Sprinkler Age Mar/Apr 2016

SprinklerAge

An American Fire Sprinkler Association Publication

Vol 35 / 02 Mar/Apr 2016

AFSA 2016

Convention & Exhibition

A Grand Ole Opportunity

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SprinklerAge

Vol 35 / 02

Mar/Apr 2016

Features 10 | How to Determine Commodity Classification

It’s Not as Easy as You Think

14 | Changes in 2016 NFPA 13

Understanding Free Flowing Group A Plastics

18 | Getting the Design Basis Right

Understanding the Modifiers

22 | Come Have a Grand Ole Time!

Celebrate AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition

24 | Where Are They Now?

Catching Up With Apprentice Competition Alumni

27 | Commodity Classifications

The Fire Code and NFPA 13 Standard Don’t Match Up

32 | Donors Make the Difference

ON THE COVER For a grand ole opportunity in Nashville, Tennessee, join AFSA at its 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition to be held September 14-17, 2016.

See page 22 of this issue for details.

DeCamara and Waller Scholarship Programs Help Fire Protection Students

34 | Recruiting for the Next Generation

AFSA Announces Next Gen Initiative With SkillsUSA

39 | HFSC Goes Big at IBS

Home Sprinklers Featured at International Builders’ Show

40 | AFSA Releases New Hire Orientation Video

Workplace Excellence Starts “Day One”

42 | Building a Convention

How the Convention Committee Makes Magic Happen Every Year

6

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

8

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

48 AHJ PERSPECTIVE 50 AFSA NEWS 50 CALENDAR 52 CHAPTER NEWS 54 NEW MEMBERS

43 | Homeowners Prefer a Home Protected by Sprinklers

55 U.S. CONSTRUCTION

44 | Claim Your Seat in the Virtual Classroom

56 PRODUCT NEWS

46 | Recognizing Fire Protection Industry Leaders

60 INDUSTRY NEWS

HFSC Survey Finds 74 Percent Would Buy a Home With Fire Sprinklers Than Without AFSA Webinars Free for Members

Henry S. Parmelee Award Call for Nominations

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.

55 CANADA CONSTRUCTION 58 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 62

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SPRINKLER AGE, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 5

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE EDITORIAL: 214 349 5965

BY MICHAEL F. MEEHAN AFSA Chairman of the Board

STEVE A. MUNCY, CAE, Publisher D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115 dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext.

126; nduvall@firesprinkler.org

ADVERTISING: 214 349 5965 CHARLOTTE JOHNSON, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; cjohnson@firesprinkler.org

CIRCULATION : 214 349 5965 AMY SWEENEY, Asst. to Membership Director, ext.

119; asweeney@firesprinkler.org

Of all the roles the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has, one of the least appreciated is our role in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards process. The process that NFPA uses is designed to be very egalitarian and to give all the stakeholders in the fire protection community a voice and a vote. On the larger and high-profile committees you will find representatives from Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), owners, insurance, FM Global, Underwriters Laboratory, manufacturers, consulting engineers and fire sprinkler contractors. In theory, all are technical experts in their respective fields.

In general, this process works well and the standards are maintained and improved for the benefit of the public, but there are times when the process can get contentious and not all voting parties see the situation the same way.

An AHJ may look at an unprotected combustible concealed space in a very different light than an owner or developer would. A manufacturer may look at a new technology very differently than a manufacturer of an older technology would. The labs that give us our “listing” may have a very different view of new products and how they interact with older products. An installing contractor may see a spacing or location issue in a very different way than an AHJ. We at AFSA pride ourselves on our role in maintaining the standard and making sure the contractor’s voice is heard. To that end, we have excellent contractor and technical representation on all of the most important committees. All the NFPA standards are important documents but the day-to-day impact of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes; NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies; NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems; NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection; NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems; and NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars; are huge and directly impact our livelihood. Roland Huggins, P.E., vice president of Engineering & Technical Services, and his staff at AFSA oversee this critical endeavor.

To all of the AFSA volunteer contractor representatives who give their time and their company’s time we are grateful for your expertise and your efforts to improve and maintain the standards that impact us all. The cost of this effort is substantial and can only be realistically accomplished by an association that is willing and capable of the task. AFSA is up to the job. n

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, CHAIRMAN 757-213-3660 WAYNE WEISZ, FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN 209-334-9119 THEODORE C. WILLS, JR., SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN 610-754-7836 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, SECRETARY 318-841-0330 THOMAS J. MCKINNON, TREASURER 925-417-5550 JOSEPH A. HEINRICH, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN 785-825-7710 DONALD G. ALBARES, 504-837-0572 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 PAUL DELORIE, 603-432-8221 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949 R. DONALD KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 JACK A. MEDOVICH, 410-787-0639 JEFF PHIFER, 803-438-2994

AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965 STEVE A. MUNCY, CAE, President FRANK MORTL III, CAE, Executive Vice President PHILLIP A. BROWN, SET, CFPS, Director of Technical Program Development & Codes, ext. 123 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext. 126 MARILYN ELLIS, Director of Administrative Services, ext. 112 MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Senior Director of Meetings & Conventions, ext. 118 ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121 JEFF LIVAUDAIS, Director of Membership, ext. 133 Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the Fire Sprinkler Industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

Published by American Fire Sprinkler Association, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251.

Call (214) 349-5965, FAX (214) 343-8898, or email sprinklerage@firesprinkler.org for information.

Copyright © American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. All rights reserved. PRINTED IN USA. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all editorial and advertising material published is the opinion of the respective authors and/or companies involved and should not be construed as official action by or approved by Publisher or the Association.

Sprinkler Age is a membership benefit, provided free of charge to AFSA members. For information on non-member and/or foreign subscription rates, call (214) 349-5965.

ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP AFSA annual membership dues are a sliding scale for Contractors and Associates and a flat fee for Authorities Having Jurisdiction. (Members receive a free subscription to Sprinkler Age.) Write or call AFSA for membership information. See AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org.

6 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

Š2016 Atkore International, Inc. All rights reserved.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

BY STEVE A. MUNCY AFSA President

Despite widely varying projections for growth of the economy and the dramatic ups and downs in the stock market, 2015 became the year we could say “we’re back” from the Great Recession. We are seeing much greater optimism among contractors and suppliers.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) year-end numbers for 2015 confirm that the trend starting in 2013 has put AFSA and the fire sprinkler industry back in “growth mode.” The number of correspondence course exams graded in 2015 increased an astonishing 45 percent above the number graded in 2013. The number of correspondence courses sold in 2015 increased an astonishing 45 percent above the number sold in 2013.

During 2015, AFSA conducted a total of six two-week sessions for the Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School – all sold out. Participation in all AFSA live seminars, webinars and convention education sessions has increased.

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All of this points to a significant increase in participation in AFSA education and training programs, and that is a good sign for the future. You have heard me comment before that AFSA is “the education association” and participation in our education programs by members demonstrates that members see ongoing value in our education programs. AFSA doesn’t stand still in developing new and updated training. The AFSA Fire Sprinkler eCampus (sprinklerecampus.com) offers more and more online training 24/7, and a brand new comprehensive Inspection, Testing & Maintenance (ITM) training program has just been introduced. The Spring 2016 ITM cycle has already sold out, but registrations are now being accepted for the Fall 2016 cycle. Visit firesprinkler.org for details.

Whether it is a new employee to be trained as a fitter, an inexperienced layout technician who needs more training, or an experienced employee who needs to keep up with changes in the codes and standards, AFSA is the place to get that training and continuing education. Studies and practical experience have shown that a trained employee is a more productive employee, and more than pays for the cost of training.

AFSA is experiencing greater participation in our chapters.

Not only are we seeing greater attendance at many chapter meetings, but several new chapters are in the organizational process and several more have been reorganized to maximize contractor participation.

As the industry transitions into growth mode, keep in mind the other important services that AFSA offers to fire sprinkler contractors. AFSA’s informal interpretations might save you time, aggravation and thousands of dollars in properly implementing sprinkler requirements. And this service is free to AFSA members. The AFSA SprinklerForum celebrates its 20th birthday this year, offering dialog and peer opinions on a variety of technical topics – and another free service of AFSA. Do you have your 2016 edition of the “Reference Guide to Automatic Sprinklers,” developed by the AFSA Technical Services Department? It is only $25 for a wealth of information. Are you keeping up-to-date with the latest industry news and products? You can do so through AFSA social media and the online Sprinkler Age blog (sprinklerage.com) as well as Sprinkler Age magazine. All of this information and access to AFSA services can be accessed easily 24/7 through firesprinkler.org – where the fire sprinkler industry goes online. n

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How to Determine Commodity Classification It’s Not as Easy as You Think TRACEY BELLAMY, P.E., C.F.P.S. | Telgian Corporation

So you think you can determine the exact commodity classification for a specific packaged arrangement of materials using your knowledge of the commodity classification definitions provided

by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems?

Well, think again. No, you can’t. It’s just not that easy.The heat release rate associated with the burning of a specific arrangement of packaged materials is an extremely complex occurrence involving a multitude of influences, including but not limited to, the materials involved, including the stored materials as well as the packaging; the quantity of each of the materials; the relative position of the materials within the storage array to the advancing flame front; the physical configuration of the materials and available paths for air flow and fire spread within the array; and the list goes on. This doesn’t even consider that the commodity classification is also impacted by the ability, or lack thereof, of the discharging water from the operating sprinklers to affect the heat release rate.

• Class I A noncombustible product: 1. on a wood pallet 2. in single layer corrugated carton 3. shrink wrapped or paper wrapped • Class II A noncombustible product: 1. in slatted wood crate 2. in solid wood box 3. in multi-layer corrugated carton • Class III 1. Wood* 13–28 INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 2. Paper* 3. Natural Fibers* 4. Group C Plastics* – See list of Group C Plastics in 5.6.4.3 25

Base Code Mandate The commodity classification definitions in Chapter 5 of NFPA 13 provide a relatively simple set of criteria to establish the commodity classification, among one of eight different classifications, based on the materials included in the package load along with any pallet used for material handling. These stated definitions provide the following for product stored with or without metal or wooden pallets:

Percentage by Weight of Group A Unexpanded Plastic

Copyright 2015 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Licensed, by agreement, for individual use and single download via NFCSS All Access on October 5, 2015 This documen Wellen. No other reproduction or transmission in any form permitted without written permission of NFPA. For inquires or to report unauthorized use, contact l

20

*May include ≤5 percent Group A or B Plastic (by weight forA Group Group A Expanded unexpanded or by volume for expanded).

See Figures 15 5.6.3.3.3(a) and (b).

10

IV • Class 5 IV III B Plastic – See list of Group B Plastics in 5.6.4.2 1. Group 0 5 10Group 15 A Plastic 20 25 30 35 40 2. Free Flowing Percentage by Volume of Group A Plastic 3. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains >5 percent III - Class III Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.

IVup toIV Commodity.

15 percent Unexpanded Group A Plastic b Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.

- Class weight** list ofContaining GroupaAMixture Plastics in 5.6.4.1) FIGURE 5.6.3.3.3(a)(See Commodities of Expanded and Unexpanded Group

Copyright 2015 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Licensed, by agreement, for individual use and single download via NFCSS All Access on October 5, 2015 This document is for NFPA Committee use only by Thomas Wellen. No other reproduction or transmission in any form permitted without written permission of NFPA. For inquires or to report unauthorized use, contact licensing@nfpa.org.

13–28

A Plastics.

INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

25

20 Group A Expanded

Group A 15

10 IV 5 III 0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Percentage by Volume of Group A Plastic

Percentage by Weight of Group A Unexpanded Plastic

Percentage by Weight of Group A Unexpanded Plastic

25

20 Group A Expanded

Group A Unexpanded 15

10

IV

5 III 0

5

10

15

20

25

III - Class III Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.

III - Class III Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.

IV - Class IV Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.

IV - Class IV Commodity. Refer to 5.6.2 if a plastic pallet is used.

t of Group A lastic

FIGURE 5.6.3.3.3(a) Commodities Containing a Mixture ofcontaining Expanded and Unexpanded Figure 1. NFPA 13, Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a).

Commodities a mixture of Group A Plastics. expanded and unexpanded Group A plastics. Reprinted with permission from NFPA 13-2016, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook, Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard25in its entirety.

20

2016 10 Sprinkler Age | March/AprilGroup A Unexpanded 15

30

35

40

Percentage by Volume of Group A Expanded Plastic

Group A Expanded

FIGURE 5.6.3.3.3(b) Exposed Commodities Containing a Mixture of Expandedaand UnexFigure 2. NFPA 13, Figure 5.6.3.3.3(b).

Expanded commodities containing mixture panded Group A Plastics. of expanded and unexpanded Group A plastics. Reprinted with permission from NFPA 13-2016, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook, Copyright © 2015, National 5.6.5.1 through 5.6.5.4 shall apply and shall b (1) Fluoroplastics (PCTFE — polychlorotrifluoroethylene; Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material notsprinkler the complete PTFE — polytetrafluoroethylene) mineisthe system design criteria.

(2) official Melamine (melamine and position of theformaldehyde) NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented 5.6.5.1 Heavyweight Class. Heavyweight class (3) Phenolic only the standard in its entirety. so as to include paperboard and paper stoc (4) by PVC (polyvinyl chloride — flexible — PVCs with plasticizer content up to 20 percent) (5) PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) (6) PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) (7) Urea (urea formaldehyde)

weight [weight per 1000 ft2 (92.9 m2)] of 20

5.6.5.2 Mediumweight Class. Mediumweight fined so as to include all the broad range of basis weight [weight per 1000 ft2 (92.9 m2)]

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4. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains >5 percent up to 25 percent Expanded Group A Plastic by volume** 5. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains a mix of Unexpanded and Expanded Group A Plastic within the Class IV region of Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a)** 6. Exposed that contains a mix of Unexpanded and Expand ed Group A Plastic within the Class IV region of Figure 5.6.3.3.3(b)** **Remainder being metal, wood, paper, natural or synthetic fibers, Group B or C Plastics. (See Figures 1 and 2 on page 10.)

Group A Plastics – There are four distinct commodity classifications under the designation as a Group A Plastic • Cartoned Unexpanded Group A 1. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains >15 percent by weight of Unexpanded Group A Plastic† 2. Cartoned on in a wooden crate that contains >25 percent up to 40 percent by volume of Expanded Group A Plastic† 3. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains a mix of Unexpanded and Expanded Group A Plastic within the Group A region of Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a) † • Cartoned Expanded Group A 1. Cartoned or in a wooden crate that contains >40 percent by volume Expanded Group A Plastic† • Exposed Unexpanded Group A 1. Exposed that contains >15 percent by weight of Unexpanded Group A Plastic† 2. Exposed that contains >5 percent up to 25 percent by volume of Expanded Group A Plastic† 3. Exposed that contains a mix of Unexpanded and Expanded Plastic within the Group A Unexpanded region of Figure 5.6.3.3.3(b) † • Exposed Expanded Group A 1. Exposed that contains >25 percent by volume Expanded Group A Plastic† † Remainder being noncombustible, wood, paper, natural or synthetic fibers or Group A, Group B or Group C Plastics If the product is stored on a non-listed high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene plastic pallets, the commodity classification is bumped up one commodity classification for non-reinforced pallets and two commodity classifications for reinforced pallets, except that no additional increase in commodity classification is required beyond a Group A Plastic designation.

As an aid to further ease the proper identification of the commodity classification, a new Table A.5.6.1.1 has been added to the Annex to provide a roadmap for navigation for these rules. The use of this Table starts by identifying the construction material for the stored product in the first column, then moving to the second column to identify the packaging materials, and along to the third column to include the type of pallet, if any, utilized for support of the load which then lands the user in the fourth column that either identifies the commodity classification or directs the user to the appropriate Figure and/or Section for final determination.

12 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

#

Product Material

Packaging Material

1

Toilet Tissue

Plastic Wrapped

2

Wax Coated Paper Cups

Cartoned

3

Banded Load of 4ft x 8ft Sheets of Plywood

None

4

Noncombustible powder

One-gallon plastic container

Figure 3. Classifying commodities.

Classifying Commodities Now that we’re armed with these mandatory provisions of NFPA 13 related to the determination of the proper commodity classification, let’s take a stab at classifying a few commodities. (See Figure 3 above.)

Using the provided definitions for commodities in Chapter 5 and the aid of Table A.5.6.1.1 we can step through each as follows: 1. Toilet tissue is a paper product falling within the bounds of the definition of a Class III Commodity. The inclusion of the plastic wrapping material would fall well within the 5 percent weight/ volume allowance for a plastic material within the packaged load also within the bounds of a Class III Commodity.

2. Paper cups would certainly also fall within the bounds of the definition of a Class III Commodity; however, the definitions do not provide specific guidance as to how to address a waxcoated paper product. For purposes of evaluation let’s assume we would treat it as a Group A Plastic component and again this coating material would surely fall well below the threshold of the 5 percent weight/volume allowance of a plastic material.

So, another Class III Commodity.

3. Plywood is a wood product again within the exact bounds of a Class III Commodity.

4. A noncombustible powder would fall within the bounds of a Class I or Class II Commodity; however, the material is contained in a one-gallon plastic container. The definitions for these two Commodity classifications do not allow for any plastic materials within the packaged load. Assuming that the plastic container material does not exceed the 5 percent weight/ volume allowance, the Commodity could then be considered a Class III Commodity.

Wow that was easy – Class III Commodities across the board. But how accurate was our determination? Let’s take a look. Aside from the definitions previously provided and discussed, additional Annex material is provided in the way of Commodity classification examples in Tables A.5.6.3, A.5.6.3.1, A.5.6.3.2, A.5.6.3.3, A.5.6.3.4, and A.5.6.4.1 to aid in the proper Commodity classification. Taking a look at Table A.5.6.3 (the alphabetical listing of Commodity classification examples) for each of the above described examples we find the following: 1. Tissue Products; Plastic Wrapped; Uncartoned – Group A Nonexpanded (since it is uncartoned, it would further be designated as Exposed Unexpanded Group A Plastic) 2. Cellulosic Paper Products; Wax Coated (e.g., paper plates, cups) Loosely Packed; Cartoned – Group A Nonexpanded (since it is cartoned, it would further be designated as Cartoned Unexpanded Group A Plastic); if the cups are Nested; Cartoned – Class IV Commodity

Standardized Test Commodities Class II

Class III

Class IV

Cartoned Unexpanded Cartoned, Expanded Group A Plastic Group A Plastic

Exposed, Expanded Group A Plastic

Figure 4. Standardized test commodities. Photo reprinted with permission Underwriters Inc. Copyright COPYRIGHT © 2015 UL of LLC. ALL RIGHTSLaboratories RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT2015 MAY UL NOTLLC. BE

REPRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.

3. Wood Products (e.g., fiberboard, lumber, partible board, plywood, pressboard, with smooth ends and edges); bundled solid blocks – Class II Commodity 4. Powders; Noncombustible; Plastic Bottles or Jars up to One-Gallon capacity Cartoned – Class IV As you can see, the utilization of the mandated provisions of Chapter 5 as a means of determination of Commodity classification is fraught with problems that can end up with incorrect Commodity classifications both to a lesser and worse degree than the commodity examples would indicate.

These examples provided in the 2016 edition of NFPA 13 have been completely reworked and revised to enhance the usability and accuracy of the information provided. A significant number of items have been added and deleted and modified based on the best available commodity classification designations. One of the items that the definitions in Chapter 5 fails to address that the examples do address/include is the position of the various combustible materials within the packaged load, such as plastic materials that are positioned at the face of the packaged load that would represent a direct exposure to fire growth as opposed to being an internal element that would not. Additionally, the configuration of the materials including available fire spread paths and available air flow is considered.

From a user perspective, a simple utilization of the rules prescribed in Chapter 5 would fall significantly short of allowing for a proper determination of commodity classification. As a result, the use of the examples in the Annex is an essential part of the proper determination. In the examples reviewed previously, the determination was fairly straightforward once we found a match in the list of

1

examples in the Annex; however, as the real world would have it, we consistently find ourselves in a position to be asked to classify a commodity that is not included in this list. In those circumstances one must use care and significant judgment for such a determination. In reviewing the list of examples in the Annex, one might utilize a comparative assessment technique to try and find a best fit match for something similar to the specific product at hand. As a further judgment, one might consider a comparative burning rate of the specific product against those of the standard test commodities utilized for each of the eight commodity classifications.

A comparative assessment using applied judgment is essential to the proper determination of Commodity classification for the broad range of products that exist and are encountered in the real world; however, this applied judgment cannot be taken lightly. The proper classification of the commodity is essential to the proper design of the system. A misclassification in commodity will result in an incorrectly designed sprinkler system. As you can see – it’s just not that easy. n AUTHOR’S NOTE: Tracey Bellamy, P.E., C.F.P.S., is chief engineering officer for Telgian Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia. He is active in NFPA and represents the company on a number of technical committees including NFPA 13, 30B, and 101.

Bellamy is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with undergraduate and master’s degree in civil engineering. He is a registered Fire Protection and Civil Engineer.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This article and its content are not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 13

Changes in 2016 NFPA 13 Understanding Free Flowing Group A Plastics CHRIS KACHURA, P.E. | Southeast Fire Protection, L.P.

The most important step in developing a design concept for protecting storage occupancies is to determine the overall storage commodity classification. This is not always an easy task, because of the varying extent of products that are stored and the method in which they are packaged. One item that often alters the classification process is the introduction of Group A Plastics into Class I-IV commodities. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has remained constant in dealing with mixed commodities since including the old 231C, Standard for Rack Storage of Materials, as part of its text. The 2016 edition 5.6.1.2.2 states, “Unless the requirements of 5.6.1.2.3 or 5.6.1.2.4 are met, mixed commodity storage shall be protected by the requirements for the highest classified commodity and storage arrangement.” For this reason, understanding the influence of plastics on the overall commodity classification is very important. While there are numerous items involving plastics that could be discussed, this article will limit its discussion to that of “Free Flowing Group A Plastics,” and the changes that have occurred between the 2013 and 2016 editions of NFPA 13.

indicated in the 1-oz and 2-oz bottle criteria. Examples of a free-flowing material would be plastic bottle caps, plastic pellets, plastic beads, packing peanuts under specific conditions, and numerous items. It is important to note that the method in which the item is stored is just as important as the type of material it is in determining if we can consider it to be free-flowing plastic or

not. Product in plastic bags has always been the baseline standard, but any storage media that will give way under fire conditions allowing the product to freely flow from its confines will allow for an item to be classified accordingly.

One of the changes in the 2016 edition that addresses Free-Flowing Group A Plastics is the addition of Table

Copyright 2015 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Licensed, by agreement, for individual use and single download via NFCSS All Access on October 5, 2015 This document is for NFPA Committee use only by Thomas Wellen. No other reproduction or transmission in any form permitted without written permission of NFPA. For inquires or to report unauthorized use, contact licensing@nfpa.org.

First and foremost, it is important to understand what a free-flowing plastic is.

The 2016 edition 3.9.1.14 states, “FreeFlowing Plastic Material: Those plastics that fall out of their containers during a fire, fill flue spaces, and create a smothering effect on the fire. Examples include powder, pellets, flakes, or random-packed small objects [e.g., razor blade dispensers, 1-oz to 2-oz (28-g to 57-g) bottles].” This is a definition that has remained the same since being included in the text of NFPA 13 in the 2002 edition. These plastic materials can be expanded or unexpanded in nature, and are rather small in size as 14 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

13–298

Table A.5.6.1.1

INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Continued Characteristics of Unit Load

Material Used to Construct Product Entirely Group B plastics, or a mix of these with noncombustible, wood, paper, natural fibers, or Group C plastics materials Entirely Group B plastics, or a mix of these with noncombustible, wood, paper, natural fibers, or Group C plastics materials Entirely Group B plastics, or a mix of these with noncombustible, wood, paper, natural fibers, or Group C plastics materials Group A Plastics Free-flowing Group A plastic materials Free-flowing Group A plastic materials Entirely unexpanded Group A plastic Entirely unexpanded Group A plastic Entirely unexpanded Group A plastic Entirely expanded Group A plastic Entirely expanded Group A plastic Mix of Group A plastics, noncombustible, wood, paper, natural fibers, Group B or C plastics materials Mix of Group A plastics, noncombustible, wood, paper, natural fibers, Group B or C plastics materials Mix of Group A plastics, noncombustible, wood, paper, natural fibers, Group B or C plastics materials Mix of Group A plastics, noncombustible, wood, paper, natural fibers, Group B or C plastics materials

Packaging Material

Pallet Material

Commodity Class

Plastic

Class IV or cartoned unexpanded Group A plastic; see 5.6.2

Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, or wood boxes, with plastic internal packaging

None, metal, or wood

See Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a)

Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, or wood boxes, with plastic internal packaging

Plastic

See 5.6.2 and Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a)

None

Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, wood boxes, or bagged Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, wood boxes, or bagged

None, metal, or wood

Class IV

Plastic

Class IV or cartoned unexpanded Group A plastic; see 5.6.2 Cartoned unexpanded Group A plastic Exposed unexpanded Group A plastic See Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a)

Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, or wood boxes None

None, metal, wood, or plastic

Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, or wood boxes, with internal plastic packaging Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, or wood boxes, with or without internal plastic packaging None

None, metal, wood, or plastic

Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, or wood boxes, with or without internal plastic packaging Corrugated cartons, wooden crates, or wood boxes

None, metal, or wood

Plastic

See 5.6.2 and Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a)

None

None, metal, or wood

See Figure 5.6.3.3.3(b)

None

Plastic

See 5.6.2 and Figure 5.6.3.3.3(b)

None, metal, wood, or plastic

None, metal, wood, or plastic

Cartoned expanded Group A plastic

None, metal, wood, or plastic

Exposed expanded Group A plastic See Figure 5.6.3.3.3(a)

Note: This table provides guidance for the general characteristics to be considered in classifying a commodity.

The additional commodity classification information included in this standard as well as any relevant test data that is available should be considered in identifying the appropriate classification.

Figure 1. NFPA 13 Table A.5.6.1.1 excerpt. Reprinted with permission from NFPA 13-2013, NFPA 13-2016, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook, Copyright © 2012, 2015, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is 2016 Edition only by the standard in its entirety. represented

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cal rack members supporting building shall be protected The maximum horizontal spacing between in-rack 17.1.2 Sprinkler Protection Criteria.

16.3.3.5 Wherethe required

by Table 16.3.3.1, one level of17.1.5.4 K-8.0 in accordance with one the following: sprinklers shall be 5 ft (1.5 m).

(115) or of K-11.2 (160) quick-response, ordinary-temperature 17.1.2.1* Plastic commodities shall be protected in accorin-rack sprinklers shall be installed at the tier level closest to dance with Figure 17.1.2.1. (See Section C.21.) but not exceeding one-half of the maximum storage height.

16.3.3.5.1 In-rack sprinkler hydraulic design criteria shall be Plasticsas Plastics Cartons that contain Group A plastic material can be treated the most hydraulically remote eight sprinklers atNote: 60 gpm Class IV commodities under the following conditions: (230 L/min).

(1) There shall be multiple layers of corrugation outer Group A or equivalent Group B

material that would significantly delay fire involvement Protect of the as 16.3.3.5.2 In-rack sprinklers shall be located at the intersecGroup C A Group B Class IV Group A plastic. tion ofGroup the longitudinal and transverse flue space.

Class III

Class IV

Group C Protect as Class III

(2) The amount and arrangement of Group A plastic material within an

16.3.3.5.3 Horizontal spacing shall not be permitted ordinary to ex- carton would not be expected to significantly increase ceed 5 ft (1.5 m) intervals.

Exposed Free flowing the fire hazard. Cartoned Protect using Protect as Cartoned, expanded or Exposed, expanded 16.3.3.5.4 The minimum of 6 in.

(150 mm) vertical clear Chapter 17 Class IV nonexpanded, and (outside the scope space shall be maintained between the sprinkler deflectors exposed, nonexpanded of Chapter 17) and the top of a tier of storage.

(A) Sprinkler discharge shall not be obstructed by horizontal rack members.

Free-flowing

Stable (see Chapter 17) 16.3.3.5.5Class IV sprinklers shall be located at an intersecIn-rack

Nonexpanded Protect using only the portions of Chapter 17 applicable to exposed nonexpanded plastics

Expanded Protect using only the portions of Chapter 17 applicable to exposed expanded plastics

tion of transverse and longitudinal flues while not exceeding FIGURE 17.1.2.1 the Decision maximumTree. spacing rules.

FIGURE 17.1.2.1 Tree.2016 edition. Reprinted with Figure 2. NFPA 13 Figure 17.1.2.1 Decision Tree, 2013 edition. Reprinted with Figure 3. NFPA 13 Figure 17.1.2.1Decision Decision Tree, 16.3.3.5.6 flues exceed permission from NFPA 13-2013, NFPA Where 13-2016,distances Automaticbetween Sprinkler transverse Systems Handpermission from NFPA 13-2013, NFPA 13-2016, Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handthe maximum allowable distances, sprinklers book, Copyright © 2012, 2015, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, shall MA. be installed book, Copyright © 2012,The 2015, National Fire Protection Association, 17.1.2.2 design criteria of Chapter 17 for Quincy, single- MA. and Edition at the intersection of theposition transverse longitudinal flues, This reprinted2013 material is not the complete and official of theand NFPA on the This reprinted material is not complete and official position of the NFPA on the double-row rackthe storage of Group A plastic commodities shall and additional sprinklers shall be installed between transverse be applicable aislesonly areby3.5 (1.1 m) orentirety. greater in referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety. referenced subject, which is where represented the ft standard in its flues to meet the maximum distance rules. width.

16.3.3.5.7 Where no transverse flues exist, in-rack sprinklers Storage with aisles less than 3.5 ft (1.1 m) shall be A.5.6.1.1 “General shall Guide Identifying packaging is identified 17.1.2.3 as designer israck attempting notto exceed the maximummethod spacing of rules. protected as multiple-row storage. to classify plastics, the Commodity Class for Solid Comcartons, wooden wood Groupthe question simply becomes is the 16.3.3.5.8 In-rack sprinklerscorrugated shall be a minimum of 3 in. crates,17.1.2.4 B plastics and free-flowing Group A plastics mm) at radially of theor rack uprights. bustibles.” This table(76looks the from the sideboxes, bagged for both options.shall Howcommodity exposed, or be protected the same ascartoned, Class IV commodities.

16.3.3.5.9 and Face type sprinklers such be located product material, packaging, of inever, theracks palletshall material is different17.1.2.5 and At that point thetheonly item Groupfree-flowing.

C plastics shall be protected same as within the rack a minimum of 3 in. (76 mm) from rack upClass III commodities. pallet used for storage to identify the clearly affects in commodity class even requiring additional consideration are rights and no more than 18 in. (460 mm) from the aisle face of 17.1.2.6 Sprinkler protection storage. resulting commodity class. Figure 1 is an though the material product remained exposed plastics.criteria for the storage of Group A plastic commodities on racks shall be in accordance 16.3.4 Design StorageAs of you Classcan I Through excerpt from that table in Special reference to for Rack constant. see, items that are conwith Section 17.2 for storage up to 25 ft (7.6 m) and SecIV Commodities Stored Over 25 ft (7.6 m) in Height. tion and 17.3 for storage over 25the ft (7.6 m).

Free-Flowing GroupClass A Plastics. sidered to be free-flowing by material Hopefully new additions and changes 16.3.4.1 Where high-expansion foam systems are used for 17.1.2.7* Protection criteria for Group A plastics shall be perstorage arrangement are reduced to Class to the 2016 edition will help simplify the storage over 25 ft (7.6 m) high up to and including 35 ft mitted for the protection of the same storage height and conAs you can see, Free-Flowing Group IV in commodity. this partial figuration table has of Class process of classification for designers.

As (11 m) high, theyAshall be used combinationWhile with ceiling I, II, III, and IV commodities. plastics have two linessprinklers. occupied. The been included for reference to the 17.1.2.8* conversa-The ceiling we discussed earlier, the benefit of design criteria for single-, double-, and 16.3.4.2 The maximum submergence time for the high- I would tion on free-flowing material, classifying an17item free-flowing multiple-row racks in Chapter shallasbea based on openGroup rack expansion foam shall be 5 minutes for Class I, Class II, or configurations as defined in 3.9.3.7.4. suggest that you visit it and review the A Plastic has the major advantage of being Class III commodities and 4 minutes for Class IV commodities.

17.1.2.9 Protection. protection of Group A complete table as it address Class I-IV and Alternative able to reduce toThe a Class IV commodity plastic commodities requiring a greater level of protection Group A, B, and C Plastic Commodities.

It design criteria.

Even thoughsystem mostshall Authorithan is available from the overhead sprinkler be Chapter 17 Protection ofalso Rack Storage of Plastic and permitted to be protected in accordance with 17.1.2.9.1 addresses mixed group commodities. ties Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) will not Rubber Commodities through 17.1.2.9.7.

have adopted the 2016 standard now or in 17.1.2.9.1 Where the storage rack will not be solely dedicated Another change in the 2016 edition is the near future, I would still encourage to the storage ofthe commodities requiring a greater level of pro17.1.1 This chapter shall apply to storageTree” of plastic andin rubthe overhead “Decision located Chaptertection 17. than is available everyonefrom to look closely atsprinkler it fromsystem, ber commodities stored in racks. The requirements of Chapeither of the following shall apply: Figure 2 shows Figure 17.1.2.1 from the beginning to end. n 2013 edition. This is the same decision tree that has appeared in NFPA 13 since it was 2016 Edition ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Kachura, P.E., is a major projects salesman and project manager for first included in the 2002 edition.

17.1 General.

The thing to notice is that Class A Plastics have only two options for selection, and it shows that expanded or unexpanded, and exposed, unexpanded plastics were divided into stable and free-flowing. Figure 3 is Figure 17.1.2.1 of NFPA 13 2016 edition.

The tree remains unchanged at the first level, but the differences are quickly noticeable when looking at the subgroups of the Group A Plastics.

The first level of Group A plastics are now separated into cartoned, exposed, and free-flowing. These changes were made to help simplify the identification of commodity classes, and to place free-flowing as a standalone consideration. Now when a 16 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

Southeast Fire Protection, L.P., Houston, Texas. He has a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics from Texas Tech University, multiple licenses with the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office, and is a registered P.E. in the State of Texas.

He is a member of the NFPA 30 Storage and Warehouse of Containers and Portable Tanks Committee, AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This article and its content are not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

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Getting the Design Basis Right Understanding the Modifiers ROLAND J. HUGGINS, P.E. | American Fire Sprinkler Association

There comes a time when many ask, “What does NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, mean by that?”.

This is especially prevalent with some of the modifiers that affect the commodity classification, the single most important aspect of the design. This came to my attention again recently when asked about changing wood crates to plastic ones for storing fresh fruit.

The storage arrangement was solid pile, nonexpanded, exposed Group A plastic at 20 ft of storage with a 32-ft ceiling. The density for a stable pile is 1.1 gpm/ft2. If the pile was considered unstable, it would be a density of only 0.6 gpm/ft2. Such a difference has a rather significant impact on the cost, especially if driven to an on-site tank with a fire pump. Getting it wrong, though, has a big liability hanging over one’s head for the life of your company. There’s also the issue of being able to explain why the modifier applies to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) if questioned during the plans review.

In reality, there are two basic groups of modifiers: those that change the commodity classification and those that impact the design basis. From a fire dynamics perspective, the commodity classification is the amount of heat that is released due to the material itself as well as the form it takes (surface area to mass ratio). The variables impacting the design basis (density or size of remote area) otherwise assigned to a specific commodity classification are mostly about how the setting affects the amount of heat released. To keep it from being too simple, variables like surface area fall into both camps. The difference, though, will be apparent.

In the broad sense of things, we have eight commodity classifications made up of Class I-IV commodities and the family of Group A plastics (subdivided into four groups). These sub-categories are: expanded, nonexpanded, cartoned, and exposed. One could argue that cartoned is more a setting/environment factor instead of being a material characteristic. Keep in mind, though, that we look at pallet loads in a cumulative or overall perspective. From a pure heat release perspective, the minimal amount of paper presented by the carton is irrelevant. It’s the location of the paper and its impact of increasing the time required for the plastic in the adjacent packages to start burning that creates the difference. Nonetheless, with it being such a common aspect of an entire pallet load, it’s not a modifier but a material aspect of the commodity.

To ensure this is still a little confusing, there is a modifier for cartons that changes the commodity classification – cartons that have multiple layers of corrugated cardboard. See the note in the decision 18 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

tree in Chapters 15 and 17. On a very literal sense, if you take a cross sectional view, there is a layer of paper, a layer of folds or alternate furrows and ridges (the definition of corrugated), a layer of paper, a layer of corrugation, and a final layer of paper sandwiching the corrugation. (See Figure 1 on page 19.) This was pretty common in the past where products were heavier and the cartons needed more strength and more likely it was there to provide a degree of protection against impact damage. Now with Styrofoam protecting the components in the carton, this feature is not very common. I’ve seen cardboard walls a 1/2-inch thick. I’ve also seen a very lightweight double corrugation no more than 1/8 in. Unfortunately, this variable is not quantified (like we do for defining combustible paper on insulation in Section 8.15.1.2.12 being limited to 1,000 BTU/ft2). It has to be thick enough to significantly delay the growth of the fire. When it is, a product that is otherwise a cartoned, Group A plastic becomes a Class IV commodity. This reduction also applies to cartons where – “the amount and arrangement of Group A plastics within an ordinary carton would not be expected to significantly increase the fire hazard.” This doesn’t mean a standard compartmented carton (where there are single ply cardboard dividers separating the items in the carton). Such a compartmented carton is the standard test assembly used for cartoned nonexpanded Group A plastics. This one is even harder to determine if applicable. At least with the multiple layers of corrugation one need only be a little conservative on the overall thickness, but this one leaves nothing to hang your hat on. There is one point that should be emphasized regarding this allowance. Both the allowances appear in one note that says – “under the following conditions.” This leaves it a little murky as to whether they are separate allowances or that both must occur together. Fortunately, note (2) says within an “ordinary” carton meaning a single layer of corrugation. Since a carton can’t be both, we have our answer.

Moving to the product itself, we have solid unit load. This one applies only to Group A, nonexpanded plastics. It’s effectively solid blocks of plastic whereby the fire burns just on the exterior (and burns slower due to a lower surface area to weight ratio). It only applies to solid pile storage. It is not an aspect of the pile, but of the pallet load within a pile. It allows a very large reduction in density.

The next modifier that can affect the commodity classification is the well-known plastic pallet. With this being so well known (and well addressed by NFPA 13), there are only a couple of aspects I want to touch. One is that for ceiling-only protection, plastic pallets are ignored when using spray sprinklers with a minimum K-factor of 16.8. Another is that, although we don’t use the term

“stability,” a modifier to be discussed shortly, an unreinforced plastic pallet presents an unstable load thus requiring a smaller increase. A final point is that even though the plastic constitutes a fairly small percentage of the overall pallet, its exterior location combined with the optimum burning configuration presented by a pallet, causes a big impact on the classification. When applying the unreinforced classification, consideration should be given to whether or not the client will know if there is a future change to reinforced pallets.

Location of the material is an item that doesn’t get a lot of attention but, as indicated by the plastic pallet, can greatly impact the commodity classification. The challenging part is that this characteristic conflicts with the allowance for some Group A plastics in the definitions for Class III and IV commodities. You can have a block of steel incased in Styrofoam that meets the definition of a Class IV commodity (contains Group A plastic that is no more than 15 percent by weight and 25 percent by volume), but it will burn like an exposed, expanded Group A plastic. This is explicitly addressed when it comes to plastic crates as shown in the examples in Table A.5.6.4.1 for milk containers in a plastic crate being assigned as a nonexpanded, Group A plastic but is easy to overlook in when evaluating general products.

A final modifier impacting the commodity classification is chemical additives. We are used to embracing fire retardants as a modifier such as when used to omit sprinklers in combustible concealed spaces. Its acceptance is more elusive, though, when addressing material characteristics, since these compounds are generally more a matter of reducing the potential for ignition without reducing the heat released once it’s burning. That’s one reason why A.5.6.4 says that fire retardants should not be relied upon as a sole basis in the reduction of classifications.

Let’s now look at modifiers that impact the design basis that aren’t functions of the material itself. Although we don’t think of it as such, the category of storage arrangement is a modifier. Rack storage presents a more demanding fire than solid pile since there is more exposed surface area. The aspect of surface area though is not simply based on what you can see, but what can readily burn.

As such, it is what you can see that can get an adequate supply of air. Racks allow a lot more air flow to surface areas (while still having the material close together in an optimum vertical orientation thus increasing the rate of fire growth as shown by fires flying up the flue space) than solid piles. This is indicated by Section 15.2.2.6 that allows Chapter 17 criteria to be applied in place of Chapter 15 criteria. This is a little surprising because it allows a remote area of only 2,000 ft2 instead of the standard 2,500 ft2 required by Chapter 15. It should be noted that there isn’t a similar allowance between Chapters 14 and 16 on Class I-IV commodities. This was discussed at the technical meetings for the 2016 edition and I thought it was being added but that didn’t happen (at least not yet). A more subtle air flow factor is between double row racks and multiple row racks. With aisles next to all the pallets, the double row racks are more challenging.

That’s why we have to provide additional protection for double row racks with solid shelving but you can have the same amount of obstructed rack area between the transverse flues in a multiple

Figure 1. Multiple layers of corrugation.

rack, and it’s considered an open rack. On the other hand, through not burning as vigorously, less water is reaching the fire so this variable increases the requirement for in-rack sprinklers.

Within the solid pile arrangement, the impact of air flow is a less significant factor as indicated by it impacting only the criteria for Group A plastic. It is addressed by the pile being either an open or closed array as defined by the presence of vertical flues (greater than 6 in. is classified as open). A closed array allows a slight reduction in the size of the remote area (2,500 ft2 to 2,000 ft2), making it more a concern regarding flame spread versus increased fire hazard.

Let’s now move to the well-known issue of encapsulation. Per its definition, it’s a pallet load of combustible products that are enclosed in plastic. A critical aspect is that the top of the load must also be covered. Otherwise, it’s just a wrapped pallet. As would be expected, it includes a pallet full of products that are individually wrapped in plastic. When applicable, the density takes a big jump. For 20 ft of solid pile, Class I with high-temperature sprinklers, the density is 0.153 gpm/ft2 whereas when encapsulated it’s 0.46 gpm/ft2. For 20 ft of Class I in racks (8-ft aisle, high temperature sprinklers, and no in-rack sprinklers) in double row racks it is 0.29 gpm/ft2 verses 0.47 gpm/ft2 respectively. In multiple row racks, it’s 0.37 gpm/ft2 verses 0.463 gpm/ft2.

It’s interesting that each storage arrangement follows a different approach for increasing the density. Solid pile uses a curve without encapsulation, but a single point without a difference for height or sprinkler temperature rating. Single and double row racks use two different curves. Multiple row racks uses a single curve with a 25 percent increase for encapsulation of Class I-III and 50 percent for Class IV. This big jump in density implies that the hazard is greatly increased. To be candid, that is not the case. The Sprinkler Handbook talks about how much more difficult it is when the product is encapsulated. That’s a valid statement. It also says that Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 19

it presents too difficult of a fire to go beyond 20 ft. That’s a less-than-valid statement. The reality is that the tests were conducted back when only K-5.6 and K-8.0 sprinklers were available. It isn’t that encapsulation presents a hazard that we are barely able to control with today’s sprinklers, but that the older smaller K-factors could barely control it. Today, we knock down the fire whereas before with higher challenges, the sprinklers were either chasing the fire or just keeping it from getting any bigger and simply burning itself out. An example of this difference is the already identified allowance to ignore plastic pallets when using a K-16.8 or greater spray sprinkler. For those interested in more information on the degree of improvement, see “Evolution for the Protection of Storage” in the February 2010 issue of Sprinkler Age. Although the standard requires the use of a K-11.2 or greater when the density is 0.34 gpm/ft2 or greater, there’s never been a reevaluation of the limits imposed on encapsulation.

Pile stability impacts only solid pile Group A plastic. As identified by its definition, an unstable pile will collapse, have spillage of contents, or lean across the flue spaces early in the fire. In effect, it cuts off the flues slowing the growth in that portion of the pile and pushes the fire to predominately the pile exterior, reducing the exposed surface area. Although this sounds much like a closed array, stability allows a greater reduction in the required volume of water. This modifier is not just about blocking the flues, but also incorporates the high likelihood of generating some reduction in the height of storage. This is a difficult characteristic to evaluate. It is certainly easier when the load is not cartoned and plastic wrapped. It still requires that the product provides marginal structural capability without the wrap. If you have thick plastic cartons, they are typically viewed as not losing their stability early in the fire. This doesn’t mean that this characteristic applies only to pallets that can’t remain standing without their plastic wrapping. It can be applied to cartoned products, though it isn’t a given. We gather this guidance from the definition of compartmented (for cartons) that states it presents a stable unit under fire conditions. This is also repeated in the annex under pile stability.

It also states that when not compartmented, cartons tend to be unstable. This doesn’t mean that all cartoned piles jump to unstable. It depends on the contents of the carton, along with the overall weight and height of the pile. If the interior arrangement of the product is capable of carrying the load, the loss of the exterior portion of cardboard is not going to cause collapse or leaning. If the load is basically carried by the carton, but you only have three pallets of a very light product, it’s likely to remain stable. If it is heavy enough that the cartons are already showing signs of buckling, it’s an easy call. The taller it gets (ignoring the obvious increase in carried weight), the less deflection it takes for the pile to lean. A final aspect is that this event must occur early in the fire. Though early in the fire is not quantified, the Sprinkler Handbook tells us it is in the first minute or two after activation of the first sprinkler. I’m not sure if enough data can be gleamed from fire modeling, but the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) will be doing a study to see if this characteristic can be better quantified.

The last modifier to be addressed is free flowing. It is another item that impacts only Group A plastics but applies to both solid pile 20 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

and rack storage. The definition provides a really good starting point by stating that it consists of small products that will fall out of their container during the fire. It even provides examples such as flakes, pellets, and small objects like razor blade dispensers or up to 2-oz bottles. Unfortunately, the remainder of the definition contributes to confusing the issue by stating that it will fill the flue space, creating a smothering effect. This implies that there must be a massive amount of material flowing into the flue, along with the assumption that it must occur early in the fire (as actually stated for unstable piles). Otherwise, how can this reduce the fire hazard? This leads to very restrictive interpretations such as thinking it must be very large containers that open quickly when exposed to fire (aka big plastic bags). If you start with the question, “How can small bottles flow out fast enough to fill the flue?,” it opens the door to the rest of the story. As the exterior of the container fails, if most of the contents spill out, that will put the Group A plastics down on the floor (or slowly filling the flue).

The fire up in the rack or pile (where the conditions to burn vigorously are far more optimal than a pile on the floor) has both less available fuel and less demanding fuel. Thus, it is treated as a Class IV commodity instead of a Group A plastic. This tells us several things. One is that it doesn’t have to be big containers.

Two, it can apply to non-compartmented cartons. Three, it was not an oversight that it does not say “must occur early in the fire.”

It’s also worth pointing out that this modifier applies to both nonexpanded and expanded plastic including exposed expanded.

This did not become clear until the 2016 edition. In prior editions, there was a difference between Chapter 15 and Chapter 17 whereby rack storage located this issue further down the decision tree (after the decision was made on exposed expanded).

Now Chapter 17 correlates with Chapter 15 where it’s addressed, immediately after the Group A plastic decision.

The modifiers that affect the assigned commodity classification or design basis have been around for quite a while. Considering how critical this part of the design is, we’re fortunate that most of them are pretty straightforward. For those that are ambiguous, if more clarity cannot be provided by the technical committee, there will be a discussion on deleting them (much like what previously occurred with the 11/2-ft to 3-ft clearance modifier). n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roland Huggins, P.E. is the vice president of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a member of the NFPA. Huggins has served on the NFPA Standards Council and is a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13, NFPA 25, and NFPA 5000 (Building Code). NFPA activities include participating on the editing of the Sprinkler Handbook and Fire Protection Handbook. Other national activities involve the NFPA Research Foundation, UL Standard Technical Panels, and NICET. Huggins is a veteran.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This article and its content are not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

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Come Have a Grand Ole Time!

Celebrate AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition It’s a big anniversary for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA): the 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition! To be held in Nashville, Tennessee, “A Grand Ole Opportunity: AFSA in Nashville,” will be housed in the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center September 14-17. This year’s event promises a record-breaking 66.5 hours of technical and managerial seminars offering CEU/CPD credits, entertaining social events, an exciting apprentice competition, and a fascinating exhibit hall!

Bigger and Better Due to an increase in attendance over the years at the AFSA Annual Convention, there is a need to increase the group room block at the 2016 headquarter hotel. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, will remain the official AFSA headquarter hotel for the 2016 Convention but was unable to provide more rooms during the original dates that were booked years ago. Therefore, we are moving the dates up slightly to accommodate the increase in AFSA convention attendance. Note that this year’s convention dates have changed to September 14-17 to accommodate the increased room block AFSA needed to guarantee due to overwhelming interest in this year’s event.

This year’s convention offers three days packed with seminars, exhibits, social events, and networking. As host to the industry’s largest and most comprehensive exposition featuring companies from across the globe, the AFSA exhibition is a proven opportunity for people to connect with great prospects as well as grow and cultivate their existing networks. 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 23rd National Apprentice Competition. Other highlights include the evening parties and social events, as well as a chance to relax with friends during the networking meals – three breakfasts and three lunches – hosted for attendees who are fully registered in AFSA’s room block at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

The final night Awards Party will be at the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville, complete with a Johnny Cash impersonator. The museum, called the “Smithsonian of Country Music” because of its unrivaled collection, recently unveiled a $100 million expansion, doubling its size to 350,000 ft2 of dynamic state-of-the-art galleries, archival storage, education classrooms, retail stores, and special event space boasting stunning downtown views.

22 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

Gold and platinum records decorate the Country Music Hall of Fame, the setting for AFSA’s Awards Night Party. Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.

Tours include the Belle Meade Plantation, a beautiful GreekRevival mansion commissioned by John Harding in 1845; an “Iron Chef ”-style Cooking Competition and tasting; a Clay Shooting Competition; and Wine & Whiskey Distillery Tour.

Convention Headquarter Hotel Experience the finest in Southern hospitality at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This premier Opryland hotel offers guests an unforgettable getaway with all the excitement and energy of Music City under one spectacular roof. Located only 10 minutes from the airport and featuring an extraordinary selection of dining, shopping, recreational activities and entertainment, there’s never a shortage of things to do at this resort. After unwinding at Relâche Spa & Salon, make a splash at the indoor or outdoor pool, hit the gym at

AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is a “grand ole opportunity” for education, training and fun!

the state-of-the-art fitness center, or explore nine acres of lush, indoor gardens and cascading waterfalls. Following a day of Nashville fun, return to deluxe accommodations with modern amenities including complimentary in-room Internet.

This premier resort also impresses with its Gaylord Springs Golf Links, home to the AFSA Convention Golf Tournament.

Gaylord Springs Golf Links has consistently been recognized among GolfWeek’s best courses to play in Tennessee. Carved from the banks of the meandering Cumberland River, the Scottish links-style, par-72 layout offers 18 holes bordered by limestone bluffs and wetlands. With challenges around every fairway bend, Gaylord Springs forces players to think and react, creating a satisfying finish every time a flag is pulled from the cup.

To be sure you get the benefits of booking in the official AFSA room block, be sure to book directly through AFSA’s convention webpage (firesprinkler.org/convention) or through the helpful and friendly booking agents at 615-889-1000. Be sure to let the booking agent know you want the AFSA Group Rate of $210 (outside view) or $235 (atrium view) plus tax inclusive of resort fee. In addition, request a room closest to the convention center when making your reservation!

AFSA encourages convention attendees to sign up for a Marriott Elite Rewards account if they do not already have one. The advantage to being a Marriott Elite Rewards member at the Gaylord Opryland is that members are eligible to check-in at the Magnolia Desk which is the most convenient location if requesting a room near the convention center. The hotel reservation deadline is Friday, August 12, 2016. After this date, AFSA attendees will not be guaranteed the group rate.

For more information on AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Nashville, visit firesprinkler.org/convention. n IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t let your reservations be hijacked! In the past, several AFSA members have received calls from hotel reserva-

tion companies claiming to be representing AFSA and its convention.

AFSA does not have any housing companies associated with its 2016 Convention & Exhibition. Reservations made at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center through a reservation company, such as Global Housing or Exhibitor Services, do not qualify for AFSA networking meals. While hotel resellers may contact you offering housing for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.

EDITOR’S NOTE: More details on AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition will be forthcoming at firesprinkler.org/convention and brochures will be arriving soon in your mailbox!

2016 Convention Schedule At-A-Glance Wednesday, 9/14/16

11:00am – 5:00pm

Registration Open

1:00pm – 6:30pm

Golf Tournament

Thursday, 9/15/16

7:00am – 6:00pm

Registration Open

7:00am – 8:30am

Networking Breakfast

8:00am – 5:00pm

Seminar Break-Out Sessions

11:30am – 1:00pm

Networking Lunch

5:30pm – 6:30pm

Young Professionals Reception (By Invitation Only)

7:00am – 6:00pm

Registration Open

7:00am – 8:30am

Networking Breakfast

8:00am – 2:30pm

Seminar Break-Out Sessions

11:30am – 1:00pm

Networking Lunch

3:00pm – 5:00pm

General Session

5:00pm – 5:30pm

Exhibitor Appreciation Event

5:30pm – 8:30pm

Chairman’s Reception

6:00am – 3:30pm

Registration Open

7:00am – 8:30am

Networking Breakfast

8:00am – 12:00pm

Seminar Break-Out Sessions

11:30am – 1:00pm

Networking Lunch

11:30am – 3:30pm

Apprenticeship Competition Audience Viewing

12:30pm – 3:30pm

Exhibits Open

6:00pm – 10:00pm

Awards Party

Friday, 9/16/16

Saturday, 9/17/16

Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 23

Where Are They Now? Catching Up With Apprentice Competition Alumni CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association

The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) National Apprentice Competition began in 1994 at the 13th Annual AFSA Convention & Exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That year, for the first time ever, seven apprentice finalists representing member companies from across the country competed to become the champion of this national competition.

Their journey began much earlier, when these seven finalists were just a few of many contestants who first took a 70-question written test to determine who would represent each state in a regional competition. Next, state winners participated in another, longer written exam to decide who would represent each of the seven AFSA member regions at the national competition. Once at the national competition, each of the seven finalists took a three-hour written exam, and while hundreds of AFSA members and guests watched, they installed a mini fire sprinkler system. The installations were graded on accuracy, craftsmanship and safety. Questions for all tests were based on AFSA’s Training for Excellence apprenticeship training course.

Today, 22 years later, the process is still very similar. But the lives of those original competitors, and the ones who came after them, have changed a great deal. Where are some of the former contestants and champions? AFSA caught up with a few of them to see how the competition has affected their lives.

Martha Grazier, 1994 Champion In 1994, the winner of the very first National Apprentice Competition was Martha Grazier, a sprinkler fitter apprentice with Advanced Fire Protection in Woodinville, Washington. “It was a great opportunity,” says Grazier.

“The whole competition helped to boost 24 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

my confidence, and with that confidence I was able to develop my career.”

Grazier went on to advance within her company and become a designer and project manager, focusing primarily on mixed-use buildings. Her boss, Bill McKay of Advanced Fire Protection, still sings her praises to this day. “It was a great accomplishment,” says McKay. “We were all very proud of Martha.”

Kenneth Danes, 2008 Champion Kenneth (Ken) Danes of American Fire Protection, Nampa, Idaho, did not start out in the fire protection industry. In fact, it was his brother that started the company while Danes was serving in the military. After returning from service, Danes decided that it would be fun to work with his brother, and joined the company in June of 2006. He joined as an apprentice: running machine, hanging pipe and digging underground. In 2008, after two years as an apprentice, he

entered AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition, and he won.

Danes believes that it was his varied experience that gave him an edge in the competition. “Because the company was small, I got exposed to everything we did in a very short time,” says Danes.

“Some of the larger companies have people who do just underground, or just overhead, or just plastic. I had a wider breadth of experience because I had to do a little of everything.”

After winning the competition in 2008, Danes stayed with American Fire Protection, honing his craft and eventually advancing into a position as a designer. He plans to become NICET certified in the near future. When asked how winning the National Apprentice Competition may have shaped his career path, Danes says that it provided him with the impetus he needed to continue in the field and excel. “It gave me something to look back at and say ‘I accomplished this, so I can’t go downhill,’” says Danes. “I need to maintain the same kind of work ethic that won the competition.”

Rodney DiBona, 1995 National Finalist Rodney (Rod) DiBona of Rapid Fire Protection, Rapid City, South Dakota, was in high school when a friend’s father offered him a job in his fire sprinkler shop for five dollars an hour. “I think I set a speed record getting there, as that was

almost double what I was making at the donut shop,” says DiBona.

Just five years later, DiBona went on to compete in the National Apprentice Competition, where he was a national finalist and had a blast. “[I] absolutely loved it,” DiBona says. “It drove me to learn anything and everything that I could about the industry. I highly recommend it to all apprentices and companies.”

Today, DiBona is vice president and part owner of Rapid Fire Protection, and serves on its board of directors. He also serves on the AFSA Board of Directors as its Region 3 Director, as well as on its Apprenticeship & Education, Membership, and Contractor’s Support & Advisory Committees. He is a NICET Level III Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout.

His goals for the future include training the next generation using the AFSA apprenticeship program as a tool. He is certainly accomplishing that goal; Rapid Fire has had 17 national finalists, three AFSA national winners and one ABC national apprentice winner.

biomedical engineer, when he went fishing with a childhood friend who was working for Rustic Fire Protection as an apprentice. “I found it very enticing to work with my hands again,” says Giguere, “knowing that I would be building myself a great life with a better balance of work time versus personal time. That afternoon of fishing was definitely the pivotal moment when I decided to leave college and pursue a career in the fire sprinkler industry.”

Four years into his apprenticeship, Giguere decided to try his hand at the AFSA National Apprentice Competition, and jumped at the chance to go to San Diego and compete. “The competition itself was fantastic,” says Giguere. “All of the competitors were extremely friendly and we all stuck together throughout the experience. […] The one thing that really stuck with me from that experience was the overwhelming sense of camaraderie that I saw shared across our industry.

Competitive suppliers, manufacturers and contractors really all came together as one community for this event and that was really special to see.”

Since winning the competition, Giguere has advanced to the position of project manager at Rustic Fire Protection, and he is keeping their construction crew of 18 men busy and productive. In February, he celebrated 10 years of working with Rustic Fire Protection, and credits his boss Chad Dubuc, president of Rustic Fire Protection, as well as his co-workers both in the office and in the field for making the past 10 years great.

Joseph Giguere, 2009 Champion Joseph (Joe) Giguere of Rustic Fire Protection, Norton, Massachusetts, was studying biomedical engineering at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston on a full academic scholarship when he was first introduced to the fire protection industry. He found himself dissatisfied with the career choices he had made thus far, dreading the long hours and little pay he would be facing as a

David Koopman, 1997 Champion David (Dave) Koopman of Southeast Fire Protection, Houston, Texas, joined the Air Force as a fire protection specialist, because he had some previous

AFSA Honors Academic Excellence 2015 Honor Society for Sprinkler Fitter Graduates Announced The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Fire Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society was first established in 2012 to recognize those trainees, along with their sponsoring employers, who have completed all four levels of the AFSA Correspondence Course for Fire Sprinkler Fitters with a cumulative grade point average of 95 percent or above. Inductees into the 2015 class of AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society represent approximately the top 10 percent of the 84 four-level graduates for the year.

Leslie Clounts, AFSA director of education, notes: “It’s a real privilege to recognize these outstanding contractors who have clearly devoted much thought, energy, and time into making AFSA’s sprinkler fitter curriculum work for their training programs. The result of their proficient efforts not only keeps their businesses productive, but may even mold potential future leaders in our industry.”

The following companies are the proud employers of inductees into the 2015 Fire Sprinkler Fitter National Honor Society.

• •

• •

A & E Fire Protection, Canton, MA Cooper Fire Protection Services, Inc., Farmington, NM Encore Holdings, LLC, Pawtucket, RI Fire & Life Safety America (an ECFP Co.), Richmond, VA • Kazal Fire Protection, Inc., Tucson, AZ • Midwestern Mechanical, Sioux Falls, SD • Platinum Fire Protection & Services, Malboro, MA Recognition plaques for the individual students are provided to the sponsoring employer, so that the contractor company can present the plaque to the fire sprinkler fitter graduate at an appropriate time and location. AFSA is also pleased to honor those contractors that participate in this training curriculum and encourage their fitter trainees to study and do well on their tests by recognizing their company in Sprinkler Age. Build Enthusiasm Through Competition AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition will celebrate its 23rd year at the 2016 Annual Convention & Exhibition, September 14-17 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Many contractor employers of fire sprinkler fitter trainees who competed in the annual event state that it builds enthusiasm among all employees and encourages trainees to study the AFSA Apprenticeship Training Program for Fire Sprinkler Fitters books more carefully and improve their performance in the program. Look for details and entry materials for the 2016 National Apprentice Competition in this issue of Sprinkler Age or visit firesprinkler.org/apprentice.

Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 25

experience installing halon systems.

After ending his service in the Air Force, while trying to decide what career move to make next, he was passed on the street one day by a sprinkler truck. “I wrote the number down, called and got a job,” Koopman laughs, “Now I tell all my friends that are still firefighters I have a better response time than you ever will!”

Koopman spent three years working for Southeast Fire Protection before deciding to compete in the AFSA National Apprentice Competition. After coming out the champion, Koopman only has great things to say about the program. “I believe any time you are learning it contributes to you success,” says Koopman. “It was a good experience that I enjoyed tremendously. I recommend it to everyone one that is in the program.”

second place. “I had a great experience when I was competing,” says Newlin. “I would most definitely recommend it to others. For apprentices, it is a great chance to see other aspects of the industry and for employers I think it is a good opportunity to inspire your apprentices to bigger and better things.”

Today, Newlin is the service manager at Aegis Fire Protection in the Kansas City area. He hopes to one day run his own branch, and someday his own fire sprinkler company. Newlin is convinced that competing in the National Apprentice Competition contributed to his current success by inspiring him to strive for more within the industry. “Being at the convention showed me what was possible,” Newlin says, “as well as the work it would take to earn those opportunities.”

Today, Koopman works as a project designer at Southeast Fire Protection, having spent over 20 years with the company. His goal for the immediate future is to obtain his NICET IV and CFPS certifications.

B.J. Newlin, 2006 2nd Place Winner Barnabas (B.J.) Newlin of Aegis Fire Protection, Olathe, Kansas, got into the fire sprinkler industry as a way to pay the bills. It was the first job in construction that he had ever held, and until he began in the industry, he had no concept of how fire sprinklers worked or how they were installed. But he found that he loved it, and just a year later he competed in the 2003 AFSA National Apprentice Competition, finishing in third place as a national finalist. But he wasn’t stopping there; in 2006, Newlin entered the competition again, this time achieving the honor of 26 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

Richard A. Russo, Jr., 2003 Champion Richard (Rick) Russo, Jr., of Connecticut Fire Protection Company, Inc., Milford, Connecticut, comes from a long line of fire protection professionals. His grandfather, Emmanuel Russo, was a business agent for pipe fitters, and signed the first charter for pipe fitters for Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. When Russo was a child he helped with the family business, and continued to do so even after graduating with a bachelor of science in finance from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

Russo had been working in the industry as an apprentice for four years before he decided to compete in AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition. He greatly enjoyed the experience, and came out the champion that year. “I absolutely feel that my participation in the competition contributed to my success in the fire protection industry,” says Russo.

Today, Russo is vice president of operations at Connecticut Fire Protection Company, Inc. He has his journeyman license and his F1 Contracting license, and for four years he served as the chairman of the AFSA Connecticut Chapter. For six years before that, he served as the treasurer of the AFSA Connecticut Chapter.

“My long-term goals are to continue in the fire protection industry, running a successful three-generation family business,” says Russo. “To make the public aware of how truly beneficial fire sprinklers are in saving lives, and to continue supporting AFSA in promotion and public awareness, of fire sprinklers.” Russo would like to thank his father, Richard A. Russo Sr., and his friend and mentor Bob Hollis, without whom he would not be where he is today.

Continuing a Legacy This September, seven new finalists will make their way to Nashville to try their luck at becoming the next AFSA National Apprentice Competition Champion.

Local competitions will be held June 11, and will ultimately determine the top seven national finalists, who will receive an expense-paid trip to Nashville to compete in the AFSA National Apprentice Competition and attend AFSA’s convention as its honorable guests, as well as a complimentary registration for their employer to attend, tools, and cash prizes. After an afternoon of fierce competition on Saturday, September 17, one apprentice will emerge as the best-of-thebest: AFSA’s 2016 Apprentice of the Year. Think you have what it takes?

Submit an application form today (see page 36 of this issue) or enter online at firesprinkler.org. n EDITOR’S NOTE: AFSA’s 23rd Annual National Apprentice Competition will be held during the association’s 35th annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information on the competition, visit firesprinkler.org/apprentice or see page 35 in this issue.

Commodity Classifications The Fire Code and NFPA 13 Standard Don’t Match Up TOM WELLEN, P.E. | American Fire Sprinkler Association

The International Fire Code (IFC), 2015 edition and NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition have different lists for classifications of commodities. When the two differ, which one do you apply? This could place you in a dilemma between you and the fire official or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Let’s look at some of those differences and hopefully this provides some guidance if you find yourself in this situation.

Commodity

IFC

NFPA 13

Alcoholic Beverage not exceeding 20 percent alcohol

Class I

Class I - Group A Plastic nonexpanded

Appliances

Class I

Class II

Frozen foods

Class I

Class I-III

Alcoholic Beverage not exceeding 20 percent alcohol in combustible containers

Class II

Class I

Foods in combustible containers

Class II

Class I – Group A plastic nonexpanded

Thinly coated fine wire on reels or cartons

Class II

Class I – Group A plastic nonexpanded

Fertilizers

Class III

Not Addressed

Noncombustible liquids in plastic containers having a capacity of more than 5 gallons

Class III

Class I – Group A plastic nonexpanded

Plywood

Class III

Class II

Rugs, without foam backing

Class III

Not Addressed

Figure 1 shows a partial list of some commodities from the IFC that differs from the NFPA 13 standard. The list is an example and is not all inclusive of all the differences in commodity classifications. Some commodities are well aligned between the IFC and the NFPA 13 standard and were not noted in Figure 1. Some commodities are listed in Chapter 32 of the IFC and are not specifically referenced in NFPA 13 and vice versa. Examples are ceramics, light bulbs, biomass briquettes or pellets, paints, feed, corn cobs, combustible metal products, etc.

When applying the commodity class per NFPA 13, the makeup of the product or storage determines the commodity class based on judgment. The classification of plastics (Group A, B, or C) between the IFC and NFPA 13 are pretty well aligned with some minor differences.

Rugs, with foam backing

Class IV

Not Addressed

Alcoholic Beverages, exceeding 20 percent but less than 80 percent alcohol, in cans or bottles in cartons

Class IV

Not Addressed

Combustible metals

Class IV

Not Addressed

Shingles, asphalt

Class IV

Class III

The approach in using the IFC is different from the approach in the

Figure 1. Commodity Classification Between the IFC and NFPA 13.

NFPA 13 standard. There are many more aspects for fire protection and life safety to consider when applying the IFC. The NFPA 13 standard considers the sprinkler protection by indicating the discharge criteria to be applied for the stored commodity and how the system is to be installed.

Chapter 32 High-Piled Combustible Storage in the IFC addresses other issues besides sprinkler protection.

These include fire department apparatus access, building access, sprinkler protection, standpipes for exit access, fire detection and alarms, fire extinguishers, smoke and heat vents, etc.

The IFC references high-piled storage so it needs to have some listing of commodities and this is provided in Section 3203 Commodity Classification. Note that the IFC requires sprinklers for the storage occupancy,

but there is no discharge criteria noted for high-piled storage. As such, the IFC is requiring protection and leaving the discharge criteria to the NFPA 13 standard.

The IFC provides a commodity list in Section 3203 since the code references Class I-IV and high-hazard commodities in other areas of the code. This allows the user to make reference to the commodity in the application of the code. The rub comes into play when commodity descriptions don’t match. A code requirement will trump a standard requirement when considering the hierarchy of application. The IFC addresses this in Section 102.7 Referenced Codes and Standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code are listed in Chapter 80 shall be considered to be part of the requireSprinkler Age | March/April 2016 27

ments of this code. This makes the standard part of the code. This is followed by Section 102.7.1 Conflicts, where it says the provisions of this code apply when conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards. This is also followed by Section 102.7.2 Provisions in Referenced Codes and Standards, stating the IFC shall take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard. Thus, the code takes precedence over the installation standard in the application of the IFC. On the other hand, when the NFPA 13 standard does not indicate the commodity class of a product but the IFC does, at least there is some guidance on the commodity class. The issue of the IFC commodity class overriding the commodity class of the NFPA 13 standard could result in inadequate protection. The discharge from the sprinkler systems has to be based on the commodity classes from the NFPA 13 standard for adequate protection. The IFC expects that since there is no discharge criteria provided in Chapter 32.

Let’s provide an example of a conflict in the commodity classification such as frozen foods. Figure 1 on page 27 shows the commodity class from the IFC is Class I and the NFPA 13 standard shows Class I-III. The Conflicts section above says to use the commodity classification from the IFC. This makes a huge difference in the application of a frozen foods warehouse regarding smoke and heat vents. Table 3206.2 indicates for high-piled storage over 2,501 ft2 can require smoke and heat vents and Section 3206.7 refers to Section 910 in the IFC. This says in Section 910.2 that where required, smoke and heat vents or a mechanical smoke removal system shall be installed. The exception is frozen food warehouses used solely for storage of Class I and II commodities where protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. If the clarification regarding conflicts were not present in the IFC, the commodity class from the annex material within NFPA 13 would try to be applied. If the IFC allowed 28 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

NFPA 13 to dictate the commodity class, this would result in smoke and heat vents to be required for the frozen foods warehouse. That would be problematic and also not the intent of the IFC. So, it makes sense that the IFC is calling out commodities so the other requirements of the code are applied correctly.

The IFC also refers to commodities as high hazard. There are no such references to high hazard with regard to commodities in the NFPA 13 standard. The IFC defines in Chapter 2 high-piled combustible storage and references high-hazard commodities.

The definition says that high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets and similar commodities, where the top of storage is greater than 6 ft in height.

We see in the NFPA 13 standard that it addresses these high-hazard commodities as individual storage chapters or separate codes and standards referenced in Chapter 22 Special Occupancy Requirements.

An important concept to note in the IFC is that high-hazard commodities are not to be confused with high-hazard occupancy Group H. The term high hazard used in the context of the IFC describes storage commodities that can present high-challenge fires. Some of the commodities listed may result in a Group H occupancy classification whereas others would not.

Flame retardants can also affect commodity classification and are addressed by both the IFC and NFPA 13. The IFC acknowledges in Section 3203.1 that the use of flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of the material could change the classification and refers to Section 3203.7 for classification of Group A, B and C plastics. The NFPA 13 standard has similar wording in the annex of A.5.6.4. It says the categories listed in Sections 5.6.4.1, 5.6.4.2, and 5.6.4.3 are based on unmodified plastic materials. The use of fire- or flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of the material could

change the classification. The annex material explains that the addition of fire retardants to plastic should not be relied upon as the sole basis for a reduction in classification given the unknown performance of the fire retardant under a storage scenario. It is expected that full-scale or commodity classification type testing would be necessary to justify any such reduction in classification. No reduction in classification should be given for plastics simply because they contain a fire retardant.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been involved in the reduction of fire spread involving mattresses and furniture. There is resistance from involved groups that these chemical retardants could be harmful to humans. There is a push to remove the chemical retardants from household commodities. Thus, don’t rely on the fact that mattresses and furniture are all considered fire retardant and reduce the commodity classification.

There is also a great article in June 2015 edition of Sprinkler Age titled, “The Shortcomings of Engineering Judgment, Lessons Learned with Full-Scale Fire Tests on Mattresses” written by Steven Scandaliato. The article addressed full-scale fire testing of plastic covered mattresses by stating: “Not only did the plastic sleeve not burn off as quickly as we thought, but the retardant material was of no value either. And the sprinklers? Well, other than the water on the floor, there was no evidence that they were a part of the test.

Everything we thought would happen did not. Apparently, we set a record for the hottest, fastest fire recorded inside that test lab. The fire peaked at 25 megawatts. (For those not familiar with these units, let’s just say it was 15 units higher than the hood we were testing under is rated for and the boss was not happy.)”

The use of plastic pallets will affect commodity classification. The NFPA 13 standard addresses this in Section 5.6.2 where the commodity may have

to be increased one class for unreinforced plastic pallets or two classes for reinforced plastic pallets. The IFC addresses this in Section 3206.4.1 Pallets, and refers to the NFPA 13 standard for the presence of pallets.

Thus apply the increase in commodity classes per the NFPA 13 standard for plastic pallets. Both the IFC and the NFPA 13 standard allow for plastic pallets to be considered as wood pallets if listed as such. Section 3206.4.1.1 Plastic pallets, allows for listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2335 or FM 4996 shall be treated as wood pallets for determining required sprinkler protection. The NFPA 13 standard allows non-wood pallets that have demonstrated a fire hazard that is equal to or less than wood pallets and are listed as such.

The testing standards between Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and FM Global are not equal. FM Global claims its testing is more rigorous than UL’s. An FM Global client may not be allowed to take credit for UL-listed non-wood pallet. Also, some plastic manufacturers make plastic pallets that are listed and not listed. Further verification may be needed on the types of pallets in the warehouse when the listed plastic pallets or non-wood pallets are claimed on the owner’s certificate for sprinkler design.

Lastly, both the IFC and the NFPA 13 standard have figures to classify plastics as a commodity and they differ. The figures are used to determine the commodity classification of a mixed commodity in a package or carton or on a pallet when plastics are involved. The NFPA 13 standard will not allow a plastic involved in a commodity less than Class III whereas the IFC indicates as a Class I, II, or III commodity. Group A is the highest commodity classification in the NFPA 13 standard where the IFC refers to plastic as high-hazard commodity. The NFPA 13 standard now has two figures, one for plastics in cartons, boxes, or crates, and the other for exposed commodities (no packaging material). High-hazard commodity means nothing when trying to determine discharge criteria from the IFC.

In closing, there are times when the IFC and NFPA 13 will identify the same product as different commodity classifications. When addressing the fire protection requirements for the building, use the definitions from the IFC. When addressing the design basis for the sprinkler system, use those from NFPA 13. n

testing, reviewing, and engineering experience. He is a registered fire protection engineer in California and Texas. Wellen serves on committees for the NFPA 13, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, and NFPA 101 standards.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tom Wellen, P.E., is senior engineer in AFSA’s Technical Services Department. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Engineering Technology, Fire Protection and Safety Technology from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, and is actively involved with NFPA and SFPE. He has over 20 years of designing,

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This article and its content are not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

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Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 29

AFSA Busine

Member Benefits Insurance

Health Insurance

Freight LTL Service

AFSA Contractors Insurance Solution

MMIC Health Insurance

UPS Freight LTL Service

This AFSA Endorsed Program was created in 1989 and continues to be the program of choice for fire sprinkler contractors nationwide. Operations include system design, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of water based systems. Other operations may be included as long as 51% of the operations are fire sprinkler installation, service and repair. (Does not exclude the installation of CPVC jobs.)

AFSA members can obtain a free no obligation quote through Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. (MMIC). Visit firesrpinkler.org to view a list of preventative services covered under the Affordable Care Act.

UPS Freight now offers substa members on LTL services. Sig begin taking advantage of sav freight costs. (higher discount volume shippers)

Fuel & Service Management

Debt Collection

ExxonMobil Fleet Card Program

James, Stevens & Daniels

ExxonMobil is pleased to offer the opportunity to enroll in the ExxonMobil Fleet Card program offering member volume rebates! The ExxonMobil Fleet Card program is a convenient and secure way to control and manage fuel and service expenses for your company vehicles!

AFSA recognizes account management and the recovery of bad debt as critical to our members’ success and we believe we have found a great partner in James, Stevens & Daniels (JSD). James, Stevens & Daniels, a leader in commercial collections, both domestic and international as well as accounts receivable management, is offering their services to AFSA members at discounted rates.

Learn more at firesprinkler.org - where

ess Solutions

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antial savings to AFSA gn up at firesprinkler.org to vings of 70 percent off your ts will be considered for

Background Screening & Drug Testing

Mobile Field Service Management

Quick Search

FieldAware

QuickSearch provides background screening and drug testing at a significant discount to AFSA Members.

Screening your applicant is a small price to pay to eliminate employees that have criminal records, driving violations, workers compensation claims history as well as drug problems.

FieldAware’s mobile app and web-based scheduling software enables fire sprinkler contractors to view the status of every installation, inspection or repair and the location of every technician in real time. FieldAware also allows technicians to view customer, location and contact information as well as system history from any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.

Residential Contractor Accreditation

Retirement Plan

CPSE

AFSA 401(k) Retirement Plan for Contractor Members

CPSE developed the Residential Fire Sprinkler Contractor Accreditation Program (ReFSCAP) in cooperation with AFSA, NFSA, and the International Code Council (ICC).

Accreditation identifies credible policies, procedures, training and business practices to assure homeowners and regulators that single-family, residential systems are installed properly.

AFSA is now offering a 401(k) MEP (Multiple Employer Plan) retirement plan for AFSA contractor members.

This plan is sponsored by AFSA and managed through Transamerica Retirement Solutions and the firm of Pinnacle Financial Services.

e the fire sprinkler industry goes online!

Donors Make the Difference DeCamara and Waller Scholarship Programs Help Fire Protection Students The Center for Life Safety Education (CLSE), an educational affiliate of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), is proud to sponsor two scholarship programs: the Philip L. DeCamara, Jr. Scholarship and the Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship. These programs honor dedicated industry veterans who made a difference in the fire sprinkler industry by offering scholarships named in their honor to students studying for a fire protection engineering career.

Philip L. DeCamara, Jr. Scholarship – University of Maryland (UMD) The DeCamara Scholarship celebrated 31 years of giving in 2015, and has awarded over $115,000 in scholarships. Established by the AFSA Board of Directors in 1984, the program benefits outstanding juniors and seniors majoring in the Fire Protection Engineering curriculum at the University of Maryland in College Park, DeCamara’s alma mater. The program presents two scholarships each year.

AFSA honors DeCamara for his commitment to the fire sprinkler industry and the association. As president of DeCamara Fire

Protection Products (DFPP), he became involved during AFSA’s early years. In 1983 he chaired the Budget & Finance Committee and co-chaired the then newly formed Manufacturers & Suppliers (M/S) Council. Later that year, DeCamara passed away of a heart attack, leaving behind his wife Terry and their five children. Terry is still involved with the scholarship committee today, evaluating applicants and presenting scholarship awards.

In 2015, Irene Lemberos, a senior studying fire protection engineering with a minor in international engineering, received the first place award of $4,000. A member of the Salamander Honors Society as well as the RISE Leadership Academy, Lemberos is in the University of Maryland Honors College and has earned the University Honors Citation. She spent one semester studying abroad at the Technical University of Denmark, where she designed and created an upward flame spread test to determine the safety of materials used by NASA on spacecraft and space infrastructure. Lemberos also worked as a junior mechanical design engineer intern at the National Security Agency

2015 Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship Fund Contributors The Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship fund is supported by voluntary donations from corporate and individual members of the fire protection industry and their friends and associates. AFSA and CLSE thank the individuals and companies listed below for their contributions to the 2015 scholarship, as well as the donors who chose to remain anonymous.

Advanced Fire Protection Inc., Woodinville, WA Aegis Fire Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, , CA Aegis Technologies, Inc., Wayne, PA Allied Fire Protection, LP, Pearland, TX American Automatic Sprinkler, Fort Worth, TX American Sprinkler Co., Inc., Hardhan, LA Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, PA Atlanta Sprinkler Inspection, Dacula, GA Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., Salina, KS Browning Fire Protection, Medford, OR Carolina Fire Protection, Inc., Dunn, NC Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, CA Central Carolina Sprinkler Co., Lincolnton, NC William Corbin, Garland, TX Crawford Sprinkler Company, Hickory, NC Crawford Sprinkler Co. of SC, Inc., Lugoff, SC Dakota Fire Protection, Inc., Grand Forks, ND Diamond Automatic Sprinkler, Inc., Boiling Springs, PA Fire & Safety Systems Co., Ocean, NJ Fire Protection Products, Inc., Carlsbad, CA Fire Tech Systems Inc.,Shrevport, LA Foster Engineering & Consulting, LLC, Columbia, SC Fred H. Grenning, Lake Zurich, IL Freedom Fire Protection, LLC, Longmont, CO 32 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

General Air Products, Inc., Exton, PA Hampshire Fire Protection, Londonderry, NH Hampshire Fire Protection, Westfield, MA Hub City Sprinklers, Inc., Hagerstown, MD J & J Fire Protection Co., Inc., Butler, PA J-Four Enterprises, Inc., Roseville, CA Jimco Fire Protection, Inc., Augres, MI Janet Knowles, Plano, TX Kolbi Pipe Marker Co., Arlington, IL Russell Leavitt, Mesa, AZ Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, Huntersville, NC Lewis Fire Protection, Inc., Villa Rica, GA MCM Mechanical Corp., Fairfield, NJ Richard Matsuda, Dallas, TX J. Scott Mitchell, Panhandle, TX Noble Company, Grand Haven, MI Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Liberty , SC Southeast Fire Protection, L.P., Houston, TX Vanport Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Vancouver, WA Viking Group, Inc., Hastings, MI VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Ashland, VA Warren Sprinkler Co., LLC, Clifton, NJ Western Fire Protection, Poway, CA Wiginton Fire Systems, Sanford, FL

(NSA), where she performed 3D design work using SolidWorks CAD software.

Julie Dicus, a senior fire protection engineering major, was the second-place winner in 2015 and awarded $3,000. Dicus has been a member of the student chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) since she first enrolled at the University of Maryland, and has served as president of that organization. She volunteers her time to teach high school girls about the engineering industry, as well as welcome and mentor freshmen students that are new to the program. “I loved volunteering for these opportunities because I enjoy spreading the word about fire protection engineering,” says Dicus. “I do not ever want new students to miss their opportunity to join such a great program just because they have not heard about it…[I] know that I am helping out the department that has already done so much for me.”

Thomas S. Waller Memorial Scholarship – Oklahoma State University (OSU) The AFSA Board of Directors voted to fund a second scholarship in 2005 after industry leader Thomas S. Waller passed away. Waller devoted more than 40 years to the fire protection industry. He served as chairman of the board of Viking Fire Protection of the Southeast in High Point, North Carolina, and also gave much of his time to AFSA. He helped form the AFSA Carolinas Chapter and served on the board of directors of the North and South Carolina state chapters. He also served on the AFSA Board of Directors from 1985-1995 and as national chairman of the board from 1989-1991. Waller believed in the value of education and was determined in his efforts to provide educational opportunities for young people, both in and outside of the industry. The Waller scholarship is presented to juniors or seniors enrolled in the Fire Protection & Safety Technology program in the College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. To date, the Waller Scholarship has provided over $30,000 to OSU FPST students.

In 2015, Jonah Lund received the $4,000 Waller scholarship.

He entered his senior year at OSU with a perfect grade point average, having maintained a 4.0 throughout his first three years at OSU. A native of Prairie View, Wisconsin, Lund is a member of the Fire Protection Society and vice president of the Firefighter Combat Challenge Team. He describes himself as “passionate” and says: “… I am eager to apply my knowledge to the real world. Knowing that my actions and contributions can someday help save lives and property will always keep me motivated and interested to learn.”

Invest in the Future Your donations help students attain their educational goals and professional dreams while positively impacting this industry. Supporting either the DeCamara Scholarship Fund, Waller Scholarship Fund or both is greatly appreciated by the winners, their families, and the DeCamara and Waller families. Remember, as CLSE is a 501(c)(3) educational affiliate of AFSA, all contributions made to these scholarship funds are tax deductible. To make a one-time donation or become a regular donor, visit CLSE online at clse.

org and click on “Scholarships” or mail a check to DeCamara Scholarship OR Waller Scholarship, c/o CLSE, 12750 Merit Dr., Ste. 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. For more information or to apply, visit clse.org/scholarships.htm. n 2015 Philip L. DeCamara, Jr. Scholarship Contributors The DeCamara Scholarship fund is supported by voluntary donations from corporate and individual members of the fire protection industry and their friends and associates. AFSA and CLSE thank the individuals and companies listed below for their contributions to the 2015 scholarship, as well as the donors who chose to remain anonymous.

ACCU-Fire Fabrication, Inc., Morrisville, PA ACT Pipe and Supply, Inc., Houston, TX Advanced Fire Protection, Inc., Woodinville, WA Aegis Fire Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA Aegis Technologies, Inc., Wayne, PA American Sprinkler Co., Inc., Harahan, LA Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, PA Atlanta Sprinkler Inspection, Dacula, GA Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., Salina, KS Browning Fire Protection, Medford, OR Carolina Fire Protection, Inc., Dunn, NC Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, CA Central Carolina Sprinkler Co., Lincolnton, NC Crawford Sprinkler Company, Hickory, NC Crawford Sprinkler Co. of SC, Inc., Lugoff, SC Dakota Fire Protection, Inc., Grand Forks, ND Andrew DeCamara, Sherman Oaks, CA Teresa DeCamara, Dresher, PA Diamond Automatic Sprinkler, Inc., Boiling Springs, PA Mike Dooley, Holliston, MA Fire & Safety Systems Co., Ocean, NJ Fire and Life Safety America, Hanover, MD Fire End & Croker Corp, Elmsford, NY Fire Protection Products, Inc., Carlsbad, CA Fire Tech Systems Inc., Shrevport, LA Fred H. Grenning, Lake Zurich, IL Freedom Fire Protection, LLC, Longmont, CO General Air Products, Inc., Exton, PA Hampshire Fire Protection, Londonderry, NH Hampshire Fire Protection, Westfield, MA Hub City Sprinklers, Inc., Hagerstown, MD J & J Fire Protection Co., Inc., Butler, PA J-Four Enterprises, Inc., Roseville, CA Jimco Fire Protection, Inc., Augres, MI Kolbi Pipe Marker Co., Arlington, IL Russell Leavitt, Mesa, AZ MCM Mechanical Corp., Fairfield, NJ Richard Matsuda, Dallas, TX Metro Fire & Safety Equipment Co., Inc., Carlstadt, NJ Noble Company, Grand Haven, MI Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Liberty, SC Southeast Fire Protection, LP, Houston, TX United Sprinkler Co., Inc., Fredericksburg, VA Vanport Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Vancouver, WA Viking Group Inc., Hastings, MI VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Ashland, VA Warren Sprinkler Co., LLC, Clifton, NJ Western Fire Protection, Poway, CA Wiginton Fire Systems, Sanford, FL Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 33

Recruiting for the Next Generation AFSA Announces Next Gen Initiative With SkillsUSA LUKE GAETA | Rapid Fire Protection, Inc.

One of the greatest challenges our industry faces today is the sustainability of our workforce. As more and more of our experienced employees are retiring, contractors and suppliers across all regions are struggling to find quality young tradesmen, drafters, project managers, estimators, salesmen and engineers who will carry their company’s legacy into the future. So how can we continue to recruit and retain the right, quality and talented individuals into our companies? This has been one of the

Don’t sell Yourself short.

For Fire Sprinkler

ESTIMATING, BIDDIN G, SELLING, AND CONTR ACTING

Michael L. Brown

Systems

ES TI M AT IN G, BI DD IN G, SE LL IN G,  CO NT RACT IN G A guide for

Fire Sprinkler Syste

ms

Michael L. Brown

AN AFSA PUBLICATIO N

•

Selling is a noble profession, but... you don’t make money unless you make the sale.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) “Estimating, Bidding, Selling, and Contracting for Fire Sprinkler Systems” is an essential guide to help the expert – or novice – fire sprinkler professional successfully estimate, bid, sell and contract jobs.

This book gives you the tools that you need to be a profitable fire sprinkler sales representative. With over 300 pages of industry insight, this guide walks through every step of the process – from receiving a set of drawings to the post-bid review.

On sale nOw www.firesprinkler.org 34 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

The SkillsUSA contest floor. Photo credit: Lloyd Wolf for SkillsUSA.

key questions that the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Next Generation (Next Gen) workgroup has been attempting to answer.

The solution, we feel to this problem, is to actively seek out opportunities which raise up young career-ready professionals. This can be accomplished both from a technical standpoint, but also by focusing on honing the individual’s personal and employable skills that are needed to fill today’s growing skills gap. In January at its quarterly meeting, the AFSA Board of Directors approved the Next Gen initiative with SkillsUSA, a nonprofit organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, to attend its National Championship and TECHSPO. The foundation of the SkillsUSA program emphasizes integrity, work

ethic, professionalism, communication, teamwork and computer and technology literacy, along with job-specific technical skills. The students who are involved in the SkillsUSA program are the type of employees that our industry needs to be seeking out.

Tim Lawrence, SkillsUSA executive director, said, “We are building well-rounded employees who are good citizens and leaders – not just technically skilled workers. Our students can enter the workforce and be productive and successful.”

Thus, it is with great excitement that I announce for the first time since the inception of SkillsUSA Championship in 1967, that the fire sprinkler industry will be represented as an exhibitor by members of AFSA’s Next Gen workgroup. The 2016 National

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SkillsUSA Conference is the largest hands-on skill competition in the world. It has over 130 different trades, technical, and skilled service occupation contests. Today in high schools and colleges across the country, more than 300,000 member students and advisors organized into more than 18,000 local chapters and 53 state and territorial associations are taking advantage of the skill development and resume opportunities that SkillsUSA offers. In Louisville, Kentucky June 21-23 this year, an estimated 6,500 technical students, teachers, school administrators, trade professionals, and hundreds of business partners will descend on Louisville.

All the students in attendance will be individuals who have already taken first-place honors from his or her state at both the high school and college levels. They will be participating in the skill competition championships, the trade show, and career workshops, as well as professional networking. Next Gen representatives will be there to educate them on the fire sprinkler trade, both from a contractor and supplier perspective, as well as talk about potential scholarship opportunities through AFSA. We believe that the opportunity to reach so many young people across multiple demographics and across the United States at one time and in one location is invaluable.

With so many of these young adults on the precipice of entering the workforce, we believe introducing them to our industry and a career path, that they may have previously known nothing about, is paramount.

During the conference and TECHSPO, AFSA’s Next Gen group will be an exhibitor and host a workshop for students and teachers alike and introduce them to what a career in the fire protection industry could be.

We will provide them with information on AFSA’s apprenticeship curriculum, scholarship opportunities, and discuss pathways for growth within the industry. We will explore opportunities in the field and office for both contractors and suppliers.

36 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

Currently, there are no skill competitions or curricula in place for fire sprinklers at the SkillsUSA Conference, which would allow AFSA to reach students who had perhaps been interested in other technical disciplines to learn how their skills could be applied in a whole new way. The Next Gen workgroup hopes that exposure to our exhibit booth and workshop will serve as a vehicle for recruitment of future valued employees for all of our AFSA members, contractors and suppliers alike.

Ultimately through AFSA’s involvement with SkillsUSA, Next Gen believes we can create an awareness of the fire sprinkler industry and use this conference as a spring board to build a healthy pipeline of future hires into the fire protection trade, all the while continuing to bridge the generational gap by infusing our industry with the most talented and motivated young professionals our great country has to offer. For more information or to get involved, visit SkillsUSA.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Luke Gaeta is the chief estimator for Industrial and Special Hazards for Rapid Fire Protection, Inc. and AdTech Alarm and Security. He is based out of its corporate office in Rapid City, South Dakota, with offices in Colorado, North Dakota, Wyoming and Utah. Gaeta is a member of the AFSA’s Next Generation group. He can be contacted via email at lukeg@rapidfireinc.com or by phone at 605-348-2342.

EDITOR’S NOTE: AFSA’s Next Generation (Next Gen) Group offers networking and educational events and provides resources to help the next generation of leaders excel within our industry and compliments AFSA chapters by providing them with resources to engage their young professional members.

For more information, visit firesprinkler.org/ nextgen.

Apprentices...

Win a Trip To Nashville Plus a FREE convention registration for your boss Enter at firesprinkler.org >> Seven national finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to compete at the 2016 AFSA National Convention in Nashville, a complimentary convention registration for their employer, tools, and cash prizes.

Preview the action online at firesprinkler.org/apprentice

Photo credits - Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation

Application Form

AFSA’s 23rd Annual National Apprentice Competition Competition: A written exam will be provided by AFSA and administered at a predetermined location.

June 11, 2016 - Phase I National Competition

Held at your local library or fire department, the phase I National Competition will consist of a two hour multiple choice exam.

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

September 17, 2016 - Phase II National Competition

Held at AFSA’s Annual Convention in Nashville, TN, 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.

Guidelines:

Deadline - March 25, 2016

1) 2)

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 17, 2016, he/she is not eligible to compete in AFSA’s National Apprenticeship Competition.

3) 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.

4) Prior to September 17, 2016, the apprentice cannot have worked in the sprinkler trade hanging pipe for more than five years.

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

6) Apprentices must live within the 48 contiguous states of the United States of America (USA).

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

8) If an apprentice resigns employment from original sponsoring company after June 11, 2016, he/she is not eligible to compete.

9) The apprentices scoring in the top 7 of the National Competition (Phase I) will qualify to compete in Nashville, TN, 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.

10) 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.

11) 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 Site, 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.

Testing Center Information Your Public Library:*

Phone:

Your Fire Department:

Phone:

*List only library that will proctor tests

I hereby verify that the apprentice qualifies to enter the 2016 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.

HFSC Goes Big at IBS Home Sprinklers Featured at International Builders’ Show Since the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) first staffed a booth at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in the late 1990s, the organization transitioned from a small booth in the back of the hall with little traffic, to a large booth in the main hall filled with members of the homebuilding industry seeking information.

This year, HFSC’s 1,500-ft2 booth was located in a prime spot, in a high-traffic area in the main hall. More than 110,000 housing industry professionals attended the convention January 19-21 in Las Vegas. For the last three years, IBS has seen large growth due to its collaboration with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and the improved economy.

The increased attendance comes at an opportune time when homebuilders are more interested in home fire sprinklers, since they are contained in the national model building codes.

According to Peg Paul, HFSC communications manager, many homebuilders visit the booth looking for general information because they know home fire sprinklers will be required at some point in the future. “We hear from quite a few builders who say they have not yet built a home with fire sprinklers, but know they eventually will do so. Once we have the opportunity to talk about the design and installation of NFPA 13D [Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes] systems, builders are often more curious and open to offering fire sprinklers as an option,” Paul said.

New this year, HFSC hosted an educational forum titled, “What Builders Need to Know About Home Fire Sprinklers.” The live forum was hosted five times over the course of the three-day show. Matt Klaus, principal fire protection engineer for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provided answers to typical

NFPA Principal Fire Protection Engineer Matt Klaus led HFSC’s in-booth forum class during the 2016 IBS.

questions from homebuilders about home fire sprinkler installations. In addition to having their personal fire sprinkler questions answered, the attendees also earned continuing education credits from the National Association of Home Builders.

During the forum, Klaus utilized a fire sprinkler display that showed how a typical NFPA 13D sprinkler system might appear in a home. It included the riser, piping and sprinklers themselves, showing the various options such as pendent, sidewall, and concealed sprinklers. The display also offered examples of optional components of a home fire sprinkler system such as a backflow valve, inspector test valve, water flow alarm, and spare sprinkler box. The display also attracted curious homebuilders and helped answer questions between the educational sessions.

The interactive Built For Life game was also one of the main draws of the HFSC booth.

The educational game teaches attendees about home fire sprinklers through the use of multiple-choice questions and video answers. If homebuilders answered one question correctly, they were able to play a slot machine for a chance to win a smart TV or other prizes. Game show host and talent Tom Clark’s energy and charisma pulled in attendees from the show aisles and

got them thinking about home fire sprinklers. While homebuilders waited in line to play the game for as much as 15 minutes, they watched and learned. Most homebuilders followed up the game by talking to HFSC representatives to obtain more information or asked questions about the fire sprinkler display.

This year, the success of the various elements of the HFSC booth made it more evident than ever before that the tide is turning and home fire sprinklers are gaining more traction with homebuilders. This was no more evident than through Doug Keaty, a general contractor from Fountain Hills, Arizona, with 35 years’ experience who was formerly with the New Mexico Home Builders Association. He attended Klaus’ exhibitor forum with some skepticism due to his past roles with the homebuilding industry, but now sees the importance of fire sprinklers in providing safer homes.

“We at the homebuilders association didn’t like someone telling us we had to put sprinklers in homes, but I know that things change with building science and everything else that is a part of making homes safer and better. Fire suppression is certainly part of that.” said Keaty. “We can [install fire sprinklers] fairly inexpensively and it can really save lives. I’m sold on it. I wasn’t 15 years ago, but absolutely now.” n Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 39

AFSA Releases New Hire Orientation Video Workplace Excellence Starts “Day One” The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has launched a brand new, updated version of its popular new-hire orientation presentation, “Day One, Safe One.” This membersonly benefit is designed to give new hires an idea of what to expect on the job, and to make sure that they maintain a safe working environment from day one.

With a run time of less than 20 minutes, the presentation briefly covers a variety of topics and tools that a new hire might expect to see on the job, including codes of conduct and basic first aid as well as basic types of equipment such as job-site personal protective equipment, tools, sprinkler heads, pipe, fittings, and much more.

This new AFSA employee orientation presentation helps to make onboarding a new employee fast and easy. The presentation incorporates an audio narrated slideshow with videos to make learning easy.

The presentation, available at firesprinkler. org/education-center/safety-training, may be streamed directly from the AFSA website from any web-enabled device, or the video file may be downloaded for offline use (134 MB).

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This training presentation is an initiative of the AFSA Contractor Support & Advisory Committee, chaired by R. Donald Kaufman, president and owner of Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Jeff Livaudais, director of membership services and AFSA staff liaison to the committee, says: “The new AFSA ‘Day One, Safe One’ is a quick, easy-to-use orientation for new employees to know what to look for on the job and for getting them started on the right track.”

To access the new “Day One, Safe One” video, AFSA members should visit firesprinkler.org/educationcenter/safety-training (member login required).

When AFSA was formed in 1981, its founders had a vision: to create the industry leader in fire sprinkler education and training. From day one, this association was on the path to do just that, continually offering new and newly updated educational resources through effective, economical and convenient delivery methods.

As AFSA enters into its 35th year, it has a wealth of the professional materials, industry research, and collective knowledge and experience. So whether you’ve been in the business for years or you’re the new kid on staff, this member-exclusive content will help you more efficiently perform your job by answering your questions about the vast – and often confusing – world of fire protection technology. Visit firesprinkler.org, and see why over 10,000 unique visitors use AFSA’s homepage each month as their source for all things fire sprinkler. n

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Building a Convention How the Convention Committee Makes Magic Happen Every Year CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association

In the final week of January, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Convention Committee gathered for its first meeting of 2016 in Sarasota, Florida. Planning for the AFSA 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Nashville had already begun, and the members of the committee had a lot on their plates. The Convention Committee is involved in reviewing convention surveys, selecting the convention theme, planning seminars, organizing tours, choosing the awards event venue, deciding on sponsorships, finalizing golf tournament details, selecting special guest speakers, and many other vital convention-related tasks. It also considers the convention and exhibition’s finances, recommending pricing, special offers, and a total budget. At the January meeting, the committee designated the aspects of the convention that will be promoted in the convention brochure.

The committee is comprised of 15 volunteers, a mix of contractors and associate members, which ensures a balance between the two different voices.

The committee members work hard to make decisions that are in the best interest of every member. Overseeing this work is Committee Chair Linda Biernacki of Fire Tech Systems, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Biernacki has been a member of the committee since 2009, and chaired the committee once before in 2014 for the convention in Orlando, Florida. She knows how important it is for the chair to create excitement and give the committee members a vision of what is possible for them to organize.

“When the opportunity to help plan the convention in Nashville arose, I jumped at the chance,” says Biernacki. “I love Nashville and we are planning another fantastic experience for our members.

42 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

The Convention Committee has planned an exciting and productive time in Nashville September 14-17 for AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition.

There is such an amazing vibe in Nashville. It has the excitement of a big city, but also has this warm small town feel. The southern charm, hospitality, and some great shopping never hurts.”

2016 is expected to be a record-breaking year for the AFSA Convention & Exhibition. Every year the exhibit hall, where members from all over the country come to exhibit their services and wares, sells out. And this year the committee is expecting a higher participation than ever before, offering a record-breaking number of seminars and expanded golf tournament activities.

And, there will be more benefits within sponsorship levels to give more value to convention sponsors, especially those at the highest tier.

For the 2016-2017 term, the convention committee consists of 15 members. In addition to Biernacki, they are: Derek Allen, HD Supply Fire Protection,

Hayward, California; Debbie Bien, Quality Fabrication & Supply, Lake Mary, Florida; Buck Buchanan, Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Devon, Pennsylvania; George DiMatteo, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Mansfield, Texas; Mike Dooley, FlexHead Industries, Holliston, Massachusetts; Michael Fee, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Elmsford, New York; Lyle Hall, Western Fire Protection, Inc., Poway, California; Don Kaufman, Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Chuck Kitts, System Sensor, Lansdale, Pennsylvania; Parks Moore, S&S Sprinkler Company, Mobile, Alabama; Paulene Norwood, Alwest Fire Protection, Roseville, California; Bernie Parsons, Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc., Concord, North Carolina; Chris Stason, Victaulic, Los Angeles, California; Jack Viola, JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Massachusetts; and Meaghen Wills, Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. n

Homeowners Prefer a Home Protected by Sprinklers HFSC Survey Finds 74 Percent Would Buy a Home With Fire Sprinklers Than Without In a new national Harris Poll survey conducted on behalf of the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC), 74 percent of U.S. homeowners said they would be more likely to buy a home with fire sprinklers than one without. Seven in 10 said a sprinklered house has more value and nearly eight in 10 (78 percent) said fire sprinklers provide the ultimate protection for residents.

Updating the national benchmark study previously commissioned by HFSC, this 2014 data demonstrates several areas of improved awareness of fire sprinkler life-safety benefits. It also underscores the importance of ongoing education and outreach to overcome common myths and misconceptions about home fire sprinklers.

“It’s certainly encouraging to see that 59 percent of homeowners say fire safety is very important to them and that the majority would rather buy a sprinklered home,” says HFSC President Lorraine Carli. “But we are also reminded of how much awareness work there still is to do.

For example, just half the homeowners recognize the increased fire hazards associated with lightweight residential construction to residents and firefighters, and only about a third understand how open design increases the danger of a home fire.”

Considering how much new home construction across the country incorporates both of these features, it is clear that consumers need to have access to factual information about home fire sprinklers before they build or buy. The survey findings show that when they do have this information, they’ll be more inclined to ask for home fire sprinklers.

The common myth that all the fire sprinklers spray water at once when a fire breaks out remains a roadblock to homeowner interest. But when homeowners were told that sprinklers operate independently and that just one sprinkler is typically needed to control a fire, approximately three-quarters became more interested in a sprinklered home. Nearly 70 percent had their interest boosted when they learned smoke cannot set off a fire sprinkler.

“When told the facts, the number of homeowners who felt sprinklers were essential or important grew by 27 percentage points,” Carli notes.

HFSC has been working to increase knowledge about the dangers of home fires and the life-safety benefits of installing home fire sprinklers since 1996. The nonprofit coalition provides free information and educational materials, with tailored content to meet the needs of the public, the fire service, local officials and a variety of professions that play a role in home ownership.

The new Harris Poll confirmed the long-held faith that consumers have in their local fire departments. While homeowners often receive information about home safety features from their builder, 93 percent of them said that firefighters are a more trustworthy source for fire safety. And nearly half say they have more confidence in homebuilders who offer sprinklers than those who do not.

The research, which was underwritten by a federal Fire Prevention & Safety grant, provides a wealth of insight into consumer knowledge and preferences, including differing viewpoints about fire sprinklers among age groups. The survey was

conducted online in May 2014 among 1,026 U.S. homeowners. HFSC will publish additional findings throughout the summer on its website HomeFireSprinkler. org, through Facebook, and on Twitter at @HFSCorg.

HFSC was formed in 1996 to inform the public about the life-saving value of fire sprinkler protection in one- and two-family homes. HFSC is a purely educational 501(c)(3) charitable organization and the leading resource for independent, noncommercial information about home fire sprinklers.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is a founding member of HFSC and serves on its Steering Committee.

Visit homefiresprinkler.org. n

Johns Hopkins Study on Sprinklers and Education A Johns Hopkins study “Public opinion concerning residential sprinkler systems for 1- and 2- family homes” was conducted to answer why homeowners opt to purchase a home protected by sprinklers. Findings from the study were published in the November 2015 of Injury Epidemiology.

The study describes homeowners’ decisions to purchase homes with fire sprinklers and their experiences with the technology. It also compares how homeowners who live in sprinklered homes and homeowners who do not value sprinklers and their levels of support for policies to mandate sprinklers in new homes.

“The information in this survey seems to be consistent with HFSC’s Harris Poll findings,” comments Peg Paul, HFSC communications manager. “When people understand how fire sprinklers work, they value them and want them.

When they don’t have the facts, their interest is far lower. The bottom line, the need for home fire sprinkler education is extremely important. Hopefully we’ll start to see more information about home fire sprinklers in the public health sector.”

To read the article, visit injepijournal.springeropen. com/articles.

Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 43

Claim Your Seat in the Virtual Classroom AFSA Webinars Free for Members There are many benefits to being a member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Time and again, members have commented on how joining the association has opened new doors for their business, and allowed them to access resources that are unique to this association. One of the greatest benefits available to members today is the multitude of educational webinars offered by AFSA. All live webinars are free to members, and many webinars presented by AFSA have been recorded and are available on AFSA’s website, firesprinkler.org, for the significantly discounted member price of $40 (compared to the nonmember price of $250).

Webinar topics run the gamut from information modeling to sprinkler pipe corrosion, and include NFPA updates

and OSHA awareness. AFSA webinars are an invaluable tool for all industry professionals, and only members of AFSA get to access them for free.

On average, each webinar has about 300 attendees, and on technical webinars the average attendance is over 500. The feedback is always overwhelmingly positive.

“Attendees find these seminars informative and engaging,” says Maricarmen Martinez, AFSA meeting programs coordinator. “Attendees like that they earn CEU and CPD that can go toward their NICET recertification. Many of the speakers are well known in the industry. Attendees appreciate being able to listen to these speakers from the comfort of their own office.”

Webinars are presented by experts in their fields. The January 2016 webinar, “Growing Your Business with AFSA’s ITM Inspector Development Program,” was led by Russ Leavitt, executive chairman of Telgian Corporation, Phoenix, Arizona, and Jack Medovich, P.E., senior vice president and founding partner of Fire & Life Safety America (an ECFP Co.), Hanover, Maryland. The program was an indepth look at AFSA’s new educational program, the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program. In a short half-hour time period, attendees learned how AFSA’s comprehensive, first-of-its-kind ITM Inspector Development Program prepares candidates for NICET’s Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems, and were able to interact with the presenters in order to get their questions answered.

In 2016, AFSA is moving toward a new webinar platform, which will provide members with an even clearer and more intuitive viewing experience. The more members who are aware of this valuable aspect of AFSA membership, the more will benefit from the information available, and the more the fire protection industry will grow. Sign up today for the next AFSA webinar, spread the news among your friends and colleagues, and make this valuable benefit available to all. Visit firesprinkler.org/webinar for more information on upcoming events. n

44 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

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Recognizing Fire Protection Industry Leaders Henry S. Parmelee Award Call for Nominations The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is accepting nominations for the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee award. The award will be presented during AFSA’s 35th Convention & Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee, and the recipient will be featured in the 2016 convention issue of Sprinkler Age magazine. The nomination deadline is June 1, 2016.

The Henry S. Parmelee Award, AFSA’s highest honor, is given in recognition of an outstanding individual who has dedicated himself or herself to the professional advancement of the fire sprinkler industry and to the goal of fire safety through automatic sprinklers. Members of AFSA may nominate someone who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving

Henry S. Parmelee Award Past Recipients 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

John M. Rhodes, Factory Mutual Research William J. Meyer, Central Sprinkler Corp.

C. B. Hall, American Automatic Sprinkler Co. Harold L. Black, Central Fire Protection, Inc. Edward J. Reilly, Ed Reilly Associates Richard T. Groos, The Viking Corporation Ron Coleman, Chief, Fullerton Fire Dept., CA Frank J. Fee III, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Dr. John M. Bryan, University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering W. D. (Dave) Hilton, Chief, Cobb County Fire Dept., GA J. Frank Riseden, AFSA President 1983-1991 Haden B. Brumbeloe, Publisher, FPC Magazine Edward H. Smith, H.F.P. Corp.

Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of the SouthEast Chester W. Schirmer, Schirmer Engineering Tom Siegfried, Retired Chief, Altamonte Springs, FL Donald D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co. Robert L. McCullough, AllSouth Sprinkler Co. (awarded posthumously) Buck Buchanan, Central Sprinkler Corporation Frank M. Winiecki, General Sprinkler Corp.

Jack Viola, H.F.P. Corp.

Lowell Gillett, Fire Engineering Co., Inc. (retired) Joe Hankins, FM Global (retired) Art Cote, NFPA (retired) Thomas T. Groos, Viking Corp.

Bill Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc. Lloyd Ivy, AFSA Director of Membership 1986-2009 (retired) Martin L. “Marty” Giles, VSC Fire & Security Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. Bob Rees, Sunland Fire Protection Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corporation James Golinveaux, Tyco Fire Protection Products George Wagner, Worsham Sprinkler Company

46 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

the fire sprinkler industry. The award was instituted by AFSA in 1983 to give recognition to distinguished industry professionals and to memorialize Henry S. Parmelee, an outstanding pioneer in the fire sprinkler industry who is recognized as the inventor of the first commercially successful closed sprinkler.

Nominees do not need to be a member of AFSA to be eligible. Nominations must be submitted to AFSA via fax at (214) 343-8898, emailed to AFSA Executive Vice President Frank Mortl III at frankm@firesprinkler.org, or mailed to: AFSA Parmelee Award, 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75251. A letter stating the nominee’s name and contact information, and a brief statement of why he or she is deserving of this award is all that is required.

Things are Heating Up in Nashville! Take part in all the events surrounding this year’s convention, to be held September 14-17 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

AFSA will be celebrating its 35th anniversary with technical and managerial seminars, social events and a packed exhibit hall. See the award presentations to the 2016 Henry S. Parmelee and Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year recipients during the opening general session, and view the installation portion of the 23rd Annual National Apprentice Competition during the second day of exhibits on September 17. For more information on this year’s event, see page 22 of this issue or visit firesprinkler.org/convention. We plan to have a grand ole time in Nashville and look forward to seeing you there! n

AHJ PERSPECTIVE

BY RONNY J. COLEMAN

A Fire Occurred Here I am not sure whether every state practices this, but in California there is a system whereby friends and family members can place a memorial on a highway indicating where someone had died in a traffic collision. Often the memorial is a wooden cross and some plastic flowers. Sometimes it is a small sign. I can’t help but wonder every time I go by one of those mini-memorials, about how many of them must there be in the entire state. Over time, many of them disappear due to lack of maintenance, or they are removed for other reasons. But in every case, the memorial serves as a reminder of a tragic loss.

How do we memorialize our tragic losses? Or, better yet, how do we memorialize our successes? Have you ever had the experience of driving down the street and observing buildings that you have had fires in and the building still remains? You saved the building.

You may remember the fires, but nobody else does. There are no mementos or memorials for fire successes in our buildings. Perhaps there should be. And, here is the reason why.

The education process for sprinklered occupancies is a very important part of managing the community’s perception of fire protection policy. Perhaps we should have some type of a symbol that we put on a building that indicates that a sprinkler successfully suppressed a fire. Not unlike the gold star we once put in our windows to recognize war veterans, these symbols could serve as a reminder that sprinklers worked. The symbol could be mounted next to the address or placed on a mailbox post to serve as a constant reminder that, “Yes, a fire occurred here,” but the building remains intact.

48 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

In my career, I have gone on hundreds of fires. I can remember almost every single one that involved sprinkler performance.

Some of which were outright spectacular.

I once had a fire in a commercial building that activated almost all the heads due to fire in the insulation that ran above the heads. Nonetheless, the building survived and is still standing today. I have been on numerous apartment house fires where sprinklers confined the fire to the room of origin.

Lastly, I have gone on single-family dwellings in which sprinklers restricted the fire to the area of origin and people were able to sleep in their own home the same night. But, these memories reside in my institutional memory, not in the minds of the overall community.

contain information on sprinkler installations. Perhaps in our computer based dispatch systems we could incorporate a symbol that would let the firefighter know that a fire had occurred in the building before and/or that the building is fully sprinklered.

What if we had a stencil in the shape of a sprinkler head that could be sprayed on a curb where a sprinkler head activated? I am sure there are other ideas that I haven’t thought of that could memorialize this concept, but the idea is simple.

There would be detractors for this concept, I know. Some folks may not like having it advertised that they had a fire.

So, let’s go back to the image I mentioned in the opening of this article about mini-memorials for traffic fatalities. They are tolerated because they send a message.

The message we need to send is as positive as we can get: a fire occurred here, but the building still remains.

Currently, the fire service is embracing the community risk reduction concept in a very aggressive manner. Embracing that concept might lead to an even more comprehensive approach of identifying risk and hazards and incorporating them into our response criterion n

By placing this symbol in some visible location it would serve as a reminder that sprinklers played a role in suppressing a fire. Quite frankly, it could even stimulate conversation as to why the symbol is there in the first place. Again, the answer is, a fire occurred here, but was suppressed successfully by sprinklers. A department’s website could be used to tell the story for those that lacked knowledge of fire sprinklers in the first place. The stencil might include the department’s website. On the website the department would publicize the location of fire sprinkler activation.

If the community would not tolerate this type of recognition, then a fallback position might be to make sure that our run cards and our dispatch information

There is a growing effort by the fire service to have information visible to the first in firefighter. An example of this might be the placarding that is being recommended for buildings that have lightweight construction. It would seem that if we are going to look for one specific type of risk, we should be able to determine if risk mitigation is also present. Perhaps this could be incorporated in our pre-fire planning efforts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ronny J. Coleman is currently the president of Fireforceone. He is a past president of the IAFC and CFAI. Over his lifetime, he has received numerous awards including the AFSA’s 1989 Henry S. Parmelee Award, the 2011 Mason Lankford Award from the Congressional Fire Services Institute, and the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award from Fire Engineering in 2014. He continues as a contributor to the fire service in many ways.

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AFSA NEWS

Calendar

AFSA Promotes Garrett, Clounts

April 4-15 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School AFSA Headquarters, Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

13-16 AFSA NC/SC Joint Convention Myrtle Beach, SC afsacarolinas.com

18

!

OUT

AFSA ITM Inspector Development Program – Cycle One Kick-Off Live Webinar firesprinkler.org

D

SOL

12 Virginia Chapter New Membership Mixer Triangle, VA afsavirginia.com

20 LFSA 1st Industry Vendor Fair & Safety Seminar Baton Rouge, LA lafiresprinkler.org

25-27 Fire Sprinkler Inspection Training Certificate Program OSU, Stillwater, OK outreach.okstate.edu

May 1-4 Continuing Education Seminars AFSA Florida Chapter, Orlando afsafl.org

9-12 Continuing Education Seminars AFSA Florida Chapter, Miami afsafl.org

16-27 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School AFSA Headquarters, Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

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.”

50 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

Marlene Garrett has been promoted to the position of senior director of meetings and events at the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), following a strategic split of the meetings and education department into two departments, better aligning AFSA to respond to its rapid growth in these areas. Leslie Clounts has been named director of the education services department, which was created to meet growing demand from AFSA members for continued education. Both Garrett and Clounts will report directly to AFSA Executive Vice President Frank Mortl III, CAE. Garrett joined AFSA in 1997 as its manager of education services and meetings, and in 1999, she was promoted to director of education and meeting services. In her new role as senior director of meetings and events, she is responsible for the oversight of all AFSA meetings and events, including the annual AFSA convention and exhibition, the industry’s largest fire sprinkler show; quarterly board meetings; as well as live and virtual training events for the association. She oversees the new meetings and events department and is involved in the strategic development and implementation of programs related to training events. In 2005, Garrett earned her certified meeting planner (CMP) designation from the Convention Industry Council. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of New Mexico.

“Marlene’s responsibilities will center on her profound ability to grow all AFSA meetings and events while also building on the success of the association’s manufacturer and supplier exposure programs as well as the large number of in-person attendance oppor-

Wagoner Presents at Conference On January 28, Ken Wagoner of Parsley Consulting presented “NFPA 13, Fire Sprinkler Plan Review” at the North Texas Fire Marshal’s Conference in Dallas to dozens of local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Wagoner has 35 years of experience in automatic sprinkler system and fire alarm system design, plan review, and construction management. He is an AFSAdesignated alternate representative to the NFPA 1031 committee, principal member of the Hanging and Bracing Committee of NFPA 13, and chairman of the NFPA 24 committee.

Wagoner has often presented online virtual seminars, and regularly teaches classes spon-

Garrett

Clounts

tunities offered by AFSA,” says Mortl.

AFSA has also promoted Leslie Clounts to director of education services where she will be responsible for the company’s expanding training endeavors, including the recently announced Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Inspector Development program. Clounts joined AFSA in 1996 as its receptionist and in 1997, she was promoted to education and training assistant. In 2002, she was again promoted to training coordinator then to manager of education programs in 2006. In her new role as director of education services, she responsible for the management and oversight of the education services department, and she will oversee the development, updating, and monitoring of AFSA education courses for fire protection contractors.

“Leading a newly created Education Department, Leslie will execute critically important platforms she expertly helped craft including AFSA’s eCampus programs, webinars, seminars, and apprentice training as well as the recently developed ITM Program, all of which afford myriad impactful opportunities for association members to gain a competitive edge in their unique business markets,” comments Mortl. n

sored by AFSA and the San Diego Fire Protection Association. Visit parsleyconsulting.com.

Fire Sprinkler eCampus Redesign To assist contractors in maintaining a quality workforce, AFSA and its Fire Sprinkler eCampus offer hundreds of online training programs, many that award CEUs and NICET-required CPDs. Recently redesigned with an improved look, Fire Sprinkler eCampus offers: Applied Sprinkler Technology/ System Layout, Hydraulic Calculations, Seismic Bracing, Beginning CAD, codes, OSHA/safety, project and business management, and others.

Most courses are one to three hours each and all are available 24/7. Visit sprinklerecampus.com. n

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CHAPTER NEWS Carolinas In 2014, at its joint North Carolina/ South Carolina Convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, AFSA’s Carolinas Chapter awarded Jeffrey Dunn of Carolina Fire Protection, Inc. the Calvin B. Morrow Award. Dunn served as the Carolinas Chapter president from 2009-2010 and is currently serving a seven-year term as the fire sprinkler contractor representative on the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

The award is the highest honor given by the Carolinas Chapter. Members are nominated for this award by a committee of past Calvin B. Morrow award recipients. The award will be presented at the 2016 Carolinas Convention April 13-16 in Myrtle Beach. Visit afsacarolinas.com.

Northern New England Thanks to the continued support of the AFSA Northern New England Chapter, the 25th Annual Vermont Fire Safety Calendar Program organized by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, was again a huge success, disseminating fire safety messages to the parents and families of elementary school children every day in the year, to thousands of homes across the state of Vermont. This year, 20,000 calendars were distributed to second and third graders, as well as to all of the children in some of the smaller schools.

For additional information on program or to get involved as a supporting sponsor of the pro-

Sacramento Valley On November 18, 2015, the Sacramento Valley Chapter of AFSA presented the Fire Fighters Burn Institute a donation of $10,000 from its 9th annual softball tournament held in Elk Grove, California. The tournament had participation of fire sprinkler contractors and associate companies with 12 teams total. The all-day tournament included a raffle, kids station with face painting, bean bag toss and the highlight of a visit from Dinger, the Sacramento River Cats baseball team’s mascot.

In 1973, the non-profit Firefighters Burn Institute was founded for the purpose of establishing a local burn treatment facility; providing recovery programs for burn survivors; providing fire and burn prevention through public education; funding education for burn team professionals, firefighters and burn survivors; and supporting burn treatment and rehabilitation research. It is the hope of the AFSA Sacramento Valley chapter that it will be able to continue to hold this tournament and support the Firefighters Burn Institute through donations. If you would like to contribute, visit ffburn.org.

Virginia The AFSA Virginia Chapter held its first meeting of 2016 on February 9, at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton in Richmond. There were 35 members attending this meeting.

Shawn Mims of Service Trade gave an hour-long presentation on Service Trade and Ralph Watson of Globe Fire Sprinkler was the vendor presenter.

The chapter elected its chapter directors and officers for 2016: President Jack Medovich, Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond; Vice President Bob Beckwith, United Sprinkler, Fredericksburg, Secretary/ Treasurer Lanny Gault, retiree and honorary member of the chapter; Executive Director George Wagner, Virginia Chapter; Vendor Director Craig Smith of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication; and Directors J. Griff Brinkley, Fire Tech, Chesapeake; Jim Edmunds, VSC Fire & Security, Ashland; and Hooper Loscomb, Eagle Fire, Richmond.

In addition, the chapter awarded AFSA Chairman of the Board Mike Meehan, Virginia Beach, a plaque thanking him for his service to the chapter, serving the last six years as president and a director.

“Meehan has diligently supported AFSA, the sprinkler industry, and the Virginia Chapter and we wanted to recognize him for this service,” comments Chapter Executive Director George Wagner. For details on all chapter activities, visit afsavirginia.com. n

Carolinas Chapter Award Recipient Jeffrey Dunn (center) with Tracy Dunn (left) and Joe Collins (AFSA Carolinas treasurer and 2008 award recipient).

The Sacramento Valley Chapter presented the Fire Fighters Burn Institute a donation of $10,000 from its 9th annual softball tournament.

Virginia Chapter Chairman Jack Medovich (left) presented a plaque thanking Mike Meehan for his service to the chapter.

The 2016 elected directors and officers of the Virginia Chapter are: (l to r) Bob Beckwith, Jack Medovich, Griff Brinkley, Craig Smith, Jim Edmunds, Lanny Gault, and Hooper Loscomb. Not pictured: George Wagner.

Virginia Chapter Vice President Bob Beckwith’s company had to contend with a little snow in January!

Once the van was dug out and the roads were cleared, business conducted as usual. Perhaps the U.S. Postal Service’s motto“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night...” should apply to the fire protection industry as well!

Tanner Bolster, Fair Haven Grade School, won the Residential Fire Sprinkler Protection category for this year’s calendar, sponsored in part by the Northern New England Chapter.

52 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

gram, contact the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, Berlin office at 802-479-756, visit online at fire safety.vermont.gov or contact Chapter Executive Director Bob Broughton at (802) 899-3769 or bob. broughton.afsa@comcast.net.

PHD

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FLUE HANGER Patent Pending

AFSA MEMBERSHIP New Members The following is a list of new members that have joined as of February 15, 2016.

Region 1

Region 4

Contractor AA Fire Systems, Inc. Aaron Shiles Roseville, CA

AHJ City of Lenexa, Kansas Fire Dept Bob Renton Lenexa, KS

A-Plus Fire Protection Jim O’Loughlin Paso Robles, CA

Region 5

Contractor Agent Fire Protection Rick Laub St. Johns, FL

Stryker Fire & Security Luis Marron Santa Rosa, CA

All Pro Fire Protection Carlos Nunez Miami, FL

Three Alarm Fire Protection Andrew Adams Livermore, CA

Fire Systems Professionals, LLC Chuck Ohmer Grove City, OH

Designer Alexandrew Soliz Alexandrew Soliz Ontario, CA

McGilvray Mechanical, LLC Harry G. Middleton Miami, FL

Region 3

Associate Paragon Industries Randy Wohlford Sapulpa, OK

Meridian Intermountain Sprinkler Don Anderson Avon, CO Mircom Engineered Systems Joaquin McIntosh Hollywood, FL

Security and Fire Electronics, Inc. Rick Hicks St. Augustine, FL

Empire Testing and Inspections, Inc. Richard Fox Staten Island, NY

Total LifeSafety Corporation Bryan Polhemus Jensen Beach, FL

Red Hawk Fire & Security Richard Conley Orange, CT

Region 6

Sheffield Fire & Safety Joe Hogan Sewickley, PA

Associate Mintzer, Sarowitz, Zeris, Ledva & Meyers George D. Bogris Towson, MD AHJ B and A Services, LLC Dan Brokaw Roanoke, VA Contractor Active Fire Control William Szentadorjany Bayville, NJ Alarm Tech Solutions Paul Curry Severn, MD

AFSA Chapter Contacts Arkansas Coleman Farrarr– Chair.

479-986-9091

Carolinas afsacarolinas.com Dean Bush – Chair.

704-732-3343 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter. org Jay Strickland – Chair.

301-474-2441 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-964-0841

There’s no question about the benefits of AFSA products.

Connecticut afsact.org Rick Russo – Chair.

203-877-7983 Ina Boucher – Exec. Dir. 203-238-2122 Florida afsafl.org Bart Trueblood – Chair.

813-662-9200 Carolyn Mohr – Exec. Dir. 239-771-3907 Greater Bay Area Tom Peterson – Chair.

(925) 484-5157 Lorelei Upshaw – Exec.

Dir. 925-913-0145 Greater Kansas City 2nd Wed. of each month Mark McKenzie – Chair.

913-432-6688 Cliff Becker – Exec. Dir. 816-221-1651 Louisiana Linda Biernacki – Chair.

318-688-8800 Mid-Atlantic afsamac.org Meaghen Moyer – Chair.

610-762-0642 Heather Field– Exec. Dir. heather@afsamac.org

AFSA’s training and education products cover the gamut of fire sprinkler industry needs such as: • Apprenticeship • System Design/Layout • Foremanship • Inspection • Management • NFPA and other codes • Safety • Public Education

AFSA’s product range includes: • Online Courses • Webinars • Correspondence courses • Inspection Forms • Designer and Fitter Resources • Publications • Training Kits • Videos • Programs • Seminars

Visit firesprinkler.org to find answers to your questions.

54 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

New Jersey Thomas J. Bowlby Jr. – Chair.

908-229-9595 Robert K. Melofchik Sr. – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056 New Mexico 2nd Mon. of each month Pete Newsted – Chair.

505-980-1261 Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712 North Central As called by Chair Michael Winiecki – Chair.

651-484-5903 Michelle Loren - Exec. Dir. 320-676-3771

Rocky Mountain Brent Heiner – Chair.

801-540-3473 Adam Millward – Exec. Dir. 801-216-4545 Sacramento Valley Byron Weisz – Chair.

209-334-9119 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635 San Diego As called by Chair.

Jamil Shamoon – Chair.

619-588-6364 Terri Leyton – Exec. Dir. 619-684-5845

Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-922-3236 Bob Broughton – Exec. Dir. 802-899-3769

South Carolina scfsa.org Jason Strickland – Chair.

243-664-0077 Jule Buffington – Exec. Dir. 803-951-2800

Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Randy Knighton – Chair.

360-786-8606 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich – Chair.

410-787-0639 George Wagner – Exec. Dir. 804-514-3154 Yankee Joshua Fitzgerald – Chair.

617-594-6105

AFSA Affiliate Contacts Alabama Affiliate alfiresprinkler.org Charles Bielair – Pres.

334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-546-4257 Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Ray Vance – Pres.

678-993-2054 Billy Wood – Exec. Dir. 404-226-8304

Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Doug Souder – Chair.

405-682-0960

Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

713-466-9899 Carol McCain – Exec. Dir. 281-361-8069

CONSTRUCTION REPORTS U.S. Construction...

New Construction Starts in December Improve 4 Percent

New construction starts in December advanced 4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $591.6 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The December gain follows a 5 percent decline in November, and brings total construction activity back close to the amount that was reported in October.

December showed moderate increases for each of the three main construction sectors – nonresidential building, residential building, and nonbuilding construction (public works and electric utilities). For 2015 as a whole, total construction starts climbed 8 percent to $645.5 billion. This continues the pattern of moderate expansion for total construction starts registered during the previous three years – 2012, up 12 percent; 2013, up 11 percent; and 2014, up 9 percent.

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions December 2015 November 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $178,540 $174,156 +3 Residential Building $278,062 $262,996 +6 Nonbuilding Construction $134,975 $131,609 +3 Total Construction $591,557 $568,761 +4 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) December 2015...............125 November 2015.....................120

Canada Construction...

December CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts Types of Construction

Dec

TOTAL CANADA ($ Millions) RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Major Sub-categories: Office Buildings Stores INSTITUTIONAL Major Sub-categories: Medical Education INDUSTRIAL Major Sub-categories: Plants ENGINEERING Major Sub-categories: Waterworks Roads Electric Power Oil and Gas ALL CONSTRUCTION

2015 2014 24,363 8,466

Dec 24,653 7,392

% Change -1 15

3,415 2,762 23 1,144 1,818 -37 9,767 8,021 22 3,183 4,404 775

2,153 3,180 2,180

47 38 -64

404 41,630

1,400 57,551

-71 -28

3,834 3,503 9 7,824 6,458 21 13,215 6,004 120 5,800 33,622 -82 85,000 99,800 -15

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

12 Mo. 2015 12 Mo. 2014 % Change Nonresidential Building $204,151 $221,342 -8 Residential Building $265,376 $232,049 +14 Nonbuilding Construction $176,020 $143,672 +23 Total Construction $645,547 $597,063 +8

*Start figures are also available for many more categories of construction and according to provincial, city and county levels of regional detail. CanaData is a statistics-gathering and forecasting agency for the construction industry and is a part of CMD Canada, (416)-758-6400.

U.S. Construction...

Canada Construction...

January Construction Starts Rise 2 Percent The value of new construction starts in January grew 2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $607.9 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The gain for total construction relative to December reflected moderate growth for housing.

At the same time, nonresidential building retreated slightly in January, as increases for commercial building and manufacturing plant construction were offset by diminished activity for institutional building. The nonbuilding construction sector also retreated slightly in January, as modest improvement for public works was offset by a downturn for the electric utilities/gas plant category. On an unadjusted basis, total construction starts in January were reported at $40.6 billion, down 14 percent from the same month a year ago which featured the start of two massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal projects in Texas. If these two LNG terminal projects are excluded, total construction starts in January would be up 1 percent from last year’s corresponding amount.

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions January 2016 December 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $180,295 $181,878 -1 Residential Building $293,953 $279,993 +5 Nonbuilding Construction $133,693 $136,855 -2 Total Construction $607,941 $598,726 +2 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) January 2016...............129 December 2015.....................127 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

1 Mo. 2016 1 Mo. 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $12,280 $12,889 -5 Residential Building $18,331 $16,233 +13 Nonbuilding Construction $9,947 $18,135 -45 Total Construction $40,558 $47,257 -14

January CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts Types of Construction

Jan

TOTAL CANADA ($ Millions) RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Major Sub-categories: Office Buildings Stores INSTITUTIONAL Major Sub-categories: Medical Education INDUSTRIAL Major Sub-categories: Plants ENGINEERING Major Sub-categories: Waterworks Roads Electric Power Oil and Gas ALL CONSTRUCTION

2016 2015 15,277 4,740

Jan 18,267 9,230

% Change -16 -49

992 7,470 -86 1,130 1,201 -6 6,284 10,241 -39 731 5,423 -86 4,250 1,123 278 31 786 -96 2 20,660

665 12,302

-99 68

1,188 1,624 -26 2,440 1,406 73 133 209 -36 16,003 8,002 99 46,991 50,824 -8

*Start figures are also available for many more categories of construction and according to provincial, city and county levels of regional detail. CanaData is a statistics-gathering and forecasting agency for the construction industry and is a part of CMD Canada, (416)-758-6400.

Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016 55

PRODUCT NEWS risks best borne by others. To help members of the American Subcontractors Association improve their subcontract bidding and negotiations, ASA has revised its exclusive contract documents and packaged them together in a new ASA Subcontract Documents Suite 2016.

The ASA Subcontractor Bid Proposal (2016) offers subcontractors and their clients an opportunity to establish the standard terms of the ASA-endorsed ConsensusDocs 750 Standard Form of Agreement Between Constructor and Subcontractor. If a client accepts the subcontractor’s bid that has been properly conditioned with this form, a binding contract exists based on the terms of the ConsensusDocs 750. Visit asaonline.com.

FlexHead Announces the Development of a New Product for Cold Storage/Freezer Applications FlexHead® Industries has developed a new flexible stainless steel hose and mounting system for fire sprinkler systems that is designed specifically for cold storage and freezer applications. The new FlexHead product, DPS-UHO-1, provides the installer, the fire sprinkler contractor, a Factory Mutual (FM) approved system that provides a quick economical installation saving time and money. This system is suitable for wet sprinkler systems and is installed with a dry pendant sprinkler head. The FlexHead UHO-1 system is FM approved to be installed with multiple dry pendant sprinkler manufacturers: Reliable Sprinkler, Tyco, Globe Sprinkler and Viking.

Besides offering a quick efficient installation, the FlexHead DPS-UHO-1 system allows the fire sprinkler system installer the option of ordering the most cost effective length of dry pendant sprinklers which reduces inventory costs for the sprinkler contractor, speeds installation, increases productivity, and is very economical. Visit FlexHead.com.

ASA Publishes Exclusive Subcontract Documents Suite for ASA Members Construction subcontractors are routinely asked to sign subcontracts that vary widely on complicated issues like payment, indemnity, extra work and claims and force them to shoulder the

New Video-on-Demand From Foundation of ASA Examines Pay Trends in the Construction Industry Few industries felt the adverse impact of the Great Recession as much as the construction industry did.

The recession that started in 2007 downsized the industry by 30 percent. Since then, however, profound changes have reshaped the industry and a war for talent is underway. In the new video-on-demand, “The War for Talent Drives Construction Pay Higher: Pay Trends in the Construction Industry,” available from the Foundation of the American Subcontractors Association, Mike Rose, Ph.D., FMI, Phoenix, Ariz., examines the top paying jobs in construction, long-term trends, what forecasts suggest about pay, and more. For more information visit contractorsknowledgenetwork.org.

New Wood Grain Cover Plates from Senju Senju Sprinkler is proud to announce its rollout of brand new standard wood grain cover plates available in Douglas Fir, Yellow Birch, Golden Oak, Cherry Chestnut, and Dark Walnut. The enhanced features of these plates include a more natural wood finish, life-like texture, and pattern improvements that will blend seamlessly to any piece of wood. Now you can replicate any design: wood, marble, stripes, or anything in between. For details visit SenjuSprinkler.com. n

New standard wood grain cover plates now available from Senju Sprinkler.

56 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

14-17 North America’s Largest Fire Sprinkler Exhibition Annual Apprentice Competition World-Class Seminars firesprinkler.org/convention

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS In Memoriam: Robert Worthington, Sr. Robert Worthington, Sr., P.E., owner of Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation in Standish, Michigan, passed away on February 1, 2016 at the age of 82.

He will be remembered for his many contributions to the industry over his 60-plus-years’ career as a designer, special hazards expert, salesman, and senior executive.

After serving in executive leadership roles at industry-leading companies Star Sprinkler and Central Sprinkler, Worthington purchased Standish-based Globe Sprinkler in 1988.

Worthington lead the industry’s transition from pipe schedule to hydraulically calculated systems through contractor education. He developed the concept for concealed sprinklers, and became the first USA sprinkler manufacturer to adopt 5mm and 3mm glass bulbs. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Good Samaritan Homeless Rescue Mission in Bay City, Michigan.

Visit gsrmbaycity.org/how-to-help/donate.

In Memoriam: George A. Boyton George A. Boyton, formerly of Potter Roemer and

In-building Risers

a member of the AFSA New Jersey Chapter, passed away on January 5, 2016 at the age of 65. For over 41 years, Boyton worked as a branch manager for Potter Roemer. He is survived by his two sons and four grandchildren. To share a memory of Boyton, visit holmdelfuneralhome.com.

In Memoriam: James Michael Shults, Sr. James Michael Shults, Sr., owner and CEO of Nicholson Sprinkler Company and a member of the AFSA Virginia Chapter, passed away on January 13, 2016 at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty C. Shults, and his loving family, including his son Anthony Shults, a two-term president of the Virginia Chapter. He was laid to rest at Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Richmond. Visit afsavirginia.com.

Fire Tech Productions Promotes Salzman, Doty Lisa Salzman has been promoted to CEO of Fire Tech Productions (FTP), Inc. Salzman was formerly president of the fire sprinkler, alarm and NICET training service firm. Tom Doty has accepted the role of president. Doty was formerly vice president at FTP. The title changes became effective January 1, 2016. FTP maintains its woman-owned business status with

Salzman

Doty

Salzman remaining majority owner. FTP is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Visit firetech.com.

Watts Water Appoints National Sales Manager Sean Perry has accepted the position of national sales manager of fire and waterworks for Watts Water. Perry previously held the role of senior product marketing manager, with responsibility for new product development for backflow prevention products for Watts Water. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from National University, San Diego, California. Visit wattswater.com. n

W

Backflow Preventers with Gear-operated Ball Valves Backflow Preventers with Grooved-end Butterfly Valves

Slow-close Gear-operated Ball Valves

ith our expanded line of high-quality, highperformance fire service valves and accessories you get: • • • •

Reliable flow control High quality High performance Easy installation and serviceability • Responsive support

Automatic Control Valves with Grooved Ends

Learn more about our end-to-end solutions at go.AmesFireWater.com/Fire

58 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

A Watts Water Technologies Company

WE’RE IMMERSED IN THE FIRE SPRINKLER INDUSTRY TO INSURE YOUR SUCCESS The business of protecting people and property from fire hazards is stressful enough. The Blue River Underwriting team is expert in fire sprinkler program insurance for worry-free coverage. Our team of experienced underwriters and risk engineers will provide skilled counsel in collaboration with your local agent to seamlessly deliver quality coverage and claims support. As a proven provider, we’re proud to be the only fire sprinkler program endorsed by the American Fire Sprinkler Association.*

FOR YOUR FIRE/SPRINKLER COMMERCIAL INSURANCE NEEDS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Robert Leonhart 469.320.4030 rleonhart@blueriveruw.com Sharon Zapata 469.320.4027 szapata@blueriveruw.com Roger L. Herron, AU 469.320.4026 rherron@blueriveruw.com Terry Scroggins 469.320.4028 tscroggins@blueriveruw.com

blueriveruw.com Your Commercial Success Catalysts.

CONTRACTORS ELITE • GREENSCAPE • ROOFING ELITE • DEMOLITION ELITE • FIRE & SPRINKLER ELITE • UMBRELLA & EXCESS LIABILITY • WORKERS’ COMPENSATION • EXCESS FLOOD • SPECIALTY PROPERTY • USL&H

California Insurance License #0G13592

breckis.com

*Fire/Sprinkler program not available in New York City, SD, ND, and Cook County, IL.

INDUSTRY NEWS CPVC Sprinkler Piping National Class Action Attorneys for two Miami high-rise condos have filed a national class action alleging faulty and potentially dangerous CPVC sprinkler piping. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Miami cites a dozen manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of CPVC piping as defendants and seeks an estimated $50 to $100 million in damages per building. An ad hoc committee has been formed to monitor the situation, and AFSA will continue to monitor developments in the case and will keep its members informed. To see the 246-page filing, visit ow.ly/Xpl0I. Tyco to Merge With Johnson Controls Johnson Controls, a U.S. maker of car batteries and heating and ventilation equipment, will merge with Ireland-based fire protection and security systems maker Tyco International. The businesses of Johnson Controls and Tyco will be combined under Tyco International Plc, which will be renamed Johnson Controls Plc, after the deal closes. The combined company would be domiciled in low-tax Ireland. The deal will result in at least $500 million in savings in the first three years, and create at least $150 million in annual tax savings, the companies said. The new company will be headed by Johnson Controls Chief Execu-

tive Alex Molinaroli and will continue to trade under the “JCI” ticker on the New York Stock Exchange. Johnson Controls’ shareholders will own about 56 percent of the combined company and receive a cash consideration of about $3.9 billion, upon closure of the deal. Visit tyco-fire.com.

Ferguson Spreads Holiday Cheer Over the holidays, Ferguson partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation as part of the company’s third annual Project Holiday Joy. Ferguson served as a national corporate donor for the Toys for Tots program and collected more than 4,000 toys for children on Virginia’s Peninsula, home to the company’s headquarters. More than 150 Ferguson locations across the country also participated in Project Holiday Joy and collected toys, gift bags, food and monetary donations for local children, families and the

SprinklerEcampus.com The best value in eLearning today!

Training Made Easy!

THE AFSA WAY... To assist contractors in maintaining a quality workforce, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) and its Fire Sprinkler eCampus offer hundreds of online training programs that award CEUs (as recognized by IACET) and CPD credits (as recognized by NICET).

Online courses include: • Applied Sprinkler Technology / System Layout • Hydraulic Calculations • Seismic Bracing • Beginning CAD • Codes, and many other topics...

Check it out at www.SprinklerECampus.com

60 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

military. Ferguson proudly supports our military and Veterans as part of its Ferguson Cares mission and is also a national corporate partner with Homes for our Troops. Visit ferguson.com.

Lubrizol Completes CPVC Expansion Plans; Opening of Compounding Plant in India The Lubrizol Corporation announces the official opening of a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) compounding plant in Dahej, India. This opening represents the culmination of Lubrizol’s latest industry leading investments in its global expansion of the company’s FlowGuard®, BlazeMaster® and Corzan® compound manufacturing sites.

These most recent investments, which were announced in 2013, total more than $200 million (INR1300 CR) and also include the 2015 opening of a resin manufacturing facility as part of a joint investment in Rayong, Thailand, as well as an expansion of the company’s manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Located in the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), which is one of the largest chemical parks in India, Lubrizol is the first major global producer of CPVC to establish operations in India. With capacity to produce approximately 55,000 metric tons of compounds annually, the more than $50 million U.S. investment (INR 325 CR) in this plant further

Planning for your future just got a little easier.

introducing

If you are currently offering a retirement plan, American Fire Sprinkler Association has a better way to offer 401(k) to your employees. It’s called a Multiple Employer 401(k) Plan. This plan is sponsored

by American Fire Sprinkler Association and managed through Transamerica Retirement Solutions (“Transamerica”), and the firm of Pinnacle Financial Services.

A Multiple Employer Plan, also referred to as an MEP, is a retirement plan for businesses that typically have a common interest, but that are not commonly owned or affiliated. These businesses are referred to as “Adopting Employers” when they elect to join the Multiple Employer Plan.

What are the Benefits?

• Potential costs savings • Hours of Administrative time savings • Reduction of work for your staff • Shifting of plan responsibility • Reduction of fiduciary liability • No more plan audit (if applicable) • No more plan document or legal filings • Allows you to focus on your business • Flexibility to have maintain your own plan design and features To learn more about this new AFSA Retirement Plan benefit,

contact John.Hershenberg@pfslink-e.com or 817-300-5539.

INDUSTRY NEWS CONT. solidifies Lubrizol’s commitment to the Indian market. Visit Lubrizol.com.

Wheeler Rex Unveils Demo Van Wheeler Rex has announced its new demo van, full of products and information for everyone needing pipe tools, hydrostatic test pumps, hand tools, tube tools, plastic pipe tools and much more. Watch for it in your neighborhood.

Wheeler Manufacturing was established in 1957 with the invention of the chain type snap cutter for cast iron and clay tile pipes. This product was followed by cutters for glass tub,

power bevelers for PVC pipes, power torque wrenches for soil pipe couplings, shut off tools for copper and poly pipes, sewer tapping machines and more. Wheeler Rex sells worldwide with a wide variety of tools for the piping professional. Visit wheelerrex.com.

CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award Recognizes Individual Leadership Sponsored jointly by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Motorola Solutions, the CFSI/ Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Ser-

You don’t have to be a genius.

vice Leadership Award recognizes individual leadership in advancing fire and life safety initiatives. The award presentation will take place May 5 at the 28th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, D.C. The award is named after the late Mason Lankford, a former fire service leader from Texas who worked closely with former Congressman Curt Weldon in establishing the Congressional Fire Services Caucus in 1987.

The criteria stress the importance of forming positive working relationships with government leaders at all levels to advocate issues and initiatives that improve the safety of the fire and emergency services and the public they serve. Call 202-371-1277.

ICC Announces Theme for 2016 Building Safety Month The International Code Council’s (ICC) theme for 2016 Building Safety Month, a public safety awareness campaign celebrated in May, is Building Codes: Driving Growth through Innovation, Resilience and Safety. Visit ICCSafe.org. n

ADVERTISERS AGF Manufacturing, Inc. Anvil International, LP

8 45

Argco 56 BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems

51

Blue River Underwriters

59

Building Reports

3

Easyflex IBC Engineered Corrosion Solutions

41

Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Inc.

17

Fire Protection Products, Inc.

21

Fire Sprinkler eCampus

60

FlexHead Industries, Inc.

36

Metraflex

29

PHD Manufacturing

53

Potter Electric Signal Company

35

Raimondo Consultants, Inc.

16

Reed Manufacturing Company Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.

The solution is obvious. Firesprinkler.org is where the Fire Sprinkler industry goes online. You will find the solutions to your education and training needs, technical support and industry news and updates. Membership in the American Fire Sprinkler Association gives you full access to real benefits and services that will fit perfectly in your business plan and increase your productivity and profitability.

Be a Member

firesprinkler.org

62 Sprinkler Age | March/April 2016

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

4

GECCO, Inc.

South-Tek Systems SprinkFlex, LLC Tyco

40 IFC 9 7 11, BC

U.S. Tool

44

Valmont Tubing

49

Victaulic 47 Viking Group

15

Watts Water Technologies

58

Greater Challenges.

Smarter Solutions.

Storage and distribution facilities are evolving. So are the challenges you face when protecting them. That’s why Tyco is leading the way with solutions designed to help optimize protection for sites with narrower aisles, greater heights, and a changing array of commodities and packaging. Tyco solutions include the highest ceiling-only protection with ESFR sprinklers, low install cost with EC sprinklers, and industry leading valves, all with pure performance.

To find out how we can help future-proof your storage protection, contact your Tyco representative or visit www.tyco-fire.com/Storage.

Safer. Smarter. Tyco.

Copyright Š 2016 Tyco Fire Products LP. All rights reserved