The Fire Line - Local 853 Training Newsletter Spring 2024

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2023

10

SPECIAL

See

16

5

8

12

UPGRADE

18

U.A. LOCAL 853 MISSION STATEMENT

U.A. Local 853 observes the objectives of U.A. Canada as outlined by their Constitution, whereby the protection of its members from unjust and injurious competition is paramount. We believe that the principal of unity is the key factor in elevating good work conditions, creating confidence, generating esteem and respect, and promoting harmony in the spirit of sincerity. We recognize the rights of both contractors and workers for fair compensation, which will in turn result in quality craftsmanship. For decades we have been fulfilling this objective and will continue to do so for decades to come.

Nick Smirnov, RSE Director of Training

Nick Devine, RSE Assistant Training Director

Brothers and Sisters,

In 2023 we delivered the most upgrade courses ever in a single year. We saw a large use of the National Sprinkler JTAC’s Learning Management System as well, I am glad to see so many of our members embracing this new resource. There are many courses available for apprentices and journeypersons on the National’s website that can be done at your own pace. Those of you wishing to take the new Hydrant practical course that was launched in 2023 will need to take the Introduction to Hydrants course available on the LMS in order to register for the in-person course. We hope to continue this trend with in-person courses supplemented by self paced online courses. This should help ensure participants are prepared with the knowledge needed to get the most out of the in-person courses by building on what they have already learned on t heir own. The year 2023 also saw our numbers grow not only with those completing their apprenticeships to become new journeypersons but, with an extraordinary number of new apprentices joining the local. By the end of 2023 we had brought 250 new apprentices into the trade. These apprentices will need to be lead down the path of lifelong learning by our journeypersons. Foster this responsibility in them and let them see the need for it by sharing what you have learned. Our apprentices should be encouraged to ask questions and be exposed to all the job has to offer. During their 7200 hour apprenticeship 90% of that time is pent working on the job. Make sure they are getting the experience they need and that no topic is left guarded.

I wish you all the best in 2024.

Fraternally,

Nick Smirnov Director of Training

Brothers and Sisters,

As we look forward to another year of upgrade training, I would first like to acknowledge and thank all those that participated in last year's upgrade courses. As Brother Smirnov has mentioned it was a well attended course schedule and that does not happen without the dedication to training demonstrated by our instructors, staff, and all the members that attended. In building on that success for 2024, we are excited to offer new courses this spring that focus on special hazard suppression systems such as Victaulic Vortex®, CO2, Clean Agent, Wet, and Dry Chemical. We are also looking forward to delivering ITM of Fire Pumps remotely.

The remote delivery of these courses is made possible with the necessary equipment installed in the National Sprinkler JTAC sea-cans.

We are incredibly proud to begin to utilize this mobile equipment to deliver essential training to any area within Ontario where there is demand. With that in mind, please be sure to visit our UA Local 853 training website to request the training you would like to see offered in your area. This helps us to schedule upgrade courses while ensuring we are meeting the demands of those interested.

As always, we encourage you to please visit the National JTAC LMS for additional courses and available resources. With an ever-expanding catalogue, such as the new Potter - Devices for Fire Protection, these self-paced online courses offer a convenient way to stay up to date with code changes, manufacturers products, new technologies, and best practices within our industry. Additionally, certificates for all completed online or in-person courses can also be accessed through the NJTAC LMS.

If you require any assistance with using this website, please do not hesitate to contact the training department.

Thank you again for your continued support of training at UA Local 853!

Fraternally,

Nick Devine Assitant Training Director

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Get ready for the 2024 Skills Ontario, Skills Canada, and U.A. Apprentice competitions. Put your skills to the test and take on the challenge by registering for your chance to compete in the provincial, national, and international apprentice competitions. Participating in these events gives apprentices the opportunity to meet fellow brothers and sisters of the U.A., as well as connecting with people working in various trades across Canada.

Why should you consider applying for the competition? In addition to networking and meeting people, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, experience various places, gain confidence, and who doesn’t love some rewards and recognition! Find out more below about the different levels of competition.

LEVEL 1: Apprentices who apply and qualify, compete at Skills Ontario

LEVEL 2: The winner of Skills Ontario will compete at Skills Canada

LEVEL 3: The winner of Skills Ontario will automatically earn a spot to compete at the U.A. National Canadian Apprentice Competition

LEVEL 4: The winner of the U.A. National Canadian Apprentice Competition will advance to the U.A. International Apprentice Competition, representing Canada.

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

▸ Broaden your skills

▸ Learn new techniques

▸ Employment opportunities

▸ Keep pace with emerging technologies

Local 853 is dedicated to ensuring we have the most well-trained workforce in the industry. We strive to keep pace with new and emerging technologies by updating our courses to reflect the latest standards while working with manufacturers, the Ontario, and National Sprinkler Industry JTAC to secure the latest equipment for upgrade training. Upgrade courses are open to all Journeypersons, while select courses are open to Apprentices. If you are an Apprentice interested in upgrade training, please see the course descriptions for the prerequisites of each course to ensure your eligibility before registering.

The sprinkler upgrade course schedule can be found on pages 18-24. See page 26 for registration details.

Operation

Operation

Fire Pump

Operation

Hydrants

Hydrants

Water-Based Foam Systems TORONTO

Commissioning & Acceptance Testing of Water-BasedOTTAWASystems

Switches OTTAWA

Fire Pump 2 - Inspection & Testing TORONTO

Fire Pump 3 - Packing & Service TORONTO

Fire Pump 2 - Inspection & Testing TORONTO

BRINGING TRAINING TO YOU!

Where would you like tO train?

Through the U.A. Local 853 Training website our members have the ability to request upgrade courses in their specific location. This makes it easier to schedule courses in areas across Ontario. We would like to encourage the use of this website function from our members to be able to provide courses of interest in areas where there is demand. With enough feedback, we can provide the best training and support for our members. Remote training allows for completion of a variety of courses, in a short time-frame closer to home. If you have a recommendation for a location to run a course which is not indicated via the training website, please contact the training department and we will make every effort to assist you.

MOBILE TRAINING EQUIPMENT

Thanks to the National Sprinkler Industry JTAC, we have access to mobile equipment containers which can be shipped around the province to accommodate remote upgrade training for Journeypersons and Apprentices. This will allow us to run courses on fire pumps and special hazards systems with fully operational equipment in any location with access to power and water. We encourage you to contact the Local 853 Training Department to express your interest.

MOBILE TRAINING FIRE PUMP Trainer

The National Sprinkler JTAC mobile Fire Pump trainer is a two sea-can set-up, where one sea-can is utilized as a storage tank for the fire pump's water supply. The fire pump equipment consists of an end suction pump, diesel driver, fuel tank, exhaust, and controller. Additional equipment is provided for testing and allows all water to be discharged back into the tank. This means we can recycle the majority of the water used for the training and have the ability to lock the tank at the end of the day preventing any unwanted access. The diesel driver, like in the field, allows for fire pump operation with minimal electrical concerns, as a small generator can be used to power the controller and allow for the batteries to charge.

Primarily, this equipment will be used to deliver the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Pumps (Fire Pump 2) course, however, it may also be incorporated to supplement Introduction to Fire Pumps (Fire Pump 1) training while on site. As ITM of fire pumps is an incredibly important aspect of our trade, we are pleased to be able to offer this essential training remotely giving us the best opportunity to reach more of our membership across Ontario.

MOBILE TRAINING SPECIAL HAZARD Systems Trainer

The National Sprinkler JTAC mobile Special Hazard systems trainer consists of a Victaulic Vortex®, CO2, FM-200, Novec 1230, dry chemical, and wet chemical system. Each system is equipped with an independent detection and release system. The single sea-can requires 120 volts for operation of the installed equipment. The Victaulic Vortex® system is arranged to be fully operational and can be discharged and refilled on-site. This equipment will be utilized to deliver courses based on all the suppression systems installed and introduce the participants to the use, operation, installation, and maintenance requirements of each.

As the fire protection industry continues to evolve and provide solutions for the protection of unique hazards, these systems play a vital role. These remote courses offer the opportunity to become more familiar with the non-water based systems that are in service across the province. The potential to offer six courses with this mobile trainer makes training efficient and provides flexibility as it can be tailored to suit the needs of your area and does not require that all courses be delivered.

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

COURSE NAME: VICTAULIC VORTEX® SYSTEM

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1) day course will cover the use, operation, installation, design and ITM requirements of hybrid fire extinguishing systems according to NFPA 770 with a focus on the Victaulic Vortex® system.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only

PREREQUISITE: None

DATES: Saturday, April 13, 2024 (Toronto) Saturday, April 27, 2024 (Toronto)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

CAPACITY: 9 participants

COURSE NAME: CLEAN AGENT FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1) day course will cover the use, operation, installation, design and ITM requirements of clean agent extinguishing systems according to NFPA 2001 with a focus on FM-200 and Novec 1230 systems.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only

PREREQUISITE: None

DATES: Sunday, April 14, 2024 (Toronto) Sunday, April 28, 2024 (Toronto)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

CAPACITY: 9 participants

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

COURSE NAME: INTRODUCTION TO SEISMIC

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1) day course will review the basics of seismic supports and requirements of NFPA 13. Types of supports/ bracing will be reviewed as well as the installation requirements.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons & Apprentices

PREREQUISITE: None

DATES: Friday, April 19, 2024 (Online)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS: Online

COURSE NAME: INTRODUCTION TO FIRE PUMPS

COURSE SUMMARY

This (2) day course is for the journeyperson with no or limited experience installing fire pumps. Areas to be covered include fire pump theory, types of pumps and applications, basic hydraulic calculations, installation requirements, acceptance test requirements & related codes.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only

DATES: April 26-27, 2024 (Kitchener/Waterloo)

May 3-4, 2024 (Ottawa)

May 4-5, 2024 (Toronto)

May 10-11, 2024 (London)

May 24-25, 2024 (Kingston)

June 7-8, 2024 (Windsor)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS:

Kitchener/Waterloo - Local 527 Training Centre (225 Frobisher Dr, Waterloo)

Ottawa - Local 787/853 Training Centre (1570 Liverpool Crt, Unit #6, Ottawa)

Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

London - Local 527 Training Centre (331 Sovereign Rd, London)

Kingston - Local 401 Training Centre (25 Binnington Crt, Kingston)

Windsor - Local 527 Training Centre (3429 St Etienne Blvd, Windsor)

CAPACITY: 18 participants

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

COURSE NAME: VICTAULIC® NXT VALVES

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1) day course will provide instruction and hands on demonstration of the operation, set up, maintenance and repair of the Victaulic® NXT line of valves used in their dry, deluge and preaction systems. The course will show proper set up procedure and common troubleshooting and appropriate repair parts/tools.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons & Apprentices

PREREQUISITE: None

DATES: Friday, May 10, 2024 (Ottawa) Saturday, May 11, 2024 (Toronto)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS: Ottawa - Local 787/853 Training Centre (1570 Liverpool Crt, Unit #6, Ottawa) Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

CAPACITY: 12 participants

COURSE NAME: DRY AND WET CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1) day course will cover the use, operation, installation, design and ITM requirements of dry and wet chemical extinguishing systems according to NFPA 17 and 17A.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only

PREREQUISITE: None

DATES: Saturday, June 1, 2024 (Toronto)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

CAPACITY: 9 participants

Course schedule is subject to change. Those registered will be notified as early as possible via email.

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

COURSE NAME: CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1/2) day course will cover the use, operation, installation, design and ITM requirements of carbon dioxide extinguishing systems according to NFPA 12.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only

PREREQUISITE: None

DATES: Sunday, June 2, 2024 (Toronto)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

CAPACITY: 9 participants

COURSE NAME: INSPECTION & TESTING OF FIRE PUMPS

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1) day course will focus on Fire Pump Inspection & Annual Testing. Areas that will be covered include requirements for a proper fire pump inspection, procedures for annual testing, safe use of testing equipment, plotting test results, completing associated testing documents, in addition to basic trouble shooting. Please refer to the prerequisite below.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only

PREREQUISITE: To participate in this course, it is recommended that Journeypersons have relevant field experience with the installation and operation of fire pumps or have completed the Introduction to Fire Pump course.

DATES:

Saturday, June 8, 2024 (Kingston) MOBILE

Saturday, June 8, 2024 (Toronto)

Sunday, June 9, 2024 (Kingston) MOBILE

Sunday, June 9, 2024 (Toronto)

Saturday, June 22, 2024 (Kingston) MOBILE

Sunday, June 23, 2024 (Kingston) MOBILE

mobile training

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATION: Kingston - Local 401 Training Centre (25 Binnington Crt, Kingston) Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

CAPACITY: 12 participants

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

COURSE NAME: STANDARD FOR THE INSTALLATION OF STANDPIPE & HOSE SYSTEMS

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1) day course will review the requirements of NFPA 14 and promote navigation and understanding of the requirements of this NFPA standard. Discussions will also focus on the additional requirements of Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and OHSA Regulations for Construction Projects.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons & Apprentices

PREREQUISITE: None

DATES: Friday, June 14, 2024 (Online)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATIONS: Online

Course schedule is subject to change. Those registered will be notified as early as possible via email.

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

COURSE NAME: FIRE PUMP PACKING SERVICE

COURSE SUMMARY

This (1/2) day course will cover disassembly of a fire pump for the purposes of cleaning and repacking. Please refer to the prerequisite below.

REGISTRATION: Available to Journeypersons only

PREREQUISITE: To participate in this course, it is recommended that Journeypersons have relevant field experience with servicing fire pumps or have completed the Inspection & Testing of Fire Pumps course.

DATES: Saturday, June 22, 2024 (Toronto) Sunday, June 23, 2024 (Toronto)

TIME: 8:00am

LOCATION: Toronto - Local 853 Training Centre (60 Performance Dr, Richmond Hill)

CAPACITY: 8 participants

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSES

SPRINKLER UPGRADE COURSE REGISTRATION

Sprinkler upgrade courses are offered on a first come first serve basis. Any extra registrations will be held on a wait list in the event of cancellations. All correspondence for courses will be via email. To register for any of the sprinkler upgrade courses, please choose one of the three options below. Changes to the course schedule may occur, and those registered will be notified as early as possible via email.

FREE ONLINE COURSES FOR MEMBERS!

WHAT IS THE NJTAC?

The National Sprinkler Industry JTAC (NJTAC) is celebrating 50 years of supporting apprenticeship, journeyperson upgrade training and trade qualifications. To help celebrate this milestone, the NJTAC will be issuing a commemorative book referencing and highlighting the members, locals, jurisdictions, and events that have helped to shape our industry, and recognizes the historic roots of the sprinkler trade in Canada dating back to 1915. In continuing with the support of training within the industry, the NJTAC launched their LMS (Learning Management System) in October 2020. The LMS provides all members across Canada access to free online self-paced upgrade courses covering a variety of topics, as well as access to resources such as NFPA Codes and Standards. To date the NJTAC has issued close to 6000 training certificates through the LMS. See page 30 for a list of courses offered.

THE NJTAC WEBSITE HAS A NEW LOOK! Access the LMS from the home page and explore the site for more information about the trade, affiliated training centres, and provincial JTAC's across Canada.

TRADE SCHOOL

BASIC LEVEL 1

TRADE SCHOOL

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2

TRADE SCHOOL

ADVANCED LEVEL 3

UA LOCAL 853 TRADE SCHOOL GRADUATES OF 2023!

JAN/FEB 2023

Braeden Guthrie-Bendle

Corey Kitson

Darren Hoevenaars

Dmitry Shynkaruk

Heikki Novek

Ian Lucas

Jake Schneider

Joel Meeker

Joseph Sbeit

Josh Pringle

Justin Ozon

Kyle Lusignan

Nathan Monahan

Nikko Moses

Randy Thompson

Stephen Lever

Vincent Reina

Zachary Glaspell

MAR/APR 2023

Adam Hempstead

Cole Miller

Cory MacKenzie

Danial Baxter

David Hubers

David Winters

Dominik Pasnik

Dylan Pollard

Hunyoung Lee

Jared Remillard

Jayson Ditmars

Jeffrey Friend

Jonathan Regier

Joseph Kruschel

Joseph Musni

Josh Smith

Levi Rock

Massimo Pillitteri

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

Aaron Osmond

Adam Parkin

Albert Balla

Alexander Casey

Chad Bois

Eric Longridge

Jamar McPherson

Jeremy Davis

John Stirling

Keith O'Leary

Kerry Clement

Logan MacPherson

Matthew Cheung

Patrick Pietrzyk

Rhyl Martinez

Robert Jones

Tyler Clarke

Alex Labrecque

Brandon Ingraham

Brenden Courville

Brett Nicolson

Brodie Brady

Daniel Almond

Daniel Gutierrez

Dylan Macdonald

Ethan Haskett

Guang Cheng Piao

James Avery

Jessie Montin

Joshua Salaj

Matias Di Blasi

Michael Murphy

Michael Zejn

Nicholas Leung

Ryan Laplaunte

Thomas Heidenreich

Matt Benson

Michel Pilote

Mitchell Hawkings

Mohamed Odowa

Philip Maw

Riley Cardoso

Robert Morton

Ron Waisbord

Salih Kadir

Shawn Tufts

Spencer Garofalo

Travis Cooper

MAY/JUN 2023

Andrew Daniels

Brett Miller

Chen Song

Cody Nelson

Daniel Kersey

Duncan Ainsworth

Dylan McMahon

Gord Jessup

Hyokang Kim

Jason Barnes

Kakisa Wilson

Kyle Young

Matthew Pizzuti

Patryk Wojenski

Scott Cornell

Shawn Vereecken

Tyler Alphonso

Zachary Lutes

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Cameron Rennie

Derk Bowman

Gergory Hatzikirou

Jack Norman

Jeff Halkett

Jordan Raymond

Josh Beck

Leith Jones

Matthew Lovat

Michael Raymond

Mike Martin

Mohammad Alameddine

Nicholas Passalacqua

Tanner Bray

Thomas Maher

Trevor Matilla

Tyler Davis

Vince Sofia

January-February 2023

September-October 2023

March-April 2023

May-June 2023

November-December 2023

HOW TO BECOME A SPRINKLER APPRENTICE

Do you know someone who may be interested in becoming a Local 853 Apprentice? See the steps below on how to get started.

MEET THE REQUIREMENTS

▸ High School Diploma or equivalent

▸ Successful completion of minimum grade 12 Math and grade 12 English or post-secondary equivalent (GED's are acceptable with a minimum 55% grade achieved)

▸ Valid driver's license

APPLY ONLINE

▸ Apply on the Local 853 training website ualocal853training.com

▸ Select Training Centre and Recruitment

▸ Complete the online form and attach the requirements documents listed above

PASS THE APTITUDE TEST

▸ Score 70% or higher to move forward

COMPLETE THE INTERVIEW

▸ Successful applicants will be placed on an active wait list and contacted as apprenticeship opportunities become available

▸ Please Note: Successful application does not guarantee employment. Applications will be reviewed if employment has not been secured within 12 months of being placed on the wait list.