systems to their portfolio of products and services, there are just as many, if not more, who have struggled or even failed at doing so. This article will look at a few of the key decisions and strategies to help improve your chances of success in the fire alarm systems market. Company Structure Aside from the obvious pipe versus wire and water versus electricity, there are many other differences between fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems that make it difficult to operate as a common business unit. Codes, permitting, design standards, and licensing are just a few of these differences that typically require contractors to create a separate team or division that focuses on fire alarm sales, installation, and service. Although it would be ideal to cross train or hire technical staff that could do both sprinkler and alarm work, it is difficult to manage and time consuming to accomplish. One common strategy sprinkler contractors use when creating a fire alarm division is to hire a single technical person who is licensed and capable of installing and servicing fire alarm systems. In this walk-before-you-run approach, this person is also responsible for the estimating and sales functions. While this may seem like a great way to get the ball rolling without taking too big of a financial risk, in many cases it is setting the fire alarm division up for failure. In this scenario, a cycle is created where initially this person spends a great deal of time and effort generating sales but as soon as they are awarded a project, they take off their sales hat, and put on their technician/project manager hat to get the system designed, approved, and installed. The time spent on the deliverables is time taken away from selling the next project. Once the system has been turned over to the end user, the sales process starts all over again. This cyclical process makes it very difficult to generate momentum to grow a fire alarm division. In addition, you have all of your eggs in one basket if this person ever leaves the company. As an alternative, you should consider having at least a team of two with a dedicated sales/estimator as well as a dedicated project manager/technician. 46 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
One other consideration you will want to look into is who will be doing your fire alarm submittal and as-built drawings. If you already have a CAD operator, it may be as simple as having your estimator or project manager work with them for device placement and wiring requirements. If not, you will need to hire one or subcontract out your drawings to a fire alarm design firm. Most fire alarm manufacturers can refer you to a competent design professional in your area. Sales Strategy To better understand the options you have available to sell fire alarm systems, I like to break the market down into three segments: • New construction/bid market • Negotiated/turnkey • Service and upgrades (MAC) You may choose to participate in any or all of these segments based on your risk tolerance, technical capabilities, and company goals. New Construction/Bid Market The new construction/ bid market is the most familiar to fire sprinkler contractors. Although it might seem like the easiest place to start, it is by far the most competitive, carries the most risk, and, in most cases, is the least profitable. The bid market is extremely price sensitive and in many cases the contractor who missed something during the estimating process is the one who ends up being awarded the job. At that point your already slim profit margin starts to erode before you even set foot on site and your hopes change from making some profit to just breaking even. There are ways to mitigate some of the risk. One sales strategy that significantly reduces the chance of labor overages is to sell the system as “parts and smarts.” Using this strategy the fire alarm contractor will do the design, drawings, and submittal, as well as supply the equipment to the electrical contractor to wire and install. Final wiring terminations, programming, and testing are performed by the fire alarm contractor. By selling a system in this manner, the fire alarm contractor reduces the risk of a labor overage by being responsible for a much smaller percentage of labor required to install the system. A side benefit to this strategy is that you can typically have more projects in progress at the same time. On projects where your profit margin is eroded due to labor overages or mistakenly under bidding the system, all is not
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lost. Be sure you get in touch with the owner to obtain the required central station monitoring, as well as their annual test and inspection work. Not only will monitoring and testing offset margin slippage on a project, it will also increase the value of your company. Negotiated/Turnkey The negotiated systems market are projects that are not put out to public bid. The fire alarm contractor is usually determined by an existing relationship with the general contractor who was chosen by the building owner, or in some cases a direct relationship between the building owner and the fire alarm contractor. The competition for these projects is typically much less and your profit margins are usually higher. Sounds great, right? It can be, especially when dealing directly with the building owner. You will need to prepare for a long sales cycle where you may provide a proposal to them that has to be reviewed and budgeted before being awarded the project. In some cases, this can take several years. Another challenge with this sales strategy is that your sales staff must be more seasoned at relationship development and solution selling as opposed to just providing a bid. You can sometimes differentiate yourself and win negotiated projects by leveraging services that your fire alarm manufacturer provides. One example of this would be the equipment warranty which can vary by manufacturer from one to five years, with three years being the norm. Aligning yourself with a manufacturer that offers a five-year warranty such as Potter Electric Signal, allows you to also extend a five-year equipment warranty to the building owner with no risk on your part. One way to use this longer warranty to your advantage is to provide a one-year labor warranty, but provide the five-year equipment warranty to the building owner. Your installed system price to the building owner may be close or even higher to that of your competitor, but if you are providing two additional years of equipment coverage over what your competition is providing, more times than not, you are going to win that job. Service & MAC The service segment of the fire alarm systems market includes the required annual testing, periodic repairs to the system, and MAC (moves, adds, and changes). Service/MAC is often the most profitable segment of the market with the least amount of risk. The market opportunity is basically any building that has an existing fire alarm in it, in the geographical area you cover. Some fire alarm contractors even hire dedicated service sales people to seek out this work. One key element to this that you will want to consider is to make sure you are hiring technicians who are not afraid to work on all fire alarm system brands rather than just the brand your company installs. Because all fire alarm equipment must meet certain industry standards such as UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, it is not as intimidating as it may sound to learn how to do the maintenance and testing on any system they may be unfamiliar with. Minor repairs such as device replacement are also not difficult to accomplish. 48 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
One other advantage of focusing on service work is the revenue generated from MAC. It is not uncommon for a building owner to make small changes to their facility throughout the year that necessitates moving, adding, or changing out some fire alarm equipment. In many cases, the building owner is not even aware that the new wall they installed is going to require an additional smoke detector, and the relocation of the strobe that is now behind it. When you catch this as a deficiency on your annual inspection, the building owner will likely ask you to make the changes. Many fire alarm service contractors develop relationships with other contractors in their area to source the equipment needed for repairs to a system or when performing MAC. In addition there are a growing number of online storefronts that specialize in selling replacement parts for most of the major manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; brands. The easiest way to generate service and MAC work is to make sure you sell the building owner a service agreement for all of the systems you install. This is sometimes easier said than done, especially on publicly bid projects where the building owner may be unknown to you until they are ready to take ownership of the building and may already have a relationship with another fire alarm service company. There are numerous strategies that can be used to help you be more successful in selling service agreements, for example, packaging multiple services together such as sprinkler, back flow, portable extinguishers, and fire alarm into one agreement. The more services you package, the easier it becomes for the building owner who has less service providers to deal with. It also makes it harder for your competitors to provide an apples to apples service proposal. If your company is unable to provide some of these services, you may find success and even some reciprocal business from another contractor in your area that you can partner with. These are just a few of the decisions and considerations that must be made when making the jump into the fire alarm market. Rest assured that there are many industry resources available to help you along the way including manufacturers, industry associations, training companies, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and more. Hopefully some of the considerations and strategies in this article will help you jump into the fire with more confidence and an improved chance for success. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Craig Summers is vice president of sales, fire & security for Potter Electric Signal. He is NICET Level IV Fire Alarm Systems certified, and has 35 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the fire alarm industry on both the manufacturing and contracting ends of the business.
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We Can Work It Out Home Fire Sprinkler Advocates and Homebuilders Team Up to Secure Landmark Sprinkler Ordinance FRED DURSO, JR. | National Fire Protection Association
How did they do it? That was my burning question when news broke in February that the Las Vegas City Council had unanimously approved a requirement to include fire sprinklers in all new homes under 5,000 ft2 built in the city. I had heard through the grapevine that the proposal was supported by the local homebuilding association, which was hard to fathom – homebuilders and home fire sprinklers are typically synonymous with oil and water. The housing industry has gone to great, expensive lengths to fight these requirements; more than $500 million was reportedly in the last decade to thwart sprinkler laws around the country, according to a recent
feature by ProPublica, an independent, nonprofit news agency. Local homebuilding associations have irked many fire sprinkler advocates I’ve encountered. Homebuilders twist NFPA statistics to support their stance that “smoke alarms alone are adequate fire protection in new homes” in an effort to diminish the need for sprinklers. They claim, inaccurately, that fire sprinklers are expensive and unnecessary due to safer home environments. Worse yet, decision makers tend to believe the myths spun by homebuilders, and respond by creating anti-sprinkler laws. So what was different about Las Vegas? For answers, I spoke with Robert Nolan,
deputy chief and fire marshal for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. When Nolan started at the department in 2015, his chief, William McDonald, expressed a desire for a home sprinkler ordinance in the city. McDonald came from Scottsdale, Arizona, a community held in high esteem by many safety advocates since it passed its own home sprinkler ordinance back in 1985. As it did for Scottsdale, sprinklering all of Las Vegas’ new homes could have a tremendous impact on the safety of the people who hoped to occupy those new homes. Realtor.com recently named Las Vegas as the hottest real estate market in the country, and Nolan anticipated the development of up to 1,700 new homes a year for the foreseeable future. Nolan knew sprinklers would have to be part of a comprehensive approach to community risk reduction. “You won’t have broad-based support to pass a requirement in one segment of residential occupancies if you’re doing nothing in other segments,” he said. “It’s a very hollow argument.” One higher-risk segment was apartment buildings. To address the problem in those occupancies, Nolan’s department developed a partnership with homebuilders to target neighborhoods and populations at high risk of fire injury or death. HomeAid Southern Nevada develops housing for the homeless and veterans and is the official outreach partner of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association. Through a partnership with HomeAid, Nolan said his department conducted home inspections and smoke alarm installations in high-risk areas while HomeAid took further steps, including the installation of fire sprinklers, to improve the safety of some of the homes. The partnership opened the door for
50 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
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conversations on a residential sprinkler requirement, Nolan said. Nevada law requires the commissioning of a cost-benefit analysis on sprinklers before passing an ordinance. Las Vegas Fire and Rescue commissioned a report in 2016 that was developed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to address installation costs, fire concerns in the new home environment, and the life-saving impact of fire sprinklers. The report concluded that “the Las Vegas City Council should immediately pass” a fire sprinkler ordinance. The study also determined that, due to the city’s appreciating home values, “fire sprinkler system [costs] would be amortized within the first 12-18 months of homeownership.” The report, however, was just the first step. “At no point did we say [to the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association], ‘Hey, we’re going to steamroll you’ – that was never an option for us, and it shouldn’t be anyone’s tactic,” Nolan said. “We learned, through negotiations, what they wanted and what was important to them. And we were able to deliver on most of those.” Topping the homebuilders’ wish list was a
commitment that a fire sprinkler requirement would not go beyond requirements found in NFPA 13D, Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, since sprinklering areas of the home not required in NFPA 13D can drive up installation costs. The fire service supported their wish. Over nearly seven months of negotiations, the fire service also educated the homebuilding association on “trade ups,” financial incentives that are available to builders who install fire sprinklers in new homes. Using labor and material costs specific to Las Vegas, Nolan said the homebuilding association was able to monetize trade ups, including lower costs for street width reductions and for having to install fewer hydrants. Their findings were incorporated into an updated UNLV report released this year. The collaboration worked. With sprinkler support coming from both sides, the Las Vegas City Council unanimously approved it. The trade ups were incorporated into a memorandum of understanding signed by Las Vegas’ city manager and the Southern
Nevada Home Builders Association. Nolan said the city still needs to officially adopt its updated building and fire codes before the sprinkler requirement can take effect. Nolan described the Las Vegas process as “a model of collaboration, not coercion” – one similar to what occurred in California in 2010, when a statewide requirement for fire sprinklers was enacted following discussions with the state’s homebuilding industry. “If the fire service is willing to get to know the homebuilding association [and demonstrate] a genuine interest to find out what their concerns are – instead of starting out diametrically opposed – I think they could find success using Las Vegas as a model,” Nolan said. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: FRED DURSO, Jr., is communications manager for NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative. Follow him on Twitter @FredDursoJr. Take action on home fire sprinklers by visiting FireSprinklerInitiative.org. Reprinted with permission from NFPA Journal® (Vol. 112, #3) copyright © 2018, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved. NFPA Journal® is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02169.
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Chief Stefancic Receives Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award AHJ Helps Firefighters Understand the Effectiveness of Fire Sprinklers Josh Stefancic has helped thousands of firefighters understand the effectiveness of fire sprinkler technology through his involvement on the executive board of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). There, he has helped to author and review several training manuals including the “Fire Detection and Suppression Systems,” a guide educating firefighters on the basics of sprinklers. The manual familiarizes the fire service with the types, arrangements, and operating principles of fire sprinkler systems, and is a valued resource for emergency services personnel who respond to incidents in protected premises. Additionally, as a committee member of NFPA 1700, Guide to Structural Firefighting, Stefancic has worked to educate his firefighting peers about the benefits of sprinklering buildings. For this and numerous other reasons, Chief Stefancic has been awarded the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award. AFSA Florida Chapter Chairman Chris Johnson, CEO of Piper Fire Protection in Clearwater, Florida, and member of AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee, presented the award to Stefancic. “I am so proud that one of our hometown heroes has been recognized for this award,” Johnson comments. “Chief Stefancic is passionate about fire sprinklers and life safety. We are blessed to have him serving in our community and our state.” Stefancic was recently hired as fire chief of Safety Harbor, Florida Fire Department after a long career with Largo, Florida Fire Rescue most recently serving as division chief. Stefancic 54 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Chief Josh Stefancic receives AFSA’s Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award from AFSA Florida Chapter Chairman Chris Johnson, CEO of Piper Fire Protection, Inc. and a member of AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee.
started with Largo Fire Rescue in August 2010 as the assistant chief of life safety. He was asked to serve as the assistant chief of emergency management in 2011 and later made the transition to assume the role of district chief in May of 2012. He was named fire chief of the Safety Harbor Fire Department in June 2018. “I was honored to receive AFSA’s Fire Sprinklers Saves Lives award and hope that the AFSA membership takes comfort knowing that their hard work is directly impacting those in every community across the country by preventing and reducing accidental injury and/or death due to the devastating effects of fire,” Stefancic comments. Stefancic has a master’s degree in fire and emergency management administration, and a bachelor’s degree in fire protection and safety technology from Oklahoma State University. He is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
Largo Fire Rescue was very appreciative of Stefancic’s recognition, posting this on their Facebook page: “Chief Stefancic joins a distinguished list of fire marshals, building officials, and television personalities who have embraced this technology and have become advocates for fire safety. He has helped thousands of firefighters understand the effectiveness of fire sprinkler technology, through his involvement on the executive board of the International Fire Service Training Association. There he has helped author and review several training manuals written to educate firefighters on the basics of fire sprinklers. We congratulate Chief Stefancic on this well-deserved award.” n EDITOR’S NOTE: AFSA established the Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award in 1998, to recognize individuals outside the fire sprinkler industry who help dispel the myths about fire sprinklers by generating public awareness about this life-saving technology. AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee accepts and recommends nominees for this award and they are approved by the AFSA Board of Directors. To nominate someone for the award, email AFSA Director of Communications Nicole Duvall at nduvall@firesprinkler.org explaining who you would like to nominate and why. The nomination will be considered at the next meeting of the committee.
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Honoring Les and Diane Woods’ Public Education Efforts Couple Receives Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award Les and Diane Woods have helped thousands of people understand the effectiveness of fire sprinkler technology through their dramatic and very effective side-by-side burn demonstrations. Les is a past president of the South Carolina Fire and Life Safety Education Association and Diane is the current president. Their down-to-earth style and the dramatic results of these demonstrations help to dispel the false information often spread through the media. Their work educates children, as well as parents, that “fire sprinklers save lives and property.” For their dedication, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is honored to present Les and Diane Woods with its Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award. As recipients of this award, the Woods join a distinguished list of fire marshals, building officials, television personalities, and others outside of our industry who have embraced this technology and become advocates of life safety through fire sprinkler protection. The award was presented by AFSA Board Secretary and At-Large Director Linda Biernacki on May 8, 2018 at the closing dinner of the AFSA Chapter Leadership Conference in Austin, Texas. “What struck me the most about this dynamic duo was their deep-down passion to educate our built communities on what a fire sprinkler system does to protect your most valuable asset you’re family!” comments Biernacki. “I truly believe their passion in spreading the word is working, and I am so proud that AFSA recognized their efforts with presenting them with our Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award.” The mission of the association is to save the lives of South Carolinians through education and risk reduction. It’s values are: • To be cutting edge in prevention message content and delivery. • To be the leader in Public Life Safety Education in South Carolina. • To constantly strive to publish the mission and prevention messages. “The AFSA Carolinas [North Carolina] Chapter has worked closely with Les and Diane for the last several years, and through their efforts we have successfully held side-by-side burns in Myrtle Beach [South Carolina] in conjunction with our joint North Carolina/South Carolina convention and trade show, as well as Apex and Wilson [North Carolina] for our North Carolina Code 56 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
AFSA Board members Linda Biernacki (far left) and Don Kaufman (far right) present AFSA’s Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award to Diane and Les Woods.
Officials Qualification Board Approved NFPA 13D course for AHJs,” states John W. Turnage, executive director for AFSA’s Carolinas Chapter. “In each case, Les and Diane have provided insight, guidance, and complete followthrough to ensure the success of our burns. They contact, collaborate, and communicate – with whomever it takes to get the job done – all with a sense of humility and integrity that exemplifies the term ‘public service.’” Turnage continues: “These two incredible people put life safety and the betterment of our industry at the forefront of everything they do, and their work has positively impacted thousands of people. I know of no one that is more deserving of this honor than Les and Diane Woods. Congratulations!” n EDITOR’S NOTE: AFSA established the Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award in 1998, to recognize individuals outside the fire sprinkler industry who help dispel the myths about fire sprinklers by generating public awareness about this life-saving technology. AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee accepts and recommends nominees for this award and they are approved by the AFSA Board of Directors. To nominate someone for the award, email AFSA Director of Communications Nicole Duvall at nduvall@firesprinkler.org explaining who you would like to nominate and why. The nomination will be considered at the next meeting of the committee.
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
U.S. and Canada Unite During First Home Sprinkler Day Showcasing the Power of This Life-Saving Technology Rain may have been in the forecast for many parts of North America on Saturday, May 19. However, it did not dampen efforts to finally give home fire sprinklers the widespread attention this technology deserves. More than 50 events in 25 U.S. states and Canadian provinces took place on or around North America’s first Home Fire Sprinkler Day. The project was an idea generated by sprinkler advocates and put into action by NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. Using a little ingenuity and a ton of passion, advocates took local steps to raise awareness about a proven, life-saving technology and in the end energized a grassroots movement in support of sprinklers. As news reports on these events filled my inbox and flooded my Twitter feed (check out the hashtag #HomeFireSprinklerDay to see what I saw), I felt a sense of pride for the countless number of advocates who had participated. The following is by no means an exhaustive list of what happened on Home Fire Sprinkler Day, just a sampling: • In Philadelphia, a resident living in a sprinklered rowhome opened her doors to the media, as safety officials discussed sprinklers in homes and distributed sprinkler information around town. • Members of the North Carolina Fire Sprinkler Coalition initiated a live burn/fire sprinkler demo to attendees at the 2018 Got to Be NC Festival. They had covered, grandstand seating to protect people from the rain. • NFPA joined U.S. Fire Administrator G. Keith Bryant, Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci, and others for a Home Fire Sprinkler Day media event in College Park, Maryland. • In addition to hosting a couple live burn/fire sprinkler demonstrations in South Carolina, the town of Tega City declared May 19 Home Fire Sprinkler Day. I had also heard that Scottsdale, Arizona, and Bend, Oregon, had signed proclamations for this day. NFPA will be creating a digital gallery of all Sprinkler Day events. Please send your photos and a brief write-up to NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative team. To those who had participated in events and to members of the Sprinkler Day steering committee who got this project off the ground, thank you for making this inaugural event such a success! n Reproduced with permission from the NFPA Xchange™ community website community.nfpa.org, Copyright © 2018, National Fire Protection Association. 58 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
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AFSA Announces New Colorado Chapter AFSA Members Band Together in the Centennial State Adding strength to numbers, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), the nation’s leading fire sprinkler industry group, is pleased to announce the recent formation of its Colorado Chapter. In December 2017, four AFSA contractor members took the official first step by signing a letter of intent to start a chapter, and in May 2018, its newly elected board officially joined the national trade group as its 27th official chapter. “The new Colorado Chapter of AFSA came out of the gates fast by taking on a number of legislative priorities and scheduling its first four-hour NFPA training seminar in October,” says AFSA’s Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal. “We’re incredibly happy about how this board came together and are looking forward to great things from them.” The newly elected officers include: Chair Roger Wallace, Brickwall Fire; Vice-Chair Marvin Heath, Central Fire Protection Contractors, Inc.; Executive Director Kim Cook, Globe; Secretary Alexis Sakells, Victory Fire Protection; Treasurer Jim Lei, Rapid Fire Protection; Membership Chair Kelly Murphy, Asurio; and NextGen Representative Stewart Garrett, Total Fire Protection. “We are hoping to provide a means of communication and support for current AFSA members and potential newbies working in the State of Colorado, who may be considering the AFSA as a resource for the development and improvements to their organizations,” says Wallace. “The chapter is off to a strong start and we hope to improve the commu60 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
In December 2017, four AFSA contractor members met with AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal and took the official first step by signing a letter of intent to start the AFSA Colorado Chapter. Representatives from Brick Wall Fire Sprinkler, LLC; Total Fire Protection West; Mountain States Fire Protection, Inc.; and Platte Valley Fire Protection were in attendance.
nication between chapter members and the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction.” Current efforts are focused in the center of the state in Denver, but chapter leaders are hoping to engage the rest of the state at its October 25 meeting, including a board meeting; NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, seminar; and NextGen networking event. For additional details, visit the chapter website afsacoloradochapter.org. Those interested in joining the Colorado Chapter should contact Executive Director Kim Cook at kim.cook@globesprinkler.com. AFSA is a non-profit association representing fire sprinkler contractors. The association is dedicated to the educational advancement of its members and promotion of the use of automatic fire sprinkler systems.
AFSA was organized in 1981 to provide the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor with training, consulting, communication, representation and many more services, all of which have expanded over its existence. Membership is open to contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, designers and authorities having jurisdiction. Currently, AFSA represents companies and individuals across the United States and throughout the world. To find your local AFSA chapter or to learn more, visit firesprinkler.org. n
IN JO !
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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
AFSA MEMBERSHIP New Members The following is a list of new contractor members that have joined as of June 30, 2018.
Contractors A Plus Waterworks, Inc. Napa, CA AAA Fire Protection Services Union City, CA AE Fire Protection Cookeville, TN All-Out Fire Protection, LLC Myrtle Beach, SC Alpine Fire Protection Stockton, CA Berryman Fire Equipment Duncanville, TX
Chris’ Plumbing, Inc. Hayward, CA
Poulin Fire Protection South Hadley, MA
Done Right Fire Protection Lowell, MA
R.M. Riggle Enterprises, Inc. Berea, OH
Eddinger Enterprises, Inc. Healdsburg, CA
Rebello Fire Sprinkler Inc. Everett, MA
Fire Systems Inc. North Dartmouth, MA
USV Fire Protection LLC Pembroke Pines, FL
Associates
International
MTH Tool Company Plano, IL
Associates Con-Cur West Coquitlam, BC, Canada Modgal Metals (99) Ltd Rosh Pina, Israel
Great White Solutions Orchard, TX JME Fire Sprinkler Corp. Medford, NY Lindley Fire Protection Co., Inc. Anaheim, CA
AFSA Chapter Contacts Alberta, Canada afsaalberta.org Kevin Mozark – Pres. 780-203-5263 Arkansas Randy Gilliam – Chair. 479-646-8934 Coleman Farrar – Vice Chair. 479-986-9090 British Columbia, Canada Alan Thompson – Pres. 778-867-7039 Carolinas afsacarolinaschapter.com David Smith – Chair. 828-327-4116 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456 Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter.org Jay Zollars – Chair. 410-286-3314 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-960-3450 Colorado afsacoloradochapter.org Roger Wallace – Chair. 719-337-6550 Kim Cook – Exec. Dir. 704-213-4368
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 Greater Bay Area afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair. 925-417-5550 Lorelei Upshaw – Exec. Dir. 925-913-0145 Greater Kansas City Mark McKenzie – Chair. 913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich – Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710 Louisiana lafiresprinkler.org Linda Biernacki – Chair. 318-688-8800
Michigan Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair 616-784-1644 Frank L. Mortl – Exec. Dir. 517-285-7665
Ohio afsaoh.org Bill Hausman – Chair 937-859-6198 Don Eckert – Exec. Dir. 513-310-9660
Mid-Atlantic afsamac.org Meaghen Wills – Chair. 610-754-7836 New Jersey Thomas Bowlby Jr. – Chair. 908-226-5313 Robert K. Melofchik – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056
Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Tracy Moore – Chair. 425-271-5598 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700
New Mexico Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712
Patriot afsapatriot.org Chad Debuc – Chair. 508-431-9938 Wendy Callahan – Exec. Dir. 978-855-6495
North Central Michael Winiecki – Chair. 651-484-5903
Rocky Mountain Brent Heiner – Chair. 801-544-0363
Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair. 802-865-3600 Tim Christie – Exec. Dir. 978-437-7612
Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Bill Gray – Chair. 916-663-3582 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635
San Diego Ron Aday – Chair. 858-513-4949 ext. 307 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600 South Carolina socalafsa.org Stuart Weeks – Chair. 843-442-3346 Taylor Young – Exec. Dir. 980-253-3241 Southern California Jeff Bridges – Co-Chair. 714-285-0200 Terry Housholder – Co-Chair. 714-632-8646 Amber Barrios – Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492 Upstate New York Justin Petcosky – Chair 607-296-7969 Virginia afsavirginia.com Griff Brinkley – President 757-523-7330 George Wagner – Exec. Dir. 804-779-3921
AFSA Affiliate Contacts Alabama Affiliate alfiresprinkler.org Charles Bielair – Pres. 334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257
62 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Ray Vance – Chair. 404-226-8304 Billy Wood – Exec. Dir. 404-226-8304
Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chairman 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
U.S. Construction
April 2018
May 2018
The value of new construction starts in April fell 13 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $674.3 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The decline follows the 11 percent gain reported for March, which was the highest level of construction starts over the preceding six months. The loss of momentum in April was widespread, involving each of the three main construction sectors. Nonbuilding construction (public works and electric utilities/gas plants) plunged 22 percent after its 74 percent hike in March. Nonresidential building retreated 12 percent. Residential building dropped 9 percent. During the first four months of 2018, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $223.5 billion, down 7 percent from the same period of 2017 (which included very strong amounts for airport terminals and natural gas pipelines). On a 12-month moving total basis, total construction starts for the 12 months ending April 2018 matched the dollar amount that was reported for the 12 months ending April 2017. April’s data lowered the Dodge Index to 143 (2000=100), down from a revised 165 for March. Taking the average for March and April produces an Index reading of 154, slightly above the 152 average for January and February, although still below the 161 average for the full year 2017.
At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $783.6 billion, new construction starts in May advanced 15 percent from April, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The increase follows a 12 percent decline in April, and shows total construction activity reaching the highest level reported over the past eight months. The lift in May came from substantial gains for nonbuilding construction, up 39 percent; and nonresidential building, up 18 percent. Nonbuilding construction, and specifically its public works segment, was boosted by the start of three large natural gas pipelines. Nonresidential building was aided by the start of projects in Nebraska, Utah, and Washington. Meanwhile, residential building in May held steady with its April pace. Through the first five months of 2018, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $299.9 billion, down 3 percent from the same period a year ago. On a 12-month moving total basis, total construction starts for the 12 months ending May 2018 were up 1 percent from the amount reported for the 12 months ending May 2017. The May statistics raised the Dodge Index to 166 (2000=100), compared to April’s reading of 144 (upwardly revised from the initially reported 143).
Monthly Summary of Construction Starts April 2018 Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions April 2018 March 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $211,505 $240,549 -12 Residential Building $303,767 $332,938 -9 Nonbuilding Construction $159,013 $204,734 -22 Total Construction $674,285 $778,221 -13 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) April 2018....................143 March 2018 ................165 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 4 Mos. 2018 4 Mos. 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $70,519 $86,328 -18 Residential Building $103,428 $99.380 +4 Nonbuilding Construction $49,530 $55,275 -10 Total Construction $223,477 $240,983 -7
Monthly Summary of Construction Starts May 2018 Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions May 2018 April 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $248,634 $210,128 +18 Residential Building $312,837 $312,952 -0Nonbuilding Construction $222,084 $159,242 +39 Total Construction $783,555 $682,322 +15 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) May 2018...............166 April 2018 ..............144 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 5 Mos. 2018 5 Mos. 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $93,459 $110,743 -16 Residential Building $134,429 $127,970 +5 Nonbuilding Construction $72,033 $71,766 -0Total Construction $299,921 $310,479 -3
AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries July and August 2018 35-Year Anniversary Contractor Members
Quality Sprinkler Co., Inc., Charlotte, NC Sprinkler Systems, Inc., Lewiston, ME
Associate Members
HRS Systems, Inc., Petersburg, TN
30-Year Anniversary Associate Members
Kennedy Valve, Elmira, NY
25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members
Firetech Sprinkler Corporation, Colchester, VT Howe, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD Kistler-O’Brien Fire Protection, Bethlehem, PA Tilley Fire Equipment Company, Doylestown, PA Urban Fire Protection, Mesquite, TX
20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members
Aegis Fire Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA E.S. Systems, Inc., Rochester, NY Midwestern Mechanical, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD Mr. Sprinkler Fire Protection, Roseville, CA Systems Tech, Inc., Rocklin, CA
15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members
Bellingham Lock & Safe, Inc., Bellingham, WA Carolina Fire Protection, Inc., Dunn, NC
Associate Members
Complete Insurance, Inc., Irvine, CA Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 63
AHJ PERSPECTIVE BY RONNY J. COLEMAN
The Prop Master For every tool that we use in the fire service, there is a responsibility to train with it. If we are to maximize the role of automatic fire protection systems in residences, they must be incorporated in the training plan also. Failure to do this can result in misuse of built-in fire appliances. Let’s talk, for example, about sprinkler systems and standpipes. They are put into residences to improve the ability of the firefighter to bring control to fire more effectively and efficiently. If they were required by mandate, there is an implied responsibility to train all personnel in the most effective and efficient use of the technology.
Yet, very few fire departments spend a great deal of time training on sprinkler technology. It should be required that if you have a sprinkler ordinance in your city, then the fire suppression operations personnel need to practice numerous skill sets associated with that sprinkler technology. This means that the training division should have a series of training props based upon skills involved in using sprinkler systems. In my travels I have seen hundreds of training towers. A percentage of them have a built-in sprinkler system in the tower which is highly desirable. On the other hand, there are numerous
training towers that lack sprinkler system installations. This is one of the most fundamental props that a training chief should focus on if the department is to be adequately trained to support the sprinkler system. But having your drill tower serviced by automatic sprinklers still leaves certain training scenarios that need to be explored. For example, there needs to be a prop built into the system that will challenge the firefighter to shut off the water flow using sprinkler stop devices. These props can be on the interior of the training structure or they can be free standing props. If you type in Google search “fire sprinkler props”
CLSE’s Plan Review & Acceptance of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems This two-part online audio program with downloadable handouts describes the review process of fire sprinkler systems for one- and two-family dwellings, in accordance with the NFPA 13D standard (2007 edition).
Fire Sprinklers 501–Part 1: Design & Installation Concepts
This seminar describes the history of NFPA 13D, and how it differs from NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R. It discusses the exceptions allowed by NFPA 13D in certain circumstances, and covers water supply requirements and how they are determined and evaluated.
Fire Sprinklers 502–Part 2: Review of Plans & Submittals
Designed in accordance with NFPA 13D, this seminar leads the student through the detailed step-by-step process of reviewing a fire sprinkler system plan designed for protection of a single-family home. The student will download plans and supporting documentation to follow in the plan review process.
Convenient, affordable education available at www.clse.org
Center for Life Safety Education | www.clse.org
64 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
you will find several websites that provide images and YouTube video of the presentation of the material. If your community has adopted residential sprinklers, then your prop inventory should include a side-byside training prop where the community can have a chance to see a difference in a room being protected by sprinklers and a room that is unprotected. The Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition1 is an excellent place to collect basic information in the sprinkler demonstration kit. If you type in the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;side-by-side sprinkler testâ&#x20AC;? on the internet, you will find several websites that provide video graphics. For example, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a site that demonstrates a fire that totally destroys an unsprinklered room during a live, side-byside demonstration at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts, on November 3, 2011. In another video, the room outfitted with a single sprinkler head, the sprinkler activated after 20 seconds and quickly brought down the flames. Another fact that remains is that the residential occupancy is where the majority of our fire losses continue to occur. This points to the phenomena that we have an ongoing struggle to convince society of this reality. This is all the more reason why individuals and organizations must continue public relations efforts to educate Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Many battles have been fought to get to where we are today and there remain a number of battles left in the future.
that it is evolving in concert with other built-in solutions that effect firefighting operations. A good example of that is that many communities are now mandating solar power to be part of all new construction.2 This is a very expensive technology that has impacted the manner in which the fire service can ventilate fires. Going to the roof to ventilate when a home is covered with panels, is fraught with another set of dangers. Society is better served by having built-in fire protection when other technologies are incorporated. In summary, we need to do everything in our power to use residential sprinkler technology as part of our fire operations program. Every effort should be given to integrating the decision to sprinkler with the decisions to operate on a scene of a fire. Your efforts may do more to save lives and property than any other single decision. n REFERENCES: 1. homefiresprinkler.org/fire-sprinklerdemonstration-kit/ 2. psmag.com/environment/californiabecomes-the-first-state-to-make-solarpanels-mandatory 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 AFSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
As each generation of leaders evolves in the fire service, they will either become an advocate or an adversary of residential fire protection. The question you must ask and answer is where do you fall on the spectrum of advocacy? Hopefully your efforts will be successful in addressing the existing residential fire problem. The last point to be made about residential sprinkler technology is Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 65
AFSA NEWS Roland Huggins Awarded Distinguished Alumni Title The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland J. Huggins, P.E. has been named a “distinguished alumni” by the University of Maryland’s Department of Fire Protection Engineering Department (UMD/FPE). In 2014, the department began to identify and recognize distinguished alumni. It’s long been recognized that UMD/FPE alumni are highly engaged in the fire protection industry, are making a huge difference in advancing the field and are affecting how fire protection engineering is practiced. Thus, this award was established as a means of recognizing the outstanding alumni who have been leaders in fire protection or who have significantly assisted the University of Maryland FPE department in its operations. As such, the recognition of “distinguished alumni” is comparable to being inducted into a “Hall of Fame.” The process involves a few steps beginning with nomination by someone (usually a fellow alumnus), review of nominations by a committee of the Department’s board of visitors, and ends with a vote of the full board of directors. In Huggins’ case, Jim Milke, Ph.D, P.E., says: “The strength of his nomination involved his leadership role in the sprinkler industry, long-term participation on professional committees, and contributions to the literature in the field.” The award was celebrated at the NFPA Alumni dinner on June 12 at the Goodwich in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit fpe.umd.edu/node/1114 to see past winners and learn more about the award.
Leadership Conference Success in Austin The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosted an excellent Chapter Leadership Conference on May 8 in Austin, Texas with a full day of learning, networking, and roundtable discussions. The event kicked off with an evening reception hosted by Ferguson at CU29 Cocktail Bar on May 7. The following day the conference agenda included three guest speakers with an informative session on “Incorporation Best Practices” by Sandy Pfau Englund and an educational side-by-side burn presentation by Les and Diane Woods. Other topics discussed included budgets, NextGen, and social media as well as the always-popular roundtable idea exchanges. The event was closed out by a dinner hosted by Core & Main at Jack Allen’s Kitchen on May 8. AFSA was proud to have 30 attendees from 18 out of 28 chapters attend, including members from the newly established Colorado and Upstate New York chapters. Father/Son Duo Take on NFPA 13! Fire protection is a family affair for AFSA’s Technical Programs Specialist Tom Noble and his father 66 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Thomas A. Noble. The father/son duo is currently serving together on the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Technical Committee on Sprinkler System Installation Criteria. Thomas A. Noble originally joined the committee on August 5, 2009 while Noble recently joined in April 11, 2018. The Nobles are not the first father/son duo to embrace fire protection together but they are some of only a few who do so! “I never thought I would have the honor of sitting of an NFPA committee let alone sitting on one with my father. Now I have one less item to check off of my bucket list,” says Tom Noble, Jr. You can learn more about this committee and all other NFPA committees at nfpa.org.
AFSA Graduates Second Class from ITM Inspector Development Program The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)’s ITM Inspector Development Program utilizes on-demand and live training courses combined with robustly structured on-the-job training (OJT) and mentoring program with the goal for candidates to pass NICET Level II water-based inspection certification exams in less than two years and as of June 13 AFSA is proud to announce the graduation of its second ITM class. The graduation took place at SPP Pumps in Atlanta, Georgia. Recent graduates received a chance to share their opinions on the class. Many students shared the same sentiment as Brian T. from New York saying, “Having no prior knowledge in the ITM field, the entire program was beneficial.” The Fall 2018 ITM class still has open spaces! Encourage employees to take part in a program that provides “the confidence and knowledge.” To learn more and register for fall 2018, visit firesprinkler.org/itm. Learn the Art of Design in 2018 The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has just two classes remaining in 2018 for its popular Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School: September 10-21 and November 5-16. Taught by Tom Noble, CET, the 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. The school is geared toward those with limited experience or those who need assistance with design, and presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Register online at firesprinkler. org/education-center/schools or contact AFSA Meeting Programs Manager Maricarmen Martinez via phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 132 or email her at mmartinez@firesprinkler.org. n
See how we measure up
AFSA ITM Students have a
24% HIGHER PASS RATE than the national average
90%
100% 88% PASSED
PASSED
NICET LEVEL I EXAMS
LEVEL II INSPECTION EXAM
NICET LEVEL II EXAMS
Compared to 72% National Avg.
Compared to 64% National Avg.
Compared to 60% National Avg.
PASSED on the first try
ITM
on the first try
INSPECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
on the first try
ENROLLING FALL 2018
NICET I & II Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments or exams will ensure passage of the related NICET exams or certification by NICET.
Visit firesprinkler.org/ITM
AFSA American Fire Sprinkler Association
CHAPTER NEWS Carolinas The 15th Annual North Carolina/South Carolina (NC/SC) Joint Convention & Trade Show was held May 2-4, 2018 at the Marriott Grande Dunes in sunny Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For the third year in a row, a new record for overall attendance was set and most attendees arrived in time to enjoy the “kick off” social mixer on Wednesday evening. Thursday was highlighted by seminars and the vendor exhibition and luncheon which also incorporated a joint North Carolina/South Carolina chapter business meeting. On Thursday evening its NextGen event was a success and garnered the largest turnout to date with 43 attendees. The seminar series continued for the full day on Friday and was followed by a side-by-side burn in the hotel parking lot. The burn was open to the public and was well attended, and as always Diane and Les Woods did an excellent job conducting the burn! The culmination of the convention was the dinner on Friday night followed by a live band and dancing, although the “unofficial” end to the event was the annual “go for blood or go home” bocce ball tournament held on the beach Saturday morning. The survivors and 2018
A crowd gathered for the side-by-side burn demonstration held during the 15th Annual North Carolina/South Carolina Joint Convention & Trade Show.
Bocce Ball Champions are Dale Dawson of the North Carolina State Board of Examiners and Steve Manis with The Lubrizol Corporation. Congratulations! Connecticut Chapter members awarded two $1,000 college scholarships to the two high school seniors who won our annual Essay Contest. The winners were Jayce Antrum from Bristol Central High School and Abigail Huebner of Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford. Gil Paradis, owner of Central Connecticut Fire Protection, attended the Awards Ceremony to present Jayce Antrum’s certificate. Antrum Both students are attending college in the fall. In early May, ABC Construction Career Days took place in Newington. Once again, the Connecticut Chapter under the direction of Bob Hollis, Brad Viola and Drew Fletcher, ran the Chapter’s Burn Trailer showing the sprinkler demonstration over 50 times. The event is very popular event for high school students and young adults. This two-day expo featured numerous hands-on, interactive exhibits both indoors and outdoors. The hands-on exhibits included a crane simulator, skid steers, excavators, United Illuminating utility poles, masonry wall building, tile cutting, sheet metal, a variety of power tools, and of course, fire suppression. The event hosted approximately 1,200 high school students and featured a burn trailer which ran three to four demonstrations per hour! On National Fire Sprinkler Day, the chapter ran an ad on a billboard along I-91 at the Colt Building for the day. It was seen by thousands of travelers! Mid-Atlantic During the week of May 7, 25 contractor members attended AFSA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s “Intro to Hydraulic Calculations” seminar which was presented by Kevin Kelly from Victaulic at The Press Room Restaurant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest Chapter of American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosted a chapter meeting on April 12, 2018. The meeting was sponsored by Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company and Reliable also provided a training before the meeting on “Advances in the Protection of Plastics Storage.” The meeting also covered an update on AFSA national upcoming events as 68 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
The North Carolina/South Carolina Joint Convention offered two days of seminars.
NextGen mingled during the North Carolina/South Carolina Joint Convention.
Connecticut Chapter members particpated in ABC’s Construction Career Days with a sprinkler demonstration trailer.
The Connecticut Chapter sponsored a billboard ad on National Fire Sprinkler Day, which was seen by thousands of travelers on I-91.
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s “Intro to Hydraulic Calculations” seminar was well attended.
Contractors and suppliers gathered in Nashville to discuss forming an AFSA chapter in Tennessee.
The Virginia Chapter’s recruitment mixer at the Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery provided an opportunity to learn about the chapter and AFSA national.
The Virginia Chapter hosted a board and chapter meeting in June with 42 attendees.
AFSA’s Bradley Elliott recently spoke with GFSA members about the benefits of becoming an AFSA chapter.
well as upcoming local chapter events. Finally, the meeting closed with a presentation from David Asplund, technical services manager at Reliable Automatic Sprinkler. Thank you to all who attended the meeting! Tennessee On May 15, 13 contractors and suppliers gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, to meet and discuss starting a new AFSA chapter for the state! Congratulations to our newest AFSA chapter in formation!
Industry” and Josh Shapiro of Reliable Automatic Sprinkler presenting on Reliable products. Additionally, on the same day the chapter held a recruitment mixer at the vineyard. The mixer was well attended with over 40 people in attendance. Bob Beckwith, membership chairman and George Wagner, executive director informed attendees of AFSA national and chapter benefits, gave handouts, and presented information on the 2018 25th golf tournament and celebration. The mixer was held in the Wine Barrel Cellar in the winery. All attendees were served a sample tasting of six wines and then provided a full glass of their favorites. Snacks were provided with the tasting. The event was enthusiastically received by all in attendance! For more information, visit afsavirginia.com. n
ASSOCIATION NEWS Georgia On June 5 AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott and Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association (GFSA) President Patrick Cordi spoke with the GFSA board about the benefits of AFSA membership and the opportunities available to AFSA Chapters. Visit georgiafiresprinkler.org. n
Virginia On June 6, 2018, the AFSA Virginia Chapter held a board meeting and chapter meeting at the Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery in Stafford, Virginia. The chapter meeting had 42 attendees. During the meeting, Virginia Chapter news was reported by Jack Medovich, the chapter president, and the all of the Virginia Chapter committee chairmen reported on their chapter issues. Additionally, Medovich reviewed the details for the 25th annual golf tournament and all the events for the 25th celebrations. The meeting closed with Anthony Spencer of Lubrizol who gave a presentation on “Plastic Issues in the Fire Sprinkler Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018 69
INDUSTRY NEWS Names Ferguson as One of America’s Best Employers Ferguson Enterprises (Ferguson) has been named to the 2018 America’s Best Employers by Forbes magazine. Compiled in collaboration with research firm Statista, the annual Forbes survey asked 30,000 American workers how likely they were to recommend their employer to someone else as well as other employers in the industry. VIsit ferguson.com to read more details. Core & Main Acquires St. Louis Fabrication & Supply, Expands Fire Protection Offering Core & Main LP has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of St. Louis Fabrication & Supply. This acquisition marks the second by Core & Main since becoming an independent company in August of 2017. Effective June 18, the custom fabrication business will operate as a key part of Core & Main’s Fire Protection business. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Visit coreandmain.com. NFPA Announces Theme for 2018 Fire Prevention Week The latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that if you have a reported fire in your home, you are more likely to die today than you were a few decades ago. This startling statistic is behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere.™” Fire Prevention Week takes place October 7-13, 2018. As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA works with local fire departments throughout North America to promote the campaign in their communities and reaches out to the public directly to encourage everyone to take action to be safe. Visit firepreventionweek.org for information and resources about this year’s campaign.
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NFPA Announces New Board of Director Members and Re-elections The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) elected Brion Callori, Martha Connors, Reginald D. Freeman, William J. Fries, and Louis Paulson, to its board of directors at the association’s annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The three-year term for each member takes effect upon the close of the conference. Three board members, John D. Bonney, R. David Paulison, and Michael Wallace were re-elected each for a second three-year term. Learn more at nfpa.org. NFPA 720 to be Incorporated into 2019 Edition of NFPA 72® Upon adjournment of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Technical Meeting in Las Vegas, the requirements of NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detection and Warning Equipment, are one step closer to issuance by the Standards Council as incorporated into the 2019 edition of NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®. NFPA 720, which has worked to minimize occupant risk to carbon monoxide in homes and other occupancies since it was first issued in 2003, will be withdrawn once the 2019 edition of NFPA 72 is issued by the Standards Council this August. Several NFPA task groups and technical committees have diligently worked over the past three years to integrate the requirements of NFPA 720 into NFPA 72, with the goal of providing smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in a single, comprehensive document. Some 38 states currently adopt or reference NFPA 720, which requires carbon monoxide detection in homes. Some states only require that carbon monoxide alarms be installed in new home construction, while others only require carbon monoxide alarm installations when there is an attached garage or similar construction. Some of these requirements are the result of state statute, while others are amendments to a state’s building code. An article in the May/June 2018 issue of NFPA Journal, “Smarter About Smoke,” provides a complete overview of key changes to the 2019 NFPA 72, including the integration of NFPA 720. Visit nfpa.org. IAFC Foundation Announces 2018 Darley Family Foundation Donation The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation (IAFCF) is the proud recipient of a donation from the Darley Family Foundation in memory of Mr. William J. Darley and Chief Alan Brunacini. The donation will support education scholarships for members of the fire and emergency service. Bill Darley served on the IAFC Foundation board of directors for many years. He was committed to advancing the fire service industry and those who served. He was chairman of the board and CEO at W. S. Darley & Company, was president of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) in the late 1980s, and was involved with the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA). Alan Brunacini joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1958. He served in every department position, was promoted to fire chief in 1978 and retired in 2006. Bruno’s primary focus was firefighter safety. Second only to that, he told his charges, take gentle care of our citizens. The IAFC Foundation provides scholarships that make it possible for fire and EMS first responders to access the advanced learning opportunities necessary to prepare for today’s world. The scholarship awards made by the IAFC Foundation impact the fire service and communities by providing first responders with the educational opportunities they need to lead the fire service and serve and protect our citizens. For more information visit iafcf.org. n
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PRODUCT NEWS
stallation. The two-piece housing is easily handled and installed overhead, while the one-bolt design eliminates alternating during tightening. Visit victaulic.com. ANSUL® Acoustic Nozzle Receives UL Verification Johnson Controls recently received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Verification for its ANSUL® Acoustic Nozzle, making it the first fire protection product to earn a marketing claim verification for performance. This independent, science-based assessment confirms the accuracy of a manufacturer’s marketing claims, allowing customers to be confident in their product selection. The acoustic nozzle earned the verification for this claim: “1/3 octave sound power is less than 110 dB for regulated flow and less than 113 dB for orifice flow.” UL presented the verification certificate to Johnson Controls at the National Fire Protection Association Expo, June 11-14 in Las Vegas. The ANSUL Acoustic Nozzle, in combination with the INERGEN Fire Suppression System, is particularly useful for suppressing fires in hazards where sound levels may affect sensitive electronic equipment. The ANSUL Acoustic Nozzle passed all UL testing standards to perform as acoustically intended using exclusive sound power calculation software. Learn more about the ANSUL acoustic nozzle at ansul.com. Viking Announces Expanded Line of Foam Fire Suppression Systems The Viking Corporation has announced the expansion of its line of foam fire suppression systems. Viking now offers complete, integrated low-expansion foam solutions for the suppression of flammable liquid fires. Protected hazards include fuel storage, refineries, aircraft hangars and helipads, logistics centers, incineration plants, military installations, and jetty loading areas. Viking’s foam system components include: vertical and horizontal bladder tanks, bladder tank hose stations, and atmospheric tanks – single and double wall construction; deluge and concentrate control valves 72 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
FireLock™ Installation-Ready™ Style 109 Rigid Coupling Product Victaulic’s new FireLock™ Installation-Ready™ Style 109 rigid coupling extends one-bolt Installation-Ready technology to 11/4-in. to 4-in. sizes. Previously available to 1 in., the one-bolt design brings increased efficiencies, safety and value to fire protection systems. Rated up to 365 psi with no torque requirement for installation, the Style 109 rigid coupling can be joined up
NFPA Launches Web-Based CodeFinder Tool with Mapping Software The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released CodeFinder™, a new interactive online tool that identifies the NFPA codes and standards that are in effect in U.S. municipalities or counties, as well as in regions of Canada, South America, Latin America and the Middle East. Keeping up with new hazards, changing technologies and best practices is essential when it comes to optimizing safety; but for busy building, design, electrical, emergency response, fire protection and industrial practitioners, it can be daunting to stay current on the codes being enforced in a given country, state or region. CodeFinder helps users around the globe identify the NFPA codes and standards in effect, including those referenced in other codes. The tool considers the data available at the state level, in cities with more than a quarter million in population and in counties with over one million in population (or the largest municipalities in the state). The tool also identifies the NFPA codes and standards being used in countries outside the United States. CodeFinder utilizes color-coded mapping, a convenient hovering feature, and filtering by jurisdiction. Users can also search by topic or by the most frequently used NFPA codes and standards. There is even a place for users to provide code information, if the information is not already included within CodeFinder. The new digital code-finding tool includes International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and International Code Council (ICC) information, as well as the NFPA codes and standards that are referenced within those IAPMO and ICC documents. The referenced NFPA documents are considered part of those codes – and, as
to six times faster than traditional couplings and allows for visual inspection of a single bolt pad, adding confidence in a leak-free in-
such, should be enforced to ensure complete compliance and the ultimate level of safety. CodeFinder also references the NFPA docu-
in grooved, threaded, or flanged inlet and outlet options and angle or straight-through patterns; and a variety of foam proportioning and discharge devices for a wide range of applications, flow rates, and foam system types. Viking’s C6 foam concentrates include synthetic AFFF and ARC concentrates for hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires, Military Specification concentrates for high-risk applications, and Fluoroprotein concentrates for hydrocarbon bulk storage and handling facilities. Also offered is Viking’s FoamPak pre-fabricated and tested foam pumping system, which incorporates a foam pump, pre-wired pump controller, pressure sustaining valve and pressure relief valve in a UL Listed and FM Approved preassembled package. For aircraft hangar and helipad protection, Viking’s patented Grate Nozzle is uniquely designed to be installed in the hangar floor to quickly distribute foam where fuel spills typically occur. Viking foam systems are FM Approved to FMS 130 and UL Listed to UL 162, and many Viking products have also been tested to local approval standards. Details can be found on Viking’s Technical Datasheets. Learn more at vikinggroupinc.com.
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THE FIRE SPRINKLER CONTRACTING WORLD CAN BE A TOUGH CLIMB.
AFSA MEMBER BENEFITS GIVE YOU THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED. • Reliable guidance on technical requirements from our team of fire protection experts • Industry leading resources for fire sprinkler contractors (including Apprenticeship, Design and ITM)
• Exclusive discounts on insurance, technology, and business services • A well-respected voice among code-making officials, legislators, and the media • First year membership discount
• Complimentary webinars • Volunteer opportunities to build leadership skills and develop business contacts • Savings on hundreds of CEU/CPD offerings
PRODUCT NEWS CONT. ments that are in use in Canadian provinces and territories, as well as in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Saudi Arabia and the United American Emirates. Designed to be informational and educational, CodeFinder does not provide a comprehensive or exhaustive list of codes and standards usage, nor are amendments to those codes and standards reflected in the tool. The color-coding on the map reflects only the most up-to-date edition of a particular code or standard incorporated by any authority having jurisdiction. Prior to using the new NFPA resource, users will be prompted to review more details and disclaimers for CodeFinder. Read more at nfpa.org. Johnson Controls Introduces GRINNELL G-Fire One-Bolt Coupling Johnson Controls announces the release of its new GRINNELL G-Fire one-bolt coupling with a revolutionary single-bolt design that eliminates alternate tightening and helps contractors perform quicker, more consistent installations with dependable product performance. Other features of the one-bolt coupling include:
• Pre-lubricated and pre-assembled for fast and easy push-on installation in both vertical and horizontal applications • 360-degree contact for an exceptionally rigid joint • Low-profile spine allows installation of coupling in tighter spaces • Center-stop gasket ensures proper positioning on pipe The one-bolt coupling is UL/ULc Listed and FM Approved, with a pressure rating up to 365 psi. It is available in 2-in. to 8-in. sizes (DN50 to DN200) and is available in painted and galvanized finishes. Visit grinnell.com/onebolt. Viking Launches Mobile Support App for Sprinkler Installers The Viking Group, Inc. announces the launch of a new mobile app to provide technical assistance to installers
in the field. The Valve & System Support App acts like a virtual assistant, providing instant access to technical data, instructional videos, system maintenance and repair instructions, and replacement parts directly from a phone or tablet. The Valve & System Support App provides a full suite of resources for maintenance of Viking’s line of Wet and Dry Valve systems via an intuitive, step-by-step diagnostic process. Users can select common maintenance and repair operations and walk though simple prompts to keep their fire protection systems in top working order. The app also provides access to instructional maintenance and repair videos, technical datasheets, and manuals. Sprinkler contractors can request spare parts directly from the app. Features of the mobile app include the following: • Step-by-step walkthroughs for common valve system maintenance operations • Frequently asked questions and common part replacements • Quick access to technical datasheets, product manuals, and 21 new service and repair videos • “Get Help” feature to contact Viking Technical Services • Find a Viking SupplyNet distribution or fabrication facility • Support for the following Viking systems: º Model F Dry Valve º Model G Dry Valve º Model J-1 Alarm Check Valve º EasyRiser® Check Valve º EasyPac™ Riser Assembly • Additional systems, including deluge and preaction, will be added in future releases The new Viking Valve & System Support App is available now for both Android and iOS on Google Play and the Apple Store.
74 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
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AFSA American Fire Sprinkler Association
REACH OUR MEMBERS YEAR ROUND Get in front of AFSA members throughout the year by becoming a year-round partner. Select from a wide variety of promotional options designed to maximize your brand exposure.
SPRINKLER AGE PRINT The flagship publication of the association, this bimonthly magazine delivers a refreshing view of what’s new and promising in the profession with in-depth feature articles, thought-provoking regular departments, and a great deal more. The digital edition can be accessed online and by all its subscribers, and offers live links to web addresses listed in your advertisement.
NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING Maintain a presence in front of more than 6,000 AFSA members by advertising in our newsletters. AFSA offers premium space in four of its most popular digital publications: Education News, Contractor Network, Tech Update and its Sprinkler Age digital edition notification.
WEBINAR ADVERTISING $500 per 30-second block One of AFSA’s most popular member benefits is access to its multitude of educational webinars. Webinars attract hundreds of eyes and topics run the gamut from the technical, like sprinkler pipe corrosion and NFPA updates, to business management topics, like succession planning and legal issues.
MAILING LIST RENTAL $100 setup fee + $0.50/name + $12 shipping Send a physical mailing piece, such as a brochure or flyer, directly to AFSA members. AFSA supplies printed mailing lists of addresses for your one-time use. Customize your list any way you like.
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Send a dedicated email blast to the over 3,500 fire sprinkler professionals that make up our membership. Email content is subject to approval by AFSA and is sent on partners’ behalf by AFSA.
Purchase a sponsored blog post on SprinklerAge.com with automatic social media postings on AFSA’s main Facebook and Twitter pages. All posts must be approved and will be labeled as paid content.
SIX ADVERTISING OPTIONS, INFINITE OPPORTUNITY Turn contacts into clients. Give your business direct access to decision makers with the Association’s print and electronic advertising opportunities to build your brand. Our team will work with your organization to understand its exact goals and objectives and customize a year-round program that will provide your organization access and visibility to Association members. For more information and to download the media kit, visit firesprinkler.org. To learn more, please contact Nicole Duvall at 214-349-5965 x 126 or advertising@firesprinkler.org.
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS RIDGID® Names Steven Shepard Director of Product Management Steven Shepard has been named director of product management for RIDGID® in Elyria, Ohio. In this role, Shepard will manage the development of new products from ideation through launch, lead global, cross-functional new product development teams and design and implement a growth strategy for RIDGID hand, tubing and pipe fabrication
tools, including the iconic pipe wrench. Shepard is an experienced product manager and leader who previously drove yearover-year net sales growth with Stanley Black & Decker in Connecticut. His deep knowledge of the skilled trades combined with his desire to develop purpose-built, multigenerational tools makes him a great addition to the RIDGID team. Shepard, a Houston native, holds a bachelor of science degree from Sam Houston State University. Visit rigid.com.
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76 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2018
Russell Leavitt Honored with an NFPA Special Achievement Award Russell B. Leavitt, executive chairman of Telgian Holdings, Inc. was recently recognized with a Special Achievement Award by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The award, which was presented during the Technical Committee session, celebrates the significant contribution of a committee member to a single project that has enhanced the NFPA standards development process. Leavitt’s active role as chair of the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinklers, restructuring task group for the 2019 edition led to the recognition. “NFPA 13 is recognized globally as the benchmark standard for the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems. The reformatted NFPA 13 is designed to make this widely used document easier to use and interpret for non-expert users,” explains Leavitt. Over the course of 18 months, Leavitt exhibited incredible dedication to the project, attention to essential details, and strong leadership skills. “Under his direction, the task group developed a methodology for tracking changes of each section of the 2016 edition,” says Kerry Bell, Standards Council chair. In addition, “Russ educated stakeholders of the impending reorganization: presenting at several industry association conferences, answering questions, and ultimately alleviating any lingering concerns around the restructuring. The daunting undertaking of this restructuring was made successful and seamless by Russ’s personal investment in achieving the task assigned by the correlating committee.” Visit nfpa.org or telgian.com. C-Aire Compressors Announces Winner of the S261R-LD1-115PD at the NFPA Convention C-Aire Compressors is excited to announce the winner of a S261R-LD1-115PD fire sprinkler air compressor at the NFPA convention. The lucky winner is: John “Randy” Stubblefield, Fire Safety Systems Shop, Austin, Texas. Con-
Help us Sound the Alarm about fire safety. Every day 7 people die in home fires. You can help change that. This spring, the American Red Cross will team up with fire departments, volunteers, and partners like AFSA to Sound the Alarm with home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events. Volunteers will install 100,000 free smoke alarms in more than 100 at-risk communities across the country.
Help us Sound the Alarm about fire safety.
us millions preventabout thesethe needless tragedies all 50fire states. Help Help educate life-saving benefits in of home sprinklers. The American Fire Sprinkler Association has partnered with the American Red Cross Join AFSA in supporting the Red Cross Home Campaign: Campaign. to include fire sprinklers in their nationwide Home FireFire Preparedness donate at www.redcross.org/afsa-pub orhistoric sign up to volunteer at an event in your community. Be a part of this effort to educate millions about home fire sprinklers, by helping us raise $10,000 to include sprinklers in this campaign.
Donate online at www.redcross.org/afsa-pub To donate go to www.redcross.org/afsa-pub or volunteer at SoundTheAlarm.org.
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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS CONT.
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gratulations! We would like to thank everyone who participated. The S261R-LD1-115PD is a compressor model with a digital pressure switch which eliminates the need for an air maintenance device. The switch can be set to the desired pressure in seconds, saving time and money. It is 27-in. tall and whisper quiet making it ideal for quiet settings such as nursing homes, office buildings, apartments and churches. The unit mounts to risers 2.5 in. and larger and can also be installed on drywall, cinder block or concrete
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walls. A mounting bracket and 30-in. steel braided flex hose is included. The digital pressure switch has a setting range of 5-55 psi and has a minimum differential of 5 psi. The digital pressure switch has a large screen with easy to understand settings. Both the unit and switch are CSA listed to UL standards in USA and Canada. For more information and specs on the S261R-LD1115PD and all of C-Aireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fire sprinkler air compressor line see c-aireinc.com. n
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RASCOflex is the flexible sprinkler drop which sets a new standard for simplicity. The innovative
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