Sprinkler Age Jul/Aug 2016

SprinklerAge

An American Fire Sprinkler Association Publication

Vol 35 / 04 Jul/Aug 2016

ED ALTIZER Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year

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SprinklerAge

Vol 35 / 4

July/August 2016

Features 10 | Ed Altizer Named Advocate of the Year

Retired Fire Marshal Dedicated to Saving Lives

16 | NFPA 14, 2016 Edition

The State of the Standard

22 | Standpipe Systems

Design and Installation Requirements

28 | Wills Named Inaugural AFSA Young Professional of the Year

Next Gen Chair, Contractor Shines on National Stage

31 | Networking in Nashville

Education + Entertainment = Fun!

36 | Scottsdale and Sprinklers

Residential Ordinance Celebrates 30 Years

37 | Fire Service Considerations

Informal Interpretations Offer Assistance on Standpipes

42 | Residential Sprinklers in Hawaii

State Fire Council Fights the BIA to Protect its Residents

44 | Technical Advisory Council

Ed Altizer is AFSA’s 2016 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year. Read his story on page 10. This issue also covers NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems. Photo credit: Katie Cartwright Photography.

Assisting Firefighters from Construction Through Demolition

40 | Questions on NFPA 14?

ON THE COVER

Committee Spotlight

6

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

8

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

52 AHJ PERSPECTIVE 54 AFSA NEWS 54 CALENDAR 56 CHAPTER NEWS

46 | IRC Requirements Upheld

58 NEW MEMBERS

47 | Fantauzzi Celebrates Silver Anniversary

59 CANADA CONSTRUCTION

48 | Victory in Maryland

62 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

49 | Leyton Appointed NFPA 14 Chairman

66

Residential Fire Sprinklers Remain for Now

Member Recognized for Technical Committee Service

Safety Advocates Help Defeat Bill with Weakened Home Sprinkler Requirements

59 U.S. CONSTRUCTION 60 PRODUCT NEWS 64 INDUSTRY NEWS INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

AFSA Representative Dedicates Time, Expertise on Technical Committee

50 | NFPA and HFSC Recognize Sprinkler Advocates

Free Resources Available to Fire Service

SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bimonthly for $33.95 per year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices.

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Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 5

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE EDITORIAL: 214 349 5965

BY MICHAEL F. MEEHAN AFSA Chairman of the Board

FRANK MORTL III, 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

I write this message on the Fourth of July weekend and contemplate leadership.

When our association was founded in 1981 we did so as a group of open shop contractors whose business needs and demands were not being addressed. Our founders felt compelled to figure out a way to give open shop contractors a voice in a contentious marketplace and to train our workforces in a professional and accredited way. It took leadership and courage to break out in this new direction. But it also took an extraordinary amount of hard work and time to lift the young idea from concept to reality. Those original industry leaders wore many hats for the young AFSA and still had the burden of running their businesses. Those of us that enjoy the fruits of businesses today are still in their debt.

Throughout our history the quiet, steady hand of AFSA President Steve Muncy has been at the wheel. In those early days, the firm direction and ideology of our contractor Board of Directors was always clear, but it was Steve that had the task of implementing policy and creating culture. He did so with grace and an uncanny balance that is the mark of leadership. Leaders have competing demands placed on them and their limited resources. To truly listen to various sides of an argument and to honestly give and honestly take is a skill. That skill is sorely lacking in our winner-take-all national politics. It is a shame and I pray for true leadership again.

In our little AFSA world we do have such leadership – in our past and in our future.

In the same strong, steady way that Steve has helped define who and what we are, he has laid the foundation for transitioning into the future. Steve was extremely instrumental in finding our new Executive Vice President Frank Mortl III and has done a textbook mentorship to the eager and capable Mr. Mortl. Our board make-up consists of a blend of well-seasoned contractors representing all regions of the country that reflect large and small contractors that hold decades of street smart and academic contracting experience. Our chemistry with our new EVP Frank Mortl III gives us much optimism.

Our staff in Dallas is growing and exceptionally competent with a hallmark of almost nonexistent turnover. Our membership is also growing, as is our participation in NFPA and our national convention. Our balance sheet is strong and the future holds numerous opportunities for us, our vendors, and our industry. There will be difficult choices ahead and unexpected challenges but I firmly believe that due to the good providence of our industry and the foundation that our leaders have provided, our future is a shining city on the hill. 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 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 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 | July/August 2016

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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.

AFSA’s 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 and number of correspondence courses sold in 2015 both increased an astonishing 45 percent above the number graded 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.

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 offers more and more online training 24/7 and a brand new comprehensive inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) training program has just been introduced.

Whether it is a new employee to be trained as a fitter, an inexperienced layout technician that needs more training, or an experienced employee that 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 SprinklerAge blog 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

8 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

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Ed Altizer Named Advocate of the Year Retired Fire Marshal Dedicated to Saving Lives CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association

“As a second lieutenant in the Air Force I was the low man on the totem pole, and working with fire codes was not the top priority of most engineers,” says Altizer. “My supervisor laid the NFPA 101 standard [Life Safety Code® ] on my desk and told me to look at the plans I was designing to make sure they met the Life Safety Code®.”

Although he didn’t know what the standard was, he knew it was his job to study the code, learn it, and make the buildings he was working on comply with it. It sparked an interest in safety that would shape the future of his career.

In 1974, a friend of his who was working with the state fire marshal’s office told him they had an opening for an engineer in Marion, Virginia. Altizer knew that working in state government was a popular thing to do among his peers, and he found that his experience with the Life Safety Code® gave him an advantage when it came to getting the job. Then, he found that he genuinely enjoyed the work.

“I saw the good that we could do over the years,” says Altizer.

“You see people dying in fires and you want to do something.” Altizer was always eager to be involved in changing things for the good.

After spending over 40 years in fire protection and life safety, retired Virginia Fire Marshal Ed Altizer can safely say that he has shaped the course of Virginia’s fire safety landscape. From his beginnings as a field engineer to his two decades as state fire marshal, there is no doubt that Altizer is fully committed to the advancement and advocacy of fire sprinklers. This year, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is proud to honor Ed Altizer as its Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year.

Charles E. (Ed) Altizer was born in Tazewell, Virginia, and devoted his life to keeping Virginians safe. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in 1970 with a degree in civil engineering, and a particular specialization in hydraulics.

Right out of college he joined the United States Air Force, and served just under three years. He is the first to admit that he fell into fire protection entirely by accident. He was introduced to the industry when he was working as an Air Force engineer.

10 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

Altizer began his career with the state fire marshal’s office in November of 1974 as a field inspector, engineer and regional manager in the Southwest Virginia Regional Office. His primary work at the time was to review building plans and make sure they conformed to state codes. He reviewed many hospital and nursing home plans, and over the years his work only reinforced the knowledge that fire sprinklers save lives.

“I remember as a young engineer I was called to help investigate a fire in an old hotel where several people died,” says Altizer. “It was only a two-story building, and that speaks to the value of fire sprinklers… sprinklers certainly would have saved their lives.”

In 1989, tragedy struck in Norfolk, Virginia. Nine elderly people died from smoke inhalation in a fire at the Hillhaven Rehabilitation and Convalescent Center, and all fire officials agreed that the fire could have been easily contained if the four-story building had been equipped with a fire sprinkler

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Left photo: Ed and his wife Sharon enjoy spending time together now that Ed is retired. Middle photo: Ed’s four sons keep him on his toes at the Hanover Fire and EMS Annual Crab Feast. Right photo: Ed’s mother Edith recently celebrated her 96th birthday.

system. After that, Virginia became the first state to require retrofitting of fire sprinklers in nursing homes, and Altizer was a key member of the committee that made that happen.

And then, in 1994, a fire at the Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia killed four patients, and Altizer and the State Fire Marshal’s office worked to retrofit all Virginia hospitals with sprinklers. Altizer even worked personally with Senator Stanley Walker (D-VA) to retrofit all high-rise dormitories in Virginia with fire sprinklers.

In 1993, Altizer was selected associate director and assistant state fire marshal, which brought him to Richmond, where he oversaw field operations. Just two years later, he was appointed state fire marshal in December of 1995. As state fire marshal, Altizer made a huge difference in the lives of Virginians by dedicating himself every day to the advancement of fire sprinklers. He served for 20 years on the Virginia Fire Services Board and on several other national and state committees responsible for developing the building and fire codes which are used as the basis for Virginia’s building and fire codes: the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Technical Committee on Air Conditioning and Ventilation, the International Code Council Health Care Ad Hoc Committee and the International Code Council’s Fire Code Development Committee. Altizer also served 12 years on the Board of Directors of the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA) and served two years as president. IFMA is a section of NFPA, and his time on the board gave him the opportunity to spread the word about the tremendous life-saving benefits of sprinklers at the national level. He served as chairman of the National Association of State Fire Marshals’ Model Codes Committee, where he worked to pass code that would require fire sprinklers in all single- and multiple-family dwellings.

“I was very lucky to be named chair of that committee and to work with a lot of great people on it who worked hard to make that happen,” says Altizer. “We got a lot of resistance from home builders. I say we because it takes cooperation to get this done.”

12 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

And cooperation he had, especially from the AFSA Virginia Chapter, which he credits as a great advocate and supporter of the state fire marshal’s office in its efforts to make fire sprinklers a fixture in all Virginia buildings.

“I think something people don’t understand is that they’re not doing this to make money,” says Altizer, referring to fire sprinkler contractors and the members of AFSA Virginia Chapter. “They understand the importance of fire sprinklers.

Because of their support, I had success in Virginia. If I asked them for information, I would get it.”

The admiration Altizer felt for the chapter was more than reciprocated. George Wagner, executive director of the AFSA Virginia Chapter, is a great fan of Altizer’s work.

“I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Ed Altizer,” says Wagner. “I have worked with Ed on many issues since he became the Virginia state fire marshal in 1995. Ed always listened; he was fair and thoughtful and he was an enormous supporter of fire sprinklers. Ed Altizer has fought hard for life and property safety and the citizens of the state of Virginia have benefited from his efforts and wisdom.”

In addition to being grateful for the help he received from the AFSA Virginia Chapter, Altizer also feels indebted to the Virginia Fire Service for all of its support throughout his career.

“As the state fire marshal of Virginia, I could not have accomplished much if not for the great support of the Virginia fire service,” says Altizer. “They were always great supporters of fire sprinklers. You can’t be successful without a team and the Virginia fire service is a great team. They deserve a lot of the credit.”

Even though he is now retired, Altizer is not finished with his fire sprinkler advocacy, not by a long shot.

“I think that when the state requires something of a building owner, requires that they install sprinklers systems and

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maintain them,” says Altizer, “it’s imperative that the government also provide additional protection by requiring those people providing installation and maintenance meet a certain level of excellence.”

Altizer hopes to pass code that will require sprinklers be properly installed and maintained. He recalls that one of the leading violations he would see as the state fire marshal was improper maintenance. Altizer acknowledges that most of the contractors in the market do exemplary work, but he still sees examples of systems not being properly maintained.

“There’s nothing we can do because there are no regulations in Virginia,” Altizer laments. “That’s something I will continue to work on, and I’m willing to work with George [Wagner].”

Today, Altizer lives in Hanover County, 10 miles from downtown Richmond, Virginia. He lives there with his wife, Sharon, and they are often busy entertaining their three grandchildren. Altizer has always enjoyed sports; when his four sons were young, he coached their Little League baseball, basketball and soccer teams, and he used to do quite a bit of fishing and hunting.

“My wife tells everybody that all I do is fish, never catch,” Altizer chuckles. “My hunting is limited to the grocery store now.” He also enjoys gardening, and traveling with his wife when they can.

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Ed and Sharon love spending time with their three grandchildren.

Despite all his accomplishments, Altizer was still surprised when AFSA President Steve Muncy called him to let him know he had been named the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year.

“To win an award for something you believe in, something you worked for, with no expectations other than to make buildings safer?” Altizer laughs. “I was shocked. It was a passion of mine, but I didn’t do it for any recognition or awards. I did it for the safety of the citizens.”

AFSA created the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award to honor individuals not directly involved in the fire sprinkler industry whose efforts have significantly advanced the fire protection industry and automatic fire sprinklers. Nominees are recommended by AFSA’s Legislative Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.

“Some of the best proponents of fire sprinklers are the fire service, and there is no one who is a bigger advocate of sprinklers than Ed Altizer,” says Muncy. “Ed has seen the result when sprinklers activate and put out the fire, and he has seen the tragedy that results when sprinklers were not present. As Virginia state fire marshal and through his involvement with national organizations, Ed has been a consistent spokesman for saving lives and property through fire sprinklers.”

AFSA Legislative Committee Chairman Ted Wills, Jr., Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, will present the 2016 award to Altizer on September 16, during the opening general session of AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee.

Altizer’s long, distinguished career in fire safety has included many instances of passionate advocacy for fire sprinklers, which is why AFSA is proud to honor him this year. When a man spends his life working tirelessly to make the lives of others safer, that is worth recognizing. n

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NFPA 14, 2016 Edition The State of the Standard STEVE LEYTON | Protection Design & Consulting

NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, has been radically revised since I first came onto the committee in the second half of the 2000 cycle.

The 1996 edition contained less than one page of definitions, did not make specific provisions for high-rise buildings, and referred to Class II systems as “... for use primarily by building occupants or by the fire department during initial response,” neither of which was applicable or consistent with what we now take for granted as best practices. A lot has changed since then, in both the language and context of the standard. As challenges amplify in the built environment, such as larger building footprints and unimaginably tall towers, the design of standpipe systems has become – as it should be – more dynamic and performancebased. Unlike sprinkler systems that are designed to function autonomously, standpipe systems are a critical part of the human-mechanical interface that characterizes tactical firefighting operations. As such, the design of these systems to serve the specific practices and strategies of its end-users is now a critical part of the basis of that design. As the industries that manufacture firefighting equipment bring new products to market, fire service practices evolve – things we accepted as good practices just 20 years ago are no longer valid in some cases. Many fire departments are turning to higher working pressures; all are using more sophisticated equipment such as variable flow and pressure nozzles. And the standard has changed, maintaining a prescriptive format but now with provisions to adjust designs and performance to suit the responding fire department(s) should it be necessary to do so.

Perhaps the most significant change in the overall tone of the standard has been the inclusion of provisions for higher working pressures. Today, system working pressure is effectively limited only by the materials that one can use to construct a system. Our firm recently designed a 545-ft tall single zone system, using pressure reduction (as required by local policies) at each sprinkler and hose connection requiring regulation. Was this the most cost-effective design option? No, but it most certainly provides the safest, most reliable and most versatile water supply for firefighters that we could provide. That aspect of the standard is critical: more than just gauging the “intent” of NFPA 14, it’s imperative to remember that the water supply in question is going to be the lifeline of men and women who are in dangerous and compromising conditions. If they should determine at the point of attack that they want more (or 16 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

less) flow and/or pressure, the system must be configured and maintained so that they can adapt the performance of their equipment and tactics to suit those conditions without confusion or complication.

The 2016 edition is the product of modest, evolutionary changes. One of the long-standing deficiencies was a vague prescription to protect standpipes with fire resistive construction that is equal to the stair shaft rating requirements. While the intent was clear regarding vertical piping, there was confusion regarding horizontal piping that was not part of a standpipe as defined. For 2016, Section and Table 6.1.2.2 have been added to more clearly specify the extent and means of protecting piping in buildings of different heights and construction types.

Definitions were added for construction types to assure that these were in harmony with the International Building Code.

Another confusing requirement that was clarified concerns the requirements (and exceptions to those requirements) for placement of Class I standpipe connections at horizontal exits.

To that end, Section 7.3.2.2.1 and Figure A.7.3.2.2.1 have been added, to clarify conditions where additional hose connections at horizontal exits are required or not. The intent is that if areas on one side of a horizontal exit can be completely covered by a hose taken from one or more stairwell standpipes, it is not required to install a Class 1 connection on the opposite site of a horizontal exit. The committee also accepted a proposal to simplify standpipe placement at “breezeway” stairs, as commonly found in open exterior corridors in multi-family housing formats. New Section 7.3.2.5 was added and Figure A.7.3.2.5 illustrates where it is now allowed to place one standpipe in the common corridor/landing between two exit stairs that are not further apart than 75-ft 0-in. As with all of the design and configuration requirements, these should be taken as a show of the committee’s intent to harmonize the standard with the building code and widely accepted good practices, but all are subject to approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Although they’re not new for 2016, attention is called to Sections 7.2.4 and A.7.2.4 and also to Section 7.10.1.2.1.1 and Figure A.7.10.2.1.1, which go back to earlier editions. Section 7.2.4 includes the conditions in which master pressure reducing valves may be used to create lower pressure in separate standpipe zones in lieu of single point pressure reducing valves at each sprinkler and hose connection along a standpipes. This section came into the standard by way of committee reaction to concerns that the practice of using master reducing valves to create zones was becoming more commonplace, but the

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performance of these valves in the field was inconsistent and entirely dependent on the intensity of inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) on the systems. To assure functionality to the greatest extent possible, redundancy and accessibility are required in Section 7.2.4, as is the downstream connection point for the fire department connection (FDC). Many listed reducing valves have a strict range of flows to which they are to be applied, so it is also required that the minimum flow rate of the regulators be considered, which may require a smaller second pair of redundant reducing valves to allow for low flows like one or two sprinklers. The foundation for these requirements was that master pressure reducing valves may not be the best solution, but in most cases is the cheapest. This shouldn’t be the overarching criterion, but too often is in our industry; in deference to that reality, the committee codified these additional measures to maintain a high standard of care.

Section 7.10.1.2.1.1 and Figure A.7.10.2.1.1 were added in 2013 to enhance and clarify the intent of existing requirements regarding the number of standpipes to be included in calculations and in determining the maximum flow rate for buildings and specific floors within buildings. Where multiple standpipes in a building terminate at different floors, it is not required that the maximum gross building flow (with allowances for every standpipe up to the limit) be considered on floors where fewer standpipes occur. The classic example is a high-rise tower with two standpipes that rises from a podium base with a total of four or more standpipes. At the highest and most demanding level of the podium, a higher flow rate – up to 1,000 gpm for a sprinklered building – must be proven, but the two-riser tower only requires 750 gpm for its most demanding levels. When a fire pump or set of pumps is being considered for a high-rise water supply, all off these demands should be considered, as it’s required that the entire building be connected to an automatic water supply, even if the podium standpipes are not “high-rise” at their upper-most levels.

Practical Applications Knowing the content and how to navigate any of the NFPA standards is an important part of what we do in fire protection system design and construction, but with standpipes there is another aspect to the application of the standard that is often overlooked by both industry and fire service: How will this system actually be used in practice? What distinguishes NFPA 14 from other building fire systems standards is that even though it contains design concepts like “automatic” water supplies, it is still and will always be a manually deployed system. Unlike sprinklers, the building owner is not the “end user;” the end-user is the responding fire department, and until the past few cycles the standard wasn’t really addressed that way. NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, has been revised so that it addresses the building owner, specifically, as the responsible party for ITM. NFPA 14 serves multiple stakeholders: it must address the designer and installer to be sure, but consideration is also given to responders who will use the system. What type of equipment do they carry? What size hoses and tips? What flows and pressures will they require to bring one or more attack lines forward from a fire hose connec18 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

tion? What size and configuration of FDC inlets serve them best? To incorporate these variables into a system, the designer must know or acquire such information from the serving fire department. Surprisingly, many fire prevention officers and plans reviewers aren’t familiar enough with firefighting operations and tactics to inform the industry; this is often the case with civilian and building department employees who have no firefighting experience.

A question was posed on the AFSA SprinklerForum about four years ago regarding A.7.8, which advises the designer and fire department that matching of equipment and FDC inlet pressures are critical to the successful operation of a standpipe system. This has been taken by some to be a recommended practice, but it was only intended to enhance understanding of the operational challenges that may be encountered and to encourage discussion of how to optimize the performance of a standpipe to best suit the serving fire department’s hardware and tactics. That information is or should be known to the fire department but it isn’t reasonable to expect a system designer to be so informed. And it is definitely not the intent of A.7.8 to insert the system designer into the process of programming how a fire department uses their equipment or a particular standpipe system. It underscores the importance of a clear understanding “on both sides of the counter” with regard to local tactics and design criteria; the standard has given the AHJ leeway to make specific, performance-based requirements but relatively few have gone beyond the prescriptive requirements in NFPA 14. And it’s important to note that there are still some departments using standpipes to supply smooth bore nozzles that require much lower working pressures than the variable flow and pressure models. So where is the design criteria based? Generally speaking, it comes from long-used fire service recommended practices and standardized training.

For those interested enough to pursue it, I recommend reading NFPA 13E, Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems, and also the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Pump Operators Handbook. In NFPA 13E, 2015 edition, Section 6.3.4 states that when pumping to a standpipe connection, the pump operator (presumably the apparatus or company engineer) should consider friction loss in the hose between the pump and the FDC, friction loss in the standpipe system; pressure lost (or gained) to elevation, number and size of attack lines operating from the standpipe, and pressure desired at the nozzles. Since it’s not reasonable to expect that the engineer will know the friction loss in the standpipe or make/ model of various valves and devices through which the fire flow must pass, NFPA 14 now requires an informational sign that is intended to state the required inlet pressure at full demand that is required to achieve the minimum discharge pressure at the most remote hose connections. The IFSTA handbook includes a comprehensive procedure for estimating those losses, but summarizes that the engineer should calculate the pressure at the inlet to be what is required by that hydraulic information sign.

It goes on to say that, “If none of this information is available, the general rule of thumb is to discharge 150 psi into the FDC.”

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G L O B A L

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A N D

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J O I N I N G

S Y S T E M S

This is why, except on taller buildings where more inlet pressure is required, 150 psi is the fire service standard for residual pressure at the onset of pumping into a standpipe system. (This is also a really good opportunity to push for more proactive improvements on existing systems that may not have signage on the inlets. Although it’s not required by NFPA 25, it’s a really good idea to add a hydraulic information sign if one doesn’t already exist.)

It is the engineer’s job is to know his or her equipment, the specific performance attributes of their rig, friction loss characteristics of different lengths, and diameters of hose at difference flow rates. What we need to do as designers/installers is be diligent in the design of the system, inform the responders of how it’s designed to work by way of signage and configuration, then stay out of the way and let them do their thing. It’s not our job to anticipate the exact positive suction head at a pumper truck or know how many 1½-in. or 1¾-in. or 2½-in. attack lines will be used in a fire fight. It’s our job to furnish a system that will deliver adequate fire flow for any eventuality within reason, whatever that may be and it will always be a manual system in that regard.

Performance-Based Design The first standard for design and installation of standpipe systems was adopted in 1915. For many years, low working pressures were adequate to supply straight stream nozzles and the required discharge pressure for Class 1 hose connections was 65 psi. In 1993, the standard was almost completely reorganized and the minimum discharge pressure increased to 100 psi, pursuant to committee review of fire incident reports and input from the fire service. Initially, the committee felt that 150 psi was the appropriate discharge pressure, based on friction losses through hoses, valves and devices, in order to furnish adequate residual to supply the new generation of selectable flow nozzles that were tested and rated at 100 psi. In hindsight, this was a well-informed target but there was also concern that a bump from 65 to 150 would be so controversial that it would be overturned by an amending motion. 100 psi was approved as a compromise, with the collective assumption that it would be raised again in some future cycle, which obviously never came to pass. Today, the minimum discharge pressure at a Class 1 hose connection, as prescribed in the 2016 edition, is still 100 psi and, depending on the equipment and tactics of the serving fire department, that may or may not be adequate.

In the 2003 cycle, the committee made its first attempt to lift the 350 psi pressure limit on standpipes but that effort began in the Report on Comments (ROC) and was deemed too significant to rush through as a committee comment that would likely be challenged by an amending motion. In 2007, the first revision was incorporated that completely removed the pressure limit in favor of language the capped the working pressure at “that for which the system components are rated.” However, this was overturned by an amending motion and the language of the standard returned to the previous edition’s 350 psi limit. In 2010, in consideration of the need to address taller and taller buildings, the committee added the definition for an express 20 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

main, which is a vertical pipe supplying one or more upper zones of a standpipe system, but does not supply any portion of a low zone. We then removed the pressure limit from express mains, and left the 350 psi cap in place for standpipes that feed hose connections. These revisions were not challenged and can be found in all editions since and including 2010.

What this enables the designer to do is use a series pump arrangement, or a single pump in combination with pressure reducing valves, to consolidate what was previously required to be vertically staged zones in very tall buildings. It offers the design team and serving fire department options that can be tailored to the specific needs of the responders and to cut down on the number of pumps that might be required in very tall buildings. In the course of researching and self-educating as part of the committee’s work on this issue, I became aware that higher working pressures were not restricted to the demands of tall buildings – there was a movement toward high pressure systems throughout the fire protection and suppression communities. Most of us are aware of the benefits of high pressure (HP) mist systems and the rapid growth in that industry. But fire service is also moving toward higher pressures in suppression operations. A company called HMA Fire Suppression is manufacturing fixed and mobile ultra-high pressure (UHP) equipment for both urban and wildland suppression operations. Their units can deliver water at 1,200 psi and foam/water premix at up to 1,400 psi and the company boasts using only 1/10 the amount of agent required at lower pressures. Akron Brass and Elkhart offer variable flow/pressure/shape nozzles that can use up to 1,200 psi to create effective fog and mist patterns at flows as low as 15 gpm. Key Hose Company manufactures HP double-jacket hose with 800 psi couplings to facilitate HP pumping operations at FDC inlets and small diameter attack lines with HP tips.

These are just some of the products that we’re aware of and, as tactical strategies evolve, demand for HP products will increase and the variety of product technologies will grow.

Fire departments purchase equipment that is specified to perform to their standards and to be compatible with their existing equipment. Once their standard operational tactics are established, it’s a fairly straightforward exercise to design a water supply – or a manual standpipe system to convey a water supply – that is adequate to meet the demand of whatever tactics are deployed. As a designer, I need to know enough about those practices to design a functional system. For example, what is the range of inlet pressures that a fire department is willing to pump on mid-rise standpipe system? I’ve heard of departments that require all standpipes to work with a 150 psi maximum inlet pressure, which is fairly restrictive. Accepted practices and NFPA 13E recommend a range of inlet pressure between 150-200 psi, with the warning in 13E, Section 6.3.4.2 that states “Pump discharge pressure in excess of 200 psi should not be used unless the standpipe system has been designed to withstand higher pressures.” This should not be read as a restriction; it’s cautionary advice to assure that systems are not over-pressurized but it’s incumbent on both stakeholders – designer and fire department – to assess what the maximum inlet pressure will be and that the system components are rated for that. In a mid-rise building that

is just less than 75-ft tall, it is conceivable that the required inlet pressure may be higher than 175 psi; universally limiting the pressure in manual standpipe systems doesn’t seem prudent in this day and age. And for high-rise buildings, the 2016 edition of NFPA 14 offers both designer and fire department myriad options for working pressure and configurations of standpipes and zones, which should facilitate a thoughtfully partnered approach to tailor the design to the specifications of the responding agency.

Let’s look at one scenario, as illustrated in Figure 1. We want to calculate adequate residual pressure at the Class 1 hose connection while flowing 250 gpm to feed two attack lines. This illustrates a 2½-in. section of hose connected to a Class 1 standpipe connection with a two-way gated wye at the end, feeding two smaller diameter attack lines with selectable spray/ fog nozzles. For this example, we’ll use 1½-in. x 100-ft hose sections (as commonly carried in high-rise hose packs) connected to a 2½-in. x 1½-in. x 1½-in. wye. Let’s say the fire department is using a tip that requires 75 psi such as the Elkhart Phantom, but let’s also compare the required discharge pressure for 50 psi and 100 psi nozzles.

Fire hose friction loss tables are widely available – one that’s relatively easy to find and use is on the Elkhart Brass website (it’s in the “Downloads” folder under “Performance Documents”).

This simplified chart does not distinguish between different types of hose, but is calibrated for rubber lined synthetic.

Countless companies manufacture gated wye housings – Elkhart’s is the model B100, so we’ll use the friction loss values from that one (tech data for these products also available from the manufacturers). It’s a simple calculation to add up the losses of these components: • 2½-in. hose section @ 250 gpm: 15 psi/100 ft = +/- 1.0 psi • Gated wye @ 2 x 125 gpm: 250 gpm flow = 18.0 psi • Attack hose sections @ 125 gpm: 37 psi/100 ft = 37.0 psi The total loss in hoses and hardware at 250 gpm with two symmetrical streams is 56.0 psi, with a gross demand for this configuration using a 75 psi tip of 131 psi. That’s 31 psi higher than the minimum Class I discharge pressure as prescribed by NFPA 14. For a 50 psi tip, the required discharge pressure is 106 psi; for a 100 psi tip it would be 156 psi. This validates the initial findings and committee proposal from the 1993 cycle, which were rolled back from 150 psi to 100 psi in the ROC phase. The truth is that modern nozzles will generally make workable patterns at more or less than their rated pressures, but regardless of the implied pressure limit (175 psi) of a standpipe system that doesn’t carry hydraulic information signage, fire departments are generally going to pump to the point of attack as needed, and without consideration for whether they’re 10 or 15 or 25 psi over the perceived working pressure of a system. This is why the latest generation of selectable pressure nozzles are so desirable: all of the major manufacturers offer tips that can be adjusted to function at pressures ranging from 45-100 psi.

Figure 1.

tant) firefighter safety that can be reasonably achieved. If you consider the typical manual wet or dry standpipe system, all of the required components – pipe, fittings, valves and inlet connection – can be easily sourced with working pressure ratings in excess of 200 psi. In fact, I can buy listed equipment up to 350 psi without much of a search. I can deliver a truly performance-based standpipe design with relative ease if I know the metrics of the scenario described above.

For the upcoming 2019 cycle, NFPA has an initiative to reorganize and modernize all of the standards. As the new NFPA 14 technical committee chair, this writer will be working with NFPA staff on the exact scope of this exercise in the next few weeks. One thing that we can anticipate is that a performancebased approach – or a more flexible standard in that regard – will be prominent in the basis of design for standpipe systems. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Steve Leyton is president of Protection Design and Consulting (PD&C) in San Diego, CA. He began his career in 1981 on the design/build side of the fire sprinkler industry and founded PD&C in 1995 to focus on architectural as well as contractor clients. Leyton’s professional affiliations include NFPA, ICC, AFSA, California Fire Prevention Officers, Northern and Southern Sections, and the San Diego Fire Protection Association. He currently serves as the chairman for the NFPA 14 Technical Committee and as a member of the NFPA 13D/13R Technical Committee. Leyton is also a past member of the NFPA 5000 Technical Committee. He is a past chair of the Installation Committee for the California State Fire Marshal’s 2009 Residential Sprinkler Code Adoption Task Group and a past co-chair of the ICC Ad-Hoc Committee on Residential Fire Sprinklers. Over the course of his career, Leyton has worked on all manner of residential, commercial, industrial, and high-rise projects in the United States, Mexico, and Asia.

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

My role as a system designer is to create a design that affords the highest measures of flexibility, functionality and (most imporSprinkler Age | July/August 2016 21

ical effort necessary to extend hose lines vertically.

Before discussing the exceptions it is important to understand the differences between the different classes and operational characteristics of standpipes.

More detailed information is included in Section 202 for the definitions of the different classes and types of standpipes.

Standpipes can be dry or wet, manual, automatic or semiautomatic. Automatic systems can be either wet or dry. Manual systems can be either wet or dry.

A semiautomatic system is always in association with a dry system.

The code is written such that it could be assumed the default is an automatic wet system. This is, however,Nexsen not the case. The requirement is left to the RICHARD B. ALPERT, P.E. | Clark design standard, NFPA 14. Section 5.4.1.1 of NFPA

Standpipe Systems

Design and Installation Requirements

system must be automatic or not. If the requirem is not noted elsewhere in the code, then the decis to use an automatic or manual system is left to designer.

Exception 1 recognizes the fact that with a f operational automatic sprinkler system, the time t the fire department has to extend hoses within building is substantially increased and that amount of effort required is greatly reduced. Con quently a single Class I connection can be provid The second, 11/2-inch (38 mm) connection is allow to be omitted. NFPA 14 also has a similar provis but is more restrictive as it only eliminates the ho station and additionally requires a 21/2 inch by inch (65 mm by 40 mm) reducer and a cap attach with a chain (see Section 7.3.4.1). In accordance w

Although the requirements for standpipe systems are contained in the adopted building code and the installation requirements are contained within the referenced edition of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, there is often disagreement between the responsible design professional, the fire protection contractor, and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) on the proper design and installation of the system. This article will attempt to simplify the requirements for these systems by addressing the following issues: • When are standpipes required and what are the installation requirements?

Figure 1. IBC Figure 905.3.1(2). Excerpted from the 2015 International Building Code; Copyright © 2014. WashingInternational Codemm.

Council. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. www.ICCSAFE.org.

For SI: 1 inch =ton, 25.4D.C. mm, 1 foot = 304.8 • When is a standpipe system required?

• What type of standpipe system is Figure 905.3.1(2) REQUIREMENTS FOR STANDPIPES required? that jurisdiction. InHEIGHT the majority of When is a Standpipe System MULTIPLE LEVELS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE ACCESS • Where are the required hose outlets states andWITH cities within the United Required? The pertinent section of the located?

States, the adopted building code will IBC is 905.3, “Required Installations.”

9 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® COMMENTARY • What is the required pressure2012 at the be an edition of the International Most standpipe systems are installed due Copyright © 2011 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Thomas Wellen on Jun 13, 2013 11:05:24 AM pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No furthe distribution authorized. which ANY UNAUTHORIZED OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE hose outlet(s)?

Building Code (IBC), may beREPRODUCTION to the requirement underOFSection AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER. • What is the required flow rate of adopted in full or adopted with 905.3.1, “Height.” It requires a Class III the system? modifications and then becomes the standpipe be installed throughout • What are the requirements for the fire state or city building code. In Virginbuildings where the floor level of the department connection (FDC)? ia, the current referenced code is the highest story is located more than 30 ft • Which outlets are flowed in a hydrau2012 edition of the IBC, which above the lowest level of fire department lic calculation?

Virginia amends into the Virginia access, or where the lowest floor level is • How is the fire department apparatus Uniform Statewide Building Code located more than 30 ft below the defined and used in a hydraulic (VUSBC). The current edition of the highest level of fire department vehicle calculation?

IBC is 2015, therefore all further access. (See Figure 1.) references to the IBC will be to the Required Installation and 2015 edition.

The level of fire department apparatus Installation Requirements access is defined as the actual location of During the design of a building two The majority of installation requirethe fire department apparatus relative to questions must be answered to ments for a building standpipe system the building, not the access level for the determine the requirements for a will be contained in NFPA 14 as fire department personnel entering to standpipe system: referenced by the IBC. Chapter 35 of the building. (See Figure 2 on page 23.)

1) Is a standpipe system required to be the IBC contains the applicable installed in the building? version of standards referenced within Other uses for which the IBC requires a 2) What are the installation requirements? the text of the IBC. In the 2015 IBC standpipe system are: the applicable version of NFPA 14 is • A building that has an assembly The requirements for a building the 2013 edition. All further referoccupancy with an occupant load standpipe system are contained ences to NFPA 14 in this article will exceeding 1,000 within the adopted building code for be to the 2013 edition.

• Covered and open mall buildings 22 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

located as required for Class II standpipes in accordance with Section 905.5.

floor level above [see Figure 905.3.1(1)]. If contains floor levels below the level of fire d

• Buildings that contain a stage greater than 1,000 ft2 • Underground buildings • Buildings with a helistop and heliports • Marinas and boatyards • Rooftop gardens and landscaped roofs If the building does not meet any of the eight criteria listed above, a standpipe system is not required by the IBC.

What Type of Standpipe System is Required? NFPA 14 identifies three classes of standpipe systems: Class I systems designed for use by fire departments with 21/2-in. hose connections, Class II systems designed for use by trained personnel or fire departments with 11/2-in. hose connections, and Class Figure 2. IBC Figure 905.3.1(1). Excerpted from the 2015 International Building Code; Copyright © 2014. WashingIII systems designed for use by trained For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 ton, mm.

D.C. International Code Council. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. www.ICCSAFE.org. personnel or fire departments with both Figure 905.3.1(1) 1 1 HEIGHT THRESHOLD FOR STANDPIPES 1 /2-in. and 2 /2-in. hose connections. required means of egress stairway, What is the Required Pressure These systems can then be designed as a outlets are not required. at the Hose Outlet(s) The minicombination of a wet, dry,9-38 automatic, 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® CO • The fire code official is permitted to mum design pressure for standpipe manual, or semiautomatic system as Copyright © 2011 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Thomas Wellen on Jun 13, 2013a11:05:24 AM pursuant to License Agreemen distribution authorized.

ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIG allow the outlets to be located at the system is contained in Section 7.8, defined and required by NFPA 14.

AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER. main landings in lieu of the interme“Minimum and Maximum Pressure diate landings.

Limits,” of NFPA 14. A hydraulically Under IBC Section 905.3.1, “Height,” • An outlet is required on each side of designed system is required to provide a that requires a standpipe be installed a wall adjacent to the exit in a minimum residual pressure of 100 psi throughout buildings as discussed horizontal exit. at the most remote 2½-in. outlet on a previously, the required type of stand• An outlet is required at the entrance Class I system. The 100 psi minimum pipe is a Class III system. from an exit passageway to other areas requirement is based on the principle of the building. that most fire departments operate their In most buildings the standpipe • An outlet is required on the roof or at interior attack handlines with combinasystem can be designed as a Class I the highest landing of an interior exit tion nozzles, which are designed to system due the provision of Exception stairway with access to the roof when operate at 100 psi residual pressure.

I to Section 905.3.1 of the IBC for the roof has a slope of less than 4 to 12. Despite the nozzles being designed for buildings protected throughout by • As required by the fire code official 100 psi, the NFPA 14 requirement is automatic sprinkler systems. NFPA when the most remote portion of a not at the nozzle but at the inlet to the 14 permits Class I standpipe systems floor is more than 150 ft (nonsprinhandline (literally at the outlet of the to be manual wet systems for buildklered) or more than 200 ft (sprinhose connection). ings not classified as a high-rise, klered) from an outlet. therefore all further discussions in • An outlet is required in covered malls What is the Required Flow Rate this article will be based on the adjacent to each exterior public of the System? The required flow requirements for a Class I wet manual entrance and adjacent to each enrate of a standpipe system is contained standpipe system. trance from an exit passageway or exit in Section 7.10, “Flow Rates” of NFPA corridor to the mall.

14. A Class I standpipe system is Where are the Required Loca• An outlet is required in open malls adrequired to flow 500 gpm (gallons per tions of Hose Outlets? Once it has jacent to each public entrance to the minute) at the most hydraulically been determined that a standpipe system mall at the perimeter line and adjacent remote standpipe through the two most is required within a building, the next to each entrance from an exit passageremote outlets. Previous editions of issue is the required locations of the hose way or exit corridor to the mall.

NFPA 14 have required that the most outlets. The requirement for Class I hose hydraulically remote standpipe be outlet locations is contained in Section Examples of the second and third provided with two outlets at the top to 905.4 of the IBC as follows: locations can be found in the figures provide the required 500 gpm flow. An • An outlet is required at the intermedifrom NFPA 14.

(See Figure 3 and Figure additional 250 gpm is added for each ate landings in all “required” interior 4 on page 24.) additional standpipe in the building. exit stairways. If the stairway is not a Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 23

FIGURE A.7.3.2(a) Stairwells.

14-40

INSTALLATION OF STANDPIPE

Location of Hose Connections in

Exit passageway as required by other codes or standards

w switch

o LZ header

Hose connections

stallation

o-Zone

Horizontal exits

Hose connection

FIGURE A.7.3.2(c)

Fire department connection

Location of Hose Connections in Exit

FIGURE A.7.3.2(b) Location HoseFigure Connections at A.7.3.2(c) Location of hose connections in exit passageways. Reproduced with permission Passageways.

Figure 3.

NFPA Figure A.7.3.2(b) Location of hoseof con4. NFPA Figure Exits. nectionsHorizontal at horizontal exits.

Reproduced with permisfrom NFPA 14-2016, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, Copyright © 2016 National sion from NFPA 14-2016, Standard for the Installation Fire Protection Association. This material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced of Standpipe and Hose Systems, Copyright © 2016 subject whichA.7.3.2.2 is representedParagraph solely by the standard in its entirety.

7.3.2.2 is intended to provide local fire National Fire Protection Association. This material is departments with the authority to require additional hose not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the FDC be sized based on the standlated back to the city supply accounting connections outside of or away from a 2-hour fire-resistive sepa‐ the referenced subject which is represented solely by the standard in its entirety. pipe system demand and that one flows at additional ration.

These additional hosefor connections couldstandpipes, be needed to

The maximum flow rate is 1,000 gpm for buildings protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and 1,250 gpm for buildings that are not.

For a Class I horizontal standpipe system with three or more connections on any floor the minimum flow rate for the most hydraulically demanding horizontal standpipe is 750 gpm.

What are the Requirements for the Fire Department Connection? As with the standpipe system itself the requirements for the installation of the fire department connection (FDC) are contained in the IBC and NFPA 14. Section 912 of the IBC contains requirements on the location, inlet fire hose threads, access, and signage for the FDC. The main issue to remember with these requirements is that the final location of and access to the FDC shall be approved by the fire chief, which may not be the same individual as the fire code official mentioned previously.

Section 7.12 of NFPA 14 contains the installation requirements for the FDC. The most commonly misunderstood requirement during the system design and installation by both the designers and the local fire department is the requirement under section 7.12.3 that 24 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

2½-in. inlet be provided for every changes, friction losstime allow fire fighters to250 attach aelevation fire hose in aand reasonable gpm of design flow.

Therefore, a through the system pipes frame, based on the lengths of hose available on and firefittings, depart‐ 2016 Edition standpipement systemstandpipe with a design flow of and fixed or mobile packs or in carry bags.

Whilepumps. it is recognized 1,000 gpm is required have an FDC that outlet tospacing limitations provide controls to limit the fightabove, a fire,a Class thereby minimiz‐ with fourmaximum 2½-in. inlets.hose length neededAstostated I standpipe ing the physical demands on system fire fighters, it istoalso is required flowrecognized 500 gpm at that, based onthearchitectural layout, additional The author onceinhadsome a localcases, fire chief most hydraulically remote standcould needed floor areas in order to meet state that outlets the designed fourbe2½-in. inletsin open pipe through the two most remote spacing In such cases,An such outlets250 aregpm unlikely were not correct andrequirements. it should be outlets. additional is to abe since there would not be amost staging area forremote fire replaced by twoutilized, 2½-in. inlet.

When added at the hydraulically fighters to use when accessing the hose connection.

Therefore, the author explained that the four outlet for each additional standpipe in additional connections, where provided to meet distance 2½-in. inlet FDC was hose required by code, the building, to a maximum of 1,000 requirements, would be located in 1-hour fire-resistive the fire chief responded that his firefight- gpm for a sprinklered building. If exit the wherever possible, to providecalculated a degreesystem of protection ers wouldcorridors not know which two inlets to standpipe demand is firestandard fighters thelessconnection.

Such attach to,for as their fireaccessing ground than the supply, the connections design is also should be located as uniformly as possible from floor to operations were to provide two supply acceptable. floor thatthe fire fighters can find them easily during a fire. lines to the FDCsofrom pumper.

After a discussion The on the200 system design example which outletsbuildings are ft (61 m) and distance An allowed forofsprinklered operation,could the chief understoodadditional the required to bein flowed conduct necessitate hose lengths ordertoto reachthe the requirement for remote the four inlets and of a floor; system hydraulic calculation can be most portion however, automatic sprinklers planned to modifyprovide the department’s found Figuretime 5 (on page To should adequate control toinallow for fire26). fighters standard operating procedure andthose cases meet the 500 gpm is requirement the to extend hoses in where a fire located inat the training for supporting most hydraulically remote standpipe most remotebuildings area. with standpipe systems.

250 gpm would be flowed from outlets A.7.3.2.2.1 See Figure A.7.3.2.2.1.

A and B. To meet the 250 gpm Which Outlets are Flowed in a additional flowa from each additional A.7.3.2.5 Paragraph 7.3.2.1 requires that standpipe be provi‐ Hydraulic Calculation The require-exit stairwell. standpipe 250 would be flowed ded in each required Onegpm arrangement that ments formight completing hydraulic from outlets C and D. is that two be afound in certain residential buildings calculation for a standpipe system remotely located exitare stairs provide the occupants two distinct containedmeans in Section 7.10.1.2This of NFPA How isa the Fire Department of egress. section allows single hose connection to 14. The procedure is similar to the between calcu- Apparatus Defined and Used in be located anywhere the exit stairs, provided the exit lation method a sprinkler system. a Hydraulic Calculation?

In aeach manstairsforare open and areTolocated within 75 ft (23 m) of perform the system calculation ual standpipe system the local fire other.

(Seehydraulic Figure A.7.3.2.5). the required flow and pressure at the department apparatus is used to provide A.7.3.2.7 Access to the roof can be via a stairwell termi‐ most hydraulically remote hose outlet is the water supply to attain that the required nates at the roof level.

Access could also be a permanent determined and the demand is calcu100 psi at the remote standpipe outlet. ladder, permanent ladder rungs, or a pull-down stair with a roof hatch. See Figure A.7.3.2.7 for an example of a roof outlet.

FIG Hor

ate clos

A.7. dep con 7.3.2 allo fram men that max ing that outl spac to b figh add requ corr for also floo

A.7. dep con 7.3.2 allo

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Even in a system with an automatic supply, hydraulic calculations are required for the FDC as if it were a manual standpipe. To determine the rated capacity of the pump on the apparatus the designer must contact the local fire department. Standard front line apparatus pumps are rated from 1,000 to 2,250 gpm, therefore if information on the local apparatus is not available a conservative design could use a pump rated at 1,000 gpm.

The pump on the fire department apparatus is required to perform at a level of design as required by NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. NFPA 1901 requires that a pump on a fire department apparatus be able to achieve three characteristic points on the pump flow curve: • 100 percent of rated capacity at 150 psi net pump pressure, • 70 percent of rated capacity at 200 psi net pump pressure, and • 50 percent of rated capacity at 250 psi net pump pressure.

Therefore an apparatus pump rated at 1,000 gpm will be able to deliver no less than 1,000 gpm at 150 psi net pressure, 700 gpm at 200 psi net pressure, and 500 gpm at 250 psi net pressure to the standpipe system. This “typical” curve is different from the typical curve for a stationary fire pump under NFPA 20.

The pump on the fire department apparatus is added to the hydraulic calculation after the FDC when calculating the system demand as stated above. At the FDC the flow is calculated back to the apparatus through the connecting hoses to the apparatus pump. The local fire department must be contacted at this point to determine their standard operating procedure for supporting a building standpipe system. Typical operations are to supply the FDC with 2½-in. lines or 3-in. lines with 2½-in. couplings, although some departments are known to use large diameter hose with Stortz connections. One method of determining the friction loss in fire hose for 2½-in. rubber lined hose is calculated as FL = 2Q2L where: 26 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

STAIR WAY 1 A ROOF STAIR WAY 3

STAIR WAY 2 D

C

B 4TH FLOOR

3RD FLOOR

2ND FLOOR

1ST FLOOR

TO SOURCE

Figure 5. Outlet flow requirements.

FL = Friction Loss Q = Flow rate in hundreds of gpm L = Length of hose in hundreds of feet And the friction loss in 3-in. rubber lined hose with 2½-in. couplings is calculated as FL = 0.8Q2L Assuming the local fire department standard operating procedure was to connect to the FDC with 100 ft of 2½-in. line to each inlet, the friction loss in each line would be 2(2.5)2(1) or 12.5 psi.

These losses can be included in the hydraulic calculation as fixed losses between the FDC and the apparatus pump. Other methods of calculating friction loss in hoses are available and the designer should verify which method is acceptable with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Conclusion In determining the requirements for and designing a standpipe system for a building, the responsible engineer needs to know the requirements of both the local building code and referenced NFPA standard. In addition to these documents the responsible engineer needs to consult and work with the fire protection contractor and AHJs to ensure that all parties understand the design and installation requirements and that the design supports the

responding fire department operational tactics. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rick Alpert is a senior fire protection engineer with Clark Nexsen Inc., an architectural and engineering firm, in its Virginia Beach, Virginia office.

He has over 32 years of experience in the design, construction management, and commissioning of public, private and commercial projects including projects for high-rise residential and office buildings. In addition to his engineering career Alpert has been involved with the volunteer fire service for over 40 years and has served in many leadership positions within local fire departments including those of vice president and chief. He holds several national certifications including ICC Building Plans Reviewer and Pro Board Fire Officer II.

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Wills Named Inaugural AFSA Young Professional of the Year Next Gen Chair, Contractor Shines on National Stage NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association

It’s safe to say that Meaghen Wills has fire sprinkler contracting in her blood. The third-generation contractor has literally grown up surrounded by the fire protection industry and is now making her own distinct mark on the industry she loves.

The petite powerhouse has served the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) in many capacities including on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter and on a handful of national committees, but perhaps her most notable contribution to-date is creating, cultivating, and leading AFSA’s young professional group the Next Generation Initiative.

For these reasons, AFSA is pleased to announce that Meaghen Wills of Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania has been elected by her peers as recipient of AFSA’s inaugural Young Professional of the Year (YPY) award. The award highlights the efforts of a young and talented fire protection professional, who is under 40 and demonstrates exemplary technical, professional and inclusive leadership skills not only in their own businesses, but also at a national level. The inaugural award will be presented at the AFSA’s 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee.

Contracting is a Family Affair Wills is a pioneer, creating the gold standard for up-and-comers in the industry. She was exposed to the fire sprinkler industry at an early age through the family business.

“A lot of the people I work with now I grew up around,” muses Wills. “My boss Don; our field superintendent Jim; and our lead estimator Marcia, they have been around for 20-25 years, so they’ve been around almost as long as I’ve been alive. They’ve all had a different lasting effect on how I developed over the years.”

After a brief stint in college at University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut when she aspired to become an on-air talent at ESPN, the Philadelphia Eagles fan found herself being called back to the family business.

“After college I got to thinking about what my dad has been doing my whole life and how hard he and my grandfather worked to build everything we have now. My brother and sister wanted nothing to do with [the family business] and it was just an a-ha moment for me. I thought why 28 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

should my family throw away everything that we’ve worked so hard for? The more I thought about it, the more I thought let’s give it a try,” says Wills.

Because her father wanted her to learn all aspects of the trade, Wills started out in the fab shop at Anchor Fire Protection in July 2005 and then moved into the field. In January 2006, she attended the AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School in Dallas and immediately upon return she began designing sprinkler systems. “[Working all aspects of business] was really so I could understand all that we do from installing to designing systems, so I could do what I’m doing now, which is project management and sales,” explains Wills. “Lately, I’ve been learning more of the operations side of things, so we can start talking about succession.”

Wills’ good friend and fellow fire sprinkler contractor Allison Rees (left) and Wills chaired the Next Gen Initiative, tasked with engaging and encouraging more young people to get involved in the fire sprinkler industry.

Wills treasures family. Back row: Jody Giuricich, Ted Wills, Jr; Ted Wills III (brother) Front row: Jessica Giuricich (sister); Carmela Giuricich; Debbie Wills; Meaghen Wills; Diana Wills; and Violet Wills. © Copyright 2016 Michael Pangilinan Photography.

So, what started out as an experiment soon grew into a passion and almost 12 years later, the NICET level II designer is still loving working for her family’s business. In many ways, she credits her success and drive to her father Ted Wills Jr., who began his fire sprinkler industry career in 1978, when he started a fire protection division as part of his father’s mechanical company. The division flourished, and in 1981 Ted Wills Jr. and his father incorporated that division into Anchor Fire Protection, a full-service fire protection contractor in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-area.

membership and reach of the AFSA chapter serving Pennsylvania and Delaware.

“One of the wonderful things about being involved in the fire sprinkler industry is watching a new generation of leaders becoming involved in the industry,” says AFSA President Steve Muncy. “I first ‘met’ Meaghen Wills when she was a small child and attended some AFSA meetings with her parents when her father, Ted Wills, first served on the AFSA Board of Directors 25 years ago.”

Ultimately, Wills says she wants to become her father. “If you would have asked me 12 years ago, there’s no way I would have said that I wanted to be just like my father but I admire what he has done over these 30-plus years. The way he completely built the sprinkler division from the ground up to what it is now. We have a service division, a contract division, a fire alarm and security division – it’s really grown exponentially. I want to try to continue with everything he has built, but build on it at the same time.”

At her father’s suggestion, Wills became involved with her local AFSA chapter – the AFSA Mid-Atlantic Chapter, ascending quickly to its chair position. She brought with her new fresh ideas, like virtual meetings to better serve her wide-reaching membership, and over a couple of years, she worked diligently with other volunteers, like fellow Next Gen member Ray Fremont, Jr. of General Air Products Inc. in Exton, Pennsylvania, to increase the

Fremont says, “I am constantly amazed by [Meaghen’s] ability to command the attention of those around her. I think it is because she speaks her mind and isn’t afraid of hard work. No matter the environment - professional conversation, local chapter meetings or national committee meetings, she consistently articulates well-formed ideas, and is able to then recruit others to join with her to form a plan and meet goals. These uncommon traits make her a valuable asset to everything she involves herself in and a credit to young fire sprinkler professionals.”

Fostering the Next Generation of Leaders She made a name for herself in her local AFSA chapter, before she was appointed to her first national AFSA committee.

AFSA Board member Linda Biernacki of Fire Tech Systems in Shreveport, Louisiana, recalls, “I remember when Chairman Joe Heinrich appointed me as chairman of the Convention Committee, I knew I wanted Meaghen on my committee. Meaghen lights up every meeting she walks into, her smile and energy is contagious and you want her on your team.”

Shortly after she was appointed to the Convention Committee, she was asked to serve on two additional national committees: the Apprenticeship & Education and Public Education & Awareness (PE&A). And it was there at a PE&A Committee meeting in January of 2014 that she started to formulate the basis for what would later become the Next Generation Initiative. “At one point, [Meaghen] looked around and saw that she was the youngest person in the room, and she became committed to getting more young people involved in AFSA,” recalls Muncy.

The timing was right to act. For quite some time, then Chairman of the Board Joe Heinrich of Bamford Fire Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 29

[Next Gen] Facebook and LinkedIn groups, that was a much bigger response I thought we would get,” says Wills.

While Next Gen has taken off nationally, Wills says her biggest goal moving forward is getting AFSA chapters to participate locally in Next Gen. “We really can have a positive effect in our industry with what we’re trying to do.

Our biggest challenges are also our biggest goals.”

Wills’ cherished Chocolate Labradors Rocky and Grady.

Sprinkler Co. in Salina, Kansas, had been mentally surveying the landscape, forming the idea that the industry needed to begin searching for the next cohort of management. “During a committee meeting, Meaghen made a comment that truly resonated with me and essentially solidified what I had been considering,” recounts Heinrich. “It was time to begin searching for and developing the next generation of leadership. And not just for AFSA, but the fire sprinkler industry in general. A relatively short time later, after much deliberation and discussion regarding avenues to pursue for this initiative, I approached Meaghen about leading a group of her peers in gathering ideas and developing a structure for this initiative. Meaghen did not hesitate to accept the challenge and the rest is, as we always say, history.”

After meeting with Heinrich, it was decided that Meaghen Wills – together with her good friend and fellow fire sprinkler contractor Allison Rees – would chair a special initiative tasked with engaging and encouraging more young people to get involved in the industry.

“From April 2014 through the rest of that year, it was definitely a struggle, because not everyone was open to the idea, but eventually I think they just got sick of my persistence,” recounts Wills. “One of the challenges is getting it into the head of the business owners and managers that what we’re trying to do is a good thing and we’re not trying to push them out. We’re trying to work with them to ensure the future success of their company.

We’re getting there.”

In September 2014, the Next Gen group hosted its first event: a networking happy hour at the 2014 convention in Orlando. Biernacki remembers, “The event was so successful people were literally standing outside the room looking through the glass wall. That’s what Meaghen does; she brings collaboration, excitement and energy to each project which breeds success!”

Since its first event the AFSA Next Gen group has grown by leaps and bounds. “If it wasn’t for all the efforts made in 2015, where we are now would not have happened, and because of those efforts, it happened a little quicker than we thought. The response we got at the 2015 convention and the response we got after the convention with people wanting to get into the 30 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

Never one to take no for an answer, Wills is a believer that there’s no use being involved half way. She says, “Sometimes it’s not about taking no for an answer, but approaching the problem from a different way. If one way doesn’t work, you just find a different way. No just means try harder.”

Encouraging and Rewarding the Next Generation “Through her incredible tenacity and ability to pull people together, Meaghen has given a voice to an entire generation and bridged the ever-widening age gap of the fire sprinkler world,” says Next Gen Vice Chair Tiffany Moore of Moore Fire Protection in Issaquah, Washington. “Convincing an entire industry that there is a need for change is not an easy feat, but Meaghen has done just that.”

For this year’s recipient, the Young Professional of the Year award is all encompassing of her efforts and time devoted to the Next Generation Initiative. Wills says, “It’s exciting to be a part of a groundbreaking movement in our industry that will serve the future generations.”

The award honors the contributions of promising fire protection specialists and serves to: reaffirm the growing importance of fire sprinkler knowledge in the world of business and construction management among the next generation of industry leaders; promote the emergence of young talented professionals in the field of fire protection, thus fostering interest for the fire sprinkler profession and a future career in this field of expertise; and inspire fire protection companies and the fire protection community to invest even more in the development and excellence of the profession.

Ted Wills, Jr., president of Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, is very proud of the leadership role his daughter has taken in the industry. He says, “Meaghen has a tremendous passion for the industry and AFSA. It has been extremely gratifying as a parent to watch her grow into her position with Anchor Fire Protection and her commitment to AFSA’s Next Generation group. She has always had that CAN-DO attitude and I believe that becomes contagious with the people she comes in contact with on the Next Gen issues. Her enthusiasm amazes me. It is a pleasure working beside her every day.”

The inaugural award will be presented during the Next Gen reception Thursday, September 15 at the AFSA c0onvention. Visit firesprinkler.org/nextgen. n

Networking in Nashville Education + Entertainment = Fun! Nashville, Tennessee has plenty to offer attendees at the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition, September 14-17, 2016. From managerial and technical seminars to exciting social events, you will find exactly what and who you need! When you’re ready to take a break and relax, AFSA is there to provide the fun and networking with social gatherings, optional tours and the always popular golf tournament.

AFSA in Action Probably the most anticipated events during convention are AFSA-sponsored ones! To start off

the convention, AFSA’s golf tournament will be held the afternoon of Wednesday, September 15 at the Gaylord Springs Golf Links. With challenges around every fairway bend, Gaylord Springs forces you to think and react, creating a satisfying finish every time. No matter your player level, from tee to green you’ll be inspired by the beauty that surrounds you. This tournament will be a four-person team scramble, with a new twist on determining winning teams. Instead of the usual top three performing teams taking home the prizes, there will be three different flights. The top performing team in

each flight will win the prize. Additionally, this tournament offers three different contests in both men and women divisions: closest to the pin, longest drive and our newly added, straightest drive contest. As if that is not enough, AFSA will also give away a grand prize – a TaylorMade Aeroburn driver!

Thursday night, the Next Generation gathers to network. AFSA’s Next Generation Initiative is a dynamic collection of young professional visionaries who hold the key to the next era of leadership in the fire sprinkler industry. Those age 40 and

AFSA 2016 Convention Exhibitors (as of June 13, 2016)

A-C Fire Pump Systems, Morton Grove, IL AFCON, South El Monte, CA AGF Manufacturing, Inc., Malvern, PA Amtrol, West Warwick, RI American Fire Sprinkler Association, Dallas, TX Anvil International LLC, Exeter, NH Apollo Valves, Mint Hill, NH ARGCO, Carlsbad, CA Armstrong Pumps Inc., North Tonawanda, NY ASCO Power Tech / Firetrol Brand Products, Cary, NC Backflow Direct, Rancho Cordova, CA BlazeMaster® Fire Sprinkler Systems, Brecksville, OH Blue River Underwriters, Irving, TX Brecco Corporation, Phoenix, AZ Buckeye Fire Equipment, Arlington, TX BuildingReports, Suwanee, GA C-Aire Compressors, Inc, Dresser, WI Center for Life Safety Education, Dallas, TX Cintas Corporation, Mason, OH Clarke Fire Protection Products Inc., Cincinnati, OH Croker Division: Fire-End & Croker Corp., Elmsford, NY CST Storage, Kansas City, MO EasyFlex, Inc., Garden Grove, CA Eaton Industries (Canada) Company, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada Elco Construction Products, Decorah, IA Elkhart Brass, Elkhart, IN Engineered Corrosion Solutions, St. Louis, MO Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Newport News, VA Fire Protection Products, Inc., Carlsbad, CA Fire Protection, Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Fire Tech Productions, Inc., Centerville, OH Fivalco, Inc., Anaheim, CA

FlexHead Industries, Holliston, MA General Air Products Inc., Exton, PA Global Vision Inc., Osseo, MN Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, MI Guardian Fire Equipment, Inc., Miami, FL HD Supply Waterworks, St. Louis, MO Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, Frankfort, IL HRS Systems, Inc., Petersburg, TN Hydratec, Inc., Windham, NH Hydro Flow Products, Inc., Lake Zurich, IL ITW Sammys, Glendale Heights, IL JG Innovations, Inc., Janesville, WI Job Gmbh, Ahrensburg, Hamburg, Germany Kinger Industry, Inc., City of Industry, CA Loos & Company, Inc., Naples, FL MEP Cad, Henderson, NV Metraflex Company, Chicago, IL Metron Div. of Hubbell Industrial Controls, Inc., Archdale, NC Milwaukee Valve Co., Inc., New Berlin, WI National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA NICET, Alexandria, VA Noble Company, Grand Haven, MI Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK Pace Machinery Group, Inc., Wasco, IL Paragon Industries, Inc., Sapulpa, OK Patterson Pump Company, Toccoa, GA Peerless Pump Company, Indianapolis, IN Pentair, Solon, OH Pentair Flow Technologies, North Aurora, IL Permabond Engineering Adhesive, Somerset, NJ PHD Manufacturing, Inc., Columbiana, OH Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, MO Potter Roemer, City of Industry, CA

Project DocControl, Tampa, FL Reed Manufacturing Company, Erie, PA Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc., Elmsford, NY RIDGID, Elyria, OH Sigma Piping Products, Houston, TX Smith-Cooper International, Commerce, CA South-Tek Systems, Wilmington, NC Spears Manufacturing Company, Sylmar, CA SPP Pumps, Inc., Norcross, GA Sprinkler Innovations, Seabrook, NH System Sensor, St. Charles, IL Talco Fire Systems, Portland, OR Technoflex Corporation, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan Texas Manufacturing Company, Whitesboro, TX The Solberg Company, Green Bay, WI Tigerflow Systems, LLC, Tulsa, OK Tornatech, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada TradeMaster MobileEyes, Troy, MI Tyco Fire & Building Products, Lansdale, PA UL, Northbrook, IL United Brass Works, Inc., Randleman, NC United Fire Systems, Kenilworth, NJ Uponor, Apple Valley, MN Vandewater International, Inc., Plantation, FL Victaulic, Easton, PA Viega, LLC, Wichita, KS Viking Group, Inc., Hastings, MI W.S. Darley & Company, Itasca, IL Watts/Ames Fire & Waterworks, North Andover, MA Wheatland Tube Company, a div. of JMC Steel Group, Sharon, PA Winsupply, Inc., Dayton, OH Zurn Wilkins, Paso Robles, CA

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 31

Join AFSA as we celebrate the apprentice competitors and American country western music at The Country Music Hall of Fame for our final night Awards Party. A Johnny Cash impersonator and band will entertain attendees and AFSA will crown its 2016 National Apprentice Competition champion.

under looking to prepare for management positions or to get more involved in AFSA national or chapter activities should plan to join other emerging leaders for this dynamic and productive networking event – featuring our first annual Young Professional of the Year award recipient and some of industry’s top leaders from the AFSA Board of Directors. Get to know our board members as they discuss career development, current issues and the general state of the industry, as well as network with AFSA’s next generation of cutting edge innovators. The relationships you make here could last a business lifetime. For more information and to join the Next Generation group, visit firesprinkler.org/NextGen. Friday and Saturday, join leading manufacturers and suppliers as they present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions during the ever-popular Chairman’s Reception on Friday, September 16 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall from 12:30-3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17.

AFSA has the largest fire sprinkler exhibition in the United States and continues to grow. Visit 100 companies from all around the globe, each 32 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

exhibiting innovative products and services in the industry. These exhibiting companies are those you have known and many more companies new to the industry.

The National Apprentice Competition sprinkler installation practical test will take place in the hall during the Saturday exhibit hours and convention goers will be able to watch as the top seven apprentices cut, thread and install a steel and plastic pipe system with sprinklers. View the installation and judging and cheer on your favorite apprentice.

Saving the best for last, AFSA will announce the apprentice competition winner Saturday night at Music City’s gem – The Country Music Hall of Fame! The bus leaves at 6:30 p.m. and you’ll want a seat as we ride shoulder to shoulder across American music history with the likes of Eddy Arnold, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Conway Twitty, Charlie Pride, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, and Buck Owens.

AFSA will celebrate American history through music, food, and awards fun at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the definitive home of America’s music, safeguarding more

than 2.5 million priceless artifacts, including countless recordings and photographs, numerous stage costumes, musical instruments, and more.

When you walk the halls, you’ll begin to understand the universal appeal of country music, from the earliest folk traditions to the music that thrills millions of fans today.

Afterwards enjoy dinner and a show, as our Johnny Cash impersonator and band entertains throughout the evening under the soaring 40-ft glass windows overlooking downtown, providing an unparalleled view of the cityscape. Stay as AFSA recognizes its seven national apprentice competition finalists and crowns its top title winner live. Be there to see to whose name gets added to the AFSA Apprentice “Hall of Fame” plaque and takes home the top prize – the title of the nation’s top fire sprinkler apprentice and $5,000 cash. Music fans, you aren’t going to want to miss this!

In addition to AFSA’s exciting events, four optional tours are offered in Nashville. The Belle Meade Plantation Tour & Cooking Demonstration includes a guided tour of the 1853 Greek-Revival Mansion and time in the original plantation kitchen where the

Southern cooks will let you participate in cooking and tasting Southern classics like biscuits with plantation-smoked country ham, pecan pie or home-raised honey and preserves. The final stop will be a sampling of five wines in the winery, a tradition started on the plantation in 1820.

Like a little friendly competition? You don’t have to be a culinary expert, you just have to enjoy a fun-spirited food experience. Join the top-notch culinary team from Gaylord Opryland Resort for an “Iron Chef” Competition located in the beautiful Delta Pavilion at the hotel.

You will be provided with secret ingredients and take on other teams to create the tastiest dish to be judged by Gaylord Opryland’s executive chef. Make sure to sign up quickly as space is limited!

Sporting clays is a form of clay pigeon shooting often described as “golf with a shotgun” because a typical course includes from 10-20 different shooting stations laid out over natural terrain.

Unlike trap and skeet, which are games of repeatable target presentations, sporting clays simulates the unpredictability of live-quarry shooting, offering a great variety of trajectories, angles, speeds, elevations, distances, and target sizes. Sporting clays course are designed to simulate the hunting of ducks, pheasants, other upland birds, and even rabbits. This experience takes you to one of the top facilities in the nation. Each person receives fifty shells and a round of fifty clays. No matter your skill level, come enjoy a day of sporting clay shooting.

Several whiskey distilleries and wineries have popped up in Nashville over the past few years and on this excursion, you will visit three of these and enjoy a product sampling. Stops include tasting Tennessee White Whiskey at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, enjoying small-batch whiskey at Prichard’s Distillery, and savoring several wine varieties at Natchez Hills Winery Tasking Room at Fontanel. Experience this age-old tradition of wine and whiskey production in a true southern environment.

AHJ Exclusive Seminars Free training is available for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) during AFSA’s convention, as part of its seminar track. Two seminars will presented by Steven Scandaliato, C.F.P.S., S.E.T and Ken Wagoner C.F.P.E., C.F.P.S., S.E.T. exclusively for AHJs. “Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review” will include requirements for plans and calculations contained in Chapter 23; class exercise in hands-on review of a fire sprinkler system plan, including overall design concept, hydraulic calculations, seismic bracing, and the underground supply system. This seminar offers 0.4 CEUs/ 4.0 CPDs.

seminar offered only to AHJs. Among the many milestones found in the process of sprinkler system design and installation, the rough-in inspection is arguably the most important.

Rarely are sprinkler systems inspected and tested by the same personnel that perform the shop drawing review. As a team, installers and fire service inspectors are our last chance to “get it right” regardless of design intent and plan review accuracy. This seminar will explain the synergy required in the design and installation process exposing the critical areas of each needed to ensure that lives and property will be saved. This seminar offers 0.2 CEUs/2.0 CPDs.

“Rough-In Inspections and Final Acceptance Tests” is the second

Registration for AHJ seminars can be done in advance online at AFSA’s

Our event has gone mobile!

Enhance your experience at this year’s convention with AFSA’s mobile guide. To download the guide to your mobile device, download the “Guidebook” app and create a user profile. Tap “Download Guides,” then “Redeem Code,” and enter the code “AFSA2016.”

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 33

convention website, firesprinkler.org/ convention. The AHJ seminar registration link will go live in late August.

Registrations can also be done onsite at the convention at the AFSA registration desk. There is no charge for AHJs in uniform or with proper identification.

Gather at the Gaylord 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 the state-of-the-art fitness center, or explore nine acres of lush, indoor gardens and cascading water-

falls. Following a day of Nashville fun, return to deluxe accommodations with modern amenities including complimentary in-room Internet.

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! The hotel reservation deadline is Friday, August 12, 2016. After this date, AFSA attendees will not be guaranteed the group rate.

AFSA Goes Mobile! Once again, AFSA’s convention has gone mobile using Guidebook. We strongly encourage you to download the mobile guide to enhance your

experience at this year’s convention.

Plan your day with a personalized schedule and browse exhibitors, maps and general show info. The app is compatible with iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches and Android devices.

Windows Phone 7 and Blackberry users can access the same information via our mobile site at m.guideboook. com. To get the guide, download “Guidebook” from the Apple App Store or the Android Marketplace and create a user profile. From the Guidebook application, tap “Download Guides” then “Redeem Code.”

Enter the code “AFSA2016” and the guide will download to your device!

Register Now! For those attending the full convention, the regular registration deadline is August 12, 2016. Register by that date to save the most! Late registration dates, with higher fees, are August 13-September 2, 2016. After September 2, registrations must be made onsite at the convention registration desk in Nashville, but fees higher than online rates will be incurred. You can read details about and register to attend all convention-related events online at firesprinkler.org/convention. n EDITOR’S NOTE: For companies who would like to get in on the excitement, there is still exhibit space available due to the larger sized exhibit hall this year.

Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact AFSA’s Senior Director of Meetings & Conventions Marlene Garrett as soon as possible via phone (214) 349-5965 ext.

118 or email mgarrett@firesprinkler.org to discuss availability.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t let your reservations be hijacked! In the past, several AFSA members have received calls from hotel reservation 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.

34 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

AFSA Business Solutions

Member Benefits — Saving Solutions Learn more at firesprinkler.org - where the fire sprinkler industry goes online!

Insurance

AFSA Contractors Insurance Solution 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.)

Fleet Management

Enterprise Leasing Enterprise Fleet Management provides members cost-effective and comprehensive fleet management solutions in the areas of: vehicle acquisition, maintenance management, insurance programs, vehicle disposal, fuel programs, license and title renewals, and monthly reporting.

Debt Collection

James, Stevens & Daniels

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.

Health Insurance

MMIC Health Insurance 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.

Freight LTL Service

UPS Freight LTL Service UPS Freight now offers substantial savings to AFSA members on LTL services. Sign up at firesprinkler.org to begin taking advantage of savings of 70 percent off your freight costs. (higher discounts will be considered for volume shippers).

Fuel & Service Management

Background Screening & Drug Testing

ExxonMobil Fleet Card Program

Quick Search

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!

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.

Residential Contractor Accreditation CPSE

Retirement Plan

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 401(k) Retirement Plan for Contractor Members

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.

Scottsdale and Sprinklers Residential Ordinance Celebrates 30 Years NFPA has produced a new video underscoring the benefits of a home fire sprinkler ordinance in Scottsdale, Arizona, that went into effect 30 years ago. To date, fire sprinklers protect more than half of the town’s homes. In this video, Jim Ford, fire marshal with the Scottsdale Fire Department, discusses how the ordinance has significantly decreased the city’s fire losses without diminishing the necessity of the fire service. The Scottsdale ordinance, Ford’s presentation at the summit, and the interview video can be viewed online at firesprinklerinitiative.org/Scottsdale.

“Scottsdale is a prime example of how fire sprinkler ordinances can combat America’s home fire problem,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president

of Outreach and Advocacy. “NFPA continues to partner with key allies like Jim Ford to promote the many benefits of home fire sprinklers.

Similar to Scottsdale, other communities across America are reaping the life-saving and economic benefits that come with adopting requirements to sprinkler new homes.”

Ford has an array of data underscoring the effectiveness of his town’s sprinkler requirement that went into effect in 1986. The most eye-opening slides from his presentation during NFPA’s 2015 Fire Sprinkler Initiative Summit highlighted more than 20 home fires – electrical, smoking, and cooking were some of the causes – that led to successful sprinkler activations.

Sprinklers now protect more than half of all homes in Scottsdale. Ford said the average cost per sprinklered square foot for semi-custom homes has been as low as $1.50. During each code cycle, Ford says the ordinance passes with ease.

“What you hear from homebuilders about Scottsdale is that you can’t pay attention to our statistics because Scottsdale is different,” states Ford.

“That is partially true now because we don’t build tract homes anymore. We are now building custom and semi-custom homes up in the mountains. But that’s because we have built out of the tract home style. We still have the history with these areas and the facts and figures to show a residential sprinkler ordinance works,” he says.

“We have to continue giving credit to the political leaders who initially passed the ordinance and those who have had the courage to keep it in place,” Ford continues. “No bigger decision was made in this city than to pass that ordinance.”

Ford recommends Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) working on this type of legislation in their town should get to know their residents and their politicians.

“Educate them, support them, see what they need,” Ford says. “We’ve got all the technical answers to home builders’ concerns. It’s a political thing now. The consumers and politicians have to push these ordinances through.”

Visit the Fire Sprinkler Initiative’s Scottsdale webpage at FireSprinklerInitiative. org/Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Fire Department’s Residential Fire Safety Program webpage at scottsdaleaz.gov/fire/ residential-sprinkler. n

36 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

Fire Service Considerations Assisting Firefighters from Construction Through Demolition MAT CHIBBARO, P.E. | National Institutes of Health

Firefighters who respond to an emergency at a building with sprinkler and standpipe systems can perform their life-saving work with much greater efficiency if their first-responder needs have been considered by the building’s designers and code officials. (See Figure 1.)

OSHA’s manual, “Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems,” provides the framework for this important collaboration. Originally published in 2006, the manual was completely updated and expanded in 2015. Valuable additions for systems designers include new chapters on water supply and building phases (including construction, use, and demolition); new sections on energy conservation, emergency power, and room and floor numbering systems with firefighters’ needs in mind; and more photos to help explain the manual’s concepts that can make a significant difference when firefighters arrive on the scene.

Nineteen technical reviewers with both building and fire service experience helped make the manual timely and comprehensive. One of these reviewers, John Denhardt with Strickland Fire Protection, Forestville, Maryland, stated, “This manual makes the designer think how sprinkler and standpipe systems impact the responding fire department personnel.

Many times a few simple, straightforward design changes can make a huge difference during a fire emergency. This manual should be a mandatory read for every designer in our business.”

Here are some concepts in the revised manual that sprinkler and standpipe designers should consider during various phases of a building’s lifetime: Make Communication Your S.O.P. The first, and perhaps most important concept, is communication. When all

Figure 1. Firefighters stretching a hose line towards a building. Photo by Vito Maggiolo.

stakeholders communicate their needs and desires, projects proceed more smoothly and efficiently – especially if the communication is clear and starts early. When communication includes responding firefighters, their needs can be considered effectively and thoroughly. (See Figure 2.)

pipe must rise with the building and remain in service, so coordination with overall construction progress is important.

(See Figure 3 on page 38.) With proper planning, much or all of the temporary piping can remain as part of the permanent system.

Sprinkler and standpipe designers should also coordinate with other trades early so that changes can be made before installation. Coordination is important, for example, when sprinkler systems activate fire alarm and smoke control systems.

Clear and sensible zoning helps arriving firefighters locate the alarm source quickly.

Plan Easy Access for Personnel and Equipment Access for firefighters and fire apparatus is also vital. All contractors and vendors on a job site can contribute to this by keeping roads, access points, and stairways marked and unobstructed. Building plans and hazardous material informa-

Install Temporary Standpipe as Building Rises One of the most important fire service features in tall buildings under construction is a temporary standpipe with a fire department connection (FDC). Without such a system, firefighters would need to stretch long hose lines up stairs or over ladders. In buildings beyond the reach of fire service ladders, stairs would be the only hose stretch option. This is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The temporary stand-

Figure 2. Stakeholder communication must include emergency responders. OSHA diagram.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 37

Figure 3. This high-rise building under construction is provided with a temporary standpipe. The temporary FDC is in the white pedestrian barricade, easily accessible for firefighters. Photo by author.

Figure 4. A construction site entrance showing good fire apparatus access and the trailers containing information on the building and site hazards. Photo by author.

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tion belong in a secure location that is easily accessible to firefighters. (See Figure 4.)

Reduce Responses with Precautions Control of hazards and routine safety precautions will minimize the need for fire service responses during sprinkler and standpipe installation, renovation, or retrofit work. In addition to the obvious advantage for worker safety, firefighter safety increases when responses decrease. Minimizing responses also keeps firefighters available for other emergencies.

Plan for Occupancy Phases Advance planning of sprinkler and standpipe protection can help with occupancy considerations, especially in speculative buildings. Typically, partial occupancy can be dependent on in-service fire protection systems.

Careful location and properly phased installation of features such as pumps, feed mains, and valves can facilitate flexibility regarding partial occupancy. Similar considerations will avoid problems during tenant renovations.

Remember that modifications to zones will likely trigger companion changes to fire alarm zoning and annunciation.

Keep the Fire Service Informed Once installed and approved, fire protection systems are no help while they are

Figure 5. A sticker showing instructions for system impairments. Photo by author.

out of service. Preventive inspection and maintenance programs help minimize outages. When systems must be removed from service (such as for renovations or repair), impairment programs that keep responders informed (see Figure 5 on page 39) help them plan for appropriate actions during outages. For example, rather than wasting time connecting to an out-of-service FDC, firefighters can use an ordinary standpipe fire hose connection as an inlet. Sometimes temporary features will also help compensate for impairments – such as a temporary hose supply from a fire hydrant to an FDC during an underground feed outage.

Help with Pre-Incident Planning Pre-incident planning is the process by which firefighters learn about how buildings are built, what they contain, how they are occupied, and if they are protected in any way. Nonexistent or incomplete pre-incident planning has been cited in many reports of firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Contractors and code officials should contribute to this planning process by sharing information on systems and involving firefighters in acceptance tests and demonstrations. (See Figure 6.)

Conclusion Sprinkler and standpipe system designers are well-versed in coordinating with code authorities and building owners. OSHA’s manual demonstrates that these stakeholders should also consider the needs of firefighters who we depend on to respond to incidents in buildings with sprinkler and standpipe systems. As the manual indicates, it is to be used as a voluntary companion to local, state, or federal requirements or preferences.

One of the OSHA manual’s reviewers, Samuel S. Dannaway, P.E.,

Figure 6. Firefighters learning about a building’s sprinkler and standpipe systems with the help of the building maintenance staff. Photo by author.

president and chief fire protection engineer of S.S. Dannaway Associates, Inc., stated that the updated manual is “well written, covers essentially everything, and has great accompanying photographs.” The Fire Service Primer chapter will familiarize you with the challenges that firefighters face, including the need to make quick decisions with inadequate information in stressful, time-sensitive environments. Then check out the chapters on water supply, sprinkler and standpipe systems, FDCs, and building phases.

land, has 35 years of experience in fire code application and enforcement, and has served 42 years in the fire and rescue service (primarily with the College Park Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George’s County, Maryland).

Links to pdf, e-book, and mobile application formats are available in the “Highlights” box on OSHA’s Fire Safety page: osha.gov/SLTC/firesafety.

You might also want to look back at the author’s August 2009 article in Sprinkler Age “Coordinating Sprinkler and Standpipe System Design.” It contains checklists for sprinkler and standpipe designers to help facilitate fire service operations. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mat Chibbaro is the deputy fire marshal for the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. While previously working for the OSHA National Office, he authored the OSHA manual referenced in this article. Chibbaro is a licensed professional fire protection engineer in both California and MarySprinkler Age | July/August 2016 39

Questions on NFPA 14?

Informal Interpretations Offer Assistance on Standpipes The informal interpretations featured in this issue of Sprinkler Age address standpipes.

AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, P.E. and Manager of Fire Protection Engineering Tom Wellen, P.E. These opinions are provided for the benefit of the requesting party, and are provided with the understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or actions taken on them.

Subject: Standpipes and Hydrostatic Tests Including the FDC QUESTION: “Section 6.3.2.1 calls for the two-hour hydrostatic test at 200 psi for two hours for all manual dry standpipes and semi automatic dry standpipes, including piping in the fire department connection (FDC). Is it the intent for this statement to apply to all FDCs or just the ones connected to the dry standpipe?”

ANSWER: In response to your question we have reviewed NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2014 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that all FDCs require a hydrostatic test every five years.

Section 6.3.2.1.1 clarifies that manual wet standpipes that are part of a combined sprinkler/standpipe system shall not be required to be tested in accordance with 6.3.2.1. This information is located in Chapter 6 for Standpipe and Hose Systems and would not apply to other chapters. The other chapters have same requirement for hydrostatic testing of the FDCs. This changed in the 2014 edition where new text was added as Section 13.7.4 that states, “The piping from the fire department connection to the fire department check valve shall be hydrostatically tested at 150 psi for two hours at least once every five years.” The substantiation used is that the piping is dry and subject to corrosion that could lead to a potential failure. The 150-psi pressure is specified since that is the 40 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

operating pressure used to support systems by the responding fire department. Table 13.8.1 addresses hydrostatic tests for FDCs in the summary of component replacement action requirement tables. The requirement is to isolate and hydrostatic test for two hours at 150 psi or 50 psi above the normal working pressure (200 psi minimum) when FDC components or piping were replaced.

Subject: Minimum Standpipe Size QUESTION: “We have a project where the standpipes are a combination standpipe as the floor control assemblies come off of the standpipe at each floor. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has stated that per NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, Section 7.6.2 that all combination standpipes are to be a minimum size of 6 in. Is that correct?”

ANSWER: In response to your question we have reviewed the 2016 edition of NFPA 14 as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that the minimum size for a standpipe is 4 in. for hydraulically calculated systems where the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Section 7.6.2.1 specifically indicates that the minimum size for a standpipe is 4 in. when the sprinkler system is installed to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, or NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies. It also confirms that the statement “protected throughout” means when installed in accordance with NFPA 13 or 13R. Section 7.6.2.1 applies whether the standpipe is combined or not combined. For example, if the sprinkler systems have feeds separate from the hydraulically calculated standpipe and the building is sprinklered throughout, the minimum size of the standpipe can be 4 in. This is the reason the word “combined” is not included in 7.6.2.1. Section 7.6.2.1 is an exception to the requirement of Section 7.6.2. This was confirmed in the exception format in the 2000 edition under Section

5.6.2. In a building that is not sprinklered throughout, the minimum size for a combined standpipe is 6 in. according to Section 7.6.2. In addition, the standard indicates that you do not have to add the flows from the sprinkler demand unless there is partial sprinkler protection according to Section 7.10.1.3.2. This section indicates to use the flow rates from 7.10.1 and increase by an amount equal to the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand or 150 gpm for light hazard or 500 for ordinary hazard, whichever is less. The standpipe size can be 4 in. if the hydraulic calculations support the design when sprinklers are provided throughout the building. The standpipe and fire sprinkler flows are not combined in the hydraulic calculations.

Subject: Roof Outlet Piping Arrangement QUESTION: “In Figure A.7.3.2.7, a nonrising stem gate valve is depicted. Is the depicted control valve required in areas not subject to freezing conditions? Where are the requirements for this control valve being installed in this standard?”

ANSWER: In response to your questions we have reviewed NFPA 14, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that the control valve is not needed if the application is not subject to freezing conditions. Figure A.7.3.2.7 is just an example of an arrangement for piping a hose outlet to the roof. This is not intended to require this exact piping arrangement for every hose outlet located on a roof. For example, some buildings have stair access to the roof. The outlet(s) is located either within the stair tower or on the exterior wall of the stairwell. A control valve is added so the piping exposed to freezing conditions can be isolated and remain dry. If needed, a ball drip is added to remove any residual water from the piping. The control valve is not desired in areas not subject to freezing.

An arrangement without a control valve would actually expedite firefighting

operations since the hose valve would be charged with water. Regarding the control valve for the roof outlet, the references in Section 6.3.2 and 6.3.3 do not specifically address the control valve for the roof hose outlet. Section 6.3.2 states, “Valves shall be provided on all standpipes, including manual-dry standpipes, to allow isolation of a standpipe without interrupting the supply to other standpipes from the same source of supply.” This is for a valve typically at the bottom of the standpipe as it relates to the supply main. Section 6.3.3 states, “Listed indicating-type valves shall be provided at the standpipe for controlling branch lines where the distance to the remote hose station exceeds 40 ft measured along the pipe.” The roof hose valve is not typically considered a branch line since the piping extends vertically through the roof where Section 6.3.3 would not be applicable.

Subject: Working Pressure of Steel Pipe QUESTION: “I have a high-rise standpipe with pressures above 300 psi. NFPA 13 and 14 references pipe up to 300 psi in accordance with its listing. Most of the manufacturers carry a listing up to 300 psi for sprinkler pipe. When pressures are over the 300 psi listing, is it acceptable to apply the actual ASTM standards for the actual pipe pressure rating for pressures in excess of 300 psi?”

ANSWER: In response to your question we have reviewed the 2016 editions of NFPA 13 and NFPA 14 as the applicable standards. Our informal interpretation is that steel pipe pressures are limited to 300 psi.

The working pressures of steel pipe published by the manufacturers have values that exceed 300 psi. When the pipe is used for fire sprinkler applications, they indicate a working pressure up to 300 psi. The joining method and the wall thickness has an impact on the working pressure per Sections 6.3.2 for welded and roll-grooved connections and Section 6.3.3 for threaded connections. An exception to this is Section 6.3.4 for specially listed steel pipe. NFPA 14 has similar wording as Sections 4.2.3, 4.2.4, and 4.2.6. Listed pipe for higher working pressures will be needed when the required pressure exceeds 300 psi. We do not know who has listed pipe in excess of the 300-psi pressure. A design modification

may have to be made if pipe listed for higher pressures are not found such as the use of multiple pressure zones. NFPA 14 does say in Section 7.2.2 that express mains supplying higher standpipe zones shall be permitted to be designed with pressures in excess of 350 psi in accordance with their materials listings “or as approved by the AHJ” where there are no hose outlets per Section 7.2.2.1. The Stationary Fire Pumps Handbook has commentary regarding this subject on standpipes. It states, “The 1993 edition of NFPA 14 eliminated the height limitation in favor of a logical pressure limitation of 350 psi, based on the pressure ratings of available devices at the time. For the 2010 edition of NFPA 14, the Technical Committee on Standpipes opted for a performance-based approach for express mains supplying higher standpipe system zones. This performance-based approach referenced manufacturers’ pressure listings for components rather than a prescriptive pressure limitation, thus permitting pressures in excess of 350 psi. Regardless of the exact pressure requirement in the standard, most system components are listed based on 300 psi.” As such, discuss this with the local AHJ for pressures exceeding 300 psi.

Subject: Standpipe Calculations for Separated Occupancies QUESTION: “We have a 23-story high-rise condominium attached to a seven-story parking garage that is separated by a two-hour firewall. The condominium is protected throughout with sprinklers and the parking garage is not protected. The high-rise standpipes are automatic wet and the parking garage is automatic dry. The International Building Code (IBC), 2015 edition in Table 707.3.10 indicates that a two-hour separation is acceptable to consider the two occupancies as two separate fire areas. Can the standpipes in the high-rise and the parking garage be calculated separately?”

ANSWER: In response to your question we have reviewed NFPA 14, 2016 edition as the applicable standard as well as the 2015 edition of the IBC. Our informal interpretation is that calculations are completed separately since the standpipes are in two fire areas. NFPA 14 in Section 7.10.1.1 for flow rates of Class I and Class

III systems has annex material as A.7.10.1.1 that states, “If a water supply system supplies more than one building or more than one fire area, the total supply can be calculated based on the single building or fire area requiring the greatest number of standpipes.” The building codes will determine whether the application is a separate building or fire area. This is determined by distance or by a fire rated separation. Regarding fire area, NFPA 14 references this as an area of a floor in annex A.7.1. The IBC actually defines a fire area in Section 902.1 as, “The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above.” As such, NFPA 14 is straightforward that the condominium has a separate calculation from the parking garage. They are separated occupancies per Section 508.4 of the IBC so they do not need to be combined. On a related note, it is worth discussing interconnection of the standpipes. NFPA 14, 2010 edition, made a clarification by adding new text that also indicates in A.7.5 that standpipe systems in separate buildings or structures fed by the same water supply are not required to be interconnected. This section does not use fire areas as a determining factor as shown in 7.10.1.1 since a single structure can have two fire areas. The term structure in this context is easier to understand if one focuses on the structural members. If a single building has two fire areas and each fire area is built using their own or separate structural members, then they are not required to be interconnected. If they are not interconnected, they are individual systems using a common supply main. As individual systems, they are not required to use the same supply. This would allow the condominium to be an automatic wet system and the garage (per Section 905.3.1 of the IBC) to be a manual dry system. n EDITOR’S NOTE: These interpretations were prepared by AFSA’s Technical Services Department in answer to specific questions from contractors and/or AHJs. These opinions are provided for the benefit of the requesting party, and are provided with the understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or actions taken on them.

AFSA members can access over 4,400 informal interpretations online. Visit firesprinkler.org.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 41

Residential Sprinklers in Hawaii State Fire Council Fights the BIA to Protect its Residents LLOYD ROGERS | Hawaii State Fire Council

Since the mid ‘70s, fire sprinklers have been required in large capacity public and commercial occupancies by national building codes. Retroactive compliance to new codes requiring sprinklers is not normally applied, unless a state or local regulation was enacted or an incentive is provided.

The MGM Grand and Las Vegas Hilton fires in Las Vegas in 1980 and 1981, respectively, prompted the City and County of Honolulu to pass an ordinance requiring sprinkler retrofitting of existing high-rise hotels. The First Interstate Building fire in 2000 in Honolulu, which was a 16-story business building, was the impetus to pass another ordinance to sprinkler retrofit existing high-rise business buildings.1 The Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990 required federal government employees to lodge in fire-sprinklered buildings four or more stories high while on official travel.2 Throughout Hawaii’s history, the four counties (Honolulu, Kauai, Maui and the island of Hawaii) independently established their respective building codes, which resulted in different code editions in effect simultaneously.

In response to designer, builder, and insurance industry concerns, the 2007 Hawaii State Legislature created the State Building Code Council (SBCC).3 Its primary responsibility was to adopt a consistent suite of the latest national building codes for the state within 18 months of the publication date. Counties were then required to adopt the state codes within two years with their own amendments.

42 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

In response to the alarming statistic that eight out of 10 fire deaths occur in the home, national model building codes required residential sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings.4 In January 2010, the SBCC formed an investigative committee of interested stakeholders to study residential sprinkler infrastructure, different vertical systems, and costs and benefits for new one- and two-family dwellings.

The committee completed its work in June 2013, and a report of its findings was sent to the 2014 Hawaii State Legislature.5 It found that sprinkler design, plans review fees, and special inspections averaged $2,550. The installation costs averaged $4.70 per square foot, which is much higher than the national average of $1.61 per square foot. Water meter costs from each county’s water purveyor varied from $2,300 in the City and County of Honolulu for a 1-in. meter to $26,400 for the County of Kauai. The report also included cost estimates for a tank and pump water supply for areas without municipal water service.

Since that report, Honolulu has allowed a 3/4-in.-meter for a residential sprinkler system, which is the standard for domestic use, so there is no added meter cost. There is a higher cost on the neighbor islands, which is primarily due to the need to increase the diameter size for the standard residential water meter from 5/8 to 3/ 4 of an inch. Kauai, Hawaii, and Maui counties estimate an increase of $7,000, $9,000, and $12,854, respectively, for the larger meter and $20,089, $22,089, and $25,943,

respectively, for sprinkler installation and meter. With the medium-priced Hawaii home at $730,000 in September 2015, this is an increase of a 2.8 percent, 3.0 percent, and 3.6 percent, respectively. Over the duration of a standard 30-year mortgage, these added costs are relatively small, compared with the life-safety benefit of protecting families from fires in their homes for current and future generations.

The Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA) successfully lobbied the 2012 Hawaii State Legislature to pass Act 83,6 which prohibited any county from requiring residential sprinklers in new or existing one- and two-family dwellings, except to meet fire department road access or water supply requirements. The prohibition has a sunset date of July 2017.

The Hawaii State Fire Council (SFC), which is comprised of the four county fire chiefs and is the equivalent of a state fire marshal’s office, has in each year since the passage of Act 83, submitted unsuccessful legislation to repeal this act. In its written testimony7 to House Bill 2243 in the 2016 Hawaii State Legislative Session, which proposed to remove the sunset provision of Act 83, the SFC cited, one of several reasons, that violating individual county authority together with the wide range of county costs, did not serve the public’s best interests and fire fighters’ health and safety. What may be an acceptable level of cost/benefit risk in one county may not be fairly compared to

a densely populated county such as Honolulu. The SFC has also supported legislation to provide a tax credit to homeowners who voluntarily install residential sprinklers and require contractors to provide a cost estimate of a sprinkler system to new home buyers. These proposals have not passed.

Act 164 in the 2014 Hawaii State Legislative Session added two members representing the BIA or the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Subcontractors’ Association of Hawaii to the SBCC.8 This provided additional building industry representation to the SBCC. The SBCC discussed the residential sprinkler requirement in its review for adoption of the International Residential Code 2012 edition.

Although no decision has been finalized, this is the proper venue for debating building safety requirements, equivalences, and cost/benefits.

weight building material construction and combustible furnishings in today’s modern homes have reduced occupant escape times dramatically. Rarely, if ever, are safety regulations done voluntarily, and sprinklers are no different. Builders, designers, and regulators must provide homes that are safe, sustainable, and use the best practices. Residential fire sprinklers provide a new value and security that other homes do not. Our homes must be a place, not only where we feel safe, but are safe. n REFERENCES: 1 honolulu.gov/rep/site/ocs/roh/ROHChapter20.pdf and honolulu.gov/rep/site/ocs/roh/ ROHChapter20.pdf

2 apps.usfa.fema.gov/hotel/ 3 capitol.hawaii.gov/session2007/bills/ SB795_CD1_.htm 4 The International Building and Residential Codes, 2009 Editions and the National Fire Protection Association 5000, 2012 Edition 5 ags.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sbcc-sprinkler-report-20130625.pdf 6 capitol.hawaii.gov/session2012/bills/ SB2397_HD3_.htm 7 capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2016/Testimony/ HB2243_TESTIMONY_HSG_02-01-16_.PDF 8 capitol.hawaii.gov/session2014/bills/ SB2581_CD1_.htm ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lloyd Rogers is administrative specialist with the Hawaii State Fire Council/Honolulu Fire Department. He can be reached via email at lrogers@honolulu.gov.

The SFC continues to spearhead the effort to inform the community and legislators on the benefits of residential sprinklers. It has engaged each county’s building and water officials to explore ways to provide greater affordability or streamline the permitting approval process. The SFC also discussed a proposal to allow property tax credits to homeowners who install sprinklers with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Budget and Fiscal Services.

There is no question that sprinklers save lives and protect property and the environment. National and local statistics prove that sprinklers significantly reduce fire deaths and injuries, property damage, and the environmental impact from fires. In communities that have required residential sprinklers for several years, such as Scottsdale, Arizona, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, fire loss reductions are significant. The fire protection strategy for a community relies on a multifaceted approach. It includes fire safety education, smoke detector installation and maintenance, practicing a home evacuation plan, and residential fire sprinklers. Light-

Figure 1. One of the anti-residential sprinkler materials distributed by the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 43

Technical Advisory Council Committee Spotlight The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was created with training and education as the cornerstone of its foundation. This is evident in its development of its fire sprinkler apprentice correspondence courses to meet education goals and the establishment of the Technical Advisory Council (TAC) to provide technical services to members.

Established in May 1985, the TAC allowed AFSA to address technical issues and NFPA codes and standards related to the fire sprinkler industry. Past AFSA Chairman of the Board Don Becker, AFSA life member, helped establish the TAC and has chaired the council since the early ‘90s.

“In its early days, AFSA’s Board of Directors handled all of our members’ engineering and technical concerns.

Eventually, we created the TAC so they could address these issues.”

Jim Fantauzzi, North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc., Ballston, New York, served on the AFSA Board of Directors from 1989-1993 and also served as a TAC chair in its early years. He remembers a lot of hard work and late nights.

“I remember Bob Gray, Star Sprinkler, setting the structure and meetings,” says Fantauzzi. “We would meet at UL or observe tests at FM Global. Bob gave us young fellows back then experience and brought AFSA into the national spotlight during its early years.

“One of TAC’s big tasks was a rewrite and update of all the apprenticeship courses. AFSA being so young didn’t have the staff manpower and it had to be done. The council members rewrote the first books until an education committee was created,” he recalls. “I remember running the correspondence book rewrites out of my office and basically copying AFSA. It took a lot of TAC members’ involvement.

44 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

“The TAC members should really be commended for a lot of hard work,” Fantauzzi continues. “We just didn’t get together every so often and chitchat. We put as much work into the TAC as we do on NFPA technical committees. If you really do your job right, you’re working hard, and TAC was a real workhorse.”

The TAC’s role in the association grew until it was evident that a formal department was needed. AFSA established its Technical Services Department in 1996, led by Roland J. Huggins, P.E. “We greatly appreciate the time and dedication of our TAC members,” states Huggins. “Their expertise and input, especially in the early years, has been invaluable to our industry.”

Today, the department serves as a resource for NFPA standards related to fire sprinklers. Two professional engineers on staff provide over 65 years of combined experience in enforcement, consulting, and user application. AFSA staff also serves on 17 NFPA technical committees. When combined with the 35 member representatives, AFSA participates on 28 NFPA technical committees.

“This provides the opportunity to better understand the intent of the installation standards that drive the fire sprinkler industry,” comments Huggins. “A lot of effort is invested in modifying these standards to address issues of concern to the contractor.”

An important service provided by the technical services staff is informal interpretations. Becker created this program, offering written interpretations on any subject related to automatic fire sprinklers. These interpretations are provided free-of-charge to AFSA members via direct request or online access to AFSA’s library.

Forty contractors, designers and engineers from around the country currently serve on the TAC, comprised of AFSA representatives on NFPA technical committees, sprinkler manufacturers from AFSA’s Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council, and AFSA staff. The foresight of the AFSA Board of Directors to create the TAC and the services provided by its members has helped propel AFSA to the forefront of the fire sprinkler industry. n

Techncial Advisory Council Members Brent Agan, USAutomatic Sprinkler Corporation Don Becker, RJC & Associates Tracey Bellamy, Telgian Corporation Linda Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Chris Born, Clark Nexsen, Inc. Daniel Briggs, Jackson Associates, Inc. Grant Campbell, Fire Life Safety America Howard Clay, VSC Fire & Security John Denhardt, Strickland Fire Protection John Desrosier, Tyco Fire Products Jim Fantauzzi, North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Mark Fessenden, Tyco Fire Products – STAR Robert Garrett, VSC Fire & Security Jason Gill, Fire & Life Safety America Ron Greenman, Bates Technical College Bill Harvey, Harvey & Associates, Inc. Roland Huggins, AFSA Rick Jackson, Jackson Associates, Inc. Duane Johnson, Strickland Fire Protection Chris Kachura, Southeast Fire Protection

Ray Lambert, Western Fire Protection Steve Leyton, Protection Design and Consulting Dan Mathias, Absolute Fire Protection Jack Medovich, Fire Life Safety America Mike Meehan, VSC Fire & Security Parks Moore, S&S Sprinkler Company Tom Multer, Reliable Automati Sprinkler Co. Randy Nelson, VFS Fire Protection Greg Patrick, Treasure Valley Fire Protection Jeff Rovegno, Mr. Sprinkler Fire Protection Bill Reilly, Victaulic Steven Scandaliato, SDG, Inc. Dave Sornsin, Sornsin FP Design & Consulting Jared VanGammeren, Midwestern Mechanical, Inc. Jack Viola, JFV Engineering, LLC Ken Wagoner, Parsley Consulting Byron Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc. Tom Wellen, AFSA Martin Workman, Viking Group Brent Zimiga, Rapid Fire Protection, Inc.

IRC Requirements Upheld Residential Fire Sprinklers Remain for Now The International Code Council (ICC) has posted the results of online voting on Proposal RB129-16, which sought to repeal the International Residential Code’s (IRC) requirement for all new homes to be equipped with fire sprinklers. The IRC committee disapproved this proposal, and now, the online vote challenging that

decision has failed by a vote of 131 (16 percent) “For” to 697 (84 percent) “Against.”

“The online vote sends a powerful message to those who have continued to attack the IRC sprinkler requirement,” comments Roland J. Huggins, P.E., AFSA vice president of engineer-

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ing and technical services. “We can remain hopeful that there will be no public comments seeking further action on this proposal. However, if a public comment is submitted, another online vote will be conducted in November to determine the final outcome. We’ll update our members after public comments are published on September 9.”

The future of home fire safety in America hinges on winning upcoming votes that may occur during ICC’s final action voting in November 2016. Home fire sprinklers represent the best chance of striking at the heart of America’s fire problem.

Sprinkler requirements have made it into the 2009, 2012, and 2015 editions of the IRC. ICC Codes Process The IRC is one of 15 I-Codes. Each code is comprehensive, all codes are coordinated and compatible with each other, all codes are developed according to the same process in the same forum, and all codes reference consensus standards developed by Standard Developing Organizations (SDOs).

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There is a code cycle every three years. Typically, code changes are proposed by a given deadline, and then a committee action hearing is held, following by public comment hearings. The edition is published and then the cycle repeats itself. The final vote on whether or not to change the code rests with the ICC governmental member representatives – those who administer, formulate or enforce the regulations and are charged with the public’s health, safety and welfare – or Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

For more information on the IRC and the code development process, visit iccsafe.org. n

Fantauzzi Celebrates Silver Anniversary Member Recognized for Technical Committee Service The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) congratulates AFSA member Jim Fantauzzi, North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc., Ballston, New York, on his 25 years’ service on NFPA technical committees. Fantauzzi has served as AFSA’s representative on NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of WaterBased Fire Protection Systems.

According to NFPA, a Technical Committee (TC) serves “as the principal consensus body responsible for the development and revision of an NFPA document or documents emanating from a Technical Committee project. Appointment to a Technical Committee is based on: qualifications of the applicant; a balance of interest categories on the committee; maintaining the committee at a manageable working size; and the ability of the applicant to attend and participate in all committee meetings. A Technical Committee member does not need to be an active NFPA association member.”

Committee members are expected to actively participate in the work of the committee, provide input and contribute to the code or standard’s development, vote, and make a time and travel commitment. In a letter of congratulations to Fantauzzi, Dawn Michele Bellis, secretary, NFPA Standards Council, wrote: “Your service of more than a quarter of a century in the NFPA standards development process is a noteworthy achievement, and it is a contribution that has helped make our world a better place.

“The dedicated support of you and others is what allows the NFPA

standards development process the ability to meet the NFPA mission, and the Association sincerely appreciates your significant participation over the years.”

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AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland J. Huggins, P.E. concurs with NFPA. “Serving on a committee takes time, dedication and expertise. We congratulate Jim on his achievement and greatly appreciate his service on NFPA technical committees.”

“I have served on the NFPA 25 technical committee since its inception,” states Fantauzzi. “We took what was then a recommended practice to today’s operational standard. After 25 years, we’ve really refined the standard and work today to maintain it.

“It’s very gratifying to start something from scratch and take it to the finished product,” Fantauzzi summarizes.

For more information about NFPA technical committees, visit nfpa.org.

For details on serving as an AFSA representative on a committee, email Huggins at rhuggins@firesprinkler. org. Anyone may submit a request to be considered to AFSA’s NFPA Representative Review Committee.

Although not a requirement, it is highly desirable that candidates be a NICET III or above or a Professional Engineer (P.E.). n

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Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 47

Victory in Maryland Safety Advocates Help Defeat Bill with Weakened Home Sprinkler Requirements FRED DURSO, JR. | National Fire Protection Association

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative (FSI), a legislative bill that riled fire sprinkler advocates for its ability to eliminate a crucial piece of life safety for Maryland residents has been defeated. Pre-filed in 2015 and sponsored by Maryland Delegate Christopher Adams, the bill would have given local counties the ability to opt out of the state’s sprinkler requirement. Adams told local media outlets that the state’s law has the ability to negatively impact new home construction, a myth extensively countered by NFPA research.

Maryland media have focused on home fire sprinklers since the state updated its building code last year, with many outlets favoring the position of fire sprinkler opponents. “Most of the papers were on Delegate Adams’ side,” Richard Smith, vice chair of the legislative committee for the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, tells NFPA. The firemen’s association has its own residential sprinkler committee, which worked to fight the bill. “He got more publicity than we did.”

Foreshadowing an uphill battle, Smith and fire service members began meeting with legislators the summer before the bill was filed. “We knew it was coming,” he says. “We knew which committee it was going to and which subcommittee it would wind up in. We started visiting [committee members] and asking them for support. We brought documents with us. A lot of the information that was being passed out [from sprinkler opponents] was, as usual, incorrect.”

Smith says he shared with legislators information on Maryland building 48 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

permits dated as far back as five years.

Certain areas, such as Prince George’s County, has had sprinkler ordinances dating back to the early ‘90s that have had a direct impact in saving lives and reducing fire-related injuries. In other areas, says Smith, building booms were occurring. “In one county [strictly against a sprinkler requirement], we spoke to a number of contractors who said they were holding permits because they didn’t have the time to build all of the homes,” he adds.

Maryland’s fire service also conducted close to 10 live burn/fire sprinkler demonstrations since October. “We had several of the burns filmed and sent to legislators,” says Smith.

“When they see something like that happen, it opens their eyes. I gave it to the chair of the legislative committee, and they showed it at a committee meeting.” The demonstrations attracted positive media coverage, as did a series of commentaries penned by local firefighters.

Local advocates also linked up with Sher Grogg, who lost her brother, sister-in-law, and three nieces and nephews in a catastrophic home fire last year in Maryland. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation produced a video of her advocacy work.

She also shared her story with local legislators.

When it came time for a public hearing on the sprinkler bill this year, the fire service and safety groups responded in full force. Representatives from NFPA and fire sprinkler installers were present to oppose the bill. “Our whole campaign was about

life safety,” says Smith. “We kept emphasizing that the [building] standards in Maryland are the minimum standards [found in all model building codes].”

All of these tactics worked; the bill recently died after committee members voted not to move it forward.

Though the bill has died, steps to promote home fire sprinklers have not dwindled. “I’m going to visit each one of the legislators and thank them, and then we will start again by supplying them with good information, just in case [another bill] comes up next year,” says Smith. Other live burn demos are also planned.

For sprinkler advocates fighting similar legislation, Smith offers this advice: “[Fighting anti-sprinkler legislation] takes a lot of time and dedication. I’ve been here since June working on this, along with other people from the association. Make friends with your legislators. Gain their trust. Supply them with honestto-goodness facts. Emphasize that this is a life-safety issue for the homeowner and fire service. In Maryland, there’s 25,000 volunteer firefighters who don’t get paid to go out and protect property.” n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Fred Durso, Jr. is communications manager for NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative. Follow him on Twitter @FredDursoJr. For more information on NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative or to join or start a state sprinkler coalition, visit FireSprinklerInitiative.org.

Leyton Appointed NFPA 14 Chairman AFSA Representative Dedicates Time, Expertise on Technical Committee The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) serves its members in numerous ways: through training, education, technical representation, and social networking among others.

A major workhorse for AFSA is serving on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committees to impact the standards-making process.

NFPA technical committees keep codes and standards up to date.

Numerous AFSA representatives serve on these committees. (See the related article in the May/June 2016 issue of Sprinkler Age.) One representative, Stephen Leyton, Protection Design & Consulting, San Diego, California, has served as the principal AFSA representative to the NFPA 14, Standard For The Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, committee since 2000, and in 2016 was appointed as the committee chairman. This committee’s primary responsibility is to create documents on the installation of standpipes and hose systems in buildings and structures.

“The committee has been reorganizing the chapters and revising the content aggressively over the past five cycles since the 2000 edition,” says Leyton. “I’m most proud of having been one of the core members of the committee who have been involved throughout the entire process. And today, NFPA 14 much more accurately reflects current thinking in both the industry and fire service with regard to the configuration and adequacy of fire hose water supplies.”

meet twice per code cycle, in addition to the study and review of materials before each meeting. AFSA representatives are also required to write technical articles for Sprinkler Age. “We appreciate Steve’s commitment to NFPA,” states AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland J. Huggins, P.E. “Representing our members and having a voice in the standardsmaking process is a task AFSA takes seriously.”

For more information on NFPA technical committees, visit nfpa.org.

For details on serving as an AFSA representative on a committee, email Huggins at rhuggins@firesprinkler. org. Anyone may submit a request to be considered to AFSA’s NFPA Representative Review Committee.

Although not a requirement, it is highly desirable that candidates be a NICET III or above or a Professional Engineer (P.E.).n

Congratulations to Leyton for his 16 years’ service on NFPA 14 and his appointment as committee chairman.

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Serving on a committee takes time and dedication. Committees usually Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 49

NFPA and HFSC Recognize Sprinkler Advocates Free Resources Available to Fire Service The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) awarded the Maryland State Firemen’s Association with the 2016 Bringing Safety Home Award, presented at the Fire Sprinkler Coalition Chair Summit and HFSC May Board Meeting at NFPA Headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts.

The award recognizes fire service members and other safety advocates who use HFSC’s home fire sprinkler educational materials and Fire Sprinkler Initiative resources to ensure that decision-makers have accurate information as new or updated home fire sprinkler codes are considered.

Accepting the award on behalf of the association was Stephan Cox, chair of the association’s legislative committee, and Vice Chair Richard Smith. Both were influential in helping defeat a legislative bill that would have weakened the state’s sprinkler requirement. Under Cox’s leadership, Smith brought the Maryland fire service and interested parties together to defeat this legislation. Additional efforts were made to convene numerous panels at the bill’s hearing. Their willingness to work both sides of the legislative aisle while educating legislators on the importance of home fire sprinklers is a lesson in effective sprinkler advocacy.

This is the second time in five years that Maryland fire officials have received the Bringing Safety Home Award. In 2012, the first annual Bringing Safety Home Award was given to then-Maryland State Fire Marshal Bill Barnard who advocated for the adoption of Maryland’s statewide fire sprinkler requirement for all new one- and two-family homes.

Free Resources For 20 years, HFSC has developed and provided comprehensive, non-commercial, educational materials that highlight the life safety benefits of protecting homes with fire sprinklers. HFSC’s mission is solely educational and its materials are available to everyone at no cost through HFSC’s website.

Free resources include a fire and sprinkler burn demonstration kit, fire safety education and presentation materials, a quick and easy guide to home fire sprinklers, fire safety and fire sprinkler technical reports, a vocational student program guide and course, and the Built for Life® Fire Department program tools.

All United States and Canadian fire departments that make home fire sprinklers an educational focus will be recognized as 50 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

Stephan Cox (left) and Richard Smith (right) with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association accept the 2016 Bringing Safety Home Award from Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy and president of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.

Built for Life Fire Departments. That could be as simple as adding sprinkler messages and materials to a department’s existing outreach, or as comprehensive as establishing an outreach program for local builders and developers. With the right information and tools, more fire departments can teach about sprinklers. HFSC has developed new resources to simplify any department’s sprinkler outreach – and they’re free of charge.

Every Built for Life Fire Department will receive a fire and sprinkler burn demonstration kit, educational outreach materials, and a certificate of participation.

For a listing of previous award winners who were influential in their efforts to promote sprinklers, visit the Fire Sprinkler Initiative site at firesprinklerinitiative.org/advocacy-tools/ safety-award.aspx. For more information about the Built for Life program and resources for the fire service industry, visit HFSC’s website at homefiresprinkler.org. For details about the Fire Sprinkler Initiative®, a nationwide effort to require the use of home fire sprinklers and the adoption of fire sprinkler requirements for new construction, visit firesprinklerinitiative.org. n

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AHJ PERSPECTIVE

BY RONNY J. COLEMAN

Water, Water Everywhere In The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, there is a line that reads, “Water, water everywhere, and all the boards did shrink; water, water everywhere, nor any drop to

drink.” If we were to write an epic poem about fighting fires in high-rise buildings, we might change the rhyme to read, “Water, water somewhere, and we need it

“Having received the designation of Quality Contractor from AFSA has been a major benefit to Fire Tech. Not only does it distinguish us

from other sprinkler companies in our area, it instills pride in our employees.

Our employees work hard to stay ahead of the competition and this lets them know that the hard work does pay off.”

Linda Biernacki President, Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Shreveport, La.

To learn more or to apply, visit

www.firesprinkler.org AFSA’s Quality Contractor Program was created to publicly recognize those contractor members that have documented their commitment to corporate responsibility. It is not an accreditation or certification program. Contractors that meet the exacting criteria set forth in the application will be formally acknowledged by AFSA as an “AFSA Quality Contractor.” Visit www.firesprinkler.org for more information.

52 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

very near; water, water somewhere, and we hold it very dear.”

What we are talking about of course is the need to utilize standpipes to take water from the ground level to the level in the building where the fire fight is occurring.

This requires familiarity with NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems, which is the theme of this month’s Sprinkler Age magazine.

NFPA 14 covers all of the systems, components and hardware, including the piping, fittings, valves, and pressureregulation devices, as well as system requirements, installation requirements, design plans and calculations, water supply, and system acceptance. The current edition of NFPA 14 has been revised and will be covered in other articles in this same issue. My focus is on the operational side of this as to why it is important to engage fire suppression personnel in maintaining and properly using standpipe systems under fire ground conditions.

Standpipes are required by the code in recognition of one phenomenon. In order to combat fire effectively, you have to have adequate fire flow on the fire floor within a reasonable timeframe. Standpipes placed in the building are intended to reduce the amount of time it takes to achieve that objective. When they are improperly designed or not properly maintained, they can affect the efficiency of the firefighters on scene. Standpipes can never be taken for granted. Regardless of the age of a building, standpipes must function as if they are brand new whenever a fire occurs.

During the initial construction phase of a building, standpipe installation can be compromised. It is very important that construction techniques support the

activation of a standpipe as it moves up with the construction of the building. If a building is 20 stories high and a fire occurs during construction, fire flow is going to be as much in demand as if the building were complete, so coordination of standpipe installation is a serious task for fire prevention bureaus.

But, as equally important, is that this activity be coordinated with operations to assure that water supply is moving within the building at a reasonable rate.

This type of activity often involves coordination with the fire suppression division as to access and availability of fire flow when a building is under construction.

All too often the installation of standpipes is handled entirely by the fire prevention bureau with little contact with operations. This is a planning consideration that should be changed. While it is appropriate that a bureau enforce the code and make sure the system is installed in accordance with NFPA 14, it is equally important that operations be

aware of the installation. Again, this is directly related to the actual use of the system in the event of an emergency.

Before the building is signed off, it is a good management practice to have the fire suppression division look at all the components. This would include, but not be limited to, everything from the standpipe inlet and access to external water supply up to and including the valves of the outlets on all the floors.

Now would be the time to pull out a copy of NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning. This is the standard that provides criteria for developing pre-incident plans. Many times, organizations cannot visit construction sites until after the certificate of occupancy has been granted. This may be a little short sighted. You should visit them when they are under construction to see the parts that get covered up. NFPA 1620 places a lot of emphasis on fire protection systems.

Time spent developing a pre-plan may reap significant benefits if and when an emergency actually occurs.

What I am suggesting is that NFPA 14 and NFPA 1620 are like the right hand and left hand of competency. Practicing one without consideration of the other is counterproductive.

At the end of the ancient mariner’s poem, he declares that he is “a sadder and a wiser man, he rose the morrow morn.” To me this sounds like learning from experience. If you have any buildings that are due to have standpipes installed, investing in the proper installations by following NFPA 14 is important, but utilizing the techniques of NFPA 1620 could be just as critical. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ronny J. Coleman is currently the president of Fireforceone.

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

CLSE’s Plan Review & Acceptance of Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems This two-part online audio program with downloadable handouts describes the review process of fire sprinkler systems for one- and two-family dwellings, in accordance with the NFPA 13D standard (2007 edition).

Fire Sprinklers 501–Part 1: Design & Installation Concepts

This seminar describes the history of NFPA 13D, and how it differs from NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R. It discusses the exceptions allowed

by NFPA 13D in certain circumstances, and covers water supply requirements and how they are determined and evaluated.

Fire Sprinklers 502–Part 2: Review of Plans & Submittals

Designed in accordance with NFPA 13D, this seminar leads the student through the detailed step-by-step process of reviewing a fire sprinkler system plan designed for protection of a single-family home.

The student will download plans and supporting documentation to follow in the plan review process.

Convenient, affordable education available at www.clse.org

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Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016 53

AFSA NEWS

Calendar August 3 LFSA Seminar: NFPA 20, 2016 Ed. Baton Rouge, LA lafiresprinkler.org

September 14-17 AFSA 35th Annual Convention & Exhibition Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN firesprinkler.org

October 3-14 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School AFSA Headquarters, Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

5 AFSA Virginia Burn Survivors Golf Tournament Williamsburg, VA afsavirginia.com

12 AFSA Carolinas Chapter 22nd Annual Golf Tournament Greensboro, NC afsamac.org

21 AFSA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Casino Night Jeffersonville, PA afsavirginia.com

25-26 LFSA Field Supervisor Training & 10th Annual Golf Tournament Baton Rouge, LA lafiresprinkler.org

November 3-14 AFSA Carolinas Chapter NICET Seminars Greensboro, NC afsacarolinas.com Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times. Vsit firesprinkler.org.

54 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

Stringfellow Joins AFSA Staff Angelica Stringfellow has joined the AFSA staff as an accounts receivable associate. Stringfellow will report to the Director of Administrative Services Marilyn Ellis, and her duties will include order fulfillment and reception. Stringfellow attended Texas Women’s University and graduated in 2009 with a degree in biology and a minor in sociology. She has worked in many fields, ranging from retail to teaching at a wildlife sanctuary. Most recently, she held the position of administrative assistant at the King Institute, an alternative medicine clinic. She currently resides in Lewisville, Texas. Visit firesprinkler.org.

Value of Membership: MMIC One of the benefits of AFSA membership is the ability to obtain a free no-cost, no-obligation group health insurance quote. For health insurance plans in the renewal phase, this is an excellent opportunity to obtain an alternative health insurance quote from Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. (MMIC) to compare against current health insurance renewals. To obtain a quote to cover employees, go online to mmicinsurance.com/AFSA. Association membership also allows you to obtain a free discount pharmacy card pro-

viding savings of 10-60 percent. Just click the free prescription discount card offer on the website. To obtain information on health or other insurance products, call toll-free 1-800-349-1039 or send an email to mmic@ mmicinsurance.com.

AFSA Leadership Conference a Success In early May, AFSA chapter leaders from all over the country came together for the annual Leadership Conference at the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum in Dallas, Texas. It was a great event, a perfect opportunity to see the valuable work each chapter is doing.

“It was exciting to hear about all the work our chapters are doing,” comments AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Jeff Livaudais. “We all had lots of fun and learned a great deal, and it was nice for AFSA staff members to meet our chapter leaders in person. I highly encourage chapters to consider attending in 2017 if they didn’t this year.” n

In May, AFSA chapter leaders from around the country gathered to learn and share their knowledge and experiences. Converging at the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum in Dallas, Texas, the event was educational and energizing for all!

HIGHEST PEER PRESSURE RATINGS The most specified nonmetallic fire sprinkler system in the world is BlazeMaster® Pipe & Fittings.

Take it from your colleagues who’ve made BlazeMaster Fire Sprinkler Systems their leading choice – our system impact strength and pressure ratings test superior to other brands. Here are more reasons to choose BlazeMaster Pipe & Fittings:

• Expert consultative guidance from Lubrizol — the pioneers of the Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) fire sprinkler system

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blazemaster.com To speak with a piping systems consultant, call 855.735.1431

CHAPTER NEWS

Joe Collins (right) presents Randall Strother with the Carolinas Chapter’s highest honor, the 2015 Calvin B. Morrow award.

Arkansas Tommy Clements, Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers, Cabot, Ark. has been appointed by the governor as a fire sprinkler contractor representative to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board. The purpose and intent of this board is to provide monitoring of the servicing and installation of portable fire extinguishers, fixed fire suppression systems, fire sprinkler systems and to provide for the registration and licensing of businesses and persons providing such services in order to protect and promote life safety by minimizing personal injury and property damage which might result from improperly installed or improperly maintained fire extinguishing systems. Visit arfireprotection.org.

Carolinas At its March 2016 meeting, members presented Randall Strother, Phoenix Fire Protection, Sanford, with its highest honor, the 2015 Calvin B. Morrow award. Members are nominated for this award by a committee of past Calvin B. Morrow award recipients.

In early April, AFSA’s North Carolina and South Carolinas Chapters held the 13th Annual Joint Convention & Exhibition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was a hugely successful event, with seminars, vendor exhibitions, a beach bocce ball tournament, and an AFSA Next Generation networking mixer. Visit afsacarolinas.com.

(From left to right): Louisiana Chapter’s check presentation: Boyd Petty, manager fire marshal; Mark Taylor, LFSA board; Richard Booth, LFSA treasurer; V.J.Bella, retired state fire marshal; Linda Biernacki, LFSA president; Nick Spano, LFSA board; Clayton Norred, LFSA board; and Nathan McCallum, education outreach state fire marshal. ous years. At the meeting, they discussed many opportunities and directions in which to take the chapter, including meeting strategy, establishing an apprenticeship program for Washington State, and the possibility of a Pacific Northwest Industry Tradeshow in the next few years. Visit afsanw.org.

Louisiana The chapter’s April membership meeting and first vendor fair at the Louisaina State Fire Marshal’s Office was a great success! Louisiana State Fire Marshal Chief Butch Browning cooked up a festive Jambalaya lunch for all to have. The association also presented a check to Retired State Fire Marshal V.J. Bella, in the amount of $2,500 for the Louisiana Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Visit lafiresprinkler.org.

Pacific Northwest In April, the AFSA Pacific Northwest Chapter voted on its new Board of Directors: Tracy Moore, chair; Tiffany Moore, vice chair; and Chris Russell, secretary/treasurer. The chapter would like to thanks its previous Board of Directors, Randy Knight and Ashton Wolfe, for all that hard work they have put in the previ-

Mid-Atlantic The chapter will hold its annual fundraiser for The Burn Foundation (burnfoundation. org) on October 21 from 6:30-11:00 p.m. at the Westover Country Club in Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania. The Burn Foundation is a Philadelphia-area organization focused on preventing fires and burn injuries, supporting regional burn centers and advocating for burn survivors and their families.

This is the first year for a Casino Night- style fundraiser and the chapter has high expectations for a record-breaking donation. Tickets include food, beer and gambling and can be purchased

Carolinas Chapter Bocce Ball Tournament Champions Rick Mill and Richard Miskie of PASCO from Columbia.

The Sacramento Valley Chapter’s seismic bracing seminar in May was popular.

56 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

through the chapter website or by contacting Mike Leister at webmastermike@afsamac.org.

The cost is $50 in advance and $65 at the door. A discount of five tickets for $200 is available for advance purchases only. Visit afsamac.org.

Sacramento Valley The chapter held a successful and well attended meeting and seminar on May 18. The general meeting provided an updated on fitter certification in California and the seminar covered seismic bracing.

Virginia On April 5, the AFSA Virginia Chapter held its regular meeting in Richmond. Twenty-six attendees came to see Lucas Kirn of Engineering Corrosion Solutions, who was the primary meeting presenter, and Mike DeCecco of General Air, who was the vendor presenter.

On April 19, the chapter held a Recruitment and Social Mixer at the Marine Corps Museum at Triangle, Virginia. There was an open tour of the museum during the afternoon, followed by a mixer with drinks and food in the famous “Tun Tavern” on the second floor of the museum.

The chapter will hold its 23rd Annual AFSAVirginia Burn Survivors Golf Tournament October 5 at Williamsburg National Golf Club. Entry deadline is September 9. For details and to sponsor the event, visit afsavirginia.com. n

Bob Beckwith (left), AFSA Virginia membership chairman, welcoming new member Shawn Hergenrather of Winchester Sprinkler in Sterling, Virginia.

“IT DOESN'T GET ANY EASIER THAN THAT.” Big Mike, Central Connecticut Fire Sprinkler

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ON A LADDER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

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

Region 1

Region 2

Region 4

Region 6

Contractor Accurate Response Fire Protection, Inc. John Szwec Murrieta, CA

Contractor Accurate Fire Protection Solutions Corporation Bill Gooding Hailey, ID

Fire Protection of Arkansas, Inc. Rusty Bradley Jonesboro, AR

Contractor Automatic Fire Sprinkler Specialist Rick Nelson Sewell, NJ

AHJ Yocha Dehe Fire Department Vernon Brown Roseville, CA

Cintas Fire Protection Daryl Bambridge San Diego, CA

Associate American AVK David Roe Minden, NV

Archer Construction, Inc. Allyson Gregersen Kent, WA

Fire Pro Specialists, Inc. Ed Looney Pleasanton, CA Fire Safety Supply, Inc. Michael Carlsen Santa Rosa, CA

AHJ County of Prince George Jeffrey Brown Prince George, VA

SFS Security Fire Systems, Inc. Mike Alexander Coppell, TX

Region 5

Greenway Technologies Gabriel Pico Surprise, AZ

Contractor ER Fire Protection Engineering, Inc. Evelio Rodriguez Miami, FL

Region 3

Fire Protection Services, LLC Christian Dodder Sandy Springs, GA

Contractor Fire Protection, Inc. Lee Hostetler Mantua, OH

Sabah International, Inc. Greg Mosher Pleasanton, CA

Contractor Fire King, LLC Virgil King Bastrop, TX

Fire Solutions, Inc. Todd Weaver St. Louis, MO Superior Fire Protection, LLC Dave Craynon Beavercreek, OH

Symmetrik, Inc Joe Cepeda Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Patriot Fire Protection, LLC Alan Haynes Mt. Airy, MD

Region 7

AHJ Farmington Fire Rescue Riley Stanchina Farmington, NH Contractor Professional Fire & Security, Inc. Debra Robbins Assonet, MA

UV Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Ubaldo Villa Hialeah, FL

AFSA Chapter Contacts Arizona Cindy Hesch– Exec. Dir. 602-390-1398

Carolinas afsacarolinas.com Dean Bush – Chair.

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

Arkansas Coleman Farrar– Chair.

479-986-9090

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

•

Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter. org Jay Strickland – Chair.

301-474-2441 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-964-0841 Connecticut afsact.org Rick Russo – Chair.

203-877-7983 Wendy Callahan – Exec. Dir 978-855-6495 Florida afsafl.org Bart Trueblood – Chair.

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

925-552-5870 Lorelei Upshaw – Exec. Dir. 925-913-0145

AN AFSA PUBLICATIO N

Greater Kansas City 2nd Wed. of each month Mark McKenzie – Chair.

913-432-6688 Cliff Becker – Exec. Dir. 816-221-1651

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 58 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

Louisiana Linda Biernacki – Chair.

318-688-8800

Mid-Atlantic afsamac.org Jay C. Stough – Chair.

215-345-8066 Heather Field– Exec. Dir. heather@afsamac.org

Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Tracy Moore – Chair.

425-271-5598 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

New Jersey Thomas J. Bowlby Jr. – Chair.

908-229-9595 Robert K. Melofchik Sr. – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056

Rocky Mountain Brent Heiner – Chair.

801-540-3473 Adam Millward – Exec. Dir. 801-216-4545

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 Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-922-3236 Bob Broughton – Exec. Dir. 802-899-3769 Ohio Don Eckert– Exec. Dir. 513-310-9660

Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Bill Gray – Chair.

916-663-3582 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

Southern California Jeff Bridges – Co-Chair.

888-523-4734 Terry Housholder – Co-Chair.

714-632-8646 Amber Barrios - Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492 Virginia afsavirginia.com Jack Medovich – Chair/Pres.

804-222-4393 George Wagner – Exec. Dir. 757-378-7212 Yankee Michael Payton – Chair.

508-378-7215

San Diego As called by Chair.

Ron Aday – Chair.

858-513-4949 x 307 Terri Leyton – Exec. Dir. 619-684-5845 South Carolina scfsa.org Jason Strickland – Chair.

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

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 Gary Field – President 918-266-2416

Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

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

CONSTRUCTION REPORTS U.S. Construction...

U.S. Construction...

new construction starts in April fell 8 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $608.3 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Nonresidential building pulled back following its sharp March increase, and residential building also declined due to a slower pace for multifamily housing. Meanwhile, the nonbuilding construction sector showed improvement, with public works strengthening after its lackluster March performance. Through the first four months of 2016, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were reported at $198.4 billion, down 12 percent from the same month a year ago.

annual rate of $636.7 billion, new construction starts in May increased 5 percent from April, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Much of the growth came from the nonbuilding construction sector (public works and electric utilities), which was lifted by a $3.8 billion oil pipeline in the upper Midwest as well as by seven power plant projects with a combined cost of $4.3 billion. Residential building edged up slightly in May, as multifamily housing bounced back from its subdued April performance. However, nonresidential building in May retreated, sliding for the second month in a row after the elevated activity reported in March. During the first five months of 2016, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $256.7 billion, down 12 percent from the same period a year ago.

New Construction Starts in April Slide 8 Percent The value of

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions April 2016 March 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $185,089 $229,459 -19 Residential Building $269,107 $292,344 -8 Nonbuilding Construction $154,146 $140,119 +10 Total Construction $608,342 $661,922 -8 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) April 2016...............129 March 2016.....................140 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

4 Mo. 2016 4 Mo. 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $58,165 $73,482 -21 Residential Building $88,139 $81,988 +8 Nonbuilding Construction $52,048 $69,766 -25 Total Construction $198,352 $225,236 -12

May Construction Starts Rise Five Percent At a seasonally adjusted

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions May 2016 April 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $171,248 $182,382 -6 Residential Building $272,509 $269,730 +1 Nonbuilding Construction $192,977 $155,497 +24 Total Construction $636,734 $607,609 +5 THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) May 2016...............135 April 2016.....................129 YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Unadjusted Totals, In Millions

5 Mo. 2016 5 Mo. 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $74,003 $93,093 -21 Residential Building $112,840 $106,336 +6 Nonbuilding Construction $69,900 $92,194 -24 Total Construction $256,743 $291,623 -12

Canada Construction...

Canada Construction...

April CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts

May CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts

Types of Construction

Apr

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 55,014 15,135

Apr

% Change

65,145 27,443

-16 -45

4,195 13,680 -69 3,103 4,176 -25 13,663 28,300 -52 2,396 7,038 601

9,982 10,826 2,438

-75 -34 -76

388 59,040

20,757 110,854

-81 -67

3,357 11,875 13,700 17,961 1,250 11,561 18,271 57,904 143,451 234,224

-71 -23 -89 -68 -39

*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.

Types of Construction

May

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 78,591 18,624

May

% Change

84,977 33,875

-8 -45

5,401 15,780 -65 3,952 5,403 -26 20,923 38,940 -46 4,497 13,482 10,604 15,870 742 3,382

-66 -33 -78

485 97,619

-82 -29

2,777 136,992

6,921 15,345 21,351 32,010 2,190 16,920 20,771 57,920 216,500 298,164

-54 -33 -87 -64 -27

*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 | July/August 2016 59

PRODUCT NEWS

Viking Announces Model VK479 The Viking Corporation announces the availability of a new 3.0 (43) K-factor residential horizontal sidewall sprinkler, Model VK479.

This newest addition to Viking’s Freedom® residential line provides low flow requirements at smaller areas of coverage, making it a good choice for residential sprinkler systems where the available water supply is limited. The new Model VK479 sprinkler is cULus Listed with low flow and pressure requirements for coverage areas up to 16 ft x 16 ft (4,9 m x 4,9 m). The new sprinkler is the third 3.0 K-factor residential model offered by Viking; also available are the Model VK470 pendent sprinkler and the Model VK488 flat plate concealed pendent sprinkler. Visit vikingcorp.com.

Reliable Announces New Model LT56 Series Pendent Special Sprinklers Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. announces the release of Model LT56 Series pendent sprinklers. Reliable’s patent pending series of sprinklers are designed specifically for corridors and hallways with a maximum coverage area of 28 ft by 10 ft (8.5 m by 3 m). Requiring a minimum flow per sprinkler of only 23 gpm for 8 ft (2.4 m) wide coverage and 28 gpm for 10 ft (3 m) wide coverage, Model LT56 Series sprinklers allow substantially reduced water demand compared with traditional extended coverage sprinklers. The sprinklers are cULus Listed as special sprinklers for installation in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and have a nominal K-factor of 5.6 (80 metric). Visit reliablesprinkler.com.

FPPI Announces New Alarm Bells Fire Protection Products, Inc. (FPPI) has added two new alarm bells to its range of fire alarm bells and accessories. The 24VDC bells are designed for low voltage systems which are common throughout the eastern United States and Canada and available in two sizes – 6 in. and 10 in.

Like the 120 volt versions, the 24VDC bells are UL listed and available in a red finish and can be used to signal flow within 60 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

a fire sprinkler system or tampering with a monitored valve. Each bell provides four wire connectivity for through wiring to additional devices. FPPI also offers a complete range of fire alarm bell accessories to complete the installation, including ABS bell back boxes, bell guards and 911 bell signs.

Visit fppi.com.

Tyco Unveils Its New Model RM-1 Riser Manifold Tyco Fire Protection Products has introduced the Model RM-1 riser manifold. The RM-1, available for commercial and residential uses, features a proprietary connection between the manifold and the Potter alarm switch. The connection has a watertight, flat surface design which helps prevent leaks. Other features of the RM-1 riser manifold include a pressure gauge, alarm test orifice, drain, and sight glass housed in a single assembly for use in NFPA 13 commercial sprinkler systems and in NFPA 13D/13R residential sprinkler systems. The variety of sizes and grooved end connections allow cost-effective and easy transition to check valves, control valves, and system piping. With a maximum working pressure of 300 psi, the Model RM-1 riser manifold may be installed either in a horizontal (flow switch on top) or vertical (flow going up) orientation, for both single sprinkler rises and floor control in highrises. It is UL, ULC Listed and FM approved. Visit tycofsbp.com.

Get Help Finding the Right Reed Cutter New at Reed is the Cutter Finder on reedmfgco. com. By entering the pipe type and size, tool users can find with ease all the possible Reed cutters that fit that pipe. This online search tool is open in all of Reed’s main website languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Japanese. For details, visit reedmfgco.com.

Viking Releases New Standard Response Version of Mirage® Commercial Concealed Sprinkler The Viking Corporation has added a

new standard response version to its Mirage® family of commercial concealed pendent sprinklers. The new Model VK492 features a 5 mm glass bulb and is FM Approved and cULus Listed for Light and Ordinary Hazard occupancies. This new standard coverage sprinkler is offered in addition to all existing Mirage® concealed sprinklers from Viking. Viking’s new standard response Mirage® sprinkler has a K-factor of 5.6 (81) and is available in 155°F (68°C), 175°F (79°C), and 200°F (93°C) temperature ratings. The VK492 requires the same installation wrench, and is offered with the same cover plate options, as Viking’s quick response Mirage® concealed sprinkler, Model VK462. Visit vikingcorp.com.

FPPI Introduces OS&Y Fire Main Gate Valve With the introduction of OS&Y fire main gate valves, Fire Protection Products, Inc. (FPPI) continues to extend its offering of brass trim products. The new valves are UL listed, FM approved and available in 1-in., 11/4-in., 11/2-in. and 2-in. sizes exclusively from local FPPI distributors. Manufactured to meet the highest quality standards in material and performance, they seamlessly fit into the existing portfolio and meet the demand for long lasting, reliable fire system valves. The outside stem construction of OS&Y valves allows fire sprinkler system professionals to immediately see whether a system is active or shut off: When the valve is opened, the stem rises above the hand wheel. In the closed position, the stem is concealed inside of the valves. External tamper switches can be added for central station or panel monitoring. Visit fppi.com. n

SINCE 1981

4

39

DAYS

SEMINARS

66.5 CEU HOURS

SEPTEMBER 14 17, 2016

NASHVILLE

AF SA

A GRAND OLE OPPORTUNITY

15 100 +

SOCIAL EVENTS

EXHIBITORS

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Lubrizol Announces Planned Management Transition The Lubrizol Corporation has announced that Rick Tolin has been named corporate senior vice president and president of Lubrizol Advanced Materials (LZAM), effective immediately. He replaces Eric R. Schnur, who has been named president, effective immediately, and will become chairman and chief executive officer on January 2, 2017. James L. Hambrick, the current chairman, president and chief executive officer, having fulfilled his commitment to remain in those roles for five years following Berkshire Hathaway’s acquisition of Lubrizol in 2011, has decided to complete his 38-year Lubrizol career. This transition reflects the company’s long standing succession planning process. In addition, Greg D. Taylor, senior vice president of corporate strategy and development, will retire later this year. Visit Lubrizol.com.

Reliable Expands Team with Woodie, Molina and Graen Michael Woodie joins Reliable in the role of regional sales representative in Denver, reporting to Mike Castellano, regional sales manager. Woodie is respon-

In-building Risers

sible for maintaining and developing relationships and continued sales growth throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. His terWoodie Molina Graen ritory includes: Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Eastern Martin Promoted to NIBCO Vice PresiMontana, and Western South Dakota. dent, Wholesale Sales NIBCO Inc. has Marty Molina joins Reliable as a regional promoted Ashley Martin to vice president, sales representative based out of Reliable’s wholesale sales, reporting to Steve Malm, Los Angeles distribution center, reporting to president and chief operating officer. Martin Ed LaCoste, regional sales manager. began her career at NIBCO in July 2012 as a Alexandra Graen joins Reliable Automatsales trainee in the Human Resources Sales ic Sprinkler Co., Inc. in the role of regional Training Program where she won the Sales sales representative in Minneapolis, MinneTrainee of the Year Award. Since 2012, she sota. She is responsible for maintaining and has held the position of director – distribudeveloping relationships and continuing sales tion and transportation, and general managgrowth throughout the Midwest including: er, PEX, before being promoted to her curMinnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebrasrent role. Visit nibco.com n ka, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Graen will be reporting to Shawn Timm, regional sales manager. Visit reliablesprinkler.com.

W

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

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62 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

A Watts Water Technologies Company

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

Anvil International Supplies Pipe Couplings and Hanger Assembly Components for Seattle’s Floating Bridge Project Construction is nearly complete on the new State Route 520 floating bridge spanning Lake Washington, connecting Seattle on the western side of the lake to Medina on the eastern side. The new 7,710-ft bridge will be the longest floating bridge in the world, and is replacing the existing 7,578-ft bridge, which was the longest floating bridge in the world. The new bridge is designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety compared to the former State Route 520 bridge.

Two important components of the construction of the bridge were the design and construction of the dry standpipe fire systems and of the mechanical wastewater removal system, to remove rainwater from the road surface and filter it before returning it to the lake. Contractors for these systems needed grooved pipe couplings, hangers, and other piping products that would meet or exceed the needs of this unique bridge style, and reached out to Anvil International to supply the products. Anvil has supplied the last of the products for both the fire suppression and wastewater management systems, and were present at the bridge’s Grand Opening on April 2, 2016. Anvil International played a critical part in the construction of this new, safer bridge, meeting the needs of both the fire and wastewater system contractors, designed to the exact specifications necessary for the project. Visit anvilintl.com.

Tyco’s Women in Technology Program Celebrates First Year in Rhode Island With only one-fourth of all STEM employees being women, Tyco Fire Protection Products, an engineering firm based out of Cranston, instituted the Women in Technology (WIT) program. The program invited girls in high school to take an internship with the company throughout the school year to work on real Tyco projects, with professionals in the field. Visit tyco-fire.com.

Victaulic Honored with IndustryWeek Best Plant Award Victaulic’s commitment to safety 64 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2016

was highlighted recently during the May 3-5, 2016 IndustryWeek Manufacturing & Technology Conference & Expo when Victaulic’s Forks facility was honored as a 2015 IndustryWeek Best Plant. This award honors outstanding manufacturing plants committed to improving quality, reducing cycle times, forging partnerships with their suppliers and customers – in short, creating cultures of excellence that deliver outstanding performances and continue to seek the next opportunity to improve. Victaulic joined seven other North American facilities receiving this honor. As a global organization, Victaulic remains committed to achieving world-class safety excellence across our facilities around the world with the support of executive leadership and a strategy of creating a safe working environment for its employees. Visit Victaulic.com.

Viking SupplyNet Announces New San Antonio Location Viking SupplyNet announces the opening of a new U.S. location serving the San Antonio/Austin region. The new San Antonio branch is the 31st Viking SupplyNet location in North America and third in Texas, complementing existing distribution and fabrication facilities in Dallas and Houston. Located near the San Antonio International Airport, the new distribution center will stock a full selection of fire sprinkler system components and provide both product delivery and convenient customer pickup service for this growing Texas market. Visit vikingroupinc.com.

NIBCO Boosts Valve Offering through Acquisition of Webstone Company, Inc. NIBCO INC. has announced that it has acquired the valve assets of Webstone Company, Inc. The transaction was finalized on May 23, 2016.

The new business unit will be named, “Webstone, a brand of NIBCO.” Based in Worcester, Mass., Webstone has been a world leader in ball valve technology since 1954 specializing in the innovative design of residential and commercial valves used in hydronic, plumbing, and radiant applications. Visit nibco.com.

Winsupply Names 11 Manufacturers 2015 Vendors of the Year Winsupply named its 2015 Vendors of the Year at the company’s Annual Meetings and Vendor Showcase Awards Dinner held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Attendees also celebrated Winsupply’s 60th Anniversary. The 11 vendors and Winsupply industries are: Advanced Drainage Systems – Waterworks; American Standard

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INDUSTRY NEWS CONT. – Plumbing; Delta Faucet – Plumbing Showrooms; JCI Unitary Products Group – HVAC; Liberty Pumps – Pumps; Milwaukee Tool – Tools; Priority Wire & Cable – Electrical; Rain Bird – Turf Irrigation; Spears Manufacturing – Industrial; Uponor – Hydronic; Victaulic – Fire Protection. Visit winsupplyinc.com.

NFPA’s Firefighter Fatalities Report Shows 68 On-Duty Firefighter Deaths in 2015 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its annual U.S. Firefighter Fatalities report, which showed that a total of 68 firefighters died while on duty in the United States in 2015.

This represents the fourth time in the past five years that the total number of deaths has been below 70. The number of deaths of volunteer firefighters was the second lowest total ever reported (32 deaths). Overexertion, stress and medical issues accounted for by far the largest share of firefighter deaths. Of the 40 deaths in this category, 35 were classified as sudden cardiac deaths, usually heart attacks, with onset while the victim was on duty. Visit nfpa.org.

Metro Chiefs Meet in Long Beach, California The Metropolitan “Metro” Fire Chiefs Association, a Section of the International Association

You don’t have to be a genius.

of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) held its 2016 annual conference in Long Beach, California from May 13-18. Approximately 120 Metro Chiefs from Australia, Canada, China, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States attended the conference and elected the Section’s 20162017 officers and board members. The 2017 Metro conference will be held in Orlando, Florida and hosted by Chiefs Otto Drozd (Orange County, Fla.) and Roderick Williams (Orlando, Fla.). The conference will be April 7-14 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel. Visit iafc.org.

NFPA Announces Official Theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2016 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced “Don’t Wait: Check the Date!

Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years” as the official theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, October 9-15, 2016. The focus on smoke alarm replacement comes as the result of a recent survey conducted by NFPA, which showed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are or how often they need to be replaced. Visit nfpa.org. n

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