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SprinklerAge
Vol 37 / 05
September/October 2018
Features
8 | Kirschner Receives 2018 Henry S. Parmelee Award Innovator Has Created a Lasting Impact on the Fire Protection Industry
15 | How We “Close the Deal”
Contractors Share Advice, Strategies
16 | Alternate Protection for Rack Storage
An Answer for Many Problems Including Sloped Ceilings
20 | Garages in NFPA 13R
Protection Requirements
22 | NFPA 13 Restructured
2019 Edition New Format Aligns with System Design Process
26 | AFSA Members Help Marine Veteran Rebuild
AFSA Official Sprinkler Provider of Homes for Our Troops
ON THE COVER
28 | Who’s Who in Apprenticeship?
Kraig Kirschner is the 2018 recipient
30 | NFPA 13 2019 and CPVC
Association’s (AFSA) highest honor,
32 | Don Becker Honored by NICET
this issue: NFPA 13 standards update.
Meet the Seven Apprentice Competition Finalists for AFSA37! Exciting Changes Ahead
of the American Fire Sprinkler the Henry S. Parmelee award. Also in
AFSA Member Named Ambassador Emeritus
34 | The Importance of an ITM Arm for Your Business
Get the Upper Hand
36 | Weyant, Meredith Receive 2018 De Camara Scholarships
Exemplary FPE Students Recognized
6
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
62 NEW MEMBERS
38 | Galvanized Steel Sprinkler Piping
63 U.S. CONSTRUCTION
44 | Grow Your Business by Winning Online
66 AFSA NEWS
Current Recommendations in the Fire Protection Industry Tips on How to Help Google Help You
48 | NextGen Initiative Announces December 6 Webinar
Developing a Practical Plan to Work with Schools
64 AHJ PERSPECTIVE 68 CHAPTER NEWS 70 INDUSTRY NEWS
50 | CLSE Establishes Endowed Scholarship
72 PRODUCT NEWS
52 | Building Awareness
78
AFSA Educational Affiliate Institutes Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship
76 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
LFSA Educates Public About Fire Sprinklers
54 | Millennials are Great for the Construction Industry
And Here’s Five Reasons Why
56 | Thank You for Your Support!
Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
58 | AFSA Announces Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter
First Meeting Held, Officers Elected
60 | Restoring the Dignity of Work
Transforming the U.S. Workforce Development System into a World Leader
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 Director of Communications & Social Media, ext. 126; nduvall@firesprinkler.org D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115 dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org ADVERTISING: 214 349 5965
REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org CIRCULATION : 214 349 5965
Greetings. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I became Chairman of the Board of Directors with AFSA. I have to admit, the last year has been eventful. In this last year, your AFSA Board of Directors has focused heavily on the delivery of sustainable value to our members. As such, this focus has been on a thoughtful, deliberate, and measured approach towards our association’s long-term growth. With the US economy booming, the fire sprinkler environment has continued to become ever more competitive. Recognizing this, the Board along with AFSA’s management are taking meaningful steps to help improve our member’s competitiveness, through a constant updating of in place educational programs. One avenue of education that is sometimes overlooked is simple networking. Networking can be done through a variety of ways. The national convention, AFSA chapter meetings, as well as the SprinklerFORUM are excellent networking platforms. AFSA chapter growth throughout the US and Canada is greater than ever before and, of course, AFSA offers the industry’s leading educational opportunities.
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
Whether apprentices, designers, inspectors, or company owners, the bottom line is education built AFSA. We must continue to lead the industry in innovation and training. We have had a successful and productive year. AFSA’s Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program has sold out every school to date and we’ve graduated two classes – the third will graduate in November. The Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School is averaging seven classes per year, nearly all full to capacity. AFSA staff has updated testing methods so students can take tests online – including Phase I testing for our National Apprentice Competition, opening up the contest to more students than ever before. Plans are in full swing and preparations are being finalized for AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, which offers a record-breaking 48 technical and managerial seminars as well as numerous social events. AFSA37 will be very special for me as we will be honoring two close personal friends of mine with service awards. First is my very close friend, mentor, and fellow AFSA Board member Don Albares, vice president of American Sprinkler, Inc., in Harahan, Louisiana. Don has served 24 years and is the longest serving member of our Board. He will be stepping down at the close of AFSA37. Don has given many, many years to this association and has seen it grow from an infant to the largest fire sprinkler association in the country. For me, it will be sad to see Don step down as he has been an absolute pillar in keeping our Board focused and heading in the right direction. I wish Don all the luck in the world moving forward. The second, special award, the Henry S. Parmelee award, will be given to another very good friend and absolutely a mentor of mine, Kraig Kirschner. As is the case with Don Albares, Kraig grew up in this industry. He worked as a contractor then became a manufacturer and supplier. Kraig has been a huge supporter of AFSA for many years. Kraig is where I first learned about the AFSA “family.” He has always reminded me that this industry is full of good people and it has been very good to all of us. The numbers for AFSA37 are approaching records, and this will no doubt be a convention to remember. I look forward to seeing you in DC and at the Chairman’s Reception on October 2. And I look forward to working with the Board, AFSA staff, and you – our members – during the coming year as AFSA strives to accomplish our goals and continues to be the most effective force for the fire sprinkler industry. Thank you. n 6 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
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
ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121 MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, COO, Meetings & Events, ext. 118 LAVERNE DAVIS, CFO & Administration, ext. 112 ROGER GRAGG, Director of Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications & Social Media, ext. 126 BRADLEY ELLIOTT, Director of Member Services, ext. 135 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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Kirschner Receives 2018 Henry S. Parmelee Award Innovator Has Created a Lasting Impact on the Fire Protection Industry D’ARCY MONTALVO | American Fire Sprinkler Association
“Brevity is the soul of wit.” This proverb comes from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Anyone who knows Kraig Kirschner wouldn’t be surprised to know this is one of his favorite sayings. A man of few words, his articles are known for bullet points and a short, yet effective, style. “Intelligent speech and writing should aim at using few words,” Kirschner commented, when notified that he had been selected as the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 2018 Henry S. Parmelee award recipient. But we pressed this third-generation contractor and second-generation manufacturer to expand on his bullet list of accomplishments within the fire protection industry so that we could share why he is a perfect fit for this prestigious award. Family Business Kirschner grew up in the industry as both his father and grandfather were involved in fire sprinkler contracting. In 1930, his grandfather Joe Mitchell founded Standard Automatic Sprinkler. His father Joe Kirschner founded Automatic Fire Control in 1952. “Automatic Fire Control was a large contractor in the state of California at that time. My father had two degreed fire protection engineers on staff when there were only a total of five in the state at that time.” Growing up, Kirschner worked in pipe fabrication and field installation before moving on to college where he earned two Bachelor of Science degrees: in animal science and agricultural business management. He cowboyed for a living and then returned to work for his father. “My dad didn’t give me any breaks,” Kirschner remembers. “He made me join the union apprenticeship program and work my way up, even though I had two degrees, field experience, and was in my ‘20s. I eventually became a journeyman fitter for 669 and personally held contractors’ licenses in nine states.” Over the years, Automatic Fire Control had many high-profile clients including Fox Film Studios, Gulfstream Aerospace, Mattel Corporation, and Southern Pacific Railroad and had contracts as far as Canada and Mexico. 8 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Kraig Kirschner has been selected to receive AFSA’s highest honor, its Henry S. Parmelee award.
In 1951, his father Joe founded Hythercanics to develop and promote his first fire sprinkler products, Kirschner says. “He chose the acronym AFCON to brand many of his products. The acronym was derived from Automatic Fire Control equals AFCON.” AFCON manufactured UL-Listed and FM-Approved sprinkler heads from 1953 to 1973. The company later manufactured a complete line of fire sprinkler hanger products.
Joe Kirschner developed several ground-breaking products including the AFCON Model A sprinkler head: • The first series FM-Approved standard spray sprinkler. • The first sprinkler design to exclusively incorporate punch-press-manufactured operating components. • The first spring-operated thermal mechanism. In 1968, he invented AFCON’s Model A sway brace: • First patented sway brace fitting. • First Listed sway brace fitting. • For 20 years, the only Listed fitting. • Infinitely adjustable. • Founding concept design adopted by competitors after original patent expired.
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Joe Kirschner (left photo) designed ground-breaking products for the industry: the Model A sprinkler head (center photo), and the Model A sway brace (right photo).
Kirschner took over for his father in 1981. He recognized that rapidly evolving fire sprinkler system design was being impacted by the construction industry’s expanding use of engineered structural building components. Kirschner wanted AFCON’s manufacturing effort to be directed toward a varied array of hanging and bracing products to address this rapidly evolving contracting and building environment. He knew that design and manufacturing from the contractor’s point of view would prove beneficial to AFCON and its customers. Under his leadership, the company reached a total of 28 patents owned. Kirschner also developed sway brace software and consulted on clients’ projects by providing advisory and standards advocacy. “Beyond being just the face of AFCON, Kraig comes from a strong contracting background. He wasn’t just handed his family’s business, he had to earn it,” states John Deutsch, design manager at Shambaugh & Son, LP, Brea, California. “He put himself through school, earning a living on the rodeo circuit. He still wears his jeans and belt buckle with pride.” “That same work ethic has driven Kraig to improve his family’s company and take the business to the next level. He always looks at product development from the end users’ point of view, making him a successful manufacturer. With Kraig’s leadership, AFCON has evolved from a successful regional fire sprinkler contractor to a major manufacturer of products used worldwide,” Deutsch concludes. In 2017, Anvil International, one of the largest manufacturers of pipe fittings, pipe hangers, and piping support systems in the world, acquired AFCON. “The AFCON acquisition strengthened Anvil International’s hanger and seismic bracing product line to offer the best fire protection package in the industry,” says Dean Taylor, vice president of Anvil International. However, with the sale, Kirschner didn’t disappear from the industry. Currently, he is a consultant to Taylor in the areas of 10 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
standards advocacy, research and development, and interfacing with national and local sprinkler associations. Industry Involvement Kirschner is actively involved in many industry organizations. He is an honorary life member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is a founding member of the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Hanging & Bracing Technical Committee. He was also an original member of the NFPA 13 AUT-HBS, ASCE 7 Correlating Committee. “Kraig Kirschner exemplifies investing in the industry and in others!” comments Christian Dubay, P.E., vice president and chief engineer at NFPA. “Kraig has shared his technical expertise through the NFPA standards development process, serving on NFPA 13 for over 20 years. Early on Kraig took the time to invest in my technical development and always made time to answer questions, work through unique problems, or revisit the extensive history. I am grateful for his commitment to NFPA and his personal investment in my career. I have the utmost respect for Kraig and his technical expertise, and at the same time count him as a great friend of almost 20 years who I always enjoy catching up with on family and life – hopefully, over a glass or bottle of amazing wine!” Kirschner also serves on Underwriters Laboratories’ (UL) 203, Standard for Pipe Hanger Equipment for Fire Protection Service, and UL 203A, Standard for Sway Brace and Restraint Devices for Sprinkler System Piping. He also consults on FM Global’s FM 2-8, Earthquake Protection for Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and FM 1950, Seismic Sway Braces For Pipe, Tubing And Conduit. Kirschner has also been active with the Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association of Southern California (FSCA). Founded in 1942, this organization has over 100 company members and has always included union and non-union. The association was FPC magazine’s 2017 organization of the year.
Kirschner heeling at the Riverside Rancheros’ Ten Steer Roping.
Kirschner making a muddy stop at the Larry Mahan All-Pro Rodeo in Costa Mesa, California.
Kirschner is a current director and past officer of FSCA, and was also instrumental in starting its annual charity golf tournament which has raised over $1 million. Each year before the tournament, Kirschner, along with the other FSCA directors, hosts the exclusive Pelican Crew golf outing, an event he created over 22 years ago to thank the industry leaders who sponsor FSCA’s annual tournament.
Kirschner is also a past chairman of the Los Angeles Fire Protection Forum which was founded in 1939 and was the precursor to the local Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). In addition, he has been a member of NFSA for 50 years and served as treasurer of his local NFSA chapter for 10 years.
“Pelican Crew participants come from across the country to golf in Newport Beach,” comments Kirschner. “There’s nothing better than playing beach golf in Southern California and connecting with these VIPs who support us. The FSCA is grateful to them, value their friendship, and want them to know that.” Chip Lindley is president of FSCA. “Kraig’s many patents are a testament to his creativity and unique insight into the mind of the installer. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting Kraig will know immediately that he is throwback to a time when personal relationships meant everything and a man’s word was solid, like oak.”
In addition to developing and authoring patents, Kirschner has written over 50 articles for industry publications and made numerous presentations within the industry for fitters, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and groups including AFSA, NFPA, and NFSA. He was also named Fire Protection Contractor (FPC) magazine’s 2009 Fire Person of the Year. Kirschner has been heavily involved with AFSA for over 20 years. He has served on the Apprenticeship & Education, Convention, and Membership committees, and was a founding member of the Site Selection committee with past Chairman of the Board Willie Templin.
Henry S. Parmelee Award Recipients 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
John M. Rhodes, FM Global Research Corp. William J. Meyer, Central Sprinkler Corporation C. B. Hall, American Automatic Sprinkler Co. Harold L. Black, Central Fire Protection, Inc. Edward J. Reilly, Ed Reilly Associates Richard T. Groos, The Viking Corporation Ron Coleman, Chief, Fullerton Fire Dept., CA Frank J. Fee III, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Corp. Dr. John M. Bryan, University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering W. D. (Dave) Hilton, Chief, Cobb County Fire Department, GA J. Frank Riseden, AFSA President 1983-1991 Haden B. Brumbeloe, Publisher, FPC Magazine Edward H. Smith, H.F.P. Corporation Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of the SouthEast Chester W. Schirmer, Schirmer Engineering Corp. Tom Siegfried, Retired Chief, Altamonte Springs, FL Donald D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co.
12 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Robert L. McCullough, AllSouth Sprinkler Company (awarded posthumously) Buck Buchanan, Central Sprinkler Corporation Frank M. Winiecki, General Sprinkler Corporation Jack Viola, H.F.P. Corporation Lowell Gillett, Fire Engineering Co., Inc. (retired) Joe Hankins, FM Global (retired) Art Cote, National Fire Protection Association Tom Groos, The Viking Corporation William E. Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc. Lloyd Ivy, AFSA Director of Membership (1986-2008) Marty Giles, VSC Fire & Security Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. Bob Rees, Sunland Fire Protection Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corporation James Golinveaux, Tyco Fire Protection Products George Wagner, Worsham Sprinkler Company Steve Muncy, AFSA President (1991-2016) Robert (Bob) G. Caputo, Fire & Life Safety America Kraig Kirschner, AFCON
was instituted in 1983 to recognize an outstanding individual who has dedicated him or herself to the professional advancement of the automatic fire sprinkler industry and to the goal of fire and life safety through automatic sprinklers. It is named for Henry S. Parmelee, who is recognized as the inventor of the first commercially successful closed sprinkler head.
“Kraig’s industry involvement as a contractor then as a manufacturer/supplier has very few parallels,” says AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz, president of Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Lodi, California. “He has spent many years being an advocate for and supporter of AFSA, and has spent his entire life promoting this industry. I could write a small book about the good things he has done.” Kirschner installing a fire pump early in his career.
Kirschner remembers at his first AFSA function, he could “feel the integrity and humble, caring attitude of the Board of Directors and staff. I was surprised by their complete lack of pretention, self-promotion, and impressed by how dedicated they were.” “At an early convention, Bob McCullough approached my wife Deborah and me, asking us to join him and his wife at their table which included many members of the Board of Directors and their wives – last names like Black, Giles, Strickland, Templin, Rees, and Viola. Years later, I asked Bob ‘Why me?’ and he replied ‘Like us, you’re an owner and a sprinkler man.’” “Needless to say, my wife and I hold these men and their wives in the highest regard. Their ethos is evident right through the core of the AFSA Board and staff. Older to younger, they generously vest their time and talents for the betterment of their membership. I am seriously impressed with the quality, talent, and experience evidenced by the younger generation of the AFSA Board and staff. Their efforts and leadership will definitely surpass all expectations and guarantee AFSA’s continuing authority and prestige.” Let’s Rodeo The fire protection industry isn’t the only field in which Kirschner excels. He is an honorary gold card holder in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, PRCA is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. Annually, the PRCA sanctions about 650 top-of-theline multiple-event rodeos in North America. Kirschner also supports the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The museum was founded in 1955 and collects, preserves, and exhibits an internationally renowned collection of Western art and artifacts while sponsoring educational programs to stimulate interest in the legacy of the American West. Awards and Accolades The highest honor AFSA bestows upon an individual, the Henry S. Parmelee award
AFSA Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland J. Huggins, PE, has known Kirschner for many years. “With Kraig’s prior contracting background combined with his knowledge from developing and manufacturing products, I’ve often called him to discuss the nuances of NFPA 13 criteria. Due to his depth of understanding, he’s almost the oracle of seismic. Not bad for a rodeo guy.” “Not only is Kraig an astute businessman, he has been an active participant on many of AFSA’s committees throughout the years,” AFSA Past Chairman of the Board Jack Viola states. “He has donated his time, talents, and money to assist AFSA contractor and associate members on so many projects to promote the fire sprinkler industry. He is truly an association guy and great friend to our industry. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate my good friend on receiving the Parmelee award and wish him and Debbie success and health in all of their future endeavors.” “Kraig Kirschner is who I think of when the Parmelee award in mentioned,” comments Past AFSA Chairman of the Board Manning Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Inc., Forestville, Maryland. “Kraig is truly a friend of the sprinkler industry. He is a man you want on your committee when you have an important task to get done. I have enjoyed my friendship with him and Deborah over the past 20 years. I have many fond memories of all the good times with Kraig, Marty, and many others over the years. Well deserved, my friend, and may God bless you and your family.” “KK has the unique skill of being his own man while at the same time being a spokesman for our entire industry,” states AFSA Region 6 Director Mike Meehan, president, VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia. “His business savvy has reaped him many rewards but it is his ethos to always stand on his own two feet and to seek out the good and the positive in life that is the real source of his extraordinary success. He is the only man I know that Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 13
can use the popular and catchy phrase ‘This ain’t my first rodeo’ and have it be completely true.” George DiMatteo, president of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Mansfield, Texas has been a friend and colleague of Kirschner’s for many years. “Kraig’s dedication to the promotion of the fire sprinkler industry and AFSA has been his priority since the beginning of his journey. The growth of his innovative company brand, AFCON, was a catalyst that allowed Kraig to drive change in our industry. His passion for constant improvement for our industry has never wavered, and he is part of that great generation that has laid the foundation for the change and growth we have experienced all these years.” DiMatteo continues: “I am very proud and humbled to have witnessed the lifetime achievements that are being recognized with this highest honor, and I value Kraig’s friendship and mentorship.” “Kraig is a leader in the Southern California fire sprinkler industry, both in hanger and bracing innovation and support of the industry,” says Randy Howell, president/ CEO, Kimble and Company, Huntington Beach, California. “I consider him a friend and a Southern California fire sprinkler historian. If you want to know some history Kraig is the guy. He is definitely one of the good guys.”
“Kraig believes in the nobility of the fire sprinkler industry,” states John Deutsch.“ As everyone who has had the privilege of dining with Kraig knows, he ‘never eats rubber chicken’ and his favorite toast is ‘Here’s to enough!’” AFSA Chief Operating Officer of Meetings & Events Marlene Garrett, CMP, concurs with those in the industry. “Kraig is so passionate about his support of AFSA. His involvement with the convention committees over the years has been instrumental in the success of these events. We truly value his work on committees and dedication to the industry. I am thrilled that Kraig is receiving this well-deserved honor.”
Kirschner shies away from all the accolades, instead preferring to shine a light on others. He notes the appropriateness of cowboy analogies to the AFSA Board and staff. To quote two: • “They ride for the brand.” • “They pay it forward.” “AFSA has provided the best national platform to interact with my constituency and further my development professionally,” Kirschner says. “You get out what you put in... the way you put in.” It’s obvious Kirschner has put “in” time and time again for the betterment of the industry as a whole. Viola notes that Kirschner has always been “an industry professional who continually gives back to the industry that he was born into and loves.” 14 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
A very rare Factory Mutual-Approved redwood fire tank that Kirschner installed in 1975. “It’s something you don’t see these days!” he comments.
DiMatteo echoes that sentiment. “Kraig is well deserving of the highest honor given by AFSA. He has spent a lifetime representing the core values this award represents, walking through life with pride, dignity, and the highest ethical standards I have ever witnessed. It’s in Kraig’s character to transform something good into something great, and he has never sat on the sidelines in our industry.” Join fellow industry members in the nation’s capital as AFSA presents Kirschner with its 2018 Henry S. Parmelee award during AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition, & Apprentice Competition. The award will be presented to Kirschner during the general session on Tuesday, October 2. “Kraig’s passion for the promotion of the sprinkler industry is unprecedented. There is no one that I know that is more generous with their time, praise, and goodwill,” comments Randy Nelson, CEO, VFS Fire & Security Services, Orange, California. “Kraig isn’t just a great ‘sprinkler man,’ he is without a doubt one of the great people in this world who I have had the good fortune of getting to know… not just as an industry professional, but as a friend. Congratulations to Kraig Kirschner!” n
How We “Close the Deal” Contractors Share Advice, Strategies To build your business you need to continually “close the deal.” What are some tried and proven ways to do that? Sprinkler Age surveyed contractors around the country to learn their best practices when dealing with customers and winning projects. There is an old saying in sales – “ABC – Always Be Closing,” and it speaks to the heart of what we do. The question is “How do you close the deal?” My first thought is that we have to clear the minefield before we step into it. Our industry is not unlike most others – it is about relationships. The best advice that I give to our salespeople, and attempt to model myself, is that you must close the deal before it is a deal. How do you do that? You build relationships with people who you do business with. You invest in them and you don’t fake it. If you do business with companies and people who you truly admire and care about; the deals will close themselves. – Rod DiBona, Rapid Fire, Inc., Rapid City, SD Closing the deal comes after an understanding of what is most important to our customers, as well as a continued relationship of trust, delivering on our promises on every single project. It’s our responsibility to bring our knowledge, as industry experts, of what the customer needs, hear them when they talk, then provide for them what they want. It’s not enough to just be the industry expert. Being a good listener is 75 percent of closing the deal. – Scott Cox, Cox Fire Protection, Inc., Tampa, FL It’s more than getting the job. Our motto is “Assurance with Trust.” It means giving the customer the assurance you understand what they want and they can trust you to deliver. If you can do that, both you and the customer will be happy in the end. Sometimes, you have to know that “closing the deal” means NOT getting the job. Some of the best jobs I closed are the ones I walked away from. Trust your instincts and experience. – Jay Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Inc., Forestville, MD I think the easiest way to close the deal is to have a company philosophy that stresses customer satisfaction. This is accomplished by being on time on projects, doing the work right without complications. I have found that the customer, regardless if that is a general contractor, building owner, or developer, do not want to deal with headaches caused by incompetent subcontractors. This all starts with proper training of your workforce including apprentices, job foremen, project managers, and even the sales force. Once you demonstrate to a client that you can handle things with minimum impact to them, you have created a trust factor that goes a long way towards “closing
the deal.” Once that trust factor is established pricing almost becomes secondary. – Ted Wills, Anchor Fire Protection Co.,Perkiomenville, PA Don’t ever give up! Even though it may seem like it, don’t assume that the odds are stacked against you. Make sure the customer is comparing apples to apples, provide your customer something that the competition isn’t, and be sure to give a detailed list of your scope and exclusions on your proposal. The squeaky wheel always gets the grease, so make sure you talk to your customer to see how you compare to your competition. Showing good faith and a willingness to help may just get you the job regardless of price. – Justin Petcosky, Petcosky Fire Protection, Vestal, NY For sure the best way to close any deal is to let them know that you want the business. The strategy that seems to work the best for me with a newer client is to invest some time during the pre-construction phase of a project to suggest some value engineering options and ask some relevant questions. If I see some issues with the design that may come up later in the project, I try to point those out with some suggestions to correct the issue. That could be whether a job is under or over designed or whether there is particular requirements of a job that may drive the price up that I can point out and offer alternatives that may help them sell the job to their client in budget. Depending on how conversations went during the pre-bid phase and the complexity of the job, I typically call a day or two after the bid is due to thank the customer for the opportunity to work on the job with them and ask them if they think the owner thought their proposal was in budget and see what else they are working on. Really, I am fishing to find out how my price looked, and I can usually get some indication if they used my numbers or suggestions in the bid. If the job is larger and there is a scope check meeting, these earlier calls will help me know if the contractor will want to negotiate on the deal or not. I will almost always tell the contractor that they have my best price. I will do my best to get some concession in scope for any pre-contract negotiations of price. The ability to meet schedules for shop drawings and having a reputation for delivering on those assurances is key to winning business. The short answer is to let the customer know you want their business. Be engaged, be creative, be firm, and be timely. – Chris Johnson, Piper Fire Protection, Inc., Clearwater, FL Thanks to our members for sharing some of their tips! If you’d like to participate in future Sprinkler Age surveys, email info@sprinklerage.com. n Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 15
Alternate Protection for Rack Storage An Answer for Many Problems Including Sloped Ceilings ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE | American Fire Sprinkler Association
When a localized portion of the rack has a commodity that requires a design basis greater than what the ceiling system can provide, there is an alternate protection scheme within the rack that requires far less water than a ceiling system (even ceiling systems with in-rack sprinklers). Though it’s stated intent is to address higher hazard commodities, it also provides a design basis for storage with sloped ceilings. Although this article will focus on nuances about the method itself, the main message is that there is now an option other than installing a new horizontal ceiling when the ceiling is sloped. This option is addressed in the 2016 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, sections 16.1.2.4 and 17.1.2.9 with the latter stating: “The protection of Group A plastic commodities requiring a greater level of protection than is available from the overhead sprinkler system shall be permitted to be protected in accordance with 17.1.2.9.1 through 17.1.2.9.7.” Chapter 16 uses the identical verbiage excepts references Class I through IV and its own section numbers. Let’s start off by discussing what this criterion applies to. It’s an interesting choice of words to say when one requires more protection than is available from the overhead sprinkler system. If one interprets the use of “available” to mean as is currently installed, that would mean it applies only when performing an evaluation of an existing system. This is not the intent (although it obviously can be applied to it). To get a better understanding of intent, let’s start with the fact that a single system can have more than one design basis. As stated in section 11.1.1: “A building or portion thereof shall be permitted to be protected in accordance with any applicable design approach at the discretion of the designer.” The phrase “portion thereof ” confirms we can have more than one design basis. So, when looking at a new design where the majority of the space contains a Class I commodity, the entire ceiling could be based on Class I and this criterion could be applied just within the rack in the portion of the building that contains Class IV commodity. Naturally, the owner has to understand that all future similar products must be located only in the segregated portion of the rack (or that rack modifications be expanded) but that’s a different story. The main question that comes to my mind is whether it applies to exposed, expanded Group A plastics. To provide as brief an answer as possible, when it says applies to Group A plastics, it indeed means any Group A plastic commodity. If it didn’t, it would state the limitations as done in the other sections. 16 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
This criterion can be applied when there is no other guidance (within NFPA 13) such as exposed expanded Group A plastic when using spray sprinklers. It’s also of great value when the water supply is marginal and a localized higher ceiling demand would drive you to a water pump. For example, for exposed expanded Group A plastics in racks, the only identified option is ESFR sprinklers with a K-Factor of 25.2 flowing at 60 psi. This would require around 2,900-plus gpm (with overage) at 120-plus psi. It’s also limited to storage greater than 35 ft and buildings no higher 40 ft (as well as the obstruction headaches). Amazingly, for the above example, this alternative approach for the more demanding double or multiple row racks would have a system demand of only around 570 gpm at 45 psi. Considering all these factors, plus the fact that this approach includes no ceiling sprinklers, a better way of phrasing it would have been “than available from an overhead sprinkler system.” Also, allow me to emphasize that it is only in chapters 16 and 17 so it applies to standard commodities and does not apply to rolled paper, rubber tires, etc. So, what tells us that we can use this approach for sloped ceilings? Let’s first start with a reminder about sloped ceilings in storage (since this question still comes up with some regularity). Section 12.1.2 states: “Ceiling Slope. The sprinkler system criteria specified in Chapter 12 and Chapters 14 through 20 are intended to apply to buildings with ceiling slopes not exceeding 2 in 12 (16.7 percent) unless modified by a specific section in Chapter 12 and Chapters 14 through 20.” Although the use of the word “intended” is rather soft, it’s telling us there is no criteria when the ceiling slope exceeds 12 in 12. Many assume that simply applying a 30 percent increase to the size of the remote area accounts for the slope. That allowance is discussed in section 11.2.3.2.4 and it explicitly states “ ... in nonstorage applications.” That is until now, but unfortunately it is not yet stated as an allowance in NFPA 13. So why do I make this claim? In order to get to the answer, it’s easiest if we start with discussing how we apply this option when there is a second design basis within the storage family (and a horizontal ceiling). There are two sections that specifically address the design basis outside the boundary of this option. These are: • “17.1.2.9.2 Commodities that can be protected by the ceiling level sprinkler system shall be permitted to be stored vertically
above and horizontally adjacent to the portions of the storage rack equipped as prescribed by 17.1.2.9.” • “17.1.2.9.7 Ceiling Sprinkler System. The ceiling-level sprinkler system shall be designed based on the highest commodity hazard not protected by the criteria prescribed by 17.1.2.9.” These tell us that product can be stored above and beside the potion of the rack using the alternative approach. It also tells us that the ceiling density is based only on the product outside the boundary of the option. So, if there was a single tier above the option, then the ceiling would be based upon a storage height of 5 ft (using the standard dimension of 4 to 5 ft per load). In other words, the top boundary of the alternative approach is considered the floor for the contents above it. Now combine the above with section 17.1.2.9.6 that states: “The in-rack sprinkler demand shall not be required to be hydraulically balanced with the ceiling-level sprinkler system. There is no interaction between the ceiling sprinklers and the in-rack sprinklers.” For all intents and purposes, this portion of the rack is treated as a different compartment.
occupancy. This would not be a recommended ceiling density for a facility that could change storage arrangements in the future, but for this scenario it’s adequate protection for an area that contains no fuel load. The debate as to what design basis should be applied is also a different story, but that portion is not being used for storage. We are quite comfortable assigning different uses of floor space when separated horizontally and granted we aren’t used to treating the vertical spaces differently but that is the case. A last point is in order to ignore a ceiling slope greater than 2 in 12, the entire warehouse would have to be rack storage using this approach (aka no solid pile storage) or have areas used for other uses that are protected using the occupancy hazard approach. Additionally, putting a barrier above the top tier can be a pain unless you are lucky enough to be able to request the rack uprights be extended (without a horizontal member so as to avoid any attempts to push the storage higher). Until the conclusion of this line of logic is added to NFPA 13, it’s to be treated as an alternate approach under section 1.5 that requires approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
So, the next question is: if the boundary of this option (that being the required horizontal barrier) is over the top tier of the rack so there is nothing above it, what is the required design basis at the ceiling? This is no different than the area above the drop ceiling for an office located within a warehouse. Other than the 15-ft extension of the adjacent higher hazard (for which there is none if the entire warehouse is using the alternative approach), the design basis would be a light hazard
Regardless of the sloped ceiling application, this option has many potential uses, so it’s worth spending a little time discussing some of the details about it. This option is effectively blocking off a portion of the rack and putting in a bunch of in-rack sprinklers that are flowing a bunch of water. The boundary always consists of a horizontal barrier at the top but not always the sides. In horizontally separating this portion of the rack from adjacent commodities, there’s a
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choice of either a vertical barrier or extending the in-rack sprinklers one pallet load in all directions. I think that’s an easy choice. It’s interesting that other alternate schemes like the ESFR for exposed expanded Group A plastics requires a vertical barrier but that’s a ceiling-only approach. Another way of looking at this difference is that it’s a testament to the effectiveness of in-rack sprinklers. The portion of the rack is also divided with horizontal barriers typically located at every other tier. It’s not by the number of tiers but a maximum vertical spacing of 12 ft. The barriers can be sheet metal (minimum 22 gauge) or plywood (minimum 3/8 in.). On a related note, this sheds some light on the ambiguous guidance for horizontal barriers in sections 16.1.9 and 17.1.8. These sections accompany the options that require barriers with ceiling spray sprinkler and simply identify the allowed types of materials. The annex then says it shall be of sufficient strength to avoid sagging. The barriers are also required to cover the entire area including the longitudinal and transverse flue (with one exception). As similarly identified elsewhere for in-rack barriers, it must be fitted around vertical rack members (and pipe which isn’t mentioned elsewhere). This also has a related note on the gaps which contributes confusion instead of clarity. The definition of “horizontal barriers” (section 3.9.5) states all flues shall be covered. The new option also states all flues shall be covered. Now, to the allowed gap around the uprights. The barrier criteria in sections 16.1.9 and 17.1.8 says within 2 inches around the uprights whereas 16.1.2.4.3.4(3)
says within 3 inches of vertical rack members. This is a minor difference in allowed dimensions that we’ll hopefully correlate later but most would interpret both to mean the gap is immediately adjacent to the upright. That is not the case. All of the figures for the alternative approach say at the rack upright but they show the gap running the entire transverse flue between the uprights (aisle to aisle). This obviously has to be resolved next cycle. It is noteworthy that every gap has an in-rack sprinkler at every longitudinal flue and for double- and multiple-row racks, face sprinklers. Allowing gaps between the uprights for all barriers is appropriate if there are similar in-rack sprinklers at the gaps (another discussion to be had with your AHJ). There is one last nuance I wanted to discuss is on the in-rack sprinklers. There are several interesting aspects to them. One is that either ceiling-only or in-rack sprinklers can be used. Considering that there is a really large shield (aka the barrier) above them, why only require a sprinkler with a really small shield? Another aspect is that the design basis for Class I to IV is the same as that for Group A plastics. The required discharge is 60 gpm (with six sprinklers calculated for single-row rack and eight sprinklers for double- and multiple-row racks). It’s also interesting that a minimum K-factor of 8.0 is identified. Considering that will require a starting pressure of 56.3 psi. are they going to be used very often? Obviously, this article did not attempt to cover all the installation details associated with this alternate approach because they are pretty straightforward. The main point is that despite the pain associated with installing horizontal barriers, this alternate approach can solve a lot of problems. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roland Huggins, PE is the senior vice president of Engineering and Technical Services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and registered in Fire Protection Engineering. He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Huggins has served on the NFPA Standards Council and is a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13 Correlating Committee, NFPA 13 Discharge Criteria, and NFPA 5000 (Building Code) Correlating Committee. NFPA activities have included participating on the editing of the Sprinkler Handbook and the Fire Protection Handbook. Other national activities involve the NFPA Research Foundation, UL Standard Technical Panels, and NICET. He has conducted many seminars and presentations as well as written numerous sprinkler-related articles. Huggins is a veteran. Reproduced with permission from NFPA 13-2016, Standard for the 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. 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.
18 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
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Garages in NFPA 13R Protection Requirements TOM NOBLE, CET, CFPS | American Fire Sprinkler Association
Sprinkler protection in NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, would appear to be straightforward, but with architects getting more creative with their designs, we are forced to seek assistance in navigating the nuances of the standard. The committee members have taken a big step in defining how to protect garages. This article will discuss the three possible design bases, but the main point is clarification that has been added in the 2019 edition. There are several factors that must be considered before being able to determine the proper protection scheme for garages. The most significant one is: are the garages accessible by just one tenant or are they publicly available to anyone
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who lives in the building? Most of the allowances we discuss here have been in the standard since the 2002 edition of NFPA 13R with some minor revisions along the way. When it comes to garages that have to be sprinklered under the guidance of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, what are the driving factors that require a full-size system? Let’s start this discussion assuming a minimum remote area of 1,500 ft2. These garages will be accessed by more than one dwelling unit. These garages receive a higher level of protection by applying specific design parameters from NFPA 13. This is still an NFPA 13R system and the determination of what areas are to be protected is still defined by NFPA 13R. Sprinklers shall be spaced per ordinary hazard occupancies. There are a few things we need to look at, such as: can we use a wet system with quick response sprinklers for a remote area reduction per NFPA 13 section 11.2.3.2.3.1? While this is not explicitly stated, it is allowed provided we meet all five of the items listed. For example if the garage has a ceiling height of 10 ft that’s a 40 percent reduction in remote area size from 1,500 ft2 to 900 ft2. If our sprinklers are spaced at 125 ft2 per sprinkler, we have moved from discharging 12 sprinklers in our calculation to just eight sprinklers. That can be a huge benefit if water pressure is an issue or to prevent having to use larger sized pipes. Conversely, if the system must be a dry system, this drives our design area to 1,950 ft2. A question that occasionally comes up is: can we use a standard response sprinkler in lieu of a quick response sprinkler since we are designing to an ordinary hazard occupancy? The answer is “no” since NFPA 13R section 6.2.2.1 says sprinklers located outside the dwelling unit shall be quick response
except as permitted by section 6.2.2.2. This section allows residential sprinklers to be installed outside the dwelling unit in eight different areas, one of which is inside garages per section 7.3.3.1(1). Currently, all information leads us to quick-response sprinklers. For 2019, though, a new section allows us to use standard response sprinklers when using NFPA 13 criteria. The committee statement was: “Currently all sprinklers outside the dwelling unit must be quick response or residential. In garages, many times it is difficult to route wet sprinkler piping to the limitations of a standard spray quick response sidewall sprinkler. In some configurations a dry system has to be installed. Allowing standard response sprinklers will give the user more options.” Let’s now look at another possible option for areas outside the dwelling unit (garages). Section 7.2.3.1 allows us to use a “hybrid” room design method in compartments 500 ft2 or less. This is very much like a room design method from NFPA 13, only doors are not required to be rated and rated construction is only 30 minutes even for ordinary hazard occupancies. You are still limited by the size openings, but we can ignore the opening from the overhead door in that assessment. You must meet all of the five items listed. But the payoff is a maximum of four sprinklers. This option will not likely come into play very often since smaller garages will typically be serving only one dwelling unit (which allows the next option). Let’s move on to garages protected by NFPA 13R with the lowest required system demand. If the garage is not an open space and is separated into individual garages serving a single dwelling unit, it can be protected per the requirements of section 7.3.3. It states: “ ... shall be considered as part of
that dwelling unit” (basically an extension of your living room). We can use either residential or quick-response sprinklers including quick-response extended-coverage sprinklers at a density of 0.05 gpm/ft2 per section 7.3.3.1 flowing no more than four sprinklers. Is this telling us that just because the unit serves only one unit, that the level of protection is equivalent to that typically required for a garage? Section A.7.3.3 explains that residential and quick response sprinklers discharging 0.05 gpm/ft2 have not been tested for use in garages, but field experience has shown they will activate and sound an alarm while discharging water assisting in controlling a fire. This philosophy was borrowed from NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. This is an amazingly casual thought for the technical committee in this situation. The provisions of section 7.3.3.1(3) allows us to use a density less than light hazard occupancies, but if you do the math a 5.6K sprinkler operating at a minimum of 7 psi would be all but impossible to actually achieve the 0.05 gpm/ft2 density obvious answer is to use a smaller K-factor sprinkler to limit the over discharging in the garage. This raises the question when using spray sprinklers (since smaller K-factors can only be used in a light hazard occupancy) can it be applied in a garage (which is an ordinary hazard Group I)? The obvious answer is “yes,” but since the standard doesn’t explicitly say that be prepared to point out that the very low density confirms the intent is to allow smaller K-factors. Additionally, residential sprinklers can be used with no restrictions and most have a K-factor less than 5.6, so why would we limit the k-factor on one and not the other? The biggest issue that we’ve seen with this option is can it be applied to a private garage where the access door of the garage opens into a public corridor? This issue has been cleaned up in the 2019 edition. Previously, the typical interpretation (that we’ve always argued against) is that to apply this option, the garage had to be attached (share a common wall with a door into the
garage) because section 7.3.3 states: “Garages that are accessible only from a single dwelling unit ...” Now the committee revised the standard in the 2019 edition with a new section 7.3.3: “Garages that serve only a single dwelling unit shall be considered as part of that dwelling unit.” The old criteria was retained as section 7.3.4. While the wording is similar to the old criteria, its intent is for garages accessed by only one dwelling unit regardless of the separation. To confirm that, you can look at the 2019 edition section A.7.3.4 that states: “Garages serving a single dwelling unit include garages that are directly connected to the dwelling unit and garages that are served by a common corridor with access limited to a single owner or tenant.” The thought behind this is that the fire loading inside the garages are no different than if the garage was directly accessible from within the dwelling unit itself.
used. The primary driving variable, though, is whether or not the garage serving more than one dwelling unit. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tom Noble, CET, CFPS, is technical programs specialist for AFSA. He has 23 years’ experience in the fire protection industry. Noble is tasked with writing AFSA’s informal interpretations on technical questions, as well as co-teaching AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler Planning School. Noble serves on the NFPA 13 Installation, NFPA 13D, and NFPA 13R committees, and is a member of NFPA’s Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP) certification advisory group. 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 closing, there are three options that can be applied to sprinkler protection in garages. It’s pretty black and white when and where the different options can be
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 21
NFPA 13 Restructured 2019 Edition New Format Aligns with System Design Process BOB CAPUTO CFPS, CET | Fire & Life Safety America
The 2019 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, will introduce a new era in terms of the format and layout of the standard. This reorganization was done to better match and align with the fire sprinkler system design/analysis processes, as opposed to current and past editions which tended to jump around, with multiple redundancies in some cases. In this revised edition, relevant information has been grouped together to limit that “jumping around” to find all of the requirements for things like fire department connections, which in prior editions had requirements in three different chapters. Redundancies have been removed from the standard wherever possible to avoid confusion. This is especially true for chapters associated with storage occupancies, where in prior editions the user would find the required design criteria in the chapter(s) associated with the commodity and the storage arrangement.
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22 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Within each storage chapter in prior editions, we would find criteria for systems designed with control mode, density area (CMDA) standard spray sprinklers, control mode specific application (CMSA) sprinklers and early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers based primarily on a 20-ft storage height. Depending on the sprinkler technology or type chosen, modifiers for storage height greater and lesser than 20 ft could be applied and storage at greater heights than 25 ft or 30 ft were provided in another section of the chapter(s). With the new format (as related to storage occupancy design criteria) we still need to know the commodity classification and the storage arrangement but now, the chapters are based on the sprinkler technology or type of sprinkler (CMDA, CMSA or ESFR) we plan to use for protection the facility or portion of the facility under review. Comments from newer users of the sprinkler standard often referred to a lack of a linear path from water supply considerations through the design and installation process, ending up with acceptance testing. The intent of the reorganization was to provide a sequential layout based on how a system is designed and built. There are now two general requirements chapters which actually provide general requirements and the old chapter 8, which in prior editions tended to collect requirements that didn’t seem to fit elsewhere, has been split into multiple chapters. Another change that may not seem obvious to users in the United States is a global look at and revision of metric values that make more sense for S.I. users.
In general terms, most of the changes for this cycle are related to the re-organization and clean up of redundancies and there are not a lot of technical changes overall to NFPA 13; NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Oneand Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes; or NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies. The new chapter layout will look like this: • Chapters 1 and 2 remain the same. • Chapter 3 has been organized alphabetically. • Chapter 4 General Requirements (to be expanded as “true” general requirements chapter) • Chapter 5 Water Supplies • Chapter 6 Installation of Underground Piping (from NFPA 24)
Figure 1. NFPA 13, 2019 edition Figure 12.1.8.1.2(a) Position of Sprinkler Under Beam. Reproduced with permission from NFPA 13-2019, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Copyright © 2018, 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.
Figure 2. NFPA 13, 2019 edition Figure 12.1.8.1.2(b) Position of Sprinkler Adjacent to Beam. Reproduced with permission from NFPA 13-2019, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Copyright © 2018, 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.
• Chapter 7 System Components and Hardware • Chapter 8 System Requirements • Chapter 9 Sprinkler Location Requirements • Chapter 10 Installation Requirements for Standard Spray Sprinklers • Chapter 11 Installation Requirements for Extended Coverage Sprinklers • Chapter 12 Installation Requirements for Residential Sprinklers • Chapter 13 Installation Requirements for CMSA Sprinklers • Chapter 14 Installation Requirements for ESFR Sprinklers • Chapter 15 Installation Requirements for Special Sprinklers • Chapter 16 Installation of Piping, Valves, and Appurtenances • Chapter 17 Installation Requirements for Hanging and Support Systems • Chapter 18 Installation Requirements for Seismic Protection • Chapter 19 Design Approaches and Calculations • Chapter 20 General Requirements for Storage Occupancies • Chapter 21 Standard Spray Sprinkler Requirements for Storage Applications • Chapter 22 CMSA Requirements for Storage Applications • Chapter 23 ESFR Requirements for Storage Applications • Chapter 24 Alternative Sprinkler System Designs • Chapter 25 In-rack Sprinklers • Chapter 26 Special Occupancy Requirements • Chapter 27 Systems Acceptance • Chapter 28 Existing System Modifications • Chapter 29 Marine Systems • Chapter 30 System Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
means for an automatic air compressor shall not be a generaluse light switch or a cord-and-plug connected motor. • Effective January 1, 2021, removal of an electric actuator from the pre-action or deluge valve that it controls shall result in an audible and visual indication of system impairment at the system releasing control panel. • Residential sprinklers shall be permitted in dwelling units and their adjoining corridors, provided they are installed in conformance with their listing and when installed under the following conditions: – A flat, smooth, horizontal ceiling – A flat, horizontal, beamed ceiling – A smooth, flat, sloped ceiling with no beams – A sloped ceiling with beams up to 14-in. (355-mm) deep – A sloped ceiling with beams of any depth • Where construction features or other special conditions exist that are outside the scope of sprinkler listings, listed sprinklers shall be permitted to be installed beyond their listing limitations when acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. This has been done several times by the technical committee such as allowing sidewall sprinklers to be used beneath overhead doors or applying sprinklers listed for concealed sprinklers less than 3-ft high to be used with composite wood joists. • Automated Valves. – A listed indicating valve with automated controls shall be permitted. – A listed automated water control valve assembly with a reliable position indication connected to a remote supervisory station shall be permitted. – An automated water control valve shall be able to be operated manually as well as automatically. • All the wedge anchor table values have been revised. • Cavities within unsprinklered wall spaces shall not require a minimum area of sprinkler operation of 3,000 ft2 (279 m2): (Section 9.2.1.3 allows for wall cavities over a certain size to be unsprinklered).
As noted, there are not a lot of technical changes for this cycle but here are some of the significant changes you will see: • Where an air compressor is the dedicated air supply, it shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, Article 430. This clarifies the requirement to hard wire dedicated compressors as opposed to having one that plugs into an electrical outlet and states that the disconnecting
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 23
Figure 3. Table 22.3 Sprinkler Design Criteria for Palletized and Solid-Piled Storage of Group A Plastic Commodities. Reproduced with permission from NFPA 13-2019, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Copyright © 2018, 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.
• 25.2 K-Factor design criteria has been added to the CMSA design criteria tables based on testing from UL. • New requirements for in-rack sprinklers in combination with ESFR ceiling level design. • New criteria for exposed expanded group A plastic. • Working plan submittals shall include the following: – Working plans of the system(s), per 4.6.3. – Hydraulic calculations where systems are required to be calculated. – Data sheets for the system components where required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). – Signed owner’s certificate. – Submittals shall be permitted to be in electronic format when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. • A copy of the approved plans shall be given to the owner or owner’s representative. The following changes are found in NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R: • Pendent, recessed pendent, and flush-type pendent sprinklers shall be permitted to be installed directly under a beam having a maximum depth of 14 in. (350 mm) with the sprinkler deflector 1-in. to 2-in. (25-mm to 50-mm) below the beam, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for recessed or flush sprinklers if the deflector is less than 1-in. (25-mm) below the beam (as shown in Figure 1). • Pendent sprinklers shall be permitted to be installed adjacent to beams where the vertical centerline of the sprinkler is no greater than 2 in. (50 mm) from the edge of the beam and with the sprinkler deflector 1-in. to 2-in. (25-mm to 50-mm) below the beam, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for flush sprinklers if the deflector is less than 1-in. (25-mm) below the beam, as shown in Figure 12.1.8.1.2(b) (as shown in Figure 2). • Where nonmetallic pipe installed in accordance with 16.3.9.6 supplies sprinklers in a private garage within a dwelling unit not exceeding 1000 ft2 (93 m2) in area, it shall be permitted to be protected from the garage compartment by not less than the same wall or ceiling sheathing that is required by the applicable building code. 24 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
The new edition(s) were not available at the time of this writing this article; however, once we receive the printed copies, we will follow up with additional articles in future issues of Sprinkler Age to help members digest and apply the revisions and requirements. AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department provides assistance and informal interpretations for members to assist with application of the codes and standards used every day. Please remember to include the year or edition of the standard being applied when submitting a question and note that the more specific information you can provide, the more specific response staff can provide in return. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Caputo, vice president of Tech Support and Training at Fire & Life Safety America, is chairman of the NFPA 16 Technical Committee and a member of multiple NFPA committees including NFPA 13 and NFPA 25. He is a contributor of the NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 Handbooks, and the NFPA Inspection Manual. A senior member of NFPA and AFSA faculties, Caputo has written and presented seminars throughout the world on fire protection and life safety systems. He is a regular speaker at NFPA and AFSA annual conventions and is the author of AFSA’s Project Management Tools program. He was named San Diego County “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year” in 1994 and Fire Protection Contractor magazine’s Person of the Year in 1997. Caputo attended the University of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a U.S. Navy veteran. 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. EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information about AFSA’s informal interpretations service for members, visit firesprinkler.org.
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AFSA Members Help Marine Veteran Rebuild AFSA Official Sprinkler Provider of Homes for Our Troops NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association
Purple Heart recipient Marine Sergeant Joshua Bouchard, who uses a wheelchair after losing part of a leg and suffering a spinal cord injury in a 2009 explosion in Afghanistan, saved himself and his two dogs when he realized his home was on fire December 26, 2016. Bouchard was watching a movie when he smelled smoke. Thankfully, everyone safely escaped the fire, but Bouchard lost about $100,000 worth of wheelchairs as well as his $15,000 prosthetic leg. His home was located in Granby, Massachusetts, a town of about 6,200 residents, and was built by volunteers in 2012 with help from the Taunton, Massachusetts-based nonprofit Homes for Our Troops (HFOT). While HFOT didn’t actually build Bouchard’s new home – insurance covered the new house – the group provided Bouchard with support and worked with its corporate sponsors to help with the of rebuild Bouchard’s home. This is one of the things that makes HFOT great is that they provide support to their veterans long after the build is complete. “As Americans, we don’t just rebuild from tragedy, we rebuild bigger and stronger,” say Matt McGuire, HFOT manager of corporate philanthropy. “It is no different here at HFOT.” Following the fire that destroyed Bouchard’s home, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) reached out to HFOT to offer to donate sprinkler systems free-of-charge to Bouchard and other veterans. In 2017, AFSA became the official 26 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Marine veteran Joshua Bouchard with volunteers at the rededication on August 17, 2018, for his home which was rebuilt with sprinklers following a fire in December 2016.
provider of fire sprinkler systems in HFOT homes. As one of the organization’s partners, AFSA provided the fire sprinkler system for Bouchard’s new home through the efforts of its local members including Fire Service Group in Palmer, Massachusetts, who installed the system. “Fire Service Group is honored to be a part of the Sergeant Bouchard fire sprinkler project,” Brad Voila says. “Our company owner, Daniel Belanger, and our company’s employees
understand the sacrifices our troops make, so donating our time was an easy decision. We will sleep better knowing Sergeant Bouchard is being protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system, 24/7/365 days a year. Our thanks to AFSA for promoting the HFOT program to its members.” The three-bedroom, two-bath home is completely outfitted with eye-level appliances and other features to accommodate the Marine’s disabilities including extendable kitchen
Marine veteran Joshua Bouchard visited with volunteers while his home was being rebuilt. AFSA members and other volunteers came together to donate materials, time, and talent for the new home which includes a residential sprinkler system.
cabinets and special features like seamless transitions in his shower and bath. In addition, the home is now fully protected with a fire sprinkler system. Each HFOT house is based on one basic floor plan, which is 3,400 ft2 including the garage. This makes the fire sprinkler design for these homes fairly simple, which was just one more great incentive for AFSA members to get involved. Ray Fremont Jr., director of marketing at General Air Products, was excited to be a part of the process by donating a pump and tank to Bouchard’s home. “We are proud to contribute to this amazing cause,” says Fremont. “Bringing fire sprinklers to any building is incredibly rewarding. Many of our family, friends and employees are military veterans so partnering with the HFOT to bring life-saving fire sprinklers to the homes of veterans across the country is an honor and privilege.”
Brad Viola, left, and Terry Hanechak, right, with Marine veteran Joshua Bouchard at the rededication on August 17, 2018, for Bouchard’s home which was rebuilt following a fire on December 26, 2016. Viola and Hanechak work for AFSA member Fire Service Group, which donated their labor to install sprinklers in Bouchard’s home.
the work that HFOT was doing, he knew he wanted to get involved. “Viking is proud to be a part of such a great initiative like HFOT,” says Bosma. “Considering his service for our country, helping Sergeant Bouchard live in a sprinkler protected is a true honor. We appreciate the opportunity and leadership provided by AFSA for this cause.” Earlier this year, construction began on his home in Granby, Massachusetts. With coordination help from the AFSA Patriot Chapter and AFSA members Fire Service Group; General Air Products, Inc.; Hampshire Fire Protection., Inc.; JFV Engineering LLC; Viking Group, Inc.; and Warehouse Mechanical; materials and time were donated to make sure that Sergeant Bouchard’s new home would be fully protected by fire sprinklers.
To date, the organization has built more than 200 homes in 42 states since the company’s inception in 2004. Many of AFSA’s members understand the sacrifice that these veterans have made, and they are eager to donate their valuable resources to the cause.
In July 2018, Sergeant Bouchard became the much-deserving recipient of a rebuilt house equipped with fire sprinklers. While Bouchard says he has been through so much the fire “didn’t stress me out much,” the decorated veteran says knowing that his new home is protected by fire sprinklers provides him a great sense of security.
When Mike Bosma of Viking in Hastings, Michigan, found out about
“The sprinkler heads blend in so well I can’t tell that they are even there,” says
Bouchard. “It gives me a piece of mind that I have more time to get out of the house.” Bouchard was a mechanic with the Marines’ 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was drafted into service as gunner in the open part of the vehicle, because his unit was shorthanded, according to media reports. At the time of his injury, the 26-year-old sergeant had already served two tours of duty in Iraq. He was traveling in the Humvee with four of his buddies, two of whom were killed and two of whom were also injured. On Friday, August 17, 2018, HFOT held a “rededication ceremony” at Bouchard’s new home where HFOT executives honored Bouchard’s service, and Bouchard’s family got a chance to thank all of those who were involved in the build for their support of Bouchard. For more information on how to get involved with HFOT projects, contact AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall at nduvall@firesprinkler.org or visit hfot.com. n
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 27
Who’s Who in Apprenticeship? Meet the Seven Apprentice Competition Finalists for AFSA37! REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to host its Silver Anniversary National Apprentice Competition (NAC) this year at AFSA37: Convention, Exhibition and Apprentice Competition to be held in Washington, DC. This competition allows apprentices representing member companies from across the country to compete in two phases of testing, written and hands-on, for the chance at national recognition and cash prizes! Started in 1994 by the late Robert L. (Bob) McCullough, then chairman of the Apprenticeship & Education Committee, AFSA’s Annual National Apprentice Competition was created to promote apprentice training and give recognition to the apprentices who are actively enrolled in the AFSA Apprenticeship Program. Twenty-five years later, the competition continues to attract more fire sprinkler apprentices from AFSA local chapters and member training programs from all corners of United States bringing them together for the fire sprinkler industry’s foremost showcase of training excellence. Becoming A Finalist Eligibility for apprentices to compete is based the following criteria: • their employer must be a member of AFSA in good standing, • the apprentice must actively be participating in the AFSA apprenticeship courses or enrolled in the NCCER/AFSA Fire Sprinkler Fitting Training Series, and • they must have at least one year of field experience with a minimum of six months combined hands-on experience in cutting, threading, and installing steel pipe and CPVC pipe. The first phase of competition consists of a two-hour multiple-choice, written exam provided by AFSA. This year for the first time in the history of the competition, AFSA administered the Phase I exam through online testing. The initial qualifying exam took place online, instead of in a proctored location at a designated time as in years past. The addition of this new testing system provides a whole host of new benefits for those competing this year, including increased convenience of testing for those who participated. Apprentices only had to schedule a time during the testing window and be available to test online during their scheduled time. This change also allows, for the first time ever, apprentices from all 50 states to be eligible to compete in Phase I testing. The top seven scoring apprentices in Phase I receive the following: a full registration to convention as well as a 28 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
second full registration for their employer; an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC to compete; accommodations at the Gaylord National; and a brand new set of hand tools to use in Phase II. Phase II entails a more thorough written exam, followed by a live practical in the exhibition hall at AFSA37 on October 3. The Phase II exam is based on all four levels of the AFSA/NCCER Contren Learning Series Sprinkler Fitting curriculum. Following the written exam is the live practical where finalists cut, thread, and install a steel and CPVC piping system with sprinkler heads and perform a waterpressure test. The mini fire sprinkler systems created are graded on accuracy, craftsmanship, and safety. Be sure and come cheer on your favorite apprentice! The combined results of the Phase II written and hands-on tests determine the year’s winner. The winner will be announced at the Newseum Awards party the night of October 3. Prizes are awarded based on finishing rank: first place takes home a $5,000 cash prize, second place receives $3,000, third place receives $2,000, and all other finalists receive $1,000. Meet the Finalists This year the nation’s top seven apprentices will make their way to Washington, DC to try their luck at becoming the next AFSA National Apprentice Competition champion. Meet the finalists and learn about their experience in the fire sprinkler industry before they head to the nation’s capital with a Sprinkler Age Q&A. Fernando Arias A & D Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Anaheim, California What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I enjoy that I learn something new every day. I enjoy the fact that what I am doing in my line of work could save a person’s life. What is the key ingredient to your success? The key ingredient to my success is to soak in everything that is taught to me. I also want to include my Uncle Sergio in this answer, because he has taught me a lot of what I know. Also I believe that teamwork has a lot to do with success.
Dylan Bonde Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., Casper, Wyoming
Tyler Ray Patch Piper Fire Protection, Clearwater, Florida
Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I quickly developed an appreciation for the fact that the systems I was installing could really make a difference and potentially save someone’s life.
What does the future of the industry look like to you? The future of the fire protection industry is limitless. As technology and engineering rapidly progress, so too does the need to protect it. The industry is already so vast, with all the different types of sprinkler systems out there: wet, dry, preaction, deluge, etc. Then you have special protections. All that to say this industry will do nothing but grow!
What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I like that every day is different. Working on different types of systems and changing locations keeps things interesting day-to-day. Jareth “JD” Hilliard Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana What does the future of the industry look like to you? The future of the industry looks bright, so much so I need sun shades! Life safety isn’t something that will go out of style. Instead, the more people who learn about what a sprinkler system can do, the more demand there will be for them. I’m going to raise my family on the future of this industry! What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? I would tell them to be prepared to work hard and plan on getting their hands dirty for sure. I would tell them to ask questions and listen to the foreman. Also, to make sure the company they are looking at is involved in the apprentice program so that they are given every opportunity to learn and grow in this field. Federico Martinez, Jr. Western Fire Protection, Inc., Poway, California What do you enjoy most about the work you do? Some people see their jobs as work. I am not one of those people. I have the opportunity to make a difference, while having the privilege of completing my responsibilities with people I enjoy being around. What is the key ingredient to your success? The key ingredient to my success is the support of my family and friends. My family is always there to support me emotionally and I have my friends and superiors who are there to support me while on job sites.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering the fire protection trade? The best advice I could give someone would be to work hard and take pride in your work. The fire protection trade is full of opportunities and is going to be around for a long time. It is a strong career that will enable you to achieve your goals in life. Jason Swartz Elite Fire Protection, Helena, Montana What is the key ingredient to your success? I would say my success is due to having great teachers. Along with that, I make sure to take pride in my work and am always wanting to learn all that I can! Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I chose a career in fire protection because it is a very rewarding field. There is so much room for upward movement and many different avenues to explore and pursue. Bryan J. Teddick HTH Automatic Sprinkler, LLC., Goshen, Connecticut What do you enjoy most about the work you do? The best thing about my job is the sense of pride from a job well done, knowing that your work will save lives if the need arises. Why did you choose to pursue a career in fire protection? I’ve had an interest in fire protection since I joined my local fire department at 16. I got to know one of the members there who had been a fitter for over 30 years. After that, I was convinced to pursue a career in the trade! Watch in Washington Who do you think will emerge as the best-of-the-best at AFSA’s 25th Annual National Apprentice Competition? Watch live at AFSA37 October 3 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the exhibit hall. The winner will be announced at the Newseum Awards party beginning at 7:00 pm on October 3. AFSA wishes all of the amazing finalists good luck in the competition! For more information, visit firesprinkler.org/AFSA37. n Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 29
NFPA 13 2019 and CPVC Exciting Changes Ahead MARK FESSENDEN | Johnson Controls, Inc.
There is always a lot of excitement surrounding the issuance of a new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard. This fall we welcome the 2019 editions of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes; and NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies; and they are packed full of changes. One of the most exciting changes involves how and where we use thermoplastic piping systems. Most of us are well aware of the listing and use limitations of CPVC piping systems. Historically, the use of this
piping material has been limited to residential and light hazard occupancy protection. The exceptions to this rule involve its use in garages in NFPA 13R occupancies and small ordinary hazard rooms in an otherwise light hazard occupancy. The allowance in NFPA 13R garages was an exception to the listing of the product and the use in small ordinary hazard rooms was a risk assessment by the NFPA 13 Technical Committee. In an NFPA 13R garage, the listing of CPVC permitted its use provided the pipe and fittings were installed concealed behind protection consisting of a minimum of one layer of 3 /8-in. thick gypsum wallboard or
/ 2-in. thick plywood, and the sprinklers were ordinary or intermediate temperature. There was no limitation in the size of the protection area. At the most recent first and second draft meetings for NFPA 13R, the argument was made that if the piping can be appropriately protected by the wallboard and plywood in a garage, how would the hazard be any different in other ordinary hazard areas in an NFPA 13R occupancy? The new edition of the NFPA 13R standard now states: 1
“Section 5.2.2.3 Pipe or tube listed for light-hazard occupancies shall be permitted to be installed above ordinary-hazard rooms under the following conditions: (1) In rooms 400 ft2 (37 m2)or less, piping shall be permitted to be installed either exposed in accordance with its listing (on how it is installed, not where) or installed concealed behind a minimum of one layer of 3 ∕8-in. (10-mm) thick gypsum wallboard or 1∕2-in. (13-mm) thick plywood. (2) In rooms over 400 ft2 (37 m2) piping shall be permitted to be installed concealed behind a minimum of one layer of 3∕8-in. (10-mm) thick gypsum wallboard or 1∕2-in. (13-mm) thick plywood.”1 To summarize, in an NFPA 13R occupancy, CPVC can now be installed exposed up to 400 ft2 and concealed without limit in ordinary hazards rooms. Guidance on how to properly install CPVC piping systems exposed can be found in the manufacturers’ installation instructions and technical manuals. Information provided in these documents typically includes the allowable type and operating temperature of any automatic sprinklers installed in the
30 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
protected area, piping location and positioning requirements below the ceiling, and the required location of piping support. NFPA 13 has had the 400-ft2 room allowance for many cycles and remains, but this new edition will provide additional guidance on small garages. The problem that this change seeks to solve, involves private garages in single- or two-family homes as well as townhouses that would normally fall under NFPA 13D or NFPA 13R, but are required locally to be protected in accordance with NFPA 13. Some Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) have required sprinkler contractors to transition to steel or copper piping in the garage. The new edition of the NFPA 13 standard will state: “Section 16.3.9.6 Nonmetallic pipe listed for light hazard occupancies shall be permitted to be installed in ordinary hazard rooms of otherwise light hazard occupancies where the room does not exceed 400 ft2 (37 m2 ).”
following the official issuance of the NFPA 13, 2019 edition. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Fessenden is director of Industry Relations, Johnson Controls, Inc. REFERENCES: 1. Reproduced with permission from NFPA 13R-2019, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, Copyright © 2018, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced
To summarize, in an NFPA 13 occupancy, CPVC can be installed concealed or exposed up to 400 ft2 and concealed in a private garage up to 1,000 ft2. Both of these changes will greatly enhance the utilization of CPVC and provide the installing contractor with greater flexibility when choosing materials. The manufactures installation instructions and technical manuals for CPVC will be revised
2. Reproduced with permission from NFPA 13-2019, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Copyright © 2018, 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.
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“Section 16.3.9.6.1 Nonmetallic pipe installed in accordance with 6.3.9.6 shall be permitted to be exposed, in accordance with the listing.” “Section 16.3.9.6.2 Where nonmetallic pipe installed in accordance with 16.3.9.6 supplies sprinkler in a private garage within a dwelling unit not exceeding 1,000 ft2 (93 m2) in area, it shall be permitted to be protected from the garage compartment by not less than the same wall or ceiling sheathing that is required by the applicable building code.”2
subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety which may be obtained through the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org.
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Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 31
Don Becker Honored by NICET AFSA Member Named Ambassador Emeritus The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to recognize Past Chairman of the Board Donald D. (Don) Becker for achieving NICET Ambassador Emeritus status for his contributions to the sprinkler industry, his commitment to NICET certification, and his dedication to quality and safety through a credentialed workforce.
Automatic Sprinkler Systems Layout [now Water-Based Systems Layout] back in 1982. His commitment to public safety, the sprinkler industry, and NICET certification is exemplary. Don has raised the level of competency and professionalism of engineering technicians within the fire suppression industry throughout his entire career. Congratulations!”
NICET Ambassador Emeritus is an honorary status awarded to recognize significant contributions to NICET or the engineering technology community over an entire career.
“I remember that Don was instrumental with getting our technical department up to speed with the tools necessary to provide our membership with technical articles, informal interpretations, and representation on NFPA committees,” comments AFSA Past Chairman of the Board Jack Viola, PE. “This was a major step for AFSA in becoming a full-service association. As a successful contractor from Kansas City, Missouri, Don was keenly aware
“It is my pleasure to confirm the award of NICET Ambassador Emeritus status to Donald D. Becker, SET,” states NICET Chief Operating Executive Michael A. Clark, CAE. “He was one of the first to earn NICET Level IV in
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of the growing needs of our contractorbased members. He had the wisdom and foresight to know where the AFSA needed to be and encouraged our board of directors to invest in a robust technical department.” Viola continues: “Today, because of Don’s early efforts, AFSA is the leader in providing its members with up-todate interpretations and representation on all the major NFPA technical committees. His work with NICET was critical to the development and recognition of a nationally accepted and credible certification program for sprinkler contractors, and included being a subject matter expert formulating questions for the first certification test cycle.” “Don has been a driving force in AFSA’s early years and especially for molding the structure of the technical services that we provide today,” states AFSA Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, PE. “I wouldn’t be a part of AFSA today if Don didn’t push to expand AFSA’s ability to provide informal interpretations and that we have a fire protection engineer as part of staff.” Becker has been in the fire sprinkler industry since 1958, and formed Midland Automatic Sprinkler in North Kansas City, Missouri, in 1962. He is a Level IV certified designer and has organized and incorporated four companies. Becker served on the AFSA Board of Directors for 10 years and was elected Chairman of the Board from 1991-1995. In 1999, he was awarded the association’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee award, and was awarded AFSA life member status in 2015. Becker served on the NFPA 13 Technical Coordinating Committee for many years and is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) lifetime member. n
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The Importance of an ITM Arm for Your Business Get the Upper Hand JASON R. WILLIAMS, CET | American Fire Sprinkler Association
George Costanza needed the “upper hand” in his relationship in one episode of Seinfeld. Maybe an upper hand in your business is missing or lacking, and an inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) arm is what you need to get that “hand.” What can an ITM department do for you and your business? It extends your outreach in the fire protection service industry and provides the potential of expanding your services. What could be the hidden or the not-so-apparent value of providing ITM services? Value #1 – Diversity of Services Your diversity in the industry will give you firm fingers on that “hand.” It will allow your company to be less one-dimensional and provide opportunity to pursue other fields of fire construction and services. You likely have an install department and possibly a service department, but an ITM department may not be a component of your business or, if it is, might not be big enough. Perhaps for you, construction will be incessantly strong and there will be no lean times, but for those who think otherwise, diversifying with ITM may be the answer. The average return from ITM contracts in billable service can vary from one company to another, depending on your area, operations, and overhead, but service is additional income and it’s a source of income that’s created from a source of recurring income (ITM). Value #2 – Sales and Retention Sales and retention come to mind as a hidden value when I speak about ITM. I’m reminded of a company party that I attended when I was a technician and I was approached by a 34 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
sales manager. He came over, shook my hand, and made a compliment that my acquisition was the best thing they did. Okay, okay… I may be paraphrasing, but I promise I’m not too far off the mark. For him, my hiring allowed sales and management to concentrate on the smaller customer relationships or those whom we had a lesser footprint on and, quite honestly, those who needed more coddling. Surprisingly, not all customers were happy with us and not just in ITM, but with service, install, and general administration. By having a well-trained professional system specialist to develop and earn the customer’s trust, he nor the account managers had to worry about putting out fires and could focus on producing our sales targets and deliverables efficiently. In turn, he was able to sell our brand and other services through an ITM presence that maintained the relationships and our performance in the field. Value #3 – Retaining Employees With a dynamic ITM department it can further allow for your company to provide a long-term path for those valued “hands.” Typically, those driven and responsible employees are looking for advancement in their careers. Not too many trades come to mind that are so diverse in opportunities: the need for pre-construction, design, and install, including recurring ITM tasks of the systems. It allows for those valued associates to work towards a professional position within your company from the field and up the chain. Employee retention has more benefits than just retaining the experience – you avoid exhausting resources in the
search and hiring of new “hands.” I don’t want to just throw out “professional” lightly; however, a professional approach is the only way to go into ITM. This is no longer throw whomever at the inspection to fill hours; there is too much to gain or lose. Employees who are attentive, passionate, professional, and educated in ITM responsibilities are key to a successful company and can draw talent to expand beyond hanging pipe. Need a “hand” to do so? n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jason R. Williams, CET joined the AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department in 2017 as manager of ITM Technical Training. He brings nearly 20 years of extensive managing and hands-on industry experience in sprinkler install and ITM, fire alarm, and special hazards. Williams has held and maintained multiple state and municipal licenses in Arizona, Texas, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and Montana, and is NICET III certified in ITM of Water-Based Systems and NICET II certified in Fire Alarms. He currently sits as a principal on the Technical Committee of NFPA 25. EDITOR’S NOTE: AFSA’s Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (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 waterbased inspection certification exams in less than two years. The Spring 2019 ITM class is now open for enrollment. To learn more and register, visit firesprinkler.org/itm.
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Weyant, Meredith Receive 2018 De Camara Scholarships Exemplary FPE Students Recognized Each year, the Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE) and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) come together to award the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship, established to honor a man who was dedicated to the fire sprinkler industry. That scholarship awards $7,000 to two exceptional students studying fire protection engineering at the University of Maryland in College Park, De Camara’s alma mater. For the 2018-2019 academic year, those winners are Theresa Weyant and Ella Meredith. Theresa Weyant The winner of the first place award of $4,000, Theresa Weyant, is a junior studying fire protection engineering (FPE). Weyant says, “When I first applied to UMD, I had no idea what FPE was.” However, after some convincing from a fellow attendee at orientation, Weyant took the dive into an introductory fire protection engineering class. Weyant admits that she was immediately “hooked” but she joined the fire protection engineering program her second semester of freshman year and couldn’t be more loyal to her department now. “Between the small family within the department to all the opportunities as both a student and a working professional, there is always encouragement to succeed,” says Weyant. “I feel like everyone is constantly working to grow the profession.” Weyant carries her passion for her department outside of the classroom as well and into outreach. She currently works as a fire protection engineering student ambassador, a role she took on as soon as she joined the department. Dr. James A. Milke, 36 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Theresa Weyant is the first-place winner of the 2018 Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship.
The 2018 Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship secondplace prize is awarded to Ella Meredith.
professor and chair at the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering, was amazed by Weyant: “[Weyant] approached us to be involved that way during the spring of her freshman year. I rarely see this level of motivation among the first-year students. It’s evident she’s highly committed to the department and discipline of fire protection,” says Dr. Milke.
tion Engineering who highlighted Weyant’s involvement with recruitment efforts on campus, as well as her willingness to participate in department activities in and out of the classroom. “There is no doubt in my mind that she is helping prospective students to select fire protection engineering as a major, and helping their parents in understanding why that is a good decision,” notes Dr. Isman. “Her work is paying off with the number of undergraduate students in the department rising steadily.”
And highly motivated Weyant is! In her role as an ambassador, she is responsible for helping the department to recruit and retain students. She leads tours, gives presentations, allows prospective students to shadow her, and much more. “I love building those connections and sharing my passion for FPE with others,” says Weyant of her experience as an ambassador. Weyant was also nominated by Dr. Kenneth E. Isman, PE, FSFPE, clinical professor at the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protec-
In her spare time, Weyant stays involved all over campus. She cites that an important part of her experience during her time so far at University of Maryland has been involvement in many different campus-life activities. “I began my leadership involvement my sophomore year of college, when I was elected president of the Flexus Living and Learning Community for Women in Engineering.” Since then, Weyant has held leadership positions in six other groups,
found time to participate in intramural sports, and was the president of the Maryland equestrian team. Weyant credits her ability to be able to be so involved on campus to “receiving scholarships like the De Camara scholarship which has allowed me to take all the extracurricular opportunities that have come my way.” Ella Meredith The second place prize of $3,000 is awarded to Ella Meredith, a senior fire protection engineering major. Meredith chose to pursue fire protection engineering because of “the uniqueness in comparison to other engineering disciplines, as well as how much I related to the major.” Meredith shares that she grew up with my dad serving the community as a volunteer firefighter. This gave Meredith the unique opportunity to “see firsthand how destructive fire were to her community.” She credits her early knowledge of fires and fire safety, as well as a long-time passion for math and science, specifically in engineering as her motivation for joining the school. Much like Weyant, Meredith immerses herself in the fire protection engineering community at the University of Maryland. She notes, “Because [the department] is so small, I have met my best friends through the major, gotten to know my advisor very well, and formed personal connections with many of those in the department, which is uncommon at a university of this size.” She credits her ongoing success in her major to the “support of my classmates and professors. I believe all faculty and staff truly want to get to know you and see you succeed.” Joining the department as a sophomore, Meredith maintains a strong dedication to staying involved in any way she can. She is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Student Chapter. After being a member for just one year, she ran and served as the secretary of the chapter during her junior year. In her senior year, Meredith has continued her commitment to leadership by
serving as president of the Salamander Fire Protection Honor Society. Meredith says this leadership role not only allows her to help others through student leadership, but also gives the opportunity to “be able to make connections with the alumni who are now active in the field.” Also nominated by Dr. Milke and Dr. Isman, they take pride in Meredith’s “highly engaged and very ambitious attitude.” Dr. Milke points out her dedication saying, “she applies herself fully, which I’m sure will serve her well in entering the fire protection engineering profession.” Dr. Isman echoes the sentiment, noting that “Ella has demonstrated excellent leadership skills while working within groups, guiding them to a wellthought-out analysis and design on their projects.” In addition to her hard work in the academically at University of Maryland, Meredith took the opportunity to explore outside the traditional classroom and to study abroad in Sweden last semester at Lund University. Meredith says the experience was an “amazing experience that provided the opportunity to meet fire protection engineering students all over the world.” When not in class Meredith stays active on campus as a member of the club gymnastics team, as well as staying highly involved in her sorority. Meredith is grateful to have been awarded the second place prize. “It is truly a great honor,” she says. The Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship was established in 1984. The scholarship is funded through donations by individuals and companies. To find out more about the program or to support the scholarship with your tax-deductible donation, visit CLSE.org/scholarships. n
“Grenfell Tower Fire” London, UK On June 14, 2017, a fire broke out in the 24-story Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Keningston, West London, UK. The Grenfell Tower fire is the worst United Kingdom (UK) residential fire since World War II, causing 72 deaths. Jefferson Muncy, the son of former AFSA President Steve Muncy, has painted a memorial to those who lost their lives in this fire. These limited-edition prints are available to individuals and companies donating to the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship. With a donation of $150 or more, donors will receive a 13-in. x 19.5-in. print (one of 100 total prints), signed and numbered. Or, for a donation of $250 or more, donors receive an 16-in. x 24-in. signed and numbered print (also one of 100 total prints). With appreciation, we welcome all donations of any amount should donors choose not to receive a print. Your tax-deductible donations help students attain their educational goals and professional dreams while positively impacting the fire protection industry. Supporting the De Camara Scholarship Fund is greatly appreciated by the winners, their families, and the De Camara family. Remember, as CLSE is a 501(c)(3) educational affiliate of AFSA, all contributions made to these scholarship funds are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or become a regular donor, visit CLSE online at clse. org and click on “Scholarships” or mail a check to De Camara Scholarship, c/o CLSE, 12750 Merit Dr., Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. For more information or to apply, visit clse.org/scholarships.htm. Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 37
Galvanized Steel Sprinkler Piping Current Recommendations in the Fire Protection Industry JEFF KOCHELEK | Engineered Corrosion Solutions
The use of galvanized steel is an excellent means of preventing corrosion by oxygen under the right conditions. The galvanizing process involves the application of a thin layer of zinc to the surface of steel to protect it from corrosive attack. Hot Dip Galvanizing (HDP) and Electroplating are the two most commonly used techniques for applying the zinc layer to steel. The thin zinc layer on steel provides resistance to corrosion by two mechanisms: First, it acts as a sacrificial anode when attached to steel because it will corrode preferentially under corrosive conditions thereby protecting the underlying steel. Second, in the presence of moisture zinc reacts with oxygen and carbon dioxide from the air to form a protective coating of zinc carbonate (passivation) when it dries out. Under atmospheric exposure when it can dry out, galvanized steel works quite well on guard rails, corrugated roofing, flag poles, and street signs because it forms a protective coating of zinc carbonate. However, there are conditions when galvanized steel will corrode. Under persistently moist, oxygenated conditions, galvanized steel will corrode aggressively.1 This occurs because the protective zinc carbonate coating is not stable if the surface remains moist. Under these conditions, the zinc layer will continue to dissolve and expose the underlying steel to an aggressive, highly localized attack by oxygen at the point of the initial breach of the zinc layer. Galvanized steel performs very poorly in dry and preaction fire sprinkler systems when there are pools of trapped water standing within the piping. (See Figure 1.) Oxygen in the pressure maintenance air dissolves into the water and aggressively attacks the zinc coating. Since it is virtually impossible to remove all of the moisture, galvanized piping can fail in two to three years after installation.2 In this instance the only way to protect galvanized steel sprinkler piping is to eliminate the oxygen gas using nitrogen displacement with an FM-Approved nitrogen generator for pressure maintenance. NFPA 13 Installation Standard (2016 Edition) The 2016 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, does not require the use of galvanized steel piping in dry and preaction sprinkler systems. All of the current galvanized pipe references: • 6.8.3.3 – All piping to water motor-operated devices shall 38 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Figure 1. Three-year-old galvanized dry pipe. Galvanized steel performs very poorly in dry and preaction fire sprinkler systems where there are pools of trapped water standing within the piping.
be galvanized steel, brass, copper, or other approved metallic corrosion resistant material of not less than ¾-in. pipe size. • 22.21.2.9.1 – Cooling Tower Fire Sprinklers – Piping, fittings, hangers, braces, and attachment hardware including fasteners shall be hot-dipped galvanized steel in accordance with ASTM A153A/153M. • 26.2.4.1 – Marine Supply System Piping – Requires hot-dipped galvanized piping after fabrication as opposed to installing galvanized components. • A.8.16.4.2.1 – External Corrosion of Sprinkler Piping – Where moisture conditions are severe but corrosive conditions are not of great intensity, copper tube or galvanized steel pipe, fittings and hangers might be suitable. The exposed threads of steel pipe should be painted.
FM Global – from Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2-1 Corrosion in Automatic Sprinkler Systems (October 2017) • 2.2.1.4 – Do not use galvanized pipe in a wet system. • 2.2.1.10.1B – Black steel pipe is acceptable in dry-pipe and preaction sprinkler systems if nitrogen will be used throughout the life of the system. If it will not, use galvanized steel pipe. • 2.2.1.10.2A – Dry-Pipe and Preaction Systems Not Using Nitrogen, and Deluge Systems – use galvanized steel pipe. • 3.5 – Galvanized Steel Pipe should be maintained “dry” (free of water). Dissolved oxygen (main cause) and carbon dioxide in water can increase corrosion rates for galvanized steel pipe (with zinc then steel corrosion). It should be noted that new dry or preaction systems can develop through-wall corrosion pinhole leakage from two to three years after initial installation due to residual water causing corrosion in galvanized steel pipe. US Department of Defense Fire Code UFC 3-60001 (March 2018) • 9-7.6.1.1 – Galvanized piping is only permitted for deluge sprinkler systems, valve trim, and drain piping exposed to the Facility exterior. • 9-7.6.1.2 – Black steel pipe must be used for the addition, repair or relocation of existing galvanized pipe in wet, dry pipe, or preaction systems.
US Government Services Administration Fire Code PBS-P100 (April 2017) • 7.8.2 – Galvanized (internal and external) sprinkler piping is not permitted to be used for dry pipe sprinkler systems. Engineered Corrosion Solutions Recommendations (April 2018) New Construction • Never use galvanized steel piping for wet pipe fire sprinkler systems. • If galvanized steel piping is used for dry and preaction systems, then an FM Approved nitrogen generator must be used for pressure maintenance to prevent oxygen corrosion. • Galvanized steel piping can be used in deluge systems if special care is taken to eliminate standing pools of water within the piping (pitch and auxiliary drains). Remediation of Existing Systems • Black steel pipe must be used for any addition, repair, replacement, relocation of existing galvanized steel pipe in wet, dry, or preaction system. • Wet Pipe Nitrogen Inerting (WPNI) must be used to stop ongoing corrosion in any galvanized steel or black steel wet pipe system that is experiencing corrosion related leaks. • Dry Pipe Nitrogen Inerting (DPNI) using an FM Approved nitrogen generator for pressure maintenance must be used to prevent oxygen corrosion in any galvanized steel or black steel dry or preaction system.
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Conclusions Within the fire protection industry there is persistent confusion about when and under what conditions galvanized steel piping should be used. Many continue to believe that galvanized steel pipe provides better corrosion protection in fire sprinkler piping installations. Many continue to believe that it is “required.” It is clear, under persistently moist conditions with oxygen present, galvanized steel corrodes much faster than black steel and will develop leaks. Galvanized steel pipe also costs about 30 percent more than black steel pipe. The corrosion process also causes galvanized steel piping to shed Zn2+ ions into the discharge water when dry and preaction systems are tested. This creates a heavy metal contamination environmental hazard. Many municipalities prohibit discharges of water containing more than 30 mg/L of Zn2+. Most discharged water from galvanized dry and preaction fire sprinkler systems contain 1000+ mg/L of Zn2+. Using galvanized steel piping in garden centers, parking structures, stadiums, and under outdoor canopies makes sense to protect the external piping from corrosion without having to paint the piping. However, in this application an FM-Approved nitrogen generator must be used to protect the internal surfaces from aggressive oxygen corrosion where moisture collects. Nitrogen generators provide non-corrosive inert gas for pressure maintenance and the gas has a dew point of less than -50°F, so it does not add condensate moisture. An added
benefit is that drum drips do not need to be worked regularly to remove condensate moisture. With the evolving knowledge regarding the vulnerability of galvanized steel to oxygen corrosion galvanized steel sprinkler piping is becoming more often prohibited than required. n REFERENCES: 1 National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Resource Library on Materials Selection - Zinc. 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2-1 “Corrosion in Automatic Sprinkler Systems.” October 2017. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jeffrey Kochelek is CEO of Engineered Corrosion Solutions. He has spent more than 30 years designing corrosion control strategies in a variety of industrial applications including oil and gas operations, municipal and industrial wastewater, and most recently in the fire protection industry. Kochelek joined Fire Protection Systems Corrosion Management, Inc. (fpsCMI) in 2008 to begin advancing the understanding of the unique corrosion that occurs in water based fire sprinkler systems. The ECS team was the first to identify the acute vulnerability to oxygen corrosion of galvanized steel piping in dry and preaction fire sprinkler systems. He spearheaded the development of the use of nitrogen inerting technology for corrosion control in sprinkler systems. His engineering team now provides the only state-of-the-art corrosion assessment, corrosion management and corrosion risk mitigation services for the fire protection industry. He assembled a team of investors to form Engineered Corrosion Solutions, LLC which completed the acquisition of fpsCMI in March of 2013. Kochelek has published numerous articles on the subject of corrosion in water based fire sprinkler systems and is named inventor on 12 US and international patents regarding corrosion management in the fire protection industry. Kochelek earned a bachelor of science degree in Chemistry from St. Louis University with additional coursework in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.
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Grow Your Business by Winning Online Tips on How to Help Google Help You GREG PALYA | ABCO Fire Protection
One of the greatest ways to become a top search result on Google is to create online assets. Online assets come in the form of blog posts, eBooks, scorecards, quizzes and videos. When you write informative blog posts, it’s important to keep your audience’s interests in mind. Your audience isn’t going to want self-promotional writing geared towards selling something. Why Spend Time Creating Content? When people begin the process of searching online for a solution, the first thing they do is visit Google. Relevance is a Google Ranking Factor. At a minimum, 75 percent of clicks happen on the first page. Thus, you need to be ranking high on Google. The Million Dollar Question: What Is a Potential Buyer Going to Type into Google? For example, suppose a potential buyer has an interest in purchasing a fire sprinkler system for their business. They would probably type into Google: • What goes into a fire sprinkler system for a warehouse? • How much does a fire sprinkler system cost? • What is the minimum fire sprinkler system I need to be legal? These three questions could all be answered through blog posts that any fire sprinkler company could write. This information will provide real value to potential customers. If the reader trusts you (through your writing), they will continue to read your entire blog post, which is another Google Ranking Factor (bounce rate and time on page). If someone is reading a blog post, then sees promotional content and “bounces” (hits the back button), this tells Google that the blog did not satisfy what that person searched for. Google will then decrease the ranking of that blog post. On the flip side, if someone reads the entire blog post and spends a considerable time doing so (and possibly clicks forward to other pages on the same website), this gives Google an indication that the post satisfied what the searcher was looking for, and thus will increase its ranking on Google for similar searches. How to Get Started Here are three easiest ways to extract information that your buyers are most interested in: 1) Your Technicians Your technicians know the most about what solutions customers are looking to solve. However, getting a technician to write an entire article is difficult. 44 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Figure 1. Google’s Keywords Everywhere extension allows you to view analytics of Google search results.
2) Shadowing If your technicians aren’t available to write, have an office staff member tag along on a few jobs. That person can ask questions, jot down notes, and extract all the information needed for a great blog post… all from an afternoon with a tech. ADVICE: This is a great option because the “shadower” can take photos and/or videos at the job site to enhance the blog post’s text. 3) Technician Interview Interviews are a great way for a technician to really explain everything one needs to know to write a great blog post. The writer just needs to have a number of questions prepared. ADVICE: Have the writer record the interview with his or her phone! It’s surprising how much can be miss by only jotting down key points. Plus, it gives the interviewer more time to pay attention to asking questions and diving deeper into questions that have more complicated answers. What to Write About Here are three tools that will help you collect great content ideas. 1) Hold a “think tank” session with your sales team to brainstorm which topics buyers are interested in. Questions to can ask the sales team are: • Why do people buy from us?
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Figure 3. Analysis of ABCO’s blog posts shows the annual fire extinguisher service post is a success.
Figure 2. A sample blog post from ABCO Fire Protection discussing annual fire extinguisher service.
• Where do people look for their information (email, Google, Facebook, industry magazines) • Why do you believe people choose us over the competition? 2) Install “Keywords Everywhere,” a free Google Chrome extension that enables you to view analytics of Google search results. When you type something into Google, Keywords Everywhere will give you similar search results, volume (how many people are searching for a keyword), CPC (how much it costs to rank per click for a certain keyword), and competition (how likely it is to rank on page one for that keyword). ADVICE: Choose to write about a keyword with a comp score less than .40. It might be hard to find, but keep searching different phrases until you find something. A keyword with a comp score of less than .40 will give you a great chance to rank on page one of Google. Of course other factors determine ranking, but a comp score of one will make it very, very hard to rank on page one.
3) Use OptinMonsters Educational Blog Post Topics OptinMonster is just one of many blog topic generators out there, but I love this resource because it’s more than writing a blog post, it’s writing an “educational” blog post. People come to learn about a topic, so writing something educational and helpful is going to satisfy the searcher. Some of OptinMonsters’ ideas for writing a great “educational” blog post are: • Can you walk your audience through a process, step-by-step? • What are some of the common questions that people ask when they email you? • What are some questions that people should be asking you, but aren’t? • If someone was about to start in your field, what are the top things they should know? • Create a list of the top 10 things you wish you knew when you started. • Give speech notes from a recent presentation you gave. • What are your aspirations for the week, month, and year? • What is the history of your industry? • Any important insights that you have learned in the past year? 46 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
• What type of things do you review to determine quality in your industry? • What do you want to learn more about? Study it and share what you learned. • What are some terms in your industry that need explaining? Sample Blog Figure 2 is an example blog post. I noticed plenty of people were filling out forms on our website inquiring about annual fire extinguisher service. So I found a very experienced technician, grabbed my smartphone, and recorded him doing an annual inspection.
Once I had the recording, I replayed it over and over again and developed the blog post (read the post online at abcofire.com/ annual-fire-extinguisher-service). I also posted the video on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook (view it the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gOgpvyz0zc&t=). So far the article and video have been a success. It currently has 703 views on YouTube, 234 likes on LinkedIn, and the article has been viewed by 1,700-plus different web visitors on desktop and mobile. (See Figure 3.) You can do the same with your company by monitoring forms on your website, and having a great technician who’s willing to get in front of a camera. It’s tough to do, but the rewards help everyone! Conclusion Hopefully you’ve learned how content creation is a way for companies to satisfy the needs of users seeking information. Remember, how you provide this information is a way for your company to appear high in Google. The bottom line is… help Google help you! n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg Palya is a marketing specialist for ABCO Fire Protection. He loves to write and is greatly motivated by unlocking the unknown secrets to ranking highly on Google. Palya is also very competitive, which is motivation enough to come to work every day and try to outrank ABCO’s competitors online. He can be reached via email at GPalya@abcofire.com.
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NextGen Initiative Announces December 6 Webinar Developing a Practical Plan to Work with Schools The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) NextGen Initiative (NGI) is pleased to announce its upcoming December 6 webinar: “Developing a Practical Plan to Work with Schools” presented by Christina Catron of NCCER, The National Center for Construction Education and Research. Webinar Details “Developing a Practical Plan to Work with Schools” is part of the ongoing quarterly webinar series established by AFSA’s under-40, young professional subgroup, NGI. The webinar will take place on Thursday, December 6 at 11:00 am Central. This 90-minute webinar will provide an overview of how to build a plan to work with schools, including the key elements and resources needed for implementation. These resources include: hands-on activities, career and technical education terminology crossword puzzle, outline of Powerpoint
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Learn more, visit firesprinkler.org/bizsolutions 48 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
to present at schools, and industry activity sheet to take to schools. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your understanding how to best work with schools and distribute important messaging on fire sprinklers. Christina Catron is the senior manager of marketing and design at NCCER. She joined the marketing Christina Catron will lead the NGI seminar. department in 2011. She has a passion for education and recruiting young talent into the construction workforce. Over the years, she has assisted NCCER in developing several national initiatives such as Construction Career Pathways and Build Your Future. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida and an Associate of Science in Digital Media Technology from Santa Fe College. Register Online Registration for this webinar is now available. Webinar registration is free to all AFSA members ($250 for non-members). This webinar will award 0.15 CEUs; it does not award CPDs. There is a $25 fee for CEU certificates for both members and non-members. Register online at firesprinkler.org/events. AFSA offers webinars on technical topics and business solutions several times a year. This is a hassle-free way to learn and earn required continuing education credits from any location that is convenient for you! To subscribe to our Education & Training Updates and be notified of upcoming webinars please email training@firesprinkler. org. For details on AFSA membership, email membership@firesprinkler.org. n
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CLSE Establishes Endowed Scholarship AFSA Educational Affiliate Institutes Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship The Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE), the 501(c)(3) educational affiliate of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), has joined with University of Maryland in College Park to establish an endowed scholarship. The Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship will support two fire protection engineering students annually. “We at the Center For Life Safely Education are honored to have this opportunity to establish an endowment on behalf of Philip L. De Camara, Jr. at University of Maryland,” says LaVerne Davis, vice president of CLSE. “It will benefit the brilliant minds who study fire protection engineering and go on to make a positive and life-changing impact in our industry.” To be eligible, students must be a junior or senior enrolled in the University of Maryland’s Department of Fire Protection Engineering. Each award is based on the student’s character, leadership, and academic excellence with a demonstrated personal commitment to the area of fire safety. Recipients will be selected by a committee, lead by De Camara’s widow Terry, that will evaluate each application. Though many knew his name from his many industry involvements, many more will recognize his name by endowed scholarship created in his honor. “The endowment of the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship is very meaningful to my entire family as it allows Phil’s legacy to live on through the amazing students who have been granted scholarships,” says Terry De Camara. “My husband, Phil, would be 50 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
very proud to know that such talented students will have a positive impact on the sprinkler community that he loved. Phil graduated from the University of Maryland so that is an added bonus for our family. My children and I deeply appreciate the support of AFSA and all who contribute to help keep Phil’s memory alive.” After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1962, De Camara’s career progressed with him assuming the position of executive vice president of Central Sprinkler Corp. in Lansdale, Pennsylvania and later president of De Camara Fire Protection Products in Ivyland, Pennsylvania. Widely known and respected in the fire sprinkler industry, De Camara became involved in AFSA in the early 1980s, and later helped to establish its first Manufacturers/Suppliers Council, giving these members a voice within the association. “The Philip L. De Camara Jr. Memorial Fund was established in 1984 to honor the career of Philip De Camara, who became an advisor to the then newly established American Fire Sprinkler Association upon its founding,” says Kyle A. Zeller, associate director of development, individual giving at Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering. “By endowing this scholarship, the Center for Life Safety Education has cemented Philip De Camara’s legacy at the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland in perpetuity. This scholarship will help the Department to recruit, retain, and graduate the most promising students in fire protection engineering. It is a fitting tribute to a
Philip L. De Camara, Jr. was dedicated to the fire sprinkler industry and very involved in AFSA.
man whose career was devoted to the fire protection industry.” De Camara was a tireless fire sprinkler advocate, and continually gave back to the industry working to further the cause until the very end. In October 1983, De Camara, 44, died of a heart attack, leaving his wife, Terry, and their five children: Philip III, Andrew, Matthew, Nancy, and Joseph. Now, 35 years after her husband’s untimely death, Terry’s hope is this endowed scholarship in her late husband’s name will continue to invest in the next generation of fire protection engineers for years to come. Your tax-deductible donations to the Philip L. De Camara, Jr. Scholarship will directly support and fund the education of future industry leaders. For more information about the scholarship, its criteria, or to apply, visit clse.org. n
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Building Awareness LFSA Educates Public About Fire Sprinklers ELLEN BALLARD | Fire Tech Systems., Inc.
One of the hottest days of the year turned even hotter for spectators in a matter of seconds as the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association; Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office; the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); Louisiana State Firemen’s Association; and the Shreveport, Louisiana, Fire Department demonstrated the life-safety importance of fire sprinkler systems with a side-by-side burn demonstration on Friday, July 20, 2018. The temperature in Shreveport that day was 105°F. You think that’s hot? How about 1,100°F? That was the temperature inside the burn pod at the flashover point. With a pod without a sprinkler system simulated to reflect a living room set up and the Shreveport Fire Department ready to extinguish the flames, trash in a waste basket was lit with a fireplace lighter to show how quickly a fire spreads, and how little time there is before the flames and smoke consume the space. The smoke alarm bellowed its warning, squealing beep. The first step to fire safety: an operable smoke alarm. One minute… the flames moved to the couch and the fire roared to life. As the flames engulfed the pod at 1 minute 45 seconds, flashover occurred. Already 30 feet away, the crowd stepped back due to the intense heat that was sweltering from the fire. At flashover, the heat level reached 1,100° F. At that point, the Shreveport Fire Department was given the signal to extinguish the flames. Smoke billowed from the pod as the water and fire met and fought for victory. The victors – Shreveport firemen – extinguished the fire to reveal the fragments of the pod’s remains. All items within the simulated living room were burnt, black, and crumbled at the touch. Walls were left with burn holes. What was a sofa, was just mere springs and parts of its frame. An overwhelming scene with just objects; we dare not think of what lives could’ve been lost.
Another duplicate pod with the addition of a fire sprinkler system is ignited (same process as other pod). After a few seconds, we heard the sound of the smoke alarm. A flame grew in the corner of the pod – deja vu. But wait, as the glass bulb in the sprinkler head burst, it began to extinguish the fire before it could engulf the space. In just 34 seconds, the fire was extinguished with minor damage to the interior of the pod. The damage is nothing compared to the possibility of losing a life. Sign me up for a fire sprinkler system! No brainer! “We know that today’s fire environment is much different than it has been in previous decades. The most significant changes are the synthetic materials found in our homes now burn faster, burn hotter, and produce more toxic gasses than ever before,” comments James “Robby” Dawson, MBA, CFO, southeast regional director for NFPA. “In the 1980s we may have had 12 minutes or more to escape a home fire. Today, that timeframe is only about three minutes. Home fire sprinklers are a proven affordable and effective fire-safety tool that is a requirement in model building codes adopted around the world, and should be included in every new home built today.” Dawson continues: “The National Fire Protection Association is proud to partner with these great organizations in Louisiana to educate communities. We know we can’t accomplish our mission without these types of relationships, and like we say – ‘It’s a big world. Let’s protect it together.’ It’s these kind of events where we can collectively demonstrate the importance of these types of events and partnerships.”
The sprinkler-protected side’s (left photo) flames were quickly extinguished while the non-sprinklered protected side reached flashover and resulted in total loss. 52 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
A large crowd, including local television media KTBS Channel 3 (ABC) and KTAL Channel 6 (NBC) turned out for the day’s events.
LFSA President Linda Biernacki (second from left) gathered with Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning (far left), Shreveport Fire Chief Scott Wolverton (third from left), and Shreveport Fire Captain Charlie Metcalf (far right) for the day’s events.
Members of the fire protection industry know that residential fire sprinkler systems can save property, homes, and most of all lives. Building public awareness about home fire safety and these life- and property-saving systems can also lead to a potential new clients and business.
ana State Fireman’s Association. “It is imperative that we as a state provide initiatives so that sprinklers become more common throughout Louisiana.”
“We as an industry need to continue to educate the public of the residential life-saving systems there are available today,” states LFSA President and AFSA At-Large Director Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems. “I have always been proud of the great work the fire sprinkler and fire alarm industries have done to save lives and property. I was especially proud when I had dozens of bystanders come up to me to talk about fire sprinklers and how surprised they were of how quick the fire sprinkler extinguished the fire.” “I could not be more proud of our Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association and the Louisiana fire service for coming together and demonstrating the value of saving lives through the installation of residential fire sprinklers,” says Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, Jr. “Our partnership together will be to educate homeowners and cultivate their desire to install this premier fire protection enhancement to protect their families.” “It was an honor for the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association to partner with these organizations to produce an opportunity for the public to see what we already know and that is sprinklers save lives and property,” comments Charlie Metcalf president, Louisi-
From l to r: Richard and Linda Biernacki, retired Louisiana State Fire Marshal VJ Bella, and Jimmy Hall, operations manager with Fire Tech Systems watched the demonstration.
The Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association thanks all of the sponsors who made the burn possible: ACT Pipe & Supply; Ameripipe Supply; State Fire Marshal Chief Butch Browning; Building Reports; Core & Main; Cybertronic Coatings; Ferguson Fire & Fabrication; Fire Fighters Association; Fire Sprinkler Services; Fire Tech Systems, Inc.; Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation; Jefferson Sprinkler; LFSA Board Members; LFSA NextGen – Jeremie Ott; Merit Sprinkler Company; Eddy Meyers; NFPA – Robby Dawson; The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company; S&S Sprinkler Company; South Carolina State Fire Fighters Association – Jeff Allen and Lee Levesque; United Piping, Inc.; Victaulic; and Viking Supply Net & Fabrication. We are also grateful for Denham Springs Fire Department Chief Melvin Wheet and his volunteers and St. George Fire Department Chief Jerry Tarleton and his volunteers. To see a video of the side-by-side burn demonstration, visit https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=xJAS6CH9S8A&t=7s. For more information on LFSA, its events, and how can to have these life-saving systems installed in homes, visit lafiresprinkler.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ellen Ballard is executive assistant at Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana, and is actively involved with LFSA.
LFSA is grateful to the Denham Springs and St. George fire fighters who assisted with the demonstration. Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 53
Millennials are Great for the Construction Industry And Here’s Five Reasons Why SABINE HOOVER & PAUL TROMBITAS | FMI Corporation
Much has been written about millennials and how they differ from previous generations in their approach to work – and careers in general. Indeed, we see millennials often unfairly saddled with the dubious reputation for being entitled, disloyal, self-centered, or optimistic go-getters, but it turns out that they are actually not that different from their older work colleagues. In fact, in our recent study “Millennials in Construction: Learning to Engage a New Workforce,” we found that millennials are indeed very dedicated and loyal to their companies and want to do more than just punch a clock and take home a paycheck. They are looking to add value, make an impact, and find meaning in what they are doing. Company leaders can leverage these realities by ensuring that their young talent has a clear sense of purpose and an understanding of their roles within the larger plan. According to our findings, when the company’s vision is inspiring and clearly communicated, millennials are 25 percent more likely to stay longer with the company compared to those who don’t understand the company’s vision and direction. Not unlike other generations that enter the workplace, millennials have new perspectives to share, new ideas about getting things done, and new ways of tackling problems. The following five areas highlight why this new generation is like a breath of fresh air for the construction industry: • Loyalty and dedication. The majority of our survey participants want to stay more than five years with their company, as opposed to jumping ship in the near term. Given good opportunities for career advancement, support for education, a collaborative culture, and competitive pay and benefits, this group of workers will go above and beyond to drive organizational success. • Innovative thinking. In an industry that is changing dramatically through emerging technologies and new delivery systems, millennials welcome the opportunity to provide input and new ideas that promote corporate innovation. As one survey participant stated, “I’m free to be creative and try new things.” Progressive companies like DPR Construction, for example, encourage employees to use a special website to submit ideas for improvements, which can be related to software, tools or company protocols among other things. • Tech-savviness with a personal touch. It is true that many millennials adopt new technologies and gravitate toward digital media more easily compared to their older colleagues. However, when it comes to learning new skills at work, our research showed that 86 percent of respondents favored face-to-face feedback rather than a digital setting. This mix of 54 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Figure 1. There is a strong correlation between inspirational vision and millennials’ loyalty to their company. Source: FMI 2015 Millennials Survey.
tech-savviness, combined with a need for personal interaction, can help companies drive change across multiple generations while infusing the industry with a fresh new perspective. • Balance. Millennials are looking for a healthy work-life “integration.” This can be difficult to attain in the construction industry, which often requires long hours, remote work, or challenging work conditions. However, if employers want to recruit and retain star talent they will need to reconsider some of their traditional corporate policies and practices and find new ways to create a healthy work-life blend for their young employees. • Collaboration and communication. Many millennials grew up with parents, teachers, and counselors who were their best friends and role models. As such, they are excellent team players and care about the company’s success – not just their own jobs. The timing for this kind of mindset is perfect: new virtual design and construction tools and integrated project delivery methods will all require higher levels of collaboration within and among project teams. Having these young people focused on a common purpose, effective processes, excellent communication, and solid relationships will help transform the industry over time. n ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Sabine Hoover is FMI’s content director and leads the content and research initiatives across the organization to drive thought leadership and promote industry engagement. As a consultant with FMI, Paul Trombitas conducts in-depth primary and secondary market research and assessment to provide insights on the external factors affecting clients. EDITOR’S NOTE: From “Five Reasons Why Millennials Are Great For The Construction Industry,” by Paul Trombitas and Sabine Hoover, 2017 (https://www.fminet.com/2017/03/01/five-reasons-why-millennials-aregreat-for-the-construction-industry/). Copyright 2018 by FMI. Reprinted with permission.
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Thank You for Your Support! Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 36th anniversary in 2017, we also recognize those members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured in the table below have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership. Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in September and October, including Contractor Member Living Water Fire Protection in Cantonment, Florida, and Designer Member Fire Design, LLC, Burnsville, North Carolina. Living Water’s Head Designer Jared Brothers Fire Design Owner Cliff Whitfield, SET shared some of things they’ve learned and enjoyed during their time with AFSA. Jared Brothers, Head Designer, Living Water Fire Protection, Inc., Cantonment, Florida How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? I became involved in the fire sprinkler industry in 1990 working weekends and holidays while still in high school as an apprentice. After graduating high school, I began working full time as a sprinkler fitter. I moved in to design in 1994 and attended the beginning fire sprinkler design school through the AFSA. How did you get involved with AFSA? As long as I could remember our previous company was a member of the
AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries July and August 2018 25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members WJ Malone Associates, Inc., Totowa, NY Associate Members Loos & Company, Inc., Naples, FL 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Century Fire Systems, LLC, El Paso, TX Metro Swift Sprinkler Corporation, Peabody, MA 15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Absolute Protective Systems, Inc., Edison, NJ DACAR Fire Protection, Inc., Midway, FL Living Water Fire Protection, LLC, Cantonment, FL Symons Fire Protection, Inc., Poway, CA Designer Members Fire Design, Inc., Burnsville, NC AHJ Members Park City Fire District, Salt Lake City, UT 56 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
AFSA. I am thrilled to work with such a great organization as Living Water Fire Protection that sees the importance of being a member of AFSA.
Jared Brothers, competing in AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition in 1994 (left photo) and today.
What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? I would say that the technical updates, training webinars, education, and constant pour down of new information is at the top of my list. What is your favorite AFSA/convention memory? This is definitely a convention memory for me. I represented Alabama (Region 5) in the first apprenticeship competition in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It was definitely an experience that I will never forget. What is the most significant change you’ve seen in AFSA or the industry over the past 15 years? Technology has grown by leaps and bounds; Design Technology is far beyond what anyone could’ve ever imagined, and the new introduction and explosion of materials is definitely a significant change that sticks out in my mind. I grew up with an old fitter who tells stories of tightening 6-in. and 8-in. threaded pipe. Look where we are now. What’s the key ingredient to your success? CHANGE!!! You have got to embrace change. You must be willing to change in order to grow and keep up with this ever-changing industry. If you do not change, it will put you out of business. I have seen this happen with my own eyes and if you poll the companies that close their doors, I am sure that you will hear that statement from each one. AFSA does a phenomenal job at educating its members right alongside this ever-growing industry and there is no need to not embrace and lead with the change. If I weren’t working in fire protection, I would be... a welder. I was actually headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to attend welding school when I decided to give the fire protection industry a chance to be the trade that I love so much. I mean who else besides soldiers, police officers, and firemen can say that they save lives on a daily basis?
Cliff Whitefield, SET, Owner, Fire Design, Inc., Burnsville, NC: How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? I started in the industry in 1985 as an estimator with a small sprinkler contractor in Northwest Florida. I worked for a few different companies along the way as branch and general managers. How did you get involved with AFSA? Most of the companies I’ve worked for were members of AFSA so when I started Fire Design, it was a “no brainer.” What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? The SprinklerFORUM.
Designer Logan Hoilman (left) and Cliff Whitfield from Fire Design, Inc.
What is your favorite AFSA/convention memory? I’ve attended quite a few conventions through the years when I was on the “contracting” side, and in the last 15 years as Fire Design. Every convention is unique and all have great memories. If I had to pick just one, probably the last one in Washington, DC when we went to the Air and Space Museum. I always enjoy hanging out with all the friends I’ve made through the years in the industry.
What’s the key ingredient to your success? Probably honesty. I always try to be upfront with my clients when it comes to meeting deadlines. We won’t take a project if we don’t think we can do it in the allotted timeframe.
What is the most significant change you’ve seen in AFSA or the industry over the past 15 years? Regarding AFSA – losing Steve Muncy. He did a great job. In the industry – 3D/BIM projects (the good, the bad and the ugly).
Here’s to You! AFSA congratulates these members and looks forward to celebrating with more members in the future. Recognition in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. n
If I weren’t working in fire protection, I would be... missing out on being part of a great industry. I like saving lives and property!
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AFSA Announces Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter First Meeting Held, Officers Elected The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce the recent formation and election of officers for its Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Chapter. This chapter will join AFSA as the thirty-third chapter after holding its first chapter meeting in Grapevine, Texas, on August 14, 2018. “AFSA is very excited about the educational, legislative, networking, and professional development opportunities this new chapter will bring to the DFW market,” says AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott. “We have a motivated and enthusiastic group of volunteers whose leadership and guidance will help us better serve our members in AFSA’s home state of Texas.”
DFW Chapter Board members were recently elected. From l to r: Michael PeCoy, David Rudd, Merle Hittle, Charles Bonczyk, and Jon Lopez (not shown).
After introductions and a networking lunch, the first meeting of the chapter featured a presentation from AFSA national. Members were presented with the benefits of having a new, local AFSA chapter as well as a question and answer period. Additionally, a vote was held during the meeting to select chapter officials. Those elected at this meeting include: Chairman Charles Bonczyk, American Automatic Sprinkler, Fort Worth, Texas; Vice Chairman Merle Hittle, Texas Fire & Safety, Dallas, Texas; Secretary David Rudd, Rudd Fire Protection, Inc., Tyler, Texas; Treasurer Michael PeCoy, Automatic Fire Protection, Inc., Dallas, Texas; and Membership Chair Jon Lopez, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Mansfield, Texas. “I would like to say that I am very grateful and excited to be a part of the inaugural AFSA Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter team,” says Chairman Charles Bonczyk. “Collectively our goals are to increase public education and general 58 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
The inaugural meeting of the DFW Chapter on August 14 at Spring Creek Barbeque in Grapevine, Texas, was well attended.
awareness about the industry via apprenticeship and educational program opportunities, thus bridging the growing gap between the older and younger generational work force. We look forward to working with the community and help build a solid foundation for future AFSA DFW chapter members.”
North Texas. The chapter plans to bring important technical and educational information to the area, as well as provide new networking and partnership opportunities, developing relationships with local businesses, and communicating the importance of fire safety and fire sprinklers to the local community.
The DFW Chapter will serve all AFSA contractor, associate, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) members in the state who operate in
For more information on the DFW Chapter, visit afsadfwchapter.org. n
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Restoring the Dignity of Work Transforming the U.S. Workforce Development System into a World Leader At the crossroads of a thriving future society and innovation lies the nation’s construction industry, where everything begins. The backbone of our society rests on the craft professionals who build our hospitals and schools, wire electricity within our homes, and bring us indoor plumbing. The perception of craft professionals has become one of low or middle skill workers when, the reality is, the world as we know it would not exist without their expertise. “Craftsmanship is defined as ‘the beautiful or impressive quality of something that has been made using a lot of skill.’ Construction craft professionals exhibit this routinely and every member of our society benefits from this in almost all aspects of their daily life. However, over the past few decades, our society has steadily undervalued their skills and contributions to our built environment,” says NCCER CEO Don Whyte. “We must recapture the dignity of work as well as the pride and honor inherent in skilled occupations. It is critically important that our nation transforms our workforce development system into a global leader effectively supporting worker development for every industry that employs skilled professionals. As the construction industry builds the world, it must also polish its image and hold all workers in high regard.” The fact of the matter is the average age of a craft professional is 47 and by 2031, 41 percent of the current workforce will retire. Considering it takes eight to 12 years for an individual to go from entry level to fully trained to seasoned craft professional, it is critical to employ needed changes now that will support the development of our current and future workforce. How do we fix this? Directives necessary to revitalize the United States’ workforce development system are outlined in “Restoring the Dignity of Work: Transforming the U.S. Workforce Development System into a World Leader” and we must work together as a collaborative group of education providers, businesses, industry associations, unions, foundations, and individuals to implement these policies. “In my 25 years of having the privilege of working with the Construction Industry Institute (CII) on multiple research projects, the topic of how to transform our U.S. workforce development system for the construction industry has, by far, been one of the most difficult research projects to tackle,” states Paul Goodrum, professor at University of Colorado Boulder. With input from 1,400 craft trainees and workers, 45 site visits, analyses of state workforce development agencies and 21 different data sources, the comprehensive research in “Restoring the Dignity of Work” delivers policies that are both short-term, which can be implemented in less than three years, and longer-term efforts. The policies are: 1. Establish and strengthen career awareness and education opportunities in our nation. 60 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
2. Revitalize our work-based learning programs. 3. Measure performance and involvement in workforce development when awarding construction contracts. 4. Redefine how we measure the quality of our nation’s secondary education system by career and college readiness. 5. Increase the participation of underrepresented groups in career and technical education (CTE). 6. Establish and expand collaboration between industry, education, and government. 7. Develop more balanced funding among postsecondary CTE versus higher education. This paper was developed by an industry-driven research team led by NCCER and CII with support from Construction Users Roundtable (CURT), Ironworkers/IMPACT, and representatives from CII member firms. In addition to the full paper, an advocacy document has been provided to assist with educating local, state and federal legislators; industry and association executives; educators; and the general public on why reforming the U.S. workforce system is critical. To download “Restoring the Dignity of Work” or the advocacy document, visit nccer.org/research. The following companies have endorsed the policies proposed in “Restoring the Dignity of Work” to date: ACE Mentoring; American Council for Construction Education (ACCE); American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA); Association for Skilled and Technical Services (ASTS); The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC); Barton Malow; Bechtel; Brown & Root; Central Gulf Industrial Alliance (CGIA); Cianbro Companies; Construction Labor Market Analyzer (CLMA); Current Builders; The Dow Chemical Company; Fluor Corporation; Gaylor Electric, Inc.; GRANIX, LLC; Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, Inc. (GBRIA); Gulf States Shipbuilders Consortium (GSSC); Hargrove; The Haskell Company; Jacobs; LPR Construction Company; McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; National Academy of Construction (NAC); National Insulation Association; National Maritime Education Council (NMEC); National Technical Honor Society (NTHS); North American Crane Bureau (NACB); Pearson; S&B Engineers and Constructors; SkillsUSA; Southeastern Construction Owners and Associates Roundtable (SCOAR); The Southern Company; Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA); Sundt Construction, Inc.; TIC – The Industrial Company; Turner Industries Group, LLC; University of Colorado; University of Florida, M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management; University of Kentucky; Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc.; and Willmar Electric Service. n EDITOR’S NOTE: NCCER is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation created by the construction industry to develop standardized curriculum with portable credentials and to help address the skilled construction workforce shortage. Visit nccer.org or contact NCCER customer service at (888) 622-3720.
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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 September 1, 2018.
Contractor
Associates
International Contractors Metro City Fire Protection, Ltd. Langley, BC, Canada
All-American Fire & Safety, Inc. City of Industry, CA
M and M Fire Protection, Inc. Heber City, UT
TLX Technologies, LLC Pewaukee, WI
Broken Arrow Lake Point, UT
PFP Systems Testing, Inc. Burbank, CA
True North Greenwood Village, CO
FIRETRON Stafford, TX
Regional Fire Services of NC, LLC Raleigh, NC
JCS Fire Livermore, CA
TDK Enterprises Inc. Penns Grove, NJ
AFSA Chapter Contacts Alberta, Canada Kevin Mozak – 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
Louisiana lafiresprinkler.org Linda Biernacki – Chair. 318-688-8800
Ohio afsaoh.org Bill Hausman, Chair 937-859-6198 Don Eckert– Exec. Dir. 513-310-9660
Dallas-Fort Worth afsadfwchapter.org CJ Boncyzk – Chair. 817-831-0366
Michigan afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr.- Chair 616-784-1644 Frank L. Mortl – Exec. Dir. 517-285-7665
Florida afsafl.org Chris Johnson – Chair. 800-327-7604 Carolyn Mohr – Exec. Dir. 239-771-3907
Mid-Atlantic afsamac.org Meaghen Wills – Chair. 610-754-7836 Ilyse Shapiro – Exec. Dir. 610-642-7427
Greater Bay Area afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair. 925-417-5550 Lorelei Upshaw – Exec. Dir. 925-913-0145
New Jersey Thomas Bowlby Jr. – Chair. 908-226-5313 Robert K. Melofchik – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056
Greater Kansas City Mark McKenzie – Chair. 913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich– Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710
New Mexico Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712 North Central Michael Winiecki – Chair. 651-484-5903
Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Tracy Moore – Chair. 425-271-5598 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700 Patriot afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair. 508-431-9938 Wendy Callahan – Exec. Dir. 978-855-6495 Rocky Mountain Brent Heiner – Chair. 801-544-0363 Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Hal Burton – Chair. 916-332-1266 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635
Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair. 802-865-3600 Tim Christie – Exec. Dir. 978-437-7612
San Diego Ron Aday – Chair. 858-513-4949 ext. 307 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600 South Carolina scfsa.org Stuart Weeks – Chair. 843-442-3346 Taylor Young – Exec. Dir. 980-253-3241 Southern California socalafsa.com Jeff Bridges – Co-Chair. 714-285-0200 Terry Housholder– Co-Chair. 714-632-8646 Amber Barrios - Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492 Upstate New York afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky - Chair 607-296-7969 Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich, PE – President 804-222-1381 George Wagner – Exec. Dir. 804-779-3921
AFSA Affiliate Contacts Alabama Affiliate alfiresprinkler.org Hunter Brendle – Pres. 334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257
62 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Patrick Cordi – Chair. 404-416-0762 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
New construction starts in June climbed 11 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $896.3 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The increase marked the second double-digit gain in a row, following the 15 percent hike that was reported for May. Boosting activity in June was a sharp 57 percent advance for nonresidential building, which benefitted from the start of two massive manufacturing plant projects and two massive office building projects. The two large manufacturing projects were a $6.5 billion uranium processing facility in Oak Ridge TN and a $1.7 billion petrochemical plant in Port Arthur TX, while the two large office projects were the $1.8 billion Spiral office tower in New York NY and a $665 million office tower in Chicago IL. Residential building in June grew 4 percent, helped by growth for multifamily housing. The nonbuilding construction sector (public works and electric utilities) retreated 28 percent in June, pulling back after the sharp 37 percent increase reported in May that reflected the start of several large natural gas pipelines and rail-related projects. Through the first six months of 2018, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $395.7 billion, up 1 percent from the same period a year ago. If the volatile electric utility/gas plant category is excluded, total construction starts during the first six months of 2018 would be up 3 percent relative to last year.
At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $817.4 billion, new construction starts in July fell 9 percent from the elevated pace reported in June, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The latest month’s decline followed strong gains for total construction starts during the previous two months, with May up 14 percent and June up 11 percent. By major sector, nonresidential building dropped 22 percent after soaring 59 percent in June, which had been lifted by the start of two massive manufacturing plants and two massive office buildings. While July did see several large manufacturing and office projects reach groundbreaking, they were not the same magnitude as what took place in June. The other two major sectors in July held close to their June amounts, with residential building up 2 percent and nonbuilding construction unchanged. During the first seven months of 2018, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $471.4 billion, up 2 percent from the same period a year ago. If the volatile electric utility/gas plant category is excluded, total construction starts during the January-July period of 2018 would be up 5 percent compared to last year.
June 2018
June’s data raised the Dodge Index to 190 (2000=100), compared to an upwardly revised 170 for May. “The monthly pattern for construction starts will often reflect the presence or absence of very large projects, and after May received a lift from unusually large projects, it was even more true in June,” stated Robert A. Murray, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics. “Following the lackluster activity in April, the strength shown during May and June enabled the second quarter average for total construction starts to be up 3 percent from the first quarter, which itself was up 2 percent from the final three months of 2017. On that basis, one can say that the expansion for construction starts continued at a modest pace during the first half of 2018. At the same time, it’s not expected that July will get the same support from large projects that took place in June.”
Monthly Summary of Construction Starts Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
July 2018
The July statistics produced a reading of 173 for the Dodge Index (2000=100), down from the 190 for June which was the highest level so far during 2018. Looking at the first six months of 2018 on a quarterly basis, which eases some of the swings present in the monthly data, the Dodge Index averaged 165 during the first quarter and 170 during the second quarter. July’s 173 shows that at least the initial month of the third quarter is continuing the gradual upward trend shown by the first two quarters of this year. “The pattern of construction starts on a monthly basis is often affected by the presence or absence of very large projects, and several exceptionally large projects boosted activity in June to an unsustainably high amount,” stated Robert A. Murray, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics.
Monthly Summary of Construction Starts Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions June 2018 May 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $402,273 $256,962 +57 Residential Building $323,013 $311,678 +4 Nonbuilding Construction $171,034 $236,011 -28 Total Construction $896,320 $804,651 +11 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) June 2018....................190 May 2018 ....................170
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions July 2018 June 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $318,002 $406,471 -22 Residential Building $325,544 $320,742 +2 Nonbuilding Construction $172,808 $172,026 -0Total Construction $817,354 $899,239 -9 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) July 2018...............173 June 2018 ..............190
YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 6 Mos. 2018 6 Mos. 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $136,770 $140,793 -3 Residential Building $166,212 $156,547 +6 Nonbuilding Construction $92,755 $93,079 -0Total Construction $395,737 $390,419 +1
YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 7 Mos. 2018 7 Mos. 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $166,144 $165,264 +1 Residential Building $194,514 $181,891 +7 Nonbuilding Construction $110,764 $115,126 -4 Total Construction $471,422 $462,281 +2 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 63
AHJ PERSPECTIVE BY RONNY J. COLEMAN
Winds of Change At one point in time, there was a very small group of people who were interested in residential fire protection. It was in the 1970s. People still were reading America Burning. National fire statistics continued to make the case that a single-family dwelling was the most dangerous place where you could lose your life to fire. We often joked that if we held a convention of that group, it could be held in a telephone booth. That was 40 years ago. Today, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of sprinkler advocates. Go to your search engine and type in the words “residential fire sprinkler” and you will find a cornucopia of opportunities to discuss the pros and cons of the residential fire sprinkler movement.
One of the things I could not find was a history of that movement on the internet. So, I thought I would take a brief jaunt down memory lane to remind the current advocates of the heroic pioneer efforts to get residential sprinklers used as part of our arsenal of fire protection strategies. For example, how many people today remember Harry Shaw? He is no longer with us. He was a diminutive man, of uncommon courage. He was never a firefighter. In fact, most of his career he worked in the postal system. Nonetheless, he adopted a very positive attitude about the residential fire protection system program. He worked for the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and was one
of the strongest supporters of the concept. He was a pioneer in the truest sense. Another example was Don Manning. Before he became chief of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, he led a research project on residential sprinkler technology that was instrumental in getting the NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, developed. Don went onto many other successes in his career, but his contributions to research and development are still present today. Then there was Dave Hilton, fire chief of Cobb County, Georgia. Dave and his Fire
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 | September/October 2018
Marshal Jerry Grier were instrumental in the development of NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, and this was before there was recognition of the apartment house fire problem. Dick Patton was among those who were arguing about the standard and was a strong advocate of residential fire safety. Another strong advocate of residential sprinklers was Kathy Slack (Vernot). She worked for Central Sprinkler and was a significant contributor to the concept. Central Sprinkler made significant efforts to support the residential movement throughout the beginning period. Steve Meyer and his father Bill were very supportive of the technological development of fast response heads. I cannot write an a column of this nature without mentioning my two fire marshals in San Clemente: Don Hodgson and Gary Carmichael. Both of them performed admirably in getting our ordinance passed over a two-year period. Both are no longer with us. The day I passed my residential sprinkler ordinance in San Clemente, California, I had a neighboring fire chief come up to me after the meeting and tell me that my career was over. He indicated that going out on a limb about residential fire safety was a non-starter in the code arena. He was wrong. I could go on with other names. But, I am limited to space for this column so I will summarize this section with a simple statement: those in the past made it possible for those in the present to utilize sprinkler technology in protecting lives and property in the future. However, these names and experiences are part of the history and are not present to continue the process. Now we have a new army of advocates. Have you enlisted? What role do you currently play in advocating residential fire and life safety? One of the clichés that I was told early in my career was that there are two types of people: those who watch things happen and those who make things happen. Once
adopted as a philosophy, there is a lot of room for making things happen. Therein lies the winds of change. The more people who are advocates, the stronger the movement. Personally, I am out of the direct efforts of advocacy. That is one of the disadvantages of retirement and lack of involvement on a daily basis. So, I have resigned myself to be an observer of the current generation’s activities and efforts. The torch has been passed from the original group of believers, to the current crop. I am hoping that this column is seen as support for the idea that we must continue this advocacy role into the future. Somewhere out there in the field are new faces to replace the old ones and the rest of the early true believers. My apologies to anybody who I may have forgotten, but I am limited in space. The theme of this month’s Sprinkler Age is an excellent example of how change is being introduced. Having an entire issue of Sprinkler Age devoted to NFPA 13D and NFPA 13R is an excellent example of advocacy through training, although you will read all the articles this month and have your own strategy so you can help make a difference. You should not worry about the naysayers. Every little success moves us forward. My friend Fire Chief Kelvin Cochrane used to tell a joke about starfish. In that joke he was walking on the beach throwing starfish back in the water. A friend challenged the logic of trying to save all the starfish of the world. Kelvin’s answer was, “But I made a difference for that one.” My last piece of advice is to remember the past as prologue for the future. Things will continue to change. Allies will come and go. Adversaries will accumulate. Technology will change. Small successes will add up to be of significant consequence. And, the winds of change will continue to blow across the country. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ronny J. Coleman is currently the president of Fireforceone. He is a past president of the IAFC and CFAI. Over his lifetime, he has received numerous awards including the AFSA’s 1989 Henry S. Parmelee Award, the 2011 Mason Lankford Award from the Congressional Fire Services Institute, and the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award from Fire Engineering in 2014. He continues as a contributor to the fire service in many ways.
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 65
AFSA NEWS Tom Noble Earns CFPS Tom Noble, CET, CFPS, technical programs specialist for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), recently earned NFPA’s Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) accreditation. The credential was created in 1971 for the purpose of documenting competency and offering professional recognition for individuals involved in curtailing fire loss, both physical and financial. Since then, CFPS has been awarded to more than 4,000 people who have demonstrated a level of professionalism through applied work experience, related education opportunities, and successful completion of a certification examination. This group of professionals includes risk managers, loss control specialists, fire officers, fire marshals, fire inspectors, safety managers, fire protection consultants, designers, engineers, code enforcers, facility managers and others who have responsibilities dealing with the application of fire safety, protection, prevention, and suppression technologies.
Don’t sell Yourself short. For Fire Sprinkler
ESTIMATING, BIDDIN G, SELLING, AND CONTR ACTING
Michael L. Brown
Systems
ES TI M AT IN G, BI DD IN G, SE LL IN G, CO NT RACT IN G A guide for
Fire Sprinkler Syste
ms
Michael L. Brown
AN AFSA PUBLICATIO N
•
Selling is a noble profession, but... you don’t make money unless you make the sale. The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) “Estimating, Bidding, Selling, and Contracting for Fire Sprinkler Systems” is an essential guide to help the expert – or novice – fire sprinkler professional successfully estimate, bid, sell and contract jobs. This book gives you the tools that you need to be a profitable fire sprinkler sales representative. With over 300 pages of industry insight, this guide walks through every step of the process – from receiving a set of drawings to the post-bid review.
On sale nOw www.firesprinkler.org 66 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Noble has 23 years’ experience in the fire protection industry. He is tasked with writing AFSA’s informal interpretations on technical questions, as well as co-teaching AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler Planning School. Noble serves on the NFPA 13 Installation, NFPA 13D, and NFPA 13R committees, and is a member of NFPA’s Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP) certification advisory group. “I’m proud that Tom was able to pass the CFPS exam which covers a broad range of fire protection material in a short period of time,” comments AFSA Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services. “It demonstrates his dedication to his professional development and desire to be a more complete fire protection/life safety professional.”
It’s Time to Learn Design! Design on your mind? It’s time to secure your designer’s spot in AFSA’s last Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School of 2018 taking place November 5-16. Don’t delay; secure your spot today... class is selling out! Students receive two full weeks of instruction, 60 percent of which is study and review of NFPA 13 (2016 edition). The other 40 percent is preparation of fire sprinkler system layouts, shop drawings and hydraulic calculations. The school is designed to train a beginner to be productive immediately upon returning to work. This class is designed for those with no experience, or those who need assistance with design. The students learn by actually planning and drawing sprinkler systems while
studying and applying NFPA 13 (2016 edition). Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School classes are kept small to provide an enriched learning environment for each beginning designer. As such, these schools sell out fast. For more details and to register, visit firesprinkler.org/events. Enroll for ITM Spring 2019 Class Now The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s Fall 2018 Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program class is SOLD OUT! Begin enrolling now for our Spring 2019 class which kicks off April 15, 2019. The program utilizes on-demand and live training courses combined with a 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. Professionalizing the role of the inspector, the program provides:
• blend of on-demand, live webinar, and inperson instruction • guided OJT learning plan • classroom, fire training lab, mock walk-thru exercises, and NICET prep included • 91 percent first-time pass rate, NICET Level I I&T exams* • 83 percent first-time pass rate, NICET Level II I&T exams* New rates effective September 1, 2018 are $4,250 for AFSA member and $8,500 for non-members. For more information or to register visit firesprinkler.org/ITM. (*Based on the first completed class.) AFSA Members Can Attend FREE Webinars Did you know that AFSA webinars are FREE for members? Get the most out of your AFSA membership! AFSA offers webinars on technical topics and business solutions several times a year. This is a hassle-free way to learn from any location that is convenient for you! The next webinar is presented by AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NGI) in its ongoing series covering issues and topics important to young (40 and under) professionals in the fire sprinkler industry. AFSA’s NGI will offer the webinar “Developing a Practical Plan to Work with Schools” on December 6, 2018, from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm Eastern time. For more information on this webinar, see page 48 of this issue. Past webinars have covered Building Heights & Rack Storage; 2019 Format of NFPA 13; Low Voltage System Basics; Seismic Bracing: 2016 Edition Update; Safety, Insurance, & Retirement... AFSA has You Covered; NFPA 14, 2016 Edition Updates; Performance-Based Design; Fire Sprinklers in the IBC and IFC; and NFPA’s Certified WaterBased Systems Professional. Subscribe to AFSA’s Education & Training Updates to be notified of upcoming webinars at training@firesprinkler.org. Visit firesprinkler. org/events for more information. Value of Membership: Online Safety Portal Have you visited AFSA’s Online Safety Portal at afsasafetyportal.com yet? This members-only virtual library delivers the accidentprevention and safety-related information you need to educate your staff, help prevent claims, and create a safe work environment. See more details at the bottom of this newsletter! If you aren’t an AFSA member, join now so you can realize the benefits of AFSA’s Safety Portal. Visit afsasafetyportal.com to find out more advantages of membership! 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
Chesapeake Bay Chapter On May 22, 2018 the Chesapeake Bay Chapter hosted their annual charity golf outing at The Links at Challedon golf course in Mt. Airy, Maryland. The tournament was hosted in support of the National Fallen Fire Fighters Association as well as the local Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp. A record year with 90-plus golfers attended as well as numerous volunteers. A big thank you to our platinum sponsors: Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Viking SupplyNet, and Wolf Fire Protection Inc., as well as all those who donated and/or volunteered to make this event possible. Despite an hour of rain the tournament was a huge success and in the end the chapter was able to provide record donations to both the National Fallen Fire Fighters Association and the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp. The chapter looks forward to continuing this tradition next spring! Keep up-to-date with the chapter at afsachesapeakechapter.org.
The Chesapeake Bay Chapter is grateful to its 2018 golf tournament sponsors.
Colorado Chapter The Colorado Chapter met on August 23 for a general chapter meeting at Brio Tuscan Grille. The meeting was a success with many in attendance. Membership benefits, plans for upcoming events, and more were discussed at the meeting. Learn more about all of AFSA Colorado’s upcoming plans at afsacoloradochapter.org. Connecticut Chapter The Connecticut Chapter is proud to announce its 2018 scholarship essay contest winners. This year’s theme, “Making the Case for Home Fire Sprinkler Systems” generated a lot of interest from high school seniors around the state. The winners, besides submitting the best essays, both related in real life to fire prevention efforts. Jayce Antrum, a graduate of Bristol Central High School in Bristol, Connecticut, experienced a devastating house fire when he was 12 years old. His family survived, but he will never forget the emotional and financial toll it took on them. Antrum is studying at UCONN bound as a second-generation “Husky” and has expressed his gratitude for scholarship to help defray his higher education costs. Abigail Huebner, the second winner, is a graduate of Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford, Connecticut. Her father is a retired fire fighter and fire captain so she knows fire prevention from a very real perspective. Huebner is studying at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and she asked me to share her gratitude with the chapter for this award. Thanks to the generosity of chapter members and to the AFSA National Matching Grant’s program, each student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship paid directly to their university. Since the inception of this program, the chapter has awarded over $35,000 in scholarship money. We look forward to continuing this program for years to come. Visit afsact.org to keep up with all things in the Connecticut Chapter! Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter The newest American Fire Sprinkler Association Chapter the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Chapter held its inaugural membership meeting on August 14, 2018 in Grapevine, Texas. The meeting provided an opportunity for prospective members to learn more about the benefits of joining an AFSA chapter as well as serving as an opportunity to select board members. To learn more about upcoming DFW Chapter events, visit afsadfwchapter.org. Florida Chapter On Friday, August 3 the Florida Chapter hosted a joint meeting with the NFSA Florida Chapter in Daytona Beach, Florida. The meeting focused on current legislative issues and upcoming legislative priorities for 2019. Keep up with the AFSA Florida Chapter at afsafl.org. 68 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Colorado Chapter members had a well-attended meeting on August 23.
Members first met on August 14 at Spring Creek Barbeque in Grapevine, Texas, to officially establish the DFW Chapter. Louisiana Chapter On July 19 the Chapter’s NextGen group hosted a networking social at Proud Mary’s 360 Grill in Shreveport, Louisiana. On Friday, July 20 the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA) hosted a side-by-side burn demonstration in Shreveport, Louisiana. Prior to the side-by-side burn demonstration, the chapter held a seminar for chapter members. See page 52 of this issue for more details. The 12th Annual AFSA – Louisiana JDRF Golf Tournament benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in memory of Brad Bella will be held October 24, 2018. Registration will open at 8:00 am with a 9:00 am shotgun start. Lunch and awards will begin at 1:00 pm. The tournament will be held at the Santa Maria Golf Course in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Registration includes cart and green fees, use of range, gift bag, continental breakfast, beverages, and jambalaya lunch. There are three flight prizes: first, second, and third place, and longest drive and closest to the pin prizes. Various levels of sponsorship are also available. The sponsorship deadline is October 3 and golf player registration is due by
The Florida Chapter hosted a Joint Legislative Meeting with the NFSA Florida Chapter in Daytona Beach to discuss legislative priorities for the coming year.
Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corp., spoke at the AFSA and NFSA Florida Chapters’ joint meeting on August 3.
The Louisiana Chapter’s NextGen members hosted a networking social on July 19.
The San Diego Chapter had an excellent turnout for its golf tournament August 10.
California Fire Deputy State Fire Marshal III Jeff Schwartz spoke to SoCal Chapter members on August 9.
The Upstate New York Chapter recognized Jim Fantauzzi for his 25 years’ service to NFPA. From l to r: Jim Fantauzzi, Stacey Fantauzzi, and George Olsen.
October 10. For more information contact Ellen Ballard via email at eballard@firetechsystems.com or phone at (318) 841-1494. Keep up with all the LFSA at lafiresprinkler.org.
Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos, California. Ninety-nine golfers participated in the tournament.
Ohio Chapter On August 27, 2018 the Ohio Chapter hosted its first annual golf tournament to benefit the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event were presented to the foundation whose mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes. The foundation provides resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths. As an industry dedicated to preventing loss of life and property, AFSA Ohio feels it is important to acknowledge and contribute to this cause. Thank you to all who attended and made the first annual golf outing a success! Learn more about the AFSA Ohio Chapter at afsaoh.org. San Diego The chapter held its second annual golf tournament benefiting the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station on August 10, 2018, at Twin
Southern California SoCal Chapter members met on August 9 and heard from three guest speakers: Eric Christen with the Coalition for Fair Employment in Construction, who spoke about union-only project labor agreements (PLAs); Jeff Schwartz, California Fire Deputy State Fire Marshal III; and AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal, who spoke about member benefits. Upstate New York The Upstate New York Chapter met in Troy, New York on July 17. Forty-one attendees from all over the East attended. The meeting included a report from AFSA’s Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal along with discussion of legislative issues. Chapter member honored Jim Fantauzzi for his 25 years’ service to NFPA and Potter’s George Olsen presented with a framed print of an article written about him in Sprinkler Age magazine. n
Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018 69
INDUSTRY NEWS data. A comprehensive study that enumerates all duty-related deaths in a year is not yet possible to accomplish. This firefighter fatality study is made possible by the cooperation and assistance of the United States fire service, CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the United States Fire Administration, the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Visit nfpa.org.
Viega Partners with Thomas Publishing to Add to On-Demand BIM Library Through a continued partnership with Thomas Publishing Company, Viega LLC is adding to its BIM (building information modeling) library of easy-to-download, multi-format models. Partnering with Thomas, a data, platform and technology company, enables Viega to provide its customers with design flexibility and allows faster and easier specifying, designing and estimating of the company’s products. The BIM content allows customers to configure Viega products in their specifications on any given project, enabling the output to be customized to a specific product on a selected platform. The additional BIM models are part of Viega’s ongoing commitment to address the needs of its design and fabrication contractors. Professionals who visit the site can access hundreds of Viega products in more than 25 platforms including Revit®, AutoCAD® and AutoCADmep™. Viega product lines that are currently available for downloading include: Viega MegaPress®, Viega MegaPress® G, Viega MegaPress® Stainless 304 and 316, Viega MegaPress® CuNi, Viega ProPress®, Viega ProPress® G, Viega PureFlow® System, Viega MiniBloc™ and Viega ManaBloc®, Viega ProRadiant Stainless Manifolds and Manifold Cabinets and Viega Eco Plus® urinal, sink and water closet carriers. Files can easily be accessed at: bim.viega.us/category/all-categories. RIDGID® Winners Get Behind-the-Scenes Tour, VIP Treatment Nine of the most passionate RIDGID® fans recently experienced the trip of a lifetime to the RIDGID world headquarters as part of the Second Annual RIDGID Experience Contest. The all-expenses-paid VIP trip included a tour of the headquarters and the opportunity to build their very own iconic RIDGID custom pipe wrench, take part in a photoshoot for an upcoming brand campaign, go walleye fishing on Lake Erie and more. As part of the headquarters visit, winners had the chance to tour the plant, get a sneak peek of the latest innovations that have yet to hit the market, meet some of the men and women who make the tools they use daily on the jobsite and provide insight for future product developments. Details of the next RIDGID Experience Contest will be announced in early 2019. Stay tuned to the RIDGID Facebook page for details. NFPA’s Annual “U.S. Firefighter Fatalities” Report Issued The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual “U.S. Firefighter Fatalities” report, which showed a total of 60 U.S. firefighter fatalities while on duty in 2017. This number represents the lowest total reported since 1977, when NFPA began reporting on-duty firefighter fatalities; it is the sixth time in the last seven years that the total has been below 70 deaths. Rita Fahy, NFPA’s manager of fire databases and systems, notes that while it’s encouraging to see the continued declines reflected in this report, the full firefighter fatality picture is far broader than NFPA’s 70 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
NIBCO Purchases Warehouse/Distribution Building in Virginia NIBCO INC. has announced the purchase of a 173,000-ft2 building in Buena Vista, Virginia. The facility, which is approximately 30 miles from the NIBCO INC. Stuarts Draft, Virginia, wrot copper manufacturing facility, will become the company’s main distribution center in Virginia. NIBCO will relocate its current distribution center from Stuarts Draft to the new building. “We are investing in future growth and expansion,” says NIBCO President and CEO Steven Malm. “This facility allows us to increase our capacity for new products while it enables us to maintain the consistently high service levels that our customers expect for all products.” This warehouse and distribution facility will be responsible for shipments of all NIBCO metal fittings. The company expects the facility to be fully operational during the first quarter of 2019. Visit NIBCO.com. U.S., Canada Kick Off Joint Next Generation First Responder Initiative A new initiative has kicked off to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and situational awareness technologies during critical incidents. The effort is a joint partnership between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate(S&T) and Canada’s Department of National Defence science and technology organization, Defence Research and Development Canada Centre for Security Science (DRDC CSS) to ensure both American and Canadian next generation first responders are better connected, protected and fully aware during critical incidents. Over the next two years, the two countries will collaborate on new research and development projects, hold joint workshops and field experiments and share best practices and lessons learned to ensure the safety and effectiveness of first responders and the public. As part of this initiative, DHS S&T and DRDC CSS have agreed to hold a field experiment using S&T’s Assistant for Understanding Data through Reasoning, Extraction and sYnthesis (AUDREY) AI capability. Developed by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a state-of-the-art humanlike reasoning system, AUDREY will help provide tailored situational awareness information to support and improve paramedic decision-making and quality of patient care during a paramedic response scenario. The experiment will take place in early 2019 in Hastings County, Ontario, Canada. n
@
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fire sprinkler eCAMPUS
Training Made Easy! THE AFSA WAY...To assist contractors in maintaining a quality workforce, the American Fire Sprinkler Association and its Fire Sprinkler eCampus offer hundreds of online training programs that award CEUs (as recognized by IACET) and CPD credits (as recognized by NICET).
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PRODUCT NEWS
New Tyco® ESFR-22 Sprinklers from Johnson Controls Added to the Tyco Family of Storage Sprinklers Johnson Controls announces its new Tyco® Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR)-22 pendent sprinklers has joined the Tyco line of storage sprinklers. The ESFR-22 can be installed in storage facilities with a ceiling height up to 45 ft and a storage arrangement up to 40 ft without requiring in-rack sprinklers. The system can also be installed with a maximum deflector-to-ceiling distance of 18 in., resulting in a reduction of product and installation costs, as well as
increased storage space due to higher roof/ rack heights. Facility owners gain additional flexibility with stock configurations and eliminate costly in-rack sprinkler service, repair and maintenance. Model ESFR-22 sprinklers are primarily used for ceiling-only sprinkler protection of, but not limited to, the following storage applications: • Most encapsulated or non-encapsulated common materials, including cartoned, unexpanded plastics • Uncartoned (exposed) expanded plastics • Some storage arrangements of rubber tires, roll paper, flammable liquids and aerosols The ESFR-22 meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and FM Global (FM Approvals) installation standards that must be used to properly design an automatic sprinkler system utilizing ESFR sprinklers. The ESFR-22 joins the line of Tyco storage solutions. For more information, visit tyco-fire.com. New Video Series Highlights Valve Service, Maintenance, and Repair Topics The Viking Corporation has produced a series of 31 videos, each providing step-by-step instruc-
tions for maintaining and repairing specific Viking valves and related system devices. Service technicians can now follow Shaun Kramer, Viking’s manager of technical support, as he delivers hands-on instructions for inspecting, repairing or replacing key components of Viking’s valves and devices. The entire series can be viewed on Viking’s web site and the Viking YouTube Channel at youtube.com/user/Vikingsprinkler. Additionally, customers can access many of the videos through Viking’s new Mobile App for wet and dry pipe systems, which is now available to download for Apple and Android devices. Learn more at vikinggroupinc.com.
Anvil Offers Seismic Fire Protection Design Software The latest update to Anvil International’s SeisBrace® design tool – Seismic Bracing Zone of Influence Calculation software – has options for calculating Cp following NFPA 13 (2016) and the referenced ASCE7 standard. It offers all new functionality and includes the entire brand of Anvil’s AFCON® seismic bracing products. Improved features include: • Calculation of Seismic Coefficient (C p) following NFPA 13 (2016) tables and the ASCE 7 formula referenced in NFPA 13, which can reduce the calculated seismic load up to 50 percent in some applications, saving considerable material and labor cost and allowing more options for product solutions. • New “prying factors” in NFPA 13 (2016) for concrete anchors for seismic brace structural attachment. • Calculates lateral braces working as both lateral and longitudinal in one calculation and submittal. • Calculation of riser braces in both wall and corner conditions. • Calculates brace loads at wide or narrow angles to maximize brace strength or allow for greater field adjustability during installation. • Inclusion of alternate components, calculated and included in submittal to allow lastminute field changes of material.
72 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
JO IN NO W
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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. All these new features are on top of the features and benefits from the previous release which include: specifying FM Approval or UL Listed components; Generate a submittal package with seismic bracing products with detail and individual product submittal sheets. The software is provided free of charge with a registered account on Anvil’s website or by going direct to seisbrace.com. Watts Announces SynctaSM Backflow Test Management Software Watts is pleased to announce SynctaSM, a comprehensive back-
flow test management application. This cloudbased software is the only solution available that solves the common problems of everyone involved in the backflow life cycle: wa-
ng i k o lo ild u B To s? t i f o Pr
Don’t Sell Yourself Short of Success. For Fire Sprinkler Systems
Michael L. Brown
ESTIM ATING , BIDD ING, SELLI NG, CONT RACT ING A guide for
Fire Sprinkler Systems Michael L. Brown
•
AN AFSA PUBLICATION
The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s “Estimating, Bidding, Selling, and Contracting for Fire Sprinkler Systems” is a quintessential guide to help the expert – or novice – fire sprinkler professional successfully estimate, bid, sell and contract jobs. This book, written by Michael L. Brown, gives you the tools that you need to be a profitable fire sprinkler sales representative and represents best practices developed from years of real-life experiences by successful fire sprinkler contractors across the country. With over 300 pages of industry insight, this guide walks through every step of the process – from receiving a set of drawings to the post-bid review.
ESTIMATING, BIDDING, SELLING, AND CONTRACTING
Selling is a noble profession, but you don’t make money unless you make the sale. Selling is not a magic process, but one that can be learned and refined with effort and training.
On Sale nOw www.firesprinkler.org 74 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
ter purveyors, backflow testers, and property owners. Syncta makes backflow test reporting and submission 10x faster than completing paperwork manually. Using the cloud-based mobile solution, customers can do all of the following and more: • Access all customer and device information from anywhere on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. • Submit test results using water purveyorrequired forms to ensure acceptance. • Increase efficiency with features including automated reminders, online scheduling, route optimization, and more. With Syncta’s management tool, customers can spend less time filing paperwork and more time growing their business. “Syncta users average 11 additional tests per week,” according to Roberto Vengoechea, senior vice president of Fluid Solutions at Watts. For more information, go to Syncta.com. inSpec, Powered by Zurn, Simplifies the Specification Process Zurn Industries, LLC officially launched its digital specification tool inSpec, powered by Zurn, helps engineers configure plumbing projects faster using the manufacturer’s wide product offering, from drainage to behind the wall and front of the wall systems. The technology fills a gap in the industry. inSpec is one of the first dynamic and comprehensive product specifying tools for advanced water solutions in the US. Users can find up-to-date product details and match solutions with compatible parts to build an organized project portfolio. The tool takes minutes compared to the numerous steps and lengthy time spent following traditional methods, like gathering specs from other projects, searching on multiple sites or verifying projects manually. inSpec generates submittal documents, plumbing schedules, and links to other relevant project information, such as drawing or Revit files. Users can share projects for review and editing and archive a master specification for future use. inSpec, powered by Zurn, can be accessed at inSpec. Zurn.com.
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AFSA American Fire Sprinkler Association
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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.
MEMBERSHIP E-BLAST $2,500
SPONSORED BLOG POST $2,500
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 Potter Announces New Executive Vice President Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri, announces Jon Veldman as newly appointed executive vice president of global opera- Veldman tions and supply chain. Having lived and worked in six countries over 19 years for five different prosperous companies, Veldman has garnered a deep knowledge of global manufacturing. He brings to Potter a wealth of varied operations and supply chain experience and an enhanced perspective on the global market place. Visit pottersignal.com to learn more. Viega Promotes Sturgill to Regional Sales Manager Viega LLC has promoted Brad Sturgill to regional sales manager for the MidAtlantic region. In this position, Sturgill’s responsibilities include implementing and managing Viega’s sales strategies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes parts of Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Sturgill joined Viega in 2014 as district manager in the Mid-Atlantic region. He was promoted to regional sales manager in the Southwest region, where Sturgill he was the winner of Viega’s 2017 “Top Gun” award, before moving into his present role. Prior to joining Viega, Sturgill worked for nine years as a territory manager at the Ridge Tool Company, covering the same territory as his current promotion. Visit viega.us. NFPA Hires New Public Education Leader The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has appointed Andrea Vastis as senior director of public education. Vastis will oversee NFPA’s well-respected wildfire and home fire education programs. The Seekonk, Massachusetts resident has held various roles in public health education, and has a long history of innovating education programs and fostering rewarding part-
nerships. Her ability to oversee strategic, purposeful planning, and management of interdisciplinary teams makes her a great fit for the role of leading NFPA’s public education and wildfire outreach Vastis teams. Most recently, Vastis worked for CVS Health, where she oversaw product development and promoted the role of the pharmacist in the healthcare industry. In a previous position at CVS, Vastis expanded the scope of services for the brand’s MinuteClinic within the retail health setting. Vastis also spent six years as an assistant professor and program coordinator for Community Health Education at Rhode Island College where she elevated the profile of the program and helped to transition the field of study from a concentration to its own major. Her passion for health and safety goes back to the 1990s when she worked as a senior health promotion specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Health, and as a health educator for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
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76 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
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 or sign up volunteer at an event in your community. Be a part of this historic to 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.
We make lives better through Home Care
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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS CONT.
ADVERTISERS
In her new role, Vastis oversees Fire Prevention Week, the nation’s longest running public health campaign which began in 1922. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The campaign works to educate individuals and communities about three basic but essential steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of having a fire – and to escape safely in the event of one. Vastis will also direct NFPA’s wildfire efforts including the organization’s Firewise USA® program, which teaches people how to adapt to
AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
19
American Red Cross
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Anvil International
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living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to prevent losses. There are more than 1,500 recognized Firewise USA® communities across the nation working proactively so that people and property are prepared and protected against the threat of wildfire. Learn more about Vastis and Fire Prevention Week at NFPA.org. n
You don’t have to be a genius.
ARGCO
21, 30
BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems
33
BuildingReports 3 Bull Moose Industries
59
Center for Life Safety Education
64
Core & Main
25
CST Industries
39
DecoShield Systems
18
Easyflex IBC Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Inc.
43
FPC Magazine
51
Fire Protection Products, Inc.
9
Fire Sprinkler eCampus
71
FlexHead Industries, Inc.
4
GECCO, Inc. Globe Fire Sprinkler Company
Be a Member
firesprinkler.org
78 Sprinkler Age | September/October 2018
Apply online at firesprinkler.org or call 214-349-5965.
40-41
Harrington, Inc.
17
Hydro Flow Products, Inc.
72
Johnson Controls, Inc.
11
Metraflex
31
PHD Manufacturing
47
Potter Electric Signal Co.
45
Raimondo Consultants Inc.
20
Reed Manufacturing Company
32
Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.
The solution is obvious. Firesprinkler.org is where the Fire Sprinkler industry goes online. You will find the solutions to your education and training needs, technical support and industry news and updates. Membership in the American Fire Sprinkler Association gives you full access to real benefits and services that will fit perfectly in your business plan and increase your productivity and profitability.
65
IFC, BC
SprinkFlex, LLC U.S. Tool
7 22
Victaulic 57 Viega/Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.
35
Viking Group
55
FM Approved K8.0 (115 metric) flat plate concealed sprinkler. Available with standard finish or stainless steel clad cover plate, with or without gasket. Offered in 165°F or 212°F temperature rating. Additional information on the Model G5-80F can be seen in Bulletin 034 on our website at reliablesprinkler.com