Sprinkler Age March/April 2020

12 FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

MAR / APR 2020

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 39/02

AFSA GEARS UP FOR CONVENTION NFPA 20, 2022 EDITION

Reliable founder Frank J. Fee circa 1920

From humble beginnings...

the Reliable® family is excited to celebrate our centennial and take fire protection into the

FUTURE

Find out out more more about about Reliable’s Reliable’s Centennial Centennial Celebrat Celebration: Find ion: www.reliablesprinkler.com/100 www.reliablesprinkler.com/100

NEW! Patented SLT Technology

SuperFlex SLT ®

This sprinkler drop provides all the flexibility needed for an error free installation. It’s pre-assembled and can be used with standard 1” welded outlets & fittings to reduce labor costs.

FEATURES & BENEFITS Increase productivity with fast and easy installation Eliminates taping or doping of threaded fittings AAvailable with pre-installed sprinkler heads

Contact your Anvil International Sales Representative to learn more. www.anvilintl.com/contact-us

SPRINKLER AGE

MAR / APR 2020 VOL 39/02

FEATURES 10 | SEMINARS, SUNSHINE, AND SOCIALIZING

AFSA39 GEARS UP FOR ORLANDO, FLORIDA THIS FALL

12 | NFPA 20, 2022 EDITION IN CYCLE

RECOMMENDED CHANGES AND PUBLIC INPUT

16 | FIVE REASONS DESIGN SHOULD BE ON YOUR MIND

ATTEND AFSA’S BEGINNING FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM PLANNING SCHOOL

18 | FIRE PUMP SYSTEM SIZING

ISSUES OFTEN OVERLOOKED

20 | CALIFORNIA VETERAN’S HOME PROTECTED BY SPRINKLERS

MEMBERS SUPPORT SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS’ HOME

22 | FIRE FLOW FOR THE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL

APRIL 28 WEBINAR FREE FOR AFSA MEMBERS

25 | HELP PROMOTE HOME FIRE SAFETY

JOIN THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TO EDUCATE HOMEOWNERS

26 | AFSA GRADUATES FIRST FEMALE INSPECTORS

TWO WOMEN FIND THEIR PASSION THROUGH ITM PROGRAM

28 | A FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION

COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT: APPRENTICESHIP & EDUCATION

30 | UTILIZING THIRD-PARTY DESIGNERS

PART 1: FREELANCE CONTRACTOR DESIGN

36 | TECHNOLOGY TO ROAR FORWARD IN THE TWENTIES

“I WAS PROMISED WE’D HAVE FLYING CARS BY NOW!”

38 | SPRINKLER INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION IN VIRGINIA

ONE CHAPTER’S ROAD TO DRAFT STATE LEGISLATION

42 | THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

MEMBERS CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

ON THE COVER: The Edison at Disney Springs, an “Industrial Gothic” themed entertainment venue, is the site of AFSA’s biggest party of the year—the National Apprentice Competition Awards to be held during AFSA39 in Orlando, Florida, September 13-16. Also in this issue: fire pumps.

6 8 44 44 46 46 48 49 49 50 51 53 54

CHAIR’S MESSAGE FLASHPOINT AFSA NEWS CALENDAR OF EVENTS CHAPTER NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS AFSA CHAPTERS NEW MEMBERS U.S. CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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.

Follow us on

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

EDITORIAL: 214-349-5965

NICOLE DUVALL, Publisher,

T

Director of Communications & Social Media,ext. 126; nduvall@firesprinkler.org

his year, our association celebrates its 39th anniversary. Education was one of the bedrock ideals upon which we were founded; we formed this association in order to provide training to open-shop fire sprinkler contractors. The first part of our mission statement reads, “AFSA promotes the development of educational and training programs to maintain the quality and effectiveness of automatic fire sprinklers.”

In that spirit, I want to take a moment to recognize the outstanding internship and ongoing education programs that we offer. In 2019 almost 2,000 individuals were enrolled in our sprinkler fitter training series. Two things stand out in my mind as to the value of the training: First, you cannot be successful this day in age without properly trained people.

Our customers expect that each professional who installs or inspects their fire sprinkler system is well t­ rained and current on their certifications. No business can survive without qualified workers to do the installations.

Nothing makes you more valuable to your employer (or your next one) than the education and training you have received. Ongoing education courses are the best way to stay current on your skills but also to demonstrate to your company that you are someone who is a professional at the top of their game and always willing to improve. It reflects back positively on you and the work that your company ultimately does. Benjamin Franklin was fond of saying that, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Second, you cannot get this training anywhere else except through this association. Education is opportunity. We are giving new contractors the opportunity to expand their future without having to take out expensive loans for postsecondary education. Sprinkler installation is an incredible pathway for any person who is just starting their career or even switching from another industry. That is not to say that the courses are easy or less rigorous than others. But if the opportunity is there and the individual is willing to work hard, then the rewards will come.

Looking back over the past several decades, we have built the reputation of our association on the training and education of its members. It has served us well.

Looking forward to the next several decades, our training and education will be the pillar upon which we grow as an organization.

If it has been some time since you last took continuing education courses or if you have employees who would benefit from just a bit more, please take advantage of the incredible opportunities we provide. Many of our courses are online, and you can take them at your own pace; we understand that everyone has busy schedules that do not always allow for dedicated training time during the day. In the end, your business and customers will ultimately benefit from well-trained operators who can do quality work every time. For more details on all AFSA has to offer, visit firesprinkler.org/education. n

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 TED WILLS, Chair, 610-754-7836 JACK A. MEDOVICH, First Vice Chair, 410-787-0639 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, Second Vice Chair, 318-841-0330 PAUL DELORIE, Treasurer, 603-432-8221 JEFF PHIFER, Secretary, 803-438-2994 WAYNE WEISZ, Immediate Past Chair, 209-334-9119 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949 R. DONALD (DON) KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 CHRIS JOHNSON, 727-581-9339 MICHAEL F. (MIKE) MEEHAN, 757-213-3660 JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136

AFSA LEADERSHIP LAVERNE DAVIS, Vice President, Finance & Administration, ext. 112 JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, PE, FSFPE, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services, ext.121

MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President, Program Operations & Education Services, ext. 118 LIZ MESSNER, Vice President, Membership & Communications, ext. 135

LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director, Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director, Communications & Social Media, ext. 126 ROGER GRAGG, Director, Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116

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

TED WILLS AFSA BOARD CHAIR

6 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

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.

FABRICATION SERVICES Getting it done.

Our pipe fabrication, cutting, roll grooving, threading and welding services make us the top choice among fire protection and life safety professionals. We’re working harder than ever to be your leading pipe supplier by building new facilities, expanding into new markets and focusing on technology-driven data. Get the pipe you need, fabricated to your specifications, to get jobs done on time.

1,000 Employees | 77 Locations | 35 Fabrication Facilities | 10 DCs Find the closest location near you at FERGUSONFIRE.COM

Š2019 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 0219 1151809

FLASHPOINT

W

hat a time I have had the first month or so at the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). I want to tell you about some of the activities I had the pleasure of participating in.

I had the opportunity to assist with teaching AFSA’s two-week Beginner Fire Sprinkler System Planning School.

Besides working with a great teacher, AFSA’s Program Specialist Tom Noble, CET, CFPS, I was able to interact with and watch the students grow in the sprinkler industry. Every one of the students was fully engaged. They were like a sponge and wanted to absorb everything we said. The questions they asked showed their desire to learn. We had starting designers, a small business owner, a salesman, and a sprinkler fitter in the class. Each one stated this class expanded their understanding of sprinkler design. The salesman stated he has a new appreciation of what the designer needs and what a designer goes through. The small business owner said he now understands how much is involved in the design of a sprinkler system. My point in discussing this is to say I am excited to see the next generation of sprinkler professionals develop. As an industry, we need to keep encouraging new people to learn our profession. This class does well to assist in this goal.

I participated in the January 2020 AFSA Board of Directors’ meeting. I attended the Legislative & Licensing, Long-Range Planning, Insurance & Safety, and the Convention committee meetings. I updated the Board of Directors on the engineering and technical services department’s activities, goals, and needs. I was able to interact with the leaders of AFSA—what a group of talented professionals. We had many individuals who have been in our industry for over 40 years, and we had next-generation members who were learning the business.

All the committees were full of energy, and it was obvious the commitment of the individuals to the success of AFSA and our industry.

I attended the AFSA Schuykill Chapter’s January 2020 meeting, which consisted of a few different sprinkler-related organizations. The vibe in the room was excellent. The exchange of information, contacts, and overall excitement from the attendees impressed me.

The Informal Interpretations service that AFSA members have at their disposal has kept the technical staff busy. We have answered questions on internal inspections, hazard classifications, fire pump issues, CPVC installation issues, dry and pipe systems, alarm and supervisory device testing, incoming underground piping classification, fire department connection (FDC) tie-in locations, and many more topics. We are here to assist. Feel free to use us! We use these questions when we prepare Public Inputs for the NFPA standard update process.

The NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 edition, first-draft report is ready. We will be reviewing all of the actions taken by the technical committees and determine if those

8 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

Denhardt co-teaching AFSA’s January 2020 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School. actions necessitate a second draft input. We will keep you updated on our thoughts in future columns.

AFSA’s technical staff has compiled the first-draft vote of the NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2022 edition update. Approximately 100 public inputs and 70 first revisions were reviewed, analyzed, and researched. Of the items, we have concerns with the technical committee’s action on approximately four different topics. We will be following the process and keep our members represented and informed. Look at the article “NFPA 20, 2022 Edition in Cycle” on page 12 of this issue as I discuss a few concerns we have with NFPA 20 that we want your input.

Finally, I had the opportunity to have a meeting with NICET at its Virginia headquarters to discuss the AFSA/NICET relationship. We talked about where the two organizations are today and what is the best method for moving forward. I made sure NICET understood the great need for qualified and certified technicians in our industry. NICET updated me on the progress it has made in updating the certification tests to current editions of the NFPA standards and its plan moving forward. We agreed to keep the lines of communications open. I offered AFSA’s assistance moving forward in its activities and stressed that we consider NICET a partner in our industry.

In closing, it is an exciting time at AFSA. I am so glad I am part of the great staff here. Feel free to use the resources AFSA has to support your organization. We are here to serve you. Be sprinkler safe. n

JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, PE, FSFPE AFSA VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES

REDDI-PIPE arrives at your shop fully painted & stenciled, “reddi” for fabrication! ®

• Provides major time & cost savings in sprinkler environments where gloss finish is not required.

• Eliminates the expenses and delay of powder coating.

• Easy to weld, fully traceable for UL/FM and AHJ compliance, and protected by our exclusive EddyGuard II antimicrobial coating.

Get Reddi to save! Visit BullMooseTube.com to learn more.

SEMINARS, SUNSHINE, AND SOCIALIZING AFSA39 GEARS UP FOR ORLANDO, FLORIDA THIS FALL

T

he Sunshine State and the Theme Park Capital of the World® are calling all members of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) to attend AFSA39: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, September 13-16, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. Featuring the largest event of its kind in the fire sprinkler industry, AFSA39 promises expert education, top-notch training, and numerous networking opportunities in a family-friendly setting surrounded by the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Learn and earn CEU/CPD credits during the day and play by night!

Social events include networking meals, an awards party at The Edison, and an exciting live apprentice competition on the floor of our packed exhibition hall.

AFSA39 truly offers something for everyone so don’t miss this year’s event!

“I am very excited to serve as co-chair of AFSA’s Convention Committee this year,” comments AFSA At-Large Director Chris Johnson, Piper Fire Protection, Clearwater, Florida.

“As the former chair of AFSA’s Florida Chapter, I think we have put together a fantastic program to educate contractors in technical, business, and leadership skills. Whether you are a company owner, a designer, a project manager, or a field supervisor, there is plenty to learn in what I would say is one of our most diverse list of classes offered at a fire sprinkler convention anywhere.”

SEMINARS AND SOCIALS AFSA39 will offer four days of managerial and technical seminars that are

10 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort will host AFSA39 members this September. filled with education, training, and networking led by industry experts. AFSA’s exhibition provides an opportunity to meet with leading manufacturers and suppliers of the latest products and services offered in the fire sprinkler industry. The unopposed exhibit hours allow attendees and exhibitors to visit without interruption, and the second day of exhibits also features the finals of AFSA’s 27th National Apprentice Competition (NAC). For apprentices who are interested in competing, see page 23 of this issue or visit www.firesprinkler.org/ competition.

Convention highlights include the Exhibition Grand Opening reception, general session, golf tournament, evening parties, and social events, as well as a chance to relax with friends new and old during the networking meals hosted for attendees who are fully registered in AFSA’s room blocks at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

The final night Awards Party on Wednesday, September 16, will not disappoint as AFSA members experience a clever tribute to an era fueled by invention and imagination. The Edison at Disney Springs is a lavish “Industrial Gothic” themed entertainment venue.

Designed to look like a 1920s electric company, the Edison exudes an air of romance and Old World sophistication.

A steady lineup of unique acts and a live band are sure to keep you entertained and on your toes. And don’t forget the highlight of the evening— the crowning of the newest NAC champion!

NEXTGEN DAY AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NextGen), the industry’s most forward-looking young professionals’ group, will host a “NextGen Day” on Monday, September 14 during AFSA39. This full day is open to all members of the

industry and will feature seminars, a leadership forum, and evening mixer.

For more information on AFSA’s NextGen, visit www.firesprinkler.org/ NextGen.

HILTON TO HOST AFSA39 AFSA39 guests will be immersed in adventure at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the headquarter resort for this year’s convention. Offering a magical and memorable experience, the resort features elegant and family-friendly guest rooms with world-class amenities, including a three-acre lazy river and pool, poolside cabanas, championship golf course, luxurious spa, fitness center, and nearly a dozen dining and lounge options.

Surrounded by the Walt Disney World® Resort, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando offer the best of both worlds. The resort is situated on a 482-acre nature preserve and features amenities such as Disney Extra Magic Hours, continuous complimentary transportation to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Disney Springs, and exceptional viewing of Disney fireworks every evening from the comfort of the resort.

If you’d rather be on the golf course than in the theme parks, the resort offers one of Orlando’s premier golfing experiences—the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Rees Jones. Or maybe you’d rather treat yourself to a relaxing massage or pedicure at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. You deserve it!

The AFSA group rate for the Hilton Bonnet Creek is $189 per night plus tax for run of the house. The AFSA group rate for the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is $219 per night plus tax for run of the house. Both rates include resort fees and complimentary internet in guest rooms. Reservations may be made online during the convention registration process at www. firesprinkler.org/book. Group rates are available for stays from September

Enjoy amenities including the three-acre lazy river and pool at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

9-20, 2020, but reservations must be made by August 12, 2020, to secure AFSA convention group rates. After August 12, room rates are based on availability.

“The Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort is central to all the best Orlando has to offer,” notes Johnson. “It is conveniently located right on Disney property and just a short ride to Universal and International Drive. As a father of six, I am excited that this event will be very family friendly to our contractors and industry partners throughout the country. AFSA39 is going to be a fantastic time for you and your family!”

HOTEL RESERVATION ALERT AFSA has been made aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendor. These companies mislead you to think they are working on our behalf. Companies that use this tactic include Exhibitor Hotel Reservation Services (EHR), Global Housing, and National Travel Associates. They are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences such as no hotel reservations, no free networking meals, nor complimentary internet access. To receive full AFSA hotel

benefits, you must book directly with the hotel by phone or using the link found on AFSA’s convention website, www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA39.

AFSA ALL-ACCESS Stay up to date with the latest from AFSA and AFSA39, including news, deals, discounts, and offerings. Get real-time updates on the association’s official happenings sent to your desktop or wireless device by subscribing to, or “following,” AFSA social media, and use our official hashtag #AFSA39.

• Twitter: twitter.com/AFSA • Facebook: facebook.com/firesprinkler.org • Instagram: instagram.com/firesprinklerorg • YouTube: youtube.com/user/ AmerFireSprinkAssn Bookmark AFSA’s convention website at firesprinkler.org/AFSA39 and check back frequently as online registration will open soon. September 13-16, 2020, are the dates and Florida is the place to invest in your business and your family with AFSA39! n

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 11

NFPA 20, 2022 EDITION IN CYCLE RECOMMENDED CHANGES AND PUBLIC INPUT

T

JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., F.S.F.P.E. | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION he National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, NFPA 20, is in “cycle.” This means NFPA has started its update process. The current edition of NFPA 20 is 2019, and the next edition will be 2022. While most areas of the United States are using the 2016 edition as the adopted standard, the NFPA update process does not stop. Every three years, this standard is updated.

The public input phase has been completed. The deadline for public inputs was June 26, 2019. NFPA 20’s technical committee, AUU, met November 12-13, 2019, in Providence, Rhode Island, to discuss every public input individually. Approximately 100 public inputs were received. These public inputs were reviewed, analyzed, and researched. These public inputs resulted in approximately 70 first revisions and 15 resolutions to reject.

Out of the public inputs, I have concerns with the technical committee’s action on four different topics. Below are the topics and a brief discussion of my concerns.

ITEM NUMBER 1 – DIESEL FUEL TANK SIZE Fuel tank size had a few public inputs. The main concern with fuel tank size has always been to ensure the quantity of fuel is sufficient to operate the fire pump system for the required minimum run time. However, diesel fuel does have a shelf life. Depending on references I have seen, a six- to nine-months’ shelf life is considered normal with a 12-month shelf life considered maximum under ideal conditions. The industry has seen fuel quality issues and NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, has added requirements for annual fuel testing. Oversizing fuel tanks is not good practice.

Keeping fuel tanks near their full capacity is the best practice as issues occur when the fuel tank is not kept full. Modern diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than earlier engines. At this point, the technical committee has rejected all of the public inputs. I want to research this issue in more detail before I decide my position. I have personally seen many stale fuel issues in the field.

ITEM NUMBER 2 — DIESEL FUEL TANK SIGNAGE I submitted this public input and it was rejected by the technical committee. Since the 2003 edition, the current language

12 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

“WE WANT YOUR INPUT ... THE NFPA REVISION PROCESS IS OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES. YOU CAN MAKE THE STANDARDS BETTER.” of the standard is: “The grade of fuel oil shall be indicated on the fuel tank by letters that are a minimum of 6-in. in height and in contrasting color to the tank.” This language has been the same in all editions of the standard since it was adopted in 2003. My public input was to reduce the letter minimum size required to 2 in. while leaving allowances for the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to require a larger size if the AHJ desired. My Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input was “6-in. letters are too large in real-world situations. Two-in. letters are large enough to be seen in a typical fire pump room. Where the AHJ wants something larger, this proposed modification will accommodate their desires.”

The technical reason for rejecting this public input was: “There was no technical justification provided to decrease the size of the lettering on diesel fuel tank.”

So, here is a little history. For the 2003 edition of the standard, Proposal 20-146 added this language: “8-4.7.2 Grade of fuel oil shall be indicated on the fuel tank by a minimum of 6 inch letters in contrasting color to tank.” The proposal passed the ballot 28-0. No technical substation was provided with regard to the size of letters.

Time for a reality check. A 6-in. high letter is required for EXIT signs. Most other fire safety signs require 2-in.-high letters. A quick search on the internet shows many industry sign sizing charts with the following guideline: “One inch per 10 feet away from the sign to be easily readable.” Based on this guideline, an EXIT sign can be read at 60 ft. Using the same guideline, based on the current language in NFPA 20, the signage for the type of fuel required for a fire pump diesel fuel tank can be read at 60 ft. What is more important: an EXIT or type of fuel sign? How many fire pump rooms are larger than 20-ft wide or long? Do we really need to see the fuel type sign from far away? Based on my years of experience, I have

EXPERTLY DESIGNED FOR UNPARALLELED CONTROL OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Victaulic is once again at the forefront of innovation, offering solutions to common concerns within the pump room: • Precise yet smooth responses to fluctuations in flow and pressure • Advanced valve body design to reduce friction loss • Maintenance made easy, incorporating customer feedback victaulic.com © 2020 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

never seen a manufacturer of a Listed fire pump fuel tank provide a sign complying with current language of the standard.

4.20.6.2 The discharge pipe shall be permitted to be sized hydraulically to discharge sufficient water to prevent the pump discharge pressure, adjusted for ITEM NUMBER 3 — VERTICAL FIRE PROTECTION ZONES AND elevation, from exceeding the pressure rating of the DEFINITIONS system components.

This topic had several related public inputs. All of these 4.20.6.2.1 If the pipe employs more than one elbow, public inputs were to “clean up” the definition and terms used the next larger pipe size shall be used. between NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and The public input wants to relocate section 4.20.6.2.1 to Hose Systems; NFPA, 20; NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and create a new section 4.20.6.1.1. It would look like: Safety Code®; and the model building codes. The technical 4.20.6 Discharge Piping committee made a First Revision to address all of the related 4.20.6.1 Except as permitted in 4.20.6.2, the relief public inputs. The First Revision (FR-8) removed the definition of valve discharge pipe shall be of a size not less than that a vertical fire protection zone in section 3.3.81 and replace it with given in Section 4.28. this language: 4.20.6.1.1 If the pipe employs more than one elbow, 3.3.81* Vertical Fire Protection Zone. The portion of a the next larger pipe size shall be used.

4.20.6.2 The discharge pipe shall be permitted to be vertical fire protection system of standpipes with hose sized hydraulically to discharge sufficient water to valves, sprinkler systems with sprinkler system connecprevent the pump discharge pressure, adjusted for tions, or combination standpipe sprinkler systems that elevation, from exceeding the pressure rating of the are supplied by a fire pump(s) or a water storage system components. tank(s) where the static pressure difference between The technical reason for rejecting this public input was levels is only a function of the elevation difference.

“Language is existing and doesn’t need to be relocated. The FR-8 added the following language to the annex: existing text is adequate.” While I agree the language is existing A.3.3.81 Vertical Fire Protection Zone. Express risers and is adequate, its location is not correct. Clearly, this language between the water supply and the standpipe and needs to be relocated. I am not sure what the technical committee sprinkler systems are not included in the vertical fire missed in their review. protection zone definition because express risers do not have hose valves or sprinkler system connections and have different pressure restrictions than the portion of the fire protection system that have hose valves or connections for sprinkler systems.

Multiple vertical fire protection zones can be supplied from the same tank(s) or fire pump(s) through the use of master pressure reducing valves. Typically, a vertical fire protection zone can be isolated without affecting other vertical fire protection zones.

A fire protection zone can have multiple water sources serving the zone.

While this was an attempt to clarify the issue, I believe more work is needed. A group of people from NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 5000 and the model building will need to work on this issue, so the terms are similar between the documents. AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff will be participating in this effort.

ITEM NUMBER 4 – MAIN RELIEF PIPING SIZING This public input is pretty straightforward. The submitter, Gayle Pennel of Jensen Hughes, wants to move some existing language as it appears to be in the wrong location. Currently, the language is: 4.20.6 Discharge Piping 4.20.6.1 Except as permitted in 4.20.6.2, the relief valve discharge pipe shall be of a size not less than that given in Section 4.28.

14 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

SUMMARY In summary, the discussions on the above items are ongoing.

The Second Draft Comment deadline is May 6, 2020. The AFSA technical staff will be submitting comments on these public inputs along with possible other items. We want your input. If you have any opinions on any of the public inputs or committee actions, let us know. Feel free to email me at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org. The NFPA revision process is open to all interested parties. You can make the standards better. The AFSA technical staff can assist you in the process. Feel free to use us. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Denhardt, P.E., F.S.F.P.E. is vice president of engineering & technical services for AFSA. He is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) registered in the District of Columbia as well as the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In addition to his P.E., he is a NICET Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout and Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems as well as NFPA Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP). Denhardt has a bachelor of science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland. He is a member of the NFPA 13 Sprinkler Discharge Committee, NFPA, and is an SFPE fellow.

Your high expectations don’t scare us.

Delivering high quality work and hitting deadlines keeps your business on the rise. Viking SupplyNet can help you stay on top with our best-in-class customer support, the largest selection of industryleading products, and innovative digital tools designed by fire sprinkler professionals for fire sprinkler professionals. And with Viking SupplyNet, you can be sure that accurate, on time, and complete orders will always keep you moving in the right direction.

Contact us to get started at supplynet.com

FIVE REASONS DESIGN SHOULD BE ON YOUR MIND ATTEND AFSA’S BEGINNING FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM PLANNING SCHOOL

T

REBECCA HERRING | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

he Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School (BFSSPS) is one of the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) most popular member benefits. The school, held at AFSA’s training center in Dallas, presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. You’ve probably heard of the course before, but have you thought about why you should send your employees to the class in 2020? If you’re looking for reasons, look no further. Check out the five top reasons to send a student to one of AFSA’s schools in 2020 below!

“ I HIGHLY VALUE THE INFORMATION GAINED DURING THIS CLASS ...”

1. HELP BEGINNERS BE PRODUCTIVE IMMEDIATELY UPON RETURN TO WORK AFSA’s BFSSPS was designed by contractors, for contractors, with novice employees in mind. The class helps those with little to no experience and those who need assistance with design return to work with confidence and a new skill set. In a post-school evaluation, a past attendee mentioned they were “…totally new to design and I had hoped to learn a plan of attack for the design of jobs awarded. I have learned this and so much more.” In AFSA’s approach, students learn through a hands-on method of planning and drawing sprinkler systems themselves while also studying and applying NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, (2016 edition) which allows them to return to work with the fortitude and knowledge to get the job done!

2. DEVELOP AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF NFPA 13 Sixty percent of student time is spent on study and review of NFPA 13 (2016 edition), while the other 40 percent of their time is spent preparing fire sprinkler system layouts, shop drawings, and hydraulic calculations. Attendees of the course learn by actually planning and drawing sprinkler systems while studying and applying NFPA 13. “I learned how to effectively read and interpret NFPA 13, perform hand calculations, and how to properly establish remote areas,” mentions one graduate of the course.

3. EXCELLENT INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP Taught by AFSA’s expert technical staff, AFSA’s BFSSPS teaches the essential elements of system layout in accordance with NFPA 13.

The course instruction is led by Tom Noble, CET, CFPS, with support from AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John Denhardt, P.E., F.S.F.P.E. With 25 years of experience

16 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

in the fire sprinkler industry, Noble is an excellent resource for beginners to utilize and learn from. In addition to his impressive amount of industry experience, Noble’s qualifications include serving on the NFPA 13 Installation; NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes; and NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, committees. He is a member of NFPA’s Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP) certification advisory group, making him an expert in his field. Past attendees praised Noble’s instruction saying, “Tom was accommodating, patient, and thorough with his explanations; willing to repeat or reframe content as necessary.” Another former student mentioned that Noble’s teaching makes “…this class is suited for everyone from the beginner to someone with experience.”

Students took advantage of having both instructors in class and noted it was a bonus: “This course was eye-opening to what is really required for design. The information was great. Tom is an excellent instructor. John comes to instructing with extensive field, design, and engineering knowledge which helps the students get an insight from more and different views.”

4. OUR SCHOOLS HELP SAVE TIME The BFSSPS is only 10 days—a short amount of time in which your new designers gain a wealth of knowledge and skills, while also providing an excellent refresh for slightly more experienced employees. Attendees are given the tools to accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications; determine the proper and economical planning of fire sprinkler system layout and installation methods; know the importance of sprinkler specifications, types of pipe, hangers, fittings, flow tests, etc.; learn to develop shop drawings from start to finish; learn to coordinate with other trades such as plumbing, mechanical, structural and electrical; perform manual hydraulic calculations, preparing the student for an easier decision-making process when using a computer to perform hydraulics; and prepare shop drawings in class for projects with different applications.

Students with AFSA’s BFSSPS tour The Star in Frisco, Texas, the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters. designers sent in the past 18 months came home and passed both NICET I and II. This class effectively prepared them to take the test with confidence.”

ENROLL TODAY! There are four remaining classes for 2020: June 1-12, July 20-31, September 21-October 2, and November 9-20. Classes are kept small for individualized instruction and fill quickly, so early registration is highly encouraged. Register your students online at www.firesprinkler. org/schools. Looking for additional information on upcoming classes?

Contact AFSA Meetings & Events Coordinator Liz Nemerofsky at liz@firesprinkler.org or (214) 349-5965 ext. 117. n

5. SAVE MONEY This course helps speed up the productivity of your beginners and trains them to be productive quickly, saving you time and money in training in the long run. Additionally, a benefit of AFSA membership is discounted registration pricing for this popular course.

Members save $1,200 on registration!

“The two-week design school is the most efficient and cost-effective method to prepare an entry-level designer for NICET I & II Water-Based Fire Protection Systems Layout certification,” says Stacey J. Fantauzzi with North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc. (NEFPSI), Ballston Spa, New York. “We believe that education should be a multi-layered approach. Our designers spend time in the field installing systems in their first weeks on the job. They also work with Jimmy Fantauzzi, who heads up our estimating department, in the field and office learning how to implement NFPA 13. When they are ready for NICET, we make the investment of design school. The two SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 17

FIRE PUMP SYSTEM SIZING ISSUES OFTEN OVERLOOKED RUSSELL BAINBRIDGE, P.E., C.F.P.S. | HRS SYSTEMS

W

ith the rise in popularity of sprinklers with high-flow volumes like early suppression, fast response (ESFR) sprinklers and large storage warehouses combined with water supplies that are struggling to keep up, we are seeing fire pumps become more prevalent. But, throwing a fire pump onto a sprinkler system isn’t always as simple as it appears to be. Sizing the fire pump correctly can be tricky at times. This is why fire pump manufacturers prefer the designer to provide them with the water supply the designer is working with and the

demand the designer determined. Then, the manufacturer provides a recommended size.

This works in a lot of circumstances, but not all. Sometimes the manufacturer isn’t able to get the sizing done in the project timeline.

Sometimes the customer just wants a general size from the designer so they can take it out to bid. Sometimes a designer might just want to size the fire pump themselves.

Whatever the reason, here are a few things to keep in mind to save time and money when sizing a fire pump.

FLOW TESTS First, and most obvious, a reliable flow test is needed. Today not all jurisdic-

DROP SOME

WEIGHT CARRY LIGHT ™ TRIPOD VISE

15lbs.

LIGHTER THAN TRADITIONAL TRIPODS

• Lightweight aluminum legs for weight-critical field use and overlapping tray hinges for strength.

• Reversible jaws give extra life and value.

R450PAL #04456

Balanced padded handle

Weighs 27.4 lbs.

• Protect plastic pipe with neoprene jaws or reverse for steel jaws.

Tool-safe raised sides Capacity 1/8" – 6" nom. Plastic Pipe (10-178 mm) 1/8" – 2" nom. Steel Conduit (10-51 mm)

Reed Manufacturing Company • Erie, PA USA • 800-666-3691 • www.reedmfgco.com

18 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

tions actually flow water to develop flow test data. The jurisdictions that don’t flow water determine the flow test data through different hydraulic modeling/calculation programs. Not all of these modeling/ calculation programs are created equal.

With this being the case, it is important to know what program the jurisdiction is using and if the jurisdiction certifies the flow data they provide from these programs. Keep in mind a lot of jurisdictions that provide modeled flow data require the designer to complete their design using the provided flow data. Where allowed to flow water to get flow test data, it is best to have someone from the designer’s side present when the testing takes place. This way the designer can know exactly where the data is coming from and have more confidence in the data. If the designer is completing the flow test, it is best practice to complete the test per NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants. If diffusers like Pollardwater HydrantPro and Hose Monster are being used, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.

Another item regularly designed improperly when designing fire pumps is how the main relief valve is used. In the past, main relief valves have been used when a fire pump is oversized to relieve the excess pressure. This is stated in Section 4.7.7.2 of the 2019 edition of NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. The Stationary Fire Pump Handbook, which provides commentary on NFPA 20, expands on this by stating not to use the main relief valve to correct for overdesigned fire pumps in multiple locations.

This is also stated in Annex A multiple times. The main relief valve is provided to

protect the fire pump in only two instances. The first is if a constant-speed diesel-engine driver could exceed the maximum pressure rating of a system component if a 10-percent or less overspeed condition occurs. The second is if a variable-speed driver could exceed the maximum pressure rating of a system component if failure of the driver causes it to revert to rated speed. These are the only two conditions when it is acceptable for a main relief valve to actuate.

INTAKE PIPING The final major issue found with designing fire pumps is the intake piping.

NFPA 20 has specific requirements for the piping within 10 pipe diameters upstream of the fire pump suction flange (for example, if the suction flange is 8 in. then 80 in.) This piping has to meet the minimums specified in Table 4.27(a) and (b) of the 2019 edition, “Summary of Centrifugal Fire Pump Data.” These nominal sizes will match the nominal sizing of the fire pump suction flange. This is to decrease the potential for turbulent flow into the fire pump. Turbulent flow decreases fire pump efficacy because it causes irregular zones of high pressures due to air being introduced into the fire pump. Similarly, Section 4.16.6 doesn’t allow elbows and tees with a centerline plane parallel to a horizontal split-case fire pump shaft within 10 times the suction pipe diameter of the fire pump suction flange. The change in direction causes unbalanced flow (turbulence) into the fire pump suction due to the high- and low-pressure zones created by the water having to turn.

FUEL TANKS In addition, fuel tanks frequently are sized improperly. Section 11.4.1.3.1 of the 2019 edition of NFPA 20 states that tanks shall have a capacity of at least 1 gallon of fuel per horsepower plus 5 percent volume for expansion and then another 5 percent volume for sump, for a total of 10 percent. Most designers provide a fuel tank that is greater than the minimum requirement, but the issue is when a much larger fuel tank is provided.

NFPA 20 doesn’t have a maximum size for

fuel tanks; thus, as long as the minimum size is provided, most designers think they are done with the sizing. However, if the tank is sized too large, the fuel can sit in the tank long enough to potentially grow bacteria and fungi. This is because the tank is only required to be refilled when the fuel level drops below two-thirds’ capacity level, which, if filled, could take several months of run tests to drop down to this level. These durations between refuels when combined with most modern diesel fuels, which are low in sulfur, are what allows the bacteria and fungi to grow. In the past, diesel fuel contained enough sulfur to act as a biocide and this is why allowing the fuel to sit for longer periods wasn’t an issue. The bacteria and fungi can clog fuel filters along with other issues. Vehicles don’t have this issue because they use their fuel at a faster rate. This issue can be mitigated by sizing the fuel tank slightly larger than the minimum requirement since this will cause regular turnover of the fuel in the tank. Otherwise, fuel maintenance devices or services are required to mitigate the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can add a lot of cost to the owner down the road.

CONCLUSION These are just a few things that are frequently overlooked or misunderstood when sizing a fire pump system. If these items are covered in the fire pump sizing, it will save time and money on the project, along with decreasing the cost of future maintenance for the building owner. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Russell Bainbridge, P.E., C.F.P.S., is currently employed at HRS Systems answering technical questions and developing training material. He also is a lecturer for the University of Idaho in fire suppression and detection and loss prevention course and owns his own consulting firm, Bison Professional Services.

Bainbridge 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. He has a Professional Engineer license in Fire Protection Engineering in Texas and California, his Certified Fire Protection Specialist certification from NFPA, and sits on NFPA’s CFPS Certificate Advisory Group. He is a professional member of SFPE and sits on the Professional Competency and Credentialing Committee.

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 19

CALIFORNIA VETERAN’S HOME PROTECTED BY SPRINKLERS MEMBERS SUPPORT SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS’ HOME

A

NICOLE DUVALL | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION rmy Specialist Carlos Gomez, who lost his right leg and sustained severe injuries to his back while serving in Afghanistan in 2011, is getting a home in Menifee, California, thanks to efforts by the national nonprofit Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) and its local partners.

HFOT is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post9/11 Veterans to enable them to rebuild their lives.

In 2017, AFSA became the official provider of fire sprinkler systems in HFOT homes. AFSA members came together to donate materials, time, and talent for the new home which includes a residential sprinkler system. As one of the organization’s partners, AFSA provided the fire sprinkler system for Gomez’s new home through the efforts of its local members including JB Fire Protection, who installed the sprinkler system in Gomez’s home, and Viking SupplyNet, who provided all the materials on the job.

Jeff Bridges, president of JB Fire Protection, Fullerton, California, said, “Representing AFSA and their partnership with HFOT, my entire company was honored to provide design and installation of an NFPA 13D fire sprinkler system with materials donated by Viking Group.”

The home features more than 40 major special adaptations, such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities

20 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

Army Specialist Carlos Gomez (center) cuts the ribbon for his new HFOT’s home protected by a residential sprinkler system. that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops, according to HFOT. To date, the organization has built more nearly 300 homes in 42 states since the company’s inception in 2004.

Many of AFSA’s members understand the sacrifice that these veterans have made, and they are eager to donate their valuable resources to the cause.

Bridges, who currently serves as the vice chair of the Southern California Chapter, also spends his time educating the next generation of sprinkler professionals as a California American Fire Sprinkler Association (CAFSA) trainer.

“Sharing the experience with my CAFSA apprentices gave them a perspective of what our trade and AFSA is all about,” recalled Bridges. “This made the experience extra special.”

Volunteers came from Menifee and the surrounding communities and to

welcome home the decorated Army veteran at the January 25, 2020, key ceremony. “After being injured, I had no hope in life. I always felt like no one appreciated veterans and my service didn’t mean anything. But receiving this home has lifted my spirits up tremendously. I can’t even begin to express how much this means to me,” Gomez said at the event.

Gomez deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 with the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Three months into the deployment, SPC Gomez’s squad was returning from a routine patrol in Khost Province when his vehicle drove over a 600-pound improvised explosive device (IED), ejecting him from the vehicle and rendering him unconscious throughout his medical evacuation, according to HFOT. When he woke, he learned that his best friend had been killed in the blast and that he had

sustained severe injuries to his right leg, right hand, and back.

Now medically retired, Gomez works for the Army Corps of Engineers to provide for his two sons. He often experiences severe phantom pain but chooses to work through it so he will not lose wages that his family depends on.

Receiving a donated, specially adapted custom HFOT home mitigates much of this strain and financial worry in his life.

“This home enables me to invest more time into my children’s lives and importantly, my healthcare,” he says.

Gomez’s home is one of more than 80 active HFOT home-build projects for injured veterans in various stages of completion nationwide. As the exclusive fire sprinkler provider for HFOT, AFSA, and its local partners team up to both donate and install the fire sprinkler systems. Systems are installed in any home where required by law or in any home where the future homeowner requests fire sprinklers. This partnership provides a robust safety addition to the already highly customized homes that HFOT provides to veterans.

Approximately 4,000 Americans die and 20,000 are injured in fires each year, according to NFPA statistics. The risk of death or injury from fire is even greater for people with physical, mental or sensory disabilities. Through this partnership, AFSA hopes to protect these veterans in their homes, where roughly 80 percent of all fire deaths occur, and decrease their risk of dying in a home fire by 81 percent by installing fire sprinklers.

“I have seen firsthand the appreciation from HFOT home recipients knowing that the fire sprinkler systems that we— AFSA members and associates—are installing free-of-charge will keep them and their loved ones safe,” says Executive Director of AFSA’s Sacramento Valley Chapter Paulene Norwood with Alwest Fire Protection in Roseville, California, who serves as the volunteer coordinator for AFSA’s HFOT projects. “The partnership between AFSA and HFOT was truly a passion for many of us in honoring those that served and in return, keeping them safe. I truly appreciate all of our members and associates that have stepped up and

CAFSA apprentices visit Gomez’ home to see how they can make a difference in the industry.

Jeff Bridges, vice chair of AFSA’s Southern California Chapter, was honored to work on this project.

Raising the flag at Gomez’s new home.

given so freely of their time and resources to make this partnership a success.”

To find out more or to make a donation, visit hfotusa.org. To learn more

about getting involved with AFSA’s HFOT projects, contact AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall at nduvall@firesprinkler.org. n SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 21

FIRE FLOW FOR THE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL APRIL 28 WEBINAR FREE FOR AFSA MEMBERS

T

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) will present “Fire Flow for the Design Professional” webinar on April 28, 2020, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Central time. Join AFSA to learn about the importance of coordinating fire flow requirements for manual fire suppression and fire protection systems, several of the more common methods of computing required fire flow, and what NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, says about water supply design.

In this webinar, sprinkler designers, contractors and code officials will obtain clarification regarding the language of locally adopted fire codes compared to internationally recognized performance standards found in NFPA 13.

Upon completion of this webinar attendees will be able to: 1. Identify the difference between water demand for manual suppression and sprinkler fire protection systems.

2. Identify three common methods for computing fire flow for manual suppression.

3. Explain the role hose stream allowances play in sprinkler system water supply design.

The presenter for this webinar is Rob Neale with West Coast Code Consultants. He is responsible for commercial, multi- and single-family life safety and fire protection system plan review. He is the former vice president for national fire service activities at the International Code Council, deputy superintendent at the US National Fire Academy and served more than 20 years as a municipal fire marshal and fire chief in the Pacific Northwest.

Neale and other fire professionals deliver additional online and face-to-face training at the WC-3 Academy.

This webinar offers 0.1 CEUs and 1.0 Contact Hours. For more details and to register online, visit www.firesprinkler.org/ webinars. n

AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School • 60% Study & review of NFPA 13, 2016 Ed. • 40% Prep of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings, manual hydraulic calculations, and preparing students for easier decision-making process when preparing drawings using CAD.

2020 SCHEDULE June 1 -12 July 20 - 31

Enrollment is now open

VISIT

firesprinkler.org/design 22 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

September 21 - October 2 November 9-30

S E C I T N PPRE

N I W A

O T P I R A T

!

O d n a l Or E N T E R A F S A 's 2 7 t h A n n u a l

National Apprentice Competition!

Seven National Finalists Will Receive:

4 4 4 4

A trip to Orlando, FL to compete at AFSA39 Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition Sept. 13-16, 2020 A complimentary AFSA39 registration for their employer or guest Hand tools Cash prizes, up to $5,000

firesprinkler.org/competition

Application Form

AFSA’s 27th Annual National Apprentice Competition Competition: A written exam will be provided by AFSA and administered online.

April 17, 2020 - Entry Form Deadline

Entry forms must be submitted no later than April 17, 2020.

April 20-May 15, 2020 - Phase I National Competition

Phase one will consist of a 100-question multiple choice exam to be taken online. Once confirmed, AFSA will provide instructions to schedule the exam. A web cam is required for online testing. An online proctor will be assigned to your testing session. The test must be taken between April 20-May 15, 2020.

September 13-16, 2020 - Phase II National Competition

Held at AFSA’s Annual Convention in Orlando, FL, the National Competition will consist of a three-hour exam, as well as the requirement to cut, thread and install a steel and CPVC piping system with sprinkler heads and perform a pressure test. Participants will be graded on accuracy, craftsmanship and safety.

One form per apprentice. Multiple entries per form will NOT be accepted. Make as many copies of this application as needed.

Return completed applications to:

AFSA - Education Dept.

12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350 Dallas, TX 75251 FAX - (214) 242-2155 or mmartinez@firesprinkler.org

Deadline - April 17, 2020

Guidelines: 1) 2)

3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

Apprentice’s employer must be a member of AFSA, in good standing.

Apprentice must be actively participating in the AFSA Apprenticeship Courses or enrolled in the NCCER/AFSA Fire Sprinkler Fitting Training Series. If an apprentice intends to complete this course work prior to September 13, 2020, he/she is not eligible to compete in AFSA’s National Apprenticeship Competition.

Apprentice must have at least one year of field experience with a MINIMUM of 6 months combined HANDS ON experience in cutting, threading and installing steel pipe AND installing CPVC pipe.

Prior to September 13, 2020, the apprentice cannot have worked in the sprinkler trade hanging pipe for more than five years.

If an apprentice has won first, second, or third place in AFSA’s National Apprenticeship Competition, he/she is not eligible to compete.

An employer can enter as many employees as are eligible from his/her company.

If an apprentice resigns employment from original sponsoring company after April 20, 2020, he/she is not eligible to compete.

The apprentices scoring in the top 7 of the National Competition (Phase I) will qualify to compete in Orlando, FL, at the National Competition (Phase II) during AFSA's Annual Convention provided no more than three (3) apprentices compete from the same membership region. In this case, the top three (3) scoring apprentices from a region will compete.

If more than one apprentice from the same company scores in the top 7 of the National Competition (Phase I), then a maximum of two apprentices from that company will be qualified to compete in the National Competition (Phase II) provided the apprentices are in different regions. In this case, the two qualifying apprentices will be identified by having the top scores in their region.

10) No production filming or tripod set-up will be permitted during the national competition.

Apprentice Information FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Name: Date Apprentice began installing sprinkler material:

Student ID:

Company Address:

Last Active:

Email:

Mobile Number:

Check if AFSA can send texts to this number with important alerts and upates related to Competiton, Testing, and Dates and Times. Note: Data charges from your mobile phone provider may apply.

Contractor Member

Member: Region: Date Received:

Company Name: Contact: Address: (if different from Apprentice) City/State/Zip: Phone:

Fax:

AFSA Correspondence Course Book Apprentice is Studying Book:

Email: Lessons passed:

Note: If not testing with AFSA, documentation must be submitted proving enrollment and current transcript.

I hereby verify that the apprentice qualifies to enter the 2020 Competition according to the guidelines listed above.

Apprentice Signature: Employer Signature:

Date: Date:

Information provided is subject to verification from the Apprenticeship records in Dallas.

HELP PROMOTE HOME FIRE SAFETY JOIN THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TO EDUCATE HOMEOWNERS

T

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and the American Red Cross have joined forces to educate homeowners about home fire safety and residential fire sprinkler systems. Since 2014, the Red Cross’ Home Fire Preparedness campaign has installed more than one million smoke alarms in homes across the country. In 2018, AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee worked with the Red Cross to include fire sprinkler information in its campaign. And, last year, AFSA volunteers participated in the annual “Sound the Alarm” campaign, a series of home fire safety and smoke alarm installation events across the country. Together with fire departments and other community partners, Red Cross volunteers to canvas at-risk neighborhoods, install free smoke alarms, replace batteries in existing alarms, and provide fire prevention and safety education that includes fire sprinklers.

From l to r: AFSA national staff members Rebecca Herring, Angelica Stringfellow, and Jason Williams volunteered for the 2019 Sound the Alarm campaign. Photo credit: Mark Bishop/DFW Red Cross.

“SOUND THE ALARM” AFSA’s Communications Coordinator Rebecca Herring volunteered for the 2019 event. “It was an amazing experience that really gave me the opportunity to put my passion to work.

Knowing about and monetarily supporting the campaign and our partnership is one thing, but being out there meeting people, seeing faces, and impacting lives in person is a completely different, and refreshing, opportunity!”

During the 2019 Sound the Alarm campaign, 100,000 smoke alarms were installed, more than 30,000 volunteers helped during the event, and over $15,000,000 was raised. This year’s annual campaign will be held April 18-May 3, 2020, all across the United States.

Paulene Norwood, executive director of AFSA’s Sacramento Valley Chapter, also participated in last year’s campaign. “I volunteered by installing smoke detectors and organizing emergency evacuation plans with residents in Woodland, California,” comment Norwood. “I was proud to be there representing AFSA and celebrating its partnership with the Red Cross.

It was such a great experience that I plan to sign up again!”

To volunteer in your area, visit redcross.org and click on “Volunteer” to find the Sound the Alarm link. Sign up to make a difference in your community!

HOME FIRE PREPAREDNESS Each year, the Red Cross responds to an average of more than 60,000 disasters, the vast majority of which are home fires.

The organization set a goal to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the US by 25 percent. On average: • Seven people die every day from a home fire, most impacting children and the elderly.

• Thirty-six people suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day.

• Over $7 billion in property damage occurs every year.

Launched in 2014, the Home Fire Campaign has already accomplished so much: • Six hundred and sixty-nine lives saved.

• Over two million smoke alarms installed.

• Over 850,000 households made safer.

• Over 1.5 million youth reached through the campaign.

“Join AFSA to help families prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from home fires by volunteering or making a donation,” says AFSA Region 5 Director and Chair of AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee Jeff Phifer, president and CEO of Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, Lugoff, South Carolina. “Together we can have an impact and keep families safer from fire.”

Volunteer or donate today! Sign up for the 2020 event or make a tax-deductible donations online at redcross.org/afsa-pub. n SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 25

AFSA GRADUATES FIRST FEMALE INSPECTORS TWO WOMEN FIND THEIR PASSION THROUGH ITM PROGRAM

T

JILL GAMBLE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) recently graduated its fifth class in its Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program. This class holds a special place in AFSA history for several reasons. First, they pulled off the first 100 percent class pass rate on the first attempt of the NICET Level II exam. Second, it is the largest graduating class to date. Third, it is the first class to have female graduates.

If you have ever seen the Roger & Hammerstein’s musical, “Oklahoma!” you may recognize the lyrics: “Anything you can do, I can do better, I can do anything better than you.” Two women proved just that, graduating with two of the highest grade point averages. With both being new to the industry, it is proof that you do not need experience to enter the ITM Program and become a professional inspector.

An occupation is deemed “non-traditional” by the Department of Labor if its workforce comprises less than 25 percent of one gender.

While the fire sprinkler industry has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, we are seeing more women enter the industry and research surfacing that touts the benefits of a diverse workforce in the trades industry. Employers are making concentrated efforts to recruit employees who will better represent a diverse workforce.

MEET THE GRADUATES For ITM Graduate Lisa Montague, the choice of a non-traditional career came by accident. She was working as an office assistant for MS Fire Protection, Inc. in Fresno, California, when her boss approached her with the opportunity to register in the AFSA ITM Program.

“Within the first year of working with my current employer I knew I would pursue a career that is considered non-traditional for women,” comments Montague. “I’m a firm believer that a person can accomplish anything if they set their mind to it, such as a female working in a predominately male industry. I believe knowledge is power and can help to make a person’s strengths stronger as well as turn a weakness into a strength.”

Montague shared that she feels very honored that MS Fire recognized her as someone they wanted to invest in and see grow within the company. Prior to entry into the program, Montague had little knowledge of water-based fire protection systems. Since complet-

26 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

Lisa Montague (right) manually resetting the clapper on a dry pipe valve, after conducting the internal inspection at SPP Pumps’ lab with Instructor Jason Williams. ing the ITM program she gained the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to become a confident inspection manager.

“It’s exciting to know that the service our company provides to our customers has a direct impact on protecting the lives and property of the building owner and the people in it,” says Montague. “Each day I come into work is an opportunity to learn something new or refresh and/or refine something I already know.”

Looking to the future, Montague is now motivated to continue her education, training, and working towards her NICET Level III & IV certifications for water-based systems.

When asked what she would say to a young girl who might have that inner struggle of playing with Barbie dolls versus Legos, she replied, “I told all three of my daughters, you can be and do anything you set your mind to. My daughters are all different—two played with Barbies and one liked action figures, two loved dresses and one hated them. I believe in 2020, women can do it all; however, a good support system is essential and that goes for men as well.”

Ashley Olson, with Knight Fire in Tumwater, Washington, was struggling to figure out whether she would stay in her current job or seek a new career path, when a friend asked if she was interested in a job. This began her journey to becoming a NICET II Certified

Inspector. Olson knew from the beginning that this would be a non-traditional career and welcomed the challenge. She was more determined than ever to prove she could be successful in a male-dominated field.

“When I started, I knew that it was a ‘man’s job,’” comments Olson, “and that made me want to pursue it even more! Being a woman Ashley Olson calls her ITM program does not mean I can’t do it!” experience “amazing.”

Investing in employees is the best investment an employer can make. When asked how she felt about her employer investing in her future, Olson answered, “It really makes me feel like a valuable asset to the company.” She also called her experience in the ITM Program “amazing.” She appreciated the insight and experience that ITM Technical Training Manager Jason Williams shared. “He made it easy to understand,” she comments. Learning how to navigate NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, was very helpful in gaining more understanding about her responsibilities as an inspector.”

In the coming years, Olson hopes to become a well-rounded inspector who has knowledge in all aspects of the field and would like

to continue her education in the industry for many years to come.

“I love that every day is different,” Olson says. “Different businesses, different towns, different people!”

Olson urges women considering a career in the fire sprinkler industry to do what makes you happy, and not worry about what others think. She says the best advice she’s received was, “Do not let anybody tell you that you can’t!”

REGISTER FOR SPRING 2020 The number of women registering for the AFSA ITM Inspector Development Program continues to grow. Take the opportunity to enroll your employees now as there are seats still available in the Spring 2020 ITM class that kicks off online April 15, 2020. The investment will pay off! AFSA’s ITM students continue to surpass the national average exam scores on both NICET Level I and Level II exams. AFSA students possess a 90 percent NICET exam pass rate compared to the national average of 65 percent! Seats fill quickly, so do not delay registering your students now. For more information or to register now visit firesprinkler.org/ITM. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jill Gamble is education programs coordinator for the American Fire Sprinkler Association. She attended the University of Oklahoma and has 20 years’ experience as an advisor in higher education.

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS SINCE 1988

Your Storz Quick Connect Specialist Elbow Flange Adapters

Storz x Male Adapters

LDH System Specialists • Made to Order • Straight FDC Adapters • Forged Storz Heads • Storz Elbow Adapters • Anodized to Military Specs • Quick Delivery

Threaded x Storz Elbow Adapters

Straight Flange Adapters

Storz x Threaded Female Adapters

MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTION!

2630 West 21st Street. Erie, PA 16506 • 800.553.0078 • harrinc.com • info@harrinc.com • hydrantstorz.com SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 27

A FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT: APPRENTICESHIP & EDUCATION

E

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

ducation and training were the foundations upon which the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was created in 1981. The individuals who gathered to form this association believed that education and apprenticeship training should be available to all members of the fire sprinkler industry— not just union members. Since its formation, AFSA has strived to offer the best education and training programs in the industry for AFSA member contractors, installers, and other influential industry groups through its Apprenticeship & Education (A&E) Committee.

The committee is co-chaired by AFSA Region 3 Director Rod DiBona of Rapid Fire Protection, Inc., Rapid City, South Dakota, and Region 1 Director Lyle Hall of Western Fire Protection, Poway, California. Committee members meet quarterly during AFSA Board of Directors’ meetings and work on programs and projects year-round.

“We strive to make sure that this committee is working on projects that are most critical to our members,” comments DiBona. “Our goal is to do a lot of listening and take a bottom-up approach to ensure that our time and efforts are spent on developing apprentice and education programs that are up-to-date and relevant to our members’ needs.”

The committee is currently working on updates to the residential installation training, the foreman/ leadership training, and the update of the sprinkler fitter apprentice training series to the 2019 edition of NFPA 13,

28 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. There are also continued updates to the ITM training to align its content with the 2017 edition of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, as that is now the edition of NFPA 25 that NICET testing is based upon. Committee members are also working on a new project: a “toolkit” that will help Contractor members register their apprentice training programs. The committee is also responsible for recommending topics for upcoming seminars, webinars, convention, and other educational programming.

The Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program is a project that committee members are especially proud of. The hard work, dedication, and hundreds of hours spent on this program has paid off with all of the positive feedback received

and the program graduating its fifth class—a class with a 100 percent NICET II exam pass rate for all students! This program utilizes on-demand and live training courses combined with structured on-the-job training (OJT) and mentoring program with the goal of candidates passing a NICET Level II water-based inspection certification exam in just 20 months. This comprehensive program provides recommendations for implementation at every level, including hiring recommendations, applicant screening tips, training record keeping, and much more. The Spring 2020 class is currently open for enrollment with an online kick-off date of April 15, 2020. For more information or to register for the program, visit www. firesprinkler.org/itm.

“This is a very busy committee of dedicated members,” says Leslie Clounts, AFSA’s director of education programs and staff liaison to the

AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education Committee works to develop and update the best education and training programs for the fire sprinkler industry.

committee. “I like that it’s primarily represented by contractor members, with additional support by associate members.

These individuals care a great deal about AFSA training, recognizing that what they do around that committee table and beyond impacts AFSA’s contractor membership, and our industry in general, throughout the country.”

Members of the 2020 Apprenticeship & Education Committee are: Co-Chairs Rod DiBona and Lyle Hall; Derek Allen, Core & Main Fire Protection, Hayward, California; Dwight Bateman, Southeast Fire Protection, Houston, Texas; Tommy Clements, VSC Fire & Security, Ashland, Virginia; George DiMatteo, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Mansfield, Texas; Tim Freiner, Potter Electric Signal Co., St. Louis, Missouri; Brett Heinrich, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Salina, Kansas; Scott Holland, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Ocoee, Florida; Chris Johnson, Piper Fire Protection, Clearwater, Florida; Dave Karrick, Aegis Fire Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, California; Don Kaufman, Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Jack Medovich, Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia; Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina, Lugoff, South Carolina; Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Dallas, Texas; Jay Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Forestville, Maryland; Terry Victor, Johnson Controls, Inc., Linthicum Heights, Maryland; and Jack Viola, JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Massachusetts.

“Training is the key to success in the fire sprinkler industry. It always was and always will be the leading reason for a productive workforce,” comments Committee Member and Past AFSA Board Chair Jack Viola, P.E., JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Massachusetts. “Over the years, the A&E Committee has developed a number of education and apprenticeship training programs that are widely used and recognized by the fire sprinkler industry.

The A&E committee was the first AFSA committee to be formed in 1981. Its goal was simple—to develop the very best apprentice training curriculum for the

merit shop sprinkler contractor. For almost 40 years that’s exactly what the A&E committee has done. Then as our membership grew, the need to develop additional programs was needed. Today the AFSA continues to lead the way by developing new programs and improving existing ones for the benefit of the industry. I am proud to be serving on the A&E committee for almost 40 years. I have seen it evolve and become one of the most active and hard-working of all the AFSA committees.”

AFSA encourages its members to submit their suggestions to the A&E Committee. Notes Hall: “I was once told, ‘If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu.’ Get involved and participate and you will be pleasantly surprised with the personal and professional satisfaction.”

For more information on the A&E Committee and education programs, contact Staff Liaison Leslie Clounts at lclounts@firesprinkler.org or visit firesprinkler.org. n

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 29

UTILIZING THIRD-PARTY DESIGNERS PART 1: FREELANCE CONTRACTOR DESIGN

T

STEVE LEYTON | PROTECTION DESIGN & CONSULTING TRAVIS MACK, S.E.T. | MFP DESIGN, LLP he fire sprinkler industry was born in an era when the requirements for fire suppression systems were brought forward primarily by insurance companies. Since the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was formed by the industrial risk insurance community in the late 1890s, it makes sense that both the design standards and requirements for when sprinklers were required would be driven by insurers.

Building and business owners would advise their insurance providers that a new project was underway and pursuant to review and rating, fire sprinklers might be required as a prerequisite of underwriting the new building. This led to the practice of deferring the fire sprinkler system design to the construction team, as the architectural design team was usually finished with the construction documents by the time the requirement for sprinklers was conveyed. The building owner would inform the General Contractor (GC) to add fire sprinklers to their scope of work and the design was packaged with materials and installation by a fire protection subcontractor. Insurance and municipal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) reviews had to be deferred because under such circumstances the building permit was already approved and sometimes construction had already begun.

This was a sound business model at the onset of the 20th century, but it hasn’t evolved much since sprinkler requirements began to appear in our building and fire codes. It continues today in more or less the same way as it’s been practiced for over 125 years, which

30 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

is why the design is most often still furnished by the installing contractor as a part of the installation scope. In recent years, there has been a movement toward third-party design professionals, in part because practices are changing regarding deferred submittals. Many jurisdictional agencies—especially in the West —are eliminating deferred submittals as an option and requiring that fire protection system plans be submitted with the general building permit application. Since the economy began to rebound in 2011, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of fire protection design firms that are configured to work with design and construction teams on both deferred and non-deferred projects, and contracted with the project architect, GC, or sprinkler subcontractor. The growth of design firms in our industry is understandable, given the overall rise in demand for sprinkler systems in a robust construction economy, and it also reflects the changing paradigm with regard to deferred submittals and increasing complexity of the design exercise.

To be clear, third-party design is not a new concept. There have been “freelance” designers preparing shop drawings for contractors for as long as any of us have been in the trade. Contracting firms may have overloaded in-house design departments, they may be presented with a “rush” job opportunity that requires outside help, or a project may require a specialized skill set the contractor doesn’t possess. Today, there are even sprinkler contracting companies that are configured as construction management firms, with only field labor on payroll and outside suppliers for everything else including fabrication and design. The volume of design

work in the sprinkler community has grown to the point where a measurable percentage of that work is being done by third parties who are subcontractors to the installing fire protection contractor.

As already noted, this expanding market has given rise to design firms that specialize in fire sprinkler shop drawings, which provide contractors with an alternative to utilizing an individual working freelance. And while the industry now includes designers working as full-time independent contractors, there are still many who “moonlight” in addition to working full-time for another firm that may be a competitor of their client. These days, the term “third-party designer” could refer to a part-time individual, a full-time individual, or a multi-person company, and these different entities offer a range of professional services.

There are options regarding the software packages for design and hydraulic calculations, some firms have in-house reprographic resources, some carry liability insurance, and many have principals and staff who are registered professional engineers and/or NICET-certified technicians. Of course, these different levels of service come with a corresponding range of costs associated with those amenities, but the contracting community certainly has a broad spectrum of options that should accommodate specific needs.

WHAT IS AN OUTSIDE DESIGN FIRM? Let’s define these outside design firm entities. The “moonlighter” is most often doing this as a part-time “gig” to provide some extra income. They may or may not be available to the customer during regular business hours and may place a higher priority on their full-time position as the need arises.

Often, these entities do not carry professional liability insurance and don’t have reprographics capabilities for making hard copies of plans and calculations. Most will not make physical submittals to jurisdictional agencies because of cost and/or availability. These persons are typically on the lower-cost end of the spectrum; while they may not have the time and resources to fully service the client, this model has been in place for years and works quite well for many contractors.

The full-time sole proprietor or multi-person company is a professional service provider by definition. They may specialize in a local area or work nationwide and we see more with specialized staff. These entities usually carry professional liability insurance in addition to any required licenses to work in the markets they serve. It is becoming more common for this type of operation to have a professional engineer on staff.

The IRS has specific rules and conditions that define whether or not a professional service provider is an independent contractor or an employee, and those rules continue to tighten. An outside designer cannot be subordinate to any constraints that are

normally associated with employment. The following is public information, taken verbatim from the IRS website: “1. Control. The relationship between a worker and a business is important. If the business controls what work is accomplished and directs how it is done, it exerts behavioral control. If the business directs or controls financial and certain relevant aspects of a worker’s job, it exercises financial control. This includes: • The extent of the worker’s investment in the facilities or tools used in performing services, • The extent to which the worker makes his or her services available to the relevant market, • How the business pays the worker, and • The extent to which the worker can realize a profit or incur a loss.”

“2. Relationship. How the employer and worker perceive their relationship is also important for determining worker status.

Key topics to think about include: • Written contracts describing the relationship parties intended to create

• Whether the business provides the worker with employee-type benefits, such as insurance, a pension plan, vacation or sick pay • The permanency of the relationship, • The extent to which services performed by the worker are a key aspect of the regular business of the company, and • The extent to which the worker has unreimbursed business expenses.”

The issue of control should be of VERY high concern to contractors who employ individuals to do freelance design because, to a measurable extent, it impeaches the concept of independence as we’ve thought of it in our industry for decades. That paragraph essentially defines a “freelancer” as an employee: work has to be done on a particular schedule, design practices are usually specified (types of materials, sprinkler coverages, pipe joining methods, etc.), the design software may be specified, and payment is tied to a particular schedule of fees and/or deliverables.

The second paragraph, “Relationship” piles on regarding permanency of the relationship and whether or not the services are a “key aspect” of the company’s regular

The Metraflex Fireloop® seismic expansion joint for fire sprinkler systems is an extremely flexible joint, accommodating movement in all directions and up to ±24”. The Fireloop® meets NFPA 13 guidelines and is UL Listed and FM Approved Fireloop ® Seismic Breakaway Hanger

on all sizes 1” thru 12”. Ensure total protection over your system with the Seismic Breakaway Hanger. The hanger is designed to separate at a preset load, providing complete freedom of movement.

Call 1-855-FIRELUP or Visit www.Metrafire.com to Learn More SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 31

business. A truly independent relationship would be for the contractor to retain the designer with a document that simply defines the scope of work as “Preparation of shop drawings and hydraulic calculations in accordance with NFPA 13 (2016 edition) and all requirements of the Serving Fire Department and State Fire Marshal, for the agreedupon fee.” There would be no schedule, and no specific means and methods, just a scope of work to be performed with any other applicable tasks that maybe included such as stock listing. If you expect a freelance or sole proprietor to attend meetings for coordination or construction management, you are likely creating an employer-employee relationship per the tax code; however, other entities such as LLC, S-Corp and C-Corp companies are exempt.

BENEFITS OF USING OUTSIDE DESIGNERS It’s pretty easy to understand the motives and potential benefits of contractors subcontracting design. Outside resources can supplement an overworked staff and increase design department capacity without a corresponding increase in overhead costs.

With nationwide political pressure regarding healthcare and retirement at an all-time high, and given that provision of benefits is one of the principal elements in defining an employer/employee relationship, a truly independent contractor provides a highly desirable option to adding a part- or full-time employee. In most scenarios, the triggering mechanism is backlog – the contractor’s in-house design department simply can’t get to all of the work in time, so they call in the cavalry. But functioning in this reactive mode also exposes one of the most significant challenges of working with an outside designer: projects that are started under pressure, whether it is caused by a lack of information or time, are almost never as successful as ones that are thoughtfully conceived and executed. And the design exercise—whether it is undertaken by the contracting or architectural and engineering (A&E) communities—is expanding. For years, design teams have worked for months and years preparing construction documents and when those projects are permitted for construction, the plans are handed over to the

32 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

sprinkler subcontractor for their use in preparing shop drawings with the expectation that this task will be undertaken immediately. The schedule is made ever more challenging by delays in handing the project off by the GC. Often a sprinkler subcontractor is informed of their authorization to proceed and receives a 20- or 30-day deadline for submittals at the same time.

That paradigm is changing to some extent, as formal design/build contracts have become more prevalent in project development. When a prime contractor (usually a GC) is hired to deliver a project via design/ build, they are either partnered with or they hire an architect to oversee the design. In this model, the fire sprinkler subcontractor is added to the design team and expected to work all the way through the design process with the architect and other disciplinary engineers. While this arrangement facilitates opportunities to coordinate the work to a far greater extent than deferred design, it also requires three- to four-times as much labor to work through the various phases, from schematic design to approved construction documents. Hiring an outside designer to “ride shotgun” on such a project is an appealing option that helps keep in-house resources from getting bogged down in large and complicated projects and the on-going BIM coordination exercises that are becoming the norm in many markets. It is very common to see mechanical and electrical engineering firms working on such teams as subconsultants to the installing contractors, and only the fire protection contractor is using their own forces for design.

Bringing in an outside designer can also serve as an educational resource. If a contractor doesn’t have the in-house expertise to undertake design of a uniquely complex project or special hazard, the outside designer’s work product can be used as a teaching tool and future reference. In that regard, it is important to clarify exactly who owns that work product. Some design firms have created content and use means and methods for drafting plans and BIM modeling that are proprietary and might be considered intellectual property. If not at least shared with the designer, the ownership of work product by the contractor could constitute an employer-employee relationship.

CHALLENGES OF USING OUTSIDE DESIGNERS AND ENSURING SUCCESS As with any new relationship, the contractor will have questions: Is this designer actually good at design? Do they understand the project and scope of work?

What is their experience? Have they done projects of similar size and scope? Will they deliver in a timely manner? Does the designer have other significant projects in progress that could impinge on quality assurance or timely delivery? Do they work alone or does the service provider have additional staff to help keep things moving forward? Will they be expected to list the project for purchasing and fabrication and if so, do they have the forms and information they need? Ultimately, will the client be satisfied with the work product? There is obviously risk involved in such a relationship, but what – if anything – can be done to ensure a smooth kick-off to that project?

Probably every contractor that has used outside design has a story of a project gone awry, so how do you keep that from happening? As with any relationship, the most important factor in programming a project for success is communication. Has the client made the scope of work clear? What is the basis of design? Does the contractor require that work be done on a proprietary computeraided-design (CAD) program? Will there be a BIM-coordination effort and is the designer required to furnish files or participate? Has the service provider furnished a detailed proposal that affirms that same scope? Does the contractor require a certificate of insurance?

What are the payment terms?

Amazingly, these basic building elements are often not clearly defined or understood by both parties, which leads to disconnect and unfulfilled expectations. To ensure success, the project has to start in the right direction. Has the contractor based their bid on the construction documents and specifications and have those documents been conveyed to the designer? Too often, designers are directed to start work without a complete set of documents, particularly the specifications.

The first step in every new project should be a review of the contract documents and background drawing files to affirm that they are complete and correct. Before starting design, any questions should be submitted to

the GC by way of a request for information (RFI); this avoids pointing fingers if the design is rejected by the architect or engineer of record as not responsive to the contract documents. Far too often, contracts are released for design so late that by the time a designer is solicited and brought into the project, there’s not enough time to do a review of potential deficiencies and conflicts.

It’s discouraging to see how many fire protection contractors forfeit their rights to clarification and possible additional compensation because they don’t plan ahead or protect those rights when the specified basis of design criteria is deficient. Designing from behind is like a horse race: if you get out of the gate last it’s nearly impossible to catch up to the leaders especially on a muddy track.

In order to do their work in a complete and professional manner, the designer needs time, basis of design information, construction documents, and specifications for reference as well as current background drawing files. It’s an all-too-frequent occurrence that files sent to an outside designer weren’t the most current and submittals to the architect are regularly rejected on that basis.

The contractor must also establish a reasonable schedule and respond promptly and completely to requests for information. The issue of software platform is also critically important. Transferring drawing files from one proprietary design program to another is possible, but usually at the cost of losing all formatting and hydraulic calculation compatibility. If the designer is using CAD X and the contractor is in CAD Y, who will be responsible for future revisions? Project documents are subject to updates during plan review, construction phase and closeout – who makes those changes? Will there be consideration for future tenant improvements and who is expected to furnish those services?

If software platforms aren’t compatible or the contractor doesn’t have in-house resources, the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the outside designer for the entire life of the project can be critically important.

Ultimately, perhaps the best way to maintain a good relationship with your designer is to pay them fairly and promptly.

Many contractors favor terms that pay a lump sum upon delivery of submittals, another

when the plans are approved, and a final payment when stocklists are delivered if that’s part of the scope. This model may work well on a smaller project, but not on a larger one.

It makes no sense for an independent contractor to immerse themselves in a large project and work for weeks or months with no compensation, so, in some cases, progress payments are not only appropriate, they may be essential. If the contractor wishes to “pay when paid,” it should be memorialized in the design contract’s terms and conditions.

Remember, you are likely not that designer’s only client and they will be inclined to favor customers who pay promptly and on the shortest intervals. Designers are generally not as motivated to jump on an urgent task such as a critical field change when they’re owed a significant percentage of their fees for weeks after the work has been delivered.

SO, WHERE DO WE FIND THEM? One of the most-often-asked questions in our business is, “Where can I find a decent designer?” Whether your search is for an employee or an independent contractor, there is and historically has been a shortage of

COMPLETE THE PROJECT WITH CONCEALMENT ®

.

UL

C

US

LISTED

.

BEFORE

.

,

C . .

,

ACCESS PANEL

, .

.

Conceal your exposed fire sprinkler pipe, plumbing, HVAC and electrical with the Soffi-Steel®, Interlock™ or AlumA-Fit™ Concealment Systems Reliable and appealing soffit systems to conceal CPVC, steel pipe, copper pipe, cable, conduit, hydronic piping, HVAC or PEX.

AFTER

MADE IN the

USA

888.933.2248 • sales@jgius.com

www.JGIUS.com

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 33

capable designers in the fire protection industry. Yet some firms always seem to have a capable and fully staffed design department— how do they do it?

As with almost any aspect of our economy, there are web-based and local means of searching. Often, the best information can be gleaned from someone you know and word-of-mouth referrals. Our industry is still relatively small and in most markets fire sprinkler contractors and their employees know others in their region. Call a friendly competitor and ask if they know of a capable designer. Refer to general and classified advertising in sprinkler-industry trade magazines. Maybe even reach out to former employees who might be interested (if you’re interested in having them). One website that has grown quickly over the past few years is designerhub.com, which offers an entire section dedicated to fire protection design professionals. Trade associations such as the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) list its members by classification, and designers are rostered separately from contractors on its website, firesprinkler.org.

Listings and memberships are costs for design firms, so you can expect to pay more for such branded entities. However, it’s safe to expect more in return because these individuals and firms that invest in networking and educational resources are usually more advanced in their skills and professionalism.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY If you’ve been in the industry long enough, chances are you’ve worked in some capacity on a third-party design and everyone seems to have at least one good story to tell, including the authors. One example of a good experience was the small contractor locked into a large warehouse project, but without the in-house expertise to evaluate and classify the commodities proposed for storage. An outside design firm assisted with classification and suggested newly listed sprinkler protection schemes that the contractor did not know had come into the market. Utilizing the firm with a broader-experience base facilitated significant savings on material costs, which offset several missed items in the bid and helped to turn what looked like a narrowmargin or no-profit exercise into a winner.

Another success story is the residential

34 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

specialist who was pressured by a large homebuilder client to move up to podiumstyle, mixed-use projects that encompassed design and installation of standpipes and black pipe in Ordinary Hazard commercial and parking areas. The business had been working exclusively on single-family and small multi-family housing for several years but did not want to lose the opportunity to move up to a larger product with this particular customer. They turned to an outside design firm to assist with estimating, design, and project management and completed the project, which led to a series of larger projects and expansion of the markets served by this sprinkler contractor.

Of course, there are plenty of nightmare stories, too, such as the freelancer who missed all the interstitial sprinklers in a three-story building designed for residential occupancy per NFPA 13. The design was submitted to and approved by the AHJ and fortunately caught by the project foreman prior to the start of installation. Perhaps the most common complaint about designers is the delivery of projects that are not on schedule or not complete, sometimes both. And far too many contractors have stories of designers who simply quit or move out of the area in the middle of a project. The damage this can do to a contractor’s reputation with their builder clients is sometimes profound.

From the designer’s perspective, the best projects and clients are the ones where accurate information is freely exchanged in a timely manner and the work is done with time for the contractor to review the design and compare it to their bid estimate and the contract set of plans. Every project, no matter how skilled or experienced the team, can always use a second set of eyes before going out for approval and installation. This class of contractor client is also the one that promptly pays invoices in accordance with the schedule of values that was agreed to at the time of work authorization. The flip side of such a symmetrically partnered approach can be extremely challenging for both contractor and designer. Recently, a design firm took on a scope of work that included three senior assisted living facilities, all developed by the same owner. The contractor had previously hired a freelance designer to prepare shop drawings, but the work was suspended

because the designer had stopped responding to the contractor’s calls and emails seeking updates on his progress. It turns out that the sprinkler contractor had bid the project for NFPA 13R-based designs, but the code requirement was for NFPA 13. It also turns out that the designs were not constructible, as piping on lower floors was run perpendicular to the solid joists to which ceilings were attached. The scope of work jumped from “finishing” NFPA 13R designs to completely redesigning three very large buildings, two of which were in cities with specific code amendments that affected the designs. On top of that, the contractor made no payments until they received funds from the developer and withheld from the designer that their contract only allowed invoicing upon submittal and approval. Obviously, the designer had no interest in continuing a relationship with such an unprepared customer and the contractor was forced to pay significantly more than they had budgeted because of mistakes in their estimate and a bad choice of designer to start the project. Sadly, this sort of thing happens all too frequently in our industry. n ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Steve Leyton is president of Protection Design & Consulting in San Diego, California. He began his career in 1981 on the design/build side of the fire sprinkler industry and founded Protection Design in 1995 to focus on architectural as well as contractor clients. He is a member of AFSA, International Code Council (ICC), California Fire Prevention Officers Northern and Southern Sections, NFPA, and the San Diego Fire Protection Association. Leyton has represented AFSA as a principal member of the NFPA 13 Technical Committee for Residential Sprinklers and is chairman of the NFPA 14 Technical Committee on Standpipes. He can be reached via email at steve@protectiondesign.com.

Travis Mack, SET, has been in the fire sprinkler industry for nearly 30 years and is certified as NICET Level IV Senior Engineering Technician in Automatic Fire Sprinkler Layout. He owns and operates MFP Design, LLC, a fire sprinkler system design firm based in Gilbert, Arizona. Over the years, MFP Design has been involved in projects ranging from singlefamily homes to high-expansion foam systems. Mack can be reached via email at tmack@mfpdesign.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Part 2 of this article will appear in a future issue of Sprinkler Age.

CONFERENCE & EXPO JUNE 15–18, 2020 ORLANDO, FL

WHAT WE DO IN ORLANDO MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD. Visit the 2020 NFPA Conference & Expo with the FREE ExpoPlus ExpoPlus Pass.

The NFPA Conference & Expo® is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the latest challenges around the world and the cutting-edge solutions to deal with them.

The ExpoPlus Pass—FREE ($95 Value) • Network with 5,000+ attendees—peers, industry experts, and solutions providers.

• Attend the General Session.

• Get full 3-day access to the Exhibit Hall with 350+ industry suppliers.

• Attend ExpoPlus™ education sessions.

• Participate in hands-on training in the Expo Hall.

REGISTER TODAY

nfpa.org/conference

800-344-3555

TECHNOLOGY TO ROAR FORWARD IN THE TWENTIES “I WAS PROMISED WE’D HAVE FLYING CARS BY NOW!”

E

NANCY HOUGHTON | VIKING GROUP, INC. veryone has heard that statement, or maybe even exclaimed it aloud. As the third decade of the 21st century begins, it is easy to feel like the technology promised by Hollywood is still far off. Today the average American holds in his pocket more computing power than the supercomputers of the 1980s. But in many ways, our way of life doesn’t seem that different.

In the sprinkler industry, designers can feel the same way. Design software like AutoSPRINK and SprinkCAD have advanced the design process in ways that may have seemed impossible 40 years ago. The ability to now design in 3D with Revit® tools is further improving the process and opening the door to greater collaboration between the trades through Building Information Management (BIM). Yet the idea that someday designers will be able to virtually walk through a building before it exists can still feel a bit like a science fiction movie.

A participant explores fire sprinkler systems using virtual reality at Viking’s training center in Caledonia, Michigan.

AR AND VR ADOPTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Virtual reality (VR)1 allows a user to be immersed in a digital world which can be interacted with using controllers. This can be especially useful if the VR scenario is somewhere hard to reach­—or somewhere that doesn’t yet exist! “We joke about designing in VR,” says Marcus Cutshaw, a design manager with Houston-based Koetter Fire Protection. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we get to the point of seeing the building all around us as we design a system. Will it happen in this decade? I’m not sure.”

For many fire protection designers, the idea of designing in 3D virtual space can seem both within grasp and miles away. It’s no secret that the construction industry is one of the slowest to adopt new forms of technology. In fact, a 2015 report from McKinsey Global Institute reported that the level of digitalization index for the construction industry was the lowest out of 22 industries. While technologies like BIM, virtual reality, and augmented reality (AR)2 are exploding in other industries, construction professionals can find themselves wondering when those advancements will finally become a standard in their occupations.

According to Kenneth Research, the global augmented and virtual reality market is expected to grow to nearly $510 billion by the year 2025, with the highest share being in North America. Yet, meaningful adoption of these technologies in the construction industry is not within view for most contractors.

36 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

Perhaps it is a problem of perspective and exposure. Despite significant growth over the past five years, most people still associate virtual reality and augmented reality with entertainment uses such as movies video games, and amusement parks. To the extent that they have seen VR and AR demonstrations in a professional setting, these technologies—while interesting and impressive—can seem like novelties with minimal day-to-day application.

Training and education are areas that show significant promise for the adoption of AR and VR technologies across professional industries.

The health care industry was quick to adopt the use of VR technology for use in surgical training. The U.S. military has also found use in VR simulations—similar to video games—to train today’s combat troops.

And online retailers have found great success by using AR so that, for example, a purchaser can see what a piece of furniture will look like in her living room using just her smartphone camera.

In the sprinkler industry, VR technology is already being used for training purposes. For example, virtual reality programs designed

by The Viking Corporation allow a user to virtually explore different systems and learn how to trip, reset, and inspect a variety of valves.

Technology is changing the way that designers get training as well.

“I like to ask questions and I’m not interested in sitting in a training class for weeks,” said Conner Carberry, a sprinkler designer with American Fire Systems, Houston, Texas. With 15 years’

experience in the industry, mostly in design, he learned the basics by sitting at his father’s drafting table doing hand calculations. Training developers are now in the position to imagine virtual reality training environments where lessons on these important foundational techniques can be supplemented by an immersive experience inside the building, where obstructions and water flow issues can be immediately identified, analyzed, and corrected.

Virtual reality training is not just technology for technology’s sake either. Across industries, there is a growing trend toward varied educational methods, from traditional lecture formats to fully immersive virtual reality simulations. Finding the right educational method for a student ensures higher levels of durable and retained learning.

technologies that will profoundly affect the way we imagine, design, install, and service fire protection systems. “When I started a decade ago, some of the more seasoned designers were still doing calculations by hand,” says Cutshaw. “The next decade will definitely bring even more changes and we need to be ready to take on that challenge.” n

NEXT STEPS FOR BIM, INTERNET OF THINGS, AND DIGITAL TWINS

3. Digital Twin: A digital twin is a virtual model of a building, process, or system. Building managers can use these twins to monitor systems and identify issues before they arise.

One of the most prominent hopes for technologies like AR and VR in the world of sprinkler design is an integration of virtual reality and BIM which would support immersive design, engineering reviews, and construction progress meetings.

BIM is a process used to create intelligent 3D models to facilitate document management, coordination, and simulation of a building or infrastructure project. While this exciting technology promises to improve coordination between trades and lead to a shortened installation time, many sprinkler contractors have found the transition to be rather burdensome.

Carberry thinks that the next 10 years will show steady growth in the adoption of BIM in the fire protection industry, and hopes that some of the challenges designers face now will be alleviated. “For a big project, it’s not as efficient as people would hope it is. Because of that, we aren’t being pushed hard to use it yet. But I think that will gradually change. Over the years, someone will really start figuring out how to hold BIM accountable, making it easier to keep up with the increasing speed of construction projects.”

Perhaps the key to BIM accountability lies in continued adoption of two additional, connected digital tools: digital twins3 and Internet of Things (IoT)4 technology. A digital twin is a continually updated and accurate representation of an asset, building, or system.

As building owners and facilities managers become more familiar with the idea of a digital twin and more comfortable with the prospect of using one, the demand for these systems is likely to soar.

With this evolution, contractors across the construction industry will have no choice but to implement BIM for their large projects.

Additionally, the expansion of IoT technology will continue in all segments of the construction industry. IoT sensor technology and cloud computing will lead to more efficient systems that can use artificial intelligence to self-diagnose issues before they occur, evaluate cause and effect, and even implement solutions. Learning how these systems work, and effectively planning fire protection for them will require sprinkler designers to not only adapt to these evolving technologies but also to plan for future advancements. Once a system is in place, it needs to stay relevant throughout the life of the building (and its digital twin).

Though it sometimes seems the future is years away, professionals across the sprinkler industry are ready and eager to adopt new

4. Internet of Things (IoT): system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

REFERENCES: 1. Virtual Reality: Virtual reality (VR) allows a user to be immersed in a digital world which can be interacted with using controllers. Consider a program that allows medical students to virtually perform a surgical procedure.

2. Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) is the technology that overlays digital information onto the user’s view of the real world. Consumers are becoming comfortable with this type of technology which can place an image of a piece of furniture inside the buyer’s actual living room.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nancy Houghton is director of marketing for Viking Group, Inc. and serves on the AFSA NextGen Initiative workgroup. She can be reached via email at nhoughton@ vikingcorp.com.

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 37

SPRINKLER INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION IN VIRGINIA ONE CHAPTER’S ROAD TO DRAFT STATE LEGISLATION

S

GEORGE WAGNER | AFSA LIFE MEMBER ince its inception in 1992, the Virginia Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has been proactive in fire sprinkler contractor licensing and has been instrumental in the development of

current fire sprinkler licensing laws in Virginia. In 1993 a committee I chaired met with the Virginia Board for Contractors requesting that they establish a fire sprinkler contractor’s license that required competency in order to be licensed to design and install fire

REASONS FOR INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION The Virginia building code requires NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, inspections and NFPA 25 requires inspectors to be competent. Education and training, along with testing, is required to learn and demonstrate competence in understanding the standard. Sprinkler systems now are very complex with many types of systems and types of fire sprinklers. Many building owners do not maintain their system properly. Therefore, the only way for the systems to be maintained properly is to test them with an inspector who has been trained and certified to test them correctly in accordance with NFPA 25.

Sprinkler systems must operate properly if called upon. Systems may sit 10, 20, or 50 years without operating and only proper inspections will ensure that they will operate when called upon. Sprinkler systems protect life and people may die if systems do not work properly when called upon in a life-threatening emergency. Sprinkler systems also protect property. Buildings may burn down if sprinkler systems do not work properly, not to mention the additional risk to the firefighting community thinking that they’re protected by a sprinkler system only to find out that the system does not work properly when they need it most!!

There is no way to ensure that an inspector is getting continued education without certification renewals. Today anyone can do an inspection, with little or no experience. This is placing the lives of the Virginia community at severe risk by creating a false sense of security.

REASONS WHY AN INSPECTOR MUST WORK FOR A CONTRACTOR Almost all legal issues in the fire sprinkler industry evolve from inspections and the only way an owner can be properly protected is to have the insurance policy levels that contracting companies have. Individuals may not be able to purchase the umbrella polices to have high levels of coverage. If there is no requirement for the inspector to be a contractor or work for a contractor, the contracting company has all of the liability (solely due to the insurance limits) without the control of the inspectors, who will become “independent” of the contracting company they’re working for.

Sprinkler contractors have the knowledgeable staff and vendor contacts to deal with the complex systems, system variations, and the complexity of different types of sprinkler heads. No one individual operating independently would have such resources and vendors will not provide detailed information to people who are not a contractor and do not buy their products.

38 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

sprinkler systems in Virginia. There were no existing requirements in place in Virginia at the time of the request. At that point in history, the Virginia Board for Contractors was willing to work with chapter members to establish the law through the regulatory process. While this method took almost five years, it did not have to go through the Virginia General Assembly Legislative process which was a difficult and costly process.

The first order of business was to separate the current license into three categories: fire sprinkler, fire suppression, and fire alarm. Going through the regulatory process to separate the categories took two years of meetings, public hearings, and board presentations.

Finally, in 1995 the change was approved, and the committee then started to develop the fire sprinkler license regulation. Drafts of the fire sprinkler licensing law were developed, evidence of NICET being a competent organization for the competency requirement was confirmed, and after 10 public hearings across Virginia, the Board approved the licensing regulation language and approved it in 1997 to be effective in 1998. This regulation had no grandfather provision and required financial competency, passing of Virginia business laws, and a NICET Level III on staff in order to be licensed as a fire sprinkler contractor in Virginia.

In 2009 the chapter, recognizing the need for fire sprinkler inspectors to be certified, again met with the Virginia Board for Contractors to address this issue. After a year of discussion, this issue was tabled. In 2011 the chapter met with

California Fitter Certification Continuing Education Did you know: Per the Title 19 Regulation, every California certified fitter is required to complete 30 hours (3.0 CEU's) of continuing education every 3 years.

These CEU's must be obtained through a Cal Fire Approved provider. A list of approved providers is available on the Cal Fire website. AFSA Chapters as well as AFSA National are approved providers.

Your local AFSA Chapter is hosting Cal Fire approved continuing education events and can help you ensure that you and your employees get the credit you need before the deadline.

Contact your local AFSA Chapter today for more information Sacramento Valley Chapter - sacvalleyafsa.org Greater Bay Area Chapter - afsa-gba.org Southern California Chapter - socalafsa.com San Diego Chapter - afsasandiegochapter.org

the Virginia State Fire Marshal Ed Altizer and requested his office’s help with the Virginia Board for Contractors. This issue was addressed with the Virginia Board for Contractors in 2014, 2016, 2017, and again in 2018. At the 2018 meeting with the board, chapter members were told that the current administration was anti-regulatory and that the Board for Contractors would have to be told by the Virginia General Assembly that they would have to establish a regulation for the certification of fire sprinkler inspectors.

Seeing that Virginia may never enact a fire sprinkler inspector’s certification requirement without General Assembly action, at the chapter’s June 6, 2018, board meeting, members established a special committee to work on legislation.

The committee was co-chaired by Ed Altizer (then retired Virginia State Fire Marshal) and myself (as I was then executive director for the Virginia Chapter) with Hooper Loscomb of Eagle Fire (the

chapter’s legislative chairman) also sitting on the committee.

In November 2018, the chapter hired Lobbyist Ed Rhodes of Rhodes Consulting to assist with the development of a bill requiring the Virginia Board for Contractors to regulate fire sprinkler inspectors. Rhodes is a retired firefighter who had become a lobbyist working for EMS and fire communities.

The next order of business was to draft the proposed legislation and to find a sponsor by December 3, 2018. Ed Rhodes worked feverishly with Altizer and me to develop a draft bill. This proved to be difficult and time-consuming as the committee and Rhodes had to work through the Virginia legislative service staff, who needed to be educated on how contractors should be regulated.

After seven versions, we finally drafted a version that both AFSA and the legislative staff could accept.

While the draft was being developed, Rhodes was working hard to find a

sponsor. He was able to convince Senator John Edwards (D-Roanoke Virginia) to sponsor our bill. The bill was submitted and designated as SB 1774.

In early January of 2019, the chapter committee met with the House and Senate General Laws and Technology committees for bill approval in order to advance to the full House and Senate floor. Rhodes and the chapter committee contacted state agencies such as the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, Virginia Association of Fire Chiefs, Virginia Fire Prevention Association (Fire Marshals), NFPA, and sprinkler contractor members to ask for support and testimony at these committee hearings.

The Senate General Laws and Technology Committee was first. Ed Rhodes was able to set up meetings with most of the 15 senators on this committee. Ed Altizer, Hooper Loscomb, Ed Rhodes, and I met with the legislators to give them clarity, express the importance of the proposed bill in terms of life safety,

“ This course shows you

how to perform inspections the right way. ” “I’m actually surprised how much I’ve learned. The instructor keeps it interesting so I get really involved.

It really digs deep into the codes and standards and also shows me how to develop good people skills when interacting with customers. This course really showed me what a perfect inspection should look like.”

Ed Onishchuk - Current ITM Student

ITM

INSPECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

40 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

ENROLL FOR SPRING 2020 www.firesprinkler.org/ITM

and give the legislators a chance to ask any questions they had about the proposed bill. Meeting with the committee members and having speakers lined up for the meeting helped a great deal.

The committee also had spent a large amount of time reviewing this issue with Senator Edwards and he really came on board to push for this law to be passed.

During the Senate committee meeting, Senator Edwards made his presentation and Chairman Frank Ruff (R-Mecklenburg) asked for any opposition to speak. Being no opposition was present, Chairman Ruff moved for a vote and the bill was approved 14 to 1. The bill had two additional votes by the same committee members on successive days and passed each vote.

The House General Laws and Technology Committee came next.

Rhodes set up meetings with all of the 22 committee members, which greatly helped. At the hearing, Loscomb and Altizer addressed the committee in support of the bill. Committee Chris Peace (R-Hanover) listened to Senator Edwards’ presentation and asked if there was any opposition. Fortunately, no opposition was present, and Chairman Peace moved for a vote. The vote was 20 for the bill and 2 against. This bill had two additional votes on successive days and the bill passed each vote.

Having passed the General Laws and Technology Committees in both Chambers, the bill then moved to the full General Assembly. On January 30, 2019, the Senate passed the bill and confirmed on the third reading on February 1, 2019, with a final vote of 38 to 2. On February 19, 2019, the House passed the bill on the third reading with a final vote of 87 to 12.

Having passed both the Senate and House, the bill was sent to Governor Northam on March 4, 2019, and was signed on March 21, 2019, as an approved Virginia law. After the Governor’s approval, this bill was sent to the Virginia Board for Contractors for implementation.

At the April 30, 2019, Board for Contractors’ meeting, the new law was discussed, and the Board created a

regulatory committee, including Altizer and myself as members, to implement the new law. The Virginia Board for Contractors’ staff was tasked with developing changes to the existing regulations to implement the new law.

The regulatory committee first met on June 11, 2019. I was elected vice chairman and the new law and its history of development were reviewed in detail.

At its July meeting, the regulatory committee approved the proposed regulations. On August 24, 2019, the Board for Contractors met and approved the final regulations. During the public comment period (October 9–November 8, 2019) there were only nine comments, and all were positive.

The Virginia Board for Contractors now will start notifying fire sprinkler contractors on the requirement for all fire sprinkler inspectors to hold a NICET Level II certification in inspection and testing of water-based systems and licensed by the State of Virginia.

This law goes in effect July 1, 2021, giving fire sprinkler contractors essentially two years to have their staff become NICET certified so that they can be properly certified by July 1, 2021. The AFSA Virginia Chapter has taken steps to notify its fire sprinkler contractor members and to pass all this information on to the AFSA Chesapeake Chapter and the AFSA North Carolina Chapter.

The AFSA Virginia Chapter felt this process was important to share. It takes a lot of work and funding to get any legislative bill passed in state government, but we must work hard for issues to promote and better our industry including responsible licensing. In an industry in which much effort is taken to ensure that fire sprinkler systems are installed correctly when buildings are constructed, we feel strongly that the same level of effort needs to be placed on ensuring these systems are maintained in good working order and that the persons who inspect and maintain them have received the proper levels of training. Virginia Chapter members are pleased with our success on this issue and thank everyone who helped get this accomplished. n

REFERENCES: 1. Senate Bill 1774. Available at https://legiscan.com/VA/ text/SB1774/2019.

2. Board for Contractors Tradesman Regulation Change Available at Board for Contractors Tradesman Regulation at https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/ agency50/chapter30.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: George Wagner is owner of Wagner Consulting Services and a business adviser for the fire sprinkler industry. He has served the industry for over 50 years, through Worsham Sprinkler Company, the AFSA Virginia Chapter, and the Burn Survivors Foundation. Wagner holds a NICET Level III in Automatic Systems Layout and numerous other certifications.

He served on the national AFSA Board of Directors for five years and on several AFSA committees, and was the project facilitator for AFSA’s Inspection, Testing & Maintenance program to develop NICET Level II Inspectors. Wagner is the 2015 recipient of AFSA’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee Award and is an AFSA National, Virginia Chapter, and NFPA Life Member.

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 41

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT MEMBERS CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

A

s the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 39th anniversary in 2020, 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.

“Associations give their members three huge advantages: greater strength, more information, and deeper relationships.

AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries January–April 2020 35-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Central Carolina Sprinkler Co., Lincolnton, NC North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc., Ballston Spa, NY 30-Year Anniversary Associate Members Noble Company, Spring Lake, MI 25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Allan Automatic Sprinkler Corp., Hayward, CA Inland Fire Protection Co., Spokane, WA Merit Sprinkler Company, Inc., Kenner, LA Western Fire Protection, Inc., Poway, CA 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Chero-Key Piping Company, Houston, TX Standard Sprinkler Corp., Groton, CT 15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Alwest Fire Protection, Roseville, CA CJ Suppression, Inc., Corona, CA Carter’s Fire Sprinkler, Lebanon, OR Fire Safety FIrst, Santa Ana, CA Hangtown Fire Control, Inc., Placerville, CA Metro Fire Protection, Inc., Cumming, GA Presidential Fire Protection, Sacramento, CA Warren Sprinkler Company, LLC, Clifton, NJ Associate Members Easyflex, Garden Grove, CA

42 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

That’s why associations have existed since ancient Greece. I commend these great companies that understand the advantages of AFSA membership,” says Liz Messner, vice president of membership, marketing, and communications.

“Longevity is a measure of success.

Business relationships are based on trust and celebrating an AFSA anniversary Jimmy and Stacey J. demonstrates stability and worth.

Fantauzzi Congratulations to these owners and companies who make a difference in the industry through AFSA membership.”

Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries January–April including Contractor Member North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc. (NEFPSI), Ballston Spa, New York.

President James (Jimmy) Fantauzzi and Vice President of Operations Stacey Fantauzzi shared some of their favorite AFSA memories and things they’ve learned within the fire protection industry. Both are active within AFSA and Stacey currently serves as chair of the association’s Legislative Committee.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE FIRE SPRINKLER INDUSTRY? Jimmy: “I got a part-time job in college at Grinnell working in the fabrication shop in Albany, New York.”

Stacey: “Jimmy knew the only way to keep me out of mischief was to keep me busy. I helped to clean the offices on Saturday mornings and by age eight I could sort the cast, ductile, and malleable fittings coming back from the job sites.”

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH AFSA? Jimmy: “I heard about AFSA in 1984 and called Ed Smith at Holyoke Fire Protection to learn more.”

Stacey: “My involvement has been a fantastic path. As a family, Jimmy and my Mom took us kids to AFSA conventions. I attended to AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning school when I worked for Jack Viola at HFP Sprinkler. When I returned to NEFPSI in July of 2014, I met Linda Biernacki of Fire Tech Systems, Inc. at the convention

in Las Vegas and she asked if I wanted to participate as a committee member.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST USED AFSA BENEFIT? Jimmy: “NFPA participation and apprenticeship training.”

Stacey: “For me, legislative support and the Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools are invaluable.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AFSA AND/OR AFSA CONVENTION MEMORY? Stacey: “We both say Hawaii! That convention in 1987 was great. Jimmy and my mom took their first extended vacation and my sister and I got to skip the first two weeks of school!”

IF I WEREN’T WORKING IN FIRE PROTECTION, I WOULD BE Jimmy: “If I weren’t working in the fire protection industry, I would be a doctor. I was pre-med when I got my part-time job at Grinnell.”

Stacey: “If you asked me today, I would say a lobbyist for small-business concerns.”

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.

Congratulations to these members and AFSA looks forward to celebrating with more members throughout the year! n

WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN IN AFSA OR THE INDUSTRY DURING YOUR TIME? Jimmy: “The technical changes in the industry have been the most impactful. The education provided by AFSA has kept us competitive and a resource for our clients in terms of value-added engineering.”

WHAT’S THE KEY INGREDIENT TO YOUR SUCCESS? Jimmy: “Perseverance—the only way is through. Life is not always easy, but it is pretty simple.”

The Kennedy KVOS2 is the industry’s first factory installed gate valve tamper switch, available only on Kennedy Valve built OS&Y valves.

Save both time and money with the KVOS2.

Get the best, buy Kennedy.

800-782-5831 | 607-734-2211 | www.kennedyvalve.com cadlibrar y.kennedy valve.com SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 43

CALENDAR APRIL

15 • ITM Inspector Development Program Spring 2020 Cycle Live Webinar Kick-Off firesprinkler.org/ITM 28 • Webinar: Fire Flow for the Design Professional firesprinkler.org/webinars

JUNE

1-12 • AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools 2 • Webinar: How to Get Involved in the NFPA Process firesprinkler.org/webinars

JULY

20-31 • AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools

SEPTEMBER

13-16 • AFSA39: Convention, Exhibition, & Apprentice Competition Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek/ Waldorf Astoria Orlando Orlando, FL firesprinkler.org/AFSA39 21 - October 2 • AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools

NOVEMBER

9-20 • AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools

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.”

44 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

AFSA NEWS ITM SPRING 2020 CLASS OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

Registration for AFSA’s Spring 2020 ITM Inspector Development Program is open! In only its third year, the program continues to hit new milestones: The fourth class graduated in June 2019; over 120 students have enrolled in this industry-first ITM program; and AFSA delivered over 7,000 hours of ITM training in 2018 through blended methods including live webinars, live classroom, and hands-on learning.

AFSA ITM students lead the way and outperform national average exam scores on both NICET Level I and Level II I&T exams, and AFSA boasts an 90 percent NICET exam pass rate versus the national average of 65 percent! For more details or to register, visit firesprinkler.org/ITM.

LEARN THE ART OF DESIGN IN 2020

The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Beginning Fire Sprinkler Design System Planning School 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. This school will prepare the student to: • Accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications.

• Determine the proper and economic planning of sprinkler system layout and installation methods.

• Know the importance of sprinkler specifications, types of pipe, hangers, fittings, flow tests, etc.

• Learn to develop shop drawings from start to finish.

• Learn to coordinate with other trades plumbing, mechanical, structural and electrical.

• Perform manual hydraulic calculations by hand, preparing the student for a more natural decision-making process when using a computer to perform hydraulics.

• Prepare shop drawings in class for projects with different applications.

Reserve your designer’s spot today for one of the remaining 2020 schools: June 1-12, July

20-31, September 21-October 2, and November 9-20. For more details and to register visit firesprinkler.org/schools.

AFSA MEMBERS CAN ATTEND FREE WEBINARS

Did you know that AFSA webinars are free for members? Get the most out of your AFSA membership! AFSA offers webinars on technical topics and business solutions several times a year. This is a hassle-free way to learn from any location that is convenient for you! See page 22 of this issue to learn about the upcoming webinar “Fire Flow for the Design Professional” and subscribe to AFSA’s Education & Training Updates to be notified of future webinars at training@firesprinkler.org. For more information on webinars and other AFSA educational offerings, visit firesprinkler.org/events.

AFSA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS APRIL 1

From now until April 1, 2020, eligible high school seniors can visit afsascholarship.org to apply for one of AFSA’s high school scholarships. Open to 2019-2020 high school seniors who want to pursue a college degree or trade school education the scholarship offers the chance to win one of 10 scholarships. 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!

Winners are randomly selected to receive a one-time $2,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university, or trade school. To learn more and apply for the scholarship, visit afsascholarship.org before April 1, 2020. For those who don’t win, AFSA offers a “second-chance” contest during the summer months on the same website. College undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for the “second-chance” contest and winners receive one of five $1,000 scholarships payable to their respective college, university, or trade school. Visit afsascholarship.org for details and to enter online.n

SEP 13-16

HILTONBONNETCREEK

2020

ORLANDO te a D e h t Save

39

CONVENTION EXHIBITION

CONVENTION, EXHIBITON & APPRENTICE COMPETITON

Booth Sales Now Open!

www.firesprinkler.org/exhibit

CHAPTER NEWS CAROLINAS

On November 13, 2019, the Carolinas Chapter held a chapter meeting at which General Air Products presented on air supplies including the pros and cons of compressors, dry air generators, and nitrogen generators. Thank you to all who attended this presentation and made it a success. Visit scfsa.org.

FLORIDA

The 2020 Florida Session began on January 14 and will run until March 13. The legislature’s only constitutional duty during this time is to pass a balanced budget. That being said, 3,422 bills have been filed for this legislative session, with over a thousand of those being appropriation projects. The Governor also released his budget totaling $91.4 billion and is focusing strongly on the environment and teacher pay raises. During the open day of Session, Senate President Galvano focused on pushing legislation that the party could all agree on while also focusing on our state’s intrastate. For more information on Florida legislation through the Florida Chapter, visit afsafl.org.

1

GREATER BAY AREA CHAPTER

On January 11, 2020, the Greater Bay Area Chapter held an eighthour CPR/First Aid/AED course in Hayward, California. Retired Fire Captain Skip Bloom instructed the class of 81 students. The chapter is an approved provider with the Office of the State Fire Marshal therefore the credits can be applied to the Title 19 Fitter Certification Regulation. For more information on upcoming classes, visit AFSA-GBA.org.

2

LOUISIANA

On May 5, 2020, the Louisiana Chapter will host an educational and networking day of seminars, lunch, and membership meeting at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capital Center. AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John Denhardt, P.E., F.S.F.P.E. will present a seminar on NFPA 20. For more information, visit lafiresprinkler.org.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

On February 1, 2020, the Southern California Chapter hosted two continuing education courses—an OSHA 10 and a BlazeMaster CPVC installation course. The chapter is a Cal Fire Approved Provider for Continuing Education which applies to the Title 19 Fitter Certification Regulation. In two months the chapter has hosted over 300 students for over 20 hours of continuing education. To see a list of the upcoming events and to register visit SoCalAFSA.com. n

ASSOCIATION NEWS GEORGIA FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

The Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association (GFSA) is proud to sponsor a family outing June 4 – 6, 2020 at Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, Georgia.

A banquet will be held at the resort for attendees provided by GFSA on June 5. Rooms for this event must be booked by May 4, and room availability is limited. Visit greatwolf.com/georgia to book a room. n

46 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

3

Photos: 1: In January, the Greater Bay Area Chapter held an eight-hour CPR First Aid/AED course in Hayward, California..

2 & 3: In February, the Southern California Chapter hosted an OSHA 10 course and BlazeMaster CPVC installation courses.

4: Ray Fremont, Jr. with General Air Products was the featured presenter at the Carolinas Chapter’s November meeting.

A Robust Solution In-Rack

K5.6 & K8.0, Upright & Pendent Available with Compact Wrench-able Guards

Residential

K3.0, K4.9 & K5.8, Pendent K4.4 & K5.8, HSW

Reliable’s KFR Series The toughest sprinklers for a variety of applications • • • • •

Durable fast response thermal element Faster installations; no protective covers to remove EVERY thermal link is x-ray validated EVERY sprinkler is tested to at least 500 psi (34 bar) Most rigorous quality control process in the industry

Commercial

K5.6 & K8.0, Upright & Pendent K5.6, HSW

reliablesprinkler.com/kfr

AFSA CHAPTERS AFSA CHAPTERS 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

Arizona Bob Caputo – Chair.

864-222-1381 Makenna Leathers – Exec. Dir. 480-464-0509

Dallas-Fort Worth afsadfwchapter.org CJ Bonczyk – Chair.

817-529-1693

Arkansas Randy Gilliam– Chair.

479-646-8934 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-986-9090

Florida afsafl.org Chris Johnson – Chair.

800-327-7604 Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

Carolinas afsacarolinaschapter.com Bernie Parsons – Chair.

704-782-3032 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

Georgia georgiafiresprinkler.org Allen Cagle – Chair.

770-554-5285 Bonnie Pinson – Exec. Dir. 770-310-2754

Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter.org Jay Zollars – Chair.

410-286-3314 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-960-3450

Greater Bay Area afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair.

925-417-5550 Alicia Karrick – Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

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 Ellen Ballard– Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800 Michigan afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr.- Chair 616-784-1644 Minnesota-Dakotas Marc Haug – Chair.

701-232-7008 New Jersey Thomas Bowlby Jr. – Chair.

908-226-5313 Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400 New Mexico Ida Peralta - Chair.

505-255-4118 Mark Peralta - Exec. Dir. 505-255-4118

Ohio afsaoh.org Bill Hausman – Chair 937-859-6198 Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-276-3076

South Carolina scfsa.org Stuart Weeks – Chair.

843-442-3346 Taylor Young – Exec. Dir. 980-253-3241

Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Josh Massingale – Chair.

360-794-8621 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

Southern California socalafsa.com Terry Housholder– Chair.

714-632-8646 Amber Barrios - Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492

Patriot afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair.

508-431-9938 Wendy Callahan – Exec. Dir. 978-855-6495

Tennessee afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair.

615-349-5278 Leslee Kiser – Exec. Dir. 615-865-5600

Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Jordan Hopkins – Chair.

916-672-8415 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

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

San Diego Ron Aday – Chair.

858-513-4949 ext. 307 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600

Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-865-3600

Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich, PE – President 804-222-1381 Michael Christensen – Exec. Dir. 804-371-7456

Schuylkill afsasc.org Ben Young – Chair.

480-621-5074 Ilyse Shapiro – Exec. Dir. 610-642-7427

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chairman 918-266-2416

Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

713-466-9898 Sarah Kiefer – Exec. Dir.

Alberta, Canada

Pacific

Northw

est

Northern New England

Minnesota-Dakotas

Upstate New York

Sacramento Valley Greater Bay

Utah

Southern California

San Diego

Connecticut

Michigan

Arizona

Schuylkill

Ohio

Colorado

New Mexico

Virginia

Greater Kansas City Oklahoma (Affiliate)

Arkansas

Dallas Fort Worth

South Carolina Alabama

Louisiana

Georgia

a

id

or

Fl

Texas (Affiliate)

Carolinas

Tennessee

48 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

Patriot

New Jersey Chesapeake Bay

AFSA MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS The following is a list of new contractor members that have joined as of February 24, 2020.

CONTRACTORS

Apex Safety Solutions Ltd. Providenciales, TCI

Custom Fire Protection Chelmsford, MA

Park City Fire Sprinkler Park City, UT

Beacon Fire Protection Santa Rosa, CA

Great Lakes Fire Protection Waukesha, WI

CFS Systems Denver, CO

Intraworks Inc. Albuquerque, NM

Plymouth County Fire Sprinklers Brockton, MA

Southport Fire Protection Caledonia, WI

ASSOCIATES

Shield Fire Safety & Security Ltd. Baildon, United Kingdom

Rock Fire Systems Inc. Yuma, AZ

U.S. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS CONSTRUCTION STARTS FALL 21 PERCENT IN DECEMBER

New construction starts declined 11 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $696.3 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. This is the third consecutive monthly drop in construction starts activity.

By major sector, nonresidential building starts fell 20 percent from September to October and nonbuilding starts dropped 14 percent, while residential starts moved 2 percent lower. The October statistics pushed the Dodge Index down to 147 (2000=100) compared to 166 in September.

The pullback in December pushed the Dodge Index down to 169 (2000=100) compared to the 213 posted in November, and just below the 12-month average of 174.

For the full year, total construction starts were essentially flat when compared to 2018 at $817.6 billion. In 2019, nonbuilding starts gained 7 percent due to large gains in utility starts, while nonresidential starts fell 1 percent and residential starts declined 3 percent. Removing the massive 112 percent gain in utility starts from the total would result in total construction declining 3 percent from the previous year.

Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Dec. 2019 Nov. 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $289,521 $363,775 -20 Residential Building $339,547 $354,697 -4 Nonbuilding Construction $171,365 $289,246 -41 Total Construction $800,434 $1,007,718 -21 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) December 2019..................169 November 2019... ..............213 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

12 Mos. 2019 12 Mo. 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $293,680 $298,093 -1 Residential Building $321,987 $330,333 -3 Nonbuilding Construction $202,006 $188,925 7 Total Construction $817,673 $817,351 0

CONSTRUCTION STARTS MOVE LOWER IN JANUARY

Total construction starts slipped 6 percent from December to January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $759.2 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. All three major categories moved lower in January—residential building starts fell 8 percent, nonresidential building lost 6 percent, and nonbuilding starts moved 2 percent lower.

With only one, limited month of data available for 2020, it is difficult to ascribe a 2020 trend. Some perspective can be gleaned, however, by examining a 12-month moving total. For the 12 months ending January 2020, total construction starts were 1 percent higher than during the previous 12-month period. By major category, residential building starts were 1 percent lower and nonresidential building starts were down by less than a percentage point, but nonbuilding construction was 8 percent higher during the 12 months that ended in January 2020.

In January, the Dodge Index moved downward to 161 (2000=100) compared to the 171 posted in December 2019 and was 8 percent lower than its most recent 12-month average.

Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Jan. 2020 Dec. 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $266,631 $283,981 -6 Residential Building $325,370 $353,459 -8 Nonbuilding Construction $167,239 $170,801 -2 Total Construction $759,240 $808,241 -6 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) January 2020..................161 December 2019..............171 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

1 Mos. 2020 1 Mos. 2020 % Change Nonresidential Building $19,736 $19,729 0 Residential Building $24,163 $23,763 2 Nonbuilding Construction $12,596 $12,906 -2 Total Construction $56,495 $56,398 0

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 49

PRODUCT NEWS RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO., INC. INTRODUCES KFR SERIES

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. introduces the KFR Series of quick response fusible link sprinklers. KFR Series sprinklers are standard spray, quick response sprinklers with a fusible link operating element. The durable design provides protection against impact damage. The link does not extend beyond the wrench boss, reducing risk of damage during installation. The robust design allows KFR Series sprinklers to be shipped and installed without plastic protective covers, which eliminates the need to remove covers after installation of the sprinkler.

KFR Series sprinklers are available in K5.6 (80 metric) and K8.0 (115 metric) versions.

KFR56 K5.6 (80 metric) Standard Spray Quick Response Upright, Pendent, and Horizontal Sidewall sprinklers are cULus Listed for pressures up to 250 psi (17.2 bar) and FM Approved for pressures up to 175 psi (12 bar).

• KFR56-300 K5.6 (80 metric) Standard Spray Quick Response Upright, Pendent, and Horizontal Sidewall sprinklers are cULus Listed for pressures up to 300 psi (20.7 bar).

• KFR80 K8.0 (115 metric) Standard Spray Quick Response Upright and Pendent Sprinklers are cULus Listed for pressures up to 250 psi (17.2 bar) and FM Approved for pressures up to 175 psi (12 bar).

• KFR56 and KFR80 Intermediate Level Sprinklers include shields which protect the operating element from cold-soldering caused by sprinklers located at a higher elevation.

Optional pre-installed wrenchable guards protect the sprinkler from damage in areas subject to impact. When used with the Reliable Model J wrench, sprinkler/guard assemblies can be installed with the guard in place.

Adhering to Reliable’s rigorous quality control process, each thermal link is X-ray validated, and each KFR sprinkler is visually inspected

50 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

and pressure tested to at least 500 psi before being packaged. Reliable’s high-capacity fully automated assembly ensures your product arrives on time, every time. Visit reliablesprinkler.com/kfr.

IMPROVED LISTING FOR VK950 COIN® SPRINKLER

The Viking Corporation has enhanced the cULus Listing for its 5.6 (80) K-factor quick response COIN® sprinkler. The new Listing allows the VK950 upright sprinkler to protect combustible concealed spaces without the use of draft curtains in most applications, making it an ideal replacement for competitive sprinklers that have more stringent and expensive draft curtain requirements.

The new VK950 UL Listing applies when sprinkler spacing is up to 16 ft x 16ft (4,9 m x 4,9 m) for truss construction with top chord member on face (not on edge) for wet or dry systems. The Listing is also applicable when sprinkler spacing is up to 14 ft x 14 ft (4,3 m x 4,3 m) for trusses with top chord member on edge or solid wood joists for wet systems. The updated VK950 technical datasheet contains complete design and installation details.

The COIN® VK950 5.6 K-factor quick response upright is a glass bulb sprinkler with a thread size of ½-in. NPT (15 mm BSPT) and an intermediate temperature rating of 200°F (93°C). Available finishes include brass and an ENT coating for installation in corrosive environments. Visit vikinggroupinc.com.

RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO., INC. INTRODUCES MODEL PRV

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. announces the introduction of the Model PRV pressure regulating valve. The Model PRV pressure regulating valve is an FM Approved diaphragm-type valve used to reduce and regulate pressure in both flowing and non-flowing conditions. It is shipped fullyassembled with compact trim, complete with pressure relief valve. With no restrictions on installation orientation and a tight footprint, the Model PRV is

ideal for areas where space is limited. It is approved for pressures up to 400 psi (27.6 bar) with field-adjustable output pressures from 50-200 psi (3.4-13.7 bar).

The Model PRV’s simple design utilizes a single moving part­—a resilient fabric-reinforced EPDM diaphragm—that ensures consistent operation over time. There are no trim connections to the face of the valve, providing access to the interior of the valve without removing any trim components. This allows easy and efficient inspection and maintenance of the valve. The Model PRV’s body is lightweight ductile iron with a durable red oxide epoxy coating. Its exterior is urethane coated, making it suitable for challenging environments. Available sizes are 2½-in. (65 mm), 76 mm, 3-in. (80 mm), 4-in. (100 mm), 6-in. (150 mm), and 165 m nominal sizes with multiple end configurations.

Visit reliablesprinkler.com/prv.

UL-LISTED CORROSION AND BACTERIAL INHIBITOR ADDRESSES MIC

Huguenot Laboratories introduces the first and only UL-listed corrosion and bacterial inhibitor to address Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in fire protection systems. FSS ProGuard 295UL is a unique proprietary formulation of nonhazardous corrosion inhibitors that provide maximum protection of “hard-to-reach areas.” This highly inhibited and bacteriostatic technology allows for long-term superior corrosion protection of air gap areas that are typically found in wet and dry sprinkler systems. When FSS ProGuard 295UL is placed in a hydrostatic environment, it provides unsurpassed corrosion protection in water and air interface liquid levels. FSS ProGuard 295UL acts as a corrosion inhibitor and MIC preventative protecting complicated values and the interior surfaces of piping and sprinkler components often difficult or impossible to reach. FSS ProGuard 295UL is nonflammable, non-odor, non-nitrite, nonhazardous, biodegradable, is specifically formulated for use in a wide temperature range, and is non-foaming at room temperature and typical use concentrations.

Visit huguenotlabs.com. n

INDUSTRY NEWS WINSUPPLY OPENS TRI STATE WINSUPPLY IN IOWA

Winsupply Inc. has opened Tri State Winsupply in Dubuque, Iowa, serving plumbing, heating and air conditioning, water well and septic contractors in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. Ronald Slaats is the president of Tri State Winsupply. Slaats has 29 years’ experience in the industry, almost entirely in outside sales.

“Ronald has an excellent reputation among his customers as a knowledgeable expert,” says Rob Ferguson, president of Winsupply Local Company Group.

“After being an outside salesman for over 25 years and seeing what customers expect of their distributors, I plan on treating them with the utmost respect, with integrity and honesty,” Slaats states. “I also plan on presenting a positive work environment and will encourage personal and business growth, community involvement, and keeping the important decisions local. This will not only help my business grow but also that of my employees and, most importantly, my customers.”

Slaats, along with two other employees, invested in minority ownership of the new company along with majority owner Winsupply Inc. With this co-ownership model, local company presidents have the autonomy and flexibility to decide how best to meet the needs of the customers in their markets. They also share uncapped financial rewards and risks of ownership.

Winsupply Inc. provides the local company locations purchasing power, distribution, and other support services such as business consulting, accounting, payroll, IT and marketing. Visit winsupplyinc.com.

AGC FINDS CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT, JOBS INCREASE

Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between December 2018 and December 2019, while construction employment increased in 29 states from November to December, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America data released. Association officials added that most contractors expect to continue adding to their payrolls in 2020, according to the results of the association’s annual construction forecast.

Association officials noted that contractors appear optimistic about demand for all types of

commercial construction in 2020, based on the results of the 2020 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook the association prepared with Sage.

But they cautioned that 81 percent of firms report they are having a hard time finding qualified workers to hire. They urged government officials to boost funding for career and technical education, open new high school-level construction skills programs and allow more people with construction skills to legally enter the country to allow payrolls to continue to expand.

“While there appears to be plenty of demand for work this year, it is not certain there will be enough workers,” says Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Public officials can help more people start high-paying construction careers by simply exposing more young adults to the industry and allowing more workers into the country.”

View the state employment data by one- and 12-month rank and state map. Visit agc.org. n

RELIEVE THE WINTER

FREEZE Auxiliary drains that freeze and break are the main cause of fire sprinkler failures in winter months. Stop replacing auxiliary drains that freeze and break with auxiliary drains that freeze and break.

Less than half an ounce of water can break valves on auxiliary drains. This may result in false activation and system failure. The COLLECTanDRAIN® Model 5400 provides a temperature controlled environment for problematic auxiliary drains. This increases their capacity to collect condensation in colder temperatures and helps prevent unnecessary freeze-ups. Don’t wait until an auxiliary drain breaks, install a Model 5400 now and be ready for winter.

www.collectandrain.com SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 51

Save the date and gear up for

Home Fire Sprinkler Week May 17–23, 2020

The NFPA Fire Sprinker Initiative, the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition–Canada will celebrate Home Fire Sprinkler Week from May 17–23, 2020, with a national media event on May 20. Fire departments, fire sprinkler coalitions, and other home fire sprinkler advocates are urged to join in the local activities at any time during the week.

Learn how to initiate your own event highlighting home fire sprinklers.

Visit NFPA.org/FireSprinklerWeek

PEOPLE NEWS

CLAYPOOL

DE DOMINIC

RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO., INC. ANNOUNCES NEW PERSONNEL

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. is pleased to announce the following promotions and hires: Kyle Claypool joins Reliable as an outside sales representative, serving customers in the states of Michigan and Ohio. He reports to David Rosso, midwest regional sales manager. Claypool has over 15 years of experience in the fire sprinkler industry. He completed a fouryear fire protection trade program at Grand Rapids Community College, after which he began his career as an apprentice, working his way up to field foreman. Claypool has also held the positions of service technician and service manager.

Daniel De Dominic joins Reliable as an outside sales representative in the Northeast, reporting to Regional Sales Manager Ralph Fuchs. De Dominic brings over 20 years’ experience in the fire sprinkler industry, where he has held positions in project management, regional sales, and national accounts management.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Temple University.

Erin Holleran is welcomed as the new sales pricing manager for the Americas. A native of Binghamton, New York, she attended Le Moyne College where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Psychology. In this newly created position, Holleran will provide management and planning of all pricing requirements as well as compiling reports for specific products. She reports to Kevin T. Fee Jr., vice president of sales for the Americas.

Rebecca McIntyre has been promoted to regional sales manager of Region 17, including Florida, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and South America. McIntyre has over 14 years’ outside sales experience with Reliable and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. Reporting to Territory Director Dan Merritt, McIntyre succeeds Bob Poulton in this

HOLLERAN

MCINTYRE

WILLIAMSON

position. Reliable thanks Poulton for his years of service and wishes him a happy retirement.

Clint Williamson joins Reliable as the western regional sales manager, reporting to Territory Sales Director Mark Connor. He brings 10 years’ outside sales experience in industrial products to Reliable. Most recently, Williamson specialized in growing emerging markets with SouthTek Systems nitrogen generators. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Visit reliablesprinkler.com.

ALZAID TO REPRESENT NFPA IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Anas Alzaid, a long-time advocate for NFPA codes and standards, is the new local repre-

ALZAID

sentative who will oversee the overall regional planning, direction, coordination, and support of international development functions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). An electrical engineering consultant with more than 30 years of experience working with facilities management and safety professionals, Alzaid will assess local safety concerns; build strong relationships throughout the region; develop safety strategies with existing and new alliances; and represent NFPA in regulatory, legislative, and technical circles.

Alzaid will focus on translating codes for local use; making NFPA training and resources available to local leaders and practitioners; and serving as an authoritative representative for the media, government, and other decision makers.

SAFE

ACCURATE

SIMPLE

In-Line Pitotless Nozzles • FM Approved • Read flow-rates at the source using The Monster Meter™ • Lightweight and compact design – Only 12 lbs. • Ideal for NFPA 20 and 25 testing in stairwells • Industry Leading Versatility & Portability

For More Information and Other Products

Visit hosemonster.com or call 847-447-6347

SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020 53

NFPA has had a notable presence in MENA territories for decades. Given unprecedented growth in the region, the Association established a MENA Advisory Committee in 2017 that works to cultivate an effective safety infrastructure throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an intergovernmental political and economic territory that includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Working with the MENA Advisory Committee, Alzaid will ensure that the design and construction community utilizes fundamental standards like NFPA 1, Fire Code; NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation

of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®; and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®. Visit nfpa.org.

HOOVER NAMED DEPUTY U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATOR

As the senior career federal fire official, Tonya Hoover is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). This includes the annual training of over 100,000 first responders at and through the National Fire Academy; the National Fire Incident Reporting System, which documents and analyzes 27 million fire de-

You don’t have to be a genius.

partment emergency responses a year; the USFA’s fire prevention, public information and public education programs; and the 26 campus buildings and the grounds of the historic HOOVER National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Hoover is also the superintendent of the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA). she provides leadership for the NFA, which focuses on enhancing the ability of fire and emergency services and allied professionals to deal more effectively with fire and other emergencies. Visit usfa.fema.gov. n

ADVERTISERS AFSA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER 39 AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.

51

ANVIL INTERNATIONAL ARGCO

4 17, 37

BUILDING REPORTS BULL MOOSE TUBE CO.

BC 9

EASYFLEX IBC FERGUSON FIRE & FABRICATION, INC.

7

GECCO, INC.

19

HARRINGTON, INC.

27

HOSE MONSTER COMPANY

53

JG INNOVATIONS, INC.

33

KENNEDY VALVE

43

METRAFLEX

31

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION 35

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

firesprinkler.org

54 SPRINKLER AGE | MAR/APR 2020

RAIMONDO CONSULTANTS, INC.

41

REED MANUFACTURING COMPANY

18

RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. IFC, 3, 47 TLX TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

29

U.S. TOOL

16

VICTAULIC 13

Join online at firesprinkler.org or call 214-349-5965.

VIKING GROUP

15

13+ Billion Square Feet of Facility Floorspace Inspected & Counting

The safety of people in those facilities is why over 900 service providers and nearly 850,000 facilities trust BuildingReports.

Since 2000, BuildingReports has been providing the most comprehensive, industry-leading fire and life safety mobile inspection technology and web-based compliance reporting solutions available.

To find a network member near you, or to learn more about joining the elite network of service companies using BuildingReports, visit www.buildingreports.com.

The most trusted name in compliance reporting www.buildingreports.com Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.