July/August 2019

20

STUART WEEKS YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

JUL / AUG 2019

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 38/04

AMY ACTON FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

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SprinklerAge

Vol 38 / 04

July/August 2019

Features 10 | Amy Acton Named Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year

Burn Survivor Supports, Promotes Fire Protection for All

16 | Standpipes: Protecting Horizontal Pipe

What are Laterals?

20 | Stuart Weeks Named 2019 Young Professional of the Year

Designer Dedicated to Education and Expansion of Industry

24 | Exhibit Hall Extravaganza

AFSA38 Features Products and Services From Around the Globe

28 | High-Rise Standpipe Design

A Case History

32 | What Does an Association Do for the Industry?

The Importance of Committees

34 | AFSA Apprentices Win Big at ABC NCC

Eckert Wins Gold; Patch Wins Silver

37 | Webinar Provides Hiring and Retaining Strategies

August 28 Program Free for AFSA Members

38 | Sounding the Alarm with the Red Cross

AFSA Participates to Educate the Public About Fire Sprinkler Systems

42 | Home Sprinkler Week Raises Public Awareness

AFSA Supports Coalition’s Nationwide Educational Event in Boston

44 | Stuck on Standpipes?

Informal Interpretations Help Members

48 | Chapter Leaders Convene in Dallas

Attendees Share Ideas and Learn Best Practices at Mid-Year Conference

51 | Sacramento Valley Hosts Trade Show

Annual Events Brings Together Leaders and Fosters Industry Connections

52 | Thank You for Your Support!

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

55 | Meeting in Myrtle Beach

Joint Convention Offers Networking Opportunities

ON THE COVER Amy Acton, executive director of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, is AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year. Also in this issue: NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipes.

6

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

8

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

60 AFSA CHAPTERS 61 NEW MEMBERS 61 U.S. CONSTRUCTION 62 AFSA NEWS 63 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 65 CHAPTER NEWS 66 ASSOCIATION NEWS 67 PRODUCT NEWS 68 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 69 INDUSTRY NEWS 70

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Follow us on

56 | Mentoring the Next Generation

AFSA NextGen Launches New Mentor Program

57 | Online Award Nominations Now Available

Nominate Those Who Have Made an Impact on the Fire Sprinkler Industry

58 | New Contractor Member Marketing Service

New Multiview Program Gives Members a Competitive Edge

59 | ITM Forms Updated

Documents Revised for 2011 Edition of NFPA 25

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

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

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE EDITORIAL: 214 349 5965

BY WAYNE WEISZ AFSA Chair of the Board

NICOLE DUVALL, Publisher Director of Communications & Social Media, ext. 126; nduvall@firesprinkler.org D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115 dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org ADVERTISING: 214 349 5965

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org CIRCULATION : 214 349 5965

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Coordinator, ext. 134; rherring@firesprinkler.org

As summer has hit, it just seems to be busy everywhere I look. I have to give credit to our AFSA staff in Dallas as it has been a very busy last couple of months. Two noteworthy events happened in May and June: AFSA held our annual Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hosted its annual Convention & Expo in San Antonio, Texas.

The AFSA Chapter Leadership Conference, which was held in Dallas May 21-22 was a huge success as it continues to grow in attendance every year. We had 39 attendees representing 26 chapters. It is a great opportunity for chapter leaders to share ideas and learn what other chapters are doing successfully. As AFSA continues to grow, this conference is also an excellent opportunity for AFSA staff and chapter leaders to share ideas. It is very important for all of us to know what we can do better, and how we can better serve our membership.

It is also great to see the friendships that continue to grow out of this particular event. These chapter leaders are passionate about our industry and are truly the backbone of our Association.

The NFPA Convention & Expo was held in San Antonio, June 17-20. NFPA is always a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders. AFSA was well represented, led by Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, PE and his Technical Services team. Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall was also present and manned the AFSA booth sharing membership information.

I would like to congratulate both Roland Huggins and AFSA Board of Directors member Jack Medovich, PE for special recognition during the NFPA Convention & Expo. Roland received the NFPA Committee Service Award for his contributions to the development of NFPA standards. In the last 25 years, Roland has sat on multiple NFPA committees and has been the voice of AFSA as it relates to standards development (see related story on page 62 of this issue). Jack Medovich received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Maryland for his contributions to the fire protection industry and the university. Both men have given back countless hours to the improvement of our industry and to this Association. These awards are well deserved, and again, I congratulate both of them.

Excitement is starting to build, and planning is well underway for the upcoming ASFA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition which will be held October 1-4 in San Diego. Registration has begun, and even though we are a couple of months out, we are very excited where the registration numbers sit. The location is ideal, the weather is always great in San Diego, and the convention will be very much worth attending. Hope to see you all there! n

6 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WAYNE WEISZ, CHAIR 209-334-9119 TED WILLS, FIRST VICE CHAIR 610-754-7836 JACK A. MEDOVICH, SECOND VICE CHAIR 410-787-0639 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, SECRETARY 318-841-0330 PAUL DELORIE, TREASURER 603-432-8221 MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR 757-213-3660 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949 R. DONALD KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 JEFF PHIFER, 803-438-2994 JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136 AFSA MANAGEMENT: 214 349 5965

DEBRA N. MCGUIRE, MBA, IOM, CAE, President & CEO

ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services, ext. 121 MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President, Program Operations & Education Services, ext. 118 LAVERNE DAVIS, Vice President, Finance & Administration, ext. 112 ROGER GRAGG, Director of Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director of Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director of Communications & Social Media, ext. 126 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.

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

BY DEBRA N. MCGUIRE, MBA, IOM, CAE AFSA President & CEO

Volunesia? Another Form of Leadership, Lest We Forget When our AFSA communications team shared that “leadership” would be a key editorial focus for this issue of Sprinkler Age, my first reaction was how difficult it is to capture the essence of what defines a true leader. Many of us have admired so-called “leaders,” who have ultimately failed us through their words or actions. We have known “leaders” who have gained our trust and support but did not fulfill the promises they made or live up to the following they attempted to create.

On the other hand, most of us have also experienced the powerful association of being around someone in our midst who inspires and motivates us to be our best while “building us up” to enable us to bring out our best, at the right time for the right reasons. However, we may not have really thought of that person as a “leader”—at least in the traditional sense of the word. Perhaps we need to take a new look at defining who exactly the real leaders are in our society, realizing that leadership begins with true selflessness.

Stepping Up: Servant Leaders According to Scott Prickett, author of Lead, Follow, and Move Hell Out of the Way: “The humility of a leader is what will multiply the impact of their influence beyond their efforts.” He builds on this concept, noting that leadership is more about servitude rather than taking the lead through power and position.

Good leaders, he adds, work towards becoming unnecessary as they unleash others as part of a multiplying impact to achieve a common goal. In other words, true leaders are not afraid to empower and entrust others, or give credit where credit is due.

When you think of specific leaders, whether in the fire sprinkler industry or in your personal life, what do they have in common that you admire? Are you considered a leader amongst your colleagues? How about by those whom you employ? These questions should require taking a few minutes to reflect upon the concept of leadership, and even more importantly, assessing your own “leadership IQ.” Perhaps the bellwether is how our individual perspective correlates with the view that others have about us.

Leading the Charge When it comes to servant leadership, I commend the passion and dedication that our members 8 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

share and AFSA’s volunteer leaders embrace in support of our founding principles—the merit shop philosophy and system of free enterprise. As our AFSA Bylaws state: • Employees and employers should have the right to determine wages and working conditions, as they choose within the boundaries of the law.

• Employees should have the right to belong or refrain from belonging to any labor organization.

• Mandatory membership in any labor organization should NOT be required.

• Employers must have concern for the general welfare of the employee, and there must be fair compensation for work performed.

• Laws should protect the right of employees to work regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, or membership or non-membership in a labor organization.

• Violence, coercion, intimidation, and the denial of the rights of the employee and employer should NOT be tolerated.

• The economy is incumbent upon all branches of government and government should award contracts to the lower responsible bidder; any unjust pressure to violate these principles should be opposed.

• Monopolies of any kind or price and wage fixing are detrimental to our system of free enterprise, which is essential to the welfare of AFSA, the fire sprinkler industry, and our country.

• Support for the policy of competition served by antitrust laws and our uncompromising intent to comply strictly in all respects with those laws.

• The destiny of all Americans can best be served by cooperation, reconciliation, and following the tenets of free enterprise and democratic government.

• All AFSA activities shall be conducted for the benefit of ALL members in the industry as a whole and not for the benefit of any particular member.

Recently, I saw a t-shirt that read: “Volunesia: That moment when you forget you’re volunteering to help change lives, because it is changing yours.” When I see the many uncompensated hours that our AFSA Officers, Directors, committee and council members give of their time and talent, at all hours day and night for the betterment of the individual and our society through their support of AFSA and its founding principles, I am in awe of their dedication to serve and lead.

Many of these leaders have been volunteering for years in one way or another to advance our freedom to allow merit-based shops to perform the work that literally saves lives and protects property through a competitive market environment, driving down costs and improving quality.

These are the type of leaders, who often go about their work quietly (but sometimes not when it’s necessary to drive a point home!), volunteering to change lives—and in the process of doing so, are finding personal fulfillment and professional growth through supporting a collective cause greater than their own.

(Continued on page 70)

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Amy Acton Named Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Burn Survivor Supports, Promotes Fire Protection for All D’ARCY MONTALVO | American Fire Sprinkler Association

“Every day I come to work and think about the ‘What if?’—What if fire sprinklers were in place? What if there was a smoke detector installed? What if the exit was up-to-code in that building?”

Amy Acton’s thoughts are just a small portion of why she is being honored this year with the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award. The executive director of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is not only an advocate for this community, fire prevention, and the installation of automatic fire sprinklers but is also a burn survivor herself.

“The life-long impact of burn injuries is staggering. I think I can speak for much of the burn community when I say that, as a survivor, I have a strong personal drive to help prevent burn injuries from happening to anyone else. Helping to build a community of support and amplifying our voices to make a difference instills a sense of meaning for many survivors. It gives purpose.”

A Survivor Early On Acton’s life was affected by a burn injury early in life. At age 18 while working a summer job before starting college, she suffered an electrical burn injury when the mast of a sailboat hit a high-tension wire. Acton’s co-worker was killed, and her injury left her in the hospital for two-and-a-half months.

“My accident was preventable, and since that time I have been focused, and even obsessed with, trying to understand why it happened,” comments Acton. “I eventually became a burn nurse and returned to work in the very same unit where I was treated.”

During Acton’s time as a burn nurse, she treated many patients who were burned in buildings that were not up-to-code.

“After seeing a continuous stream of patients coming into the burn unit with injuries that should have been preventable, I realized that there was a bigger issue at hand. Instead of treating burn injuries after they happened, what if we as a community could address the root cause of these accidents and prevent them from ever happening in the first place?”

In 1988, Acton was named the executive director of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Since joining the Phoenix Society, Acton and dedicated staff and volunteers have developed and expanded several national programs that have significantly increased access to long-term recovery resources for those in the burn community.

10 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Acton loves interacting with Phoenix World Burn Congress attendees each year.

Founded by a Survivor for Survivors Founded in 1977, the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering anyone affected by a burn injury. The Phoenix Society was founded by Alan Breslau, who was extensively burned in the crash of a commercial airliner in 1963. Following a visit to a young boy in a burn center, Breslau realized the importance of peer support for those with burn injuries and was inspired to establish one of the first burn support organizations in the United States. After many years of working with burn survivors, he officially incorporated the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors in 1977.

Acton has helped to refine the organization’s mission and has built strong partnerships to expand the reach of the organization’s programs. She has also had a long-term passion for burn prevention and helped to build a thriving advocacy program to add the survivors’ voice to national burn prevention and quality care issues.

“Our ultimate vision is to unite the voice of the burn community around the globe and profoundly advance lifelong healing, optimal recovery, and burn prevention. We do this through engaging programs, focused advocacy work, annual survivor community events, fundraising efforts, and educational campaigns,” Acton comments. “Every year, we host the Phoenix World Burn Congress, which is the world’s largest gathering of the burn community. For many, the conference is the first chance to connect with others who are on a journey of recovery from a burn injury. The event is always extremely powerful, and it is wonderful to see new, long-lasting friendships and connections form.”

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Acton joins burn survivors in South Korea for their first awareness walk.

Acton speaks at the 15th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire.

Phoenix Society has a variety of different programs throughout the country that assist burn survivors in every stage of recovery.

The Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) program provides peer support for burn survivors, ensuring no one recovers alone. The Society is developing an online community to offer education, connection, and resources to support survivors and family members all over the world. And throughout the year, the Society also provides community members with fundraising tools to help them encourage others to support Phoenix Society and raise awareness of the burn community’s needs.

ing when we have the technology and ability to prevent it. All I could think was ‘Why?’ For me, personally, this was the day when I became a true champion for fire sprinklers being the go-to approach for putting out fires.”

“As we look toward tomorrow, our goal will always be to unite the burn survivor community and engage people across the world to help advance our message of fire prevention and protection,” Acton states. “Phoenix Society will continue to grow, unite survivors, and lift up the voice of the burn community. We will only continue to deepen our engagement in this powerful community and bring about positive change. By using the latest technology, Phoenix Society will continue to bring people together from all across the world to heal and to focus on advocacy work that will have a wide-reaching impact.”

Making a Difference In addition to their burn survivor advocacy and related projects, Acton, Society staff, and volunteers work on other fire-prevention efforts. The organization helped to pass fire-safe cigarette legislation and used survivors’ voices as a powerful advocacy tool. The lessons learned then assisted in the aftermath of the devastating Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island in 2003.

“Weeks after the incident, our team testified at a special hearing held by NFPA, and we shared our recommendations about what could be implemented to ensure something of this magnitude never happens again,” Acton notes. “We also touched on the long-term impact of burn injuries, and the decades-long recovery that many experience.

“I remember the raw emotion and frustration I felt when thinking about how something like the Station nightclub fire is still happen12 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

The Society worked with its industry partners, and those in the fire sprinkler business, to expand Phoenix Society’s involvement in advocacy. Staff and volunteers were at the International Code Council (ICC) meeting to speak about, and vote in favor of, adding fire sprinklers to the International Residential Code (IRC) in both Minneapolis and Baltimore. “We were successful in adding the powerful survivor perspective to the life-safety teams, who work every day to make all of us safer,” Acton says.

Acton notes that they have remained involved in fire sprinkler advocacy all these years later and will continue the fight as they move forward. In addition to individual presentations, the Society has developed an advocacy training program that empowers burn survivors to unite behind one message and use their unique stories to bring about real change.

“Advocates take part in educational sessions at our annual Phoenix World Burn Congress and learn how to tell their stories with purpose,” Acton states. “Articles in our national Burn Support Magazine also educate both burn care professionals and survivors about why fire sprinklers are important. The survivor community understands the importance of fire safety and prevention. We will not back off.”

Phoenix Society has also run several social media campaigns during the annual Fire Prevention Week, with a strong focus on fire sprinklers, and has worked with NFPA to identify survivors and help them share their stories through the “Faces of Fire” video series and the Survivors Podcast.

“We will continue to help people understand that the survivor’s voice is a powerful advocacy tool and that survivors can be strong allies and team members in the fight for fire safety if they are properly prepared and supported throughout the process,” Acton states.

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“As a new nurse, I attended ABA medical meetings and Phoenix Society’s World Burn Congress, both of which have shaped my perspective on the community,” Acton says. “The highlight of my time in my current role has been bringing organizations closer together to serve the long-term needs of those with burn injuries.”

“In a world of quick fixes, I consider myself more of a long-game type of person,” Acton continues. “While we have made strides, we must continue to work together to create a world where it is unacceptable to build a home or business without fire sprinklers, just as we now would not buy a car without seatbelts and airbags.”

Acton celebrates with her family after winning West Michigan Women’s award for “Social Change Agent.”

Survivor voices such as Rob Feeney’s, who survived the Station nightclub fire, have made a difference. The Phoenix Society provided training for Feeney to be an advocate for the Society and fire sprinklers. He has made presentations to many different groups over the years. Feeney worked with Society and other fire-prevention organizations to advocate on behalf of the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. He spoke to the Chattanooga, Tennessee City Council when they were considering a requirement to install fire sprinklers in night clubs. His powerful testimony about his experience and the death of his fiancé and two friends in The Station fire made such an impression that the measure passed by one vote—one member who was impacted by Feeney’s powerful testimony. Following the hearing, the Mayor of Chattanooga personally thanked Feeney for helping him protect the people in his city.

Making an Impact Within the Industry “Collaboration is, and always will be, a core value for Phoenix Society,” notes Acton. “Working with groups such as AFSA, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), and many of the manufacturers, contractors, sprinkler fitters, and fire service members has helped us build safer communities for our children. We envision a world where those with burn scars can walk down the street and be welcomed and engaged, just like anyone else in the community. Our partners help us make that a reality.”

The Phoenix Society has been close partners with NFPA for over 20 years, and Acton serves as first vice president of the NFPA board of directors. She also serves on the board of directors for the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) and has served on numerous American Burn Association (ABA) committees. In 2002, Acton was awarded the ABA Burn Prevention Award for her work promoting the survivor’s involvement in state-based, fire-safe cigarette legislation which was adopted in every state. In 2013, the ABA honored her again with its Curtis P. Artz Distinguished Service Award honoring her for her outstanding contributions in the burn care field. She also received West Michigan Women’s award for 14 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Personal Time In her free time, Acton loves spending time with her two children, and she also loves the great outdoors and cuddling up with a great book.

“My rock throughout my life has been my family,” Acton comments. “When I was burned in 1981, I was a teenager, and I could not have been more supported by each and every member of my family. At a young age, I realized it takes a team, and everyone around you brings something important to your individual success and healing journey. I am absolutely humbled and indebted to those who have been on my team throughout the years!”

Fire Sprinkler Advocate Award AFSA’s 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 life safety and property protection through the use of automatic sprinklers. Each year, AFSA’s Legislative Committee selects a recipient from a pool of nominations.

Their nomination is approved by the AFSA Board of Directors.

Darren Palmieri, residential category manager for Viking Corp., nominated Acton for the award.

“Amy has worked tirelessly for many years supporting burn survivors and advocating for burn prevention, including the expanded use of fire sprinklers,” states Palmieri. “I can’t think of a more deserving person to be honored with the 2019 Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award.”

“We at AFSA are all very proud to be able to honor Amy with our Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award,” comments AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Lodi, California. “Her dedication to the industry and advocacy for residential fire sprinklers as well as her dedication to helping burn victims is nothing short of remarkable. She is a leader in our industry and a true hero to many burn survivors.

Congratulations to her!”

“On behalf of all of us at AFSA, we are delighted to recognize Amy Acton for her long-term commitment to advocating for the installation and maintenance of fire sprinklers in order to save lives and protect property. From her own life-changing experience as a burn survivor to her ongoing work with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Amy exemplifies the qualities of a true leader

by sharing her story and encouraging the expansion of burn recovery services and resources for burn survivors and their loved ones,” says AFSA President & CEO Debra N. McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE. “Her service on a myriad of boards and committees, along with her willingness to speak out about the value of having fire sprinklers in both commercial and residential structures, provides a strong voice necessary to create greater awareness in support of our mission. We are grateful for her contributions.”

AFSA First Vice Chairman, At-Large Director, and Legislative Committee Chairman Ted Wills, Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania is proud to recognize Acton. “It will be my distinct honor to present Amy Acton with the AFSA Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award at AFSA38 in San Diego. Amy’s tireless efforts supporting fire sprinklers through her role as a board member at NFPA and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition and as executive director of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is proof of her belief in and dedication to home fire sprinklers.”

Lorraine Carli, Vice President, Outreach & Advocacy for NFPA and president of HFSC’s board of directors comments: “Amy is a credible, passionate advocate for home fire sprinklers. Not only does she personally understand the human impact of surviving a burn, she is a staunch promoter of fire and burn prevention as executive director of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, in her leadership position on the NFPA board of directors and in the many burnand fire-safety organizations of which she is a part. Amy has been able to galvanize the entire burn community to champion greater fire safety through sprinklers.”

HFSC’s Peg Paul, 2014 recipient of the Advocate of the Year award concurs. “What I admire most about Amy is her passion, whether you are talking to her one-on-one or listening to her talk to a crowd.

Her advocacy comes from her heart. She inspires so many people, especially from the burn community, who experience her passion and often follow her lead and become advocates.”

Acton will be presented with AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award during the general session at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition on Thursday, October 3 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California. To learn more about the schedule of events and register for AFSA38 visit http://www. firesprinkler.org/ AFSA38.

“I was shocked and humbled by this recognition,” comments Acton. “The work as an advocate in identifying, educating, and engaging the broader burn community members to promote a safer world has been a passion of mine. It is something I have been driven to do with other very passionate people in the fire safety community. It does not feel like work, but more of a calling.

Advocacy is a true team sport!”

Inspiring Others to Action Acton notes that a steady impact has already been made on the fire problem in the United States, citing published numbers from NFPA: 5,712 fire deaths per year during 1981-1985 versus 3,082 fire deaths per year during 2012-2016. But she says the work is far from done.

“Our focus must broaden to the global problem of fire and burn injuries. According to the World Health Organization, in 2004, more than 11 million people worldwide were burned severely enough to require medical attention. If the burn survivor community doesn’t care enough to address this issue, then who will? That is why we do our work.”

Acton notes that it is an honor to work with passionate and authentic people and support a cause that makes the world a better and safer place. “I will remain an advocate for fire and burn safety and will carry forth the teachings of this community until the day I leave this Earth,” Acton emphasizes. “My focus is to build a robust and top-notch team that will take Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors to the next level and continue long into the future. I may not always be the executive director, but I will always cheer for, engage with, and advocate on behalf of the burn survivor community. Once a survivor, always a survivor!” n EDITOR’S NOTE: The Society depends heavily on the support of those within and outside of the industry, both in monetary donations and in volunteering. Those who are interested in getting involved with Phoenix Society can visit phoenix-society.org/get-involved. To donate, visit phoenix-society.org/donate.

Do you know someone who should be nominated for AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award? If so, nominate them today!

AFSA is proud to announce that nominations for this award and other association awards can be done online at http://www.firesprinkler.org/ awards. The deadline is March 31 annually for consideration. Read more about this new online feature on page 57 of this issue.

Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award Recipients 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Dan Jones, Chapel Hill, NC Fire Chief John Vendetta, Hartford Fire Chief VJ Bella, Louisiana Fire Marshal Dennis Compton, Mesa, AZ Fire Marshal George Miller, National Fire Protection Association Jim Ford, Scottsdale, AZ Fire Department Gary Keith, National Fire Protection Association Jan Gratton, Fire & Life Safety Educator, Covina, California Fire Department Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) Meri-K Appy, Home Safety Council Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) Ron Hazelton, Home Improvement Expert Olin Greene, US Fire Administrator Jim Shannon, National Fire Protection Association Jeff Feid, State Farm Insurance Tonya Hoover, California State Fire Marshal William Barnard, Maryland State Fire Marshal Peg Paul, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Ed Van Walraven, Aspen, Colorado Fire Marshal Ed Altizer, Virginia State Fire Marshal Randy Miller, Camas, Washington Fire Marshal Richard Smith, Maryland State Firemen’s Association Amy Acton, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 15

Standpipes: Protecting Horizontal Pipe What are Laterals?

ROLAND J. HUGGINS, PE | American Fire Sprinkler Association

One of the aspects of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, that has been regularly edited over the last several cycles of the standard is the protection of piping against fire damage. This article will look at these changes with a particular focus on laterals. It will also limit the discussion to Class I standpipes.

The reason for this article is that although NFPA 14 is in pretty good shape, the driving force—that being the International Building Code (IBC)—is not yet as well defined. Let’s start with the portion of the IBC that addresses protection of the pipe.

Section 905.4.1 states: “Protection.

Risers and laterals of Class I standpipe systems not located within an interior exit stairway shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for vertical enclosures in the building in which they are located.”

There’s then an exception that states: “In buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, laterals that are not located within an interior exit stairway are not required to be enclosed within fireresistance-rated construction.” Seems simple enough except there’s no definition for lateral. IBC also directs us when no definitions are provided to do as follows: “ ... such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies... ” This is the same guidance provided by the NFPA standards except they take an additional step and state: “Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.” In checking 16 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Merriam-Webster, we’re told that a lateral means “a branch from the main part (as in an irrigation or electrical system).” This seems to support the text in the IBC commentary (the equivalent to the Sprinkler Handbook for NFPA 13) that define laterals as “ ... and laterals (i.e., the horizontal segments of standpipe system piping)… ” The problem, though, is that the definition states that it’s a pipe section from the main part (aka the standpipe) and parts of the system go to the main part such as feed mains. Before diving this deep into the nuances of the English language (which we code nerds are supposed to do), keep in mind that for many years the feed main was not required to be protected. Even more of a problem is that historically NFPA 14 had a specific use for the term lateral.

So, let’s now delve into the history of NFPA 14 regarding the protection of piping and this thing called a lateral.

In the 1978 edition of NFPA 14 (13 cycles or 41 years ago), all it said was: “3-3.2 Standpipes shall be so located that they are protected against mechanical and fire damage.” No guidance is given on what that applies to or how to accomplish it. Other interesting items are you could have a single standpipe in smaller buildings (the driving criteria was “… that all portions of the building are within 30 ft of the nozzle when attached to not more than a 100 ft hose”), the minimum pressure for a Class I system was 65 psi, and locating the standpipe in the exit stairway was a recommendation in the annex. The body of the standard simply says to place the hose station so it is conspicuous and not likely to be obstructed. The

only use of lateral was in the annex for this section where it stated: “A-4-1.1 Hose may be located at one side of the standpipe and supplied by short lateral connections to the standpipe where necessary to avoid obstructions.” In other words, it’s in the immediate area of the standpipe.

Let’s jump 18 years to the 1996 edition of NFPA 14. We’re now in more familiar country. There’s the placement within all required stairways (though it is interesting that the same annex material from the 1978 edition remains, saying they should be in stairways) along with adjacent to openings in horizontal exits. There’s also the now common 100 psi minimum pressure. Surprisingly, the 100-ft hose and 30-ft throw criterion is gone, having been replaced with a travel distance (though it lives on in the IBC so you must still be aware of it—but that’s a design issue). Feed mains (defined as: “that portion of standpipe system that supplies water to one or more standpipes”) and branch lines (defined as “a piping system, generally in a horizontal plane, connecting one or more hose connections with a standpipe”) have also been explicitly identified. It’s worth noting that branch line started as feeding more than one hose connection. More pertinent to the focus of this article is that explicit guidance on protection is provided.

Section 4-1.2.2. states: “Standpipes and lateral piping SUPPLIED BY standpipes shall be located in enclosed exit stairways or shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for enclosed exit stairways in the building in which they are located.”

Figure 1. NFPA 14 Table 6.1.2.2. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2016 edition. Copyright © 2015, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 14, please go to www.nfpa.org.

This requires just the standpipe (aka vertical risers) and the horizontal feeds to hose connections (as indicated by the capitalized phrase “supplied by”) to be protected. It’s interesting to note that this section did not use the new term branch line. There is also an exception when the building is sprinklered that lateral piping to 21/2-in. hose connections is not required to be protected. Allow me to emphasize that the feed main is not part of the system that required protection. Additionally, we now have two uses of the phrase lateral, as in lateral piping to hose connections and lateral connections to avoid obstructions.

The 2003 edition (as well as the 2007 edition) had the same protection requirements as the 1996 edition as well as the same use of the phrase lateral. There were two related items that did change. First off, the definition of standpipe heretofore just in the vertical orientation added that it can also refer to portions of horizontal pipe that are supplying two or more hose connections on the same level. Secondly, branch line was changed to its current usage of serving no more than one hose connection (obviously in response to the change to standpipe).

The 2010 edition is when things finally were comprehensively addressed.

Instead of saying just standpipes and lateral piping supplied by the standpipe, it covers all piping with section 6.1.2.2 stating: “Feed mains, stand-

pipes, horizontal standpipes, and branch lines supplied by standpipes shall be… ” (the rest of the paragraph is the same). (See Figure 1.) Finally, feed mains were required to be protected.

The term branch line was also finally used in place of lateral piping supplied by the standpipe (confirming this was indeed the intent of the phrase lateral piping). This now reduced the use of the term lateral only to the annex where it says lateral connections.

In the 2013 edition, although barely worth mentioning, the only change of note relates to the use of lateral. A new section 7.10.1.1.6* states: “Where lateral piping serves a single outlet, the minimum flow rate for the system shall be determined as if the outlet is being served from a separate standpipe.”

There is also new annex material and an associated figure where lateral is used another four times. I’m not sure why they reverted to the old phrase instead of saying branch line, but they did. As a design side note, this is a noteworthy clarification telling us that the hydraulic calculations can have 750 gpm in a single vertical standpipe.

Let’s now take the final look at changes that occurred in the 2016 edition (that includes the 2019 edition as well since the issues of interest remained the same). There was a rather significant expansion of variables affecting when and where protection shall be provided.

The first variable is whether or not the building is a high-rise. The second one

is the type of construction per the IBC (such as Class I). The long-standing variable of whether or not the building is sprinklered was retained. These variables are then applied to three different pipe groupings; these being standpipe, horizontal, and branch line.

There is a note that horizontal means a horizontal standpipe or horizontal portions of any standpipe such as feed mains. We can take this to mean all other horizontal pipe except for branch lines since that is individually listed.

Fortunately, this is nicely presented as table 6.1.2.2. An outcome of having building specific criteria is that in non-high-rise buildings, we are back to no longer protecting the feed main or any other horizontal pipe (including branch lines) even when the building is not sprinklered. There is one other useful change whereby one can now use listed fire wrap applied directly to the pipe. It’s interesting, though, that the hanger assembly doesn’t have to be protected. The use of the phrase lateral remained the same as the 2013 edition.

So, what needs to be protected and when? More importantly, do we have a conflict between the IBC and NFPA 14? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Let’s start with where and when to protect the pipe. The bad news is that it is ambiguous in using laterals as a noun (and that it isn’t defined). This implies that all horizontal pipe is protected. More bad news is that the commentary to the IBC leaps to this non-supported conclusion. This Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 17

matches the criteria of the 2013 edition of NFPA 14. Let’s shift the discussion to the term laterals (that clearly is an outdated term) so as to better define what is the likely intent.

NFPA 14 uses lateral as an adjective describing applicable nouns as in lateral piping and lateral connection.

As far back as 1978 it used lateral connections as short sections of pipe in the immediate vicinity of the standpipe where the hose connection is not connected immediately on the standpipe (so to make it more accessible).

The more extensively used phrase of lateral piping supplied by the standpipe has always been understood to mean to a hose connection outside the stairway. It has been used within the industry as a noun where we say the lateral to the hose connection. Its use in this fashion was mostly converted to the term branch line. It was definitely clear enough to show this was indeed its common use definition. As such, the literal requirement for protection by the IBC applies only to branch lines and not feed mains. Such a literal

application is not a good idea for all cases but is critical for any discussion on what is actually required. Keep in mind that NFPA 14 did not require the protection of feed mains until the 2010 edition. There were two NFPA 14 editions that required all horizontal pipe to be protected. That changed with the two latest editions having appropriately included the type of construction on dictating when to protect horizontal pipe. A final item that could also create an interpretation issue is how to protect the pipe. The IBC starts by saying a certain degree of fire resistance is required for protection. It then states in the exception allowing no protection when the building is sprinklered, that the pipe is not required to be enclosed in fire-rated construction. This strongly implies that the base requirement is meaning construction (also the commonly understood means to provide the protection). The issue is that NFPA 14 now allows the fire-rated requirement to be accomplished using a listed fire wrap or other insulating material. In

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reality, this last one is simply a means for the contractor to do something when the engineer of record misses addressing it in the initial building permit phase.

In conclusion, although there are currently some conflicts, they fortunately should be readily resolvable since it appears the IBC is simply stuck in the 2013 edition of NFPA 14. The fact that there has been some very reasonable evolution over the last two editions of NFPA 14 should be viewed by all as desirable. It also helps that the conflicts do not appear to be intentionally different (like with NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, and balconies before the 2013 edition). If you’re responsible for addressing the issue of protection of the standpipe piping or attempting to define a process on how your company will treat it, ensure you have a discussion with the applicable Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roland J. Huggins, PE is the senior vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA).

He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and registered in Fire Protection Engineering.

He is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Huggins has served on the NFPA Standards Council and is a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13 Correlating Committee, NFPA 13 Discharge Criteria, and NFPA 5000 (Building Code) Correlating Committee. NFPA activities have included participating on the editing of the Sprinkler Handbook and the Fire Protection Handbook. Other national activities involve the NFPA Research Foundation, UL Standard Technical Panels, and NICET. He has conducted many seminars and presentations as well as written numerous sprinkler-related articles. 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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Stuart Weeks Named 2019 Young Professional of the Year Designer Dedicated to Education and Expansion of Industry REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Stuart Weeks may have fallen into the fire sprinkler industry by chance, but it’s no accident that he’s excelled here.

Stuart Weeks, the 39-year-old design manager at American Fire Protection Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina and president of the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association (SCFSA), has a passion for fire protection that knows no bounds and that passion has paid off in a big way.

Weeks began in the fire sprinkler industry in January of 2000 when he took a job at Worsham Sprinkler completely by chance. But that was just the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship with the industry as Weeks trained and now holds a NICET Level IV certification and works as design manager for American Fire Protection, Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina. In addition to this achievement, Weeks has demonstrated his dedication to building community, supporting the merit shop contractor and furthering industry education by serving as president of the SCFSA. For these reasons: dedication to education and expanding the fire sprinkler industry and the association, AFSA is pleased to announce that Weeks has been elected by a panel of his peers on the NextGen Initiative as the recipient of AFSA’s 2019 Young Professional of the Year award. The award highlights the efforts of a young and talented fire protection professional, who is under 40 and demonstrates exemplary technical, professional, and inclusive leadership skills not only in their own businesses but also at a national level. The fourth annual award will be presented during the general session at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California.

It Started With a Bulletin Board Weeks got his start in the fire sprinkler industry in an unconventional manner.

He recalls: I was in technical college for engineering and drafting, and over Christmas break, I was looking for a job.” He chuckles as he continues: “You know those signs on bulletin boards you can pull the tabs off of? I pulled down a tab that advertised jobs through the administration building.” He continues: “So I headed over, and when I talked with a counselor, there were two postings available— one at a sprinkler company and one at a truss manufacturer.

I applied for both, and the sprinkler company called me back first.” Worsham (now VSC) offered him a position as a design trainee which set Weeks up with a solid start that 20 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

SCFSA Executive Director Taylor Young (left) and Weeks (right) lead the day’s events during an SCFSA side-by-side burn demonstration.

would spark a lifetime passion. He received training in design from the company and worked his way from designer to design manager (being the youngest to hold the title at the company at age 25). During this time, Weeks also focused on expanding his knowledge of the industry by working up to a NICET Level III certification. In 2010, Weeks decided to make a career move to work for American Fire Protection, Inc., Greenville, South Carolina, where he has worked ever since as a design manager while now also holding a Level IV NICET certification.

Weeks notes that his passion for the industry extends to all facets of his work and that the ever-changing work to-do list is one of the things that fuels his passion for the industry. That, in turn, encourages him to recruit more to join him. He cites loving “every aspect, from meeting clients, designing systems, meeting customers, and being part of an industry dedicated to life safety.” He also mentions that he finds this line of work extremely rewarding and that the small, niche the fire sprinkler community makes it feel more comfortable and more specialized, giving him a sense of expertise he feels he might not find in other lines of work.

Service in South Carolina Weeks began to search for ways to extend this passion beyond the office. His desire

Weeks (in safety vest) and Nikki Ray, SCFSA vice president, (far left) were honored to represent SCFSA and present a $4,400 donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children from proceeds from the association’s Catfish Tournament.

SCFSA members raised $5,000 for Lung Force during its “Pull for a Cure” clay shoot tournament. From l to r: Stuart Weeks, a representative from Lung Force, Nikki Ray, and Taylor Young.

and drive to be involved and do more extended beyond just his day-to-day, which is how he became involved with the SCFSA. With a gentle push from his boss and mentor Douglas Greer, SET, Weeks began to attend chapter meetings for SCFSA. Weeks recalls at first meetings were intimidating. “All the attendees were business owners who I didn’t really know and seemed to have it all together.” He continues: “But I attended for over a year and just got to know people over time. I started off just listening at each meeting until I felt comfortable enough to share my own thoughts. Then I started chiming in like a regular.” This growth and willingness to speak up led to Weeks being approached to become a board member for the chapter, and after another year, he became the education committee chairmanship. The following year he was serving as vicechair for the chapter finally culminating in his election to president, a position he still holds today.

enthusiasm. He divulged that he is “already working on setting classes set up for an August seminar week,” and beyond that is looking for new ways to expand regional offerings from the chapter to create bigger, better, and previously unseen seminars, presentations, conventions and more, even hoping to collaborate with other chapters in the area. And his work doesn’t stop there. Weeks is also actively pouring countless hours into working with the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office to see a change in the South Carolina Sprinkler Act. He and the group he works with are working to build a better relationship with the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office to improve the plan review process for fire sprinkler shop drawings to benefit the fire sprinkler contractors in the area.

Being president of the SCFSA is a tall order for anyone, but it is also a task that Weeks approaches with excitement and

Through his time with his chapter working on projects like relationship building with the state fire marshal’s office as well as the more mundane tasks like organizing chapter meetings, he feels being a part of the chapter (as both a member and a leader) really fosters a sense of family in such a

SCFSA had a huge turnout for its Catfish Tournament on March 16, 2019, benefitting The Shriners Hospital for Children.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 21

Weeks takes his turn during the association’s first “Pull for a Cure” Clay Shoot, benefiting the American Lung Association Lung Force.

Weeks (center) presents Ron Parker (far left) and Jake Gilstrap (far right) with last place awards for SCFSA’s catfish tournament.

niche industry. He mentions his excitement at having had the opportunity to meet people all throughout the region near South Carolina and even nationally and that in meeting these people he’s found a network he truly feels he can rely on instead of constantly feeling that he’s in competition with those around him. Weeks cites that chapter involvement has given him an opportunity to get close to his peers in the local industry and see them as friends and partners whom he can call on for help and advice when it is needed and is glad to be able to provide the same in return in an industry that is frequently driven more by competition.

This year, AFSA NGI’s focus is to help young people get started on career paths in an array of craft and technology roles involved in fire prevention which ties in well with Weeks’ adamant belief that everyone in the industry could use a mentor, and those with experience could also really benefit from taking on a mentee. To learn more about the newly-launched mentoring program and take Weeks’ advice for yourself, visit www.firesprinkler.org/mentor.

Meet and Mentor Another big takeaway Weeks shared from his time in the industry is the need and importance of a mentor. Weeks comments that his own mentor Greer has not only mentored him in business but also in his life. He emphasizes that having a mentor “took me from someone who designs fire sprinkler systems to someone who understands the intricacies of this business, AFSA, and even legislation.” Weeks mentions a need to learn from those who came before him to teach, but also a need to reach out to those younger than yourself to get them interested and excited in the industry.

The feeling goes both ways, it seems, as Greer had nothing but glowing things to say about his mentee, Weeks. “He gives what it takes to obtain the best in any task he goes after,” cites Greer. “I appreciate his dedication to the fire sprinkler and fire protection industry.”

With such a glowing review of mentorship, Weeks also encourages anyone starting out in the industry to seek out a mentor, and even mentioning the recently launched AFSA NextGen Initiative (NGI) mentoring program which aims to pair young people in the industry with more established industry experts. He acknowledges: “The future of the industry is NextGen and the sooner we get them involved, the better or there won’t be a future for the industry.”

22 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Recognizing Dedication Weeks is “honored to receive the award,” citing that up until now “[the work] has been a labor of love. It’s all volunteer work on my own time, so getting recognition like this for the hard work that’s been put in—especially on a national stage—is very humbling.”

Weeks is also sure to mention that “I couldn’t do all the work I do without those I work with including Taylor Young, executive director of SCFSA, and Nikki Ray, vice president of the SCFSA.” He also emphasizes, “I want to thank my wife, Kim because she is the one that is having to sacrifice time away from me while I pursue these passions.”

He continues: “I really couldn’t do all that I do without her support of all these projects I’m passionate about.”

Nikki Ray, president of RayCo Fire Protection, Easley, South Carolina, and vice president of SCFSA, returned Weeks’ praise saying: “Stuart Weeks is an amazing leader in our industry. He exemplifies what it is to be a young professional. He is always looking for opportunities to educate, expand and, grow not only the SCFSA but the entire fire sprinkler industry. He is one of the best in our industry. My husband Grant Ray and I not only call on him for industry questions, but we have also developed a friendship with him and his wife, Kim. That’s what is so awesome about AFSA is the lifelong friendships that develop. Grant and I are so proud of Stuart’s award and all that he has accomplished. He is the most deserving recipient that we are proud to call our friend.”

Ray isn’t the only one who was extremely enthusiastic to hear about Weeks’ win, though. Joshua Leonhardt, president of Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, Inc in Huntersville, North Carolina nominated Weeks this year and was ecstatic to hear about his win. Leonhardt recalls: “I first met Stuart several years ago at the Carolinas Chapter’s AFSA convention in Myrtle Beach. At the time, I was still a young professional in the industry myself, and I was immediately impressed with Stuart. He is extremely talented, knowledgeable, and devoted to our industry. His commitment to SCFSA and AFSA humbles me and serves as a personal reminder that we can always do a little more to advance our cause. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate this year, and I am proud to be associated with Stuart and everything he’s helped accomplish for our industry.”

“On behalf of all of us at AFSA, we extend our congratulations to Stuart on being named ‘Young Professional of the Year,’” said Nicole Duvall, director of communications & social media and staff liaison to the NextGen Initiative.

“For anyone who knows Stuart and has worked with him, this latest achievement comes as no surprise. Stuart exhibits all the characteristics and drive necessary for a successful career, as well as having a passion for fire sprinklers. He is very deserving of this honor.”

This year sees the fourth annual Young Professional of the Year award—awarded by AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NGI).

For four years, AFSA’s NGI has been on a mission to recognize the outstanding talent and achievements of young professionals in the fire sprinkler industry. These young professionals aged 40 and under can be described by a variety of adjectives—movers and shakers, innovators; but by all definitions, NGI’s Young Professional of Year award winners are most recognized for how they shape the business landscape with their passion and sense of community.

The award also seeks to promote the emergence of young, talented professionals and inspire companies to invest even more in the development and excellence of the profession.

The fourth annual Young Professional of the Year award will be presented to Weeks during the general reception on Thursday, October 3 at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in San Diego, California. For more details on AFSA, its NextGen Initiative, or AFSA38, be sure to visit firesprinkler.org. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you know someone who should be nominated for AFSA’s Young Professional of the Year award? If so, nominate them today! AFSA is proud to announce that nominations for this award and other association awards can be done online at http:// www.firesprinkler.org/awards. The deadline is March 31 annually for consideration. Read more about this new online feature on page 57 of this issue.

Hunter Brendle Honorable Mention AFSA’s NextGen Initiative is pleased to announce that Hunter Brendle is the 2019 Honorable Mention winner for the Young Professional of the Year (YPY) award. Brendle is vice president of Brendle Sprinkler Company in Montgomery, Alabama, which was started by his grandfather in 1960.

“I was very surprised and taken aback to receive this award,” comments Brendle. “You don’t think of yourself in that category.”

Brendle is currently president of the Alabama Fire Sprinkler Association and serves on AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NGI) . He also serves on board for the Tony Bice Memorial Golf Tournament which has raised over a million dollars for Alabama burn care facilities.

Cliff Whitfield, SET, president of Fire Design, Inc., Burnsville, North Carolina, nominated Brendle. “I’ve known and worked with Hunter for many years and I can’t think of a finer young man who would be a great representative of what the future of our industry has in store,” comments Whitfield. “Hunter has grown up in the sprinkler business and has earned the respect of his co-workers and peers by working his way ‘up the ladder’ and not just given the reins because it was his family’s business. From being a grunt to working in the fabrication shop, working in the field with the fitters as he worked his way through a four-year degree at Auburn University–Montgomery, estimating, project managing, and now running the company, Hunter has done it all. I myself have been in the industry for around 35 years, so I’ve definitely seen many folks come and go. Hunter will continue to be an asset to our industry for many years to come.”

Brendle acknowledges his parents for his involvement. “I’m like many out there who have a similar background—being raised within the industry. When I decided to pursue a career in fire protection with my father’s company, I had to prove I deserved to be there. My dad has always been involved with AFSA and encouraged me to be involved as well.”

Brendle continues: “If you’ve thought about getting involved in AFSA, just do one thing like attend the convention,” says Brendle. “I know you are busy, but you will meet so many people and find out they’re the same as you with similar issues. Just that one event—attending convention seminars, learning about the latest products, and networking with peers—helps me be my best and provide the best to our employees and customers.”

Brendle and his wife Bethany have one son and two daughters: Fischer, Avonlea, and Archer. Brendle is also involved in his community, making time to coach youth sports and teach a Sunday School class.

“My wife always says that I can’t say no,” Brendle jokes. “I just love this industry and the people in it.”

AFSA commends Brendle on all he has done for the industry and congratulates him on this recognition!

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 23

Exhibit Hall Extravaganza AFSA38 Features Products and Services From Around the Globe The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 38th Annual Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition (AFSA38) is pleased to offer the largest display of fire sprinkler products and services in the country! Come to the California coast and visit with the top fire sprinkler industry manufacturers and suppliers October 1-4 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. This year’s event will feature a packed exhibit hall and 39 technical and managerial seminars, the 26th Annual National Apprentice Competition, fun-filled optional tours, and entertaining social gatherings.

Exhibit Hall Excitement Visit with companies worldwide as AFSA38’s exhibition showcases innovative products and services for the fire sprinkler industry. Leading manufacturers and suppliers will present the latest technology during two exhibit hall sessions: the ever-popular Exhibition Grand Opening Reception on Thursday, October 3 from 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. and the unopposed Exhibit Hall afternoon Friday, October 4 from 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

The Exhibition Grand Opening Reception is the most anticipated event at AFSA’s annual convention. AFSA Chairman of the Board

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24 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, California, will host the reception and will offer the first look at this year’s exhibits.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served as you visit with manufacturers and suppliers.

The next afternoon, the hall will open once again to attendees. The National Apprentice Competition sprinkler installation practical test will take place in the hall during this time and convention goers will be able to watch as the top seven apprentices cut, thread, and install a steel and plastic pipe system with sprinklers. Judges will perform a pressure test on each system and calculate points earned in this phase of the competition. You will have the opportunity to watch this live competition to the end and decide for yourself who you think the judges will deem most successful.

Then join AFSA Friday night as we crown the apprentice competition champion with an exclusive party at SeaWorld San Diego—a night of fun that includes dinner, drinks, music, and rides! Jump in a jet-helicopter flight simulator over the breathtaking, perilous, icy landscapes of the Arctic Circle en route to Base Station Wild Arctic where you will meet penguins, walruses, and beluga whales. Jump on the tallest and fastest roller coaster in SeaWorld San Diego’s history, the Electric Eel, dropping from heights of 150 feet while getting boosted 60 mph forwards and backward through looping twists and an inverted heartline roll. This is one celebration you don’t want to miss!

Tour Time Adding to the excitement of AFSA38 are several optional tours. Something is offered for everyone: foodies, nature enthusiasts, beer aficionados, and sightseers will all enjoy the beauty of San Diego and the amazing things the city has to offer.

Brew It and They Will Come Offered October 1, this tour takes you to the cutting edge of San Diego’s vibrant craft beer culture. Personally guided by a well-known San Diego-based craft beer author, you will visit two award-winning breweries for a close-up look at the actual beer process. This walking excursion in downtown San Diego stops at Stone on Kettner, San Diego’s largest and most influential craft brewery, twice voted “The Best Brewery of All Time.” Guests will enjoy tasting flights of four beers from an ever-changing list of core beers, rare offerings, and special releases. Also on the tour will be Karl Strauss, San Diego County’s original microbrewery, producing classic styles based on the traditions of its first brewmaster, Karl Strauss from Munich. Enjoy a flight of four World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival award-winning beers. Along the way, you’ll see first hand why San Diego has become the craft beer capital of America.

View sea lions, harbor seals, sea caves, and tide pools during the La Jolla Via Electric Bike tour on October 2.

Sail the seas and enjoy the California coastline from the Adventuress, a 60-ft catamaran, on October 4.

La Jolla Via Electric Bike If you are looking for something fresh and exciting, then this electric bike tour on October 2 will be a fun experience riding through the La Jolla Beach scene. This tour is for those that are seeking a chilled-out ride showcasing coastal La Jolla and Pacific Beach at its best. You will begin with an orientation in the park, and when everyone is comfortable, you’ll head through the Birdrock neighborhoods of La Jolla. The La Jolla Bike Path will take you north, with gorgeous views of the ocean. As you head to the coast, you will make a stop to check out playful sea lions, dramatic sea caves, harbor seals, and tide pools.

Along the way, your guide provides the inside scoop on La Jolla’s

exclusive and luxurious neighborhoods. Then you’ll follow the coast down to WindanSea Beach, famous from early Beach Boys videos, where San Diego’s most elite surfers come to play.

Elegance Under Sail With 34 miles of scenic waterfront, catamaran sailing in San Diego has so much to offer with the rugged cliffs of Pt. Loma and its historic lighthouses, the beautiful skyline of downtown and charming Seaport Village, the Maritime Museum with one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, and the elegant Coronado Bridge. Enjoy peaceful time on the water and relax onboard the Adventuress, a gorgeous 60-ft sailing catamaran.

AFSA38 Exhibitors (as of June 4, 2019)

ACME Fire Sprinklers – DUYAR VALVE AS, Esenyurt - Istanbul, Turkey AGF Manufacturing, Inc., Malvern, PA American Backflow Products Co., Tallahassee, FL American Fire Sprinkler Association, Dallas, TX Anvil International LLC, Exeter, NH ARGCO, Carlsbad, CA Armstrong Pumps Inc., North Tonawanda, NY ASCO Power Tech/Firetrol Brand Products, Cary, NC Backflow Direct, Rancho Cordova, CA BlazeMaster® Fire Sprinkler Systems, Brecksville, OH Blue River Underwriters, Irving, TX BuildingReports, Suwanee, GA Bull Moose Tube Company, Chesterfield, MO Center for Life Safety Education, Dallas, TX Cla-Val Company, Costa Mesa, CA Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc., Cincinnati, OH Core & Main Fire Protection, St. Louis, MO Croker Division: Fire-End & Croker Corp., Elmsford, NY CST Storage, Kansas City, MO Driven Fire Consultants, Sioux Falls, SD Dyne Fire Protection Labs, Woodbury, MN EasyFlex, Inc., Garden Grove, CA Eaton, Highland, IL Eaton Industries Company, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada Elco Construction Products, Decorah, IA Elkhart Brass, Elkhart, IN Engineered Corrosion Solutions, St. Louis, MO Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Newport News, VA

Fire Tech Productions, Inc., Centerville, OH General Air Products, Inc., Exton, PA Global Vision, Inc., Osseo, MN Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, MI Guardian Fire Equipment, Inc., Miami, FL Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, Frankfort, IL Hydratec, Inc., Windham, NH JG Innovations, Inc., Janesville, WI Job Gmbh, Ahrensburg, Hamburg, Germany Johnson Controls, Indianapolis, IN Kennedy Valve, Horseheads, NY Loos & Company, Inc., Naples, FL MEP Cad, Henderson, NV Metraflex Company, Chicago, IL Milwaukee Valve Co., Inc., New Berlin, WI National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Quincy, MA National Construction Workforce, Indianapolis, IN National Institute for Certification (NICET), Alexandria, VA National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), Alachua, FL Noble Company, Grand Haven, MI nVent CADDY, Solon, OH Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK Pace Machinery Group, Inc., Wasco, IL Pace Supply Corp., Rohnert Park, CA Patterson Pump Company, Toccoa, GA Peerless Pump Company, Indianapolis, IN Pentair, Solon, OH Pentair Flow Technologies, North Aurora, IL Permabond Engineering Adhesive, Somerset, NJ

Polymer Molding, Inc., Erie, PA Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, MO Potter Roemer, City of Industry, CA Reed Manufacturing Company, Erie, PA Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., Elmsford, NY Ridge Tool Company, (Emerson), Elyria, OH School of Fire Protection, Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Senju Sprinkler, Irvine, CA SericeTrade, Inc., Durham, NC Sigma Piping Products, Houston, TX Smith-Cooper International, Commerce, CA SOLBERG-Perimeter Solutions, Green Bay, WI South-Tek Systems, Wilmington, NC Spears Manufacturing Company, Sylmar, CA SPP Pumps, Inc., Norcross, GA Sprinkler Innovations, Seabrook, NH System Sensor/Honeywell Security and Fire, St. Charles, IL Talco Fire Systems, Portland, OR The Hose Monster Company, Lake Zurich, IL The Metraflex Company, Chicago, IL TLX Technologies, LLC, Tornatech, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada Underwriters Laboratories (UL), LLC, Northbrook, IL United Brass Works, Inc., Randleman, NC Victaulic, Easton, PA Viking Group, Inc., Hastings, MI Watts/Ames Fire & Waterworks, North Andover, MA Wheatland Tube Company, a div. of JMC Steel Group, Sharon, PA Zurn Wilkins, Paso Robles, CA

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 25

Visit the Hotel del Coronado and learn all Coronado Island has to offer on October 3 during the Coronado Island tour.

Cruising around the San Diego harbor, you will see sea lions, exotic birds, and a variety of marine life. Catamarans are extremely stable with dual hulls, offering speed, comfort and fun—you won’t even know you’re on the water! On October 4, consider leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to explore a beautiful and dramatic stretch of California coastline.

Coronado Island Take a leisurely, guided stroll through this playground of presidents and princes on October 3. Beginning at one of the most stately mansions, you will see the home of John D. Spreckels, a wealthy man who founded a transportation and real estate empire in San Diego; the cottage of the Duchess of Windsor; the home where the Wizard of Oz was inspired; and the magnificent Hotel del Coronado. A living legend for 131 years, The “Del” celebrates its rich heritage as the proud host to iconic celebrities, royalty, and beach-loving families through timeless experiences that resonate with modern-day guests. You will pass the site of old Tent City and the castles and cottages that line one of the nation’s most beautiful beaches. Guests will experience a Hotel Del guided tour, bringing life to the resort’s rich heritage, local legends, and most notorious phantom Kate Morgan. The in-depth, docent-led walking tour includes the Victorian building and gardens and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look. Following the tour guests will have some free time to enjoy Coronado at their leisure.

Headquarter Hotel AFSA38 will be headquartered at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego near downtown. A room block has also been reserved at the Embassy Suites downtown.

Both hotels offer added benefits for convention attendees reserving within the AFSA room block including free networking meals and internet. The cut-off date for room reservations at both hotels is August 30, 2019. After this cut-off date, AFSA attendees are not guaranteed the discounted group rate.

Discover the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Southern California when you stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This convenient hotel near downtown San Diego offers a spectacular 26 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

waterfront resort-like setting, complete with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. Relax and soak up the sun at one of two rooftop pools. Maintain fitness routines with Hyatt’s complimentary fitness center. Choose from eight onsite dining options.

The AFSA group rate for the Manchester Grand Hyatt is $255 per night plus tax for a standard single/double room and $290 per night plus tax for a premium bay-view single/double room.

In addition to the Manchester Grand Hyatt, AFSA has secured a room block at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay. Located across from AFSA38 headquarters at Seaport Village, this all-suite hotel is just blocks from the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Make yourself at home in one of the spacious two-room suites. Stay productive at the business center, work out in the fitness center, and relax in the heated indoor pool. The AFSA group rate for this hotel for a standard single/double room is $239 per night plus tax.

Join Us in San Diego! Mark your calendars and be sure to register before the regular registration deadline of August 30, 2019.

After that date, registration prices will increase. Visit https://www. firesprinkler.org/AFSA38 now for all convention details, to register, and to reserve your hotel. We can’t wait to see you there! n EDITOR’S NOTE: For companies who would like to get in on the excitement, there may still be exhibit space available. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact AFSA’s Vice President of Program Operations & Education Services Marlene Garrett as soon as possible via phone (214) 349-5965 ext. 118 or email mgarrett@firesprinkler.org to discuss availability.

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

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High-Rise Standpipe Design A Case History RICHARD B. ALPERT, PE | Clark Nexsen

In my previous standpipe article (see the July/August 2016 issue of Sprinkler Age), I discussed the following issues in standpipe system design: 1. When are standpipes required and what are the installation requirements?

2. What type of standpipe system is required?

3. Where are the required hose outlets located?

4. What is the required pressure at the hose outlet(s)?

5. What is the required flow rate of the system?

6. What are the requirements for the Fire Department Connection (FDC)?

7. Which outlets are flowed in a hydraulic calculation?

8. How is the fire department apparatus defined and used in a hydraulic calculation?

STAIR 4

STAIR 5

The subject project consists of an addition to an existing high-rise residential building. The existing building (phase 1) is 17 stories with a height of approximately 174 ft. The addition (phase 2) will consist of a 24-story tower with a height of approximately 262 ft.

As is common in high-rise building design there is no programmed 13th floor in either tower. The first three 28 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

STAIR 2A

STAIR 3

STAIR 6

STAIR 7

PHASE 2 BUILDING AREA 24TH FLOOR

13TH - 23RD FLOOR

12TH FLOOR

11TH FLOOR

6TH - 10TH FLOOR

5TH FLOOR

HIGH PRESSURE ZONE

4TH FLOOR

LOW PRESSURE ZONE

TO FLOOR SPRINKLER SYSTEM (TYPICAL)

EXISTING PHASE 1 STANDPIPE AND SPRINKLER SYSTEM

3RD FLOOR TO SECOND FLOOR GARAGE DRY PIPE SYSTEM

2ND FLOOR

FDC BFP FDC

PRV SET AT 175 PSI 1ST FLOOR

TO STREET MAIN

In this article I will address issues 2-6 and how they were addressed in a high-rise project currently under design.

The project is being designed under the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) 2012 edition which is an amendment to the 2012 edition of the International Building Code. As referenced in Chapter 35 of the VUSBC, the applicable version of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, is the 2010 edition. All further references will be to the 2010 edition unless noted.

STAIR 1

ROOF

PHASE 1 BUILDING AREA

FIRE PUMP ASSEMBLY

HIGH PRESSURE ZONE

TO FIRST FLOOR GARAGE DRY PIPE SYSTEM

LOW PRESSURE ZONE

Figure 1. System Riser Diagram.

stories of the addition consist of expanded parking and amenities levels with an approximate area of 80,000 ft2 per story.

The fourth through 22nd floors of the tower consist of residential units and the 23rd and 24th levels are mechanical spaces, each with an approximate area of 15,000 ft2. The first through fourth floors each have six required stairways, the fifth floor has three, and the sixth through 24th floors each have two. The existing main entrance on phase 1 will be maintained and a new “main” entrance for phase 2 will be provided.

What Type of Standpipe System is Required? As discussed in my previous article, because a high-rise building is required to be provided with automatic sprinkler protection, a Class I standpipe system is permitted. NFPA 14 section 5.4.1.2 requires that the standpipe system in high-rise buildings to be

automatic or semi-automatic. So, to meet NFPA and VUSBC requirements a Class I automatic standpipe system was designed for the building.

Where are the Required Hose Outlets Located? For Class I standpipe systems, section 905.4.1 of the VUSBC requires an outlet at the intermediate floor level landing between floors in all “required” exit stairways.

Under the provisions of the building code, an exit stairway that is designed as an egress path and is provided with signage designating it as an exit is a “required” exit regardless if it is required or not due to travel distance limitations.

As permitted by the same section of the VUSBC, the fire code official is permitted to allow the outlets to be located at the main landings in lieu of the intermediate landings. During design meetings with the fire marshal to review building

plans and fire protection requirements, the design team was directed to locate the outlets at the main stairway landings. One of the tower exit stairways extends to the roof and the standpipe in that stairway extends to the highest landing to provide a hose outlet on the landing. This outlet satisfies the requirement in section 905.4.5 of the VUSBC for a single outlet that serves the roof.

What is the Required Flow Rate of the System? My previous article detailed the methodology for determining the required flow rate of the standpipe system. Basically, NFPA 14 requires that the hydraulically remote standpipe flow a minimum of 250 gpm at the highest outlet and an additional 250 gpm from the next highest outlet.

Each additional standpipe is required to flow 250 gpm to a maximum of 1,000 gpm for buildings protected with an automatic sprinkler system. For the sixth through 24th floors a total flow rate of 750 gpm was required due to the two standpipes, one in each exit stairway. As can be seen on the system riser diagram in Figure 1, the first through fourth floors are provided with six exit stairways and the fifth floor is provided with three exit stairways, with each stairway containing a standpipe.

Therefore, these floors have a required flow rate of 1,000 gpm.

What is the Required Pressure at the Hose Outlet(s) The VUSBC section requires a minimum residual design pressure of 100 psi at the most remote 21/2-in. outlet on a Class I system. Based on the floor plan of the building, this would require that the remote outlet on the 24th floor main stairway landing maintain a residual pressure of 100 psi. To attain this pressure at the required flow rate would result in a residual pressure of approximately 210 psi on the first level based on elevation head alone. This pressure is above the 175 psi working pressure of the standard components of a standpipe or sprinkler system. To account for the required residual pressure at the 24th floor while maintaining a pressure below 175 psi on the lower floors a two-zone (low pressure and high pressure) system

utilizing a single fire pump was designed for the building. This system is a modification to the one detailed in NFPA 14 figure A.7.1.(b) shown in Figure 2.

Starting with the design parameter that a maximum working pressure of 175 psi was permitted on the system components a calculation was completed to determine how high (which floor) could be supplied from the low-pressure system starting with 175 psi at the first floor (ground level). Using an elevation loss of 0.434 psi/ft and approximately 30 psi friction

loss through the system it was determined that the low-pressure system could supply the required 100 psi residual pressure to the first through 11th floors. The high-pressure system was then designed to supply the 12th through 24th floors.

The final fire pump rating of 750 gpm at 215 psi was based on meeting the standpipe system pressure demand of 100 psi at the hose outlet on the 24th floor while also meeting the flow requirement of 1,000 gpm for the lower five floors. To supply this demand while not over pressurizing the low-pressure zone, a

Figure 2. NFPA 14 Figure A.7.1.(b). Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2010 edition. Copyright Š 2009, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 14, please go to www.nfpa.org.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 29

Figure 3. NFPA 14 Figure A.7.2.4. Dual pressure-regulating device arrangement. Reproduced with permission of NFPA from NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2010 edition. Copyright © 2009, National Fire Protection Association. For a full copy of NFPA 14, please go to www.nfpa.org.

pressure-regulating valve assembly was designed into the building standpipe supply and located in the building fire pump room after the fire pump assembly and prior to the fire department connections. The assembly followed the extensive requirements of NFPA 14 section 7.2.4 and figure A.7.2.4 as shown in Figure 3. The fire pump test header is located on the exterior wall of the fire pump room. The header is provided with four 2½-in. outlets in lieu of the three that are required under NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, for a pump rated at 750 gpm as it also serves as the backflow preventer test header.

The option of designing the system by locating a pressure regulating device at each sprinkler system floor control valve assembly and standpipe connection on the lower pressure system in lieu of one assembly in the fire pump room was discussed during the project design stage but was not selected as multiple pressure regulating devices within the building was considered to be a maintenance and testing burden by the owner.

What are the Requirements for the Fire Department Connection? With the building now having two “main entrances” and separate but connected towers with independent standpipe systems, the fire marshal was concerned that responding apparatus may stage at the “wrong” entrance. To address this issue, each tower was 30 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

designed with two separate fire department connections that would supply each tower. Signage at each of the connections will direct the fire department as to which tower standpipe system that FDC serves. Each new FDC that serves the new tower is provided with four inlets per the requirements of NFPA 14 section 7.12.3 of one inlet for each 250 gpm of design flow. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rick Alpert is a senior fire protection engineer with Clark Nexsen, Inc., an architectural and engineering firm, in its Virginia Beach, Virginia office. He has over 35 years of experience in the design, construction management, and commissioning of public, private and commercial projects including projects for high-rise residential and office buildings. In addition to his engineering career Alpert has been involved with the volunteer fire service for over 43 years and has served in many leadership positions within local fire departments including those of vice president and chief. He holds several national certifications including ICC Building Plans Reviewer and Pro Board Fire Officer II. 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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What Does an Association Do for the Industry?

The Importance of Committees MEAGHEN WILLS | Anchor Fire Protection

If you read Nikki Ray’s article in the last edition of Sprinkler Age, you were given a great example of what it means to be an active member of an association—our association—the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Being an active member can have several different meanings: attending your local chapter meetings, being on your local chapter board, attending the convention, or being involved on the national level with the committees or the Board of Directors. How do you want to be involved?

The AFSA national committees are the base of our association.

With the help of AFSA staff, a lot happens that our members don’t see. Let’s explore what happens with our quarterly meetings. To start, we have an extensive list of meetings that we somehow manage to squeeze into two days: Apprenticeship & Education, Budget & Finance, Bylaws, Chapter Grants, CLSE (Center for Life Safety and Education), Contractor Support & Advisory, Convention, Convention Site Selection, Insurance and Safety, Legislative, Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council, Membership & Chapter Development, NextGen Initiative, Nominating, Past Chairs, and Public Education & Awareness.

Each committee is comprised of contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers who volunteer their time to further our industry and association. We could probably write a book if we got into the details of each one, so I’ll highlight some of the projects that have come out of this hard work that I think really encompass AFSA. The Apprenticeship & Education (A&E) Committee oversees AFSA training, education, and the annual National Apprentice Competition. Each one of the volunteers on this committee contribute to AFSA’s training manuals and tools. The latest accomplishment—the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development Program, took years of writing by industry experts. With the help of AFSA Director of Education Leslie Clounts, the program was able to come to fruition a couple of years ago. Less than two years of blended training, to include on-demand and webinar instruction, as well as live classroom, lab, and field instruction, plus NICET exam prep, can lead your techs to NICET II certification.

The A&E committee members also organize and judge the annual apprentice competition. Throughout the year, leading up to the competition, they are sourcing material, evaluating 32 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

AFSA was proud to graduate its inaugural class of the ITM Inspector Development Program in November 2017. Since then, three more classes have graduated.

the structures to make sure they’re in good shape, reviewing the drawings to make sure there’s no mistakes, and selecting judges. They work tirelessly for nine to 10 months every year to make sure the competition runs smoothly and fairly.

Public Education & Awareness (PE&A) truly has the heart of the industry. There is nothing more important than educating the public about fire sprinklers. My two favorite projects that stemmed from PE&A are the contract with Homes for our Troops (HFOT) and the partnership with the American Red Cross.

Homes for our Troops is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.” These homes have low cabinets and countertops, non-slip bathroom tiles, custom appliances, and, most importantly, some of these houses have fire sprinklers! Our exclusive contract currently covers all houses in states and local jurisdictions that have residential sprinkler requirements or the Veteran can request fire sprinklers if there is no local requirement. Paulene Norwood, executive director for AFSA’s Sacramento Valley Chapter, spearheaded this initiative and attended HFOT’s annual meeting in Boston in April.

“The Homes for our Troops Veterans Conference was a wonderful opportunity to see the vetting process for Veteran candidates that may receive homes,” comments Norwood.

“Our AFSA representatives were given information on the home build process, were able to view floor plans and interact

with the Veterans where we explained our association, what our industry does, and how we save lives.”

If you would like more information on volunteering on a HFOT home project, you can contact Norwood via email at paulenesacvalleyafsa@gmail.com. You can also read a recent HFOT-related story in the March/April 2019 issue of Sprinkler Age, where AFSA members and the Schuylkill Chapter donated a residential sprinkler system for a HFOT home for U.S. Army Cpl. Kevin McCloskey and his wife Bridget.

The American Red Cross’s Sound the Alarm campaign is a newer partner for AFSA (see related story on page 38 of this issue). For every year that AFSA members raise $10,000 for the American Red Cross, the organization provides information on fire sprinklers in the information they hand out to home owners and on their website that sees more than 1,000,000 unique visitors a year. The reach for this education is so much larger than we can do by ourselves as an organization. To donate to this campaign go to redcross.org/afsa-pub.

Lastly, my favorite meeting every quarter is the NextGen Initiative (NGI). Although it’s not an official committee, we operate just as an official committee does. This group of young, ambitious, sprinkler-loving people are all under the age of 40 working hard for the industry and for AFSA. Katie Meehan, director of marketing for VSC in Ashland, Virginia, describes her first year: “Being involved with NGI has taught me so much about the industry. Being able to have the opportunity to work alongside people from all over the country with different perspective, insight, and experience has been so rewarding. The skills I’ve learned through NGI have made me a better employee for VSC, and a bigger advocate for the industry and all that we stand for.”

Bridget and Kevin McCloskey’s new home features a residential sprinkler system.

(Sprinkler head cover plate located in upper right-hand corner.)

the national office in Dallas by calling (214) 349-5965 or visiting firesprinkler.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Meaghen Wills does sales and project management for Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. She received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Hartford and is a graduate of AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School. Wills serves as chair of the NextGen Initiative; chairs AFSA’s Schuylkill Chapter; and is a member of AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness, Apprenticeship & Education, and Convention committees.

In the short time we’ve been operating, we’ve worked on getting the under-40 crowd more involved locally and nationally. We have created a step-by-step guide for career fairs and recruiting the next generation of fire sprinkler professionals, created and chosen the Young Professional of the Year Award recipient, and developed our latest project— our Mentor Program. The Mentor Program is something we’ve been working on for a few years. The complexities of the program proved to be challenging to implement but we believe we’ve created something that is going to be hugely successful for AFSA and for the industry.

This program aims to pair young people in the industry with more established industry experts. Members are paired across membership territories. Learn more about this program on page 56 of this issue, and if you’re interested in participating, you can sign up for this free program as a mentor or a mentee by visiting https://www.firesprinkler.org/mentor.

This only scratches the surface of what AFSA does for its members. We are always finding new ways to promote the industry and training within the industry. If you are interested in volunteering your time for any of the committees, contact Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 33

AFSA Apprentices Win Big at ABC NCC Eckert Wins Gold; Patch Wins Silver The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was well represented at the 32nd Annual Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) National Craft Championship (NCC) held in Long Beach, California, during the ABC national convention.

Two AFSA apprentices won big during the ABC competition: Richard Eckert with Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Tampa, Florida, won the gold medal and Tyler Patch with Piper Fire Protection, Inc., Clearwater, Florida, won the silver medal. Both men were presented with their awards at ABC’s Careers in Construction Awards ceremony March 28 at the conclusion of the 2019 ABC Convention.

Richard Eckert, Gold Medalist Eckert has been with Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers for four years as a service helper. He was previously a manager at a local Home Depot and decided to make a life change. Robert Gant, his service manager, notes that Eckert “excelled tremendously in the sprinkler industry,” promoting to a foreman position within eight months of being in the trade. Recently, Eckert was promoted again to service designer.

“I could not be more proud of Rick and his accomplishments,” comments Gant. “He truly represented Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, ABC, and the entire fire sprinkler industry well with his knowledge and performance at the NCC competition.

I am grateful that I have had the chance to work with Rick and see him grow in the industry. Congratulation to Rick and all the other competitors!”

Eckert notes that his experience at ABC was “amazing” and says: “Both Wayne Automatic and the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter gave me an opportunity to go to Long Beach and show the states what I have learned in the last four years. I strove to be the best, by doing the best.”

He continues: “When I first started working at Wayne Automatic in 2015, I began as a helper and never knew what a fire sprinkler was. I quickly enrolled in ABC through Wayne Automatic and pursued my years of schooling. During my on-the-job training, I became a certified backflow tester and also received my NICET for Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems. All the information that was taught in the program was used in the field,” Eckert says.

Tyler Patch, Silver Medalist Patch has been an employee with Piper Fire Protection for five years, since he was only 18 years old. He started in the sprinkler construction department as an apprentice, even enrolling in the journeyman program.

34 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Richard Eckert won gold at ABC’s NCC.

Tyler Patch won silver at ABC’s NCC.

Patch competed in AFSA’s 2018 National Apprentice Competition and won the bronze medal. He used that competition as a training opportunity before competing in the ABC NCC. “The opportunities that have been presented to me have been incredible,” says Patch. “I intend to work my career with Piper and continue to climb the ladder to manager and higher, if possible, before I retire.”

“Tyler did a fantastic job representing us at the ABC Craft Championship this year,” says Piper Fire Protection’s President & CEO Chris Johnson. “He finished his project ahead of the other competitors and did remarkable on the practical as well.

I am so proud to have so many first-class craftsmen working at our company.”

About the NCC The NCC featured a field of 168 craft professionals competing for top honors in 14 competitions representing 12 crafts, from electrical and plumbing to carpentry and welding, as well as a team competition with journey-level competitors from four different crafts working to complete a joint project. The competition includes a two-hour written exam and a daylong, hands-on practical performance test.

AFSA congratulates these apprentices on their accomplishments! Education and training are the foundation upon which AFSA was built. For more information on AFSA’s apprenticeship training series and other education and training opportunities, visit https://www.firesprinkler.org/education. n

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Webinar Provides Hiring and Retaining Strategies August 28 Program Free for AFSA Members AFSA’s NextGen Initiative (NGI) will present “Hiring and Retaining the Right People” on August 28, 2019, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Central Time. This webinar is free to all AFSA members, and offers 0.15 CEUs. To receive CEUs for this webinar you must register for a nominal fee of $35 per certificate. To register visit https://www.firesprinkler.org/webinars.

Webinar Details The goal of most organizations is to have a robust workforce that supports the right people in the right positions and a set of systems and culture that keeps them excited to be there. In this webinar, you’ll learn effective strategies to achieve just that! The current reality for the fire protection industry is that there is not only an insufficient quantity of craft

workers, supervisors, managers, and staff • Discover the common mistakes that for available positions, but also that the companies may make when addressing industry may not be appealing enough to poor employee retention.

RandalMillennials G. Stutzman attract and retain the younger Director Z. This or the upcoming Generation Webinar Presenter webinar will explore what recruiting Stutzman is a Randy Stutzman is a director at FMI,Randy management consultants the construction industry.

As a specialist strategies and assessments maytoimprove managing director of in corporate mergers, acquisitions, and strategy your chances of getting the right people to FMI Capital Advisors, development, Randy helps contractors throughout the country develop and implement plans that are uniquely your front door and how to retain them.

Inc., FMI Corporatailored to meet individual needs. This involves helping Upon completion of this webinar, attendees tion’s Investment clients acquire additional businesses, sell existing should be able to: business units, or ensure that profitableBanking subsidiary. As organic growth In any case, the goal is always to maximize • Determine recruitingis achieved. strategies to a specialist in corporate shareholders’ value. attract the right people. mergers, acquisitions, and strategy developRandy grew up in a family-owned construction and • Understand what primary elements to ment, Stutzman helps contractors develop development business. In 1978, he joined FMI and working with contractor to help them watch for during thebegan recruiting process toclientsand implement plans that are uniquely better manage their businesses. In addition to his hire quality employees. tailored to meet individual needs, including responsibilities as a consultant to individual contractors, Randy is responsible for FMI’s merger and acquisition • Identify the leadership styles that acquire additional business, sell existing Randal G. Stutzman services for several industry segments. As an instructor FMI Corporation motivate people and create a productive business units or ensure that profitable for FMI seminars, Randy teaches and publishes subjects 5301 Cypress St. environment. growth is achieved. related to mergers and acquisitions inorganic the construction Suite 201 n industry, field productivity improvement, pricing and bidding strategies, financial management for contractors, field management training, integration of consolidated companies, and a number of other topics.

Randy is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, holding a master of business administration. He received a bachelor’s degree in business management from David Lipscomb University.

Tampa, FL 33607 Tel: 813.636.1364 Fax: 813.636.9601 E-mail: rstutzman@fminet.com Web sites: www.fminet.com | www.fmisource.com

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Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 37

Sounding the Alarm with the Red Cross AFSA Participates to Educate the Public About Fire Sprinkler Systems REBECCA HERRING | American Fire Sprinkler Association

Every year the American Red Cross presents its Home Fire Preparedness Campaign and through this campaign provides a local community outreach opportunity across the country with the “Sound the Alarm – Save a Life” program. This program takes place in late April/early May annually and is

designed to identify especially at-risk neighborhoods for fires, and to educate their residents about fire prevention, escape plans in case of emergencies, and even provide general information on other natural disasters. In addition to this education, the Red Cross supplies free smoke detectors to be installed by

Home Fire Safety Checklist Cooking Safety ❏ “Keep an eye on what you fry.” Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or using an open flame.

Fireplaces, Space Heaters, Baseboards, etc. ❏ “3 feet from the heat.” Furniture, curtains, dish towels and anything that could catch fire are at least 3 feet from any type of heat source.

Smoking Safety ❏ Never smoke in bed.

Electrical and Appliance Safety ❏ Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.

Children Playing ❏ Matches and lighters are locked away.

Smoke Alarms ❏ Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Different types of smoke alarms, ionization and photoelectric, detect fire in different ways. Experts recommend having both types in your home. ❏ Change smoke alarm batteries every year unless it has a long-life battery. ❏ Replace smoke alarms every ten years. ❏ A combination of working smoke alarms and fire sprinklers decreases the risk of dying in a home fire.

Home Fire Escape Plan

At least twice a year, use your home fire escape plan to practice your 2-minute drill with all your family members. Practice makes perfect! After each fire drill, mark down your escape time.

Practice your 2-minute drill.

Make sure everyone can escape in 2 minutes or less.

Drill 1

Drill 2

197601-16 1/19

Sources: Vision 20/20, NFPA, USFA

38 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

local volunteers in homes throughout the neighborhood (up to three per home). Or, if a house already has smoke detectors, volunteers can check the batteries and dates to ensure they are working in case of emergency—a task that slips the mind of many!

In 2018 the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) partnered with the Red Cross as a national partner to support this campaign. With our members’ help, we were able to reach our fundraising goal and become official sponsors of the program, which allowed us to add fire sprinkler language into this life-saving into the materials for this campaign that touches millions across the country each year.

The Experience You can imagine my excitement when I received the opportunity to volunteer with our local Red Cross office to participate in one of our local Sound the Alarm program days of action! Finally, I’d get to be boots on the ground helping spread the message we worked hard to partner with the Red Cross on. The day started out easy, meeting together at our local Red Cross headquarters and being divided into teams of three that were then directed to one of three roles: the recorder, the installer, and the presenter. I had the pleasure of volunteering with a few of my co-workers and ended up with the role of “presenter.” In this role, you’re responsible for basically being the face of the group—greeting residents, explaining your purpose there, and then, if allowed inside, installing or checking currently installed smoke detectors. You are also the one who educates residents on smoke alarms, fire escape plans,

residential fire sprinklers, and other natural disaster preparedness. Recorders are responsible for taking note of the addresses you install smoke alarms in, the number installed, collecting some basic information, and filling out paperwork for recordkeeping. Then installers install the smoke detectors.

There really is a role for every type of personality, so don’t be worried that you’ll have to be the one doing the talking if that’s not your thing. And if you’re worried about volunteering because you think you might not know all the facts? Don’t stress! The Red Cross provides enough resources and day of training to fulfill any of the three roles comfortably.

After our team of three was trained and ready to go, we were designated a section of a previously canvased neighborhood and let loose! All the Red Cross volunteers who attend on a given day divide up an assigned neighborhood among three or four different teams to cover a lot of ground in the few hours they’re out. We were given a time to meet back for lunch,

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

a contact should we run out of any supplies, and then we were on our way.

really served as a natural opportunity to extend my passion beyond the walls of the office. While I can’t recall the exact number of smoke alarms we installed that day, or exactly how many people we spoke to, I can say I was pleasantly surprised by the number of people we got to educate and assist that day! Many of the people we interacted with had absolutely no working smoke detectors in their home, had far outdated detectors

The actual volunteer experience was a blast. We went door-to-door, meeting people we may otherwise never have the chance to meet in our local neighborhood and additionally had the opportunity to educate them. I found the work especially fun and easy as a professional in the fire protection industry because it

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cated on fire protection and escape options while installing, I felt like I really did some good for the people we met with that day. Additionally, the Red Cross canvases ahead of the event so neighborhood residents know you are coming and we were received with only warm welcomes and excitement.

All-in-all this was an amazing experience that really gave me the opportunity to put my passion to work! Knowing about and monetarily supporting the campaign and our partnership is one thing, but being out there meeting people, seeing faces, and impacting lives in person is a completely different, and refreshing, opportunity!

Left photo: AFSA’s Angelica Stringfellow greeted residents as the AFSA team canvassed the neighborhood. Right photo: AFSA’s Jason Williams installed the smoke detectors for residents.

that work no longer worked, or had just plain taken them off the wall because they were tired of accidentally setting them off.

Additionally, many knew next to nothing about residential sprinklers or that they

were even an option in homes. Being a part of their recognition and understanding as we installed new detectors, moved some existing detectors so they “wouldn’t go off every time I burn the rice,” and edu-

Make a Difference!

You can make a difference in the lives of others with the American Red Cross Sound the Alarm Campaign. Paulene Norwood, executive director for AFSA’s Sacramento Valley Chapter, volunteered in her area this year.

“I volunteered by installing smoke detectors and organizing emergency evacuation plans with residents in Woodland, California,” comment Norwood. “I was proud to be there representing AFSA and celebrating its partnership with the Red Cross. It was such a great experience that I plan to sign up again next year!”

For more information on how you can volunteer in 2020, visit SoundTheAlarm.org.

Donations to the AFSA/Red Cross Sound the Alarm campaign can be made year round at redcross.org/afsa-pub. n

AFSA Sacramento Valley Executive Director Paulene Norwood (second from right, bottom row) was proud to volunteer for this year’s Sound the Alarm campaign.

40 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

The Facts Every day seven people die in home fires and most of those victims don’t have working smoke alarms in their home. The Home Fire Preparedness Campaign hopes to drastically reduce those numbers. In just four years since its inception, the Sound the Alarm campaign has installed just under two million smoke alarms, made almost 800,000 homes safer, and reached a staggering 1.5 million youth through education and outreach with this program. The Red Cross estimates that more than 600 lives have been saved thanks to the installation of smoke alarms.

So what are you waiting for? The opportunity is there, and I can say with certainty it’s a fun volunteer opportunity that really gives you the chance to take your passion outside of the day-today routine of the office and help to save lives in a new and different way with just a little bit of time on your part!

While the Sound the Alarm program has ended for 2019, it is an annual campaign that will be back in 2020. In the meantime if you’re looking for other ways to get involved the Red Cross and AFSA partnership is ongoing year-round and you can contribute to that partnership through redcross.org/ afsa-pub to support the life-saving work of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. n

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Home Sprinkler Week Raises Public Awareness AFSA Supports Coalition’s Nationwide Educational Event in Boston NICOLE DUVALL | American Fire Sprinkler Association

The vast majority of fire deaths in North America happen at home. The time has come to bring attention to this problem–and its solution. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) celebrated Home Fire Sprinkler Week from May 19-25, 2019. More than 50 fire departments and fire sprinkler coalitions in 25 states and Canadian provinces held events in May for the second annual Home Fire Sprinkler Week.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is a founding member of HFSC, and AFSA’s President & CEO Debra McGuire and Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall attended the national media event on May 22 at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts.

As local educational events took place across the U.S. and Canada, the national media event featured Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Denis Onieal, Massachusetts Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, and NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley, who spoke at the event featuring a live sprinkler demonstration.

“We know that fire sprinkler technology is the best way to knock down a fire quickly,” said Pauley at the national media event. “It’s our best bet to be able to reduce harm to people, property, and our first responders. We raise awareness about this important problem, and we foster informed conversations about fire sprinklers. People need

The unsprinklered room completely engulfed with flames.

42 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

to know that sprinklers can—and do—change the outcome in a fire.”

United States Fire Administrator Keith Bryant and Dr. Onieal vigorously support the installation of fire sprinklers in the homes of America. “The world has changed significantly since 1973 [when USFA was founded],” recounted Onieal to the crowd. “The methods and materials used in construction are lighter and less resistant to fire spread. Our home’s contents are made of synthetic materials that burn quickly and produce toxic smoke.

Firefighters are 11 times more likely to be harmed in a fire, and simply stated, fire sprinklers are the only technology available to prevent these injuries.”

HFSC President and NFPA Vice President of Outreach & Advocacy Lorraine Carli narrated the live side-by-side burn demonstration. Carli said it’s time to prevent home fires claiming lives now. “The alarming number of home fire deaths and injuries each year should be on the radar of every decision maker and member of the media,” said Carli.

“Through these events, we hope to illuminate the fire problem and its solution on a national scale. Fire sprinklers have been a U.S. model building code requirement since 2009, yet challenges to its adoption still exist. Taking action collectively will send a powerful message that fire sprinklers are widely accepted and must be embraced in every state.”

The national event, which used the #HomeFireSprinklerWeek hashtag on social media, started with a fire lit in the room

Jeff Feid with State Farm Insurance views the sprinklered room after the fire.

HFSC Communications Manager Peg Paul (center) introduces Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Denis Onieal (left) to AFSA’s new President & CEO Debra McGuire (right).

(From l to r): HFSC Board President and NFPA Vice President of Outreach & Advocacy Lorraine Carli, NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley, and AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire participated in the day’s events.

protected by fire sprinklers. Both rooms had identical, newly purchased living room furniture and smoke alarms. The smoke alarm activated at 17 seconds. The fire quickly spread, activating the sprinkler at 45 seconds. Carli reminded viewers that the typical fire department response time is nine to 10 minutes. With fire sprinklers, a fire is controlled or extinguished while the fire is still small.

fire sprinkler advocates across North America by promoting home fire sprinklers through side-by-side sprinkler demonstrations and other educational events. These events raise awareness of this life-saving technology while breaking down the myths and legislative barriers to its use.

Next, a fire was started in the room without fire sprinklers. The smoke alarm sounded at 14 seconds. Carli pointed out how thick the smoke was from the burning furniture—a toxic and deadly mix. Flashover occurred at just over two minutes.

In 2018, the coalition hosted its inaugural Home Fire Sprinkler Day on May 19. This project’s aim is to unite

The HFSC was formed by AFSA, NFPA, and National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) in 1996 in response to the tremendous need to inform the public about the life-saving value of home fire sprinkler protection. Free HFSC resources can help you to promote the life-saving and financial benefits of home fire sprinklers. The coalition encourages you to share these educational materials, available at homefiresprinkler.org, with your community during Home Fire Sprinkler Week or anytime during the year. n

Front row, left to right: Deputy State Fire Marshal of Massachusetts Maribel Fournier, NFPA Communications Manager Lindsay Capland, FM Global Vice President and Engineering Standards Manager Gary Keith, HFSC Board President and NFPA Vice President of Outreach & Advocacy Lorraine Carli, AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall, State Farm Insurance’s Melanie Norman, HFSC Communications Associate Julie Reynolds, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Corporate Relations Specialist Jenna Pritchett, HFSC Board Treasurer and NFSA Public Fire Protection Director Vickie Pritchett. Back row, left to right: National Association of State Fire Marshals Executive Director Jon Narva, Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Denis Onieal, HFSC Board Clerk and AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire, NFPA President & CEO Jim Pauley; State Farm Insurance’s Jeff Feid, NFSA President Shane Ray, Brighton Area Fire Authority Fire Chief and International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire and Life Safety Section International Director Michael O’Brian, National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Chief Kevin Quinn, and HFSC Communications Manager Peg Paul.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 43

Stuck on Standpipes?

Informal Interpretations Help Members The informal interpretations featured in this issue of Sprinkler Age address standpipe issues. AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, PE; Senior Fire Protection Engineer Russ Bainbridge, PE; and Technical Programs Specialist Tom Noble, CET. These opinions are provided for the benefit of the requesting party, and are provided with the understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or actions taken on them.

QUESTION: “What is the distance for the hose with stream for a Class I standpipe from an exit stairwell and from a horizontal exit to the furthest point on that floor (i.e, is a small closet on an open deck required in that coverage)? Also, if a hose valve is required at a horizontal exit, how far can the hose with stream be away from the horizontal exit?”

ANSWER: In response to your questions, we have reviewed NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is separately addressed below. The International Building Code (IBC) section 905.4(2) states a hose connection shall be provided on each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit. The exception states: “Where floor areas adjacent to a horizontal exit are reachable from an interior exit stairway utilizing a hose connection with a stream of 30 ft with a hose of 100 ft, a hose connection shall not be required at the horizontal exit.” Now, NFPA 14 section 7.3.2.2 states: “Hose connections shall be provided on each side of the wall adjacent to the exit openings of horizontal exits.” The exception listed in section 7.3.2.2.1 states: “Where all floor areas are reachable from an exit stairway, hose connection on the same side of a horizontal exit within the distances required by 7.3.2.2.1.1 or 7.3.2.2.1.2 as applicable, the hose connection on the other side of 44 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

the horizontal exit shall be permitted to be omitted.” The IBC is a little ambiguous but correlates with the more explicit NFPA 14 criteria. It says the connection can be deleted from the other side of the horizontal exit. So clearly, either one or both connections can be omitted. The reason it is the “other side” of the horizontal exit (that being away from the stairway being measured to) is that the fire department needs to be in a relatively safe area in order to access the hose connection and to make preparations to attack the fire. This requires being separated from the fire by fire-rated construction (just like being in an adjacent stairwell). Where you have a potential problem is that the standard and the code don’t coincide with each other. As already stated, the IBC only allows a maximum of 130 ft from a stairwell to the horizontal exit. NFPA 14 section 7.3.2.2.1.1, on the other hand, states the travel distance in section 7.3.2.2.1 shall be 200 ft (61 m) for sprinklered buildings. Section 7.3.2.2.1.2 states the travel distance in section 7.3.2.2.1 shall be 130 ft (39.7 m) for nonsprinklered buildings. This is where it can be confusing due to the code and standard using different requirements (no allowance for sprinklered buildings). There are actually two items. NFPA states a maximum travel distance, where the IBC states a hose length with a distance for the throw of the hose.

This is a nuance that can impact the outcome, but is minor compared to the overall difference in distance for sprinklered buildings. Since a code supersedes a standard, the IBC 100 ft plus a 30-ft throw is the allowed distance. Having said that, there is an inherent conflict in the IBC on maximum distance from connections when compared to stairwells.

IBC section 905.4(6) states: “Where the most remote portion of a nonsprinklered floor or story is more than 150-ft away from a hose connection or the most remote portion of a sprinklered floor or story is more than 200 ft from a hose connection, the fire code official is authorized to require that additional hose

connections be provided in approved locations.” This section coincides with the distance defined in NFPA 14. It’s reasonable to apply the longer distance defined in NFPA 14 for horizontal exits based on this section of the IBC regarding overall distance from stairwells. After all, a horizontal exit is fundamentally functioning as another stairwell. Naturally, this will require approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Hopefully, we can get the code and standard on the same page during the next revision cycles.

Regarding how to define the floor area covered by the 30-ft throw, a better way to phrase it is to ask whether walls impact this issue. As you provide as an example, if I have a closet 20-ft down the hall from the end of my hose, is this acceptable? A closet would be easy to argue that it doesn’t matter due to the tiny area occupied by most closets. The same question, though, applies to an office or other rooms with a larger fuel load.

Although not well stated, by requiring the area be reachable with a 30-ft throw the standard tells us we cannot ignore the walls. The 30-ft throw cannot reach the floor area inside the office unless the hose nozzle reaches the door. Having said that, many fire departments carry multiple hose packs. If that is the case, the AHJ could reasonable accept ignoring the walls since they know that application of the 100 ft plus 30-ft throw provides spacing well within the ability of the fire department to fight fires in any location.

QUESTION: “Why is a hose connection required on a roof with a pitch less than 4 in 12? Is a fire department expected to use it? If so, shouldn’t complete coverage be required? Is it only for testing purposes? If so, shouldn’t at least two or three hose connections be required depending on the size of the standpipe system?”

ANSWER: In response to your questions, we have reviewed the International

Fire Code (IFC), 2018 edition as the applicable code and NFPA 14, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is the roof level hose connection is to allow the fire department to fight fires at the roof level.

The hose connections on roofs that have a pitch of less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (4 in 12 or 33 percent) is to allow the fire department to fight fires that occur or break out at the roof level.

Fires at the roof level are normally contained due to the lack of fuel load and ignition sources. Also, fires at the roof level tend not to progress beyond the roof level since most of the heat is being transferred to the open atmosphere instead of to other portions of the building. Because of these conditions, fires at the roof level tend to be able to be contained and extinguished with the use of one hose connection at the roof level.

standpipes, branch lines are typically horizontal piping from the vertical standpipe not serving more than one hose connection. The purpose of a branch line on a vertical standpipe system is to meet the travel distance requirement when installing an additional standpipe is not practical and can be covered by one additional hose connection. In this instance, the hose connection on the roof is not an additional hose connection being installed to meet the travel distance requirement, thus the piping and control valve are required to be at least 4 in.

QUESTION: “I have a facility with a utility shaft constructed with the same fire-resistant rated construction as the stairwell next to it. Can the standpipe be in this shaft with other building utilities? Or does it have to be alone?

We were directed to route a section of the standpipe through the shaft. When the AHJ performed the inspection, he stated this is not allowed. He stated the standpipe must be in a separate fire rated enclosure with no other utilities per NFPA 14 section 6.1.2.2.1(2).”

When a roof slope is equal to or greater than 4 in 12, equipment is less likely to be installed at the roof level and there is less debris (leaves, trash, etc.) build-up due to the slope. It is also dangerous for firefighters to be on top of a roof with a slope of 4 in 12. These conditions reduce the likelihood of a fire and the fire department will not put firefighters directly on the roof, removing the need for a hose connection at the roof level.

QUESTION: “What size piping and control valve are required to supply a single 2½-in. hose connection on the roof to be installed per sections 7.3.2.9 and 7.3.2.9.2.1? Section 7.6.1 requires standpipes to be at least 4 in. but section 7.6.3 requires branch lines to be not smaller than 2½ in.”

ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 14, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is the piping and control valve for a roof hose connection are to be 4 in.

Even though this is not explicitly stated in section 7.3.2.9, the piping and control valve for a roof hose connection are still part of the main line and are to be at least 4 in. This is stated in section A.7.3.2.7 and shown in figure A.7.3.2.7. For vertical Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 45

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ANSWER: In response to your questions, we have reviewed NFPA 14, 2016 edition, as the applicable standard.

Our informal interpretation is the standpipe is not required to be alone in the rated shaft. Section 6.1.2.2.1(2) states: “protection shall consist of one of the following methods… enclosure in fire-rated construction with such rating equal to that of the enclosure fire rated exit stairway.”

The IFC (requiring the same thing) states “standpipe systems not located within an interior exit stairway shall be protected by a degree of fire resistance equal to that required for vertical enclosures in the building in which they are located” in sections 905.4.1 and 905.6.1 for Class I and Class III standpipes. Unless there is a local amendment to the building code or NFPA 14 in the applicable jurisdiction, a rated mechanical shaft fully complies with the requirements. There may be some confusion because the standpipe is often in the stairwell. The stairwell has restrictions on other mechanical systems with an exception for standpipes. This

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effectively creates a shaft with only stairs and the standpipe. This is a restriction associated with using the stairwell for egress and has nothing to do with the standpipe.

QUESTION: “Is a 100 psi residual pressure required at the top most connection of a manual wet standpipe?

Section 7.8.1 indicates residual pressure for hydraulically calculated systems whereas section 7.8.1.2 for manual systems indicates just pressure (does not state static or residual).”

ANSWER: In response to your question, we have reviewed NFPA 14, 2016 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is the 100 psi is the residual pressure.

Actually, both automatic and manual systems are hydraulically calculated so section 7.8.1.2 applies to both types.

The main function of section 7.8.1.2 is to remind us that a calculation is required, that 100 psi is required, and the most important part is that the calculation terminates at the fire

department connection. The fact that this section says “calculations” implies that it means residual pressure. This is further confirmed by the annex material which states: “A.7.8.1.2 It is not the intent of this standard to provide an automatic water supply for manual standpipe systems. Manual standpipe systems are designed (sized) to provide 100 psi (6.9 bar) at the topmost outlet using a fire department pumper as the source of flow and pressure.” By it stating “flow and pressure” it tells us it is the residual pressure. n EDITOR’S NOTE: These interpretations were prepared by AFSA’s Technical Services Department in answer to specific questions from contractors and/or AHJs. These opinions are provided for the benefit of the requesting party, and are provided with the understanding that AFSA assumes no liability for the opinions or actions taken on them. AFSA members can access past informal interpretations online. Visit firesprinkler.org, click on “Technical Services” and then “Informal Interpretations.” (Member user name and password required to gain entry.)

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Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 47

Chapter Leaders Convene in Dallas Attendees Share Ideas and Learn Best Practices at Mid-Year Conference Thirty-nine volunteer leaders of the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 26 local chapters attended the 2019 Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference May 20-21, 2019, at the AFSA Headquarters in Dallas, Texas.

The two-day conference, which educates newly elected leaders as well as established chapter executives on best practices in association governance and management, aims to strengthen the performance of local associations across the United States and Canada, and to help raise public awareness about the importance and impact of fire sprinklers in the construction and fire-safety arenas.

The conference kicked off with guided tours of the AFSA National offices, which also allowed local leaders to meet face-to-face with the AFSA National staff, and continued with networking events at TopGolf and the Iron Cactus Mexican Grill, which were generously sponsored by Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation and Reliable.

AFSA Membership & Chapter Development Committee Chair Linda Biernacki alongside AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE, welcomed leaders Tuesday morning. “AFSA is deeply committed to cultivating and optimizing leadership in the fire sprinkler industry at the local level, and this Chapter Leadership Conference provides a hands-on way for us to do just that,” states Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Through its biannual Leadership Conferences, AFSA National aims to partner with its growth-minded leaders throughout the United States and Canada to find ways to strengthen the organization and foster a more robust local presence.

Speaking at the opening of conference, former president of the Michigan Society of Association Executives Cheryl Ronk, CMP, CAE, who has 15 years’ experience leading professionals that operate association and advocacy groups, provided professional development training on “Developing Board Roles and Maximizing Chapter Efficiencies.” Her presentation emphasized the importance of having effective board governance and best practices in place as well as working together as a board to best oversee local committees and volunteers.

Following board training, chapter leaders took part of an AFSA history lesson and continued with strategic discussions on AFSA National programming and proposed chapter policy changes.

“The Leadership Conference has proven to be an excellent way for chapter leaders to get together to share ideas and for AFSA National staff to conduct best practices training with our chapter leaders,” says AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal.“It is also a great opportunity to hear from chapters on how National can help them do what they are doing even better.”

Chapter leaders gathered at AFSA headquarters in Dallas for the Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference to share ideas, learn best practices, and network.

48 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Ceiling-Only Sprinkler Protection for up to 55 ft High Storage Facilities Eliminate the need for in-rack sprinklers with Viking’s FM Approved K28 storage sprinkler As ceiling heights in storage facilities continue to rise, fire sprinkler technology advances to keep pace. Viking’s existing K28 ESFR sprinkler is now FM Approved as a Quick Response Storage Sprinkler.

As a result, the Model VK514 can eliminate the need for in-rack sprinkler systems in storage facilities as high as 55 ft (16,7 m). The new FM design specifies a remote area calculation of nine sprinklers at 80 psi in a three by three array. Refer to the product’s technical datasheet for complete design and installation requirements.

The K28 sprinkler is also UL Listed as an ESFR storage pendent sprinkler to protect up to 48 ft (14,6 m) facilities with a maximum storage height of 43 ft (13,1 m). Viking’s complete line of ESFR sprinklers are specifically designed to suppress high-challenge storage fires with ceiling-only protection. All are available through Viking SupplyNet’s 32 North American locations.

Visit www.vikinggroupinc.com to learn more about the industry’s leading storage sprinkler line.

Viking Group, Inc. | 210 N. Industrial Park Drive, Hastings, MI 49058, Telephone: (269) 945-9501 | www.vikinggroupinc.com

What Makes a Great Leader?

AFSA’s Leadership Conference was a perfect opportunity to ask AFSA chapter officers what makes a great leader. Here are some of their thoughts.

Stacey Fantazzi, Upstate NY: Humility and accountability.

Sandy Richter, Michigan: Be a mentor and lead by example. I always say, “I’ll do anything that’s legal, moral, and ethical!” Give those you supervise the opportunity to fly.

Mark Winder, Utah: Lead by example.

Bernie L. Parsons II, Carolinas: Communication, integrity, and lead by example. Don’t ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself. Hold everyone accountable; follow up with them.

Jon Lopez, Dallas/Fort Worth (Texas): Create a bond.

Find their strengths and work on their weaknesses.

Be accessible. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

Jay Strickland, At-Large Director: Integrity. Passion and excitement for what you’re doing. Have the skills to be a good teacher.

Rhonda Gudger, San Diego: Someone who acts by example, and has passion and focus.

Meaghen Wills, Schuylkill: Have a passion for the industry.

Stewart Weeks, South Carolina: Inspire others to perform at something they’re talented at/driven toward and use that talent for the benefit of a group.

AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire welcomes Leadership Conference attendees.

As one of two educational events held annually, AFSA’s Leadership Conference provides local chapter leaders with opportunities for growth through education, community service, and personal development. Traveling to the National Leadership Conference exposes leaders to a wide range of perspectives, gives them confidence in meeting new friends, and opens their minds to a world of opportunities. Plus, learning “soft” skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, problem solving, and time management sets these leaders apart to be game changers.

AFSA, the nation’s largest merit-shop fire sprinkler organization, has hosted the Chapter Leadership Conference, which has taken place annually since 2008. AFSA is excited for its next Leadership Conference on October 2 during AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California. To get more involved locally or to find your chapter, visit firesprinkler.org. n

Ellen Ballard, Louisiana: A desire and drive to want others to succeed. Communication skills, the ability to set goals, and possess motivational tools for mentees.

Nikki Ray, South Carolina: Help others, lead by example, and set the pace for others. Good communication skills and a willingness to put yourself “out there.”

CJ Bonczyk, Dallas/Fort Worth: Someone you can trust, a good decision maker who can work through conflict and problems with a good outcome for all.

One who can train and guide the next generation.

Derek Peterson, Minnesota-Dakotas: A good leader and decision maker, who has is the moral and ethical center point of company. Have patience, communication skills, and take constructive criticism.

Cheryl Ronk provided professional development training to Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference attendees.

50 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Sacramento Valley Hosts Trade Show Annual Events Brings Together Leaders and Fosters Industry Connections PAULENE NORWOOD | AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter

The Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) hosted the 8th annual trade show March 7, 2019, at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California. Highlights of the show this year included the raffle, opportunities for networking, and an appearance by AFSA’s new President & CEO Debra McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE. “Our show gives our industry the opportunity to come together under one roof to spend several hours visiting, learning, and experiencing,” says Chapter Executive Director Paulene Norwood.

Attendees appreciated the opportunity to visit over 50 vendor booths. Most of the vendors who are regular attendees returned to share features of new and improved products. They featured dry valve demonstrations, speciality hangers, storage sprinkler heads, and a variety of tools used in the industry.

(From l to r): AFSA Chairman of the Board Wayne Weisz, Chapter Treasurer Bill Gray, Chapter Executive Director Paulene Norwood, Hawaii Trip Raffle Winner Rick Coats with Cen-Cal Fire, Chapter Vice Chairman Tamara Schissel, Chapter Voting Board Member Jordan Hopkins, Chapter Chairman Hal Burton, and Chapter Secretary Byron Weisz.

“It was great to see the different choices for storage heads. It’s just another option to consider when designing,” says Bill Norwood of Alwest Fire Protection, Roseville, California. “The trade show is the perfect opportunity to assess them in person, rather than just seeing a picture online.”

Vendors also appreciate the ability to talk to people firsthand.

Ralph Watson of Globe Sprinkler, Standish, Michigan, states: “Next to [AFSA’s] national [convention and exhibition], this is the best show in the country. It is a large crowd and a great return on our investment.”

AFSA’s fourth president and first female CEO Debra McGuire has a long history of association management, but 2019 marked her inaugural year in the fire sprinkler industry. The trade show provided her with a holistic overview of the various components unique to fire sprinklers. Additionally, she helped draw names for some of the bigger prizes in the raffle, which included two large screen TVs donated by First Service Insurance, and the trip to Hawaii, which were among many other great prizes that all of the vendors contributed.

As always, those in attendance enjoyed the multiple opportunities for networking the trade show affords. “The Sacramento Valley AFSA trade show is one of the best regional events in the sprinkler industry. Due to the efforts of Paulene Norwood and her associates in the chapter, attendance is consistently

The product showroom floor was packed at the Sacramento Valley 2019 trade show.

through the roof. It is a unique event in that we get to talk with a mix of fitters, field managers, and company owners from a wide variety of companies throughout the day. We at General Air look forward to participating every year,” comments Ray Fremont, Jr. of General Air Products, Exton, Pennsylvania.

The trade show is held annually in early March. Check the Sacramento Valley Chapter website at sacvalleyafsa.org for the 2020 trade show announcement. If you are in the fire sprinkler industry, the AFSA Sacramento Valley trade show is an event you don’t want to miss! For more information regarding the trade show and local chapter membership, please contact Norwood by phone at (916) 296-0635, email: paulenesacvalleyafsa@gmail.com, or visit sacvalleyafsa.org. n

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 51

Thank You for Your Support!

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2019, we also recognize those members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership.

Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in July and August including Contractor Members Andersen Fire Protection of Alexandria, LLC, Alexandria, Louisiana; Fire Tech Services, Inc., Chesapeake, Virginia; Sentry Fire Services, Inc., Mauldin, South Carolina; VFS Fire & Security Services, Orange, California; and Associate Members ARGCO, Carlsbad, California; and WheelerRex, Ashtabula, Ohio. Below we’ve shared some of these members’ favorite AFSA memories and things they’ve learned during their time in the fire protection industry.

Joe Black, President, Sentry Fire Services, Inc. How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? A company my father owned in the ‘70s got me my start. Working for him in AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries July and August 2019 35-Year Anniversary Contractor Members United Sprinkler Co., Fredericksburg, VA 30-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Ace Fire Systems, Las Vegas, NV 25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members E. Amboy Sprinkler Systems, Inc., Nazareth, PA VFS Fire & Security Services, Orange, CA Associate Members Ameripipe Supply Company, Inc., Dallas, TX Wheeler Mfg. Div. Rex Int’l USA, Inc., Astabula, OH 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Life Safety Fire Protection, Inc., Dublin, NH J.W. Augusto Sprinkler Co., Inc., Worcester, MA Associate Members ARGCO, Carlsbad, CA M.E.P. CAD, Henderson, NV 15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Andersen Fire Protection of Alexandria, LLC, Alexandria, LA Fire Tech Services, Inc., Chesapeake, VA Sentry Fire Services, Inc., Mauldin, SC Associate Members Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, Inc., Huntersville, NC 52 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

the shop, then for a fire protection supplier to the southeast, then back to installation and inspections. Dad and I came back together and we started Sentry in June of 2001.

How did you get involved with AFSA? Again, though my father. He was instrumental in starting the Carolinas Chapter and served as its executive director. He was also a founding member of the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association where he served as executive director until the late ‘90s.

What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? The many seminars and webinars are great and keep us up-to-date on the latest information. The weekly Technical Updates e-newsletters are great.

What is your favorite AFSA or AFSA convention memory? The 2012 convention to Hawaii happened to coincide with my 17th wedding anniversary, so it was a great trip.

Griffith Brinkley, Operations Manager, Fire Tech Services, Inc. How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? My father was the fire sprinkler AHJ for our city and guided me to the industry as a teenager in 1996. I began as a designer assistant generating blueprint reproductions and submittal packages.

How did you get involved with AFSA? Originally as an apprentice. I also spearheaded the apprenticeship program at my firm. I am currently on the board of the AFSA Virginia Chapter.

What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? Monday’s Technical Updates e-newsletter.

What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the industry?

Accelerated project schedules, communication technology, simplified installation products, and the decrease of craftsmen.

What’s the key ingredient to your success? Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who thrive on success, completing each day with no open ends, and returning every call and email.

Randy Nelson, CEO, VFS Fire & Security Services How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? I graduated from Iowa State University in 1984 with a construction engineering degree. At that time, the construction industry was coming out of a pretty deep recession. General contractors weren’t hiring, but those companies in the mechanical trades were actively hiring, specifically in fire protection. I took a position with Northstar Fire Protection out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

How did you get involved with AFSA? After starting my business, I researched industry trade groups and AFSA seemed like the right

The Wheeler-Rex team, celebrating 25 years of AFSA membership.

fit. I’ve always believed in the power of peer groups and AFSA has been a great asset.

find—then get out of their way. The biggest and most valuable asset of a business can’t be found on a balance sheet—it’s the people.

What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? The AFSA benefit we use the most is the design/engineering support. When we encounter a design issue we haven’t seen before or a question concerning the application of the code, Roland Huggins, PE [AFSA’s senior vice president of engineering & technical services] is our first call. His knowledge and network of high-level professionals has been invaluable over the years. An unexpected benefit is the network of other AFSA members I have access to. Our national accounts division gives preference to fellow AFSA members when needing to subcontract work for our out-of-state projects.

Eric Pratt, Sales Manager, Wheeler-Rex How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? WheelerRex has always been involved with AFSA during my 11 years with the company.

What is the most significant change you’ve seen in AFSA or the industry?

I’ve joked several times that “the fire sprinkler industry has over 100 years of history, yet has managed to remain ‘unencumbered’ by innovation and technology.” While that may have been true 20-30 years ago, it certainly isn’t true now. Today, the technology of sprinkler heads is evolving at a mind-numbing speed and the communication tools we use were unthinkable 30 years ago.

What’s the key ingredient to your success? The key ingredient to my success has been surrounding myself with the best people I can

What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit? The networking at the annual AFSA convention and exhibition.

What is your favorite AFSA or AFSA convention memory? I always look forward to the apprentice competition. Watching the next generation of fire sprinkler technicians exhibit their skills is exciting.

What is the most significant change you’ve seen in AFSA or the industry? The increasing debate and discussion about residential fire sprinkler requirements.

What’s the key ingredient to your success? My willingness to learn and accept new challenges in our business.

James Stoddard, President, ARGCO How did I get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? In 1979, I went

VFS Fire & Security is celebrating 25 years as AFSA members.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 53

ARGCO has been a member of AFSA for 20 years. (From l to r): Celebrating this milestone are Mike Valter, Cooper Frey, Jim Stoddard, and Kevin Lambariello.

NICET Level III Fire Sprinkler Inspectors Randy Guillory (left) and Robert L. Vandersypen (right) celebrate 15 years as AFSA members.

to work selling pipe thread sealing tape. In seeking leads to sell a pipe thread sealant, I went to the library where I discovered a pipe fabrication directory. It was a large hard-covered green book. I quickly learned steel pipe was welded, steel pipe was flanged, and those who threaded steel pipe were installing fire sprinklers.

self. It is so important to join an association that builds the industry that supports our future and each of our families. We are so fortunate that our industry has such life-changing capabilities.

How did I get involved with the AFSA? I wanted to learn more about the industry that was supporting me. AFSA was the avenue that allowed me to showcase my new products and soon my customer list appeared like a list of “Who’s Who” of the fire sprinkler industry. My humblest and heartiest thank you goes out to AFSA. What is your favorite or most used benefit of the AFSA? The loyalty that AFSA Contractor members give to Associate members like my-

What was the most significant change in the AFSA or industry? AFSA’s contribution in education and training has legitimized non-union installations of fire sprinkler systems, and the world has become a safer place due to the economies that this change has brought to the construction industry.

Robert L. Vandersypen, President, Andersen Fire Protection, LLC How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry? I learned about the industry through the construction trade.

How did you get involved with AFSA? I wanted to be involved with a national organization that promoted the fire sprinkler industry.

AFSA provides education opportunities to its members and several other benefits such as information about changes in codes. AFSA keeps its members up-to-date on the latest news in the fire sprinkler industry and answers technical questions.

What is your favorite or most used benefit? The educational offerings such as seminars offered through the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association and the online seminars are always interesting and provide new technical information that is crucial to our industry.

What is the key ingredient to your success? The belief in the life safety that you are providing to the public in this industry. Also, dedicated employees in the field and the office are essential especially those employees who go the extra mile to provide quality service to their customers. We were in business 11 years before joining AFSA and have found in the last 15 years of membership that AFSA has filled a void by meeting our company’s professional needs through various educational opportunities especially Sprinkler Age topics relevant to the industry.

Happy Anniversary! AFSA appreciates its members and their dedication to the Association and the fire sprinkler industry, and looks forward to celebrating with more members! Recognition in Sprinkler Age will be done for members celebrating 15 years or more of continuous membership in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. Visit firesprinkler.org. n

54 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Meeting in Myrtle Beach Joint Convention Offers Networking Opportunities JOHN TURNAGE | AFSA Carolinas Chapter

The 16th Annual North Carolina/South Carolina (NC/SC) Joint Convention & Trade Show was held May 8-10, 2019, at the Marriott Grande Dunes Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. At the risk of sounding repetitive, a new record for overall attendance was set for the fourth year in a row—total combined attendance for the convention and seminars exceeded 200 paid registrations!

“The NC/SC joint convention was one of the best ones we’ve had in a few years,” says Carolinas Chapter Chair Bernie Parsons. “Bob Caputo’s seminars were a huge plus for those who attended—not only to hear Bob speak on leadership qualities for the project managers and superintendents, but also for networking at the seminar itself. Holding the trade show in conjunction with the seminars gave attendees the opportunity to talk to many of the industry leaders who were present.”

The Wednesday evening mixer started with live entertainment provided by “The Band of Oz,” one of the premier beach music bands in the region. The event took place on the pool deck under the stars, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Add to the mix a complete array of premier food and top shelf drinks for the entire evening and the 176-plus attendees had a grand experience, most calling it the “best convention ever.”

“The NC/SC joint convention was the first convention trade show that I attended as a newly appointed board member of the South Carolina Fire Sprinkler Association [SCFSA],” comments Stuart Weeks, chairman of SCFSA. “These conventions have broadened my contacts not only across the two states but also across the country. I have gotten to know other leaders within this industry that I would not have if I had not first attended this convention and later joined the planning committee. My involvement within AFSA has been a positive, career-altering experience.”

Calvin B. Morrow award recipients were celebrated during the convention: (from l to r): Paul Hensley (2003), Randall Strother (2015), Tommy Strange (2019), Carl Jackson (2017), and Jeffrey Dunn (2014).

Chapter business meeting. That evening’s NextGen mixer event was a success and also set a new convention record for the largest turnout with 45 attendees. The seminar series continued for the full day on Friday, again taught by Caputo. The event wrapped up that evening with an informal social gathering. During the convention, Tommy Strange received the 2019 Calvin B. Morrow Award, the highest award given by the AFSA Carolinas Chapter.

No event of this magnitude can be successful without the cooperation and teamwork of a good planning committee, and the committee did an outstanding job! The committee this year included Committee Chair John Turnage, David Abel, Chris Cranfill, Jamie Ford, Jason Graham, Bernie Parsons, Nikki Ray, Stuart Weeks, Madison Parsons Wolf, and Taylor Young. Congratulations to the committee for a great convention, and many thanks to all the vendors and contractors who attended this event and made it possible. In addition, we appreciate the attendance of AFSA National President & CEO Debra McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE, at this event, and we hope she enjoyed our “Southern hospitality!” n

Thursday was highlighted by seminars taught by Bob Caputo, instructor extraordinaire and a true gentleman, and the vendor exhibition and luncheon which also incorporated a joint NC/SC

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Turnage is the executive director of the AFSA Carolinas Chapter. For more details on the joint convention, contact Turnage at (919) 624-3456 or jturnage@umpiretechnologiesgroup.com. For more information on these AFSA chapters, visit afsacarolinaschapter.com and scfsa.org.

The North Carolina/South Carolina Joint Convention & Trade Show was a recordbreaker, welcoming over 200 attendees.

AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire (left) and Diane Woods, a recipient of AFSA’s Fire Sprinklers Save Lives award.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 55

Mentoring the Next Generation AFSA NextGen Launches New Mentor Program The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), the leading merit shop fire sprinkler trade organization, has empowered its young professional affinity group the NextGen Initiative (NGI) to create a mentoring program, which aims to pair young people in the industry with more established industry experts. NextGen plans to nurture the industry’s next generation of talent by offering guidance to high school and college students, military veterans, and others seeking to launch their careers by introducing them to like-minded professionals. NextGen also host to engage more young people by hosting job fairs, panel discussions and other public events.

“Of all of the projects NGI has taken on in the few years since its inception, this is the most exciting and the most important,� says NGI National Chair Meaghen Wills, Anchor Fire Protection in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. “Mentoring is an important piece for growth personally and professionally and we’re now able to promote that within the industry.

There’s no better way to grow than from your peers within the industry.�

This year, NGI’s focus is to help young people get started on career paths in an array of craft and technology roles involved in fire prevention.

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AFSA members include those associated with install and fabrication, layout and design, and engineering, and technology development. “The future of the fire sprinkler industry depends on the continuous influx of bright, young talent,� says AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall, NGI staff liaison. “Our members have accumulated a lifetime of knowledge, experience and insights across a diversity of specialized crafts and vocations, and they are eager to share their expertise with young people who want to follow in their footsteps.�

AFSA’s NGI, who membership is focused on those age 40 and under, plans to partner with high schools and universities to increase student awareness for career opportunities in the fire prevention industry. Through its local chapters, NGI will host job fairs, provide speakers, and sponsor panel discussions at local AFSA chapter events. They also seek to connect schools with mentors with specialized expertise to help improve fire sprinkler educational programs and attune them with current industry practices and employment needs.

AFSA’s NGI will host a kick-off “Mentor Mixer� on October 2 at the conclusion of “NextGen Day� at AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in San Diego October 1-4, 2019, for those interested in mentorship. Details and information on how to sign-up to either mentor or be mentored are posted at https://www.firesprinkler. org/mentor. n

Online Award Nominations Now Available Nominate Those Who Have Made an Impact on the Fire Sprinkler Industry The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) recognizes those individuals who have given extraordinary support to furthering the advancement and awareness of fire sprinklers. The prestigious Henry S. Parmelee award, esteemed Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award, highly regarded Young Professional of the Year award, and Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award honor the leaders in the fire sprinkler community and in our Association. AFSA is pleased to announce that nominations for these awards can now be made online.

“We are honored to recognize leaders within the fire protection industry,” comments AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall, “and we wanted to make it easier for industry members to nominate those who have made a difference.”

All awards except the Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award, which is awarded on an ongoing basis, are presented during the AFSA Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition. All award recipients are featured in Sprinkler Age magazine.

Henry S. Parmelee Award AFSA’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee award, 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 annually.

Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award Each year AFSA recognizes outstanding advocacy efforts through its Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award program. The Advocate of the Year is awarded to one individual who sets an example for his or her peers by undertaking a significant amount of advocacy endeavors—at the local, state, national, and international level—on behalf of the industry. The goal of the award is to promote year-around advocacy and acknowledge the positive effects of a single advocate. AFSA’s Legislative Committee votes to approve the recipient for this annual award. Advocates are not required to be an AFSA member. The nomination deadline is March 31 annually.

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. Once received, the nomination will be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the committee.

To nominate someone for an award visit http://www.firesprinkler.org/awards. n

Young Professional of the Year Award Created in 2016, the Young Professional of the Year award honors the contributions of promising fire protection specialists, age 40 and under, and serves to: reaffirm the growing importance of fire sprinkler knowledge in the world of business and construction management among the next generation of industry leaders; promote the emergence of young talented professionals in the field of fire protection, thus fostering interest for the fire sprinkler profession and a future career in this field of expertise; and inspire fire protection companies and the fire protection community to invest even more in the development and excellence of the profession. This annual award is voted on by AFSA’s young professional group the NextGen Initiative. The deadline is March 31 annually for consideration.

Fire Sprinklers Save Lives Award AFSA established the Fire Sprinklers Save Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 57

New Contractor Member Marketing Service New Multiview Program Gives Members a Competitive Edge The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to introduce the Member Marketing Services (MMS) program, an endorsed, third-party service for its fire sprinkler contractor members. This program is offered by MultiView, who has worked closely with AFSA for over a decade on various association newsletter and digital content initiatives.

MMS program will help contractors effectively and efficiently market their businesses and gain an advantage in a competitive marketplace. Services include web analysis and insights, content creation, e-newsletters, social media management, online ad and search engine targeting, infographics, videos, and email blasts.

“AFSA knows that finding the time to utilize all the latest digital marketing strategies can be a daunting task,” says Nicole Duvall, AFSA director of communications & social media. “That is why AFSA is partnering with Multiview to provide enhanced marketing services for our contractor members. From website retargeting and Facebook advertising to content creation and distribution, Multiview can develop a suite of customizable marketing services to help our members achieve their goals.”

“MultiView marketing consultants will work with contractor members to map out a solution that can fit both your business’ needs and budget, complete with end-to-end account management, creative and content services, and unmatched data monitoring—guaranteeing your message gets to the right person, at the right time, in a digital environment that’s safe for your company’s brand,” comments Frank Humada, vice president of association partnerships at MultiView. To learn how AFSA and MultiView can help you create a robust digital marketing campaign, contact MultiView Sales via phone (972) 402.7070, email salesinquiries@ multiview.com, or visit multiview.com. n

AFSA knows about the challenges fire sprinkler contractors face in marketing their entrepreneurial businesses. MultiView’s

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firesprinkler.org/schools 58 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

ITM Forms Updated Documents Revised for 2011 Edition of NFPA 25 The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has unveiled updated inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) report forms to the 2011 edition of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, from the previously available NFPA 25, 2008 and 2002 editions. The forms, which are available online as members-only downloads, are designed to cover the mandatory inspection, testing and maintenance requirements for fire sprinkler systems as detailed in the 2011 edition of NFPA 25. In response to industry requests for a more uniform approach to report forms by both Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and contractors, AFSA will continue updating these forms to correspond with the 2014 and 2017 editions of NFPA 25 as well.

These newly released, PDF-fillable forms are up-to-date with the required tasks and their frequencies as dictated in the 2011 edition of NFPA 25. They offer inspection documents outlining the rules for the care of fire sprinkler systems, standpipe and hose systems, fire pumps, fire service piping and appurtenances, water storage tanks, fixed water spray, foam-water, and valves.

• 111A – Private Fire Service Mains – Inspection/Testing/ Maintenance – three pages • 112A – Water Storage Tanks – Inspection/Testing/ Maintenance – three pages • 113A – Preaction and Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems – Inspection/Testing/Maintenance – four pages • 114A – Report of Obstruction Investigation and Internal Condition of Fire Protection Piping – two pages • 115A – Report of Testing of Pressure Regulating Valves – one page The 2011 forms for inspection, testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems can be downloaded by AFSA members for free at firesprinkler.org in the Documents Center.

Because many jurisdictions around the country still operate under the previous NFPA 25 standards, the 2002 and 2008 editions of the forms are still available for members to download in the Documents Center. For more information, visit firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965. n

“The AFSA team hopes that these will satisfy our members’ needs. We’ve expanded the owner’s general information section and enhanced the pump report and flow chart. The overall intent was to not only update the existing forms, but clear up some of the language and streamline the reports,” said AFSA’s Manager of ITM Technical Training Jason Williams, CET. The updated 2011 forms include: • 103A – Report of Inspection (General Information Section) – one page • 104A – Report of Inspection (Inspector’s Section) – one page • 105A – Weekly Report of Inspection – two pages • 106A – Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems – Inspection/ Testing/Maintenance – four pages • 107A – Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems – Inspection/ Testing/Maintenance – three pages • 108A – Standpipe Systems – Inspection/Testing/ Maintenance – four pages • 109A – Foam Water Systems – Inspection/Testing/ Maintenance – three pages • 110A – Fire Pump Assemblies – Inspection/Testing/ Maintenance – six pages Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 59

AFSA CHAPTERS AFSA Chapter Contacts Alabama alfiresprinkler.org Hunter Brendle – Pres.

334-270-8571 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

Colorado afsacoloradochapter.org Roger Wallace – Chair.

719-337-6550 Kim Cook – Exec. Dir. 704-213-4368

Alberta, Canada afsaalberta.org Kevin Mozak – Pres.

780-203-5263

Connecticut afsact.org Rick Russo – Chair.

203-877-7983

Arkansas Randy Gilliam– Chair.

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

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

817-529-1693 Amy Sweeney – Exec. Dir. 214-349-5965 ext. 119

Arizona Bob Caputo – Chair.

864-222-1381 Carolinas afsacarolinaschapter.com Bernie Parsons – Chair.

704-782-3032 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456 Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter.org Jay Zollars – Chair.

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

Greater Kansas City Mark McKenzie – Chair.

913-432-6688 Brett Heinrich– Exec. Dir. 785-825-7710

Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Josh Massingale – Chair.

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

Louisiana lafiresprinkler.org Linda Biernacki – Chair.

318-688-8800 Ellen Ballard – Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800

Patriot afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair.

508-431-9938

Minnesota-Dakotas Marc Haug – Chair.

701-232-7008

Utah Rocky Mountain afsautahchapter.org Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair.

385-630-8064 Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363

Schuylkill afsasc.org Meaghen Wills – Chair.

610-754-7836 Ilyse Shapiro – Exec. Dir. 610-642-7427

New Mexico Dave Wilson – Exec. Dir. 505-573-6712 Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-865-3600

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

925-417-5550

Upstate New York afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky - Chair 607-296-7969 Kristina Goudreau – Exec. Dir. 518-885-1115

San Diego Ron Aday – Chair.

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

New Jersey Thomas Bowlby Jr. – Chair.

908-226-5313 Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400

Georgia Affiliate georgiafiresprinkler.org Patrick Cordi – Pres.

404-416-0762 Bonnie Pinson – Exec. Dir. bonnie.pinson@yahoo.com

Tennessee afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair.

615-349-5278

Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Hal Burton – Chair.

916-332-1266 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

Michigan afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr.- Chair 616-784-1644

Florida afsafl.org Chris Johnson – Chair.

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

Southern California socalafsa.com 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, PE – President 804-222-1381 Michael Christensen – Exec. Dir. 804-371-7456

South Carolina scfsa.org Stuart Weeks – Chair.

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

Ohio afsaoh.org Bill Hausman, Chair 937-859-6198

AFSA Affiliate Contacts Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chair.

918-266-2416

Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

713-466-9898 Ryan Kiefer – Exec. Dir. 512-251-0289

Alberta, Canada

Pacific

Northw

est

Northern New England

Minnesota-Dakotas

Upstate New York

Sacramento Valley Greater Bay

Utah

Southern California San Diego

Connecticut

Michigan

Arizona

Schuylkill

Ohio Colorado

New Mexico

Virginia

Greater Kansas City Oklahoma (Affiliate)

Arkansas

Dallas Fort Worth

South Carolina Alabama

Louisiana

Georgia

a id

or

Fl

Texas (Affiliate)

Carolinas

Tennessee

60 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Patriot

New Jersey Chesapeake Bay

AFSA MEMBERSHIP New Members The following is a list of new members that have joined as of June 21, 2019.

Contractors

Associates

Arch Plumbing San Francisco, CA

Certified Fire Protection Salt Lake City, UT

Phoenix Fire Protection, Inc. Gilroy, CA

Bay Cities Fire Protection, Inc. Santa Rosa, CA

Elite Fire Protection, LLC Rocky Hill, CT

Serenity Fire Protection, Inc. Brea, CA

Cascade Sprinkler Inspection Parma, MI

Mass. Fire Prevention, Inc. Rockland, MA

Smith Fire Protection, LLC Burleson, TX

CRS Insurance Brokerage Denver, CO

CONSTRUCTION REPORTS U.S. Construction...

U.S. Construction...

new construction starts in April fell 15 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $685.2 billion, pulling back following the 16 percent hike that was reported in March, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. Steep declines were registered by two of the three main construction sectors. Nonbuilding construction, which is comprised of public works and electric utilities/gas plants, plunged 31 percent from its elevated March amount which was lifted by the start of the $4.3-billion Calcasieu Pass liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in Cameron, Louisiana. Nonresidential building fell 18 percent in April after being boosted in March by groundbreaking for the $1.6-billion Toyota-Mazda automotive manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama among other large projects. Nonresidential building in April did receive support from the start of the $1.3-billion new airport terminal project at Kansas City International Airport. Meanwhile, residential building in April decreased 1 percent, as a modest rebound for multifamily housing was outweighed by further slippage for singlefamily housing.

adjusted annual rate of $757.0 billion, new construction starts in May climbed 10 percent from April, according to Dodge Data & Analytics.

The increase continues the double-digit swings that were reported during the previous two months, when a 16 percent hike for total construction starts in March was followed by a 15 percent decline in April.

Each of the three main construction sectors contributed to May’s 10 percent gain. Nonbuilding construction rebounded 32 percent after depressed activity in April, lifted by an especially strong amount of new power plant starts and an $800 million light rail project in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. Nonresidential building improved 7 percent, supported by groundbreaking for two very large manufacturing plant projects. Residential building edged up 2 percent, with modest gains for both single family housing and multifamily housing. Through the first five months of 2019, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were $295.0 billion, down 9 percent from the same period a year ago.

On a twelve-month moving total basis, total construction starts for the twelve months ending May 2019 were 2 percent below the amount reported for the 12 months ending May 2018.

April Construction Starts Retreat 15 Percent The value of

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions April 2019 March 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $248,467 $303,385 -18 Residential Building $289,509 $293,714 -1 Nonbuilding Construction $147,178 $213,361 -31 Total Construction $685,154 $810,460 -15

May Construction Starts Advance 10 Percent At a seasonally

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions May 2019 April 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $266,635 $248,818 +7 Residential Building $295,901 $290,887 +2 Nonbuilding Construction $194,415 $146,810 +32 Total Construction $756,951 $686,515 +10

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) April 2019..................145 March 2019...............171

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) May 2019...............160 April 2019...........145

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

4 Mos. 2019 4 Mo. 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $76,987 $79,306 -3 Residential Building $94,560 $107,226 -12 Nonbuilding Construction $52,934 $58,641 -10 Total Construction $224,481 $245,173 -8

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

5 Mos. 2019 5 Mos. 2018 % Change Nonresidential Building $101,128 $104,734 -3 Residential Building $121,532 $137,916 -12 Nonbuilding Construction $72,316 $81,182 -11 Total Construction $294,976 $323,832 -9

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 61

AFSA NEWS NFPA Recognizes Huggins Congratulations to AFSA’s Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland J. Huggins, PE for receiving a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Committee Service Award during the Technical Meeting at the NFPA Conference & Expo held June 17-20, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas. Huggins was recognized for his work on the following NFPA committees: Correlating Committees: Building Code (2000 – present), Safety to Life (2000 – present), and Automatic Sprinkler Systems (1997 – present).

Technical Committees: Building Code & Safety to Life – Assembly Occupancies and Membrane Structures (2003 – 2007), Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Systems (2001 – 2016), Commissioning and Integrated Testing (2001 – 2013), Building Code & Safety to Life – Industrial, Storage, and Miscellaneous Occupancies (2000 – present), Automatic Sprinkler Systems – Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria (1997 – present), Rack Storage (1997 – 1999), Fire Prevention Code (1997 – 1999), General Storage (1997 – 2003), Water Tanks (1996 – 2005), and Automatic Sprinkler Systems – Private Water Supply Piping Systems (1996 – 2001).

Since 1986, the award has been given to a technical committee member to recognize their continuous voluntary service for a substantial period of time. The award also seeks to show NFPA’s appreciation of distinguished service in the development of NFPA codes and standards.

AFSA Welcomes Amy Burch The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) staff is pleased to announce the hiring of Amy Burch as executive assistant. In her role at AFSA Burch will work in the administrative services department. In her role, she will be responsible for greeting all visitors to AFSA, answering and directing all incoming phone calls, assisting the President & CEO Debra McGuire, managing board of director and committee meeting minutes, providing administrative and clerical support, and maintaining the office.

Burch has previously served as an executive assistant to seven upper level management staff at an oil and gas company and has previously held positions as an AR supervisor and executive assistant. Burch brings with 62 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

AFSA’s Roland Huggins receiving an NFPA Committee Service Award at NFPA’s Conference & Expo. her 25-plus years of working experience. Visit firesprinkler.org to meet all of your AFSA National staff.

ITM Fall 2019 Class Open for Enrollment Registration for AFSA’s Fall 2019 ITM Inspector Development Program is open! In only its third year, the program continues to hit new milestones: • The fourth class graduated in June 2019.

• Over 120 students have enrolled in this industry-first ITM program.

• AFSA delivered over 7,000 hours of ITM training in 2018 through blended methods including live webinars, live classroom, and hands-on learning.

AFSA ITM students lead the way and outperform national average exam scores on both NICET Level I and Level II I&T exams, and AFSA boasts an 88 percent NICET exam pass rate versus the national average of 65 percent!

For more details or to register, visit https:// www.firesprinkler.org/ITM. Register for AFSA’s 2019 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is excited to announce the dates for all 2019 Beginning Fire Sprinkler Design System Planning School. This class presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Students receive two full weeks of instruction, 60 percent of which is study and review of NFPA 13 (2016 edition). The other 40 percent is preparation of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings, and hydraulic calculations.

The schools remaining for 2019 are August

19-30, October 7-18, and November 11-22.

Visit https://www.firesprinkler.org/schools.

AFSA Staff Contributes to Core Competencies for the Practice of Fire Protection Engineering Initiated as part of the Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) strategic plan, the SFPE Board of Directors recognized the importance of clearly defining an internationally applicable set of core competencies that a fire protection engineer needs to have. Globally, protecting people and property from fire events is a challenge. Those who specialize in fire protection engineering must have a base level of knowledge and experience in order to appropriately reduce the negative impacts from unwanted fire incidents.

The SFPE Standing Committee on Professional Qualifications (CPQ) and specifically, the Subcommittee on Professional Competency and Credentialing has worked over the last couple of years to develop the “Recommended Minimum Technical Core Competencies for the Practice of Fire Protection Engineering.” AFSA Senior Fire Protection Engineer Russ Bainbridge, PE, CFPS, aided in the development of these competencies. This is the first time that the SFPE has documented the minimum knowledge, skills, and experience someone needs in order to qualify themselves as a fire protection engineer. Visit sfpe.org for more information.

AFSA Represented at HFOT Veterans Conference Several AFSA representatives attended the Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) Veterans Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on April 24: AFSA President &

Calendar July 24-26 Fire Sprinkler Inspection Training & Certificate Program Stillwater, Oklahoma ceatpd.okstate.edu/content/ fplc-fire-sprinkler-inspectiontraining-and-certificate-program

August 10

AFSA at the HFOT Veterans Conference (from l to r): Ret. Brigadier General and HFOT President & CEO Tom Landwermeyer, AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall, AFSA Region 5 Director Jeff Phifer, HFOT Veteran Marine Corporal Yevginiy “Yev” Shenker with wife Maggie, AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire, HFOT Director of Construction Richard Pratt, AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter Executive Director Paulene Norwood, and HFOT Executive Director Bill Ivey.

CEO Debra McGuire, AFSA Region 5 Director Jeff Phifer, AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall, and AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter Executive Director Paulene Norwood. AFSA’s exclusive contract with HFOT currently provides residential fire sprinklers in all houses in states and local jurisdictions that have residential sprinkler requirements.

As the final step in the vetting process, conference attendees learned the next steps in the process for candidates who were selected to receive homes. The eight Veterans were given information on the home build process; viewed floor plans; and interacted with AFSA reps to learn about the fire sprinkler industry and the life- and property-saving benefits of automatic fire sprinklers. Those interested in volunteer-

ing on a HFOT home project should contact Norwood via email at paulenesacvalleyafsa@ gmail.com.

AFSA’s Jason Williams Speaks at OSU On April 30, AFSA’s Manager of ITM Education Jason Williams spoke at Oklahoma State University (OSU) Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology program’s annual FireTech Conference. Williams gave a two-hour talk on

AFSA Sacramento Valley Annual Softball Tournament Elk Grove, CA sacvalleyafsa.org

19-30 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX https://www.firesprinkler.org/schools

28 Webinar: “Hiring & Retaining the Right People” https://www.firesprinkler.org/webinars

October 1-4

NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2017 edition. The conference is designed specifically for fire protection engineers, design technicians, fire marshals, in-

AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, CA https://www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA38

spectors, installers, loss control representatives, and building code officials.

7-18 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org

November 11-22 AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX https://www.firesprinkler.org/schools

AFSA’s Jason Williams (second from left) spoke at OSU Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology program’s annual FireTech Conference. (From to l to r): Jonathan Roberts with UL, Williams, Dr. Bryan Hoskins, Virginia Charter, and Dr. Pat Brock.

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

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 63

AFSA NEWS CONT.

AFSA was well represented at the CFSI Dinner on April 24 in Washington, DC. Seated from l to r: Hooper Loscomb, Eagle Fire; April Loscomb; Jason Martin, Castle Sprinkler; and AFSA Chesapeake Bay Executive Director Danielle Fowler, Potter Roemer. Standing from l to r: Former AFSA President Steve Muncy; Victoria Valentine DeDominic, PE, SFPE; John Denhardt, PE, Strickland Fire Protection; and Terry Victor, SimplexGrinnell.

AFSA Represented at CFSI Dinner AFSA On April 24, 2019, former AFSA President Steve Muncy, CAE hosted a table of local AFSA members for the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CFSI) 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner.

Long-time Fire Services Caucus member, House Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer, spoke about CFSI’s impact of the fire service in general. Long-time fire service supporter Senator Thomas Carper addressed the 1,500 attending the 31st annual dinner in Washington Hilton’s ballroom, promising to continue pressing hard on the issues that impact emergency service workers’ lives and families.

Since 1989, fire service leaders from across the nation have traveled to Washington, DC to attend CFSI’s National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars Program. Each year, approximately 2,000 fire and emergency officials participate in the program, attending seminars, conducting meetings with the members of Congress and networking to build relationships. AFSA is a member of the CFSI National Advisory Committee Visit cfsi.org.

AFSA Visits FM Global Research Campus Fire, explosion, hurricane-force winds, and vibrations matching earthquake intensity are all in a day’s work at the FM Global’s Research Campus. On May 23, AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE and Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall toured the state-of-the-art campus covering 1,500 acres in rural Rhode Is64 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

FM Global Vice President of Engineering Standards Gary Keith (far left) and FM Global Assistant Vice President & Manager of Fire Service Programs Michael Spaziani (far right) welcomed AFSA President & CEO Debra McGuire (second from left) and AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall (second from right) to FM Global’s research campus in Rhode Island.

land to learn about how the global insurer is furthering fire science through research and working with the industry to test, certify, and approve hundreds of “FM Approved” products annually.

Covering 108,000 ft2, FM Global’s Fire Technology Laboratory is the centerpiece of the Research Campus and the largest facility of its type in the world. The Laboratory, equipped with two 80 x 80-ft movable ceilings designed to simulate the trend in increasing warehouse heights, enables researchers to study a much broader range of applications. During the tour, a full-scale fire test showcasing the power of fire sprinklers in high-rack storage applications was demonstrated. According to FM Global research, sprinklers reduce the severity of fire losses by a factor of seven each year. The research conducted at the Research Campus is part of FM Global’s overall business strategy to advance fire protection and help clients minimize property loss. Visit fmglobal.com.

Second Chance Scholarship Contest Opens AFSA’s Second Chance Scholarship contest is now open at afsascholarship.org/secondchance. From now until August 31, 2019, eligible undergraduate and graduate college seniors can apply. The scholarship offers the chance to win one of five $1,000 scholarships for a certified college or trade school!

Applicants simply visit the website, read a short passage on fire protection and fire sprinklers, and answer questions about the reading. Each correct answer offers one entry into

the scholarship contest, with a total of eight entries possible per applicant. To read more details and to enter, visit afsascholarship.org/ secondchance.

Calling All Trainers! The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is still searching for new trainers! AFSA has always been the voice for the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor, founded by fire sprinkler contractors for fire sprinkler contractors. If you’ve been in this industry for any length of time, you’ve probably heard about a few of AFSA’s nationally renowned training programs, such as our fourlevel apprenticeship training series or our Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools.

AFSA offers a wide variety of training options, mostly centered in the installation, layout, or inspection/testing/maintenance of fire sprinkler systems. If you, or someone you know, are well versed in any (or all) of these areas and want to teach or develop courses, let us hear from you! Maybe this doesn’t describe you, but someone else comes to your mind. Nominate them to share their skills with this growing industry. Complete AFSA’s Call for Trainers questionnaire so that talents, skills, qualifications, and areas of expertise can be assessed and used to determine where you (or your colleague) might be a great fit in the delivery of AFSA training programs.

This association’s success, direction, services, and integrity are all due to the dedication of its membership. Visit firesprinkler.org/ trainer for details and to sign up. n

CHAPTER NEWS

AFSA’s Russ Bainbridge presented a seminar on NFPA 14 and NFPA 25 to Chesapeake Bay Chapter members on May 7.

Greater Bay Chapter members met on June 13 to hear from ABC and AFSA.

Arizona As featured in the July edition of the FPC magazine: On May 17, 2019, the AFSA Ari-

CAFSA updates and AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal who covered AFSA Na-

& Company, Johnson Controls Inc., nVent Caddy; The Fire Pump Testing Company, and Victaulic;

zona Chapter held the 11th Gary Wennes Memorial Golf Tournament. This year, over $4,000 was raised to benefit The Arizona Burn Foundation.

There were 76 golfers in attendance. The Jet Pipe Fabricators team—Ryan Davis, Jim Lisiecki, Tom Orozco, and Sean Van Gaal—won with a score of 62.

tional happenings. Visit afsa-gba.org.

Tee Sign Sponsors: American Aerial Equipment, American Fire Supply, Anvil, Cogswell Sprinkler, F.W. Webb & Company, Firespec, Hampshire Fire Protection Company LLC, Independent Pipe, JFV Engineering LLC, NEAPFSD, New England Fire Systems, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc., Smith Cooper International, Viking, Wheatland Tube LLC, and Xcel Fire Protection.

Chesapeake Bay On May 7, AFSA Senior Fire Protection Engineer Russ Bainbridge, PE, CFPS, attended the Chesapeake Bay Chapter meeting and presented on NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, (2016 edition) and NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, (2016 edition). Thank you to all who attended and made the event a success. Keep up with future chapter events at afsachesapeakechapter.org.

Greater Bay Twenty members of the Greater Bay Chapter came out June 13 to hear from ABC National’s Michele Daugherty who talked about

Pacific Northwest On June 18, the Pacific Northwest Chapter hosted a meeting at the Mt. Tabor Brewing Company in Portland. AFSA Manager of Chapter Relations Kevin Korenthal presented on AFSA National updates. Karl Wiegand, PE of Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation provided two educational courses with CEUs covering concealed sprinklers, and dry sprinkler systems. Thanks to all who attended and made the event a success!

Visit afsanw.org.

Patriot The Patriot Chapter held its golf tournament at Fall River Country Club in Fall River, Massachusetts, June 4, 2019. It was a picture-perfect weather day on the water at this beautiful country club location. Ninety-four golfers played 18 holes, followed by dinner and awards. Thanks to our sponsors: Gold Sponsors – Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co, LLC and Viking; Elite Sponsors – 900 Industries, Cranston Windustrial, F.W. Webb

San Diego Representatives from the chapter spoke about AFSA’s commitment to the cause before the crowd gathered at the Homes for Our Troops community kick-off event for Marine First Sergeant Marcus Wilson at the Boulder Ridge Elementary School. Volunteers from the cha pter are donating a residential fire sprinkler system for Wilson’s Winchester, California, home.

In 2006, First Sergeant Wilson was on his second deployment as an Infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines to Iraq. On November 14, 2006 Wilson’s vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED), and he lost his left leg and

The Arizona Chapter tournament committee organized a great event. Top row, left to right: Bob Hudson, Olympic West; Chris Caputo, Metro Fire Equipment; Ralph Pfeiff, Summit Companies; Tournament Chair Paul Methot, Globe Sprinkler; and Danny Garcia, Win Supply. Bottom row, left to right: Kevin Kane, Viking SupplyNet; Matt Virtue, Victaulic; Makenna Leathers, Fire & Life Safety America; and Arizona Chapter Chair Bob Caputo, Fire & Life Safety America.

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 65

CHAPTER NEWS CONT.

Ray Fremont, Jr. spoke to Schuylkill Chapter members about air supply decisions.

Pacific Northwest Chapter members met on June 18. sustained injuries including six fractured vertebrae, several broken bones, punctured lungs, and burns to his face. He later found out he was the only survivor in his vehicle. Originally from Arkansas, Wilson and his family are choosing to build their HFOT home in Southern California where they currently live. Visit hfotusa.org.

Schuylkill Ray Fremont, Jr., national sales and marketing manager for General Air Products, Inc., Exton, Pennsylvania, presented “Air Supply Decisions” on June 13 at AFSA’s Schulykill Chapter’s meeting.

Visit afsasc.org. n

AFSA San Diego Chapter members attended a HFOT kick-off event (from l to r): Jim Gudger, Viking Corp., Chapter Executive Director Rhonda Gudger, and Chapter Chair Ron Aday.

ASSOCIATION NEWS FSCATX The Ninth Annual Skins & Fins Table Top Show & Family Weekend hosted by the Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association of Texas (FSCATX) was held May 30–June 2, 2019.

The event featured seven continuing education seminars with 45 attendees: Innovation with 1-in. Systems by Victaulic NFPA 22, Standard for Private Fire Water Tanks, by CST Industries; Using Nitrogen to Inhibit Corrosion in Dry/Pre-

Action and Wet Systems by South-Tek; What’s Up in the Attic by Globe Sprinkler; NFPA Venting and Nitrogen Systems by Viking Systems; Vacuum Fire Systems by Potter; and In-Rack Sprinkler Options by Reliable.

We thank all of our sponsors and vendors: ACT Pipe and Supply; AFSA; AGF; Ameripipe; Anvil, Core and Main; CST Tanks; Ferguson Fire; Hugh M. Cunningham; Hughes Excavating; In-

From l to r: Vincent Oggero, Bat Oggero, Ben Branstetter, and Craig Branstetter enjoyed the FSCATX fishing tournament.

66 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

dependence Tub;, Johnson Controls, Inc.; Lubrizol; Mechantek/Murphy Technical NFSA; Potter Electric; Reliable; Spears Manufacturing; SouthTex; Systems, LLC; System Sensor; TexCap Concord; Total Pump Solutions; United Fluid Enterpirises; Victaulic; Viking Supplynet; and UniMech. A fishing tournament, golf at Top Golf, and FSCATX general meeting rounded out the weekend. Visit fscatx.org. n

FSCATX hosted a table top show at its 9th annual Skins & Fins.

PRODUCT NEWS

Viking Corporation introduces its 3.0 K-Factor residential flat plate concealed pendent sprinkler.

Potter Electric Signal Company has released its Nitrogen Air Maintenance Device (NAMD).

Viking Corporation’s K28 ESFR sprinkler now has FM Approval for certain protection schemes.

Viking Introduces New 3.0 K-Factor Residential Concealed Sprinkler The Viking Corporation has added a new 3.0 (43) K-factor resi-

the same installation wrenches as Viking’s Mirage® commercial concealed pendent sprinkler. Visit vikingcorp.com.

K28 ESFR Sprinkler Now FM Approved to Protect Storage Facilities up to 55-ft (16,7-m) High Viking Corporation has an-

dential flat plate concealed pendent sprinkler to its leading Freedom® residential product line.

The new model VK496 is cULus Listed with a flow rate of only 8 GPM (30 L/min), and a pressure requirement of only 7.1 PSI (0.49 bar) in a 12 x 12 ft (3,7 x, 3,7 m) room size.

With its smaller K-Factor and lower flow rates, the new glass bulb sprinkler is appropriate for NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, residential systems where the available water supply is a concern. In these systems, the VK496 could allow for reduced pipe sizes, a smaller water meter, and/or the elimination of a tank and pump. In addition to the 12 x 12 ft (3,7 x 3,7 m) room size indicated above, the new sprinkler is also cULus Listed for 14 x 14 ft (4,3 x 4,3 m) and 16 x 16 ft (4,9 x 4,9 m) coverage areas.

The Model VK496 features a flat cover plate and is well-suited for residential applications where a concealed appearance is desired. The new sprinkler joins Viking’s industry-leading line of flat plate concealed residential sprinklers which now includes three pendents (3.0K VK496, 4.9K VK494, 5.8K VK498) and two sidewalls (4.0K VK480, 5.8K VK490). The VK496 replaces the previous Viking Model VK488.

Available in both 155°F (ordinary) and 200°F (intermediate) temperature ratings, the Model VK496 has three cover plate styles (standard diameter, large diameter, and square). In addition to nine standard finishes and unlimited custom color options, the sprinkler is also available with an ENT finish for installation in certain environments where corrosion is a concern. The VK496 has a 1/2-in. (15-mm) NPT thread, and uses

Potter Announces Release of Nitrogen Air Maintenance Device Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri, announces the release of the Nitrogen Air Maintenance Device (NAMD). The NAMD is a field adjustable pressure regulating device used to keep nitrogen or air pressure at the correct level in dry pipe and preaction fire sprinkler systems. It can also be used to control pressure in dry pilot line systems of dry pilot actuated deluge or preaction valves. The NAMD is the only Air Maintenance Device on the market that uses all brass fittings, making it the most corrosion resistant device of its kind. Visit pottersignal.com.

Knox and Brooks Equipment Expand Availability of Safety Products Through fire equipment distributors and sprinkler contractors The Knox Company is pleased to announce the execution of a distribution agreement with Brooks Equipment. The synergy of the relationship will expand and accelerate the installation and use of locking fire department connection (FDC) caps that protect the integrity of fire sprinkler systems from coast-to-coast.

FDC locking caps protect fire sprinkler systems from vandalism that creates potential risks to firefighters during an emergency. Additionally, the caps reduce opportunities for terrorism, theft and other types of damage that result in higher risks and expenses for building owners.

Contractors will work with property owners/managers to provide education on the value and benefits of Knox FDC locking caps and they will have the qualifications to complete the installation process. Visit knoxbox.com.

nounced that its K28 ESFR sprinkler is now FM Approved to protect high-piled storage up to 50 ft (15,2 m) in storage facilities with ceilings as high as 55 ft (16,7 m), without requiring an in-rack sprinkler system. As a result, the Model VK514 pendent sprinkler can significantly reduce installation and maintenance costs while increasing racking flexibility in warehouses as high as 55 ft (16,7 m).

The new FM Approval is offered in addition to the sprinkler’s existing UL Listing, which provides ceiling-only sprinkler protection in warehouses up to 48 ft (14,6 m) in height. The FM Approval classifies the Model VK514 as a Quick Response Storage sprinkler, approved to protect Class 1-4 commodities and Group A, cartoned unexpanded plastics. The FM design specifies a design pressure of 80 psi (5,5 bar) with a remote area consisting of nine sprinklers, installed with three sprinklers on three adjacent branch lines. The K28 ESFR sprinkler is available in both ordinary and intermediate temperature ratings—165°F (74°C) and 205°F (96°C)—and with a 1-in. NPT or 25-mm BSP thread size.

Viking offers the industry’s most complete line of storage sprinklers specifically designed to suppress high-challenge fires, without requiring in-rack sprinkler systems.

In addition to the K28 ESFR pendent sprinkler, Viking also offers K14, K17, K22 and K25 ESFR sprinklers. Viking’s line of storage sprinklers also includes dry-type ESFR pendent sprinklers (K14 and K17) as well as CMDA, CMSA, ELO, and EC storage sprinkler options. Visit vikingcorp.com. n

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 67

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS In Memoriam: Greg Prentice AFSA staff and members were saddened to learn of the passing of Gregory (Greg) Gordon Prentice on May 28, 2019. Born September 24, 1952 in Washington, DC, he was the son of Carolyn J. Harris Prentice and the late Vern Chalmers Prentice. He was the loving husband of Norma J. Prentice, his wife of 39 years. Prentice spent his working career in the fire apparatus and fire sprinkler industry and served as chair of the AFSA Chesapeake Bay Chapter for many years.

In addition to his wife and mother, Prentice is survived by daughters Courtney Bassler and husband Bruce of Missouri, and Lauren Medina and husband Elmer of Finksburg; stepson Scott Gallagher and partner Mike Rivers of Washington, DC; brother Keith Prentice of Frederick; and grandchildren Grace and Colton D’Anthony.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on June 4, 2019, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Airy, Maryland. Memorial contributions may be made in Prentice’s memory to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216. Online condolences may be offered to the family at prittsfuneralhome.com.

Reed Adds Reinecke as Regional Manager for Southeast US Reed Manufacturing welcomes Dan Reinecke as its new regional manager for the Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee markets. Reinecke will serve key REED accounts, work with manufacturer’s reps, and focus on developing new business in this seven state area. Before joining REED, Reinecke worked for Kapro Tools as OEM sales manager and for 10 years at Milwaukee Electric Tool, serving as district sales manager for its Western New York/Northwest Pennsylvania markets. Additionally, he served as sales and project manager for Nesaru Consulting out of Wisconsin. Visit reedmfgco.com.

Houghton Promoted to Director of Marketing at Viking Viking Group announces the promotion of Nancy Houghton to the position of director – marketing at Viking Group. With her promotion, which is effective immediately, 68 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

Houghton will now lead all marketing efforts for the company and will manage all members of Viking’s marketing team.

Since joining Viking in 2014, Houghton has made a significant impact on Viking’s overall marketing and branding strategies. In her previous role as manager-marketing CRM, Houghton implemented several new digital marketing strategies, including an expansion of our social media efforts, email marketing, lead management strategies, and targeted search/ SEO efforts. She also managed Viking’s event marketing strategies, including trade shows, sponsorships, seminars/webinars, and more.

Visit vikingcorp.com.

Viega Names New Head of Human Services Industry veteran Terry Samona has been named vice president of human resources at Viega LLC. Samona oversees human resources management and development at Viega’s operations in the U.S., including headquarters and a seminar center in Broomfield, Colorado; a manufacturing plant and distribution hub in McPherson, Kansas; three additional distribution centers in Nevada, Georgia, and Pennsylvania; and a seminar center in Nashua, New Hampshire. Samona’s entire career has been in human resources. Prior to joining Viega, he was vice president of human resources at Hach Environmental. He previously held leadership positions at Honeywell International and Entergy Corp. Samona has a master’s degree in psychology from Mississippi State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. Visit viega.us.

NFPA Board of Directors Appoints New Members to Standards Council The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) board of directors has appointed two new members to the NFPA Standards Council: Jeffrey J. Foisel of Dow Chemical, Midland, Michigan, and Kenneth W. Richards, Jr., fire chief/fire marshal, Old Mystic Fire Department, Old Mystic, Connecticut, are each serving a three-year term effective January 1, 2019. NFPA also announced that current member James Golinveaux of Viking Group, Inc. was reappointed for a one-year extension that began January 1, 2019.

The NFPA Standards Council, appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors, is comprised of 13 members. The responsibilities of the Coun-

cil include overseeing NFPA standards development activities, ensuring compliance with the NFPA Regulations and Rules, and serving as the appeals body over matters related to standards development. Visit NFPA.org.

Tennessee Educator Named 2019 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named Barry Brickey, public education and information officer for the Kingsport, Tennessee Fire Department and voice of Sparky the Fire Dog®, as the 2019 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Award. Annually, NFPA confers the Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Award on a dedicated educator who works for a local fire department of fire marshal’s office in the U.S. or Canada and uses NFPA’s materials in consistent creative educational ways.

The recipient demonstrates excellence and innovation in reaching out to the community.

Brickey was awarded a $1,000 honorarium, travel to the NFPA Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas, and an engraved Sparky statuette. The Kingsport Fire Department will receive a $1,000 donation to support public education activities. Visit nfpa.org.

ABC Names 2019 Craft Instructor of the Year Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) announces that Clemon Prevost, a senior talent development specialist for Fluor’s U.S. Gulf Coast Craft Training Center in Pasadena, Texas, was named the 2019 Craft Instructor of the Year. Prevost was honored during the Careers in Construction Awards at ABC Convention 2019 in Long Beach, California. As Craft Instructor of the Year, Prevost received a $10,000 cash prize from co-sponsors NCCER, the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for the construction industry and Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft professional staffing resource. Prevost was also profiled in the May issue of Construction Executive magazine.

ABC presents the annual Craft Instructor of the Year Award to an instructor who possesses outstanding creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to transfer knowledge through communications skills and innovative teaching to promote lifelong learning to the future construction workforce. Visit NCCER.org. n

INDUSTRY NEWS Core & Main Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Long Island Pipe Core & Main LP recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Long Island Pipe Supply, Inc. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Completion of the acquisition will mark the seventh by Core & Main since becoming an independent company in August 2017. Financial terms are undisclosed.

Under the proposed transaction, Core & Main will add more than 20 fire protection locations to its footprint, primarily in New York and New Jersey. Visit coreandmain.com.

Anvil International and Smith-Cooper International Complete Merger Anvil International (“Anvil”) and Smith-Cooper International (“SCI”) have announced the completion of its merger. While the companies are now under the same corporate ownership, Anvil and SCI sales, customer service, and fulfillment will continue to operate separately for the foreseeable future. The combined company is majority owned by Tailwind Capital, a middle market private equity firm focused on growth-oriented investments in targeted sectors within industrial services, business services and healthcare.

Jason Hild, who served as CEO of SCI, will be the CEO of the combined company, and Tom Fish, who served as president and CEO of Anvil, will act as its chairman. Learn more at anvilintl.com.

NFPA Announces Theme for Fire Prevention Week The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape™!” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2019. This year’s campaign recognizes the everyday people who motivate their households to develop and practice a home fire escape plan; these seemingly basic behaviors can have life-saving impact.

“This year’s campaign works to celebrate people of all ages who learn about home fire escape planning and practice, bring that information home, and spur their families to action,” says Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “From young students who learn about the campaign at school to parents who attend a community event like a fire station open house—all of them truly are heroes because they’re taking steps to make their households much, much safer from fire.”

CPVC Compatibility AFSA members should be aware that the following products have been found to be incompatible with CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) sprinkler piping.

As with any piping material, there are certain chemicals that can be detrimental to CPVC. CPVC materials can be damaged by contact with chemicals found in some construction and ancillary products such as thread sealants, antifreeze solutions, fire stop materials, etc. It is important to verify the compatibility of materials we use that come in contact with the CPVC system to ensure long-term performance.

Lubrizol on August 21, 2017 updated its FBC™ System Compatible Program to include several new incompatible products. This update added the following fire-stopping systems to its incompatible list: • Hilti’s CP506 Smoke and Acoustic Sealant • No Nonsense Limited’s “No Nonsense Intumescent Acrylic Sealant” Sealant • Everbuild’s EVERBUILD FIRE Fire Mate Sealant C3 Zurich, the global insurer, issued a publication discussing the issues surrounding the CPVC sprinkler pipe failures. Read it here: zurichservices.com/zsc/reel.nsf/446bd52cae842f4ac125 7285004a8653/e3b153caacee621f86258175006b54ac/%24FILE/CPVC_Sprinkler_Pipe_Failures_rt.pdf.

AFSA recommends its members continue to be aware of the situation and that they confirm the compatibility of all ancillary products with that product’s manufacturer prior to use.

Should members have legal questions, AFSA provides a free initial legal consultation with its law firm Canterbury Gooch Surratt Shapiro Stein Gaswirth and Jones as a benefit of membership. Contact Daniel McCabe at (972) 239-7493.

“Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” also focuses on what a home escape plan entails and the value of practicing it. These messages are more important than ever, particularly because today’s homes burn faster than ever. Carli notes that synthetic fibers used in modern home furnishings, along with the fact that newer homes tend to be built with more open spaces and unprotected lightweight construction, are contributing factors to the increased burn rate.

A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas.

It also includes two ways out of every room,

usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) that’s a safe distance from the home. Home escape plans should be practiced twice a year by all members of the household.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape.

Plan and Practice Your Escape!,” along with a wealth of resources to help promote the campaign locally, visit fpw.org. n

NFPA has announced the theme for 2019’s Fire Prevention Week is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape™!”

Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019 69

President’s Report (Continued From Page 8)

Future Leaders At AFSA38: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition, October 1-4, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in beautiful San Diego, please join in recognizing outgoing Chair Wayne Weisz, who has led this Association for two years.

Adding up all the hours that this dedicated servant leader has given during the timeframe that I have been at AFSA since January, it literally adds

up to days on end that Chair Weisz has volunteered including having “volunesia” when I ask him to turn in direct expenses for his work on our behalf!

Selflessness, for our cause, in action.

Equally important for any Association is the need for growing new leaders amongst our ranks. AFSA’s NextGen Initiative launched a new mentorship program in May, designed to connect

You don’t have to be a genius.

past or current members with up-andcoming younger members who have a passion to develop their leadership potential. For more information about NextGen or AFSA’s new mentorship program, contact AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall at nduvall@firesprinkler. org. Who knows . . . you may even get “volunesia” in the process! n

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

Be a Member

firesprinkler.org

70 Sprinkler Age | July/August 2019

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

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Now available as a compact wall-mount unit with quick install mounting bracket!

The hardest part of the install is deciding where to go for lunch.

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The Potter IntelliGen® series uses an automated setup procedure that switches the generator into the correct fill mode automatically—that means no more messing with ball valves! This makes installation easy and ensures that your fire sprinkler system has the best possible corrosion protection. Additionally, these web-enabled nitrogen generators allow you to receive status notifications via email and view system details through a web browser or mobile device. Find out how the simplest installation on the market will save you time for other important things, like lunch!

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