Jan/Feb 2017 Sprinkler Age

EDUCATING THE 40 NEXT GENERATION

JAN / FEB 2017

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 36/01

INDUSTRY REVIEW & FORECAST

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SprinklerAge

Vol 36 / 1 January/February 2017

Features 10 | Here is Your Sign

Part 1: NFPA 13 Requirements

16 | Growth to Continue, Gain Strength

Sprinkler Industry 2016 Review and 2017 Forecast

22 | Temperature Change and Dry Pipe Systems

Fluctuations Can Cause Problems

26 | Sprinkler Protection and the 3,000 ft2 Modifier

Wood Joist Versus Composite Wood Joist

29 | Training for New Designers

Classes Focus on NFPA 13, 2016 Edition

30 | Basic Codified Issues

What Sprinkler Contractor Owners Need to Know

32 | ABC Predicts Modest Growth in 2017 Nonresidential Construction

Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Apprentice Honored

35 | VSC Completes Midtown Tunnel Project

First Tunnel in Virginia Protected by Sprinklers

36 | New Construction Starts to Increase Five Percent

Dodge Data & Analytics Predicts $713 Billion in 2017

38 | Chief Behlings Receives Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award

This issue covers NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, – Installations, and includes a 2016 review of and 2017 forecast for the fire sprinkler industry.

Warns of Vulnerability for Contractors

34 | Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week

ON THE COVER

AHJ Helps Expand Sprinkler Protection in Rapid City

6

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

8

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

46 AHJ PERSPECTIVE 48 AFSA NEWS 48 CALENDAR 49 CHAPTER NEWS 49 ASSOCIATION NEWS 50 NEW MEMBERS 51 U.S. CONSTRUCTION

39 | Thank You for Your Support!

51 CANADA CONSTRUCTION

40 | CEF Build Your Future Career Day

53 INDUSTRY NEWS

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries AFSA Educates the Next Generation

42 | Celebrating Industry Leaders

52 PRODUCT NEWS 54 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 54

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Nominations Sought for Prestigious Awards

44 | New Home Fire Sprinkler Study Released

Overwhelming Support of Technology in States Where Systems are Required

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 | January/February 2017 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

CHARLOTTE JOHNSON, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; cjohnson@firesprinkler.org

The beginning of the New Year is upon us and it is time to take stock of the past year and look forward to the next. The industry saw solid growth in 2016 with particular strength in multi-family residential construction and commercial construction. Our vendors verified the trend as they experienced growth in sales of both residential and commercial heads. There was also solid evidence of growth in the inspection, testing and service side of our business. The level of overall construction activity in the West and Northeast were noticeably strong, and we believe the supply and demand ratio for our work has led to some welcome increase in margin for the contractors working in those markets.

As we set our budgets and forecasts for 2017, it would be prudent to say we are in for more steady and solid growth. The national economists and consultants who track construction activity are calling for average construction growth of 3 percent with certain markets and segments growing at a more robust clip.

Some of the areas of the country that were softer in 2016 should see more of a pickup in activity in 2017. It appears the election of Donald Trump has unleashed a surge in stock prices and the animal spirits seem to be stirring. The bank stocks and financial institutions have had a very strong run since November 9 and their strength since the election bodes well for the general business climate. The banks’ adverse sentiments towards risk and regulatory restraints should loosen up, which will allow the creators and developers of our great nation to get on with projects and construction.

We at AFSA have seen trends that speak to this growth as contractor members are filling our design school to capacity with new faces. Our sprinkler fitter apprenticeship materials continue to sell at a brisker clip, indicating strong growth needs in field operations. I am hearing more and more laments about the ability to find qualified help and many companies are starting to feel the strains of wage pressures as the demand for our services and our people raises.

This is a natural occurrence as the laws of supply and demand exercise their cold hard facts. Those who adapt to these changes the quickest will survive to be the fittest.

Take advantage of the wind in our sails and take advantage of what our association has to offer. Get some young and inexperienced people in your operations and train them up. I am often pleasantly surprised at how quickly good people can become well-trained and valued employees. We at AFSA have all the tools and know-how to help you and your companies. 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 JACK A. MEDOVICH, TREASURER 410-787-0639 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 JEFF PHIFER, 803-438-2994 AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965

FRANK MORTL III, CAE, President ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121 MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President of Meetings & Operations, ext. 118 BRADLEY ELLIOTT, Director of Member Services, ext. 135 MARILYN ELLIS, Director of Administrative Services, ext. 112 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications, ext. 126 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 ROGER GRAGG, Director of Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116 Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the Fire Sprinkler Industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

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

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

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

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

ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP 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 | January/February 2017

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

BY FRANK MORTL III, CAE AFSA President

Volunteerism. The practice of volunteering your time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially within your community or industry. It’s an interesting challenge to draft a semi-regular opinion piece for an industry-wide magazine, and a lot of credit goes out to the past chairmen of the AFSA Board of Directors who all generously volunteered their efforts and energy to lead this tremendous organization while also often crafting impactful Sprinkler Age articles for fire sprinkler contractors to learn from and be inspired by. As I thought about the subject matter to choose for my first Sprinkler Age report as president of AFSA, the roles played by our many invaluable volunteers over the years who shaped this association into the powerhouse it has become in 2017 kept flooding into my mind.

Two gentlemen in particular have given so much of their time, energy and, let’s face it, sweat equity to not only creating a framework for merit shop fire sprinkler contractors to be provided with training, consulting, communication, representation and many other services, but also to establishing foundations for organizational structure. Armed with a rock-solid set of bylaws as well as the ability to identify the best staff leadership since 1981, Willie Templin and Jack Viola have overseen national employees who were/are dedicated to executing AFSA’s mission to the highest levels possible. Mr. Templin, owner of American Automatic Sprinkler in Fort Worth, Texas was among the initial small group of “rogue” contractors who made an ambitious and ultimately brilliant decision over 36 years ago to chart a course away from professional organizations that would not support apprenticeship training and education to the degrees necessary for open shop fire sprinkler contractors to succeed at their maximum efficiencies.

As a contractor and AFSA Board Chairman from 19851987 who is now celebrating the 50th year of American Automatic Sprinkler’s continued positive impact on the industry, Willie has maintained his position as Chairman of AFSA’s Nominating Committee and casts a wide shadow over the volunteerism efforts of contractor representatives throughout the country. He has been extremely forthcoming with me regarding how past issues tend to resurface over time and is a trusted resource for guidance on critical policies, protocols and procedures that have and will continue to allow for open shop contractors to have a strong voice for the betterment of the individual, the fire sprinkler industry and the nation as a whole.

8 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

Jack Viola is another incredibly talented person who has also been volunteering his valuable time to AFSA since the 1980s. Learning much from his father-in-law Ed Smith, who was AFSA Board Chairman himself from 1987-1989, Jack has helped guide and shape policy for AFSA in so many practical ways that I believe our technical services, education, training and governmental affairs achievements would not be nearly as accomplished without his efforts.

AFSA Board Chairman from 1997-1999, Jack has and continues to serve as a mentor, friend and source of encouragement to fellow contractor volunteers who gather throughout the year to deliver direct knowledge to AFSA’s professional staff so we can develop and provide the best benefits and services created by fire sprinkler contractors for contractors. Case in point: although serving on eight AFSA committees in 2016 (more than any other AFSA representative), Jack’s hand was always the first to shoot up in the air when the call for a special ad-hoc task force arose in meetings. A truly remarkable man indeed.

I affectionately refer to Willie Templin as “Ambassador” and to Jack Viola as “The Godfather.” AFSA volunteers have two pillars of inspiration to look toward when attempting to judge whether it’s worth the time and energy away from family, friends, business efforts, golf games or whatever else many people use as excuses to not give of their time. Not everyone has to emulate the efforts of Willie and Jack, but rather understand that any volunteerism one can give to the industry with which they are engaged strengthens an organization like AFSA that is striving to improve the conditions within their sphere of influence.

Please consider volunteering your efforts in 2017 to a worthy cause. For many, AFSA offers a local in-person chapter or virtual online committee/council/group to lend your grassroots perspective. For others, perhaps you could take my personal viewpoint and practice while working on behalf of volunteer leaders who represent an industry and take action to volunteer time to your church, philanthropic entity and/or charitable foundation. I’m so honored and humbled to follow in the footsteps of industry icon Steve Muncy as the new president of AFSA. Help me deliver the exceptional levels of service the members of our association deserve by lending your brilliance in the form of fire sprinkler industry volunteerism. n

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HERE IS YOUR SIGN PART 1: NFPA 13 REQUIREMENTS JOHN DENHARDT, P.E. | Strickland Fire Protection, Inc.

The comedian Bill Engvall made the saying “Here is your sign” well known. When Bill said it, it was directed at someone who just said something that was obvious or just plain stupid. One story I remember Bill telling at a comedy show was about a gentleman who was using a coat hanger trying to unlock his car. Another person walking past looked at the gentleman and asked, “You locked your keys in the car?” The gentleman responded, “No sir, I’m just trying to hang my car up to dry.” Here is your sign.

So, what does this have to do with sprinkler systems? Numerous signs are required by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; however, many sprinkler designers, installers and inspectors are not familiar with the signs they are required to provide. We all know about the requirement for control valve and main drain signs, but what about the rest? This article will discuss the signs that are required, and where appropriate discuss why it is critical that they be provided. All references to NFPA 13 are to the 2016 edition unless stated otherwise.

requirement. The identification signs need to be secured with corrosion-resistant wire or chain. The control valve signs need to identify the portion of the building served. Figure 1 below shows the front and back of a typical control valve sign that meets these requirements. Systems that have more than one control valve that must be closed to work on a system or space are required to have a sign referring to the existence and location of the other control valve. Not providing this sign has cost over $500,000 in property damage for one property owner. In an emergency, the control valves were not able to be turned off in a timely manner and no one on-site knew the location of the second control vale. For the record, Table A.6.9 appears to incorrectly reference Section 6.7.4 not Section 6.6.4.

Section 7.6 requires that for all antifreeze systems that are remote from the system riser, a placard must be mounted on the system

Let’s start by looking at Table A.6.9. It was developed to make it easier for the user of NFPA 13 to identify what signs are required by the body of the standard. The table is a summary of the signs that need to be provided and it was added to the 2013 edition of NFPA 13. Keep in mind the annex contains material that explains or clarifies the body of the standard but is not legally enforceable.

Section 6.6.4 requires all control, drain, venting and test connections be provided with permanently marked weatherproof metal or rigid plastic identification signs. While the general term “drain” is used in the above requirement, I believe that this means the main drain valve assembly. To install drain signs at every nipple and cap or plug that serve as an auxiliary drain seems like an overreach.

However, the NFPA 13 installation committee needs to clarify this 10 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

Figure 1. Sample front (top image) and back (bottom image) of control valve sign.

Graphic courtesy of Argco.

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riser that indicates the number and location of all remote antifreeze systems supplied by that riser. At the antifreeze system’s control valve, a placard needs to be placed that indicates the manufacturer type and brand of the antifreeze solution, the concentration by volume of the antifreeze solution used and the volume of antifreeze solution used in the system. Again, it appears Table A.6.9 has an error as it states “Circulating closed loop systems.”

Section 8.16.1.1.8 has a requirement for low point drains that all control valves be provided with identification signs. This section is not needed since Section 6.6.4 already has this requirement. Hopefully this section can be removed for the 2019 edition of the standard.

Section 8.16.2.3.5.7 has a requirement that most are not aware of.

This sign was added for the 2007 edition of NFPA 13 to address concerns that important information about the initial system be posted for future use and reference. Even though this requirement has been in the NFPA 13 since the 2007 edition, I seldom see this sign provided. All auxiliary (low point) drains on dry pipe systems or preaction systems need a sign at the dry pipe or preaction valve indicating the number of low point drains and the location of each individual drain. Lack of providing this sign has caused numerous installing contractors to lose legal claims that were brought against them when systems experienced freeze damage. In one case that I personally know, a maintenance crew drained all the low points that they saw but the system still experienced pipe damage due to freezing. There were seven low points but two of them were not obvious. The low points were shown on the

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“as-built” drawings, but because the required signage was not provided, the installing contractor was still found liable. Luckily this claim was small but it could easily have been much different.

We have found that providing a 11-in. x 17-in. outline of the system indicating the number and location of the low point drains and the inspector’s test station has satisfied this requirement. We usually install the outline in a picture frame and mount it near the dry or preaction valve. We also include this outline in our Operation and Maintenance Manuals.

Section 8.17.2 has numerous requirements for signage for the fire department connections. Where a fire department connection serves only a portion of a building, a sign needs to be provided indicating the portions of the building served. Each fire department connection needs to be designated by a sign having raised or engraved letters at least 1 in. in height on a plate or fitting reading the type of systems served. If any system served requires 150 PSIG or more, a sign needs to be provided indicating the required pressure to be provided.

Section 25.5 requires the Hydraulic Design Information Sign. Like the identification signs required by Section 6.4.4, we all should be familiar with this sign since it has been around for years; longer than I have been in the sprinkler business. However, over the years, a few modifications and new requirements have been added to this sign.

The industry used to use the term Hydraulic Data Plate or Placard for this sign. Every hydraulically calculated system is required to have this sign. The installing contractor needs to identify a hydraulically designed sprinkler system with a permanently marked, weatherproof metal or rigid plastic sign secured with corrosion resistant wire or chain. The signs need to be placed at the alarm valve, dry pipe valve, preaction valve, or deluge valve supplying the corresponding hydraulically designed area. Over the last few editions of NFPA 13, additional items were added to the sign.

Make sure you are providing all the required information. The sign needs to include the location of the design area or areas, the discharge densities over the design area or areas, the required flow and residual pressure demand at the base of the riser, the occupancy classification or commodity classification and maximum permitted storage height and configuration, the hose stream allowance included in addition to the sprinkler demand, and the name of the installing contractor.

Section 25.6 requires the General Information Sign. This sign was added to the 2007 edition of NFPA 13 to address concerns that important information about the initial system design be posted for future use and reference. Even though this requirement has been in the NFPA 13 since the 2007 edition, seldom do I see this sign provided. The installing contractor needs to provide a general information sign that can be used to determine system design basis and information relevant to the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The general information sign needs to be provided as a permanently marked, weatherproof metal or rigid plastic sign, which is secured with corrosion-resistant wire or chain. It is required to be placed at each system control riser, antifreeze loop, and auxiliary system control valve. It needs to include the following information: name and

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location of the facility protected, occupancy classification, commodity classification, presence of high-piled and/or rack storage, maximum height of storage planned, aisle width planned, encapsulation of pallet loads, presence of solid shelving, flow test data, presence of flammable/combustible liquids, presence of hazardous materials, and presence of other special storage.

For marine systems, Section 26.2.7.5 requires an 18-in. × 18-in. sign displaying the symbol for fire department connection as shown in Table 5.2.1 of NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols, to be placed at the connection so that it is in plain sight from the shore access point. I personally think this requirement should also apply to all fire department connections, no matter what the system is serving.

Section A.8.17.1 suggests installing a sign near the local alarm device that is required by 8.17.1. The sign should be located near the device in a conspicuous position and should be worded like: SPRINKLER FIRE ALARM —WHEN BELL RINGS CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT OR POLICE. While not necessarily classified as a sign, Section 6.2.9.7 requires a list of the sprinklers installed in the property to be posted in the spare sprinkler cabinet. This requirement was added during the 2007 edition of NFPA 13. Are most installing contractors providing this list? I have not seen it. This list needs to include the following information: the Sprinkler Identification Number (SIN) or the manufacturer, model, orifice, deflector type, thermal

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sensitivity, and pressure rating; general description; quantity of each type to be contained in the cabinet; and issue or revision date of the list.

In summary, the installation of signs is often ignored or thought of as not important. However, the requirement and need for signs is clear. Failure to provide the required signage could put the installing contractor in a liable situation. Additionally, NFPA 25 requires that many of the required signs be checked during the required inspections and if missing, they need to be replaced.

Specifically, the Hydraulic Design Information Sign is required to be replaced if missing. This could result in the installing contractor receiving a telephone call asking, “Where is my sign?” from the property owner. For another contractor to develop a Hydraulic Design Information Sign without the benefit of the as-built drawings is not an inexpensive procedure. Bottom line: “Here is your sign!” n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Denhardt, P.E., is quality control manager for Strickland Fire Protection, Forrestville, Maryland. He has a bachelor of science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, holds NICET Level III certificates in automatic sprinkler system layout and inspection & testing of water–based system layout, and is a registered P.E. in numerous states. He is a member of the NFPA 13 Sprinkler Discharge Committee, AFSA, NFPA, and is an SFPE fellow.

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 represent the official position of the NFPA and its Technical Committee.

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Growth to Continue, Gain Strength Sprinkler Industry 2016 Review and 2017 Forecast D’ARCY MONTALVO | American Fire Sprinkler Association

What a year 2016 turned out to be! With the presidential election result, some are wondering what does the New Year hold for the economy, and in particular, the fire sprinkler industry? However, market forecasters are holding onto their initial forecasts, saying foundations put in place in 2016 will continue to grow in 2017, and predicting that 2018 is the year to really expect big growth.

Dodge Data & Analytics predicts that total U.S. construction starts for 2017 will advance 5 percent to $713 billion, following gains of 11 percent in 2015 and an estimated 1 percent in 2016.

FMI Corp., Raleigh, North Carolina, focuses on construction put-in-place and calls for 3.9 percent growth in 2017.

Dodge is predicting a strong non-residential building market, forecasting a 7.9 percent increase in total growth for construction starts for 2017, after a predicted 17.6 percent increase in 2016. Finally, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Washington, D.C., forecasts non-residential spending should expand 3.5 percent in 2017.

Four out of five U.S. regions are forecast to grow again in 2017, ENR reports. The strongest growth will be in the western South Atlantic regions, which is projected to increase 9 percent in 2017.

For its annual fire sprinkler industry review and forecast, Sprinkler Age surveyed several AFSA members across the country. Most respondents had a good, or even great, year and anticipate continued or stronger growth in 2017.

Year in Review and Ahead For 2016, most AFSA contractors interviewed stated they had a good year and were busy. Overall, AFSA members seem to agree that 2017 will be another good year.

AFSA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter Executive Director and Next Gen Initiative Workgroup Chair Meaghen Wills, purchasing manager, Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, comments, “I think we just had one of the busiest years on record. It’s been nonstop for most of the year. The bad thing is we don’t have enough fitters; the plus side is there won’t be any layoffs.”

She continues: “We expect this trend to continue for us into 2017 with another year of tremendous sales.”

16 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

Joshua Leonhardt, vice president of outside sales and business development, Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, Inc., Huntersville, North Carolina, reports: “the growth in the fire sprinkler industry in 2016 was tremendous. Our best customers saw higher than expected growth in 2017 and they saw their ‘backlogs’ extend further out than before. As a result of the ideal market conditions and our expansion into the Atlanta marketplace, our company saw double-digital growth again for the third year in a row.”

Looking to 2017, Leonhardt states, “The result of the recent election will affect our industry, but we think the effects will be positive. Spending on public infrastructure seems to be a priority for the incoming administration and we believe that will lead to additional growth in the fire sprinkler industry.”

As he states in this issue’s Chairman’s Message, AFSA Chairman of the Board Mike Meehan, president, VSC Corporation, Virginia Beach, Virginia, saw solid growth in 2016 with “particular strength in multi-family residential construction and commercial construction.” He reports that there was also an increase in the inspection, testing and maintenance and service sides of the industry, and that the West and Northeast portions of the country saw noticeably strong growth. Meehan also states that even business with soft growth last year should see “more of a pick up in activity in 2017.”

AFSA Region 3 Director Rod DiBona, Rapid Fire Protection in Rapid City, South Dakota, also reports that for 2016 “we were down in areas that rely on oil and coal, but up where we serve the larger metropolitan areas.” Looking into the new year, DiBona says, ”overall, we are expecting an increase in business.”

AFSA’s Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Joe Heinrich, president, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company, Salina, Kansas, tells Sprinkler Age, “Business volume and quality was excellent again this year – an increase from 2015 as we had anticipated.

Both the public and private sectors are currently strong and we were able to take advantage of each area.”

Heinrich continues: “From the regional construction forecasts I see from ABC and other local associations, it appears new construction should remain very solid. We currently have a very healthy backlog and the architects and engineers report being

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very busy so future prospects look good at this point. However, I believe the percentage of growth will be less than what we have experienced the past three to four years.”

Wills concurs: “I think everyone is still facing the labor problems. There’s too much work and not enough fitters,” she laments.

David Thompson, vice president, Encore Fire Protection, Hartford, Connecticut, reports that business is slowly improving in his area, but not at the rate advertised by the media. His anticipation for 2017 is “steady, but the election results leave guarded optimism.”

Heinrich notes: “As is typical for a growing market, a shortage of skilled labor is always a problem. In our trade, experienced sprinkler fitters and systems designers will continue to be an issue that needs addressed. Recruitment of young people to our trade, or any construction trade, is a challenge that needs cooperative effort from all the trades.”

Bob Beckwith, vice president, United Sprinkler Co., Inc., Fredericksburg, Virginia, reports that “business was strong for the first three quarters and slowed down significantly in the fourth quarter of this year,” and the business outlook for 2017 is “promising based on the results of the presidential election of a business friendly administration. I am looking forward to a busy year in the D.C. metro area.”

Meehan encourages contractors to consider recruiting some younger and less experienced people and “train them up.”

“I am often pleasantly surprised at how quickly good people can become well-trained and valuable employees,” he comments. “We at AFSA have all the tools and know how to help you and your companies.”

Tad Cook, executive vice president, Chero-Key Piping Company, Houston, Texas, reports that 2016 was a “good year. We had several successful projects and maintained a steady work load.”

Those tools include apprentice correspondence courses, beginning designer training, and the new ITM program. For all the education and training opportunities AFSA has to offer, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Education Center.”

He says, “2017 will be off to a good start. Some big projects were put on hold in 2016 that hopefully will materialize in 2017.”

Thompson notes that Connecticut’s “large and growing state deficit may hamper the public work market.”

Dan Blewitt, president, ASCO Fire, Lincoln Park, New Jersey, says that “sales were up” for 2016 and it’s too early to tell for 2017.

Tom McKinnon, president of Aegis Fire Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, California, reports, “virtually every sector of the California fire sprinkler market realized solid growth in 2016. Quite simply, it was a good year to be in the fire sprinkler business.”

He continues: “By all indications (backlog, budget requests, design development consulting services, etc.) it appears 2017 will be another great year.”

Problems Ahead? While the construction industry appears to be steady into 2017, there is always the potential for problems. What are some areas of concerns for our members?

Meehan has heard about challenges in finding qualified help. DiBona echoes that sentiment when he reports “typical for a rising market, we are seeing a lack of qualified fitters and designers.”

Leonhardt notes that everyone’s struggles are different, but the only area of concern on his mind is related to hiring. “The workforce in the fire sprinkler industry is aging and we are trying to get ahead of that problem. We are very excited about AFSA’s Next Gen Initiative and we believe it will be helpful to fire sprinkler contractors and distributors.”

18 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

Beckwith sees “gridlock in Washington, D.C., heating and fuel prices, material and labor costs going up fast with increased demand, and shrinking profits” all as potential problems for 2017.

McKinnon says that “contractors should keep a watchful eye on increased material costs. The recent flurry of steel pipe increases will certainly have an impact on profits.”

Residential Reports The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) expects housing starts to increase 7.9 percent, with a slowdown in multi-family starts in 2017.

Dodge forecasts that single-family will rise 12 percent in dollars and 9 percent in units, with multi-family falling flat in dollars and down 2 percent in units. FMI’s construction put-in-place forecasts 4.6 percent rate of growth in single-family residential and 4.4 percent rise in multi-family residential.

DiBona states that while his company doesn’t do much NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, work, there has been a huge increase in residential activity in the larger cities around him. “The rest of our areas have held steady.”

Wills says the residential increase seen in her area is in the commercial residential arena – apartment buildings, dorms, etc.

“Pennsylvania does not have a residential sprinkler mandate.”

Thompson reports that NFPA 13D work is extremely limited in Connecticut, due to local and state limited requirements. However, “the large multi-family market has

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been strong for the past three to four years and every indicator leads to that continuing.”

Cook notes that Chero-Key Piping does not market for NFPA 13D projects. However, he does state that the Houston market has maintained strong single-family housing; however, “the multi-family is over built and will see some slacking off” in 2017.

McKinnon states: “The residential market has been strong for the past three years and is expected to stay on the same pace for the new year.”

Although Leonhardt Piping & Supply, Inc. started offering CPVC and residential fire sprinkler products during the last 18 months, he notes that they experienced “tremendous growth” in this area in 2016. “Based on feedback from our best customers, the residential ‘space’ of the fire sprinkler industry is as healthy as it has ever been.”

Beckwith notes that the D.C.-metro area has been “booming with residential apartments and condominiums for the last two years. A lot of work is being done by companies subcontracting the installation labor, making it tough to complete on large plastic jobs.”

Blewitt states that there has been an increase in residential activity in his area.

Heinrich comments that “one- and two-family residential work is essentially non-existent in this area. And state legislation prohibiting cities or counties from adopting regulations that would require sprinkler protection in new construction will continue to suppress NFPA 13D work.

Heinrich notes that “retrofit work has been very good in recent years and continues to be relatively strong. However, the increase in new construction has reduced the investment in retrofit work.”

Legislation Most respondents didn’t have activity in the legislative arena for their area, but a few reported on some action.

DiBona did note that in South Dakota, “In Rapid City where our corporate office is located, we have maintained common sense amendments that are friendly to fire sprinkles. We are working with a fire marshal and legislators to put a bill on the floor to strike the amendment to the International Building Code that our state adopted.”

McKinnon says that “it appears inevitable that the California State Fire Marshal will enact fitter licensing regulations January 2017.”

Manufacturer/Supplier Outlook Tim Freiner, vice president of North American sales, Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, Missouri, and chairman of AFSA’s Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council, notes that “overall the year [2016] started slow and picked up through Quarter 2 and remained strong throughout the year.”

He continues: “According to the American Institute of Architects, they are forecasting a 4.2 percent construction growth for non-residential in 2017. In the residential arena we have seen a slowdown in the Northern California market.

“The majority of contractors have stated that their retrofit work is still strong and should continue through 2017.”

“A very few municipalities are promoting NFPA 13D systems in exchange for reduced infrastructure requirements (water main sizes, street widths, distance between fire hydrants, etc.) in new housing developments. However, this has yet to have a measurable effect,” Heinrich says.

Finally, Freiner doesn’t foresee any problem areas at this time.

Retrofit Activity Retrofit work appears to have fluctuated last year and going into 2017, depending on the region.

DiBona reports that in South Dakota retrofit work has been declining. Wills states that “we are starting to see a big increase in new construction and major renovations.”

As Thompson puts it: “Fingers crossed that improvements and a positive economic upturn is coming soon.”

Blewitt and Cook say that retrofit work has been steady in their areas. Cook notes that they do not pursue that market, however. “We do projects for existing customers,” Cook comments.

Beckwith states that retrofit work has been a small percentage of their work in the last year.

McKinnon notes that the “retrofit market spiked in 2016, likely due to the high cost of land. I expect the retrofit market to hold through 2017.”

20 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

Conclusion Although ENR says 2017 will be a time of a gaining strength and that 2018 is the “year to watch,” most AFSA members seem to be expecting both years to be good.

Looking to 2017, Leonhardt states, “Our best customers are indicating that their ‘backlogs’ have them positioned for another good year in 2017.

“We are looking forward to another successful year in 2017!” comments Wills.

Happy New Year and “Cheers!” to Sprinkler Age readers and the entire fire sprinkler industry. Here’s to a busy and fulfilling 2017! n

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Temperature Change and Dry Pipe Systems Fluctuations Can Cause Problems JOHN DESROSIER | Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation

Temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on certain types of systems in certain configurations. The most susceptible type of system to temperature fluctuations are dry-type systems, specifically dry-type systems which utilize a direct differential style dry valve. By direct differential style dry valves, it is understood to mean valves that do not have a side chamber, which utilize the water pressure and a mechanism to gain mechanical advantage. Because the rise in pressure would also increase the force acting on the latching mechanism, these types of valve are not as susceptible to pressure fluctuations. The direct differential style dry valve utilizes the mechanical

advantage of the difference in area of the air in contact with the clapper and the area of the water in contact with the clapper.

Basically, most valves that do not have a side chamber or latching mechanism are a type of direct differential dry valve.

Although the excuse, “the valve tripped on its own” is used frequently, dry valves rarely trip on their own. Typically, the culprit is a field condition which is difficult to recreate and observe, which can cause a perfectly good valve to trip. Two scenarios where direct differential style dry valves tend to trip under mysterious circumstances, which have been seen with regularity, have to do with thermal expansion.

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The first configuration which has been known to cause issues is an auxiliary dry system off of a wet system. No matter how the system is filled, there are always pockets of air trapped in certain sections of the system piping. All of the air is never evacuated from the system (even with the newly required air vent on all systems).

Generally, a little air is not a bad thing (with no regard to corrosion and MIC) for pressure fluctuations. It acts as a spring or cushion for water hammer and absorbs some of the thermal expansion from the water as steel and water expand at different rates. What can cause issues with the auxiliary dry system is when there is too much air in a system, which is subject to large temperature changes. One typical example of this would be a large warehouse with a loading dock. A small auxiliary system may be utilized to protect the loading dock area. During the period of time where the days are very warm and the nights are cool, that system is susceptible to pressure increases.

During a cold night, the system contracts due to change in temperature. Any loss in pressure is made up by the system supply.

The alarm valve or check valve may “burp” and allow more water into the system.

Once the sun starts shining on the roof of the storage building, the temperature starts to increase up at the ceiling level, near the sprinkler piping. At the expected temperatures and pressures of a sprinkler system, air acts as an ideal gas. As the temperature increases, the pressure increases directly proportional to the ratio of the higher temperature to the lower temperature (P2=P1(T ²/T1)). This is true because the piping network creates a constant volume not allowing the air to increase in volume and the water incompressible. This creates what is called an isochoric or constant

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volume process. The air will try to expand and cause the system pressure to increase.

This increased pressure is checked by the wet system valve. The increase in air pocket pressure in the wet system will pressurize the wet system up to the bottom side of the dry valve. The air can potentially increase the system pressure to a point where the dry system air pressure can no longer keep the dry valve closed, and the valve will trip.

Another time of year when this phenomenon has been seen is when the heating systems in large warehouses are turned on for the first time in the fall.

The second and more common scenario which can be the culprit for the mystery valve trip, is when a valve trips the night after an inspection. This is especially true if the system riser is in a small riser room, inclusive of the backflow preventer or fire pump arrangement including a check valve.

The riser room is required to be maintained at a temperature over 40°F but during summer months it can get much warmer. The water in the underground supply piping is generally kept cool by the ground.

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When an inspector does their main drain test on the system, the inspector introduces cold water from the supply piping, closes the main drain valve, finishes their inspection and leaves. As the cold water introduced to the piping located in the warm riser room starts to increase in temperature, the water starts to expand. In this scenario typically there is very little to no air trapped in the piping to act as a cushion. Because water is incompressible, as the water expands it has nowhere to expand to and can create large pressure spikes.

This issue is more common when the volume of piping from the check valve at the discharge of the system pump or backflow preventer to the water side of the dry valve is relatively small. If the pressure spike is large enough, it can overcome the dry system air pressure holding the dry valve closed and cause an unexpected trip of the valve.

As fire protection designers and engineers, we tend to think of sprinkler systems as very static systems. Hydrant flow tests are run and sprinkler designers design the system around the expected pressures. In actuality, sprinkler systems tend to be expanding and contracting, pressurizing and depressurizing, heating and cooling, in cyclical periods. Most of the time the pressure increases are not significant enough to cause problems but occasionally the perfect storm arises and several installed conditions and atmospheric conditions come together and can cause “the valve to trip on its own.” Both of the aforementioned conditions can be combated by the introduction of a relief valve. It is now required on all wet systems to include a relief valve, but I would recommend a relief valve on the water side of any direct differential style valves. The fairly inexpensive valve has the potential to prevent some false activations, which can save trips to a site and the headaches associated with false activations. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Desrosier is a new technology research engineer with Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation. He represents AFSA as a member of the NFPA 5000 Industrial, Storage and MiscelIaneous technical committee. He can be reached via email at John.Desrosier@globesprinkler.com.

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Sprinkler Protection and the 3,000 ft2 Modifier Wood Joist Versus Composite Wood Joist ROLAND J. HUGGINS, P.E. | American Fire Sprinkler Association

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, allows the omission of sprinkler protection from some combustible, concealed spaces for both wood joist and combustible wood joist construction.

(See section 8.15.1.2.) Historically, though, only the composite wood choice had to apply a 3,000 ft2 remote area. That changed in the 2010 edition of NFPA 13 (all references hereafter are to the 2016 edition). Although it’s now been six years, there’s still some confusion on this issue.

Let’s start off by talking about the joists themselves. Considering the severity of incorrectly identifying these structural members, you’d think it would be identified in Chapter 3 – Definitions, but they have always been addressed by the annex and it’ll likely stay that way. If you haven’t already, take a quick look at A.3.7.1 Obstructed Construction (this is also where you’ll find the only guidance that defines obstructed construction starts at 4 inches). As defined therein, both are solid members. It’s interesting that within sections 8.15.1.2 and 11.2.3.1.5.2 it states solid only for wood joist but not for composite wood joist. The basic description of the two members are: Composite Joist being an “I” cross section (up to 48-in. deep), a wide range of chord widths but a thin web, and being fabricated wood, burns faster than ordinary lumber; and Wood Joist being a rectangular cross section (up to 14-in. deep though this is not a maximum dimension but only typical for more current lumber sizes), a nominal width of 2 to 4 inches (greater than 4 inches is a beam), and burns slower. The reason for treating these members so differently is the much 26 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

thinner and much faster burning fabricated wood allows a fire to extend beyond the original joist channel much faster.

Another basic item that is sometimes misunderstood is the process for omitting sprinklers and applying the 3,000 ft2 modifier. Sprinklers can’t be omitted from any concealed space just because a 3,000 ft2 remote area is applied. The first step is going to section 8.15.1.2 and/or 8.15.6 to determine whether sprinklers can be omitted. Then section 11.2.3.1.5.2 is checked to see if the larger remote area is required. You’ll notice that there are 18 allowances for omitting protection (not counting sections that address noncombustible construction other than the one regarding combustible insulation since they are effectively in the wrong location), but only eight allowances for omitting a 3,000 ft2 remote area.

things stand today, the answer is yes.

This allowance was added to section 8.15.1.2 in the 2010 edition and, to the best of my recollection, there was never a public input submitted on chapter 11 (controlled by a different technical committee from the one that added the chapter 8 material). There is an allowance for the remotely related exterior columns and more importantly the exterior elements are separated from the interior of the building by noncombustible construction as well as restricted to the prevalent 160 ft3 volume. Considering that the larger remote area is to offset fires breaking out of the concealed space in multiple locations, it makes no sense that a larger remote area is appropriate.

Until we address this issue in the next cycle, a variance from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the only path for not having a larger remote area.

Although not the focus of this article, allow me to diverge and briefly discuss two items that have yet to be adequately addressed by the standard and can cause significant problems. One is the issue of section 8.15.1.2.18 – Exterior Soffits, Eaves, Overhangs, and Decorative Frame Elements. Does omitting sprinklers from these locations trigger the larger remote area? As stated in section 11.2.3.1.5.1, unless meeting one of the allowances in section 11.2.3.1.5.2, unsprinklered combustible concealed spaces as described in sections 8.15.1.2 and 8.15.6, the minimum area of sprinkler operation shall be 3,000 ft2. Since section 8.15.1.2.18 is part of the referenced section 8.15.1.2 and there isn’t a similar allowance in section 11.2.3.1.5.2, as

The other issue is how to address cloud ceilings. It’s addressed by its own section 8.15.24 (which is not referenced by section 11.2.3.1.5.2) and that implies that it is a separate situation like several others in section 8.15 where sprinklers are omitted without a larger remote area. This makes sense because the cloud ceiling issue is about whether or not the lower ceiling is an acceptable upper boundary for the room. The space above the cloud ceiling is then effectively a concealed space. It becomes a little messy because there is one paragraph (8.15.1.2.1.3) that limits the overall percentage of openings in the ceiling. Why this was not simply added to section 8.15.24 confounds me since its location has no value in defining when one can omit sprinklers, but, unfortunate-

ly, does ambiguously (and unintentionally since it wasn’t discussed) require one to apply a 3,000 ft2 remote. It is part of the referenced section 8.15.1.2 without an allowance omitting the larger area.

Further muddying the water is the fact that section 8.15.1.2.1 (of which this paragraph is a part) is about noncombustible construction for which a requirement for a larger remote area makes no sense.

Now, if this were combustible construction, I can see the logic for a larger remote area. Again, until it can be addressed next cycle, it must be resolved (before submitting your plans) with the AHJ. Returning to the actual topic, section 8.15.1.2.5 allows omitting sprinklers when ceilings are attached directly to or within six inches of wood joist. Section 8.15.1.2.6 is a similar but more restrictive allowance for composite wood joist that allows omitting sprinklers when the ceiling is directly attached to the joist but the joist channels must be firestopped into volumes no larger than 160 ft3. The allowance for a 6-in. open gap below the joists is not allowed. There can be a 1-in. metal channel (used to reduce transmission of sound from the upper floors) but the small gap must be covered by at least 31/2 inches of batt insulation. This criteria has been in the standard a long time (with the metal channel modification occurring in the 2002 edition) so it’s well understood when you can omit sprinklers.

There are multiple restrictions imposed on the related criterion that allowed omitting the sprinklers. The 6-in. gap below the joist is not allowed. The unlimited volume is not allowed with the frequently seen 160 ft3 limit on volume imposed on the individual joist channels. It’s interesting to note that there is no guidance on firestopping. The reality is that for this type of construction, the channels terminate at a wall before reaching the limit. For example, a 12-in. joist on an 18-in. spacing can run almost 107 feet before hitting the volume limit. Additionally, there is no allowance for a metal channel with insulation. To the best of my memory, this issue has not been discussed by the technical committee. I would not jump to the conclusion that it is acceptable. Although it is part of the requirements for separating the volume of adjacent channels for composite wood joists for omitting protection that only confirms that the 31/2 inches of insulation is considered equivalent to the thin manufactured wood. This is another item for the next cycle. A final comment on this paragraph is that the last portion regarding space beneath insulation is a tortured sentence leading to mass

confusion. What it’s attempting to portray is if you have a sprinklered concealed space, like an attic, where there is insulation laid across the top of the wood joists, the open joist channels beneath the insulation (which some might call unprotected) does not require a 3,000 ft2 remote area.

The criterion for composite wood joists is: “(10)*Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or limited-combustible ceilings are attached to the bottom of composite wood joists either directly or on to metal channels not exceeding 1 in. (25 mm) in depth, provided the adjacent joist channels are firestopped into volumes not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) using materials equivalent to 1⁄ 2 in. (13 mm) gypsum board, and at least 31⁄ 2 in. (90 mm) of batt insulation is installed at the bottom of the joist channels when the ceiling is attached utilizing metal channels.”

The single issue that is often misunderstood is the firestopping. Most automatically interpret it as described in section 8.15.1.2.6 where material is installed perpendicular to the joist and the volumetric limit applies to the individual joist channel. This is not the

Jumping forward to chapter 11, we’ll look at the requirements for a larger remote area. There was a nice improvement whereby the criteria are no longer located within a group of other requirements under the title Restrictions. It now has its own section 11.2.3.1.5 Unsprinklered Combustible Concealed Spaces.

The criterion for wood joist is: “(4)* Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or limited-combustible ceilings are directly attached to the bottom of solid wood joists or solid limited-combustible construction or noncombustible construction so as to create enclosed joist spaces 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) or less in volume, including space below insulation that is laid directly on top or within the ceiling joists in an otherwise sprinklered concealed space.”

Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 27

case. With the correct understanding, the difference in text is obvious but it is subtle.

8.15.1.2.6 says: “… the joist channels are firestopped into volumes…” whereas 11.2.3.1.5.2(10) says: “… the adjacent joist channels are firestopped into volumes…”

In other words, you have to install the firestopping parallel to the joist so that the volume between firestops is no more than 160 ft3. Fortunately, it is clarified by the annex (provided one has also the opportunity to read it) where it states: “A.11.2.3.1.5.2(10) The gypsum board (or equivalent material) used as the firestopping will compartment the concealed space and restrict the ability for fire to spread beyond 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) zones covering multiple joist channels.”

Firestopping has been given a broader application than just in a single joist channel and has been expanded regarding the types of materials required for fabrication. In hindsight, it would have been better to have called this application draftstopping (as used within the building codes). So the intent is for the installed material to contain the fire within a zone between the firestopping/draftstopping

boundaries. I’m belaboring this point not just to break the old mindset about it addressing just a single joist channel but because it begs the question as to whether the 31/2 inches of insulation is required when there is a metal channel. At the moment, the answer is “yes” because that’s what the standard says. To be honest, this nuance wasn’t discussed and the text was automatically copied from section 8.15.1.2.6. After all, it has to be there in order for sprinklers to be omitted in the first place. Since there’s no difference in the level of hazard presented by a single channel that is 160 ft3 and several channels that have a combined volume of 160 ft3, if the firestopping is present there is no reason to also have the insulation when channels exist. Again, this would require concurrence by the AHJ and, again, another item for the next cycle.

Since the architects virtually never know the nuances of NFPA 13 that can be impacted by the construction of the building, they aren’t going to apply it. If the architect doesn’t apply it, the likelihood that the contractor will start modifying how a portion of the building

is constructed is slim. If anyone has actually seen it applied, please send an email to me at rhuggins@firesprinkler.org.

The bottom line is, this allowance is seldom going to be applied so if composite wood joists are present, count on having a 3,000 ft2 remote area. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roland Huggins, P.E. is senior vice president of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a member of the NFPA. Huggins has served on the NFPA Standards Council and is a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13, NFPA 25, and NFPA 5000 (Building Code). NFPA activities include participating on the editing of the Sprinkler Handbook and Fire Protection Handbook. Other national activities involve the NFPA Research Foundation, UL Standard Technical Panels, and NICET. Huggins is a veteran.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: 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.

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Training for New Designers Classes Focus on NFPA 13, 2016 Edition The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) announces the 2017 schedule for its popular Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School. The 2017 sessions remaining are February 27 – March 10, April 24 – May 5, July 10-21, August 14-25, and October 2-13. The January session sold out well in advance, leaving just five opportunities to learn the art of sprinkler system design.

Taught by AFSA’s expert technical staff of Tom Wellen, P.E. and Tom Noble, E.T., AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School teaches the essential elements of system layout in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. It is geared toward those with limited experience or those who need assistance with design. The school, held at AFSA’s training center in Dallas, presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings.

Students receive two full weeks of instruction: 60 percent is study and review of NFPA 13 (2016 edition) and 40 percent is preparation of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings and hydraulic calculations. Students learn by actually planning and drawing sprinkler systems while studying and applying NFPA 13 (2016 edition).

Attendees are given the tools to accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications; determine the proper and economical planning of fire sprinkler system layout and installation methods; know the importance of sprinkler specifications, types of pipe, hangers, fittings, flow tests, etc.; learn to develop shop drawings from start to finish; learn to coordinate with other trades such as plumbing, mechanical, structural and electrical; perform manual hydraulic calcula-

tions, preparing the student for an easier decision-making process when using a computer to perform hydraulics; and prepare shop drawings in class for projects with different applications.

Registration is $2,400 for non-members and $1,400 for AFSA members. Classes are kept small and enrollment is open

exclusively to AFSA contractor members until six weeks prior to each school.

Early registration is highly encouraged.

Register online at firesprinkler.org/ education-center/schools/. For additional details, contact AFSA Meeting Programs Coordinator Maricarmen Martinez via email at mmartinez@ firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965 ext. 132. n

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firesprinkler.org/ITM Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 29

Basic Codified Issues What Sprinkler Contractor Owners Need to Know DON BECKER | AFSA Life Member

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is an industry association that exists primarily to represent the interests of open shop fire sprinkler contractor owners. In context, it is important that each sprinkler contractor owner fully understand that the applicable building codes and their adopted National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards serve a dual purpose. Each NFPA standard provides not only the technical requirements for various agent-based systems, but also provides a codified trail of protection for the sprinkler contractor.

It is these codified trails of NFPA that you need to fully understand.

You also need to understand the adoption process. It is the adoptions by your local applicable building codes that become your defense in any future claim and/or litigation.

For reference in this article, all is based on the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition and NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2014 edition; however, prior editions include the same verbiage.

One basic issue to understand is that within all NFPA standards everything within the body of the standards is all “shall” requirements. Only the “should” and/or “explanatory” items are located within the annex. For now we will use NFPA 13 as our basic standard for these issues. From NFPA 13: “3.2.4 Shall. Indicates a mandatory requirement.

3.2.5 Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.”

In this same context, you need to understand the implication of what a 30 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

“standard” is. Again from the same NFPA 13 standard it completely clarifies both the definition of a standard and confirms that the body of the standard includes only “shall” requirements.

“3.2.6 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for the adoption into law.

Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards development activities” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.”

Mr. Miss, and/or Mrs. Sprinkler Contractor Owner, the above is so important for the protection of your assets in times of testing.

Another basic issue so important to your protection is that each NFPA standard does reference other NFPA standards.

Within NFPA 13 again this is stated and conditioned.

“2.1 General. The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.”

Please understand that it states “or portions thereof.” This chapter does not imply that the entire standard is referenced as part of NFPA 13 unless stated therein.

Remember, earlier I stated that we were only addressing those codified trails of

protection for your company that at first is important to know. These, coupled with your integrity in applying the same, will help in protecting you assets.

Know that there are so many “shall” requirements for property owners, architects and engineers when they utilize the applicable building code and adopted NFPA standards.

It is not my intention to provide a complete dissertation on many codified trails of support other than technical within this article. The basic issues above provide you with a comfort zone of help when needed.

In my workings the other day, I was amused at the lack of knowledge persons outside our industry have, mainly attorneys and/or claims adjusters. I was asked the other day: “I know there are requirements for water-based systems in NFPA 13, but what about dry pipe systems?” Well now you can see – another basic issue in all NFPA protection standards is the agent used for extinguishment of a fire. Like above, a water-based agent is used in dry pipe systems. Once this was explained to them, they were a step up on the stairway of further involvements.

Well, also this applies to sprinkler contractor owners. Remember the following: 1. Wherever you are located, the applicable building codes and adopted NFPA standards are that which govern the background to any and all contracts.

2. Now knowing that everything within the body of the adopted NFPA standard is a “shall” requirement provides the basic need in times when you are involved within a claim and/or litigation.

3. Next, know that within NFPA 13 and all like standards, are codified trails of responsibility of others including the property owner. The point of transfer of liability from you the sprinkler contractor to the property owner is clearly identified within the standard.

Utilizing the basic NFPA 13 standard or other like basic standards for other extinguishing agents and/or systems that also include many other codified strengths, can all be utilized in both promoting and protecting your contractual interests. Today’s world consists of legally accepted types of subrogation whether legitimate or not. Regardless, utilizing the above will in most cases provide other codified trails of support to exonerate you from any liability and/ or responsibility.

And now, “How knowing the standard is a shall” will and can protect your assets. For that purpose, below is an example for your frame of reference. In NFPA 13 it states: 27.1* General. A sprinkler system installed in accordance with this standard shall be properly inspected, tested, and maintained by the property owner or their authorized representative in accordance with NFPA 25, to provide at least the same level of performance and protection as designed.

property damage. Simply put, the property owner is solely responsible for providing adequate heat to prevent all wet pipe sprinkler piping from freezing, but in today’s subrogation world, other players will attempt to extort alleged damages from the sprinkler contractor.

I can attest that many sprinkler contractor owners have been completely defended from any alleged liability. In context, know that your AFSA industry-endorsed insurance program provides the required codified support such as above to defend your interests.

Also the surety players within start playing offense immediately when a claim is filed. Your cooperation in helping to promote and protect your interests and that of your surety is the key to a winning team. The above basics are important only as a basic frame of reference for this purpose, too.

In closing, the above codified issues are not the only codified strengths you have within the adopted standards of any applicable building code. Other codified

trails of support are included within all standards. In the future, though, know your basic strengths and work with the AFSA-endorsed surety to both promote and protect your interests.

Every AFSA member should make sure their insurance is placed with the AFSA-endorsed Blue River Underwriters insurance program for the purpose of promoting and protecting your assets. More information on this program can be found on AFSA’s website firesprinkler.org under “Member Center” and then “Business Solutions.” n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Don Becker, former AFSA Chairman of the Board, was president and founder of Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, prior to its acquisition by Grinnell in 1999. He also served as AFSA Region III Director for many years. Becker is certified as a NICET Level IV Senior Engineering Technician. He is a member of the NFPA 13 Correlating Committee on Automatic Sprinkler Systems. This is the committee that oversees all the individual NFPA 13 technical committees.

From here than this “shall” requirement leads you to NFPA 25 where it states: “4.1.1* Responsibility for Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, and Impairment. The property owner or designated representative shall be responsible for properly maintaining a water based fire protection system.

“4.1.2 Freeze Protection. The property owner or designated representative shall ensure that water-filled piping is maintained at a minimum temperature of 40°F (4°/C) unless an approved antifreeze solution is utilized.”

Please know that this above section alone has protected many sprinkler contractor owners from allegedly being responsible for piping freezing, rupturing, and causing thousands of dollars in Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 31

ABC Predicts Modest Growth in 2017 Nonresidential Construction Warns of Vulnerability for Contractors Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) forecasts a slowdown of growth in the U.S. commercial and industrial construction industries in 2017. While contractors are vulnerable to rising commodity prices and potential interest rate increases in 2017, the middling consumer-led recovery should still lead to modest growth in construction spending and employment.

“The U.S. economy continues to expand amid a weak global economy and, despite risks to the construction industry, nonresidential spending should expand 3.5 percent in 2017,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “For more than two years, the Federal Reserve has been able to focus

heavily on stimulating economic growth and moving the nation toward full employment. However, as commodity prices, including energy prices, firm up and labor costs march higher, the Federal Reserve will need to be more concerned about rising inflation expectations going forward. Associated increases in interest rates could have significantly negative impacts on certain asset prices, including stocks, bonds, commercial real estate and apartment buildings.

“Contractors also should be prepared for increases in commodity prices, which could translate into further stagnation in construction spending volumes if the purchasers of construc-

tion services are not prepared for related cost increases,” warned Basu. “Additionally, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that construction job openings stand at a 10-year high and that average hourly earnings for construction workers rose above $28 per hour in 2016. The demand for construction workers is positioned to remain high and is likely to increase already significant wage pressures.

“However, there is a bullish scenario,” said Basu. “According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average age of all fixed assets, including structures such as factories and hospitals, stands at 23 years – the oldest on record tracing back to 1925 – and there is a

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32 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

collective awareness among American enterprises that they will need to replace much of their capital stock in future years. In addition, now rising energy prices could produce more investment and rising earnings – potentially translating into better support for Indicator

asset prices, ongoing hiring and consumer spending.

“Despite some headwinds, many construction firms continue to report that they remain busy and ABC’s most recent Construction Confidence Index

2015

2016

2017

% Change 2016-2017

Construction Spending (millions, seasonally adjusted annual rate) – U.S. Census Bureau Total Nonresidential Lodging

$21,728

$26,117

$26,456

1.3%

Office

$55,189

$64,442

$68,050

5.6%

Commercial

$66.926

$70,980

$73,251

3.2%

Health Care

$40,735

$40,115

$41,478

3.4%

Educational

$79,701

$86,151

$87,788

1.9%

Power

$92,436

$93,881

$99,606

6.1%

Manufacturing

$78,179

$73,511

$77,921

6%

Total – All Industries

$672,177

$677,370

$701,078

3.5%

Lodging

$21,163

$25,751

$26,285

2.1%

Office

$47,192

$56,958

$60,198

5.7%

Commercial

$64,274

$67,773

$70,142

3.5%

Health Care

$32,220

$31,788

$32,925

3.6%

Educational

$16,908

$18,638

$19,056

2.2%

Power

$81,938

$84,875

$90,450

6.6%

Manufacturing

$77,509

$72,842

$77,212

6%

Total – All Industries

$389,850

$404,822

$419,990

3.7%

Office

$7,999

$7,481

$7,853

5%

Commercial

$2,651

$3,207

$3,110

-3%

Health Care

$8,515

$8,328

$8,554

2.7%

Educational

$66,610

$70,334

$68,733

-2.3%

Power

$10,496

$9,006

$9,155

1.7%

Total – All Industries

$282,329

$272,549

$281,088

3.1%

Private Nonresidential

revealed that while construction firm leaders are not quite as confident as they were in prior quarters, most continue to expect growth in sales, margins and staffing levels,” concluded Basu.

Basu’s full forecast is available in the December issue of ABC’s Construction Executive magazine, along with the regional outlook for commercial and industrial construction by Dr. Bernard Markstein, president and chief economist of Markstein Advisors, who conducts state-level economic analysis for ABC. Free Construction Executive subscriptions are available to construction industry professionals. n EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 21,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC’s membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors. Visit abc.org.

Public Nonresidential

Construction Employment (thousands, not seasonally adjusted) – U.S. Department of Labor Nonresidential Building Residential Building

725

739.3

734.2

2.6%

691.4

722.9

717.5

3.2%

207.3

214.6

3.5%

8.6

8.4

-2.8%

Producer Price Index – U.S. Department of Labor Inputs to Construction Industries – Index Value

211.4

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) National Index (in months)

8.5

Gross Domestic Product (2005 billions of dollars) – U.S. Department of Commerce Real GDP

2.6%

1.6%

1.7%

-

Table 1. 2016 Year-to-Date Performance and ABC’s 2017 Forecast.

Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 33

Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Apprentice Honored CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Every year for one week in November the U.S. Department of Labor honors the hard work and diligence of our nation’s apprentices and the importance of apprenticeship as a whole during National Apprenticeship Week. Across the nation, through over 300 events in 47 states, communities large and small recognize the important role apprentices play in offering employers an opportunity to develop a highly skilled workforce that will help grow their business, and offering career seekers the chance to earn a salary while learning the skills necessary to succeed.

In 2016, the second annual National Apprenticeship Week took place November 14-20, and many exceptional apprentices were honored. The Department of Labor campaign “50 Faces of Apprenticeship” was created to showcase one apprentice from each state who represents registered apprenticeship excellence and the diversity of its occupations and members.

American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) member Fire Tech Systems, Inc.’s apprentice Cam Suzuki was nominated by the owner of the company, Linda Biernacki, to be one of the 50 faces of that campaign, representing the state of Louisiana. Suzuki has been employed with Fire Tech Systems, Inc. since March of 2015, and is excelling in the company’s apprenticeship program.

He is one of 11 apprentices in the program.

When the Department of Labor accepted his nomination and notified Fire Tech Systems, Inc. that Suzuki would be representing his home state, he was thrilled.

“To be chosen to represent Louisiana was mind blowing,” says Suzuki. “To have your hard work and dedication recognized is truly an overwhelming yet rewarding experience. I’ve come to love what I do and 34 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

the environment. [At Fire Tech Systems, Inc.] I’ve received more than just a paycheck and another family. I’ve learned so much in such a short time that I can’t wait to uncover the vast knowledge that my foreman and the rest of the Fire Tech community have to offer. Being a part of the apprenticeship class has also taught me that this can be such a rewarding and beneficial career. It’s something I can hang my hat on. Something that I can be proud of while driving around my city and telling my friends and family that I helped build systems in numerous buildings. To know that if a fire ever broke out that my hard work will help save lives.”

Research shows that 91 percent of those who complete their apprenticeship programs find employment with average wages above $60,000. The return on investment for employers is also impressive – international studies find that, for every dollar spent on apprenticeship, employers get an average of $1.47 back in increased productivity and greater frontline innovation.

2016 was the 78th anniversary of the enactment of the Louisiana Apprenticeship Law, created to open opportunities for Louisiana citizens to obtain training that will equip them for profitable employment. In the state of Louisiana, more than 3,500 registered apprentices are learning strength and leadership in their roles. The state of Louisiana took National Apprenticeship Week as an opportunity to celebrate, and Fire Tech Systems, Inc. celebrated their star apprentice.

The AFSA apprenticeship program for fitters has become one of the most well-respected in the industry. Written from a contractor’s point of view, the program has been developed through

Fire Tech Systems, Inc. Apprentice Cam Suzuki represented Louisiana in the National Apprenticeship Week’s 2016 “50 Faces of Apprenticeship” campaign.

combined efforts of technical experts and AFSA contractor members. Each level of the series includes photographs, drawings and tables to provide the latest graphic as well as written instruction on proper installation techniques and use of tools.

Apprentices enrolled in AFSA’s training program are encouraged to compete in the annual Apprenticeship Competition, where they install complicated systems and face off against one another to prove their mettle. The 24th Annual Apprenticeship Competition will take place this year at the Bellagio Las Vegas, during the 36th Annual Convention & Exhibition, September 24-27, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To learn more about National Apprenticeship Week, visit dol.gov. To learn more about the AFSA apprenticeship program, visit firesprinkler.org/education-center/ apprenticeship-program. n

VSC Completes Midtown Tunnel Project First Tunnel in Virginia Protected by Sprinklers In April of 2016, the Norfolk-Virginia Beach office of VSC Fire & Security, Inc. completed installing a fire suppression system in the new U.S. 58 Midtown tunnel that connects Norfolk, Virginia to Portsmouth, Virginia. The multimillion dollar project began construction in November of 2015, and the five-month endeavor was an exhilarating challenge for everyone involved. Steve McGee, a project manager and estimator for VSC Fire & Security, Inc., was proud to be a part of production on the first tunnel in Virginia equipped with a fire suppression system. “In my 41 years of working in fire protection, this project was the pinnacle,” says McGee. “It was total professionalism from the top down. The estimating, the design portion, coordinating for the installation, getting it installed. The whole process was positive.”

The tunnel contains 35 Bermad/Victaulic on-off deluge valves and about 10,000 linear feet of schedule 40 galvanized 6and 8-in. pipe. The unique system is designed to release two deluge systems at a one time. Each system contains 16 large orifice open heads. The design narrative by the consulting engineers of Parsons Brinckerhoff dictated that the system be capable of handling a fire incident that involved a large, 18-wheel vehicle fire.

McGee found that working with the government on such a high-profile project was definitely a learning experience.

“Because of the security aspect of the project, to bid on the job we had to sit in a room with someone with security clearance and work on 11x17 drawings, until we were provided with security clearance,” says McGee. “All the guys had to obtain a clearance to work on the site. You were very limited in the pictures you could take and utilize, and they had to be reviewed.”

The detection and releasing of the deluge valves is handled by a Supervising Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

The 4,000-ft tunnel and tight quarters created challenging conditions and required creative solutions for AFSA Contractor Member VSC Fire & Security, Inc. Below photo: Sign depicting Deluge Zones 1 and 2. Visit vscfs.com for more details.

The SCADA system directs most of the control operation of the tunnel systems including electronics, air handling, cameras, security and the fire detection.

Once a system is activated the operations manager has the capability of remotely and electronically closing or reopening the deluge valve as needed.

The tunnel length is 4,000 feet and the tight quarters created many challenging conditions and required creative solutions. Much of the full lengths sticks of 6- and 8-in. pipe had to be manually handled and walked into place via large wheeled “grasshoppers” that sorely tested the thighs and arms of some dedicated men. The schedule

was extremely condensed and required 14 VSC Fire & Security, Inc. team members five-days-a-week and 21 team members on the weekends.

“The project was an extreme test of the offices capabilities and left no segment unchallenged. Many thanks and deserving gratitude to project management, field supervision, purchasing, admin, design and field staff for an extraordinary effort and accomplishment,” said Mike Meehan, district manager for the Virginia Beach office of VSC Fire & Security, Inc. and president of the company. Meehan is also the Chairman of the Board of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). n Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 35

New Construction Starts to Increase Five Percent Dodge Data & Analytics Predicts $713 Billion in 2017 Dodge Data & Analytics has released its 2017 Dodge Construction Outlook, a mainstay in construction industry forecasting and business planning. The report predicts that total U.S. construction starts for 2017 will advance 5 percent to $713 billion, following gains of 11 percent in 2015 and an estimated 1 percent in 2016.

“The U.S. construction industry has witnessed signs of deceleration in 2016, following several years of steady growth,” stated Robert Murray, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics. “Total construction starts during the first half of this year lagged behind what was reported in 2015, raising some concern that the current construction expansion may have run its

course. However, the early 2016 shortfall reflected the comparison to unusually elevated activity during the first half of 2015, lifted by 13 very large projects valued each at $1 billion or more, such as a $9 billion liquefied natural gas export terminal in Texas and a $2.5 billion office tower in New York City. As 2016 has proceeded, the year-to-date shortfall has grown smaller, easing concern that the construction industry may be in the early stage of cyclical decline. Instead, the construction industry has now entered a more mature phase of its expansion, one that is characterized by slower rates of growth than what took place during the 2012-2015 period, but still growth. Since the construction start statistics will lead

the pattern of construction spending, this means that construction spending can be expected to see moderate gains through 2017 and beyond.”

“On balance, there are a number of positive factors which suggest the construction expansion has room to proceed.

The U.S. economy in 2017 is anticipated to see moderate job growth, market fundamentals for commercial real estate should remain generally healthy, and more funding support is coming from state and local bond measures. Although the global economy in 2017 will remain sluggish, energy prices appear to have stabilized, interest rate hikes will be gradual and few, and a new U.S. President will have been

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elected. For 2017, total construction starts are forecast to rise 5 percent to $713 billion. Gains of 8 percent are expected for both residential building and nonresidential building, while nonbuilding construction slides a further 3 percent.”

The pattern of construction starts by more specific sectors is the following: Single family housing will rise 12 percent in dollars, corresponding to a 9 percent increase in units to 795,000 (Dodge basis). Access to home mortgage loans is improving, and some of the caution exercised by potential homebuyers will ease with continued employment growth and low mortgage rates. Older members of the Millennial generation are now moving into the 30 to 35 year-old age bracket, which should begin to lift demand for single-family housing.

Multifamily housing will be flat in dollars and down 2 percent in units to 435,000 (Dodge basis). This project type now appears to have peaked in 2015, lifted in particular by an exceptional amount of activity in the New York NY metropolitan area, which is now settling back. Continued growth for multifamily housing in other metropolitan areas, along with still generally healthy market fundamentals, will enable the retreat at the national level to stay gradual.

Commercial building will increase 6 percent on top of the 12 percent gain estimated for 2016. Office construction is showing improvement from very low levels, lifted by the start of several signature office towers and broad development efforts in downtown markets. Store construction should show some improvement from a very subdued 2016, and warehouses will register further growth. Hotel construction, while still healthy, will begin to retreat after a strong 2016.

Institutional building will advance 10 percent, resuming its expansion after pausing in 2015 and 2016. The educational facilities category is seeing an increasing amount of K-12 school construction, supported by the passage of recent school construction bond measures. More growth

is expected for the amusement category (convention centers, sports arenas, casinos) and transportation terminals.

Manufacturing plant construction will increase 6 percent, beginning to recover after steep declines in 2015 and 2016 that reflected the pullback for large petrochemical plant starts.

PROTECTING THE SYSTEMS THAT SAVE LIVES.

Public works construction will improve 6 percent, regaining upward momentum after slipping 3 percent in 2016. Highways and bridges will derive support from the new federal transportation bill, while environmental works should benefit from the expected passage of the Water Resources Development Act. Natural gas and oil pipeline projects are expected to stay close to the volume that’s been present in 2016.

Electric utilities and gas plants will fall another 29 percent after the 26 percent decline in 2016. The lift that had been present in 2015 from new liquefied natural gas export terminals continues to dissipate.

Power plant construction, which was supported in 2016 by the extension of investment tax credits, will ease back as new generating capacity comes on line.

The 2017 Dodge Construction Outlook was presented at the 78th annual Outlook Executive Conference held by Dodge Data & Analytics at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Copies of the report with additional details by building sector can be ordered at analyticsstore.construction.com/outlook. html or by calling (800) 591-4462. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Dodge Data & Analytics is a technology-driven construction project data, analytics and insights provider. Dodge provides trusted market intelligence that helps construction professionals grow their business, and is redefining and recreating the business tools and processes on which the industry relies. Dodge is creating an integrated platform that unifies and simplifies the design, bid and build process, bringing data on people, projects and products into a single hub for the entire industry, from building product manufacturers to contractors and specialty trades to architects and engineers. The company’s products include Dodge Global Network, Dodge PlanRoom, Dodge PipeLine, Dodge SpecShare, Dodge BuildShare, Dodge MarketShare, and the Sweets family of products. To learn more, visit construction.com.

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Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 37

Chief Behlings Receives Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award AHJ Helps Expand Sprinkler Protection in Rapid City NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association

On October 17, 2016, Timothy D. Behlings, division chief and fire marshal at the Rapid City, South Dakota Fire Department, received the “Fire Sprinklers Save Lives" award from AFSA Region 3 Director and Rapid Fire Protection Inc.’s Vice President Rod DiBona on behalf of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Chief Behlings was honored with the presentation of the award during a City Council meeting in Rapid City.

Over his 30-year career as a firefighter, Chief Behlings has spent 17 years in the Rapid City Fire Department Fire and Life Safety Division, and in 2009, he was promoted to division chief and fire marshal. He has worked for the fire marshal’s office and as an arson investigator, but it was during his three terms on the Custer City Council and 15 years on the city planning commission that Behlings says he learned the importance of building trust with the public and coalitions with his peers.

Behlings said, “The award bears my name, but the credit really needs to be extended to all who have been involved over the years. It is the strong collaborative effort, development of professional relationships and focus on customer service throughout our community that has allowed the efforts of the Rapid City Fire Department Fire and Life Safety Division to be successful in our expanded application of fire sprinkler protection here in Rapid City.”

Chief Behlings has navigated the waters of amending the state fire code to significantly reduce the threshold to require sprinklers and initiated common sense solutions that have enticed business owners, developers and homeowners to choose fire sprinklers.

“Fire sprinkler protection remains the most effective tool in our toolbox as it relates to community risk reduction efforts,” said Behlings. “The steps taken in Rapid City to promote fire sprinkler installation are not complicated and can be duplicated anywhere with a little dedication and a basic passion for finding solutions which remove hurdles. We created fire code amendments to expand fire sprinkler application to include existing occupancies, implemented developer/builder options, support phased retrofitting, creative protection concepts, fire sprinkler based public education programs which include school-age children, and a low-interest life safety loan program developed to support retrofitting.”

38 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

AFSA Board Member and Rapid Fire Protection Inc.’s Vice President Rod DiBona (right), and the Mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota Steve Allender (left) proudly present Tim Behlings, division chief and fire marshal of Rapid City, with the AFSA’s Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award.

The Rapid City Life Safety Loan Program has supported 1,044 fire sprinkler retrofits on a wide diversity of occupancies over its 15 years and has resulted in 33 documented fire sprinkler saves with one civilian injury, zero civilian and firefighter deaths, and millions in property and business loss prevented.

DiBona said, “Tim Behlings is, clearly, a deserving recipient of this award. He is recognized as a non-typical fire marshal, encouraging creative, out-of-the-box solutions to meet the objectives of adopted codes and standards. His philosophy places a greater emphasis on educating and problem solving rather than just enforcement activities. Being a stanch community risk reduction and fire sprinkler advocate has given Chief Behlings the opportunity of allowing Rapid City’s experiences to be shared across the State of South Dakota, including testimony before the South Dakota Legislature. For Chief Behlings, promoting public safety is truly a passion and not just a job.” n EDITOR’S NOTE: AFSA established the Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award in 1998, to recognize individuals outside the fire sprinkler industry who help dispel the myths about fire sprinklers by generating public awareness about this life-saving technology. AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee accepts and recommends nominees for this award and they are approved by the AFSA Board of Directors. To nominate someone for the award, email AFSA Director of Communications Nicole Duvall at nduvall@firesprinkler.org explaining who you would like to nominate and why. The nomination will be considered at the next meeting of the committee.

Thank You for Your Support!

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is honored to recognize those members celebrating milestone membership anniversaries with the association. These member companies have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership.

“Congratulations to our members celebrating membership anniversaries in January and February,” comments AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott. “AFSA is able to provide first-class education, training and advocacy because of these and other members’ long-term support. We greatly appreciate their continued commitment.”

Contractor member Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company, Salina, Kansas, is celebrating its 35th anniversary with AFSA. Sprinkler Age asked past AFSA Chairman of the Board and Bamford CEO Joe Heinrich about his years in the fire sprinkler industry and AFSA. How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? Like many others who got their start in the sprinkler industry 40 or so years ago, it was quite by accident. I was shortly removed from college graduation and looking for my first great career opportunity. I took a job as a helper for a plumbing company merely to provide some income while I searched for my white collar position. However, something quite odd happened – I actually enjoyed what I was doing! The company I was working for decided to dip their toe in the water of the Joe Heinrich emerging field of fire protection and that became the new opportunity I embraced. Here I am 40 some years later, quite pleased with the career that chose me.

How did you get involved with AFSA? Well, 35-plus years ago I received a mailer introducing a new organization named the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). It had just been formed to provide apprentice training, education and support for the open shop fire sprinkler contractor. I could not have been more excited to join this fledgling endeavor. The check was in the mail that same day. At that time I had been a sprinkler contractor for just a few years, located in the middle of Kansas, and the only open shop sprinkler contractor in the state, so opportunities for education and information were far from abundant. A few weeks later during a family visit to Texas, I was welcomed to tour the facility of American Automatic Sprinkler in Fort Worth, which was owned by C.B. Hall, one of the founders of AFSA. Ironically, during that visit I would meet Willie Templin, C.B. Hall’s son-in-law who would become one of the key individuals in the growth of AFSA and an icon in our industry. That began my early involvement with AFSA. What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit?

Without a doubt, my favorite AFSA benefit is the annual conven-

AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries January and February 2017

35-Year Anniversary – 1981 Contractor Members Bamford Fire Sprinkler Company, Salina, KS

25-Year Anniversary – 1991 Contractor Members Chesapeake Sprinkler Company, Odenton, MD Freedom Fire Protection, LLC, Longmont, CO Associate Members Accu-Fire Fabrication, Inc., Morrisville, PA

20-Year Anniversary – 1996 Contractor Members Fire Alarm & Safety Tech, Inc., Pelham, NH Metropolitan Fire Protection, Broomall, PA Northern Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Trevose, PA

15-Year Anniversary – 2001 Contractor Members Fire Solutions, Ashland, VA Paramount Fire Systems, El Cajon, CA Quick Response Sprinkler, St. Albans, VT Designer Members Chase Engineering, PC, Essex Junction, VT AHJ Members Louisiana State Fire Marshal Office, Baton Rouge, LA

tion. I attended the very first convention in Nashville, second in New Orleans, third in San Antonio, etc. I believe the only two I missed were Atlanta and the first trip to Dallas. I have never been disappointed. The educational and networking opportunities are unparalleled. Of course, the benefit opportunities of AFSA membership are unparalleled also – apprentice training, designer training, inspector training, informal code interpretations, webinars... the list goes on.

What was your favorite part of convention? My favorite part is the exhibit hall. It always has been. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to meet and interact with representatives of the manufacturers, suppliers and associates who have chosen to participate – find out what is new and what is on the horizon. And during the course of walking the aisles and stopping at display booths, you run into colleagues from around the country and have the opportunity to exchange experiences. Then, on the final day, the always interesting and entertaining apprentice competition. It’s always a highlight.

Recognition in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types.

Happy Anniversary! n Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 39

CEF Build Your Future Career Day AFSA Educates a New Generation CHARLOTTE JOHNSON | American Fire Sprinkler Association

On October 26, 2016, more than 1,500 high school students from 43 schools all over the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex converged on the west campus of North Lake College in Irving, Texas. They were there to attend the Build Your Future Career Day, an event organized to help students interested in learning a trade discover their options.

The event was co-hosted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the Construction Education Foundation of North Texas (CEF), a college dedicated to providing students and employees in the construction industry avenues to broaden their skill levels and advance construction industry careers. Every imaginable construction trade was represented on campus, and tables and booths lined the halls and spilled out into the parking lot of the 60,000-ft2 facility located on the property of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

All 23 classrooms, assembly room, and 30,000 ft2 of shop space were taken up by eager representatives of construction trades, ready to show the next generation the value of their industry.

Representatives from the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) arrived bright and early, armed with boxes of AFSA jar openers, drink koozies, key chains and postcards to hand out to the visiting high school students, ready to capture their attention with the swag and hopefully keep it long enough to talk to them about the benefits of working in the fire sprinkler industry. As the first large group of students shuffled into the shop space where the fire sprinkler tables were set up, the fire sprinkler professionals in the booth gave an informal explanation of the industry and the different ways to get involved.

40 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

AFSA’s Technical Programs Specialist Tom Noble, E.T., spoke to visiting students about the designer aspect of the fire sprinkler industry.

A fire marshal from Farmers Branch, Texas was present to give the students the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) perspective, and make sure that all of them understood how a fire sprinkler system works – unsurprisingly, many had no idea, and a few had bought into the common misconception that sprinklers go off when a fire alarm does, or that all heads trigger at once.

Once the group was aware of the basics of a fire sprinkler system, they were ready to learn about the different jobs available in the industry. Tom Noble, E.T., technical programs specialist at AFSA, explained to the group what it means to be a fire sprinkler designer. He explained the work that a designer does, and the standard salary that a designer can expect. He let them know that many jobs in the industry don’t require much more than a high school diploma, as training can be done on the job, and

that there are some trade schools that offer whatever education may be necessary.

“I enjoyed seeing the youth of this country still willing to get their hands dirty building something,” says Noble. “It’s extremely important to get the younger people out there interested in the various construction trades. While technology has made life easier, to continue to build all the great things we have in America we need young men and women with the ability to depend on their own hands and not a robot or computers to do their job.

They are our future.”

Contractor Art Hartman of Hartman Fire Protection, Dallas, provided a contractor perspective for the students. Hartman told the group about the day-to-day that a fire sprinkler contractor experiences, as well as the pay they can usually expect and what they need to have to get the job. He made

it clear that he, like many contractors, values a good work ethic and a willingness to learn over a lot of prior experience or education. “If you’re strong, if you can be on time, if you have your own car and you’re willing to work, I’m willing to hire you and train you,” said Hartman, a statement that never failed to make students in every group smile.

Rick Matsuda, P.E., a retired plan reviewer for the City of Dallas, was present to tell the students what they could expect if they studied mechanical engineering and pursued a career in fire protection and plan review with local government. Matsuda was the 2009 recipient of AFSA’s Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award, which is presented to individuals or organizations outside the fire sprinkler industry who demonstrate understanding and appreciation of the life-saving capabilities of automatic fire sprinklers by generating positive exposure to the public. With thousands of fire sprinkler system plans reviewed and dozens of educational seminars presented throughout his career, Matsuda was the perfect person to talk to the students about the industry and provide a non-designer, non-contractor perspective.

Students seemed genuinely excited to be there learning about the fire sprinkler industry, and many had questions for the speakers about their work, their experience, and their salaries. Before each group moved on to the next booth, students crowded up to the tables to take copies of Sprinkler Age magazine, “Become a Life-Saver” pamphlets, and flyers about the AFSA High School Scholarship Contest, which awards $20,000 in scholarships to 10 lucky high schoolers ($2,000 per scholarship) interested in going to a college or trade school.

As the day drew to a close and the groups of students grew fewer and farther between, the fire marshal, contractors and designers left to return to their offices and jobsites. As AFSA staff began to take down the booth and return boxes to their cars, they were confident in the knowledge that they had played a part in inspiring the next generation to join this life-saving industry. n

Contractor Art Hartman of Hartman Fire Protection, Dallas, provided a contractor perspective for the students.

Being an AFSA member is like having a FPE on staff AFSA membership pays big bucks by using our informal interpretations. Utilizing the AFSA Technical Services Department could add to your bottom line.

One member said, “I saved $8,000 dollars on one job by using AFSA Informal Interpretation!”

Another wrote the informal interpretation saved at LEAST 8 hours of time, because it eliminated the need for a meeting with the AHJ and owner. It saved the owner several thousand.

And still, another wrote, “(Technical Services) was a huge help, even going as far as talking to the AHJ.” Ten en thousand dollars were saved in this dispute.

Join AFSA today and start enjoying the benefits of membership that can save you lots of money! Don’t wait; Call us now at:

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Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 41

Celebrating Industry Leaders Nominations Sought for Prestigious Awards The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is accepting nominations for its top honors: the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee award, esteemed Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award, and the new yet highly regard-

ed Young Professional of the Year award. The awards will be presented during AFSA’s 36th Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the recipients will be featured in Sprinkler Age magazine.

“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.

42 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

The Henry S. Parmelee Award, AFSA’s highest honor, is given in recognition of an outstanding individual who has dedicated himself or herself to the professional advancement of the fire sprinkler industry and to the goal of fire safety through automatic sprinklers.

Members of AFSA may nominate someone who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving the fire sprinkler industry. The award was instituted by AFSA in 1983 to give recognition to distinguished industry professionals and to memorialize Henry S. Parmelee, an outstanding pioneer in the fire sprinkler industry who is recognized as the inventor of the first commercially successful closed sprinkler. The nomination deadline is June 30, 2017.

The Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award was created to honor individuals not directly involved in the fire sprinkler industry whose efforts have had national impact in advancing the fire protection industry and automatic fire sprinklers. Previously known as the Fire Service Person of the Year, the award was renamed in 2001 to better reflect the diversity of backgrounds, including the fire service, as well as legislative, code, and standardssetting groups, in which individuals can have a major impact on the fire sprinkler industry. Previous recipients include Home Safety Council President Meri-K Appy; Fire- and Life-Safety Educator Jan Gratton; Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Spokesman Ron Hazelton; California State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover; Congressman Jim Langevin; and Senator Rick Santorum. The nomination deadline for this award is March 31, 2017.

The Young Professional of the Year award was created last year and honors the contributions of promising fire protection specialists and serves to: reaffirm the growing importance of fire sprinkler knowledge in the world of business and construction management among the next

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

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

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

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

Tom Waller, Viking Fire Protection of the SouthEast Chester W. Schirmer, Schirmer Engineering Tom Siegfried, Retired Chief, Altamonte Springs, FL Donald D. Becker, Midland Automatic Sprinkler Co.

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. Meaghen Wills of Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania was the inaugural recipient of this award.

Nominations are due by March 31, 2017.

“These awards honor those who have dedicated their time, talents and energy to the fire sprinkler industry,” states AFSA President Frank Mortl III, CAE. “It’s a small token of appreciation for the large contributions these movers and shakers within and outside of our industry have made.”

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

2000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Robert L. McCullough, AllSouth Sprinkler Co. (awarded posthumously) Buck Buchanan, Central Sprinkler Corporation Frank M. Winiecki, General Sprinkler Corp.

Jack Viola, H.F.P. Corp.

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

Bill Corbin, Mutual Sprinklers, Inc. Lloyd Ivy, AFSA Director of Membership 1986-2009 Martin L. “Marty” Giles, VSC Fire & Security Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Inc. Bob Rees, Sunland Fire Protection Russ Leavitt, Telgian Corporation James Golinveaux, Tyco Fire Protection Products George Wagner, Worsham Sprinkler Company Steve Muncy, AFSA President 1992-2016

Viva Las Vegas! Mark your calendars now for AFSA’s 36th Annual Convention & Exhibit September 24-27, 2017 at the Bellagio Las Vegas.

Bookmark AFSA’s convention webpage at firesprinkler.org/convention so you’ll stay “in the know” about this year’s

event. Details on registration, accommodations, the National Apprentice Competition, and a schedule of events will be posted soon. We promise AFSA and Vegas are a sure bet! n

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Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 43

New Home Fire Sprinkler Study Released Overwhelming Support of Technology in States Where Systems are Required A new study by the Fire Protection Research Foundation highlights positive opinions of home fire sprinklers by homeowners and most government officials in U.S. states required to fire sprinkler new homes. The new report, “Stakeholder Perceptions of Home Fire Sprinklers,” analyzes the opinions of three groups – government officials, homeowners, and water purveyors – following the passage of statewide requirements for home fire sprinklers. Researchers surveyed stakeholders in California and Maryland, where fire sprinklers are required in all new homes. California’s statewide requirement went into effect in 2011 and, following a state building code update in 2015, fire sprinklers are now required in all of Maryland’s new homes. All U.S. model building codes include the requirement to sprinkler new, one- and two-family homes, where the majority of fire deaths and injuries occur each year.

Key findings from the report include: • The majority of homeowners surveyed had a positive view of sprinklers and would seek to include them in their next home.

• Nearly 70 percent of homeowners noted that their fire sprinklers resulted in a reduction in their home insurance.

• When asked about the effects home fire sprinklers have on homes in their jurisdiction, most government officials viewed the technology positively.

• Entities overseeing the states’ water resources noted that water quality was “not at all” an issue due to cross-contamination safeguards.

• Most of Maryland and California’s water purveyors did not require separate meters for home fire sprinklers.

Moreover, the majority of purveyors did not implement separate service or upsized lines to water meters.

“Based on our research, there is a deep appreciation of home fire sprinklers by homeowners and local government officials,” says Liza Bowles, president of Newport Partners, which conducted the survey on behalf of the Fire Protection Research Foundation. “Moreover, water purveyors in California and Maryland also expressed little concern for fire sprinkler performance once the state’s sprinkler requirements went into effect. We hope the study allays concerns regarding home fire sprinkler requirements, particularly the notion that home fire sprinklers negatively impact water supplies.”

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The Fire Protection Research Foundation plans, manages, and communicates research on a broad range of fire safety issues in support of the NFPA mission. The Foundation is an affiliate of NFPA. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. Visit nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at nfpa.org/freeaccess.

L A S

V E G A S

AFSA

CONVENTION & EXHIBIT

2 4 2 7 SEPTEMBER 2017 SEE UPDATES @ FIRESPRINKLER.ORG/CONVENTION

AHJ PERSPECTIVE

BY RONNY J. COLEMAN

Actions Speak Louder Than Words It is easy to get enamored with words.

After all, words have been used to inspire and motivate people since the dawn of time. However, there is one problem with words. If they are not backed up by action, they are useless.

Actions always speak louder than words.

However, words and actions are often used simultaneously to make the difference in the outcome of any specific endeavor. The words serve as the inspiration, but the action is where things really happen. In our society, a person who talks, but does not act is often considered to be misleading.

“Talking a good game” is often considered a pejorative statement as opposed to “playing a good game.” This phenomenon has resulted in numerous clichés that have to do with commitment to action. For example, have you ever heard the term, “Put your money where your mouth is” or “Put up or shut up”?

Moreover, the difference between words and action is often filtered through the concepts of being proactive or reactive.

Proactive means being prepared to intervene or control an expected occurrence, especially a negative or integral one. It involves being anticipatory. The entire concept of fire prevention is intended to be proactive.

Acting in response to a situation rather than creating or controlling it is considered reactive. Most of our activity in fire suppression is reactive.

Two other terms that might apply are defense and offense. Defense is reactive and offense is proactive. In almost all cases, the difference between these two is using knowledge from the past to create a different outcome in the future. Therefore, words are defense, actions are offense. Talking about a problem is reactive, but doing 46 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

something about it is proactive. These are the choices that advocates need to make in coping with the future in making a significant change.

Nowhere does this phenomenon create more conflict than in the process of bringing about change in fire protection. If you want to see something different in the future, words must be reinforced by behavior. By that, we are also referring to behavior that is positive in intent. Quite frankly, opposing things is a weaker position than advocating things. In short, the difference between being proactive and being reactive is the difference between advocacy for a positive change or resistance to a negative change. We have numerous examples of this in the fire service. I can use at least two for the purposes of this article.

The first example is strategic and master planning. The fire service wastes a lot of words and dollars on writing these plans.

The only way they become reality is by acting on the goals and objectives and specific recommendations after the plan has been published. The difference between an effective strategic plan and a useless bureaucratic exercise is measured by what things are done differently after the plan has been put into effect.

Unfortunately, many developers of plans fail to implement them in a timely fashion. Therefore, the outcome is sometimes inadequate. Writing plans that do not contain deadlines is almost a sure formula for failure. On the other hand, a plan that is agendized and pursued aggressively stands a much better chance of being successful.

My second example is in policy advocacy. In other words, if we want to change the way we are doing things, we

have to act in a positive and proactive manner as opposed to talking things to death. For example, today marks almost 40 years since the first residential sprinkler ordinance policy went into effect and a lot of ink has been spilt on the topic. Yet, this initiative is still being compromised by the actions of others. The same might be said for any number of other initiatives that are moving through the adoption process in the fire service. Another example of policy advocacy that is suffering from too much dialogue and not enough action is the wildland-urban interface (WUI) problem. Policy advocacy requires determination in making positive change.

In summary, words are a dime a dozen and talk is cheap. Advocacy requires a plan of action that contains deadlines and to-do lists. In order for actions to speak louder than words, there must be substance. Change comes about at a variety of speeds. On the one hand, they may appear to be glacial and in a separate circumstance they might appear like a tidal wave. Action planning requires commitment instead of rhetoric. How you approach the process of change, through your individual behavior, is going to determine whether or not you will prevail. As Wayne Gretzky once stated, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” 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.

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AFSA NEWS Davis and Gamble Join AFSA Team The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has added two new members to its Dallas headquarters.

LaVerne Davis has joined the administrative services department as manager of accounting. Davis holds both a bachelor and masters in Davis business from The University of North Texas. She comes to AFSA with a background as the chief financial officer for a Dallas nonprofit, and her prior experience includes accounting and financial management for The Coca-Cola Company World Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. As manager of accounting she will report to Director of Administrative Services Marilyn Ellis, and manage all accounting processes at AFSA.

AFSA also welcomes Jill Gamble to the education services department as education programs coordinator. Gamble attended the University of Oklahoma, and has spent the last 15 years working in higher education, working as an advisor and on developing Gamble new student programs, primarily at the University of Oklahoma. As the education programs coordinator she will report to the Director of Education Services Leslie Clounts, and she will be responsible for coordinating apprenticeship courses and the new inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) courses. For more information on AFSA departments and staff, visit firesprinkler.org. n

?

Fax: 214-343-8898

48 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

27 - March 1 OSU Fire Sprinkler Inspection Training Certificate Program Stillwater, OK okstate.edu

27 - March 10 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

March 9 Sacramento Valley Chapter’s 6th Annual Trade Show Lincoln, CA sacvalleyafsa.org

April ITM Inspector Development Program Live Webinar Kick-Off firesprinkler.org/itm

AFSA recognizes individuals/ organizations for their dedication to enhancing education and awareness of fire sprinklers by awarding its “Fire Sprinklers Save Lives” award.

Established in 1998, the “Fire Sprinklers Save Lives” award’s goal is to highlight individuals and organizations NOT involved in the fire sprinkler industry who are truly making a difference in their community by recognizing the importance of our life saving industry and promoting the use of fire sprinkler technology.

“Fire Sprinklers Save Lives” award?

AFSA - Public Education & Awareness Committee 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350 Dallas, Texas 75251

February

17

Do you know someone who deserves the

Send nominations to:

Calendar

To nominate someone outside of the fire sprinkler industry, please send your name and contact information, your nominee’s name, contact information and a brief description why this person/ organization is being nominated.

24 - May 5 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

May 1-3 OSU Fire Sprinkler Inspection Training Certificate Program Stillwater, OK okstate.edu

July 10-21 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 3495965 to confirm locations and times. For information on Chubb and/or OSU programs, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Training Calendar.”

CHAPTER NEWS Louisiana On October 25, 2016, the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA) held its annual membership meeting. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning was present to address the members. Later that same day, Bob Caputo gave a field supervisor training to interested members.

On November 17, 2016, LFSA teamed up with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office, the Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association and the Texas Fire Sprinkler Coalition to host a live side-by-side burn to demonstrate how quickly a typical home fire grows to the point of flashover. The demonstration took place at The Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana, and it stressed the importance of fire sprinklers in keeping home fires contained, and giving residents time to escape.

Over 400 people were in attendance for the demonstration.

The Texas Fire Sprinkler Coalition, Assistant Chief Roland Garcia and Assistant Chief Randy Crimm from the City of Pearville, Texas conducted the demonstration along with the Kenner Fire Department, who were on hand to extinguish the fire. The fire on the sprinkler side of the trailer was extinguished in less than 60 seconds, and the non-sprinkler side had a flash-over in one minute and 20 seconds. “The latest statistics show the fire department takes 4-6 minutes to arrive at a home,” says LFSA President Linda Biernacki. “So in that time most likely the entire house would be engulfed. We had a lot of great feedback, and many people were amazed that sprinklers are not mandatory in new homes [in Louisiana].” Visit lafiresprinkler.org.

Sacramento Valley The Sacramento Valley Chapter of AFSA is holding its 6th annual trade show on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Thunder Valley Casino & Resort in Lincoln, California. The show in 2016 was host to 52 exhibitors and over 700 attendees from all over California and many from other states.

To participate in the 2017 show, please contact Executive Director Paulene Norwood at paulenesacvalleyafsa@gmail.com or visit sacvalleyafsa.org.

Virginia On November 16, 2016, the AFSA Virginia Chapter held it last 2016 meeting and Holiday Mixer at O’Tooles Restaurant & Pub in Richmond. Matt Klaus of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) presented an update on NFPA 25 and 13. The vendor presentation was given by Todd Havican of Apollo Valves and John Schwartz of Mid-South Marketing Inc.

Above photo: LFSA joined with others to sponsor a side-by-side burn demonstration. The flames on the sprinklered side of the trailer (on the right) was extinguished in less than 60 seconds.

Right photo (from l to r): LLSSA President Conrad Dupuy, Chief Butch Browning, Assistant Chief Louisiana Fire Marshal Boyd Petty, LFSA President Linda Biernacki, and retired Fire Marshal V.J. Bella honored Petty for his lifetime dedication to LLSSA.

on the Apollo Valve backflow preventers.

There were 36 members in attendance and they enjoyed drinks, food and great holiday socialization. Visit afsavirginia.com. n .n

ASSOCIATION NEWS FSCATx On December 10, 2016, the Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association of Texas (FSCATx) held its first annual Christmas Banquet & Casino Night at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. The event was a huge success, with delicious food, exciting casino games, plenty of raffle prizes, and lots of fun and fellowship.

Visit fscatx.org. n Right photo: FSCATx president David Stone and AFSA Director of Member Services Bradley Elliott. Bottom photo: FSCATx’s Casino Night was a great success.

Above photos: AFSA Virginia’s November meeting had a great turn out (top photo) with Matt Klaus (bottom photo) providng NFPA standard updates.

Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 49

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

Region 1

Region 2

Region 3

Region 4

International

AHJ Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Kim Colantuono Pleasanton, CA

AHJ The Hartford Donald Ferguson Greenwood Village, CO

Designer Automatic Fire Suppression Design William Woodward St. Louis, MO

AHJ Highland Village Fire Department Jason Collier Highland Village, TX

Contractor Radius Fire Protection Mark Whittaker Fallbrook, CA

Contractor Mountain West Fire Protection, LLC James Benson, Jr. Casper, WY

AHJ Capricorn Fire & Rescue Zeph Moseki Johannesburg, Gautenburg, South Africa

Contractor Siemens Kyle Jarnagin Houston, TX

Climatec, LLC Scott Patterson Phoenix, AZ Mountain Fire Protection Hudson DeWeese Wilson, WY

AFSA Chapter Contacts Arkansas Coleman Farrar– Chair.

479-986-9090 Carolinas afsacarolinas.com Dean Bush – Chair.

704-732-3343 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456 Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter.org Jay Strickland – Chair.

301-474-1136 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 Greater Kansas City 2nd Wed. of each month Mark McKenzie – Chair.

913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich – Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710 Louisiana Linda Biernacki – Chair.

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

610-754-7836 New Jersey Thomas J. Bowlby Jr. – Chair.

908-755-2222 Robert K. Melofchik Sr. – Exec. Dir. 201-741-0056

New Mexico 2nd Mon. of each month Pete Newsted – Chair.

505-884-2447 Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712

Rocky Mountain Brent Heiner – Chair.

801-544-0363 Adam Millward – Exec. Dir. 801-216-4545

North Central As called by Chair Michael Winiecki – Chair.

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

Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Bill Gray – Chair.

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

Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-865-3600 Tim Stone – Exec. Dir. 802-434-2968

San Diego As called by Chair.

Ron Aday – Chair.

858-513-4949 x 307 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 858-513-4949

Ohio Bill Hausman, Chair.

937-859-6198 Don Eckert– Exec. Dir. 513-310-9660 Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Tracy Moore – Chair.

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

Southern California Jeff Bridges – Co-Chair.

714-285-0200 Terry Housholder– Co-Chair.

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

804-222-1381 George Wagner – Exec. Dir. 801-514-3154 Yankee Roger Piacentini – Chair.

508-378-7215

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

50 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Ray Vance – Pres.

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

Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chairman 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...

October Construction Starts Recede 4 Percent New construction

starts in October decreased 4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $678.9 billion, settling back from the elevated amount reported in September, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. October’s level for nonresidential building was still healthy compared to what was reported for much of 2016 – while down 12 percent from its average for August and September, it remained 15 percent above its lackluster average for this year’s first seven months. Residential building in October showed moderate growth, with contributions from both single family and multifamily housing. Nonbuilding construction in October edged up slightly, as an increase for public works offset diminished activity for electric utilities/gas plants. For the first ten months of 2016, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $572.0 billion, down a slight 1 percent from the same period a year ago. If the volatile manufacturing plant and electric utility/ gas plant categories are excluded, total construction starts during this year’s January-October period would be up 3 percent.

Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value

U.S. Construction...

New Construction Starts in November Slip 6 Percent At a sea-

sonally adjusted annual rate of $638.3 billion, new construction starts in November retreated 6 percent from October. Nonresidential building continued to recede from its elevated September pace, even with the November start of several large projects, most notably the $3 billion new football stadium for the Los Angeles Rams. Residential building settled back after strengthening in October, maintaining the up-and-down pattern that’s been present since August.

Nonbuilding construction declined after its public works segment had been lifted in October by the start of several large projects. For the first eleven months of 2016, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $627.2 billion, essentially matching the amount reported for the same period a year ago. During the second half of 2016, the year-to-date performance for total construction starts has shown consistent improvement. Excluding the volatile manufacturing plant and electric utility/gas plant categories, total construction starts during this year’s January-November period would be up 4 percent.

Monthly Summary of Construction Contract Value

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions October 2016 September 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $236,854 $282,567 -16 Residential Building $289,555 $273,709 +6 Nonbuilding Construction $152,441 $150,341 +1 Total Construction $678,850 $706,617 -4

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions November 2016 October 2016 % Change Nonresidential Building $224,621 $235,997 -5 Residential Building $275,406 $289,495 -5 Nonbuilding Construction $138,253 $152,399 -9 Total Construction $638,280 $677,891 -6

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) October 2016...............144 September 2016.....................149

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) November 2016...............135 October 2016.....................143

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

10 Mo. 2016 10 Mo. 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $188,172 $189,023 -0Residential Building $241,537 $229,550 +5 Nonbuilding Construction $142,261 $160,477 -11 Total Construction $571,970 $579,050 -1

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

11 Mo. 2016 11 Mo. 2015 % Change Nonresidential Building $208,490 $204,679 +2 Residential Building $263,337 $249,262 +6 Nonbuilding Construction $155,420 $171,522 -9 Total Construction $627,247 $625,463 -0-

Canada Construction...

Canada Construction...

October CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts

November CANADATA Y-T-D Figures on Construction Starts

Types of Construction

Oct

Types of Construction

Nov

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

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

214,840 51,324

Oct

% Change

221,007 77,060

-3 -33

15,091 29,850 9,492 10,082 55,411 96,778

-49 -5 -43

12,483 31,257 5,966

28,868 45,938 8,090

-56 -31 -26

1,936 233,323

5,094 397,421

-61 -41

20,178 36,225 55,364 74,211 66,221 119,562 23,271 60,230 560,863 800,355

-44 -25 -44 -61 -30

*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.

238,060 60,601

Nov

% Change

245,191 84,249

-3 -28

20,123 31,175 9,893 11,790 62,006 103,938

-35 -16 -40

15,338 31,491 33,733 49,399 3,977 8,354

-51 -31 -52

1,980 272,124

5,285 419,182

25,180 38,102 57,042 77,742 96,350 132,897 23,271 61,731 636,770 860,915

-62 -35 -33 -26 -27 -62 -26

*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 | January/February 2017 51

PRODUCT NEWS

Victaulic Offers High-Pressure Valve with Flow Stability Victaulic officially launched the Series 800Y Hydraulic Control Valve Family, the latest of the 800-series hydraulic control valves for fire protection applications. The industry-first valve body was released in partnership with Bermad, a company equally committed to durability and long service life.

This Series 800Y valve body increases operating life and reduces total cost of ownership for the fire protection system. It is known for its performance in high-rise and high-demand buildings and has proven to be a more durable, userfriendly option for commercial applications.

The unique reinforced rolling elastomeric diaphragm automatically adjusts to throttle flow to a concentrated area, enabling the system to stay operational during low flows, which ultimately minimizes the pulsing of water flow. The reduction in water hammer and a smooth cushioned operation improves valve operating life and minimizes noise. The enhanced reliability of the flow capacity also helps the fire protection industry to meet stringent regulatory guidelines, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 Dry System Water Delivery Provisions.

The 800Y Hydraulic Control Valve Family provides eight times faster installation and inline serviceability. The easily accessible, fourbolt cover plate allows for quick removal without detaching the control trim, streamlining what would otherwise be a more time-intensive maintenance process. These elements minimize service downtime to five minutes and eliminate the potential for contamination or damage of internal components.

Traditionally, designers were forced to add an anti-cavitation accessory to prevent valve wear from flow turbulence, however the Y-pattern globe valve body design abates this concern. Additional benefits are offered 52 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

through optional and customizable trim configurations that enable a range of hydraulic control functions: Series 867-42T Reducing, Series 867-43T Relief, Series 867-43TR Suction Control, Series 869Y-3D Electrically Operated Remote Operation On/Off Deluge, Series 869Y-3DC Electrically Operated Remote Operation On/Off Deluge, Downstream Pressure Control, and Series 869Y-2M Classic Electric Deluge.

In addition to the stand-out features of the reinforced rolling elastomeric diaphragm and a Y-patterned globe valve body, other benefits of the Series 800Y include: Drain ports with a unique swivel design that allow for fit-up at any angle when the valve is installed vertically or horizontally, Additional pre-tapped ports for pressure gauges and left or right trim options to accommodate tight spaces, Remote on/off control allows maintenance to actuate and reset the valve remotely, minimizing time and labor needs, and Valve position visual indication is included for quick installation reference in deluge applications.

The 800Y Hydraulic Control Valve is available in sizes 11/2 in. to 16 in. and in pressure classes up to 365 psi/2517 kPA/25 Bar. The valve is UL listed and FM approved.

Reliable Announces Additions and Enhancements to its Sprinkler Line A flat cover plate, concealed pendent version has been added to Reliable’s Model LT56 Series pendent sprinklers. The LT56 sprinklers are cULus listed for light hazard occupancies and 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, these sprinklers allow substantially reduced water demand compared with traditional extended coverage sprinklers.

The new LT56C is a flat cover plate concealed sprinkler with a nominal K-Factor of 5.6 (80 metric), has a fusible link, maximum working pressure of 175 psi (12 bar), and requires a Model G4 concealed cover plate. For more information, refer to Bulletin 058.

Reliable also announces the addition of Dry Horizontal Sidewall Sprinklers to its popular line of F3QR80 (quick- response) and F380 (standard-response) Dry Pendent standard coverage sprinklers. These cULus listed sprinklers have a nominal K-Factor of 8.0 (115 metric), have a 1-in. NPT or ISO7-1R1 inlet fitting, and are available in a variety of styles and finishes. White polyester and black polyester finish sprinklers are cULus Listed as Corrosion Resistant. For more information, refer to Bulletins 061 (F3QR-80) and 060 (F3-80).

Reliable has updated the model names for their F3 and F3QR 5.6 K-Factor dry sprinklers to F3-56 and F3QR56, respectively, to include K-Factor and to avoid confusion with their other sprinklers which have names starting with F3.

The 250 psi UL Listing has been added to both these sprinklers. Refer to Bulletins 157 (F3QR-56) and 153 (F3-56). Visit reliablesprinkler.com.

Reed’s Clean Ream Plus Clean Ream Plus™ Plastic Pipe Fitting Reamers provide a midprice solution for contractors to clean-out and reuse plastic pipe fittings. The reamer is offered in two sizes: 11/2-in. and 2-in. Clean Ream Plus gives exceptional service which means less downtime. It’s a durable tool with a guarantee to ream 250 or more times in three years.

Reed’s original PPR reamers are rebranded as Clean Ream Extreme™ and remain strong tools for Reed. They perform at a top level and are priced accordingly. The Clean Ream Plus introduced now provides a lower price point solution. Not recommended for pressurized systems. Visit reedmgfco.com. n

INDUSTRY NEWS

Viega Participates in Local Burn Room Challenge Event Viega LLC partnered with the McPherson Fire Department to host a burn room demonstration for the public at Wickersham Park to promote fire sprinkler safety and awareness. The McPherson Fire Department set up two identical 10-ft-by10-ft rooms with furniture, equipped one room with a Viega PEX Fire Sprinkler system and started a controlled fire to demonstrate the little time it takes for a room to completely burn without the use of a sprinkler system. While the room without the sprinkler system was immediately engulfed by the fire, the room equipped with a Viega PEX Fire Sprinkler system was saved quickly with little water damage. In addition to the fire sprinkler burn challenge, the event also included an appliance fire demonstration and a class that taught the proper use of fire extinguishers. Visit viega.us.

Newburgh Windustrial Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Walk On a “nippy” Oc-

tober morning at Woodbury Commons in Harriman, New York, with the surrounding hills ablaze in fall colored foliage, a team from AFSA Associate member company Newburgh Windustrial assembled to support the Hudson Valley Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Drawing in over 10,000 participants for a walk through the commons, which has become an international tourist attraction, and raising an estimated $750,000, the event is a celebration of survivorship and an occasion to express hope and shared determination to eradicate breast cancer. Visit windustrial.com. n

American Automatic Sprinkler Celebrates 50 Years In January 2017, American Automatic Sprinkler celebrates its golden anniversary. The Fort Worth, Texas-based fire sprinkler contractor founded by C.B. Hall, who served as AFSA’s second chairman from 1982 to 1983, has been actively involved in AFSA’s training and education initiatives since its founding in 1981.

Haws & Garrett, a general construction company in Fort Worth, was selected to remodel the prestigious Colonial Country Club’s cart barn in January 1967. Long-time Colonial member Charlie Haws, who was asked to serve as the project manager, was getting very high estimates for the sprinkler portion of the job, so he called his plumber C.B. Hall, a founding member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), and together they opened the American Automatic Sprinkler Company.

“C.B. put in $500, Ken Garrett put in $250, and Charlie Haws put in $250, and their first job was Colonial Country Club. And $1,000 was the only capital that has been put into the company in 50 years,” recounts Willie Tem-

plin, who in 1973 was hired by Hall to run the new sprinkler company.

Willie Templin, who chaired AFSA from 1985 to 1987 and was awarded the 2011 Henry S. Parmelee award, now serves an advisor to American Automatic Sprinkler Company, following a 2015 management transition to his son Todd Templin, who serves as AAS’ current president.

Over its 50-year history, American Automatic Sprinkler grew into one of the largest merit-shop fire protection contractors in Texas, with branches in Fort Worth and San Antonio. The firm’s notable area projects include the 1,400,000 ft2 Texas Rangers Ball Park in Arlington, Pier 1 Import’s 444,000 ft2 corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, and the 37-acre campus of Radio Shack, including a 244,000 ft2 corporate headquarter building.

American Automatic Sprinkler installs and services automatic fire sprinklers, fire alarm and preaction releasing alarm systems, FM200, NOVEC-1230, and other clean agents, fire-fighting foam, and portable fire extinguishers. Visit aastexas.com. n

Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017 53

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Mitchell Joins Ameripipe Supply, Inc. Ameripipe Supply, Inc. introduces Britt Mitchell as its new Little Rock branch manager. Mitchell comes to Ameripipe from Southwestern Energy Company in Conway, Arkansas, a sand mining company serving the oil and gas industry, where he served as manager over a $130-million operation and 50 employees. At Southwestern, he was promoted through five positions, beginning with logistics coordinator and moving into plant management. Before Southwestern, Mitchell served as corporal in supply administration for the United States Marine Corps. He holds

a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Visit ameripipe.com.

Ernest Mitchell, Jr. Named Honorary Member of Metro Chiefs The Metropolitan “Metro” Fire Chiefs Association, a Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), named Ernest Mitchell, Jr. an honorary member of the Metro. Chief Mitchell, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) U.S. fire administrator for the U.S. Fire Adminis-

You don’t have to be a genius.

tration, is the third person to have received this prestigious honor in the Metro’s 51-year history. Metro President Rhoda Mae Kerr, fire chief for the Austin Fire Department, in consultation with the executive board, selected Mitchell for this honor at a recent Metro meeting in San Antonio, Texas. According to the Metro executive board, Mitchell was named honorary metro chief for his “exceptional leadership in the areas of fire prevention, fire suppression and related disciplines throughout his career.” Prior to his appointment as fire administrator, Mitchell retired as fire chief and assistant director of disaster emergency services for the City of Pasadena, California Fire Department after 33 years in the fire service. During his last year in Pasadena, Mitchell was president of the IAFC where he continued until the completion of his term. Before becoming fire chief in Pasadena, Mitchell served as fire chief and deputy city manager in the City of Monrovia, California for seven years.

Visit nfpa.org. n

ADVERTISERS AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter AGF Manufacturing, Inc. Argco Building Reports

21 17 27, 31 3

Bull Moose Industries

13

CST Storage

14

Center for Life Safety Education

32

Easyflex IBC Engineered Corrosion Solutions

19

Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Inc.

15

Fire Protection Products, Inc. Fire Sprinkler eCampus FlexHead Industries, Inc.

Be a Member

firesprinkler.org

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

53

Metraflex

24

Noble Company (The)

28

Raimondo Consultants, Inc.

33

Reed Manufacturing Company

22

South-Tek Systems SprinkFlex, LLC

IFC 37 7

Tyco BC U.S. Saws

44

U.S. Tool

12

Valmont Tubing

23

Victaulic 36 Viking Group

54 Sprinkler Age | January/February 2017

4

GECCO, Inc.

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.

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

9 47

11

Narrower Aisles.

More Commodities.

One Solution.

Maximize product per square foot by going higher and narrower.

Tyco is leading the way with the highest ceiling-only protection (48 feet) for the narrowest aisles (5 feet) and the greatest flexibility of commodities and packaging. Tyco solutions include the highest ceiling-only protection with ESFR sprinklers, low install cost with EC sprinklers, and industry leading valves, all with pure performance.

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

Copyright Š 2016 Tyco Fire Products LP. All rights reserved