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SprinklerAge
Vol 38 / 01 January/February 2019
Features 10 | Debra McGuire Named AFSA President and CEO
Association Made Stronger Through Addition of Top Executive
14 | Slow but Steady Growth
Review and Forecast for the Fire Sprinkler Industry
18 | 2019 Construction Economic Forecast
ABC Reports Momentum Will Persist for Several More Quarters
22 | New Construction Starts in 2019 Hold Steady
Dodge Data & Analytics Predicts Deceleration in Total Construction Growth Will Continue
24 | Tips for a Successful New Year
Do You Accept the Challenge?
ON THE COVER
26 | Protecting Storage Occupancies
AFSA’s new President & CEO Debra
28 | Real Leadership: New, Old, or Just What Works
the Viking facility and looks forward
Issues Concerning Smoke and Heat Vents
NextGen Initiative Announces February 26 Webinar
30 | Kelly Wins Waller Scholarship
CLSE and AFSA Award $4,000 to OSU Student
32 | Storage Issues Got You Stumped?
Informal Interpretations Offer Solutions and Savings
36 | Honoring Academic Excellence
Graduates Achieve AFSA’s 2018 Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society
McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE, visited to meeting with all members of AFSA. From l to r: Donna Backe, McGuire, Rob Taylor, and Megan Fenstemaker (background). Photo credit: Trumpie Photography.
6
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
8
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
37 | AFSA NextGen Initiative Ready for 2019
58 NEW MEMBERS
38 | Deadline Approaching for 2019 AFSA Awards
60 AFSA NEWS
40 | PCA Forecasts Less Growth in 2019 and 2020
64 CHAPTER NEWS
41 | Grow Your Business With ITM
66 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
42 | Made in America
70
Mentoring and Recruitment are 2019 Priorities Nominations Sought for Industry Leaders
Rising Interest Rates, Deficits Factor Into Trend
AFSA Offers Two Inspector Development Program Classes in 2019
62 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 65 INDUSTRY NEWS 68 PRODUCT NEWS INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Why Should You Care?
44 | Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
59 U.S. CONSTRUCTION
Follow us on
The Importance of Accuracy
49 | ABC Releases Annual Merit Shop Scorecard
Rankings Based on State Policies and Programs
50 | AFSA Expands to Tennessee
Members Form New Chapter in the Volunteer State
53 | Construction Employment Rises by 280,000 in 2018
Associated General Contractors of America Surveys Contractors for 2019
54 | Thank You for Your Support!
SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bimonthly for $33.95 per year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SPRINKLER AGE, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.
Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 5
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
REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
One of the most anticipated events to happen as we roll into 2019 is the hiring of our new association President & CEO, Debra McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE. Debra has had a long career in the association business. Throughout the vetting process in our search for a new president, Debra’s qualifications stood out. It was a pleasure for me to participate in the initial face-to-face interview with her and our transition committee. The enthusiasm she has shown since being offered and accepting the position has been impressive as well. I am enjoying getting to know her more as the weeks pass. She is going to be a very strong leader for our organization. Her official first day is January 23, 2019. Learn more about Debra on pages 8 and 10 of this issue.
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 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242
As the new year starts, I know there are many, including myself, wondering what kind of economic climate we will have in 2019. These last couple of weeks we have seen huge swings in the stock market. Congress has new leadership, like it or not. The government is experiencing a partial shut down. Interest rates have increased a couple of times through 2018. With all of that said, I guess there is good reason for a little uncertainty. As I sit here today and write this, the new year is not starting with the bang I was hoping for.
ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342
Throughout the month of December, I made a few phone calls to some contractor and supplier friends around the country. My question was, “What do you see or what do you expect from this next year?” Most economic reports I have seen show a 3-4 percent economic increase in 2019. Single-family housing starts may be off a little from the 2018 totals as demands look to be easing a little. Multi-family projects look to steady, and commercial starts should stay steady as well. Some of this is going to vary from market to market, which is normal. This issue also features forecasts from several industry experts and our members.
ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121
This last year we witnessed an increase in consolidation – mergers and acquisitions. On the contracting side of our industry, this certainly appeared to happen at a much steadier pace than in prior years. As an association, we witnessed some of this through changes in contractor’s dues being paid. Mergers and acquisitions were also the case on the manufacturing and supply side. All indications are this trend will continue through 2019. With Debra McGuire coming on board, AFSA’s leadership has been strengthened. Our association will have a good year. Our members and member services will grow. I am looking forward to a good 2019. After that, we are still looking for that crystal ball. For now, we are blessed! I was recently reminded of some good words to live by: “Live on 80 percent, save 10 percent, and give 10 percent.” Happy New Year! n
6 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949 R. DONALD KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 JEFF PHIFER, 803-438-2994 JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136 AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965
DEBRA N. MCGUIRE, MBA, IOM, CAE President & CEO
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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PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY DEBRA N. MCGUIRE, MBA, IOM, CAE AFSA President & CEO
As our Board of Directors and staff “rang in the New Year” at the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) in January, I had the honor of being announced as its new President and CEO. With more than 28 years’ experience leading associations, including my work with the Michigan Manufacturers Association (whose membership encompasses some manufacturing companies that are also AFSA members), I take on this role with the utmost pride and respect for the work that you – our valued members – do in saving lives and protecting property throughout North America and around the world. [See related article on page 10.] While the start of a new year provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon AFSA’s achievements in 2018, it also offers a fresh start as we look ahead at more ways to engage and better serve our members in 2019. The passion for the merit-shop fire sprinkler industry, demonstrated by your Board, volunteers, and employees who share their time and talents, are coming together to build a strong future for North America’s largest fire sprinkler industry organization. Becoming More Efficient & Effective “Efficiency is doing the thing right; but effectiveness is doing the right thing,” said the late Peter F. Drucker, who was tagged as “the man who invented management” by Business Week magazine. Becoming more efficient and effective as an organization are the keystones to creating operational excellence at AFSA, which will provide the strength and support necessary to scale new heights. It is fundamental to have both levers working concurrently throughout the organization, amongst all departments – from our accounting team to our education team to our communications team to our technical team to our membership team – as well as our elected leaders and appointed volunteers. The challenges that our members face today and in the future demand this in order for AFSA to continue to deliver the benefits that you value while helping you position your business for the changes that lie ahead. During 2019, our Board, committees, task forces, and staff will delve further into our strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats. We’ll examine the socio-economic and political aspects impacting our membership, determining our priorities while ascertaining the best use of our resources. Being proactive and having a voice in legislation, regulations, and industry standards are also essential relative to how your business operates. AFSA will ramp up our efforts in the years ahead to lead in the areas of advocacy and public affairs. 8 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
Evolving a longer-term strategic plan for AFSA and our charitable arm – the Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE) – will provide the pillars to allow us to focus on our priorities while allowing enough flexibility to react to unanticipated changes which are inevitable despite our best intentions. While leadership works diligently on providing direction, AFSA and staff puts its energies into delivering successful outcomes, it is imperative that every AFSA member has the opportunity to provide input. Please take advantage of completing member surveys when offered or contacting AFSA when you have a question or wish to share your thoughts on a given issue or topic. If you would like to get more involved in your association, let us know and we’ll find a place for you. Our efficiency and effectiveness are dependent upon all of us doing the “thing right” and “doing the right thing.” Giving Back: AFSA Members Recognized for Contributions Speaking of doing the right thing… my first piece of official AFSA mail was a handwritten “thank you on behalf of the staff, national board, and Veterans” card, which arrived during the holidays from Tom Landwermeyer, Brigadier General, USA, Ret., who now serves as president and CEO of Homes for Our Troops (HFOT), based in Taunton, Massachusetts. As many of our long-term members know, AFSA is a key partner of this top-rated military and veterans’ charity,* which builds and donates specially-adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, enabling them to rebuild their lives. Since its inception in 2004, HFOT has built over 270 specially-adapted homes, relying on AFSA and our local members to donate sprinkler systems as well as provide installation services to make these homes safer for Veterans and their families. AFSA members are encouraged to consider joining in this worthwhile endeavor in 2019; to learn more about how you, or your company, can help, contact AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall via email at nduvall@firesprinkler.org or phone at 214-349-5965 ext. 126. Ushering in a New Era It is indeed an honor to have the opportunity to work with you – our members – in ushering in a new era, one which clearly positions AFSA in the forefront of the fire sprinkler industry while promoting free enterprise and the concepts of the merit shop contractor as well as serving manufacturers, suppliers, designers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Our goal is to grow and enhance our industry while increasing awareness about the value of fire sprinklers amongst various stakeholders and the public. Thank you for renewing your membership in 2019 and being part of our journey as we continue to make the world a safer place and care for all that we have been granted in our lives. I look forward to working with you. n *Charity Watch “A” Rating, platinum-level GuideStar participant, Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Navigator 3-Star rating.
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Debra McGuire Named AFSA President and CEO Association Made Stronger Through Addition of Top Executive The Board of Directors of the Dallas-based American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is delighted to announce the selection of Debra N. McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE, as the association’s fourth President and first female Chief Executive Officer. Established in 1981, AFSA and its federation of 32 chapters serve as North America’s largest fire sprinkler industry organization. McGuire’s tenure began on January 23, 2019. “Fire sprinklers save lives, and I am honored to have been selected by the American Fire Sprinkler Association Board of Directors as its new President and Chief Executive Officer,” says McGuire. “Believing in a system of free enterprise, AFSA is the voice of the ‘merit shop’ in the fire sprinkler industry. This concept continues to grow in importance as maintaining the right for employees and employers to determine wages and working conditions as they choose, within the boundaries of the law, is vital to a successful democracy and free market economy.” As President and CEO, McGuire will be responsible for providing guidance and support to the Board while leading AFSA’s talented team of engineers and other professionals who are dedicated to serving the membership comprised of contractors, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). She will also represent the association, interacting with key stakeholders, including regulatory and other public agencies, as well as increase the visibility of the value of the fire sprinkler industry and those companies that operate merit shops throughout North America and globally.
Debra N. McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE has been named the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s fourth President and first female Chief Executive Officer.
AHJs in the fire services; testing and certificate programs for specialties within the fire sprinkler industry; and scholarships to students who plan a career in the area of fire protection and safety technology.
Wayne Weisz, owner of Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc. in Lodi, California and Chairman of the AFSA Board of Directors, said, “I am confident that the Board has made the right decision in selecting Debra McGuire as our new President. We are certain that between her association management experience, and her enthusiasm for the AFSA mission, the future for our association will be very bright."
“By working together with valued stakeholders, AFSA members are leading the way in how fire sprinkler systems are designed, installed and maintained,” continues McGuire. “I am looking forward to overseeing efforts to build and strengthen AFSA’s membership base, along with expanding AFSA educational and training programs, and creating greater awareness of automatic fire sprinklers and the merit shop fire sprinkler industry.”
McGuire also will oversee the association’s efforts to provide educational advancement, promotion, and utilization of automatic fire sprinkler systems in the U.S. and around the world. AFSA operates a 501(c)(3) organization – the Center for Life Safety Education, Inc. – which provides continuing education and training for
In her three decades of association management, McGuire has held a variety of leadership positions. Most recently, she was Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians and Executive Vice President for the Family Medicine Foundation of Michigan. Previously, she was Director of Communications and Education for the
10 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
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Michigan Townships Association, and prior to that, Communications Director for the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). In 1999, MMA received the prestigious Gold Circle Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) where McGuire was recognized for her lead role in the innovative public relations campaign, “Manufacturing in Michigan.” Mike Meehan, president of VSC Fire & Security in Richmond, Virginia, and Region 6 Director, chaired the AFSA Executive Search Committee. “The AFSA Search Committee considered many variables in choosing our next President,” says Meehan. “After reviewing many resumes and some extremely qualified individuals, the committee narrowed it down to three candidates and presented the slate to the Board of Directors. The Board unanimously supported Debra McGuire, who has a long track record of personal and business success that is very impressive. Her broad industry background and many years as a proven executive leader in the association business were the skills we were looking for. We are flattered she accepted the position and look forward to working with Debra to grow and enhance our industry and the American Fire Sprinkler Association.”
McGuire, who worked for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, recently toured the Viking Corporation facilities with Viking Group, Inc. President & CEO James Golinveaux. Photo credit: Trumpie Photography.
The selection of McGuire caps a search process facilitated by former AFSA President Steve Muncy, CAE. “Debra McGuire’s experience in the many aspects of association management will allow her to hit the ground running with an excellent understanding of association best practices,” states Muncy. “She is well known and respected in association leadership circles. AFSA members and the fire sprinkler industry will benefit greatly from her experience, leadership, and commitment to the mission of AFSA.” McGuire was awarded the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE), the highest professional credential in the association industry, 15 years ago. In 2009, she was appointed to the CAE Commission, then elected as its vice chairman in 2011 and chairman in 2012, completing her work on the Commission in August 2014, after serving as immediate past chairman and a member of the CAE Professional Conduct Committee. McGuire also served as a member of the 2014-2015 ASAE Foundation Development Committee and was appointed to the CAE Appeals Committee in 2016. She currently serves on the ASAE Foundation Research Committee and APAC – the political action committee for associations, based in Washington, DC. McGuire is a proud alumna of the Honors College at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, where she completed her undergraduate studies while on a track scholarship. She also is a graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, and Cornerstone University (MBA) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. n
12 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
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Slow but Steady Growth Review and Forecast for the Fire Sprinkler Industry D’ARCY MONTALVO | American Fire Sprinkler Association
As everyone is settling into the New Year, professionals in the fire sprinkler industry are reflecting on 2018 and looking for predictions on 2019. With overall construction growth slowing down over the last few years, 2019 looks to follow the same pattern. According to Engineering News-Record (ENR), surveys indicate that markets will slow in 2019. Dodge Data & Analytics reports that construction starts grew 3 percent from 2017 to 2018, and starts for 2019 are expected to rise only 0.2 percent. FMI Corp, Raleigh, North Carolina, focuses on construction put-in-place and calls for a 5.6 percent growth in 2019 after a 5.5 percent rate in 2018. For the residential sector, FMI expects housing to grow 5.9 percent, slowing from a 6.7 percent rate last year. Dodge expects housing to turn down 2 percent in 2019, with multi-family housing dropping 6 percent and single-family construction staying flat. However, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) predicts single-family housing starts will show a 4.7 percent increase from 2018 and a multi-family housing drop to 4.4 percent drop in 2019. Read detailed reports from all sectors of the construction industry throughout this issue of Sprinkler Age, including Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Dodge Data & Analytics, and Portland Cement Association (PCA). The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) also surveyed members throughout the country to gauge the industry’s activity in 2018 and to ask what they anticipate in 2019. How was business in 2018 and how does business look for 2019? Responses for the how work was in 2018 and predictions for 2019 were overall positive. Most members who responded said that work has been good to great. On the West Coast, things have been going well. “Excellent in all areas – new construction, tenant improvements, service inspections, and maintenance,” reports Jeff Bridges, JB Fire Protection, Inc., Fullerton, California. “A few large-scale projects are already under contract for 2019!” AFSA Region 1 Director Lyle Hall, Western Fire Protection, Poway, California, has also been “very busy” in 2018, and “the New Year looks to be busy but probably not as busy as 2018.” 14 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
What’s ahead for the fire sprinkler industry? AFSA surveyed members across the country to find out.
In San Ramon, California, Fred Benn with Advanced Automatic Sprinkler, Inc., reports “lots of work to bid.” Bret Harmon, BlazeMaster Fire Protection, Payson, Utah says they’ve been very busy. “As of right now, there is still a lot of work bidding for 2019.” John Marchette with Fire Suppression Systems in Bozeman, Montana, echoes that sentiment: “We’ve been very busy and anticipate continuing to be.” Moving across the country, Vannen Crabtree with RNL Services, Inc., Richland, Iowa states that business has been “about average in 2018 and we are expecting the same in 2019.” Mike Eggleston, H2O Fire Protection, Inc., Commerce City, Colorado says: “We were about the same as last year, but down just a little on the profit side due to material increases. Business looks to be better in 2019, as long as material will level out in the near future.” In Michigan, business is going very well. Douglas Scott, Dependable Fire Protection in Cedar Springs says business has been “great, with lots of work for 2018, and 2019 looks great going in and through at least the third quarter very strong.” George Booth with Sentry Automatic Sprinkler, Inc., in Comstock Park and Rick Jackson with Jackson Associates, Inc. in Commerce Township, have seen the same. “We are
very busy with sales up 20-plus percent,” says Booth. “There’s no slow down for 2019.” Jackson reports that business was “excellent for 2018 and looks good for 2019.”
Do you foresee any problem areas for 2019? Manpower was one of the top problems cited for the coming year, according to survey responses.
Ohio appears to have also had a good year, but perhaps with some slowdown in 2019. “Business was excellent for 2018 but we predict leveling off in 2019,” says David Ritchey with Hercules Fire & Plumbing in North Ridgeville.
“The manpower problem is only getting worse,” says Benn. “If business slows down and men leave the trade, manpower will become a major problem when business improves.”
“Business was great! ... If you are not busy, then you don’t want to be.” – Joe Black, SC The Northeast has been busy. For Deborah Winters at Firetech Sprinkler Corp. in Colchester, Vermont, business was “excellent” in 2018, although she is looking at 2019 to be “more typical with fewer larger jobs.” In Massachusetts, both Chad Dubuc with Rustic Fire Protection in Norton and Thomas Grealish with Fire Sprinkler Corporation in Quincy were busy. And each company expects the same for 2019. In Chesapeake, Virginia, Belinda Arthur with Hiller Systems, reports 2018 was “good” and the outlook for 2019 is “great.” In the Southern states, “Business was great!” according to Joe Black, Sentry Fire Services, Inc., Greenville, South Carolina. “Construction is booming in the Upstate. If you are not busy, then you don’t want to be. Things are looking to be bigger and better in 2019 – all things are looking up.” Paul Hensley, Advanced Fire Protection, Inc. in Travelers Rest, South Carolina has seen business “a little slow, but the bidding process has been good in this area. It looks about the same or a little better for 2019.” In Florida, Jim Gaffney with Titan Fire Systems, LLC in Cocoa, reports business in 2018 was good. “Inflationary pressure has presented us with the biggest challenge since the late ‘70s in that regard. Finding labor at any price has been a challenge.” For 2019, Gaffney expects “the New Year looks to be moderating with continuing price pressure from both sides.” Cal Bruce, Fire Technology, LLC, Augusta, Georgia has some concerns going into the New Year. He says 2018 was “busy but flat on profits. We can’t find help. We are uncertain about 2019 at this point.” Bill Shipman with Fire Sentry, Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, reports that “last year was much better than in the past, and 2019 looks to be better than 2018.”
Nearly everyone agrees. Marchette adds that there is a “lack of trained, qualified, and motivated technicians.” Black notes that in addition to the same issues “we have had to deal with for years, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are not understanding our work.” Another potential problem is tariffs, according to Scott. “Tariffs – government regulations such as paid sick leave, higher minimum wages, steel shortages, and labor shortages.” How is retrofit work? Retrofit work appears to be steady across the country. Black reports it’s “great” in South Carolina, and while Hensley agrees, he notes they don’t do a lot of that type work. Elsewhere in the South, Bruce has seen “five percent or less” in his area and Gaffney notes “it is a small percentage of our work except at Kennedy Space Center and Patrick Air Force Base.” In Texas, Shipman states: “We don’t do any retrofit work. We refuse all retrofit and new construction. Instead, we concentrate on inspection and repair.” In the Northeast, responses to the retrofit work question were “busy,” “on the rise,” and “consistent.” In Michigan, Booth notes that “80 percent of our work is retrofit,” Jackson says it’s been good, and Scott says “it is really up.”
“Business was excellent for 2018 but we predict a leveling off in 2019.” – David Ritchey, OH Moving westward, Crabtree reports “about 50 percent of what we do [in Iowa] is retrofit.” Eggleston states that they don’t do much retrofit work in Colorado due to the lack of manpower. “But what we do is going great and right now the market is full with jobs to bid,” he says. Retrofit work in Utah is “steady” per Harmon. Bridges states that there is “a decent portion of [retrofit] work in California, due to the amount of construction.” Hall has seen it “very busy” as well in the state. Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 15
“We do mostly testing, inspection, and repairs [in Montana],” notes Marchette. “We do some retrofit work but only small jobs. Constant work is available.” Does your company do much NFPA 13D, Standard, for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Oneand Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, work? Responses were divided on this topic. Benn (California) and Harmon (Utah) note their companies do. Others report doing a little residential work or seeing that area growing. Hensley works a little on those projects and Scott has seen growth in this area over the past five years. Bridges states it’s about “10 percent of our sales” in California and Crabtree says “15 percent” in Iowa. Grealish has seen NFPA 13D work “mainly in three-family homes being converted to condominiums.” Has there been any increase in residential activity in your area? Areas such as California have required residential sprinklers for many years so most of those areas report steady work. Benn and Hall note that they’ve actually seen a slowdown in their areas of the state. Elsewhere, Harmon notes that in Utah it has been “very steady for the last couple of years.” Marchette reports that he’s seen an increase in Montana as well. Eggleston has seen some increase “with a few cities requiring all homes to be protected.”
In Michigan, Scott says that “many apartments and townhouses are being built” so he’s seen a rise as well. Winters comments that while “multi-family is steady,” there hasn’t been an increase in Vermont because “singlefamily is not mandated for the most part in the state.” In the South, Gaffney notes there isn’t a lot of activity in the single-family market in Florida, but they’re seeing a lot of multi-family and senior citizen residential work. And in Georgia, Bruce has only seen an increase in apartments which is actually starting to slow down as well “due to over building.”
“The manpower problem is only getting worse... ” – Fred Benn, CA Has there been any local legislation regarding sprinklers? There hasn’t been much activity regarding local legislation and fire sprinklers, based on member responses. One issue that Sprinkler Age reported on is California fitter certification. Bridges notes that the state has been enforcing it as of July 1, 2018. (See related article in the November/December 2017 issue of Sprinkler Age.) “The state fire marshal’s office currently has a focus group working on state requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance,” he says. Marchette responded that Montana is working on implementing the 2018 International Building Code. New Year, Same Issues It seems work has been steady for most of those within the industry and will continue to be so into 2019. “Consumer confidence can change in the blink of an eye, so it’s in the good years that we prepare for the bad ones,” notes Bridges. Invest in your people and your business this year and let AFSA be your partner! The association is your one-stop shop for all things related to education, training, and growth. For all the details on what’s offered visit firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965 and let us serve your needs! n
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2019 Construction Economic Forecast ABC Reports Momentum Will Persist for Several More Quarters ANIRBAN BASU | Sage Policy Group
U.S. economic performance has been brilliant of late. Sure, a considerable volume of negativity has surrounded issues such as the propriety of tariffs and shifting immigration policy, but the headline statistics make it clear that domestic economic performance is solid. Nowhere is this more evident than in the U.S. labor market. As of July, there were 6.94 million available jobs in America, an all-time high, and recent months have shown 11 job openings for every 10 unemployed Americans. Theoretically, there is a job for everyone, though job growth has been far more rapid in the West and South than elsewhere. Among the 25 largest metropolitan areas, the fastest year-overyear job growth (August 2017 to August 2018) was recorded in Orlando, Florida (4.1 percent). Other communities registering profound rates of employment expansion include Seattle (3.9 percent); Houston (3.7 percent); Phoenix (3.6 percent); Riverside, California (3.5 percent); Dallas (3.2 percent); Denver (2.8 percent); Charlotte, North Carolina (2.7 percent); and Portland, Oregon, and Tampa, Florida (both 2.5 percent). The slowest growing major metropolitan areas are Detroit (0.9 percent), Chicago (0.8 percent) and St. Louis (0.8 percent). Still, employment growth is apparent in virtually all significant cities. In September, the nation added another 134,000 net new jobs. That number came in a bit soft, probably because of storms impacting the Caroli18 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
Figure 1. The Conference Board’s leading economic index.
nas. The official rate of unemployment dipped to 3.7 percent in September (and remained at that level in October), the lowest rate since December 1969, when the United States was entering an 11-month recession. As of now, few signs indicate a looming recession, though financial market volatility has returned. On October 10, the NASDAQ Composite slipped by more than 4 percent, the S&P 500 was off by roughly 3.3. percent and the Dow was down nearly 3.2 percent. Technical fundamentals (e.g., the 200-day moving average) suggested more selling pressure. But these losses should be juxtaposed against prior gains. Don’t expect equity prices to rise indefinitely without interruption. Despite the October loss, the NASDAQ remained at levels observed in late May. Moreover, recent market turbulence hasn’t been motivated by bad news, but
rather by good news. The notion is that ongoing economic growth will create more inflationary pressures, which will translate into higher interest rates. Some of that already has occurred, and higher interest rates are often bad for stock prices, bonds, and real estate valuations. The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (see Figure 1) continues to march higher, implying economic momentum will persist for at least another two to three quarters. Historically, when the values of variables embodied within the index shift unfavorably, the economy is set to experience a downturn. This is precisely the signal the LEI sent in August 2007, when it turned negative four months prior to the Great Recession’s onset. While there have been instances in which the LEI predicted a recession that did not transpire, its accuracy has been fairly on point during the past 50 years.
The LEI, which was indexed to 100 in 2016, stood at 111.8 in August, meaning that the latest reading is 11.8 percent higher than two years ago. Other leading indicators, such as the Architecture Billings Index, paint a similarly upbeat picture. Like many diffusion indicators, any reading above 50 indicates that architects are busier in a given month than they were during the prior month. The latest readings have been above 50 without exception. The index is thought to lead relevant construction activity by nine to 12 months, which implies that contractors will continue to encounter many bidding opportunities during the months ahead. Similarly, Associated Builders and Contractors’ Construction Backlog Indicator (see Figure 2) suggests that the amount of work under contract, but that has yet to be completed, is on the rise. In many categories and geographies, backlog established an all-time high during the second quarter. Apart from leading indicators, several common-sense reasons suggest that the U.S. economic expansion will continue for several more quarters. At the top of the list is the fact that tax reform is still less than a year old. In other words, the impacts of tax cuts are just now being felt in the economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in December 2017, restructured income brackets, reduced personal income taxes for many Americans, shrank the C corporation tax rate to 21 percent and made it easier to repatriate profits earned abroad. Much of the coverage focused on changes to corporate filers or impacts on state and local tax deductions, overlooking some of the less flashy changes in the tax code. For example, the new law increased from $500,000 to $1 million the amount a company can immediately expense for certain types of purchases. These changes provide more flexibility and resources for contractors when it comes to purchasing new equipment.
Figure 2. ABC construction backlog indicator.
Contractors that buy midsize and full-size pickup trucks for their businesses can write off the entire purchase as a result of the changes in the tax code. The law also expanded the definition of section 179 property. Qualified improvements, such as the renovation and improvement of a building’s exterior, would be grouped under a Section 179 property. While it still might be too early to see the impact of the tax law in any data released by official government agencies, other sources provide some insight. For example, as of this writing, year-to-date sales of Ford’s F-series of trucks, commonly used in the construction industry, were higher in 2018 compared to the same time period in 2017. This likely is a result of the overall strength of the economy coupled with advantageous changes built into the new tax code. What’s more, despite a narrative fixated on tariffs and trade wars, global economic performance remains decent, which, all things being equal, is supportive of U.S. economic growth. The most recent forecast from the International Monetary Fund indicates that global economic growth in 2018 will be 3.7 percent, about the same as last year. While there are signs of growing stress in countries such as Argentina and Turkey, nations such as Canada, India, Australia, and Germany
continue to report acceptable economic performances. Earlier this year, it looked like America versus the world. But since that time, trade agreements have been signed with Mexico, South Korea, and Canada. Discussions with the European Union are ongoing. The situation with China remains unsettled, but at least fears of a global trade war have abated. Industrial Production Surges Prior to 2014, a considerable amount of business investment was traceable to the oil and natural gas industry. But when those and other commodity prices slid lower in 2014, high-flying economies in North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Louisiana took a step back. Through 2015, industrial production slid even in the midst of a broader U.S. and global economic recovery. But since early 2017, industrial production has more than bounced back. When asked what constrains them most, businesses in recent years have indicated that it’s regulations, not taxes. While many regulations remain in place, the way they are enforced has changed markedly, and this may have helped bolster industrial production. However, there’s more to it than that. Oil prices stand at approximately $70/ barrel in North America. Natural gas Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 19
prices now easily exceed $3/million Btu. All of this has translated into a resurgence in energy-related investment and production. Infrastructure Spending Climbs Another set of public policies are helping strengthen construction activity and the broader economy: public works. It used to be that the country’s infrastructure largely depended on what spending bills came out of Washington, DC, but that’s no longer the case. While a much-discussed federal infrastructure package has taken a legislative backseat, the recent economic expansion has helped pad state coffers. According to the Pew Research Center, 34 states are taking in more tax revenue than they were prior to the Great Recession, even after accounting for inflation. For example, West Virginia closed the last fiscal year with a $36
million budget surplus, the first time in eight years (not counting surpluses created via budget cuts). Maryland, which experienced moderate job growth for much of 2018, ended the fiscal year with a surplus exceeding $500 million. Similarly, North Carolina ran a $440 million surplus. These surpluses have caused some states to reinvest in their own roads and highways. For example, last year, North Carolina awarded $7 million in matching grants to help fund 14 short line railway projects, and the Maryland Transit Administration already has committed to spending $900 million during the next several years on its public transportation. Rising property values, ongoing rapid job creation, and confident consumers translate into rising real estate values, as well as income and retail sales tax collections, which in turn creates
additional resources to invest in infrastructure. That helps explain the chunky year-over-year spending increases in a number of primarily publicly financed categories: water supply (up 37 percent in August year over year), conservation and development (up 34 percent), transportation (up 23 percent) and highway/street (up 14 percent). Inflation and Interest Rates on the Rise In economics, situations are seldom purely blissful. Economists have a unique ability to perceive good news amidst misery. Stronger economic growth has placed more pressure on input prices, including the cost of deploying human capital. Amazon’s announcement that it would raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour illustrates that even the most powerful enterprises are having to work harder to attract and retain talent. But wages are where cost pressures begin, not where they end. Other sources of inflation include fuel prices, borrowing costs, health care, tuition, apartment rents, home prices, food and, of course, construction materials. According to the most current data available, construction materials prices rose 7.4 percent on a year-ago basis in September. Shrinking materials prices were common two to three years ago, but that has changed. Between September 2017 and September 2018, crude petroleum prices rose by more than 47 percent, steel mill products by 18 percent, and prepared asphalt, tar roofing, and siding products by more than 9 percent.
Figure 3. The 2018 year-to-date performance and ABC’s 2019 forecast. 20 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
The combination of rising human capital and materials costs is rendering the delivery of construction services more expensive. This is occurring at a time when developers and other purchasers of construction services are encountering higher interest rates. Should these dynamics persist, and they are poised to, the level of demand for construction services will decline as prospective purchasers no longer find the value proposition appealing.
Perhaps there are already indications that this is occurring. The global engineering and construction firm Fluor recently saw its stock price decline nearly 12 percent on a single day, in part because of downgraded revenue expectations. Looking Ahead Despite an uncomfortable level of stock market volatility beginning in October 2018, the U.S. economic outlook for 2019 looks benign. Leading indicators remain upbeat. The tax reform that took effect this year will presumably produce additional positive business investment impacts in 2019. Consumer and business confidence remain elevated, and the global economy continues to expand. State and local government finances are improved in much of the country, which should continue to fuel spending on school construction, roads, bridges and other elements of the built environment.
Figure 4. Inputs to construction producer price index September 2001-September 2018.
Still, there is cause for concern. Evidence of overbuilding in certain markets is becoming more apparent as rents begin to dip, including in apartment markets such as Nashville, Tennessee and Portland, Oregon. According to CBRE, office vacancy in Houston is becoming more common and rents are in decline. During the third quarter of 2018, the office market vacancy rate in Houston approached 19 percent. There are a number of other vulnerable markets, including high-flyers like Austin; Boston; New York; Seattle and Washington, DC, where construction levels have been nothing short of astonishing in recent years. The most worrisome aspect of the economy takes the form of inflationary pressures. Economists deploy a term called the natural rate of unemployment. When unemployment falls below that natural rate, inflation has a tendency to spike, leading to sharp increases in borrowing costs and softer investment. At 3.7 percent, the official rate of U.S. unemployment is now meaningfully below that natural rate of unemployment. This situation prevailed just prior to the recessions in 1980-1981, 19901991, 2001 and 2007-2009.
Figure 5. Number of job openings in U.S. construction July 2008-July 2018.
Contractors should be aware that recessions often follow within two years of the peak in confidence. In 1999, the U.S. economy was booming. That year, the economy expanded 4.8 percent. Within two years, the nation was in recession after the dot-com bust of 2000. Similarly, the economy was humming in 2005, thanks largely to a red-hot housing market. That year, the U.S. economy expanded 3.5 percent, the last time it achieved the 3 percent threshold. The housing bubble burst in earnest during 2006’s first half, and by late 2007 the nation found itself in a very deep recession. This is not to suggest that recession is necessarily coming in 2020 or 2021. But, contractors should be wary and remain
vigilant with respect to cash flow management and balance sheet health during the year ahead. The average contractor is likely to be quite busy in 2019, but beyond that, the economic outlook is decidedly murky. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Anirban Basu is chairman and CEO of the Sage Policy Group and chief economist of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). For more information, visitabc. org/economics or email Basu at basu@abc.org. Reprinted with permission from Construction Executive, December 2018, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.
Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 21
New Construction Starts in 2019 Hold Steady Dodge Data & Analytics Predicts Deceleration in Total Construction Growth Will Continue Dodge Data & Analytics has released its 2019 Dodge Construction Outlook, a mainstay in construction industry forecasting and business planning. The report predicts that total U.S. construction starts for 2019 will be $808 billion, staying essentially even with the $807 billion estimated for 2018. “Over the past three years, the expansion for the U.S. construction industry has shown deceleration in its rate of growth, a pattern that typically takes place as an expansion matures,” states Robert A. Murray, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics. “After advancing 11 percent to 14 percent each year from 2012
through 2015, total construction starts climbed 7 percent in both 2016 and 2017, and a 3 percent increase is estimated for 2018. There are, of course, mounting headwinds affecting construction, namely rising interest rates and higher material costs, but for now these have been balanced by the stronger growth for the U.S. economy, some easing of bank lending standards, still healthy market fundamentals for commercial real estate, and greater state financing for school construction and enhanced federal funding for public works.” “An important question going into 2019 is whether deceleration is followed by a
period of high level stability or a period of decline. For 2019, it’s expected that growth for the U.S. economy won’t be quite as strong as what’s taking place in 2018, as the benefits of tax cuts begin to wane. Short-term interest rates will rise, as the Federal Reserve continues to move monetary policy towards a more neutral stance. Long-term interest rates will also rise, reflecting higher inflationary expectations by the financial markets. At the same time, any erosion in market fundamentals for commercial real estate will stay modest. In addition, the greater funding from state and local bond measures passed in recent years will still be present, and it’s likely that
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federal spending for construction programs will increase once all the federal appropriations bills for fiscal 2019 are finalized. In this environment, it’s forecast that growth for construction starts will decelerate further, but not yet make the transition to the point where the overall volume of activity declines. For 2019, total construction starts are forecast to hold basically steady at $808 billion. By major sector in dollar terms, residential building will be down 2 percent, nonresidential building will match its 2018 amount, and nonbuilding construction will increase 3 percent.� The pattern of construction starts by more specific segments is the following: • Single-family housing will be unchanged in dollar terms, alongside a modest 3 percent drop in housing starts to 815,000 (Dodge basis). There will be a slight decline in homebuyer demand as the result of higher mortgage rates, diminished affordability, and reduced tax advantages for home ownership as the result of tax reform. • Multifamily housing will slide 6 percent in dollars and 8 percent in units to 465,000 (Dodge basis). Market fundamentals such as occupancies and rent growth had shown modest erosion prior to 2018, which then paused this year due to the stronger U.S. economy. However, that erosion in market fundamentals is expected to resume in 2019. • Commercial building will retreat 3 percent, following 2 percent gains in 2017 and 2018, as well as the substantial percentage increases that took place earlier. While 2018 market fundamentals for offices and warehouses are healthy, next year vacancy rates are expected to rise as the economy slows, slightly dampening construction. Hotel construction will ease back from recent strength, and store construction will experience further weakness. • Institutional building will advance 3 percent, picking up the pace slightly from its 1 percent gain in 2018 which itself followed an 18 percent hike in 2017. Educational facilities should see continued growth in 2019, supported by funding coming from numerous
school construction bond measures. Healthcare projects will make a partial rebound after pulling back in 2018. Airport terminal and amusementrelated projects are expected to stay close to the elevated levels of construction starts reported in 2017 and 2018. • Manufacturing plant construction will rise 2 percent following the 18 percent jump that’s estimated for 2018. The recent pickup in petrochemical plant projects should continue, and cuts in the corporate tax rate from tax reform should encourage firms to invest more in new plant capacity. • Public works construction will increase 4 percent, reflecting growth by most of the project types. The omnibus federal appropriations bill passed in March provided greater funding for transportation projects that will carry over into 2019, and environmental-related projects are getting a lift from recently passed legislation. • Electric utilities/gas plants will drop 3 percent, continuing to retreat after the exceptional amount reported back in 2015. New generating capacity continues to come on line, dampen-
ing capacity utilization rates for power generation. The 2019 Dodge Construction Outlook was presented at the 80th annual Outlook Executive Conference held by Dodge Data & Analytics at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Copies of the report with additional details by building sector can be ordered online at construction.com or by calling (800) 591-4462. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Dodge Data & Analytics is North America’s leading provider of analytics and software-based workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Building product manufacturers, architects, engineers, contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and pursue unseen growth opportunities and execute on those opportunities for enhanced business performance. Whether it’s on a local, regional or national level, Dodge makes the hidden obvious, empowering its clients to better understand their markets, uncover key relationships, size growth opportunities, and pursue those opportunities with success. The company’s construction project information is the most comprehensive and verified in the industry. Dodge is leveraging its 100-year-old legacy of continuous innovation to help the industry meet the building challenges of the future. To learn more, visit construction.com.
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Tips for a Successful New Year Do You Accept the Challenge? JOSH SHAPIRO | Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
A new year is upon us as we gear up for a fresh start in both our personal and professional lives. We all have a goal that we strive for in the new year – maybe it’s joining a gym and losing some weight, maybe it’s saving up for a new house or a much-needed vacation with your family, or maybe it’s striving for a prosperous and more meaningful time at work. My focus in this article is on the latter. We all work, so why not make that time more enjoyable? Before joining the fire protection industry, I ran my own company that held business networking events around the country and I spoke a lot on panels about best practices to engage yourself more in your line of work. During that time, I found one common theme throughout most of my travel and public speaking: most people don’t get involved in anything work related outside of their cubicle and 9-to-5 job. They literally just punch in and punch out. Does this sound like you? Sometimes I wish there was a study on how involved those people are outside of just their job description as it would give a clearer understanding on a few key points. Are those who are happier with their career path more involved and engaged in their line of work outside of their 9-to-5 duties? Do they feel more satisfied by understanding current events and topics in the industry as well as meeting some of the key players in their market and learning the progression on how they got to that level? Some of the most successful people I know both in the fire protection industry and elsewhere are active within their trade – at all different levels of engagement. Since it’s 2019, I challenge you this year to commit more 24 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
time outside your office to the following 19 priorities: 1. Being active and getting more involved in your industry associations such as AFSA. 2. Learning from your failures and growing from them personally and professionally. 3. Challenging yourself and seeking new opportunities within your company. 4. Writing down some achievable threemonth-interval goals. 5. Brainstorming about harder, long-term goals that you would like to accomplish this year. 6. Seeking mentorship from those who have been in the business longer than you have – those leaders had mentors, too! 7. Asking questions and truly understanding each level and department of the company in which you’re working – maybe your strengths are better suited in another position that will, in turn, make you a happier employee. 8. Prioritizing tasks during work hours that will leave you time to go to association meetings during lunch or after work. 9. Exuding confidence but seeking assistance when you don’t know the answer – none of us know everything! 10. Expressing gratitude – we’re not perfect and a helping hand is sometimes all you need. 11. Showing humility when you have successes and, more importantly, when you don’t. 12. Modeling a work-life balance – making sure that self-care is a priority. 13. Enhancing your listening skills – if you talk the whole time, you can’t learn from others.
14. Becoming invaluable at your company – learning more skills at your job and expanding your repertoire. 15. Getting out of your comfort zone! 16. Managing stress efficiently – you can’t be productive if you’re constantly overworking. 17. Being a team player – everyone at work should have the same goals – as the saying goes, “There’s no ‘I’ in team.” 18. Having a positive attitude every day – no one likes working with a grouch! 19. Probably the most important priority this year: Building meaningful, long-term relationships with people who add value to your everyday life. If you’re under 40 years old, I hope you can get more engaged and attend your local NextGen events to learn more about what AFSA can do for you. If you’re over 40 years old, I hope that the fire protection industry has afforded you wisdom that you can now bestow as a mentor to aspiring leaders in the NextGen community. The question is, are you up for the challenge this year? n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Josh Shapiro is the MidAtlantic regional sales manager for Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. in the Washington, DC area. He is the chairman of both the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia chapters of AFSA NextGen and a member of the AFSA National’s NextGen Initiative workgroup. For more information about local events in the Maryland and Virginia region, email Shapiro at jshapiro@ reliablesprinkler.com. For more information on AFSA’s NextGen Initiative, visit firesprinkler. org/nextgen.
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Protecting Storage Occupancies Issues Concerning Smoke and Heat Vents RUSS BAINBRIDGE, PE, CFPS, MS | American Fire Sprinkler Association
When protecting storage occupancies there are several issues that can impact the selected protection methods. This article will discuss conditions where smoke and heat vents or mechanical smoke removal systems could potentially be installed along with sprinklers and the issues that might arise. The International Building Code (IBC), 2015 edition in Section 413.1 requires all high-pile or rack storage in any occupancy to comply with the requirements in the International Fire Code (IFC), which are located in Chapter 32, High-Piled Combustible Storage. The first time the IFC references the interaction between smoke and heat vents or a mechanical
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smoke removal systems and sprinklers is in Section 3206.2, which states: “Where required by Table 3206.2, fire detection systems, smoke and heat removal, and automatic sprinkler design densities shall extend the lesser of 15 ft (4572 mm) beyond the high-piled storage area or to a permanent partition. Where portions of high-piled storage areas have different fire protection requirements because of commodity, method of storage or storage height, the fire protection features required by Table 3206.2 within this area shall be based on the most restrictive design requirements.” The reference to requiring the automatic sprinkler design density extending to either 15 ft beyond the highpile storage area or to a permanent partition is the same requirement in Section 12.3 of the 2016 edition of NFPA 13, which states: “For buildings with two or more adjacent hazards or design methods, the following shall apply: “(1) Where areas are not physically separated by a barrier or partition capable of delaying heat from a fire in one area from fusing sprinklers in the adjacent area, the required sprinkler protection for the more demanding design basis shall extend 15 ft (4.6 m) beyond its perimeter. “(2) The requirements of 12.3(1) shall not apply where the areas are separated by a draft curtain or barrier located above an aisle, horizontally a minimum of 2 ft (600 mm) from the adjacent hazard on each side, or a partition that is capable of delaying heat from a fire in one area from fusing sprinklers in the adjacent area.” This also repeated in Section 11.1.2 of NFPA 13.
From here, Table 3206.2, General Fire Protection and Life Safety Requirements from the IFC can be reviewed to determine whether an automatic fire-extinguishing system, fire detection system, and/or smoke and heat removal is required. (See Figure 1 on page 27.) The commodity classification and size of the high-pile storage area being protected will determine what protection methods are required. What is commonly overlooked when reviewing the requirements of this table are Notes i and j. Note i states: “Not required where an automatic fire-extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the highpiled storage area in accordance with Sections 3207 and 3208.” Note i is used in reference to the requirement of fire detection for Class I-IV commodities when the storage area is 501-2,000 ft2 with public access. This is allowed because an automatic fire-extinguishing system is not required for this storage method, so the automatic fire-extinguishing system would be acting as the fire-detection system. This same reasoning is stated in Section 907.4.3.1 of the IFC but it is referring to a different issue. Then, Note j states: “Not required where storage areas are protected by either early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems or control mode special application sprinklers with a response time index of 50 (m • s)1/2 or less that are listed to control a fire in the stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers, installed in accordance with NFPA 13.” Note j is used in reference to the requirement of smoke and heat removal systems for Class I-IV commodities when the storage area exceeds 12,000 ft2 and 2,501-12,000 ft2 without public
access and high-hazard commodities when the storage area exceeds 500 ft2. This is also stated in Section 910.2 Exceptions 2 and 3. This allowance is also extended to Group S-1 occupancies with an area exceeding 50,000 ft2 of undivided space. The purpose of being able to omit smoke and heat removal systems is because of the effect they could have on ESFR sprinklers and CMSA sprinklers with an RTI of 50 (m•s) 1/2 or less that are listed to control a fire in stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers. ESFR and CMSA sprinklers need to collect all the heat they can to activate the appropriate amount sprinklers; thus, if the smoke and heat removal system were activated it could actually have a detrimental effect on the sprinkler system. If a smoke and heat removal system is installed along with a sprinkler system, the automatic roof vents are required to have an operating element with a temperature classification higher than the sprinklers per NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Section 12.1.1.1. This is in hopes to minimize the potential effect the smoke and heat removal system can have on sprinkler activation. Section 12.1.1.2 of NFPA 13 goes further for automatic heat or smoke vents used with ESFR sprinklers by requiring automatic heat or smoke vents to use a high-temperature rated, standard-response operating mechanism. These are some of the potential issues that could arise while designing sprinkler systems for storage occupancies. A lot of the times the project architect and/or mechanical engineer does not know of the issues between smoke and heat removal systems and sprinkler systems, as well as the allowance to omit smoke and heat removal systems when ESFR sprinklers are used. In these instances, not only could it affect the sprinkler system operating properly, but proposing the use of ESFR sprinklers could save time and money on the project since it would remove the smoke and heat removal systems requirement. n
Table 3206.2. Excerpted from the 2015 International Fire Code; Copyright 2014. Washington, D.C.: International Code Council. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. www.ICCSAFE.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Russ Bainbridge, PE, CFPS, MS, is senior fire protection engineer for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He has a bachelor’s degree in fire protection and safety technology with a minor in emergency management from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in fire protection engineering from California Polytechnic State University. Bainbridge has a Professional Engineer license in Fire Protection Engineering in the state of California. He is a member of NFPA’s Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) Certificate Advisory Group, sits on the Society of Fire Protection Engineers’ (SFPE) Professional Competency & Credentialing and Nominating Committees.
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.
Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 27
Real Leadership: New, Old, or Just What Works NextGen Initiative Announces February 26 Webinar The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) NextGen Initiative (NGI) is pleased to announce its upcoming February 26 webinar: “Real Leadership: New, Old, or Just What Works” presented by Ed Rigsbee, CSP, CAE, president of Rigsbee Enterprises, Inc. Webinars are presented free for AFSA members. Webinar Details “Real Leadership: New, Old, or Just What Works” is part of the ongoing quarterly webinar series established by AFSA’s under-40, young professional subgroup, NGI. The webinar will take place on Tuesday, February 26 at 11:00 am Central. Before jumping to the newest flavor-of-the-month leadership strategy, first take stock of what’s already known but might not have been used lately. Look at what used to work and ask why its no longer used it. New ideas
are just fine, yet be mindful of what has proven to be successful in the past. Attendees listening in to this 90-minute webinar will receive at least one idea to implement immediately. Speaker Details Ed Rigsbee, Certified Speaking Professional and Certified Association Executive, is the ROI Guy – obsessed with helping others to Ed Rigsbee, CSP, CAE, will lead the NGI webinar. give and receive more return on investment (ROI) in everything that they do. He helps organizations to elevate business relationships from ordinary to extraordinary, in service, results, and profitability. Rigsbee is the president of Rigsbee Enterprises, Inc., established in 1981. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in the areas of strategic alliance development and implementation and non-profit organization member recruitment and retention. 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. To watch a two-minute tutorial on registering for AFSA webinars, visit youtube. com/watch?v=ZLdq4zskMrA&feature=youtu.be. 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 AFSA’s Education & Training Updates and be notified of upcoming webinars email training@firesprinkler.org. For details on AFSA membership, email membership@ firesprinkler.org. n
28 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! On October17th the AFSA- Virginia Chapter held the 25th anniversary of it’s Burn Surivor’s Golf Tournament. Our sponsors and supporters helped us raise $110,000 to benefit the Central Virginia Burn Camp and the Old Dominion Firefighters Burn Foundation.
PRESENTING The Hoffon Family - In Memory of Harry A. Hoffon, Sr and Ruth J. Hoffon
Eagle Fire Inc.
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George Wagner
Ferguson Fire
Victaulic
Fire and Life Safety America
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Old Dominion Firefighters Burn Foundation Potter Electric
Clark Nexsen
General Air Products
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Tands Inc. - Bojangles
Kelly Wins Waller Scholarship CLSE and AFSA Award $4,000 to OSU Student Each year, the Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE) and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) come together to award the Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship to one junior or senior enrolled in the Fire Protection and Safety Technology program at Oklahoma State University (OSU). The Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship is $4,000 in scholarship funds, paid directly to the OSU student’s account. The winner for the 2018-2019 academic year is Leigh Kelly, a junior studying fire protection safety technology. Kelly became interested in fire protection technology with his introduction to the fire service in Skippack, Pennsylvania. “My grandfather was the fire chief of the neighboring township and my
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father was heavily involved in the fire service as well as teaching at the fire academy.” He continues: “I could not think of a better way to utilize my abilities than to design and test fire-protection and life-safety components and systems for real-life application and maintain the protection features that no one else thinks twice about.” Over the past four years, Kelly has served as a volunteer firefighter. “Through this enterprise, I have developed a larger sense of integrity, enhanced communication skills, and the ability to work with flexibility and adaptability under pressure. My passion to help people has manifested in the fire service and my love for training and bettering myself has had no better stage.” Kelly has been very active on campus. He is a member of the Fire Protection Society and serves on the Training Committee, a traveling member of the Firefighter Combat College, and was a CEAT representative for the Society of Fire Protection Engineers during his sophomore year. Kelly has also served others, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in 2013 and traveling on mission trips for Life Builders. Kelly was excited to learn he had received the Waller scholarship. “I’m most thrilled to hear this! I know that it will go a long way for me.” He continues: “When I graduate from Oklahoma State in May of 2020, I would love to be able to begin applying my passion for life safety in the design or review of fire suppression systems. I would love to start a career somewhere in the Northeast, but I am still keeping my future open to new experiences.” Professor Leslie Stockel notes that Kelly is an excellent student. “He fully
The 2018 Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship recipient is Leigh Kelly.
participates and is engaged in lectures and labs. His academic performance in my classes has been excellent.” Professor Robert Agnew agrees. “Character is in fact what you think about when you think of Mr. Kelly. He is determined and a hard worker. He exhibits this in both his academics and in his performance at the Firefighter Combat College events.” The Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 to honor the man who devoted more than 40 years to the fire protection industry. It has provided nearly $40,000 to OSU FPST students. The scholarship is presented to juniors or seniors enrolled in the FPST program in the College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology at OSU, which is the oldest fire/ safety-related program in North America and is the nation’s only ABET-accredited FPST program. As CLSE is a 501(c)(3) educational affiliate of AFSA, all contributions made to this scholarship fund re tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or become a regular donor, visit clse.org/scholarships. n
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Storage Issues Got You Stumped? Informal Interpretations Offer Solutions and Savings The informal interpretations featured in this issue of Sprinkler Age address storage issues. AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, PE; Senior Fire Protection Engineer Russ Bainbridge, PE; and Technical Programs Specialist Tom Noble, CET. These opinions are provided for the benefit of the requesting party, and are provided with the understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or actions taken on them. QUESTION: “Would unexpanded Group A plastics stored in wooden crates be considered cartoned?” ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is unexpanded Group A plastics stored in wooden crates would be considered cartoned. This is a really interesting nuance that has mostly been ignored. Crates are a separate packing assembly that are explicitly addressed by Chapter 5 for defining the commodity classification. The problem is that the discharge criteria in Chapters 15 and 17 discuss only cartoned and exposed. In reality, we have two questions on the use of wooden crates with group A plastics. The first is what criteria to apply (cartoned or exposed) and the second is a more subtle nuance on what is the impact on the commodity classification. The commodity classification is very explicitly addressed for Class I and II commodities. This is because the wood crate itself becomes the primary fuel load for a noncombustible product 32 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
(making it a Class II whereas it would otherwise be a Class I). The definition of a Group A plastic says cartoned or within a wood container beyond specified amounts are a plastic. The packaging doesn’t contribute much to the fuel load (relatively speaking), so the product itself drives the decision. This doesn’t answer the question of whether or not to treat it as cartoned. Fortunately, we have an answer in Table A.5.6.1.1: General Guide to Identifying the Commodity Class for Solid Combustibles. Under the category Entirely Unexpanded Group A plastic, it identifies the packaging as corrugated cartons, wooden crates, and wooden boxes and assigns a commodity of cartoned unexpanded Group A plastic. As such, we can apply the cartoned criteria from Chapters 15 and 17. Unfortunately, this same section of Table A.5.6.1.1 misleads us on defining the commodity. The aspect that is missing is how to treat multiple layers of corrugated cartons. This variable is addressed regarding Class II commodities but isn’t addressed for Group A plastics. The reason for this is that the table was based on the criteria from Chapter 5. Multiple layers of corrugation are part of the definition of Class II commodities in Chapter 5. It is not mentioned elsewhere in Chapter 5. You have to go back to Chapters 15 and 17 where the Decision Trees (Figures 15.2.2 and 17.1.2.1 of the 2013 edition) identify this variable. The note states: “Note: Cartons that contain Group A plastic material are permitted to be treated as Class IV commodities under the following conditions: (1) There are multiple layers of corrugation or equivalent outer material that
would significantly delay fire involvement of the Group A plastic. “(2) The amount and arrangement of Group A plastic material within an ordinary carton would not be expected to significantly increase the fire hazard.” As the criteria tells us, if the outer material is able to significantly delay the involvement of the Group A plastic inside the container, it can be classified as a Class IV commodity. This only requires two layers of corrugated cardboard which is typically wet (except for the initial burning pallets that activate the sprinklers). This includes equivalent outer material. Although cardboard will absorb more water, even dry wood provides more of a delay than wetted cardboard. Now, combine this with the fact that wetted wood does absorb some water and its burning characteristics are certainly reduced when continually wetted. Thus, solid wood crates are equivalent. I emphasize “solid” since this does not apply to slatted wood crates since a solid barrier is needed to slow down the exposure of the Group A plastic to the fire. I’m perplexed by the identified note being deleted from the 2016 edition. Historically, it has been part of the solid pile (Chapter 15) criteria for decades and came from the old NFPA 231, Standard for General Storage. It wasn’t initially part of the rack criteria because it came from the old NFPA 231C, Standard for Rack Storage of Materials. Two separate committees controlled the two standards, and the question of why there a difference never came up. With the text being combined into a single document (NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, in the
1999 edition), such differences become more apparent. It was added to the rack criteria starting with the 2007 edition since the storage arrangement does not impact the determination of the commodity classification. Since I cannot find a public input initiating the removal of this text from only Chapter 17 and I do not remember it being addressed (which would have stood out for me since I am the one who triggered having it added to the 2007 edition), I believe it was an inadvertent mistake. In reality, this criteria belongs in Chapter 5 and will be addressed in the next cycle.
warehouse. The building is 42-ft 2-in. tall at the ridge and 36-ft 6-in. at both eaves which means 43 percent the building has a roof deck above 40 ft and 57 percent of the building has a roof deck below 40 ft. Can we install sprinklers with different K factors in the portion above 40 ft (ESFR K-22.4) and the portion below 40 ft (ESFR K-16.8)? Can the sprinklers with different K factors be on the same system? This is a speculative building so there are no storage aisles established.” ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that such combination of sprinklers with different K-factors on a single system is allowed by NFPA 13. Many contractors and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) take an excessively conservative view on this issue based mostly on concerns about restoring the system and making a mistake on replacing the correct sprinkler type. The base criteria of Section 23.4.4.9.2 is that different orifices cannot be used to balance a
As already stated, but worth repeating, the assignment of classification is a function of the burning characteristics of the load (that being a single load as can be tested under a calorimeter assembly). The aspect of storage arrangement is separately addressed in the assigned design basis for a specific commodity. QUESTION: “We are installing systems with ESFR sprinklers into a 564,000 ft2 speculative rectangular
1”
1.25”
1.5”
2”
2.5”
3”
4”
5”
6”
system. Some exceptions were provided to indicate typical examples where different orifices were acceptable. This was not intended to be an all-inclusive list of where having different orifice sizes is acceptable. There are several references to using different types of sprinklers (which often have different size orifices) within the same compartment such as Section A.8.4. While explicitly saying when different types of sprinklers are used in the same compartment, it’s mainly emphasizing that they should have the same response characteristics (i.e., standard or quick response). Section A.23.4.4.9 is even more applicable in that it identifies different orifices sizes in foyer and room areas, which are not separate enclosures or one of the other listed examples identified in Section 23.4.4.9.2. As such you can mix ESFR sprinklers of differing orifice sizes but can’t mix ESFR and standard spray sprinklers. When calculating the system be sure to complete calculations confirming the most demanding system or providing calculations proving both K-factors will work at their required
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Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 33
pressures. I suggest you come up with a detailed installation drawing to make sure the installer correctly installs the sprinklers in the correct locations. QUESTION: “I have a project with storage of exposed, unexpanded Group A plastics in racks to a height of 20 ft with a building height of 40 ft 7 in. Is Section 12.1.3.4.8 requiring an acceptable clearance from storage to the ceiling with in-rack sprinklers or does it remove the acceptable clearance requirement from storage to the ceiling if in-rack sprinklers are installed? If I were to install in-rack sprinklers per Section 12.1.3.4.8 would I be able to use any of the rack configurations described in Section 17.2.1.4? For example, could I use any of the rack options for 20 ft of storage in a 25-ft building or 20 ft of storage in a 30-ft building? Also, Figure 17.2.1.4(j) shows a line of sprinklers directly over the top level of storage. Would this configuration require a solid barrier above the top of the storage?” ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is Section 12.1.3.4.8 negates the excessive clearance. There are multiple sections that have to be referenced when determining a design criteria when the acceptable clearance between the top of the storage and ceiling is exceeded. The main section to review is Section 12.1.3, which covers the requirements pertaining to storage height and building height. Section 12.1.3.3 requires the design to be based off of the storage configuration that routinely or periodically is found in the building requiring the greatest water demand. The clearance from storage to ceiling requirements are contained in Section 12.1.3.4. Then Section 12.1.3.4.2 states: “for spray sprinkler criteria where the clearance to ceiling exceeds those identified in this section, the requirements of 12.1.3.4.3 through 12.1.3.4.8 shall apply.” Since the term “through” is used, every applicable part of those sections has to be adhered to. With the storage 34 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
commodity being exposed, unexpanded Group A plastics stored to a height of 20 ft, Section 17.2 contains the design requirements. Thus, Sections 12.1.3.4.5, 12.1.3.4.7, and 12.1.3.4.8 are applicable. Section 12.1.3.4.5 requires the protection criteria to be determined by using a storage height that would result in clearance to the ceiling of 10 ft or installing a supplemental row of in-rack sprinklers. For example, use the design requirements for a storage height of 31 ft for a building height of 40 ft 7 in., even if the storage height is only 20 ft. An equally acceptable approach is to install one level of supplemental, quick-response in-rack sprinklers located directly below the top tier of storage at every flue space intersection to be provided instead. Then Section 12.1.3.4.7 in conjunction with the supplemental in-rack sprinklers dictates the ceiling density to be based upon the given storage height as if the acceptable clearance to the ceiling were met. In other words, the supplemental in-rack sprinklers negates the excessive clearance. Next, Section 12.1.3.4.8 states if the design criteria already requires in-rack sprinklers for a certain storage configuration, provide those in-rack sprinklers as well as the supplemental in-rack sprinklers required by Section 12.1.3.4.5. After reviewing Figure 17.2.1.4(j) it is believed the line of sprinklers shown above the top level of storage is an error (effectively a typo) and those sprinklers are to be installed directly below the top tier of storage. This is supported by the configuration in the 2019 edition being shown without the sprinkler above the top tier (Figures 25.9.3.3(g) and 25.9.3.3(i)). These topics should be discussed with the local AHJ and a written agreement with these interpretations should be obtained (or at least an email sent to the AHJ identifying the outcome of the discussion) before proceeding further with the project. QUESTION: “We have a customer who owns four unheated warehouses that he uses for tiered baled cotton storage. These buildings currently do not have fire sprinkler systems installed.
He is wanting to install fire sprinkler systems in these buildings, but the pitch of all of the roofs is 6:12. According to NFPA 13 2016 edition, Section 12.1.2, the sprinkler system criteria specified in Chapter 12 and Chapters 14-20 are intended to apply to buildings with ceiling slopes not exceeding 2:12 unless modified by a specific section in these chapters. Is there some sort of modification that can be made to the design density/area for baled cotton storage that would allow for a fire sprinkler installation under these steeply pitched roofs? Also, what is the theory behind limiting the ceiling slope to 2:12 for storage applications?” ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that there is no identified design basis for the protection of the storage with a sloped ceiling. Chapter 12 is a general chapter for storage that begins by indicating that the requirements of Section 12.1 are applicable to all storage arrangements and commodities other than miscellaneous storage (Chapter 13) and as modified by specific sections in Chapter 14 through Chapter 20. Then Section 12.1.2 says that the sprinkler system criteria specified in Chapters 14 through 20 are intended to apply to buildings with ceiling slopes not exceeding 2 in 12. The design area modifiers in Chapter 11 are not applicable to storage occupancies. This is why Section 11.2.3.2.4 ends with sloped ceilings in non-storage applications. Chapter 12 has its own section (12.5.1) addressing design modifiers and the only design modifier is for dry pipe and preaction systems. In order to use NFPA 13 design criteria for storage occupancies, the ceilings in these areas must not exceed a slope of 2 in 12. In the 2016 handbook there is commentary that explains why we limit the ceiling pitch in storage applications: “All of the testing used to develop storage protection requirements was done under flat roofs. A 1/6-scale model of a fullscale test facility was used to investigate the effects of varying ceiling slopes. These investigations indicated that sprinkler operating patterns and sequences will not be adversely affected
when slopes do not exceed 2 in 12 (16.7 percent). Where the slope exceeds 16.7 percent, the sprinkler operating area and sequence can be skewed. Unless the fire occurs directly under a row of sprinklers, sprinklers nearest the fire may not operate. Heat from the fire will collect at the peak and result in the operation of an excessive number of sprinklers and loss of fire control. The design criteria for storage buildings having ceiling or roof slopes exceeding 2 in 12 are outside the scope of Chapter 12 and Chapters 14 through 20. For storage buildings that have sloped ceilings greater than 16.7 percent, consideration should be given to larger design areas combined with skewed operating patterns. A good example of this concept is the construction type commonly referred to as “sawtooth roof,” in which generally only two or three sprinklers run up a section of roof with a slope greater than 16.7 percent. These sprinklers can be calculated as if all the sprinklers running up the slope will operate for the width of the hydraulic remote area. Experienced judgment will have to be used for small portions of the ceiling/roof that exceed 16.7 percent slope. Large roof/ceiling slopes over 16.7 percent are outside the scope of this chapter. If a storage application is addressed by Chapter 13, sloped ceilings are not a problem (since the Chapter 11 modifiers are applicable). Unfortunately, baled cotton is not viewed as simply a Class III commodity due to it being bailed (which greatly impacts the burning characteristics, much like rolled paper). That’s why it has its own section in Chapter 20. The only possible alternative is to add a ceiling in the area above the storage. QUESTION: “We have an agricultural vegetation room in a commercial grow facility with double stacked tables that slide for access (like a rolling library stack) to maximize space/light utilization. The top table is 82.5 in. above the finished floor and the tables are 61.5-in. wide. The room is protected with an ordinary group 1 overhead system. The AHJ is concerned about the obstruction to discharge by the upper level of the tables. Would the
fact that the tables slide make an argument for exemption in NFPA 13, 2016 edition Section 8.5.5.3.2? If the tables were considered racks would Table 13.2.1 allow its use as is under an ordinary group 1 without in-rack sprinklers?” ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is the upper table cannot be ignored. Section 8.5.5.3.2 allows us to ignore items like typical tables because they are the contents of the room and they don’t have significant fuel loads beneath them. Your situation is effectively a storage rack. Let’s first start with Chapter 13. Even though Table 13.2.1 does not require in-rack sprinklers for Class I or Class II, we have to meet the requirements of Section 13.1.3.1: “for storage of Class I through Class IV 12 ft (3.7 m) or less in height that does not meet the definition of Miscellaneous Storage that is on solid shelf racks, in-rack sprinklers shall be provided in accordance with 16.1.6, and ceiling sprinkler protection shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 13.” As Section 13.1.3.1 states, the design area and/or density doesn’t change but in-rack sprinklers are required if the solid shelf racks meet the criteria in Section 16.1.6. Within Section 16.1.6 there are two sections that apply to this configuration that require in-rack sprinklers and they are Sections 16.1.6.1 and 16.1.6.2. Section 16.1.6.1 states: “where solid shelving in single-, double-, and multiple-row racks exceeds 20 ft (1.9 m ) in area but does not exceed 64 ft (5.9 m ) in area, sprinklers shall not be required below every shelf but shall be installed at the ceiling and below shelves at intermediate levels not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) apart vertically.” And, Section 16.1.6.2 states: “where solid shelving in single-, double-, and multiple-row racks exceeds 64 ft (5.9 m ) in area or where the levels of storage exceed 6 ft (1.8 m), sprinklers shall be installed at the ceiling and below each level of shelving.” If they had built the tables with
6-in. flues every 5 ft. (or mechanical stops between tables to maintain a gap when moved), the ceiling-only protection would have been fine. Since the upper tables are movable, depending on how much they move poses a problem for in-rack sprinklers. That leaves the only option of calling them significantly shielded and treat it as an extra hazard group 2. The main restriction on this approach is that you cannot have unlimited lengths for the obstruction. Although there is no defined size to said shielding, the fuel arrangement would need to fit inside the bigger remote area. This last approach would require consulting with the AHJ to determine the allowed maximum length for the racks. QUESTION: “Is there a minimum aisle width associated with a Table 21.3.1 (extended coverage CMSA K25.2) design?” ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 13, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is there is no minimum aisle width requirement. The aisle width is a variable that applies to the design basis of only single or double racks. When the criterion is applicable to all racks (single,- double-, and multiple-row racks) then there is no applicable aisle width. When the aisle is too narrow for a double-row rack, then by definition, it becomes a multiple row rack. That’s why Section 21.3.1 does not address aisles. The same is true for CMSA and ESFR in Chapters 16 and 17. n EDITOR’S NOTE: These interpretations were prepared by AFSA’s Technical Services Department in answer to specific questions from contractors and/or AHJs. These opinions are provided for the benefit of the requesting party, and are provided with the understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or actions taken on them. AFSA members can access past informal interpretations online. Visit firesprinkler.org, click on “Technical Services” and then “Informal Interpretations.” (Member user name and password required to gain entry.)
Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 35
Honoring Academic Excellence Graduates Achieve AFSA’s 2018 Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Fire Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society was first established in 2012 to recognize those trainees, along with their sponsoring employers, who have completed all four levels of the AFSA Correspondence Course for Fire Sprinkler Fitters with a cumulative grade point average of 95 percent or above. Inductees into the 2018 class of AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society represent approximately the top 10 percent of the 165 four-level graduates for the year. AFSA Education Programs Coordinator Jill Gamble notes: “I think Ralph Marston said it best – ‘Excellence is not
a skill, it is a mindset.’ We take great pride in the students who achieved academic excellence in 2018, as well as the member companies who believe investing in training and education for employees produces an environment where excellence is a shared mindset. AFSA celebrates their contribution in building a foundation of excellence for the future of our industry.” The following companies are the proud employers of inductees into the 2018 Fire Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society: • American Fire Protection Group, Inc., Albuquerque, NM • Badgerland Fire Protection, Coleman, WI
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AFSA recognizes individuals/ organizations for their dedication to enhancing education and awareness of fire sprinklers by awarding its “Fire Sprinklers Save Lives” award. Established in 1998, the “Fire Sprinklers Save Lives” award’s goal is to highlight individuals and organizations NOT involved in the fire sprinkler industry who are truly making a difference in their community by recognizing the importance of our life saving industry and promoting the use of fire sprinkler technology.
Do you know someone who deserves the
“Fire Sprinklers Save Lives” award? Send nominations to: AFSA - Public Education & Awareness Committee 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350 Dallas, Texas 75251 Fax: 214-343-8898
36 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
To nominate someone outside of the fire sprinkler industry, please send your name and contact information, your nominee’s name, contact information and a brief description why this person/ organization is being nominated.
• Burtell Fire Protection, Billings, MT • Central Kentucky Sprinkler, Nicholasville, KY • Cintas Fire Protection, Pawtucket, RI • Commonwealth Fire Protection, Leola, PA (two inductees) • Covenant Fire Protection, Manchester, NH • Dave Jones Fire Protection, Madison, WI • E. Amanti & Sons, Inc., Salem, MA • Firestop Co., Medford, OR • Firestopping Specialists, LLC, Neenah, WI • Johnson Controls, Dublin, OH • Mass Code Compliance, Pembroke, MA • Phoenix Fire Protection, Nampa, ID • Vanport Mechanical & Fire Sprinkler, Vancouver, WA Recognition plaques for the individual students are provided to the sponsoring employer so that the contractor company can present the plaque to the fire sprinkler fitter graduate at an appropriate time and location. AFSA is also pleased to honor those contractors who participate in this training curriculum and encourage their fitter trainees to study and do well on their tests by recognizing their company in Sprinkler Age. Calling all Apprentices! Enter now for AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition, to be held during AFSA38 October 1-4, 2019, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California. Many contractor employers of fire sprinkler fitter trainees who competed in the annual event state that it builds enthusiasm and encourages trainees to study the AFSA Fire Sprinkler Fitter Training Series more carefully and improve their performance. See the entry form on page 47 of this issue or look for details online at firesprinkler.org/ convention/apprentice-competition. n
AFSA NextGen Initiative Ready for 2019 Mentoring and Recruitment are 2019 Priorities The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) NextGen Initiative (NGI) is ready for the New Year and is planning a year packed with education and networking events for career-minded individuals aged 40 and under looking to grow their professional network and their career within the fire sprinkler industry. “I’m really excited about what NGI will be rolling out in 2019,” states NGI Chairwoman Meaghen Wills, Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. “We are continuing to focus on leadership skills gained by being involved on the local chapter level, and the mentor program has been in the making for a few years and we think it’s going to go a long way to help the young people in our industry gain valuable knowledge and hear advice that they can carry through their careers.” The members of NGI for 2019 are: • Chairwoman Meaghen Wills, Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania; • Hunter Brendle, Brendle Sprinkler, Montgomery, Alabama; • Mindy Buckley, AllSouth Sprinkler, Buford, Georgia • Whitney Dillon, Ameripipe, Dallas, Texas; • Pat Hudalla, Rapid Fire, Rapid City, South Dakota; • Conor Kauffman, Kauffman Fire Protection, Houston, Texas; • Josh Leonhardt, Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, Huntsville, North Carolina; • Katie Meehan, VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia; • Tiffany Moore, Moore Fire Protection, Issaquah, Washington; • Nikki Ray, Advanced Fire Protection, Inc., Travelers Rest, South Carolina; • Josh Shapiro, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Elmsford, New York;
AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NGI) national workgroup members met during AFSA37 in Washington, DC.
• Anthony Spencer, Core & Main, Cleveland, Ohio; and • Karl Weigand, PE, Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp., Standish, Michigan. AFSA’s NGI has two main goals in 2019: to launch an AFSA mentoring program (details to come) and to recruit the next generation into the industry. As they look to the future of their industry, the NGI volunteers have had many thoughtful discussions on the ways they can help fill the void. NGI representatives have manned booths at career fairs, and volunteers are currently working on updating some industry recruitment materials. Mark Your Calendar! In 2019, NGI continues to host webinars on issues important to this special interest group. The next webinar, “Real Leadership: New, Old, or Just What Works” presented by Ed Rigsbee, CSP, CAE, will be held on Tuesday, February 26. See page 28 of this issue for more details.
be held at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition will be held October 1-4 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California. Mark your calendars now and plan ahead – this is a popular event you don’t want to miss! AFSA’s NGI is an excellent catalyst for development, but ultimately, it’s up to you – our members – to make it happen! If you are age 40 and under and looking to help build the future of the industry, get involved. Now’s the Time! Looking to join the industry’s most forward-looking young professionals? Contact AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall, staff liaison to NGI, via email at nduvall@firesprinkler.org or Chair Meaghen Wills via email at mwills@anchorfireprotection.com. For more details about NGI or about how you can become involved, contact us or visit firesprinkler.org/NextGen. n EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information on AFSA’s NGI, visit firesprinkler.org/nextgen.
NextGen also hosts a “NextGen Day” during AFSA’s annual convention. This year’s event, featuring a seminar, leadership forum, and social event, will Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 37
Deadline Approaching for 2019 AFSA Awards Nominations Sought for Industry Leaders The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is accepting nominations for its top honors: the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee award, esteemed Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award, and the new yet highly regarded Young Professional of the Year award. The awards will be presented during AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in San Diego, California, and the recipients will be featured in Sprinkler Age magazine. Henry S. Parmelee Award AFSA’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee award is given in recognition of an outstanding individual who has dedicated himself or herself to the professional advancement of the fire sprinkler industry and to the goal of fire safety through automatic sprinklers. Members of AFSA may nominate someone who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving the fire sprinkler industry. The award was instituted by AFSA in 1983 to
AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz (right) presented the 2018 Henry S. Parmelee award to Kraig Kirschner.
give recognition to distinguished industry professionals and to memorialize Henry S. Parmelee, an outstanding pioneer in the fire sprinkler
industry who is recognized as the inventor of the first commercially successful closed sprinkler. The nomination deadline is July 1, 2019.
Henry S. Parmelee Award Past Recipients 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
John M. Rhodes, Factory Mutual Research William J. Meyer, Central Sprinkler Corp. 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 Dr. John M. Bryan, University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering W. D. (Dave) Hilton, Chief, Cobb County Fire Dept., GA J. Frank Riseden, AFSA President 1983-1991 Haden B. Brumbeloe, Publisher, FPC Magazine Edward H. Smith, H.F.P. Corp. Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of the SouthEast Chester W. Schirmer, Schirmer Engineering Tom Siegfried, Retired Chief, Altamonte Springs, FL Donald D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co. Robert L. McCullough, AllSouth Sprinkler Co. (awarded posthumously)
38 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Buck Buchanan, Central Sprinkler Corporation Frank M. Winiecki, General Sprinkler Corp. Jack Viola, H.F.P. Corp. Lowell Gillett, Fire Engineering Co., Inc. (retired) Joe Hankins, FM Global (retired) Art Cote, NFPA (retired) Thomas T. Groos, Viking Corp. Bill Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc. Lloyd Ivy, AFSA Director of Membership 1986-2009 Martin L. “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 1992-2016 Bob Caputo, Fire & Life Safety America Kraig Kirschner, AFCON
AFSA Legislative Chairman Ted Wills, Jr. (left) presented Richard Smith with AFSA’s 2018 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award.
Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award This award was created to honor individuals not directly involved in the fire sprinkler industry whose efforts have had national impact in advancing the fire protection industry and automatic fire sprinklers. Previously known as the Fire Service Person of the Year, the award was renamed in 2001 to better reflect the diversity of backgrounds, including the fire service, as well as legislative, code, and standards-setting groups, in which individuals can have a major impact on the fire sprinkler industry. Previous recipients include Home Safety Council President Meri-K Appy; Fire- and Life-Safety Educator Jan Gratton; Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Spokesman Ron Hazelton; California State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover; Congressman Jim Langevin; and Senator Rick Santorum. The nomination deadline for this award is April 1, 2019. Young Professional of the Year Award Created in 2016, the Young Professional of the Year award and honors the contributions of promising fire protection specialists and serves to: reaffirm the growing importance of fire sprinkler knowledge in the world of business and construction management among the next generation of industry leaders; promote the emergence of young talented professionals in the field of fire protection, thus fostering interest for the fire sprinkler profession and a future career in this field of expertise; and inspire fire protection
Kevin Mozak (left) received AFSA’s 2018 Young Professional of the Year award from AFSA NextGen Chair Meaghen Wills.
companies and the fire protection community to invest even more in the development and excellence of the profession. Meaghen Wills of Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania; Tiffany Moore, Moore Fire Protection in Issaquah, Washington; and Kevin Mozak, Meridian Fire Protection in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, are past recipients. Nominations are due by April 1, 2019.
dance of knowledge, experience, and business connections. Bookmark AFSA’s convention webpage at firesprinkler.org/convention to receive updates about this year’s event. Details on registration, accommodations, the National Apprentice Competition, and a schedule of events will be posted soon. n
Nominees do not need to be a member of AFSA to be eligible. Nominations may be submitted to AFSA via fax at (214) 343-8898, emailed to AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire, CAE at debram@firesprinkler.org, or mailed to: AFSA, Attn: Award Nominations, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75251. A letter stating which award the nomination is for, the nominee’s name and contact information, and a brief statement of why he or she is deserving is all that is required. Convene on the West Coast Mark your calendars now and plan to attend AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition, the world’s largest fire sprinkler industry event. To be held October 1-4, 2019 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California, this convention is a one-stop shop for CEUs, the latest product innovations, and networking with others. With an average annual attendance o 1,400 industry leaders and 115-plus exhibitors, attendees will collect an abunSprinkler Age | January/February 2019 39
PCA Forecasts Less Growth in 2019 and 2020 Rising Interest Rates, Deficits Factor Into Trend The Portland Cement Association (PCA) Market Intelligence Group forecast for cement consumption over the next two years, shows less growth compared with 2018. This year’s rate of change is 2.9 percent. Growth ebbs to 2.6 percent in 2019 and to 1.6 percent in 2020. “We are expecting relatively modest but sustained interest rate increases after 10 years of low and stable rates,” says PCA Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Ed Sullivan. “The Federal Reserve’s actions will gradually slow the construction sector’s growth due to, among other things, the higher mortgage rates for residential buildings and higher borrowing cost for nonresidential buildings.”
Sullivan adds, “While the tax cuts passed at the end of 2017 have helped to boost the overall economy, the rising debt will frame the discussion of future federal public infrastructure spending.” PCA’s overall projection for the U.S. economy suggests considerable strength that will take time to unravel. The seeds of a gradual softening will arise from rising interest rates, the emergence of fiscal difficulties at the state level at a time of relative prosperity, and the aging of the recovery. PCA forecasts the GDP growth rate to be 3.1 percent this year, 2.7 percent in 2019, and 2.2 percent in 2020. The unemployment rate now below 4 percent, is expected to trend down – intensify-
ing labor shortages and leading to stronger wage gains. “America’s economy is unquestionably strong and resilient,” says Sullivan. “The real GDP growth is healthy, wage growth is up, and both the unemployment rate and consumer household debt are at near record lows. While interest rates are rising, they have not reached a threshold that would cause a significant adjustment to the positive overall growth projections.” n EDITOR’S NOTE: The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, represents 93 percent of U.S. cement production capacity and have facilities in all 50 states. PCA promotes safety, sustainability, and innovation in all aspects of construction, fosters continuous improvement in cement manufacturing and distribution and generally promotes economic growth and sound infrastructure investment. Visit cement.org.
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40 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
Grow Your Business With ITM AFSA Offers Two Inspector Development Program Classes in 2019 Start 2019 off right and register your students in the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program. Professionalize the role of your inspection team with this comprehensive 20-month program that provides a blended learning environment teamed with robust curriculum created by top industry leaders. Two classes are being offered for 2019: spring and fall, with the spring class currently open for enrollment.
certification exams for inspection and testing of water-based systems in less than two years. The inaugural class has now graduated and had a 100 percent pass rate on their Level II inspection exam on the first try. And a vast majority of the class passed their testing and work practices exams for Level II on their first attempt. The students from that class can also boast a 91 percent first-time pass rate on NICET Level I I&T exams, and an 83 percent first-time pass rate on NICET Level II I&T exams.
“Heading into a third year, it’s exciting to see one student after another commit to studying, make the grade, achieve certification, and share and apply the knowledge gained,” states AFSA Director of Education Services Leslie Clounts. “It’s been a rewarding process... this program was started to address members’ needs and I’m thrilled to see it succeed.”
The ITM program is a high-impact, dynamic program that strives to treat every student like a VIP through its variety of teaching methods. Professionalizing the role of the inspector, the program provides: • a blend of on-demand, live webinar, and in-person instruction; • a guided on-the-job training (OJT) learning plan; and • classroom, fire training lab, mock walk-thru exercises, and NICET prep.
AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program goes beyond just teaching the knowledge to pass a test, it also delivers professional development and training in customer service and technical skill. The reviews coming in from students is positive. “Great program. I am immeasurably more valuable to my company and more competent as well,” comments one graduate. “From my observations, this training has helped me offer the best inspections in my area.” AFSA was the first to offer an industrywide Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program. The program, which launched its first group in 2016, prepares candidates for NICET’s Level II
outside the classroom, and its small class size allows instruction to be tailored to individual interests, strengths, and needs. The program, divided into seven modules, is comprised of a series of lessons that cover a particular topic within the scope of that module. Modules included are: Core Curriculum – Introduction to the Trade; NICET Level I Exam and Preparation; Fire Protection Systems and Inspection/ Testing Procedures; Water Supplies and Fire Pumps; Advanced Inspection and Testing Procedures; Inspection and Testing Review and Field Work. “Coming from having a general familiarization with NFPA 25, this course helped me to truly master how to utilize the standard in an efficient way,” says a recent ITM program graduate. There is limited opportunity in 2019 to register your ITM team. If you’re ready to professionalize your inspections team, AFSA is enrolling for its next class, launching April 2019. Introductory
“Just the confidence and knowledge our guys have gotten through the program is worth a lot!” – Brent P., an employer South Dakota “It opened my eyes to a lot of things that I was doing that could have been a liability issue in the future,” remarks another ITM program graduate. Coaching by our accomplished AFSA staff and industry experts empower students to thrive both inside and
pricing for the expansive program is $4,250 for AFSA members ($8,500 for non-members), with classes limited to an enrollment of 20 students. Registration is open to AFSA members only until six weeks prior to the first class. Visit firesprinkler.org/itm. n Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 41
Made in America Why Should You Care? JIM McHUGH | AGF Manufacturing
“Made in America,” “Buy America,” “Buy America,” American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Made in the USA, Assembled in the USA…why should you care? Are these all the same? What do all of these mean and what is the difference? It can all be very confusing. Some of these terms are used to identify the origin of manufactured products while others identify specific United States governmental (federal, state, or local) requirements regarding materials used on projects. One of the first was “Buy America” from 1933, which was enacted to stimulate the economy during the Great Depression and more recently “Buy America” from 2009 which was enacted to stimulate the economy during the Great Recession. While all projects may not require products that meet the requirements of “Made in America,” there are other considerations that need to be evaluated that may lead someone to pick these products over similar imported products. Manufactured goods made in the United States dominated the world marketplace after World War II. The world sought out the products we made domestically because they represented the pinnacle of quality and innovation. Because of this worldwide demand, workers with just a basic education were able to find good jobs that provided enough in most situations to support a family with a single income. It was these good-paying jobs that built the middle class which is the foundation of our country’s current economy. Our position at the summit of manufacturing remained unchallenged for multiple decades, but during my lifetime domestically based manufacturing has been on a decline. The fourth quarter of the previous century saw the rise of Japan as a manufacturing powerhouse. Then as we moved out of the 20th century and into the 21st century, we have seen South Korea, India, and former communist countries in eastern Europe attract attention. The two heavyweight challengers currently in the ring are obviously the United States and China, but we are no longer the clear favorite and despite, political rhetoric, there is no simple solution. The United States, with the help of industry organizations like the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other entities like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and FM Global, have literally written the standards related to the preservation of life and property in a fire; and the world tends (although slowly at times) to follow our lead. Through trial and error, research and experimentation, testing and retesting, we have become the authority and as a result, the “Made in the USA” or “Made in America” label conveys much more than 42 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
patriotism. In a strictly regulated industry such as ours, it also stands for quality, innovation, and reliability. There can be a marked difference between what is “Made in America” versus what is made overseas. AGF and other manufacturers making products domestically and maintaining the UL and FM marks, which most products in our industry require, have subjected those products to rigorous UL and FM testing, and have quality control standards that inspects and tests every part. Additionally, the domestic facilities in which we manufacture are subject to quarterly UL and FM inspections. Unlike foreign UL and FM inspections where the inspectors need to schedule an appointment and are often accompanied by an official of the government, domestic inspections are unannounced and random. As a manufacturer of products that are proudly “Made in America,” we do not consider this an intrusion to our business but rather an asset to our own quality assurance infrastructure. Compliance with such stringent quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures is what lends credibility to being labeled American-made. Commerce is complicated and in constant flux. Now more than ever trade deals, tariff wars, and political unrest have caused uncertainty in global supply chains and business in general. Despite all the varied political positions, we can all agree that we want the United States to prosper and to provide a future for our families. So now more than ever, AGF Manufacturing is proud to produce products that are “Made in the USA” and we hope our competitive advantage is a brand that is synonymous with products that are high quality, reliable, and code compliant. AGF Manufacturing is a family-owned business founded more than 30 years ago by my father, George J. McHugh III, who designed and patented the TESTANDRAIN® valve in 1988. AGF has always believed we have an obligation to our employees, their families, and our community to produce the best possible products for our industry to help save human life and property. Our engineers do extensive research and we gather input from contractors, designers and our distributors to solve common issues and problems associated with the installation and maintenance of sprinkler systems. Most of our initial products like TESTANDRAIN, INSPECTORS Test, and RISERPACK were intended to make the task of designing and installing a system easier for the engineer and installing contractor. Many of our newer products have been developed taking into consideration the system designer, the installing contractor, and the end user.
Proudly selling through industry-specific distributors, AGF’s fire sprinkler products are shipped all over the world. Even though we are an extremely small portion of our country’s domestic export, we are proud to be able to contribute. Being an American manufacturer for over 30 years, we have had to ride the economic waves. The products we produce support not only our employees, but also our distributors, the contractors that specify and install our products, and communities that we live and pay taxes. Our commitment to innovation and quality has thankfully allowed us to produce products in the United States. We have remained family-owned and take great pride in supporting U.S. workers and the products we produce for the fire sprinkler industry. Hopefully, I have answered the first question, why should you care about “Made in America.” As for the remaining questions, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has laws and guidelines to help businesses know when it’s appropriate to use the “Made in the USA” or “Made in America” label. There are several factors that are considered, depending on the origin of raw materials and the type of product produced. Because the FTC’s principal mission is to prevent unfairness and deception in the marketplace, the agency authored a 42-page publication on the subject titled Complying with the “Made in the USA” Standard. Available at ftc.gov, it answers basic questions such as which products the policy applies. I warn you that it is
not a fascinating read. Bottom line is, the FTC’s goal is to help consumers trust the labels they see and choose the products that best meet their needs then as a company that has proudly made products domestically for over 30 years, we applaud this goal. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jim McHugh is president of AGF Manufacturing, Inc., a family-owned business in Malvern, Pennsylvania, founded in 1986 by his late father, George McHugh III. Involved with AGF from its inception, McHugh is committed to the fire sprinkler industry and joined AGF full time after graduating from college. His involvement is comprehensive, ranging from marketing, production, operations, and sales to development of patented fire sprinkler products. McHugh is an active member of AFSA and its Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council; a member of the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Committee for NFSA; and participates in NFPA and the Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you promote your products as “Made in the USA”? Under the law, some products must disclose US content. For others, manufacturers and marketers who choose to make claims about the amount of US content need to know about the FTC’s Enforcement Policy Statement on US Origin Claims. Is your company up on what’s required? Visit ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/ advertising-and-marketing/made-in-us to learn more.
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Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 43
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems The Importance of Accuracy CHRISTOPHER CULP & BOB RENTON | Henderson Engineers
A variety of factors have contributed to the increased implementation of dry pipe sprinkler systems. The inclusion of exterior design elements such as exterior canopies, in addition to NFPA 13’s prohibition of the use of antifreeze in new installations, has forced designers to include dry pipe systems in buildings. When properly installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, these systems can provide the same level of protection as their standard water-filled counter parts; however, using tools without sufficient accuracy can lead to material failures and subsequent collateral damage to the owner’s facility. Water leaks caused by pipe corrosion and/or mechanical freeze damage are common with improperly installed systems. Henderson Engineers has performed multiple forensic investigations that identified installations that do not comply with NFPA 13 requirements as the root cause that led to pipe failures and subsequent property damage. If these installation inconsistencies are not identified during the initial inspection and commissioning processes, it’s unlikely that they will be corrected prior to a system malfunction. Installation Standards Matter NFPA 13 establishes the minimum standards for the design and installation of dry pipe systems. No two systems are exactly the same due variable factors like building construction, occupancy, contents, and physical location. One of the most challenging – and most important – aspects of installing dry pipe systems is ensuring the sprinkler piping has the proper pitch. As a consulting engineer, we review many contractor submittals that state the piping will be pitched to the riser or auxiliary drain in accordance with NFPA 13. Of course, installing pipe in the field is a more challenging task than adding a plan note. Case Study Case in point, our firm was recently retained by an owner’s insurance company to survey their facility fitted with a dry pipe sprinkler system that protected an unconditioned attic and a conditioned area below the ceiling. The sprinkler system had been plagued with issues throughout the building’s life. Pinhole leaks and oxygen corrosion developed shortly after the building opened, requiring system piping to be partially replaced. A nitrogen generator was recommended and installed by the service contractor to address the corrosion issues and reduce the number of leaks. These were all valid suggestions by well-meaning service contractors. Unfortunately, despite these attempted remedies the corrosion and leaks continued for several years because the root cause of the problem was not addressed. Our analysis identified large 44 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
portions of the system that were improperly pitched causing large amounts of water to be trapped in the system. Ultimately the system froze, resulting in a broken pipe and water damage loss claim costing the building owner’s insurer thousands of dollars in damages in addition to temporary loss of the damaged portion of the facility. Installation Parameters are Clear Parameters for proper dry pipe pitch are clearly established in NFPA 13. In a correct installation, the water in the pipe drains completely after system tests or activation prior to putting the system back in service. During installation, the pipe should be pitched to drain toward either the water source (such as a dry pipe valve) or another designated drain valve called an auxiliary drain. If the pipe is not pitched, or worse yet, is pitched in the wrong direction, water will be trapped in the pipe permanently. Trapped water can result in internal corrosion and subsequent pinhole leaks and/or fractured pipes (caused by expansion and contraction due to freezing and thawing). NFPA 13 8.16.2.3 provides direction on how much slope is required for dry pipe installations: ¼ in. per 10 linear feet of pipe for mains and ½ in. per 10 linear feet for branch lines. Translating into degrees of slope [defined as tan-1 Rise required:
( Run )
• Main – Degrees Slope: tan-1
in. 1 ft = 0.119° required ( 0.25 10 ft ) ( 12 in. )
• Branch Lines – Degrees Slope: tan-1
( 0.1050ft in.)( 121 ftin. ) = 0.239° required
During our case study, a forensic examination of the damaged piping confirmed our initial hypothesis: the dry pipe sprinkler system did have water trapped in the pipe due to errors in installation. The trapped water likely contributed to several of the system’s issues throughout its life. The overall finding was the system had not been installed in accordance with the designated pitch in the approved plans and NFPA 13, and the inconsistencies were not identified during acceptance inspections and commissioning. Subsequently, system components were replaced without addressing the pipe pitch errors, perpetuating the problem. Interestingly, the root cause of the issue may have been a simple spirit level. The Accuracy Conundrum During a sprinkler system’s installation, accuracy is paramount. Correctly verifying NFPA
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Figure 1. A digital level or inclinometer displays the measured slope to the tenth of a degree.
13’s relatively small slope requirement is critical to confirm compliance in order to mitigate the aforementioned issues. Several instruments are available, including spirit levels, digital levels, and machinist’s levels, to assist contractors. The most economical tools on the market for level measurement are spirit (or bubble) levels. While inexpensive, these levels should only be used to confirm that a pipe is level (0° relative to flat) or plumb (90° relative to flat). They should not be used to determine proper pipe slope on installed pipe. An old rule of thumb states “1/4 bubble outside the line indicates proper pitch” – but that may not be correct! An installer needs accurate slope measurements to verify compliance with NFPA 13.
Figure 2. A machinist’s level with a display resolution to 0.001°.
possibility and may allow for some leeway in the slope measurement due to the inherent error in the device. Fortunately, several tools are available that will provide the required resolution and accuracy to confirm adequate slope. For installers who prefer the ease of reading digital displays, several digital machinist’s levels are available that will yield acceptable results. For example, one machinist’s level has a display resolution to 0.001° and an absolute error of ±0.002° from 0° to ±0.5° (±0.004° at other angles), similar to the illustration in Figure 2. This accuracy results in the following display range on the low side: • Minimum Range Reading: 0.119° - 0.002° = 0.117°
A second level measurement technology is the digital level or inclinometer. These levels display the measured slope via a numerical display, typically in degrees of slope to the tenth of a degree, similar to the display shown in Figure 1.
This level provides the installer a much more accurate reading than the other measurement tools to confirm code compliance. Note that some machinist’s levels are not capable of measuring a slope greater than 2° so a lower resolution level still has a role in the contractor’s toolbox.
This digital display implies that the scale is accurate to within 0.1° of level. A review of several levels on the market indicates an absolute error of ±0.1° up to 1.0° of slope. That’s a fine accuracy for framing a house, but let’s determine what the level will display when placed on the minimum code-compliant pitch for fire sprinkler main piping: • Minimum Range Reading: Minimum Slope Required – Accuracy • 0.119° - 0.1° = 0.019° Low Range • Because the value is less than 0.05° the display will read 0.0°
Summary A properly designed and installed suppression system that adheres to NFPA 13 significantly improves the occupants’ chance of surviving a fire. Installers may benefit from the use of more accurate measuring tools to minimize their financial exposure after projects have been installed. A loss, like the one discussed above, can indicate that established design parameters and maintenance guidelines were not adhered to. Documenting that an installation complies with national standards can protect the contractor from losses due to water leaks, inadvertent system activations, and damage because of environmental factors.
In other words, even though the installation is compliant, the digital level reads as if it is not. This is a high-quality tool but it has inherent limitations. The level’s combination of accuracy and display resolution are inadequate to report a properly minimally-pitched main piping.
In either case, the many variables required to design, inspect, and maintain an adequate, reliable suppression system must be considered. As was documented in the case study, the improper pitch of system piping cost the owner and their insurance provider thousands of dollars and months of unusable space in their facility. Many times, the difference between proper performance and unnecessary loss is simply a matter of small details. n
Another tool, the spirit-based machinist level, provides much more accuracy than a typical digital level. This level has graduations equivalent to 0.005 in./ft or 0.024°. Determining the low-range value for a spirit-based machinist’s level: • Minimum Range Reading: 0.119° - 0.024° = 0.095° Like the digital level, the minimum range reading could result in several correctly installed systems registering as non-compliant. However, the installer can consider this 46 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Christopher Culp is vice president and director of fire protection engineering for Henderson Engineers. He helps manage Henderson’s fire- and life-safety team and has 21-plus years of experience in the design of fire protection systems and building code compliance. He has served as a principal for the fire and life safety group since 2007. Bob Renton is a senior code consultant and Henderson’s director of forensic engineering. Renton spent more than 25 years in the fire service industry, including roles as fire captain, investigator, and code analyst.
Apprentices...
Win a Trip to San Diego! Plus a FREE convention registration for your boss Enter at firesprinkler.org/competition Seven national finalists will receive an expensepaid trip to compete at the AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition Oct.1-4 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, a complimentary convention registration for their employer, tools, and cash prizes.
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ABC Releases Annual Merit Shop Scorecard Rankings Based on State Policies and Programs Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has released its 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard, an annual state ranking based on policies and programs that encourage open competition, education and job growth, and award construction contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. Florida topped the list this year, vaulting from ninth position in 2017 to first based on the state’s free-enterprise and open-competition approach to the construction sector, increased career, and technical education opportunities and job growth rates. Michigan saw the biggest improvement in its ranking, rocketing from 24th in 2017 to seventh this year after the repeal of its prevailing wage law, which will result in greater competition and lower costs for construction projects. “States like Florida and Michigan have built an environment that allows merit shop construction contractors to thrive,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC’s vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “Prioritizing policies that support small business owners, the American worker and the overall construction sector spurs economic growth, which directly leads to more projects and therefore more construction jobs across the country.” Comparatively, California tumbled from 38th to 50th this year due to a decreased focus on workforce development and careers in technical education, which remains a priority for ABC members and the overall construction sector. California was trailed only by Illinois, which was ranked last for the second year in a row with an F
rating in project labor agreements, prevailing wage, Right to Work, and workforce development incentives. “Much of the movement up and down in the rankings was due in part to the level of state policymaker support for workforce development and technical education,” said Brubeck. “With an estimated 500,000 open construction positions in the United States, it is essential that states prioritize workforce policies that recruit, educate and benefit the American worker and fill the skills gap.”
Now in its fourth year, Building America: The Merit Shop Scorecard rates state laws, programs, policies and statistics to highlight those that have created the conditions for growth and identify areas where strategic improvements are needed. Criteria and definitions are available at meritshopscorecard.org. n EDITOR'S NOTE: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members.
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Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 49
AFSA Expands to Tennessee Members Form New Chapter in the Volunteer State The American Fire Sprinkler Association is pleased to welcome a new addition to its ever-growing network of chapters nationwide: the Tennessee chapter. As a new addition to the AFSA family, the Tennessee chapter will focus its efforts on serving all AFSA members in the state of Tennessee. “The Tennessee chapter of American Fire Sprinkler Association is the result of conversations with contractors in the area that had expressed a desire to provide an apprenticeship training program in the Nashville area,” says AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal. He continues, “Contractors had specifically asked AFSA how it could deliver multi-employer apprenticeship training at a specific location such as a trade or high school. The first step was to create a chapter. The chapter is now examining Department of Labor apprenticeship
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program requirements and is inquiring of trade and technical schools as to the availability of space and instructors.” In October 2018 contractors and suppliers gathered in Nashville to elect chapter leaders as well as hold their inaugural chapter meeting. Those elected at the meeting include: Chairman Casey Milhorn, Allstar Fire Protection, Inc., Madison, Tennessee; Vice-Chairman Jeremy Jones, State Systems, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee; Secretary Aaron Westberry, Century Fire Protection, LLC, Knoxville, Tennessee; Treasurer David Moody, Core & Main Fire Protection, Nashville, Tennessee; and Membership Chair, Larry McNamara, Guardian Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. Chairman Casey Milhorn shares that he is “extremely excited to be involved in a leadership position with the brand new Tennessee chapter of AFSA. I am grateful for the years of benefits we have received from being a member at the national level of the AFSA, and I can’t wait to be involved in providing these same benefits, and more, at a local level.” He concludes with plans for the future of the chapter stating the chapter “hopes to implement a local fire sprinkler fitter training program, based off of the AFSA apprenticeship program curriculum, as one of our first accomplishments.” The Tennessee chapter is AFSA’s 32nd chapter formed and will serve all AFSA contractor, associate, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) members in the state of Tennessee. The chapter plans to bring important apprenticeship, technical, and legislative information to the area, as well as provide new networking opportunities for Tennessee area members. Since its inception, AFSA has provided a local connection for fire sprinkler contractors, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to become part of a larger national organization through its network of local chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Chapters provide a framework to increase awareness and provide connection to AFSA resources that help with education, support, and advocacy. To find your local chapter, visit firesprinkler.org/chapters. n
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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)
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Construction Employment Rises by 280,000 in 2018 Associated General Contractors of America Surveys Contractors for 2019 Construction employment increased by 38,000 jobs in December and by 280,000 jobs, or 4.0 percent, over the past year, while the industry’s average pay accelerated and unemployment decreased to a historic low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials added that most contractors report they plan to continue hiring in 2019, according to the association’s annual outlook that was released earlier this week. “Demand for construction remains strong across most project types and locations,” says Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Job growth and pay increases in construction are outpacing those in the overall economy. But contractors continue to have difficulty finding qualified workers with the number of unemployed workers who have construction experience at the lowest December level in 19 years.” Construction employment totaled 7,352,000 in December, the highest level since March 2008. Employment in residential construction – comprising residential building and specialty trade contractors – inched up by 1,700 jobs for the month and 99,800 jobs over the past 12 months, a 3.6 percent increase. Employment in nonresidential construction—including building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering construction – grew by 35,800 jobs in December and grew by 180,100 jobs during the past year, a 4.2 percent increase, the economist remarked. Hourly earnings in the industry averaged $30.44 in December, a rise of 3.9 percent from a year earlier, Simonson notes. Average hourly earnings in construction are now 10.8 percent higher than the average for all nonfarm private-sector jobs, which rose 3.2 percent in the past year, to $27.48. The unemployment rate for jobseekers with construction experience in December was 5.1 percent, down more from 5.9 percent in December 2017. The number of such workers fell to 493,000 from 554,000 a year earlier. Both figures were the lowest for December since the series began in 2000. In a survey the association released, 79 percent of construction firms reported that they expect to add employees in 2019. However, nearly as many – 78 percent – reported they were having trouble filling some positions and 68 percent said they expected that hiring would remain difficult or become harder. Association officials cautioned, however, that contractors’
expansion plans could be undermined if Washington officials fail to make new investments in infrastructure or resolve trade disputes, particularly with China. “Contractors are raising pay and benefits and are investing in training and technology in order to keep pace with demand,” says Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “But they are also counting on Washington officials to work together to improve aging and over-burdened infrastructure and resolve trade concerns to ensure the economy continues to expand.” n EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry. AGC represents more than 26,000 firms, including over 6,500 of America’s leading general contractors, and over 9,000 specialty-contracting firms. More than 10,500 service providers and suppliers are also associated with AGC, all through a nationwide network of chapters. For more information visit AGC’s website, agc.org.
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Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 53
Thank You for Your Support! Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 37th anniversary in 2019, we also recognize those members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership. Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in January and February including Contractor Members ABJ Sprinkler Company in Glassboro, New Jersey; Cox Fire Protection in Tampa, Florida; and HTH Automatic Sprinkler, LLC in Goshen, Connecticut. Andrea Sebastiani, SET, owner of ABJ; Scott Tillmann, owner of HTH; and Ron Cox, president of Cox shared some of their favorite AFSA memories and things they’ve learned within the fire protection industry. How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? Sebastiani: “I moved to America in the 1970s from Rome, Italy where I worked as a surveyor. Once I arrived, I started in the fire protection industry as a sprinkler designer, I studied system layout and eventually taught myself hydraulic
ABJ Sprinkler is celebrating its 35th anniversary with AFSA (from l to r): Dan Capie, vice president; Andrea Sebastiani, owner; Pat Sebastiani, wife and business partner; AJ Sebastiani, son and estimator; and John Koen, senior design manager.
calculations, translating it from English. Soon, I started an independent design company servicing the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas. After some time, property owners began to ask if I would be interested in installing the systems I had designed. It was in 1981 that I founded ABJ Sprinkler Co., Inc.” Tillmann: “I took four years of architectural drafting in high school and then
two more years at a technical college, where I was hired by a sprinkler design firm. I also worked for my future wife’s family’s mechanical contracting business as an apprentice. I then opened HTH Automatic Sprinkler with my future father-in-law and his brother in 1989.” Cox: “I moved to Tampa to attend school at the University of South Florida. It was the start of the school
HTH celebrates its 2018 National Apprentice Competition win (from l to r): Joseph Perry, Jr. (HTH sprinkler tech and 2012 winner); Scott Tillmann (HTH owner); Bryan Teddick (HTH sprinkler apprentice and 2018 winner); Eugene Sadowski (HTH sprinkler tech); Erick Sterling (HTH sprinkler tech); and James Ringrose (HTH sprinkler tech). 54 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
year and I was recently married and seeking employment due to the move. I found a job as a pipefitter working at Brown Automatic Sprinklers. From there I enrolled in the local apprenticeship program that started in Tampa the year after I began working in the industry. It was a two-year program at the time. After apprenticeship training, and while employed at Brown, I had the opportunity to move into the office and learn system design.” How did you get involved with AFSA? Sebastiani: “I once attended an NFPA convention where I heard about an organization specifically for fire sprinkler contractors called AFSA. I inquired about it and joined in 1989. It was the right thing to do.” Tillman: “I was invited to an AFSA Connecticut Chapter meeting. Bob and Brenda Hollis were very supportive right from the start and encouraged involvement in AFSA and the sprinkler industry.”
From l to r: Ron, Scott, and Linda Cox with Cox Fire Protection in Tampa, Florida, are celebrating 25 years as an AFSA member.
called me a few days later to plan a meeting to establish the chapter. He and I split the names of all the contractors in the state and made calls, recruiting contractors to attend our meetings. I still serve as a board member for the Florida Chapter.”
Cox: “Cox Fire Protection was started in 1984. Like many companies have learned, finding trained and qualified help was one of our biggest challenges. The fitters we sent to the local apprentices seemed to end up working for the companies where the school instructors were also employed. We turned to the AFSA apprenticeship program and found the material to be exactly what we needed. We began to really build a core group of employees whose contributions have become such a vital part of our overall success. Most of the fitters who went through those first few years of apprenticeship are still employed here and remain our most valued assets.
What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? Sebastiani: “Its Education Department, apprenticeship program, and technical support.”
“I didn’t get involved beyond the training courses until we started the AFSA Florida Chapter. Carl Coughlin of Suncoast Fire Sprinkler Company and I were on the Florida Fire Sprinkler board of directors when the board voted to become a chapter of NFSA. Immediately after the vote, Carl and I resigned as board members. We were immediately approached by Ed Smith, Smith Fire Sprinkler Company, about starting a chapter in Florida for AFSA. Carl
“The correspondence courses, seminar instructors, webinars, and online courses keep us current with industry updates, changes to any codes, standards, and industry best practices. I am also a fan of the informal interpretations and often refer Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to use the resource available to them when there is a technical question that requires guidance in interpreting the codes. I used many
Tillmann: “Wheels of Learning Apprenticeship training program and chapter meetings and events.” Cox: “Well, education and training the employees who are here remains important to our overall success. We will never stop recruiting and training. It is the skill level of our staff, their abilities, and overall technical understanding of their critical jobs that keep our clients calling and returning.
of the AFSA resources that were available to me to develop our employee handbook, safety manual, and other similar tools. All these were great resources to anyone who is working through developing similar business manuals. We remain involved in the local chapter where we work aggressively to promote legislation that benefits our business and AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries January and February 2019 35-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Bouchard Fire Protection, Nashville, TN Associate Members Potter Roemer, City of Industry, CA United Brass Works, Inc., Randleman, NC 30-Year Anniversary Contractor Members ABJ Sprinkler Co., Inc., Glassboro, NJ Sentry Automatic Sprinkler, Inc., Comstock Park, MI 25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Cox Fire Protection, Inc., Tampa, FL Industrial Fire Sprinkler, San Diego, CA Piper Fire Protection, Inc., Clearwater, FL 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Cavalier Fire Protection, Dumfries, VA HTH Automatic Sprinkler, LLC, Goshen, CT Associate Members Fire Defense Equipment, Royal Oak, MI
Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 55
helps promote public safety and oppose legislation that is detrimental to our industry.” What is your favorite AFSA and/ or AFSA convention memory? Sebastiani: “The 31st AFSA national convention in 2012, in Kona, Hawaii.” Tillmann: “My apprentices winning the AFSA National Apprentice Competition in Orlando (2005); Hawaii (2012); and Washington, DC in (2018). Words can not describe the pride and huge, uplifting feeling of this accomplishment.” Cox: “There are so many to choose from! I believe one of the first conventions I attended was at the Desert Ridge Resort near Phoenix. I was blown away by the exhibits and classes presented. I think we have gotten a little desensitized through the years and probably sometimes take the grandness of AFSA’s national events a bit for granted.” What is the most significant change you’ve seen in AFSA or the industry during your time? Sebastiani: “For the industry as a whole, new technologies and product advancements, as well as stricter and expanded regulations and codes.” Tillmann: “Technology advancements that make performance and installation of fire sprinkler systems better and more efficient. The changes in how you receive and send drawings and submittals – everything was physically picked up or mailed and in three-ring binders. Drawings were hand drawn. Now, everything is in CAD, BIM, and transferred electronically. AFSA keeping stride with this technology and educating both the contractors and the public and AHJs.” Cox: “It’s been thrilling to see young people being drawn into our industry. The NextGen Initiative group is new, and we have recently started a group in Florida. That group is comprised of brilliant young men and women who are eager to learn, but also have the energy and drive to pioneer visions that we’ve never dreamed of. The technical aspects of our industry continue to 56 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
evolve and become more and more sophisticated. “One of the most exciting things for me to see is our recent involvement in legislation. Going to Washington, DC as an industry is going to bring about powerful results for our industry.” What’s the key ingredient to your success? Sebastiani: “Integrity, hard work, quality service, and being knowledgeable about your trade.” Tillmann: “Always give the customer quality, treat your employees well, and work hard.” Cox: “Our company motto, which is on a sign in our longest hallway, is “Do the right thing. Our employees are empowered to make those kinds of decisions themselves. Whether that is employee to employee, with our peers, with our customers, with our suppliers, or other subcontractors, people have come to know that it’s what they can consistently expect from Cox Fire Protection.” If I weren’t working in fire protection, I would be… Sebastiani: “I would still in the construction industry in some fashion, as a designer, project manager or contractor.” Tillmann: “I would more than likely be working for an architectural firm.” Cox: “My favorite thing today is being a grandpa. If only I could only figure out a way to make a living doing that!” Happy Anniversary! AFSA looks forward to celebrating with more members! Recognition in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. n
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.
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AFSA MEMBERSHIP New Members The following is a list of new contractor members that have joined as of January 1, 2019.
Contractor A&M Fire Services, LLC Winchester, VA ABE Fire Protection Stockton, CA American Service Company Quincy, MA Fire King, LLC Austin, TX Front Range Fire Protection Loveland, CO
Hydro-Matic Fire Protection, Inc. Glendale, CA Liberty Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc. Chester Springs, PA Mazzy’s Fire Protection Hayward, CA MMM Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Amarillo, TX
On Guard Fire Protection Las Vegas, NV Pro Craft Construction Inc. Redlands, CA Reliable Fire & Security Solutions, Inc. Madera, CA SBIII, LLC Xenia, OH
South Coast Fire Protection, LLC Mandeville, LA
Wiginton Fire Systems Atlanta Forest Park, GA
Southern Fire Sprinkler Inc. Purvis, MS
Wilson Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc. Selma, CA
Triad Fire Protection Portland, OR Vanguard Fire Systems Pflugerville, TX
AFSA Chapter Contacts Alabama alfiresprinkler.org Hunter Brendle – Pres. 334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257
Colorado afsacoloradochapter.org Roger Wallace – Chair. 719-337-6550 Kim Cook – Exec. Dir. 704-213-4368
Alberta, Canada afsaalberta.org Kevin Mozak – Pres. 780-203-5263
Connecticut afsact.org Rick Russo – Chair. 203-877-7983 Wendy Callahan – Exec. Dir. 978-855-6495
Arkansas Randy Gilliam– Chair. 479-646-8934 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-986-9090 Arizona Bob Caputo – Chair. 864-222-1381 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
Dallas-Fort Worth afsadfwchapter.org CJ Bonczyk – Chair. 817-529-1693 Florida afsafl.org Chris Johnson – Chair. 800-327-7604 CarolynAnn Mohr – Exec. Dir. 239-771-3907 Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Patrick Cordi – Pres. 404-416-0762 Billy Wood – Exec. Dir. 404-226-8304 Greater Bay Area afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair. 925-417-5550
Greater Kansas City Mark McKenzie – Chair. 913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich– Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710 Louisiana lafiresprinkler.org Linda Biernacki – Chair. 318-688-8800 Michigan afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr.- Chair 616-784-1644 Frank L. Mortl – Exec. Dir. 517-285-7665 Mid-Atlantic afsamac.org Meaghen Wills – Chair. 610-754-7836 Ilyse Shapiro – Exec. Dir. 610-642-7427 Minnesota-Dakotas Michael Winiecki – Chair. 651-484-5903 New Jersey Thomas Bowlby Jr. – Chair. 908-226-5313 Robert K. Melofchik – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056 New Mexico Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712
AFSA Affiliate Contacts Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chairman 918-266-2416
58 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres. 713-466-9898 Carol McCain – Exec. Dir. 281-361-8069
Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair. 802-865-3600 Ohio afsaoh.org Bill Hausman, Chair 937-859-6198 Don Eckert– Exec. Dir. 513-310-9660 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 Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Hal Burton – Chair. 916-332-1266 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635 San Diego Ron Aday – Chair. 858-513-4949 ext. 307 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600
South Carolina 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 Tennessee afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair. 615-349-5278 Upstate New York afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky - Chair 607-296-7969 Utah Rocky Mountain afsautahchapter.org Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair. 385-630-8064 Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363 Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich, PE – President 804-222-1381 Michael Christensen – Exec. Dir. 804-371-7456
CONSTRUCTION REPORTS U.S. Construction...
U.S. Construction...
construction starts in October climbed 21 percent. The substantial increase followed three straight months of decline, during which the pace of total construction starts fell 22 percent from the exceptionally strong volume reported back in June. Nonresidential building in October surged 53 percent, as several very large projects lifted the manufacturing plant, office building, and transportation terminal categories. Nonbuilding construction in October advanced 14 percent, supported by growth for public works while the electric utility/ gas plant category bounced back from depressed activity in September. Residential building in October edged up a slight 2 percent, helped by improvement for multifamily housing. During the first ten months of 2018, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $679.1 billion, up 1 percent from the same period a year ago. The year-to-date gain for total construction starts was restrained by a 45 percent slide for the electric utility/gas plant category. If the electric utility/gas plant category is excluded, total construction starts during the first ten months of 2018 would be up 3 percent relative to the same period a year ago. October’s data raised the Dodge Index to 183 (2000=100), up from September’s 150, marking the second highest reading for the Dodge Index so far in 2018 after June’s 192. Through the first ten months of 2018, the Dodge Index averaged 169, up slightly from the full year 2017 average of 166.
New construction starts in November decreased 7 percent from October’s elevated amount, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Most of the total construction decline in the latest month was the result of nonresidential building pulling back 15 percent after its 43 percent surge in October. There were eight very large projects with a value of $500 million or more (totaling $7.4 billion) that boosted nonresidential building in October. In contrast, there were just three very large projects with a value of $500 million or more (totaling $2.8 billion) that were entered as nonresidential building starts in November. The other two major construction sectors witnessed slightly reduced activity in November, with residential building down 1 percent and nonbuilding construction down 2 percent. During the January-November period of 2018, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $738.2 billion, up 1 percent from a year ago. Excluding the electric utility/gas plant category, which fell 30 percent year-to-date, total construction starts in the first eleven months of 2018 were up 2 percent. November’s data produced a reading of 167 for the Dodge Index (2000=100), down from a revised 179 for October and returning the Index to a level closer to the 166 average for the full year 2017. Through the first eleven months of 2018, the Dodge Index averaged 169.
October Construction Starts Soar 21 Percent New
Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Oct. 2018 Sept. 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $358,327 $233, 792 +53 Residential Building $321,677 $316,592 +2 Nonbuilding Construction $183,964 $1161,159 +14 Total Construction $863,968 $711,543 +21
New Construction Starts in November Slip 7 Percent
Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics
MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Nov. 2018 Oct. 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $279,853 $330,788 -15 Residential Building $327,536 $329,720 -1 Nonbuilding Construction $181,957 $185,401 -2 Total Construction $789,346 $845,909 -7
THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) October 2018...............183 September 2018.....................150
THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) November 2018...............167 October 2018.....................179
YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 10 Mos. 2018 10 Mo. 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $242,565 $248,696 -2 Residential Building $278,523 $261,908 +6 Nonbuilding Construction $157,983 $164,369 -4 Total Construction $679,068 $674,973 +1
YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions 11 Mos. 2018 11 Mos. 2017 % Change Nonresidential Building $263,361 $268,257 -2 Residential Building $303,275 $285,021 +6 Nonbuilding Construction $171,570 $177,589 -3 Total Construction $738,206 $730,867 +1
Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 59
AFSA NEWS Hats Off to George Wagner George Wagner, executive director of AFSA Virginia Chapter, has notified the industry that he retired effective December 31, 2018. Wagner has been deeply involved in the fire sprinkler industry for over 40 years. He worked for Worsham Sprinkler Company in City, Virginia, for 28 years, serving as president of the company for 25 years. After fully retiring from WSC in November 2000, Wagner started a consulting service to help other sprinkler contractors by sharing the experience he had of running a fire sprinkler business for almost 30 years. He also continued to devote his time to the industry through AFSA. Wagner served on the AFSA national Board of Directors from 1998 to 2003. He has cochaired the Legislative Committee and Apprenticeship & Education Committee and served as a member of the Convention, Insurance, Industry Protection, Long-Range Planning, and Safety Committees. He also led the charge to create AFSA’s Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program. In 1991, Wagner as one of the founding sprinkler contractors of the Virginia Chapter of AFSA, serving as its director for four years and as chairman for two years, before becoming its executive director, a position he has held since 2008. Wagner and fellow chapter members also created the chapter’s annual Burn Survivors Golf Tournament that has raised over $1 million for two charities: the Firefighter Bur Survivors Foundation and the Virginia Burn Camp for Children. Wagner now hopes to garden and fish a little more and spend time with family. “I have been around the fire sprinkler industry for over 35 years. I have never met anyone more passionate or hardworking about our industry than George Wagner,” says AFSA Second Vice Chairman & Virginia Chapter President Jack Medovich, Fire & Life Safety America, Hanover, Maryland. “It didn’t matter if it was during his time as a contractor or an executive director or as a volunteer at the national level, George would give 100 percent to this industry… and then some. I honestly believe, wholeheartedly, that this industry and AFSA wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for George Wagner.” 60 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
Medovich continues: “George has touched many lives throughout his career. I’m sure most AFSA members have received at least one email from him! Those emails were sent to keep members advised about information that would help them run their businesses, update them on the goings on of our industry, or just trying to raise money for the Burn Survivors Foundation, a 501c3 charity organization located in central Virginia. “Since retiring as a contractor, George has been selfless with his time, giving back to our association and industry. Even now, being ‘totally retired,’ he is still working on a legislative effort involving certification requirements for inspectors in the state of Virginia. I’m not sure he’ll ever be able to walk away from this great association and industry totally. I’m just going to relish every moment I have left working with George, who has become a dear friend along the way as well. Thank you George!”
interpretations. Users have reported saving time and money when utilizing this service. Visit firesprinkler.org/interp to submit your question.
ITM Spring 2019 Class Open for Enrollment Need inspection training? Are you looking to create or grow an inspection side of your company? AFSA has the perfect program for you – the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program! Enrollment for the Spring 2018 class, beginning in April, is open now! Professionalizing the role of the inspector, the program provides: • a blend of on-demand, live webinar, and in-person instruction; • guided OJT learning plan; • classroom, fire training lab, mock walkthru exercises, with NICET prep included; • 91 percent first-time pass rate, NICET Level I I&T exams*; and • 83 percent first-time pass rate, NICET Level II I&T exams*. For an overview of how this AFSA training program can lead your green inspector to the goal of Level II NICET certification in 20 months, 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 hasslefree way to learn from any location that is convenient for you! The next AFSA webinar will be presented by the association’s NextGen Initiative (NGI) on February 26, “Real Leadership: New, Old, or Just What Works,” presented by Ed Rigsbee, CSP, CAE, president of Rigsbee Enterprises, Inc. See page 28 of this issue for information on how to register. Other webinars presented by AFSA 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 Water-Based Systems Professional. Subscribe to AFSA’s Education & Training Updates to be notified of upcoming webinars at training@firesprinkler.org. For more information on webinars and other AFSA educational offerings, visit the AFSA Education
Informal Interpretations Save Time, Money Are you using one of the most valuable AFSA membership benefits? Informal interpretations are written interpretations from AFSA’s Technical Services Department on any subject related to automatic fire sprinklers. In addition to submitting a written request, an online searchable archive provides over 1,000 informal
Register for AFSA’s 2019 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is excited to announce the dates for all 2019 Beginning Fire Sprinkler Design System Planning School. This class presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. 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 layout, shop drawings and hydraulic calculations. The schools open for 2019 are: February 25 – March 8, April 22 – May 3, June 3-14, August 19 – 30, October 7-18, and November 11-22. For more information visit firesprinkler.org/ schools.
webpage at firesprinkler.org/events.
Visit the AFSA Safety Portal Have you visited afsasafetyportal.com yet? It’s AFSA’s newest member-only safety resource!
FInd the rIght pAth to reSolutIon wIth AFSA’S ClAImS ASSIStAnCe progrAm did you know that sprinkler contractor members underwritten by aFsa’s Contractors Insurance solution are automatically enrolled in a Claims assistance Program? Today in the fire sprinkler industry, each sprinkler contractor looks to fully protect their financial interests both during and after completion of any contractual work performed. however, claims will arise from time to time. When that occurs, you can count on aFsa’s Claims assistance Program to help you find the right path to resolution. aFsa’s Claims assistance Program features a coverage services support team, which includes state-of-the-art loss control services, professional claims handling services, and a customized state-of-the-industry back room claims review by nFPa experts to support your needs.
Claim Occurs Claim occurs and is turned over to the insurance company
Claims Handling Services
Claims Assistance Program
All contracts and documents related to a loss reviewed for paths of consideration
Each claim uniquely reviewed relative to all NFPA standards by a team of NFPA experts
Contractual Experience
Code-Related Experience
Adjusting Team Working with the claims asssistance team, the adjuster uses Contractual and Code-Related input to determine the strengths and weaknesses in defending or denying claims
Resolution Insurance Carrier transfers claim back to the responsible party and/or assumes the contractor’s responsibility and settles the claims quickly Ultimate goal is to identify the best outcome for the Contractor
AFSA’S ContrACtorS InSurAnCe SolutIon The only ConTraCTor InsuranCe Program endorsed by aFsa When determining contractor claims, it’s important to base decisions not only on contractual experience but code related experience as well. That’s where our Claims assistance Program kicks in. after all contracts and documents related to a loss have been reviewed for paths of consideration, each claim is then uniquely reviewed relative to all nFPa standards by aFsa’s team of nFPa experts. These experts assist the adjusting team to determine the strengths and weaknesses in defending or denying claims. In many cases this process allows the Insurance Carrier to transfer property owner standards from nFPa 25 back to the responsible party and settle claims faster, which typically lowers the contractor’s loss.
The ultimate goal of our Claims Assistance Program is to work quickly and efficiently to identify the best outcome for an AFSA member contractor.
to leArn more About the AFSA ContrACtorS InSurAnCe SolutIon Contact: Robert Leonhart at 469-320-4030
The american Fire sprinkler association Contractors Insurance endorsed Program was created in 1989 and continues to be the program of choice for fire sprinkler contractors nationwide. For more information, please visit: firesprinkler.org/business-solutions
Calendar February 5 LFSA Meeting & Seminar: NFPA 13, Chapter 8 (2016 Ed.) and AHJ Plan Review Baton Rouge, LA lafiresprinkler.org
25 - March 8 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools
26 NextGen Initiative Webinar Real Leadership: New, Old, or Just What Works? firesprinkler.org/webinars
April 15 ITM Inspector Development Program Live Webinar Kick-Off firesprinkler.org/ITM
22 - May 3 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools
June 3-14 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools
August 19-30 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools
October 1-4 AFSA 38th Annual Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, CA firesprinkler.org/afsa38 Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times. For information on Chubb and/or OSU programs, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Training Calendar.” 62 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
This virtual library delivers the accidentprevention and safety-related information you need to educate your staff, help prevent claims, and create a safe work environment. Developed by the AFSA Insurance & Safety Committee in partnership with Blue River Underwriters, an AFSA-endorsed insurance partner, AFSA’s online Safety Portal is a customized safety website built with the specific needs of fire sprinkler contractors in mind. With over 1,000 resources and references, AFSA’s Safety Portal aims to address some of the key issues in fire sprinkler construction safety today, such as electrical safety, ladder safety, loss control, personal protection, and vehicle safety. Whether members are in need of OSHA regulations, workplace safety posters, or even loss statistics to better prepare their staff, AFSA’s Safety Portal helps to make your place of business, and jobsites safe and compliant. Visit afsasafetyportal.com/gateway to start using the safety portal right away! All AFSA Paper Testing Deadline July 1, 2019 The end is near; the deadline for grading of all paper testing is July 1, 2019! However, there is no need to wait to make the switch to online testing! Quicker, easier, and less expensive, online testing offers a more personalized experience while saving you money! You can transfer paper testing students to online testing at any time by contacting the AFSA education department by email at training@firesprinkler. org. Students registered in an AFSA Correspondence Course who are still using paper tests need to complete the course and submit tests to AFSA before July 1, 2019. Calling All Trainers! The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is still searching for new trainers!! AFSA has always been the voice for the merit shop Fire Sprinkler Contractor. It was founded by fire sprinkler contractors for fire sprinkler contractors. If you’ve been in this industry for any length of time, you’ve probably heard about a few of AFSA’s nationally renowned training programs, such as our four-level apprenticeship training series or our Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools. AFSA offers a wide variety of training options, mostly centered in the installation, layout, or inspection/testing/maintenance of fire sprinkler systems. If you, or someone you know, are well versed in any (or all) of these areas, and want to teach or develop courses, let us hear from you! Perhaps you excel in an instructor capacity, engaging an
audience to create a fulfilling learning environment. Or perhaps your skills shine in the written word, providing concise, technical training in the form of articles, training manuals, forms, and documents. Maybe this doesn’t describe you, but someone else comes to your mind: a coworker with an impressive propensity for technical knowledge, or a colleague with a talent for training others. Though they may not recognize their own remarkable gifts, you do! Nominate them to share their skills with this growing industry. Complete AFSA’s Call for Trainers questionnaire so that talents, skills, qualifications, and areas of expertise can be assessed and used to determine where you (or your colleague) might be a great fit in the delivery of AFSA training programs. This association’s success, direction, services, and integrity are all due to the dedication of its membership. If you haven’t already, step up and make your mark on AFSA! Visit firesprinkler.org/trainer for more information and to sign-up! AFSA High School Scholarship Deadline is April 1 The American Fire Sprinkler Association created the college scholarship program to help with the educational and training pursuits of students just like you. From now until April 1, 2019, eligible high school seniors can visit afsascholarship.com to apply. Open to 2018-2019 high school seniors who want to pursue a college degree or trade school education the scholarship offers the chance to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships for a certified college or trade school! The best part? The AFSA scholarship contest has no essay-writing required, instead applicants simply visit the website, read a short passage on fire protection and fire sprinklers, and answer questions about the reading. Each correct answer offers one entry into the scholarship contest, with a total of eight entries possible per applicant! To learn more and apply for the scholarship before April 1 visit afsascholarship.org. n
AFSA’s ITM PROGRAM anything but average
NICET EXAM PASS RATE*
AFSA
88
%
National Average
65
%
*Based on all (5) NICET I & II I & T exams.
ITM
IN S P E C TO R D E V E L O P M E NT PROGRAM
ENROLLING SPRING 2019
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
CHAPTER NEWS Colorado On October 25, 2018, the Colorado Chapter hosted two seminars in Lakewood, Colorado, “Ambiguities in NFPA 13 (2016 edition)” and “NFPA 13, 2019 Edition: General Updates,” presented by Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Roland Huggins, PE. A thank you to all who attended and to stay up-to-date with chapter events visit https://afsacoloradochapter.org/events. Louisiana The chapter will hold a meeting and seminars on February 5, 2019 at the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “Spacing and Location of Fire Sprinklers: NFPA 13, Chapter 8 (2016 edition)” will be presented by AFSA Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland J. Huggins, PE. from 8:00am-12:00pm followed by a networking lunch and membership meeting. From 1:00-4:30pm, “AHJ’s Plan Review” will be held followed by a chapter board meeting. For more information and to register, email eballard@firetechsystems.com or call (318) 841-1494. The chapter will also meet on April 9 for an NFPA 25 seminar, side-by-side burn demonstration, vendor fair, and legislative social at the Hilton Captial in Baton Rouge. Other 2019 meeting dates currently scheduled are July 23 and October 22. LFSA NextGen plans to meet on April 8 July 22, and October 22 in 2019. Greater Kansas City All treats and no tricks, AFSA Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Roland Huggins, PE, presented “Technical Changes from 2013 to 2016 Edition of NFPA 13” to the Greater Kansas City chapter of AFSA as well as “NFPA 13 (2016 Ed.): Storage Occupancies.” To be informed of further training visit firesprinkler.org/ San Diego On November 14, AFSA Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Roland Huggins, PE, attended a chapter meeting in Poway, California. Huggins spoke on “NFPA 20 (2016 edition): Fire Pumps” to the group. To keep up-to-date with future trainings, visit firesprinkler.org. Utah Rocky Mountain On November 4, the Utah chapter gathered for a chapter meeting as well as election of new board of directors. Those newly elected include: Chairman Mark Winder, M&M Fire Protection, Heber City, Utah; Vice Chairman Dustin Moser, Certified Fire Protection, Salt Lake, Utah; Secretary/Treasurer Michael Ricks, A&D Fire Protection, Sandy, Utah; and Membership Chair Steven Bowles, Core & Main, Utah. To keep up-to-date with Utah Rocky Mountain Chapter happenings visit firesprinkler.org.
AFSA Virginia Chapter members installed a new fire alarm system in the fire training building for the Chesterfield County Fire Training Facility.
Virginia The AFSA Virginia chapter received a request from the Chesterfield County Fire Training Facility for assistance in securing and installing a new fire alarm system in their fire training building. Eagle Fire, Inc., one of the chapter’s newest members provided a substantially reduced price of $6,000 for a new fire alarm system to be installed and the AFSA Virginia chapter gave $2,000 to assist as a community project through the Chapter Grant Program. The Chesterfield Fire Training Facility is a 15,000 ft 2 six-story training facility. The first floor is laid out like a hotel lobby with the new fire alarm panel in the lobby and the instructor control panel located just behind the new fire alarm panel. The new fire alarm panel has 32 alarm points, for water flow, smoke detectors, duct detectors and heat detectors. This new fire alarm system gives Chesterfield County a new level of training of their staff that they did not previously have. Thank you, Eagle Fire, Inc., for your help with a discounted new fire alarm system. Thank you, AFSA national, for allowing us to support various community projects thru the Chapter Grant Program. Keep up with all things AFSA Virginia at afsavirginia.com. n
ASSOCIATION NEWS FSCATx November 1, 2018 AFSA’s Senior Fire Protection Engineer, Russ Bainbridge, PE, CFPS, presented “NFPA 13, 2019 Edition: General Updates” for an hour to FSCATx in Irving, Texas. The well-attended event provided an insightful overview of NFPA 13 (2019 Ed.) Learn about all of FSCATx’s upcoming events at fscatx.org/. n
Utah Rocky Mountain Chapter has elected officers (from l to r): Vice Chairman Dustin Moser, Membership Chairman Steven Bowles, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Ricks, and Chairman Mark Winder. 64 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
INDUSTRY NEWS Anvil International Acquires Basic-PSA, Inc. Anvil International has announced it has acquired Basic-PSA, Inc., Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Basic-PSA, Inc. which manufactures and services snubbers for the power industry domestically and abroad. “Basic’s product lines are highly complementary to Anvil’s Engineered Pipe Supports (EPS) business in North Kingstown, Rhode Island,” says Tom Fish, CEO of Anvil International. “Basic’s service business brings a new offering to our portfolio of customer solutions in the power industry.” Rick Laviolette, vice president & general manager of Anvil EPS, will assume overall responsibilities for the Basic-PSA business and will partner with their management team to expand Anvil International’s presence and offerings in the power industry. Basic-PSA will continue to operate out of their Johnstown manufacturing facility. Visit anvilintl.com. FM Global Donates US $100,000 to Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors FM Global has donated $100,000 to the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The funding will provide 10 years of support for the Society’s “Phoenix World Burn Congress,” the world’s largest gathering of the burn community, connecting attendees with support, resources, and each other. The donation will help sponsor burn survivor families’ attendance at the congress and other related financial needs of the society. “We see firsthand the devastating effects fire has on people and property among our clients and in the communities where we operate,” states Roberta Butler, senior vice president, FM Global. “While nothing can alleviate the suffering burn victims endure, we hope this donation will help to connect more people affected by fire with each other, and the resources they need, through the World Burn Congress during the next decade.” FM Global will also provide in-kind strategic market entry consultation to the Society as it plans for growth outside the United States. The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors was founded in 1977 and is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering those affected by burn injuries. The Society works to unite the voice of the burn community worldwide to promote lifelong healing, optimal recovery and burn prevention. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2017, there were 1.3 million fires reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,400 civilian deaths, 14,670 civilian injuries, and US$23 billion in property damage. Learn more at fmglobal.com. Winsupply Acquires Industrial Distributor MSI Supply Winsupply Inc. has purchased MSI Supply, a Houston-based distributor of pipe, valves, and fittings (PVF). Details of the stock purchase were not disclosed. MSI Supply is a full-line distributor of PVF, flanges, stud bolts, gaskets, and fasteners, primarily serving the petroleum and pharmaceutical industries. As a Winsupply company, MSI Supply will remain under the leadership of Chad Smith, who has managed the company through its rapid growth since 2011 when he became a co-owner. The company was founded in 1999. “MSI Supply is a highly successful company that has grown exponentially, more than 1,200 percent, since 2011 based on projections for this year,” says Roland Gordon, president of Winsupply, Inc. “Chad Smith realized that to continue their extraordinary upward path they needed a strong equity partner with the capital and support resources
“MSI Supply is at a critical tipping point on its growth curve, and Winsupply is the perfect partner to help us achieve the next levels of success,” Smith states. “The benefits of a large organization and the autonomy of a thriving small business make for a winning combination. I’m thrilled for MSI Supply to begin this new chapter with Winsupply.” Smith, who was previously a mission design engineer with NASA, will invest equity in MSI Supply and continue to have autonomy as president and entrepreneur, responsible for making decisions that he believes are best for his company. In the Winsupply co-ownership business model, Winsupply Inc. has majority equity in each of its locations, while the local company presidents and sometimes employees own substantial equity. Visit winsupplyinc.com. Wilmington-Based South-Tek Systems Acquired by Chicago Firm On November 20, 2018, Wilmington-based South-Tek Systems LLC has been acquired by Pfingsten Partners LLC, a private equity firm based out of Chicago. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, says Tim Bodemann, who founded South-Tek with his wife Lisa. Tim Bodemann will move to a board of directors position, and Scott Bodemann, the Bodemann’s son, will be taking over day-to-day responsibilities of the company as president. South-Tek Systems designs and manufacturers nitrogen generators; serves domestic and international customers in the industrial and commercial markets; and sells its products through distributors, sales representatives, contractors and directly to end users. The company employs nearly 50 people. With South-Tek Systems’ anticipated growth, Tim Bodemann said that the company will need to add to its team. Visit southteksystems.com. Project Funding Awards Application Period Opens for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2019 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm® announce the launch of the project funding awards application period for its sixth national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 4, 2019, which helps communities prepare for and reduce their risk of wildfire damage. State Farm is providing funding to NFPA for the Preparedness Day event and a portion will be awarded to 150 neighborhood wildfire risk reduction projects being implemented on Saturday, May 4. Preparedness Day gives people of all ages a chance to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their community a safer place to live. Project applications can be submitted through March 1. During Preparedness Day 2018, more than 500 projects were undertaken in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Of those projects, 150 received funding from State Farm for activities that helped make residents and firefighters safer when wildfires happen. According to reports, on average, wildfires burn twice as much land area each year as they did 40 years ago, and the threat continues to increase. In 2018, California saw its deadliest and most destructive fire, the Camp Fire, burn more than 150,000 acres and claim the lives of 85 people. Wildfires once described by “seasons” are now burning earlier and later in the year across the U.S. For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, funding awards, project ideas and free resources to download, visit wildfireprepday.org. n
to grow. Winsupply’s unique co-ownership business model offers entrepreneurs like Chad the opportunity to continue to lead his own company with Winsupply as majority owner.” Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019 65
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Ana G. Rodriguez Named Lubrizol Corporate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer The Lubrizol Corporation announces that Ana G. Rodriguez has been named corporate vice president and chief human resources officer, effective December 3, 2018. Rodriguez replaces Andy Panega, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Since 2016, Rodriguez served as chief human resources officer at Sotera Health. Prior to Sotera, she was the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at PolyOne Corporation. Before joining PolyOne, Rodriguez was senior vice president of global human resources at Molex Incorporated. She also worked in the legal departments of Amgen Inc., Tenet Healthcare Corporation and Litton Industries. Rodriguez began her legal career as a staff attorney at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. She holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Long Beach. Visit lubrizol.com to learn more about Lubrizol and their team. NCCER Announces New President NCCER is pleased to announce that Boyd Worsham has been appointed as the NCCER president and began his position November 5, 2018, at NCCER’s headquarters in Alachua, Florida. Starting as a carpenter apprentice and rising through the ranks to vice president of a global company, Worsham embodies the enterprising spirit of the construction industry. To accommodate the need for succession planning with projected retirements over the next few years, the president position was separated from the previous president/chief executive officer (CEO) role. As president, Worsham will work closely with Don Whyte, CEO, and Steve Greene, vice president, to progressively assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation and oversight of NCCER. Worsham came to NCCER from The Haskell Company where he was the vice president of construction support. He has been involved with major construction projects throughout the United States during his 38-year tenure. Worsham holds a Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville University and is a licensed General Contractor in Florida and LEED Accredited Professional. Visit nccer.org. 66 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
American Subcontractors Association Hires New Chief Advocacy Officer The American Subcontractors Association, a national trade organization based in the Washington, DC, area representing construction subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, and suppliers, has named government relations expert Mike Oscar as its Chief Advocacy Officer, effective December 5, 2018. Oscar will lead the association’s government and industry advocacy programs, including federal legislation, government regulations, and industry collaboration and coalitions. Oscar has nearly 20 years of experience in government affairs and 12 years of service on Congressional staff. During his tenure on Capitol Hill, Oscar worked in both Republican and Democratic offices in the U.S. House and Senate, giving him rare institutional knowledge of both chambers and caucuses. His bipartisan experience in Congress has equipped him with a unique set of contacts and networks to access on behalf of ASA. In both public and private practice, Oscar has been deeply involved in key construction subcontractor issues, including prompt payment, the mechanic’s lien law, government procurement, funding for apprenticeship training programs, public-private partnerships, and worker misclassification. His regulatory experience spans multiple federal and state agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (lead paint remediation), International Trade Commission (tariff), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (workforce safety and silica and beryllium exposure limits), and the U.S. Department of Labor (bid solicitations, worker misclassification, overtime regulations and National Labor Relations Board rulings), Commerce (economic development), and Agriculture (risk management and international trade). As a representative for a national construction trade association, Oscar successfully spearheaded an effort to secure a U.S. Court of International Trade decision regarding aluminum extrusions for curtainwall units. Oscar is managing partner at Gray & Oscar, LLC, a government relations consulting firm with offices in Alexandria, Va., and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has represented major construction trade associations in this capacity for over a decade. The team at Gray & Oscar includes government relations experts with broad and extensive background in local, state and federal government, as well as judicial and
the state level. In Pennsylvania, Oscar was instrumental in developing a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers to implement the state’s prompt pay law, as well as an update to the mechanic’s lien law. The Pennsylvania Prompt Pay law was enacted under divided government with overwhelming bipartisan majorities. For more information, visit asaonline.com.
executive branch and political and non-profit campaign experience. Oscar has a successful track-record on implementing ASA priorities at
for more. n
NAC Elects Sorley as 2019 President The National Academy of Construction (NAC) has elected Tom Sorley as its 2019 President. As NAC resident, Sorley will serve as Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for pursuing the Academy’s mission of recognizing and honoring individuals for their distinguished contributions to the [construction] industry and to share this reservoir of expertise as a service to the nation. As NAC President, Sorley intends to focus on expanding the Academy’s programs on workforce development; including the Ask Me Anything webinar series for college and high school students interested in the construction industry; and Executive Insights, a series of white papers which will focus on early career development during 2019. Sorley was elected to the academy in 2011 for principled and innovative leadership in the specialty contractor sector of the construction industry and his commitment to the betterment of the industry with an emphasis on building people. Previously, Sorley served as the Academy’s first Vice President. Sorley served as Chair of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and was on the Board of Directors for the Building Futures Council. He is active with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and a contributing member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America Public/Private Industry Council. He has volunteered with the Beavers, the San Francisco Bay Area Boy Scouts, the Lean Construction Institute, and the Construction Industry Roundtable. Sorley earned a degree in Business from the University of Nebraska, where he was captain and quarterback of the Huskers football team, earning selection to the Big Eight Conference All-Academic Team. Visit naocon.org
Save the date!
CONVENTION EXHIBITION
PRODUCT NEWS
General Air Products Announces New NFPA 13D Pump and Tank System the H2hOme™ General Air Products is pleased to introduce their latest 13D pump and tank system: the H2hOme™. Designed and built specifically to meet NFPA 13D requirements, the H2hOme™ is everything you need to provide required pressure and flow to a residential fire sprinkler system in a sleek, all-in-one package. As with all of our 13D pump and tank systems, the H2hOme™ comes standard with a stainless steel pump and all non-ferrous components to protect against corrosion and ensure longevity. This is the only standalone system on the market with an easily removable slide-out pump. Created with contractors in mind, our 29-in. slim tank can be carried through any typical doorway – with reduced weight when the pump is removed. The H2hOme™also includes a riser manifold kit making installation even easier. The H2hOme™ is the most efficient, reliable and easiest to install pump and tank system available – backed by the best customer service and technical support in the fire sprinkler industry. For more information, visit generalairproducts.com.
Anvil Introduces Anvil Shields Anvil International has launched Anvil Shields for insulated pipe support for use in single hanger or trapeze hanger applications. Products include a “strut-shield” version for Anvil Strut™ trapeze applications and a “universal-design” for use in single clevis) hanger, trapeze hanger, I68 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2019
Beam, C-Channel or floor mount applications. Anvil Shields have been designed to accommodate pipe movement generated by thermal expansion while also cradling and protecting the pipe’s insulation. Made of high-quality ultra-resistant polypropylene, Anvil Shields eliminate pipe insulation tears, refrigerant leaks in A/C and refrigeration systems, and are a safer alternative to traditional metal shields. They can be used in indoor or outdoor including rooftop applications. Designed for an easy tool-free installation, Anvil Shields are designed to be the fastest installation in the industry and can save time and money on projects. Anvil Shields product samples will be on display at the Anvil International booth (C6625) at the upcoming AHR Expo. Visit anvilintl.com. Johnson Controls Announces First UL Certified Antifreeze Solution for Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems With TYCO® LFP™ Antifreeze, Johnson Controls has developed the first – and currently the only – UL Certified antifreeze. This third-party tested and evaluated solution helps fire protection systems comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, 13R, and 13D, which require the use of listed solutions in new antifreeze systems. Existing antifreeze systems must meet this requirement by 2022 under NFPA 25. The patented LFP™ Antifreeze is ideal for use in a variety of applications where a sprinkler system could be exposed to temperatures below 40ºF – including both residential and commercial applications. LFP™ Antifreeze is suitable for use with most common piping system materials, including CPVC, and can be a more cost-effective solution compared to some other freeze protection methods that might be more complicated to install and maintain. LFP™ Antifreeze is environmentally friendly and can be easily disposed of through normal sewer or septic systems (when in compliance with local laws and guidelines) or at local wastewater treatment centers. Visit tyco-fire.com/LFP. Core Competencies for the Practice of Fire Protection Engineering Initiated as part of the Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) stra-
tegic plan, the SFPE board of directors recognized the importance of clearly defining an internationally applicable set of core competencies that a fire protection engineer needs to have. Globally, protecting people and property from fire events is a challenge. Those who specialize in fire protection engineering must have a base level of knowledge and experience in order to appropriately reduce the negative impacts from unwanted fire incidents. The SFPE Standing Committee on Professional Qualifications (CPQ) and specifically, the Subcommittee on Professional Competency and Credentialing has worked over the last couple of years to develop the “Recommended Minimum Technical Core Competencies for the Practice of Fire Protection Engineering.” This is the first time that the SFPE has documented the minimum knowledge, skills, and experience someone needs in order to qualify themselves as a fire protection engineer. It is important to recognize that there are other terms used instead of fire protection engineer depending on the jurisdiction, such as fire safety engineer or fire engineer. Yet the focus for this document is to create a basis where engineers working with fire safety and fire protection can show they are competent in the field of practice. This is especially true when a jurisdiction does not have a formalized process to govern someone using the term engineer or specifically fire protection engineer. During development, the committee carefully examined many of the existing frameworks for competencies, credentialing and other regulations related to the governance of someone being a fire protection engineer. Much of the underlying information on subject matter in the descriptions available were similar. From this, four categories of subject matter were created – fire science, human behavior and evacuation, fire protection systems, and fire protection analysis. The details for each of these areas stirred much
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.
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PRODUCT NEWS conversation in the fire protection industry not only among the committee but during the public comment period once the draft was released. The feedback from the members and public was instrumental in helping the committee to produce the official core competencies that were approved by the SFPE board of directors at the end of October 2018. These technical core competencies now clearly convey the need for both education and practice for someone to achieve competency in the subject areas. A note for this document is that an engineering foundation is assumed, and the information provided is specific to the fire protection engineering component of someone’s knowledge and practice.
It is recognized that university study in fire protection is the most direct path to achieving competency, but not every subject in the document may be covered at the level necessary for competency by a single university course/program. The CPQ subcommittee on higher education has published recommended model curricula for a bachelor’s degree in fire protection engineering, a bachelor’s degree in fire protection engineering technology, and a master’s degree in fire protection engineering. However, additional study and practice may be needed for certain subjects in order to reach a competent level. It is important to understand that this document is detailing the minimum core competen-
You don’t have to be a genius.
cies. Many practitioners eventually develop an expertise in a few areas that are part of the core competencies. However, a minimum level of knowledge for all of the areas listed is deemed necessary so that the fire protection engineering that is performed has a solid foundation of essentials. Also, continuing education throughout a professional’s career is important to ensure that new data and technology are properly incorporated into fire protection engineering. The fire protection industry works to improve public health, safety, and welfare related to fire events. Ensuring that professionals who perform fire protection engineering meet the minimum core competencies will raise the bar for the industry and assist in engineering a fire safe world. Visit sfpe.org. n
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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. Be a Member
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Now available as a compact wall-mount unit with quick install mounting bracket!
The hardest part of the install is deciding where to go for lunch. Potter’s IntelliGen® Nitrogen Generators provide easy, quick installation with an intelligent automated setup. The Potter IntelliGen® series uses an automated setup procedure that switches the generator into the correct fill mode automatically—that means no more messing with ball valves! This makes installation easy and ensures that your fire sprinkler system has the best possible corrosion protection. Additionally, these web-enabled nitrogen generators allow you to receive status notifications via email and view system details through a web browser or mobile device. Find out how the simplest installation on the market will save you time for other important things, like lunch!
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