Sprinkler Age Nov/Dec 2020

25 2020 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW

NOV/DEC 2020

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 39/06

Bob Caputo AFSA President

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FEATURES 12 | CAPUTO NAMED AFSA PRESIDENT

Industry Veteran to Lead Association

14 | KNOWING YOUR AHJ

Gain Some Perspective to Understand the Entire Picture

16 | MEMBERS ELECT 2020-2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ted Wills Re-Elected Chair of the Board

19 | NEW YEAR, NEW VISION

AFSA Board of Directors Set New Mission Statement and New Member Categories

20 | THE DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS

The Sprinkler Contractor’s Role

24 | HONORING MARYLAND FIRE CHIEF BRIAN GERACI

Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Celebrated

25 | LEGISLATIVE REVIEW 2020

Codes, Standards, and Regulations in the U.S. and Canada

34 | “APPROVED”

The Fire Sprinkler Industry’s Magic Word

36 | M/S COUNCIL ELECTS 2021 OFFICERS

Representatives Work on Behalf of Associates

38 | MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH LEGISLATION

Upstate New York Chapter and Lobbyist Firm Form Productive Partnership

40 | DEALING WITH ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN CONSTRUCTION DURING THE COVID-19 ERA

Best Practices, Ethics, Risk Management

42 | HELP LEGISLATORS CREATE FIRE SPRINKLER SOLUTIONS

Proactively Shaping Policy

44 | THE ROLE OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN COVID-19 RECOVERY

How E&C Firms can Leverage Technology to Support Their Strategic and Operational Objectives

47 | SCHOLARSHIPS + SPRINKLERS = SAFETY

Students Benefit From Education

49 | LEARN SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN

2021 School Curriculum Updated to NFPA 13, 2019 Edition

50 | THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

51 | EARN AND EARN

ON THE COVER: Please welcome Bob Caputo, CFPS, AFSA’s new President. Also in this issue: the design-build process.

6 CHAIR’S MESSAGE 8 PRESIDENT’S REPORT 10 FLASHPOINT 52 AFSA NEWS 52 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 53 CHAPTER NEWS 53 ASSOCIATION NEWS 54 AFSA CHAPTERS 55 NEW MEMBERS 55 U.S. CONSTRUCTION 56 DESIGNER’S CHALLENGE 56 ITM CHALLENGE 58 PRODUCT NEWS 60 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 61 INDUSTRY NEWS 62 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bimonthly for

$33.95 per year by the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc., 12750 Merit Drive, Suite 350, Dallas, Texas 75251. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional mailing offices.

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SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

EDITORIAL: 214-349-5965

I

NICOLE DUVALL, Publisher,

n this issue, I want to talk to you about opportunity. But before I do so, I want to take this moment to tell you how much you and your family and your well-being mean to this association. The last six months have not been easy on anyone—our way of life and business have been upended. But we are more than an association; we are a family of businessmen and women who come together to learn from one another and to help each other, whether it be in person or virtually.

I do not want to dwell on the past, but instead look at the opportunity that 2021 and beyond will bring us. I am hopeful for what the next six months are going to bring each of you and our association. While a vaccine seems imminent, distribution to 300 million people will be a monumental task. And as the vaccine is distributed, Americans will return fully to work, and we’ll pull through any downturn our economy may see.

Even though the next few months may look like a challenge, we will get through them and come out even stronger. One of the lessons that this pandemic has taught us is that people can work from anywhere—save a few professions.

What that means for us is that the buildings we service will be transformed. New uses for old office spaces will pop up. We may see a dip in overall construction of new buildings going into 2021, but I believe we will still see people turning to their current buildings and coming up with new ideas for them. And you, our AFSA members, will be there for those opportunities.

Our workforce will become more mobile, which means that buildings that were not once used for work will now be places where people eat, sleep, and get things done. Those buildings will have to be brought up to code, and we will be there to make that happen with our craft and ingenuity.

There is an oft-quoted phrase that luck is where preparation and opportunity meet. To me, that can only strengthen our association’s focus on education. This year, we ramped up our online training and education programs and took our Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School and ITM Inspector Development program to cities near you. The more that you can be prepared for what lies ahead in our profession and the uncertainties of the future, the more you can take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. Those who will be the “luckiest” will be the ones who are the most educated and up-to-date in our profession.

Part of what I hoped to have accomplished before the pandemic hit was the introduction of new members to our trade, especially those graduating from high school or people looking to change careers. I still believe that we should be growing our association with new members. Many are at a crossroads in their careers and life right now, and we can be that new direction for them. It is my hope that you still look for opportunities to mentor and demonstrate the value of our trade to others so that we may share in our continued success.

One exciting addition to the AFSA team is the hiring of our new association President Bob Caputo, CFPS. Your Board members put a lot of thought, time, and energy into this process and our selection of Bob. Many of you know Bob and know he’s a great fit for AFSA and this industry. Welcome, Bob! The future is bright for AFSA, and this is just the beginning. n

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

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS TED WILLS, Chair, 610-754-7836

JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E., First Vice Chair, 410-787-0639 LINDA M. BIERNACKI, Second Vice Chair, 318-841-0330 PAUL DELORIE, Treasurer, 603-432-8221 JEFF PHIFER, Secretary, 803-438-2994

WAYNE WEISZ, Immediate Past Chair, 209-334-9119 DWIGHT BATEMAN, 713-910-3242 ROD DIBONA, 605-348-2342 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949

R. DONALD (DON) KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 CHRIS JOHNSON, 727-581-9339

MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, 757-213-3660 JAY STRICKLAND, 301-474-1136

AFSA LEADERSHIP BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, President, ext. 124 LAVERNE DAVIS, Vice President, Finance & Administration, ext. 112 JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE, Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services, ext.121

MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President, Program Operations & Education Services, ext. 118 LIZ MESSNER, CAE, IOM, Vice President, Membership & Communications, ext. 135

LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director, Education Services, ext. 130 NICOLE DUVALL, Director, Communications & Social Media, ext. 126 ROGER GRAGG, Director, Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116

Sprinkler Age is devoted to the professional development of the fire sprinkler industry. Deadline is 1st of the month preceding publication.

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

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

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

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

ABOUT AFSA MEMBERSHIP

TED WILLS AFSA BOARD CHAIR

6 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

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

W

ow! Talk about living the dream. I am so very honored and appreciative at having been selected to serve our industry as the new president of AFSA. As anyone who knows me will attest, I have always been passionate about fire and life safety, and especially the benefits of fire sprinklers in the built environment. My career has literally taken me around the globe with opportunities to teach and preach the value of fire sprinklers; but now, more than ever, I get to do what I love doing. With over 40 years of experience in this industry, including having been a fitter, a designer, and an owner, I believe I bring a new and unique brand of leadership to our association. I understand what we do and how we do it— nuts and bolts. I believe that together we can and will make AFSA even better and more responsive to the needs of our members and associates. The staff is energized and ready for new direction and challenges.

It would be a gross understatement to say that 2020 has been an unusual year for us all in so many ways. I take some solace in the fact that the election cycle is finally over, and we can stop suffering through political ads for a few years. Regardless of the outcome of elections and the political climate, these are simply circumstances to be dealt with by us individually and collectively as an industry.

Speaking of circumstances, COVID-19 has been in the forefront of our lives since February, and we’ve all been affected by the changing world around us as we learn to live with this new virus and its impact on our business models. Hopefully, having been designated as an essential business has helped many of us maintain a healthy work and cash flow as we wait for the light at the end of this dark tunnel.

As many of you know by now, AFSA’s Board of Directors has elected to implement a 20 percent increase in dues effective January 1, 2021. While there was a single increase back in 2018 (10 percent), there had not been any increase in the dues structure in the prior 20 years, and I’m sure we can agree that the cost of everything has increased during this timeframe. In hindsight, it would certainly have been better to have increased the dues in smaller increments annually or periodically in anticipation of the increased expenses of association management, but your Board members were intent on keeping your membership costs to a minimum as long as possible—and nothing has changed that thought. So, why now and why 20 percent?

Your Board held prices firm for so long that we fell behind with some of the tools and technology of AFSA’s business and we need to leap forward to catch up. This one-time catch-up increase will get us where we need to be in terms of delivering updated and expanded services our membership depends upon in support of your business. The current and past members of the Board and staff

8 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

of AFSA have been good stewards of your money, but inflation over the years has been exponential. Without your support, loyalty, and commitment, AFSA could not exist. So first and foremost, THANK YOU! We won’t let you down!

AFSA has expanded and enriched our technical services department dramatically this year. The addition of John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE; Kevin Hall, P.E., MSFPE; and John Johnson, CFPS ensures our members have the best-in-class technical support available.

Our requests for informal interpretations have increased dramatically.

The rewrite of AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice Training program will enhance the training your future fitters and foremen receive while increasing productivity and reducing liabilities through a better and well-trained, front-line labor force. Our ITM Inspector Development program and the expansion of AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School to locations outside of Dallas have all been parts and pieces of your AFSA Board and staff efforts to deliver on the mission and serve the needs of our membership. We have plans in the works for an Advanced Fire Sprinkler System Planning School as well as a mentoring program in the near future. These new and expanded programs all come with a cost, and this is the reason for this one-time dues increase.

I hope all of our members will see the value of these new and expanded resources and will continue to support AFSA’s mission with your renewal. We’re in this together! I want to encourage each of you to be a strong member and reach out to others in your respective communities to get a new member involved. Help us grow together.

As we move forward, I am committed to ensuring we are meeting the needs of our membership and delivering on the mission in support of merit shop fire sprinkler contracting. I look forward to visiting all 31 chapters and listening to members about how we can best serve you regionally. In the meantime, my email and my phone are always on, and I promise to be as available as possible to our members.

Lastly, as we head into the holiday season with Thanksgiving right around the corner, I want to wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and happy day of family time with a prayer that 2021 will be a better year for us all. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! n

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS AFSA PRESIDENT

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FLASHPOINT

I

t has been almost a year since I accepted a position with AFSA, and what a ride it has been! From the beginning, I could not have asked for better support from my bosses, the AFSA’s Board of Directors. This group of sprinkler contractors is diverse with lots of experience, knowledge, and, most important to me, guidance. As a group, these individuals have offered kind words, encouragement, or just a quick note, letting me know what they think. My long-time bosses, Manning and Jay Strickland, have also been right there with support.

Within a few months of my starting my position, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. AFSA and the technical department had to adjust. There was no magic book or manual to follow.

My staff and coworkers thought I was nuts when I decided to offer two technical webinars a week for three months to meet our members’ needs when the pandemic’s impact was felt. I remember a staff member asked me, “Who will present this material, as we have no one lined up?” I just laughed and said, “We will figure it out. If necessary, my staff would handle it.” I guess that is my contractor’s attitude. What happened next just made me realize why I love this industry. AFSA’s technical friends reached out to me and asked how they could help. Bob Caputo; James Gollinveaux; Ray Fremont, Jr.; Russ Leavitt; Steve Scandaliato; and many others were there to assist. Looking back, I was nuts, but our members appreciated our efforts. Our attendance numbers were off the chart.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic halted our in-person training, we retooled and conducted some classes virtually. We found a safe way to restart our in-person training. We decided to take our training to our members, and the members have responded positively to these decisions. We have hosted our training in Exton, Pennsylvania, and will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Tampa Bay, Florida; Sacramento, California; and San Diego, California; over the next six months. More locations will be forthcoming. The need for in-person training has not decreased. The requests for our Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools have been strong. We are actively working on updating the beginning school to the 2019 editions of NFPA 13 and have started preparations for other higher-level schools.

Hopefully, we will release more news on these projects in 2021.

In our magazine, Sprinkler Age, the technical department started the Designer’s and ITM Challenge. These challenges are designed to keep experienced technicians’ skills sharp and, for the beginner technicians, help them learn the standards. This will assist in certification preparations.

The NFPA standard update process has been moving quickly this year despite the pandemic. NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, 20, and 25 have been in cycle. NFPA 14 was delayed a year but is starting as I type this. The amount of public inputs and comments processed this year has been an enormous undertaking. Every public submission was reviewed, analyzed, and acted on by our technical services staff. We are making sure

10 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

our members’ interests are represented while ensuring the quality of fire protection systems.

The big news this year for AFSA was the hiring of Bob Caputo, as our president. Bob is a well-known figure in our industry with a great personality. He has performed almost every role available in a sprinkler contracting company. His hiring has received a glowing response from the industry. While I now get to call Bob my boss, he has been and will continue to be my friend, confidant, and a person in whom I have the utmost confidence. Having Bob on the AFSA team will significantly enhance our ability to serve our members. While he will not be directly working on technical issues, his knowledge and ability in the technical areas will be a welcome impact.

So, what is ahead for 2021? AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School will be updated to the 2019 edition of NFPA 13. We have revised the course to include modern teaching techniques and, where possible, include some hands-on equipment demonstrations. We will continue to take this class on the road. If an AFSA chapter or a member wants to see if we can bring our school to your area, contact AFSA’s Vice President of Program Operations & Educational Services Marlene Garrett, CMP via email at mgarrett@ firesprinkler.org to discuss the requirements needed to accomplish this. We are working on a next-level Intermediate Fire Sprinkler System Planning School with plans to develop an Advanced Fire Sprinkler System Planning School. Our ITM Inspector Development Program is being updated to the 2017 edition of NFPA 25, and we will continue to update the class to the 2020 edition. So, when NICET updates its program, we will be ready! Our ITM classes have been very popular. At the request of our members, we are working on obtaining the capability to offer ASSE 15010 Water-Based Fire Protection Certification classes, schools, and testing. This certification is starting to be required or accepted in several areas. We also have plans to develop a Fitter Challenge, additional AHJ training, and a more significant presence on technical committees with NFPA, UL, ISO, and other organizations.

AFSA’s SprinklerFORUM, Informal Interpretations, Sprinkler Age technical articles, Designer’s Challenge, ITM Challenge, webinars, and other items will continue to be offered. Our technical team is strong and is here to serve you. Feel free to use our services as we are an extension of your company’s technical team.

I’m looking forward to a bright 2021. n

JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE AFSA VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES

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CAPUTO NAMED AFSA PRESIDENT INDUSTRY VETERAN TO LEAD ASSOCIATION

T

he Board of Directors of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has announced the unanimous selection of Robert G. (Bob) Caputo, CFPS, as the association’s president. Established in 1981, AFSA and its federation of 31 chapters serve as North America’s largest fire sprinkler industry organization. Caputo’s tenure began on November 1, 2020.

“The Board members and I are very excited and extremely pleased to welcome Bob to the AFSA team,” says AFSA Chair of the Board Ted Wills, president of Anchor Fire Protection Co. in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. “We felt it was important to have an industry veteran at the helm. The future of AFSA is bright.”

This appointment follows an extensive search for an effective leader for the fire sprinkler industry’s largest trade association. Caputo has been an important part of this industry for over 41 years and is a long-time member of AFSA and a promoter of merit shop contracting. He is the former owner of Consolidated Fire Protection in the San Diego area and has held fire sprinkler contractor’s licenses in 23 states. Most recently, he was the vice president for training and technical support for Fire & Life Safety America, based in Richmond, Virginia.

Caputo expressed excitement for the opportunity to lead AFSA’s excellent team in support of the fire sprinkler industry. “I want to be in touch with our members and their needs and continue to expand AFSA’s training and education opportunities. My focus will be on fulfilling the AFSA mission, team building, and ‘knock-your-socks-off’ services to the membership.”

12 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

AFSA’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Bob Caputo, CFPS, as the association’s president.

As president, Caputo will be responsible for providing guidance and support to the Board while leading AFSA’s experienced team of engineers and other professionals who are dedicated to serving the membership comprised of contractors, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). He will represent the association, interacting with key stakeholders, including regulatory and other public agencies, and increase the visibility of the value of the fire sprinkler industry and those companies that operate merit shops throughout North America and globally. Caputo also will oversee the association’s efforts to provide educational advancement, promotion, and utilization of automatic fire sprinkler systems in the U.S. and around the world.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the announcement of Bob Caputo as the new president of AFSA,” says AFSA At-Large Director and Search Committee Chair Wayne Weisz, president of Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, California. “Even though we had a very strong pool of candidates, Bob’s in-depth knowledge of our association, as well as the fire sprinkler industry, made him the unanimous choice. I am very excited to see what the future holds for our association under Bob’s leadership.”

Caputo unknowingly began his career in the fire sprinkler industry after some firsthand experience in the United States Navy when he was assigned to the Magazine Fire Sprinkler Shop at San Diego Naval Station. That led to positions in the civilian world with fire

sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and designers. He then became a fire sprinkler consultant on the national and international stage.

Caputo is a well-known and industry expert speaker, presenting on hydraulic calculations, fire pumps, plan review, and NFPA standards for NFPA and AFSA. He became involved with AFSA in the 1990s with an invitation to teach seminars nationwide. That partnership grew to include Caputo being a featured speaker during AFSA’s annual conventions.

Caputo is a member of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, Technical Committee (Installation of Fire Sprinkler Systems); alternate member of NFPA 13 Technical Committee (Design/ Discharge Criteria for Fire Sprinkler Systems); and member of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, Technical Committee (ITM – Water-Based Fire Protection Systems). He is chair of the NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances, and NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants, committees and has contributed to the NFPA 13 (2013 and 2016 editions) and NFPA 25 (2014 edition) Handbooks.

Caputo authored AFSA’s Project Management Tools–A Complete Guide to Organizational Structure and Management of Fire Sprinkler Contracting. He also helped develop AFSA’s Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program, which utilizes training and mentoring with the goal for candidates to pass NICET Level II water-based inspection certification exams in less than two years.

Additionally, Caputo has chaired two chapters of AFSA—Arizona and Southern California. He is a member of the Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection Engineering Advisory Board and is NFPA certified as a Fire Protection Specialist.

Caputo is a recipient of AFSA’s highest award, the Henry S. Parmelee Award, the San Diego County Fire Chief’s Association “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year” award; and Fire Protection Contractor magazine’s “Industry Person of the Year” award. He attended Chapman College, Orange, California; the

Caputo receiving AFSA’s highest honor, the Henry S. Parmelee Award in 2017 from then AFSA Chair of the Board Michael Meehan.

University of New Mexico-Albuquerque; and the University of Albuquerque. He is a U.S. Navy veteran.

“I am looking forward to being part of a team that services such an important industry,” comments Caputo. “What fire

sprinkler professionals do is important—it matters—and AFSA will be there every step of the way to train and support its members.”

Members are encouraged to reach out to Caputo via phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 124 or email at bcaputo@firesprinkler.org. n

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KNOWING YOUR AHJ GAIN SOME PERSPECTIVE TO UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE PICTURE R. GREG PATRICK, S.E.T. | TREASURE VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION, INC.

A

ll actions have a perceived and desired outcome. Perception is based on how we relate to our beliefs or to the knowledge of the world around us, is experience-based, and will generally change as we have more experiences.

A big part of perception regarding the fire protection contracting world is who will make the final call regarding any situation and how we better understand that perspective.

That person or office is referred to as the Authority Having Jurisdiction, the AHJ. The AHJ is, in most cases, ultimately responsible to make the final judgment in any case regarding the work that we do as contractors. By getting to know the AHJ, we stand a much greater chance of completing projects successfully, on time, and within budget.

The term “AHJ” can mean many different things and can relate to many different individuals, depending on the context. The term “Authority” is derived from a level of control, responsibility, liability, or ownership. The term “Jurisdiction” means a set area, defined boundary, or specific location or group of locations. We often think of an AHJ as the building official, fire marshal, plans examiner, or fire inspector. In reality, the AHJ can be a building owner, an architect, an engineer, a general contractor, an insurance authority, or really any individual or entity who has a vested interest and has been given the authority to enforce their decision or perspective. In the world of contracting, we are generally bound by contract to a specific entity and must operate within the compliance of the terms of that contract.

While we may not answer directly to a building owner or owner’s representative, an insurance authority, or anyone else except the general contractor, you can be sure that they ultimately have all of these entities to answer to. All of these entities make up the team, so taking a team-minded approach can be a great asset in working through every project.

The better you know the team (the AHJ), the stronger the team is, and the more informed your decisions will be.

As fire sprinkler designers and contractors, we have a responsibility to know and understand the codes, specifications, and documents that are required to operate within conformance. In understanding the codes and standards, I think it is safe to say that there is plenty of gray area that can

14 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

be left open for interpretation. Our perceived outcome is generally based on our interpretation of the codes and standards, which comes from our previous experiences and knowledge. When the AHJ’s interpretation is different, that outcome can vary greatly. Not only is there gray area within the rules, but also the rules themselves can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, with cities, counties, and states individually adopting modifications to the codes and standards.

Knowing your AHJ and understanding their perspective and the individual rules of their jurisdiction can result in a more uniform perceived outcome. I am asked quite regularly by owners, contractors, architects, and engineering consultants to offer fire protection advice on projects that are not within my city or general geographical area. My first comment is that while I can advise on what the code or standard says, I have no idea what the local flavor is because I don’t know the AHJ. I don’t know what their specific local requirements are. I don’t know what their hot buttons are or what they may be specifically looking for. I know from my own experience with our local AHJs that the requirements from one city to another can vary greatly. For instance: Is an exterior post indicating valve required on all systems? Is a rated fire riser room with an exterior door required? Is a fire hydrant required within 50 ft, 100 ft, or 300 ft of the fire department connection (FDC)? Is a hydraulic safety factor of 0 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, or something else required? Are individual fire sprinkler system floor controls required for all multi-story buildings or just buildings greater than two stories, as required by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems? Will the AHJ allow small hose valves to be deleted in storage occupancies?

Are standpipe hose valves required at the main level landing of stairways or at the intermediate-level landing? Is the FDC required to be placed on the street or address side of the building or just on a fire-access side? What is the allowable distance from the FDC to an all-weather access road? Will some level of shadowing of sprinkler distribution be allowable?

Are manual standpipes acceptable in all code allowable scenarios, or are there situations where automatic standpipes are required, even though code allows otherwise?

Those are all variables in our local area that vary greatly depending on whether the project is under a state, county, private

fire district, city, insurance company, or even corporate jurisdiction. By talking to all of our local AHJs and getting to know them on a higher level than just a title or an email address, we are able to better understand why they have a certain requirement and how to better apply that perspective to our projects. Going one step further, consider inviting your AHJs to join you at your local professional association meetings and allow them the opportunity to give input. AHJ-contractor roundtable discussions can be a solid benefit to the fire protection community and, from my experience, have allowed us a great opportunity to get to know our AHJs on a very candid and open level.

Many local and state AHJs generally come from a different perspective than most of us involved in fire protection contracting. Many AHJs come from fire services, engineering backgrounds, architectural disciplines, insurance companies, or even more general building backgrounds.

Regardless of their background, the AHJ is human, too. We all have a perspective and an approach to a common endgoal, public safety, and property protection. From the contracting side, we are faced with providing proper protection while staying within a set budget. From the AHJ side, the objective is generally solely about meeting the codes, standards, and local requirements. Budget from their side of the fence is generally not a concern. Over the years, many AHJs have told me that they don’t care about our bid or budget, nor should they. The AHJs objective is clear: compliance! This is where I have found it very helpful to get to

know my AHJ. Remember the part about them being human? Everyone has a personality and method by which they generally operate, which lends to their perspective.

Some AHJs are more knowledgeable than others and may have a more open approach to finding solutions. At the end of the day, we are all on the same team and are all trying to provide the correct level of protection for our client. Getting to know that personality and finding some general understanding of how an AHJ operates can go a long way in completing the task at hand.

As a contractor, try to see your work through the eyes of the fire marshal, plan reviewer, inspector, building owner, insurance authority—aka, the AHJ. I have found that most AHJs appreciate it when we take the time to show that we care about their perspective and try to understand their point of view. After all, that is what getting to know someone is all about, so take the time to get to know your AHJ. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg Patrick is the vice president at Treasure Valley Fire Protection in Boise, Idaho, and has served in the fire sprinkler industry for more than 36 years. He is a NICET certified Senior Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout. He is a founding member of the Idaho Fire Protection Forum (IFPF), serves on the steering committee for the American Subcontractors Association’s (ASA) Idaho Chapter, serves as the AFSA alternate on the NFPA 22 technical committee, and is FEMA certified. He can be reached at gregp@tvfpinc.com.

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The members of the 2020-2021 Executive Committee are (l to r): Chair Ted Wills; First Vice Chair Jack Medovich, P.E.; Second Vice Chair Linda Biernacki; Secretary Jeff Phifer; Treasurer Paul DeLorie; and Immediate Past Chair Wayne Weisz.

MEMBERS ELECT 2020-2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS TED WILLS RE-ELECTED CHAIR OF THE BOARD

T

Wills notes he will continue to focus on training and growing the AFSA membership in 2021. “This year, we increased our online training efforts, and we are now safely delivering our in-person courses to cities and towns near you. We will continue this into the New Year.”

WILLS LEADS AFSA IN 2021

The AFSA Board of Directors is comprised of seven Regional Directors (one for each of the seven membership regions), At-Large Directors, and the Immediate Past Chair. The Board has a wide array of expertise, experience, and education that provides strong support to both the Chair and the association as a whole.

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 2020-2021 officer elections during the September 2020 Board meeting. Ted Wills, president of Anchor Fire Protection Company, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, was re-elected as Chair of the Board. Other officers re-elected were At-Large Director and First Vice Chair Jack Medovich, P.E., president/CEO and founding partner, Fire & Life Safety America, Hanover, Maryland; At-Large Director and Second Vice Chair Linda M. Biernacki, president, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana; Region 5 Director and Secretary Jeff Phifer, president and CEO of Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina; and Region 7 Director and Treasurer Paul DeLorie, senior vice president of Hampshire Fire Protection Company, Londonderry, New Hampshire.

Wills continues as Chair of the Board in 2021. He was an active member of AFSA in its early years, serving on the AFSA Board of Directors from 1987-1993. He began his fire sprinkler industry career in 1972 in the sprinkler division of his father’s mechanical company. Upon graduation from Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania, he and his father started Anchor Fire Protection as a separate company. As chair of the Board, Wills is chair of the Executive and Staff Advisory committees.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many challenges for our families, businesses, and our association,” comments Wills, “but I continue to see strength in our membership and our industry coming together to help one another. We will emerge stronger from these trials, and our industry will recover.”

16 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

He continues: “With the hiring of Bob Caputo as AFSA president, we are headed into an exciting year. We also have created two new membership categories—students and retirees.

I welcome these groups to the AFSA family and look forward to their involvement. I am excited to jump in the New Year and encourage our members to reach out to me or any member of the Board or staff with questions or comments.”

REGIONAL DIRECTORS Region 1 Director Lyle Hall, president and co-owner of Western Fire Protection in Poway, California, has been in the fire sprinkler industry for 41 years, with the last 25 years at Western Fire. Hall started in the fire sprinkler industry as an apprentice pipe fitter and worked his way into design, project management, sales and eventually management. He is co-chair of AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education Committee.

Region 2 Director is Don Kaufman, president of Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico. With over 43

Lyle Hall

Don Kaufman

Rod DiBona

years in the sprinkler business, Kaufman was instrumental in starting AFSA’s New Mexico Chapter and is a past president of the chapter. He is chair of the Bylaws Committee.

Region 3 Director Rod DiBona is the chief operating officer (COO) of the Rapid Fire Protection Group (R.F.P.G), with branches throughout the western United States, headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. DiBona entered the fire protection industry in 1990 and entered the AFSA apprenticeship program in 1991. In October of 1993, he was asked by Marty Hammon to join him, his son, and son-in-law to create Rapid Fire Protection.

DiBona currently serves on the board of directors for R.F.P.G. He is currently the chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee and the co-chair of the Apprenticeship & Education Committee.

DiBona is a NICET (National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies) Level III Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout.

“I am honored to serve on the Board of this great organization,” comments DiBona. “So many people have come before us, and their collective efforts have afforded the merit shop contractors the opportunities that we have today. AFSA’s group of dedicated people are committed to ensuring that this continues and extends to the next generation of members.”

Region 4 Director Dwight E. Bateman is founder and president of Southeast Fire Protection, Inc. in Houston, and is a past Chair of the Board. Beginning his career as vice president of Semico International, Inc., a fire sprinkler contractor, Bateman has 42-plus years of experience in the industry. He opened Southeast Fire Protection in 1986 and joined AFSA in 1989. Bateman is chair of the Contractor Support & Advisory Committee.

Region 5 Director and Secretary of the Board Jeff Phifer is president and CEO of Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, based in Lugoff, South Carolina, one of the oldest family-owned and continuously operated fire sprinkler contractors in the nation. Phifer has been at Crawford for 43 years, working as a fitter, service technician, and in administration. In 1999, he became the third generation to be president and chairman of the board at Crawford Sprinkler Company. Phifer is chair of the Public Education & Awareness Committee.

Region 6 Director Michael F. Meehan is president of VSC Fire & Security, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. A 1981 graduate from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia,

Dwight Bateman

Michael Meehan

Chris Johnson

Meehan began his fire sprinkler career working summers as a pipe fitter apprentice. He is a NICET Level IV Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout and has more than 40 years’ experience in sprinkler design engineering, estimating, project management, and senior management.

Meehan is a past AFSA Chair of the Board and represents installing contractors and AFSA on the NFPA 13 committee.

He presently chairs the Insurance & Safety committee.

Region 7 Director and Treasurer of the Board Paul DeLorie is senior vice president of Hampshire Fire Protection Co., based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Hampshire Fire Protection is one of the largest merit shop fire sprinkler companies in New England. DeLorie is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He has over 36 years’ experience in sprinkler design, estimating, sales, project management, and senior management.

As treasurer, DeLorie chairs the Budget & Finance Committee.

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Serving as At-Large Director and Second Vice Chair, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana. Fire Tech Systems is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with 90 team members in two offices and licenses in six states. Biernacki provides 30 years of industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is a NICET board member, past president and board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association, and represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records. She is a certified in NICET Level III Fire Protection Engineering Technology Water-Based Systems Layout and certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast, and is the outgoing AFSA Membership/Chapter Grants & Development Committee chair.

“In 2021, it is my honor to serve as the 40th Anniversary Convention Committee Chair and I have a ‘Rock Star’ committee that is going to make the event special for our members,” comments Biernacki. “AFSA is the premier merit shop organization and our 40th anniversary convention will reflect the importance of educating and cultivating AFSA members. We are going to catapult a surge of invigorating excitement for the future vision of our merit shop organization into the next 40 years.”

At-Large Director Chris Johnson is president and CEO of Piper Fire Protection, Inc. located in Clearwater, Florida. He has served in that capacity since 2002. Johnson holds a SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 17

NICET Level III in Fire Sprinkler Layout, Florida Fire Protection Contractor I License, and his Fire Equipment Dealers’ Licenses Class A and D. Johnson has served on AFSA’s Florida Chapter since 2011, serving as Education and Legislative Committee chair as well as vice chair and chair of the chapter. He was appointed to represent the fire sprinkler industry on Florida’s Construction Workforce Development Taskforce since 2017. Johnson has served on the Board of ABC for the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter since 2015. He serves as the second vice chair and is active in its Legislative and Apprenticeship & Education committees. He has also served on the ABC Florida State Board.

“As the newest member of the National Board, I am in awe of the passion and experience I get to work with and learn from at our meetings,” states Johnson. “I also am so proud of our Executive Board for their leadership throughout this transitional year. Our Chair Ted Wills was the right leader to have at the helm, and I could tell how much he appreciated our other Executive Board members as well as our senior leadership staff this year. Our industry is truly blessed to have had that leadership team leading this organization during our some stressful times organizationally, societally, and economically.”

He continues: “My goal for this year is to continue to contribute. I sit in every committee meeting I can and just try to absorb all I can from some of the smartest people in our industry. My personal goal has always been to remember in every instance that I am serving our members in all that I do and try to remember how our decisions at National might affect our members and our chapters around the country. They are the reason I am here.”

At-Large Director and First Vice Chair Jack A. Medovich, P.E., is CEO and founding partner of Fire & Life Safety America, formerly known as East Coast Fire Protection Inc., in Richmond, Virginia. A 1983 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Fire Protection Engineering, Medovich served three years as fire marshal of Fairfax County, Virginia, before joining the fire sprinkler industry 35 years ago. He has been active in AFSA since 1991, is a past chair of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter, and served the Virginia Chapter as chair and as a member of the board of directors for many years. He represents AFSA on the Correlating Committee on Automatic Sprinkler Systems encompassing NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, 24, and 291. In the past, he has served as a member of the following NFPA committees: NFPA 14, 20, 24, 101, and 750.

“As we enter the next few months of uncertainty, rest assured that AFSA will be here for you no matter what!” comments Medovich. “We have created a ‘best-in-class’ engineering and technical services department that can train your team in any area that you desire, virtually or in-person. I’m very excited to see where our Board of Directors in concert with our new President Bob Caputo takes us over the next year. Even though we are in uncertain times, it is also an exciting time for our Association!”

18 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

Jay Strickland serves as an At-Large Director.

He is president of Strickland Fire Protection and co-owner with his two sons, Josh and Micah Strickland. Strickland Fire Protection is located in Forestville, Maryland, and was established in 1983. Strickland has been involved in the fire protection industry since for 37 years. He is a past chair of the AFSA Chesapeake Bay Chapter. He is NICET Level II, Fire Protection, Water-Based System Jay Strickland Layout and chairs AFSA’s Membership/ Chapter Grants & Development committee.

“2020 has been a year of changes,” notes Strickland. “Change is not always bad, but it is inevitable. However, it takes time to adjust to ‘the new normal.’ Let’s look at the new normal, not as a problem, but an opportunity! You may say, ‘Opportunity to what?’—I will leave that up to you!”

At-Large Director and Immediate Past Chair of the Board Wayne Weisz started his career as an apprentice in 1979 and worked his way up through the ranks to foreman and later general superintendent at American Fire Systems in Lodi, California. In 1986, Weisz and his brother Byron founded Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc. in Lodi, California, and in 1997 he established D-M Fabrication, an independent pipe fabricator serving the western U.S., which later sold to a national supplier.

Cen-Cal Fire Systems became an AFSA member in 1987, and Weisz has been on the AFSA national Board since 2005. He has twice served as chair of the Convention Committee and chaired the Membership/Chapter Grants & Development Committee for many years. Weisz is actively involved in the AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter, which he helped to establish in 1999. He has been very involved with apprenticeship issues in California and served on CAFSA’s California Apprenticeship Training Board for over 20 years, including two terms as its chair.

Ex-Officio (non-voting) members of the Board are Don Becker, AFSA Life Member, Dallas Center, Iowa; Joe Heinrich; Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., Salina, Kansas; Bob Rees, API, High Point, North Carolina; Manning Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, Inc., Forestville, Maryland; Willie Templin, American Automatic Sprinkler, Fort Worth, Texas; Larry Thibodeau, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., LLC, Londonderry, New Hampshire; Jack Viola, JFV Engineering, LLC, South Hadley, Massachusetts; and AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS.

HERE TO SERVE YOU AFSA’s Board of Directors is strongly committed to the continuance of the merit shop philosophy; the promotion of property and life safety through the use of automatic fire protection; and the continued development of training for fire sprinkler fitters, layout technicians, inspectors, and management. AFSA members are encouraged to voice any questions or suggestions with any member of the Board or staff. If you have a question or comment, please see the list of contacts located in the front of every issue of Sprinkler Age or on the AFSA website at firesprinkler.org/board. n

NEW YEAR, NEW VISION AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS SET NEW MISSION STATEMENT AND NEW MEMBER CATEGORIES

I

n celebration of its 40th anniversary in 2021, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has embraced an updated mission and vision for the association and set some new membership categories. The AFSA Membership and LongRange Planning committee members have dedicated their time and expertise to describe AFSA’s reason for being, seting a vision for the future, and developing ways to grow AFSA’s membership in 2021 and beyond.

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS The AFSA Board of Directors thought the eve of AFSA’s 40th anniversary was a perfect opportunity to revisit its mission and create a vision for the association’s future.

“AFSA needs both mission and vision statements,” says Rod DiBona, AFSA Region 3 Director and Chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee. “A mission statement tells what we do daily and should be memorable. A vision statement is inspira-

Retired members are at least 65 years old and must no longer receive financial benefit from any occupation related to fire sprinklers. Dues are $100/annually. To qualify for retired member status, individuals must call AFSA to join to verify specific information.

“I am extremely excited for AFSA to now offer a student and retired membership,” comments Biernacki. “A student membership will assist with NextGen and build on young, fresh, curious-minded students in our industry. When it comes to knowledge, there is no greater resource than AFSA’s retiree-level membership. We would encourage our retirees to mentor those student members in an effort to start growing the NextGeners for our industry.”

For more information about AFSA and its programs and services, and membership, visit firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965. n

tional and shows what the world looks like if we are successful in our mission. I think we achieved that.”

Committee members met virtually several times throughout the year to craft the new mission and vision statements and are pleased to unveil both. AFSA’s updated mission statement is, “AFSA is the voice of the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor. We educate and train the industry while promoting fire protection systems to save lives and property.” The new vision statement is, “To be a relentless force for a world free from the devastation caused by fires in commercial and residential structures.”

“Each statement is distinctly different and reminds us of our reason for being,” says Liz Messner, CAE, IOM, AFSA’s vice president of membership & communications and staff liaison for the Long-Range Planning Committee, “The committee worked hard to represent what AFSA is today—strong and relentless in our efforts to train and educate our entire industry to make the world a safer place. We are grateful for the committee members’ time and diligence on this important piece of AFSA’s story.”

In addition to DiBona, committee members for the 2020 Long-Range Planning Committee are AFSA Board members Linda Biernacki, Lyle Hall, Jack Medovich, and Michael Meehan.

NEW MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES Two new membership levels are debuting, one for students and one for retirees. Student members are full-time students enrolled in an accredited or approved fire protection or related program who do not meet requirements for full AFSA membership in any other category. Dues are $25/annually.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 19

THE DESIGN-BUILD PROCESS THE SPRINKLER CONTRACTOR’S ROLE JOHN AUGUST DENAHRDT P.E., FSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

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hat happens when your sales department receives a call about a designbuild project? Are you interested? Are you polite in turning down the invite because you are unsure what is involved? Do you know what a design-build project entails? Let’s discuss the process and, most importantly, the increase in liability.

In a typical design-build project, the client contracts with the sprinkler contractor to handle all aspects of the sprinkler and, if required, standpipe and fire pump systems. This includes all the project management, engineering, code analysis, design, material, fabrication, safety program, installation, as-built documents, commissioning, and warranty required to gain approvals from the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Obtaining the building owner’s desires for special systems or specific hazards to be protected would also need to be completed.

There can be many advantages to utilizing a design-build process for a new building. Some examples are: • Possible accelerated project completion, • Engineering and construction coordination, • Early knowledge of project costs, • Continuous value engineering with different options and methods, • Constructability design, • Streamlined communication and partnering, • Single-source responsibility, • Reduced owner’s risk, • Streamlined control of quality and schedule, • Reduced owner coordination cost, and

20 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

• Avoidance of multiple layers of markups.

Many readers of this article are saying, “What are you talking about? We do this already.” Are you sure? Sprinkler contractors typically receive project documents with a note similar to, “Provide sprinkler protection as required by NFPA 13 [Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems]”. With a project like this, the real question that needs to be asked is, “Who is the Engineer of Record (EOR)?” Did the EOR do their job completely? After reading the rest of this article, you will be able to answer this question.

For all projects, the EOR for the fire systems is responsible for preparing the engineering documents which establish the objectives and design criteria of the system(s). The engineering documents need to be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed and show that they conform to the provisions of all relevant laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. To establish the minimum design quality in the engineering documents, the documents should include, as a minimum, the following information when applicable: • Identification of the scope of work; • Identification of applicable codes and standards, including the specific edition; • Conformance with the applicable building code(s); • Identification of applicable code and referenced standard requirements; • Identification of any trade-offs allowed, based on the installation of a suppression system or some other compensatory factor; • Identification of occupancy type(s),

•

areas to be protected (or omitted), and hazard classification(s); and Description of water-based suppression systems: o Selection of type of system(s) and components; o Classification of the hazard(s), storage arrangements, and commodities to be protected; o Design criteria established; o Available water supply, including any necessary adjustments, determined and confirmed; o Conceptual system layout and hydraulic calculations identified to verify adequacy of proposed water supply arrangements; o Criteria established regarding systems structural support, including seismic documentation; o Identification of water quality or other environmental factors that would affect the proposed systems; o Zoning established with consideration to building elements (e.g. horizontal exits) or other fire-protection life-safety systems (e.g. smoke control); and o For NFPA 13 systems, completed Owner’s Certificate.

It is the owner’s or their authorized agent’s (engineer) responsibility to provide the above information. A sprinkler contractor who takes on these responsibilities unknowingly has undertaken a great deal of liability. Now, I am not stating a sprinkler contractor cannot assume this responsibility, but proper compensation should be provided to the sprinkler contractor.

NFPA 13 contains a document that is critical to a sprinkler design—the Owner’s Certificate. This certificate has been

required since the 2002 edition of the standard. Over the years, this certificate has been expanded and revised to enable the AHJ to fully understand the projectspecific information required to evaluate a design for compliance. This certificate is to be completed for all new systems and where there is a change of occupancy and/ or building use. From the NFPA 13 – 2019 edition: 4.2* Owner’s Certificate. The owner(s) of a building or structure where the fire sprinkler system is going to be installed or their authorized agent shall provide the sprinkler system installer with the following information prior to the layout and detailing of the fire sprinkler system [see Figure A.27.1(b)]: (1) Intended use of the building including the materials within the building and the maximum height of any storage (2) A preliminary plan of the building or structure along with the design concepts necessary to perform the layout and detail for the fire sprinkler system (3) Water supply information as identified in 5.2.2 (4)* Any special knowledge of the water supply, including known environmental conditions that might be responsible for corrosion, including microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) As required by NFPA 13, make sure this form is completed, signed by the owner, and submitted to the AHJ for every project—whether design-build or design-bid-build. Completion of this form will take some of the liability off the sprinkler contractor and put it back on the owner. A sprinkler system design is only as good as the information provided by the owner. A sprinkler contractor can assist the owner with the completion of the certificate, but make sure the owner fully understands it is their responsibility for the information provided and, if necessary, the owner should obtain the assistance of a qualified engineer or others before signing this form. This one form could mean the difference between prevailing in a lawsuit and being on the

hook for a substantial amount of money.

I have personally seen this.

One of the most important items that needs to be evaluated in a fire protection design and is included on the Owner’s Certificate is the available water supply. Pending any amending motions, the 2022 edition of NFPA 13 will have added enforceable language to require an even more detailed evaluation.

Droughts, daily usage, future development, seasonal changes, and other items must be considered. Water quality,

including corrosion possibilities, needs to be checked. Working with the civil engineer to ensure the underground water lines comply with the requirements of the fire protection design and site conditions is essential. The plumbing engineer needs to be involved to ensure all backflow prevention requirements are satisfied.

Fire alarm, smoke control, egress exits, and any other building features that affect zoning of the fire protection systems need to be accounted for in the

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 21

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design. Coordination with the architect, NFPA 13 apply? Is sprinkler protection mechanical engineer, and the engineer required for the electrical rooms, responsible for the fire alarm design is elevator spaces, or other areas where required. Does the building’s location sprinkler protection might not be and proposed occupancy require seismic appropriate? features? If so, what level is needed?

The design-build process can be a Close coordination with the architect, very rewarding; however, this process civil engineer, and structural engineer places large liabilities on the sprinkler will be required. contractor. Does the sprinkler contracDoes the owner have any special tor have the necessary insurance needs or desires from the fire protection coverage and required licenses under systems? Is a preaction sprinkler system local or state laws to practice engineerdesired? If so, is a single-, double-, or ing? The National Society of Professionnon-interlock preaction sprinkler system al Engineers (NSPE), National Institute appropriate? Are there any areas of the of Certification of Engineering Technibuilding that cannot be maintained cians (NICET), and the Society of Fire above 40 degrees and are subject to Protection Engineers (SFPE) have issued freezing? Is a dry sprinkler system a joint position paper titled “The appropriate? What is going to be the air Engineer and the Engineering Technisupply—normal air compressor, cian Designing Fire,” dated July 2018*. nitrogen tanks, nitrogen generator, or This paper describes the role of the Dry-Pac Are any4 meeting, hazards then thatM/S Council technician the practice From l to r:type?

During thethere October Chairversus Mike Dooley presentedofChuck require Arehisdirectional Engineering.

Kitts witha adeluge plaquesystem? recognizing service to the AFSA M/S Council. Make sure you read it nozzles or standard spray sprinklers the understanding the details. If one chooses better choice? to practice in the role of Engineering, What are the appropriate design make sure you are complying with all criteria? Is this project a cookie-cutter the requirements, or if and when hazard, or is it more complicated? Is the something goes wrong, you will be building used for storage? If so, these items facing the consequences. n need to be considered: • Height of storage versus the height of AUTHOR’S NOTE: *This joint position paper is in the process of being updated. View it online at https://www.nspe. the ceiling/roof; org/sites/default/files/sites/default/files/resources/ • Excessive clearance; PSdownloadables/SFPE-NSPE-NICET-Joint-Position.pdf.

• Method of storage (rack, solid pile, bin box, shelf, or some combination); ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE is vice • If rack storage, pallet type, salve president of engineering & pallets, in-rack sprinklers, or just technical services for AFSA. overhead sprinkler protection desired; He is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) registered in the District • Solid shelves; of Columbia as well as the • Encapsulation; states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

• Commodity classification; and In addition to his P.E., he is a • Any plastics, tires, flammable liquids, NICET Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout and Inspection & Testing of rolls of carpets, etc. present.

Water-Based Systems as well as NFPA Certified WaterWhat about the materials to be used Based Systems Professional (CWBSP). Denhardt has a to construct the systems? Are steel, bachelor of science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland. He is a member of copper, or CPVC products desired? If the NFPA 13 Sprinkler Discharge Committee, NFPA, and steel, what schedule, finish, or joining is an SFPE fellow. Denhardt can be reached via email at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org. method? If copper, what type and joining methods? This list could go on and on.

If the construction of this building is combustible, is sprinkler protection required for the concealed spaces, or does one of the exceptions listed in SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 23

HONORING MARYLAND FIRE CHIEF BRIAN GERACI FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR CELEBRATED

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he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was pleased to honor Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci and present him with AFSA’s 2020 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award at a dinner celebration on October 27 at Olive Grove restaurant in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.

“Chief Geraci is very deserving of this award,” says AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, who presented the award. “His achievements on behalf of fire sprinklers and his dedication to life safety have benefited the residents of Maryland and beyond.”

Also in attendance to recognize Geraci were members of AFSA’s Board of Directors: At-Large Director Jay Strickland and retired Director and past Chairman of the Board Manning Strickland, both with Strickland Fire Protection, Forestville, Maryland. AFSA’s Coordinator of Technical Services Kevin Hall, P.E., MSFPE; AFSA Contractor Member Jason Martin, president of Castle Sprinkler & Alarm, Inc., College Park, Maryland; and Danielle Fowler, executive director of AFSA’s Chesapeake Bay Area Chapter were also present.

“It was an honor to attend the dinner for the 2020 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year,” comments Jay Strickland. “I’m proud to have known Brian for many years now. He has served the great state of Maryland well!”

He continues: “Brian is truly a servant leader, always putting others first.

He has fought for fire sprinklers because he has a passion to serve and protect.

Brian’s passion for the Maryland Fallen

24 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

From l to r: Jay Strickland, Brian Geraci, Manning Strickland, and Jason Martin gathered to celebrate Geraci as AFSA’s 2020 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year.

Fire Fighters is very evident, nearly bringing people to tears. His dedication does not go unnoticed. Thank you and congratulations!”

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 a national impact in advancing life safety and property protection through the use of automatic sprinklers. Each year, members of AFSA’s Legislative Committee select a recipient from a pool of nominees. Their nomination is then approved by the AFSA Board of Directors.

“It was an honor to have been present to see Chief Geraci receive AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year,” states Manning Strickland. “I have known Chief Geraci for over 30 years. He was a friend of fire sprinkler systems when Strickland

Fire Protection was getting started. He was always willing to meet and discuss various options for fire protection. He is a man who is worthy to receive this award, and I wish him a great future.”

Historically, the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award is presented at the general session of AFSA’s annual Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, AFSA39 was not held in person.

AFSA is proud to recognize those individuals who have given extraordinary support to furthering the advancement and awareness of fire sprinklers. All three of AFSA’s annual awards—the Henry S. Parmelee Award, Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award, and Young Professional of the Year Award—are accepting nominations year-round at firesprinkler. org/awards. n

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW 2020

T

CODES, STANDARDS, AND REGULATIONS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

his issue of Sprinkler Age features our 33rd annual legislative review. This summary of legislation and codes offers a quick overview of regulations affecting the fire sprinkler industry in individual states and Canadian provinces. The information in these charts was gathered from a survey sent to the fire marshals of the 50 states, the District of Columbia (D.C.), and the provinces of Canada in September 2020.

If a response was not received, information that appeared in the 2019 Legislative Review (November/December 2019 Sprinkler Age) has been reprinted, and the fact that the information is a repeat is denoted by an asterisk (*) after the state or province name in the chart.

SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES The 2020 AFSA Legislative Survey asked the following questions: 1. What, if any, national codes have been adopted by your state?

2a. In adopting the national codes, were any amendments or modifications made to the code or referenced standard (i.e., NFPA 13, 101, etc. or state supplemental rules) that affect fire sprinklers?

2b. If yes, what were the significant modifications (or provide a Web address to reference)?

3a. Which edition of NFPA 13 have you adopted, either directly or indirectly by code reference?

3b. If you haven’t adopted the latest edition of NFPA 13, do you allow local jurisdictions to use the latest edition?

4. Do the codes adopted by your state have a minimum base or a minimum/ maximum for enforcement purposes?

5. Is the scope of state code enforcement limited to the type of occupancy and/or other requirements (i.e., public

assembly over 100, business over 50 ft, etc.) or is it all encompassing?

6. If buildings are not included in the state jurisdiction, is there a recognized code adoption recommended for local authorities or is it on individual preference?

7. Are you in a code revision/adoption cycle now? If yes, what codes and years do you anticipate adopting?

8. Has your state adopted NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems?

9. Does your state have any pending legislation regarding fire sprinklers, more restrictive or less restrictive, for: Hotels & Apartments, Dwellings & Lodging Housing, Health Care, High-Rise, Nursing Homes, Education, Public Assembly, Business Occupancies, Mercantile, Institutional, Other.

10. Are you adopting the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)? If yes, will it be adopted with the residential sprinkler requirement intact or modified/removed? If modified, please specify modifications.

11. Does your state have fire sprinkler retrofitting requirements for the following occupancies? Hotels & Apartments, Dwellings & Lodging Housing, High-Rise, Health Care, Nursing Homes, Education, Public Assembly, Business Occupancies, Mercantile, Institutional, College Dormitories, Other.

12. Are there any towns/cities that you are aware of that have retrofitting requirements in excess of the state requirement? List a contact person and phone number for retrofitting information.

13. Does your state require a P.E. to do sprinkler design concepts (i.e., identify occupancies and water supply)?

14. Does the Office of the State Fire Marshal have authority over all projects in the state or only over state-owned or statefinanced projects?

15. Are there any local jurisdictions that you know of in your state that have residential ordinances for the following occupancies?

Single-family, multi-family, high-rise condo/ apartment? Please list.

16. Does your jurisdiction offer any incentives or initiatives to encourage property owners to install residential and/or commercial fire sprinklers in your area/state?

17. Please provide a telephone number that a person can call if he/she has questions about jurisdiction in your state (i.e. state vs. local authorities) regarding fire sprinkler plan review/inspection.

18. Does your state require certification of Plan Reviewers? Inspectors (AHJs)?

19. Does your state require licensing for: Fire Sprinkler Contractors? Fire Sprinkler Fitters? Fire Sprinkler Designers? Fire Sprinkler Inspections? Fire Alarm Inspections (separate from sprinkler)?

20. Does your state require licensing for sprinkler drawings: P.E./Architect Seal?

NICET Level III? NICET Level IV? Other (i.e., NFPA-CWBSD, etc.)

21. Does your state require any of the following for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of waterbased fire protection systems? NICET Level I? NICET Level II? NICET Level III? Other (e.g., CSA, Local)?

22. Does your state require seismic protection on fire sprinkler systems?

22. Do you require a signed copy of the owner’s certification (see NFPA 13, section 4.3) as part of the working plan submittal?

The tables on pages 26 through 33 provide the answers to most of the survey questions. The table on page 32 provides licensing and certification information (questions 18-20). The tables on page 33 provide the telephone numbers requested in questions 12 and 17 and the answers to questions 21 and 22.

SURVEY FINDINGS Regarding pending sprinkler legislation (question 9) for the 50 United States and the D.C., California has pending legislation for accessory dwelling SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 25

units. Indiana indicated pending legislation for fire sprinklers “to transfer to the fire code from building code.” New Hampshire* follows NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, regarding fire sprinkler legislation. Oregon* is considering legislation for high-rises.

West Virginia has more restrictive legislation pending for hotels and apartments, dwelling and lodging housing, health care, nursing homes, education, public assembly business occupancies, mercantile, and institutional. The state also has less restrictive legislation pending for high-rises.

Question 10 concerns the 2018 IRC. Most states indicated they were not adopting that edition for this year’s survey. States that responded “yes” include Florida, Hawaii (intact for state one- and two-family dwelling projects, but state law prohibits counties from requiring sprinklers with exceptions), Idaho (sprinklers not required in one- and two-family dwellings), and Maryland (with the residential sprinkler requirement intact).

Georgia* House Bill 1196 (2010 legislative session) prohibits any residential sprinkler requirement, past or future. Maryland and Montana have adopted the code. Minnesota* has adopted the IRC with “single-family and duplex exempt from sprinkler protection;

townhomes (three or more under same roof) required to be sprinkler protected.” New York* adopted the code with the “removal of NFPA 13D one- and two-family requirement.” North Dakota* adopted but “removed the requirement due to state law.” Tennessee* adopted the IRC, noting that “TCA 68-120-101(a)(8) does not allow mandatory adoption so Section R313 is removed.”

For states that indicated “no changes” from last year’s survey and for those that did not respond this year, responses are for the 2015 edition of the IRC. California has adopted the code (water supply) and Colorado has adopted it for dwellings associated with public schools. Connecticut* indicated it has adopted the code. The 2015 Michigan* Residential Code was to become effective in February 2016 and was to adopt by reference the 2015 edition of the IRC with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed necessary for use in the state. North Dakota* is adopting but sprinklers are not able to be required in single-family homes.

Washington* state adopted the 2015 IRC but did not adopt chapters 11-25 and notes residential sprinklers, if added, need to meet IRC P2904 or NFPA 13D. Arkansas, Mississippi*, New Hampshire*, New Jersey*,

North Carolina*, and Rhode Island* are adopting the IRC with the residential sprinkler requirement removed. In Ohio, there are construction trade-offs for the adopted IRC. South Dakota* is not adopting the 2012 IRC and indicated the state fire marshal has no authority in most residential occupancies (i.e., one- and two-family dwellings – only six stories or higher). Arizona*, Indiana*, Massachusetts*, Nevada*, and Oregon* indicated they were not adopting the IRC. South Carolina* has adopted it with modifications and directed readers to see 2012 International Code Council (ICC) modifications at llr.state.sc. us.pol/bcc.

While the legislative charts in this issue indicate the most recent responses received from the individual states, some states did not provide updated information to this year’s survey in regards to the 2018 edition of the IRC. Therefore, Sprinkler Age recommends that readers visit the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative website, firesprinklerinitiative.org on a regular basis. Scroll down to the bottom of the web page and click on the “Legislation & Adoptions” tab to find the most up-to-date information on local and

Province

Province Code Adoption

Additional NFPA Standards

NFPA 13 Edition Adopted

Local Jurisdiction Can Use Latest NFPA 13 Ed.

Minimum Base or a Min/Max for Enforcement

Alberta, Canada*

2014 Alberta Building Code (amended 2010 NBC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/ AHJ

Minimum

British Columbia, Canada*

NBC 2010 amended

2010 NBC adopted in ‘12 but updated in ‘17 to req. NFPA 13R (‘13 ed.). Also updated ‘14 to req.

‘10 versions of NFPA 13D, 14 & 20

2013 as of 12/14

No

Minimum

Manitoba, Canada*

NBC 2015 amended

No

2013

Yes, w/ AHJ approval

Minimum

New Brunswick, Canada*

2010 NBC

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2010

Yes, w/ AHJ

Minimum

Newfoundland, Canada*

2010 NBC & NFPA 101

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

Latest

Yes

Minimum

Nova Scotia, Canada*

2010 NBC

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/ AHJ

Minimum

Ontario, Canada*

2012 Ontario Building Code (amended 2010 NBC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/ AHJ

Minimum

Prince Edward Island, Canada*

2010 NBC & NFPA 1 & 101 (NBCC Province not Authority)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2013

Yes, w/ AHJ

Minimum

Quebec, Canada*

2015 Quebec Construction Code (amended 2010 NBC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2007

Yes, w/ AHJ

Minimum

Saskatchewan, Canada*

2010 NBCC with 2013 Saskatchewan amended

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2007

Yes, w/ AHJ approval

Minimum

approval

approval

approval approval approval approval

*Abbreviations: NBC-National Building Code of Canada; BOCA/National-Building Official and Code Administrators International; IBC-International Building Code; IFC-International Fire Code; IFGC-International Fuel Gas Code; IMC-International Mechanical Code; IRC-International Residential Code; LSC-Life Safety Code;

26 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

Canada Inspection, Testing & Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems:

Alberta* British Columbia* Manitoba1* New Brunswick* Newfoundland* Nova Scotia2* Ontario* Prince Edward Island* Quebec* Saskatchewan*

- - N N N N - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

N - N N N Y1 N - N - - Y2 N - N - N - N -

Yes/No

Other (CSA, Local)

Province

NICET Level III

NICET Level II

Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems:

NICET Level I

state adoption of residential fire sprinkler requirements, as well as anti-sprinkler legislation that has been introduced.

When asked about sprinkler retrofit requirements for occupancies (question 11), numerous states indicated they have requirements. Washington, D.C.* answered “yes” for all occupancies and noted that “all work to be performed in/on existing buildings will be based on the requirements from the ICC International Existing Building Code (IEBC) 2012, as is currently adopted. The 2015 IEBC is the new anticipated code to be adopted.

The 2015 IBC chapter on Installation Standards will list the applicable editions that will be adopted.”

Regarding nursing homes, Connecticut*, Florida, Michigan*, Minnesota*, New Jersey*, and Tennessee* have retrofit requirements.

Georgia* has requirements for existing personal care homes upgrading to assisted living homes. Retrofit requirements for healthcare can be found in Florida, Minnesota*, and New Jersey.* Connecticut* has requirements for elderly occupancies.

Minnesota* retrofits hospitals. Florida has retrofit requirements for high-rises. Georgia* and New Jersey* have retrofit requirements for public assemblies (PAs). West Virginia has

Only in active seismic areas Yes Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Yes, if required by code Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas Only in active seismic areas

1Manitoba requires apprenticeship certification for sprinklers. 2Nova Scotia requires a Red Seal 1Manitoba requires apprenticeship certification for sprinklers. 2 Nova Scotia requires a Red Seal sprinkler fitter. sprinkler fitter.

retrofit requirements for institutions.

For hotels and apartments, Florida has retrofit requirements, while Connecticut* retrofits only hotels. New Jersey* retrofits institutional occupancies. Illinois, New Jersey* and Wyoming have requirements for college dorms. Florida also has requirements to Local Jurisdiction With Residential Ordinances

Signed copy of owner’s certificate as part of working submittal plan

State Requires PE to do Sprinkler Design Concepts

Office of State Fire Marshal Has Authority Over All Projects in State or Only Over State-Owned/ Financed Projects

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBCC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

No provincial code enforcement; done by local govts. (municipalities & regional districts)

Code adopted by province & applies in all local govts.

Yes, working towards adopting NBC 2015 in year 2018

Yes, 2008

-

-

-

-

Local govts would decide

Yes

N/A

All Encompassing

Provincewide adoption

Yes, 2020 NBC

Yes, 2014

-

No

No

No

Yes

No

Province Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBC

-

-

-

-

-

-

No

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, OBC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBCC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBCC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

Locally

Provincewide

Adopted NFPA 25

High-rise Condo/apt

In a Code Revision Cycle Now? Codes & Years Anticipating Adoption

MultiFamily

Recognized Code Adoption for Local Authorities or Individual Preference

SingleFamily

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

retrofit dwelling and lodging housing. New Hampshire* retrofits per NFPA 101, Iowa and North Dakota* per Chapter 11 of the International Fire Code (IFC), and South Carolina* per Section 1103.5 of the 2015 ICC. When asked about towns or cities having retrofit requirements in excess of state

NBC-National Building Code of Canada; NEC-National Electric Code; NFPA 5000-Building Construction & Safety Code.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 27

State

State Code Adoption

Additional NFPA Standards

NFPA 13 Edition Adopted

Local Jurisdiction Can Use Latest NFPA 13 Ed.

Minimum Base or a Min/Max for Enforcement

Alabama*

2015 IBC & IFC; 2013 NFPA 1 & 101

No

2013

Yes

Minimum

Alaska

2012 IBC & IFC

Yes, http://dps.alaska.gov/fire/regulations

2010

Yes

Minimum

Arizona*

2003 IFC

Yes, view at dfbls.az.gov under Fire Marshal Arizona State Fire Code. Amendments & code adopted through AZ rule writing process

IFC, 2003 NFPA 13, 1999

Yes

Minimum

Arkansas

2015 IFC & IBC; 2012 NFPA 101 – All adopted statewide for certain occupancies – public schols, healthcare, limited gaming est., and waste tire facilities only

Yes, sprinklers not required in one and-two-family dwellings subject to the IRC

2010

No

Minimum

California

2016 IBC & IFC, both amended

Yes, https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/chapter/content/2237

2016

Yes

Minimum

Colorado

2015 IBC & IFC; 2015 IRC; 2012 NFPA 101

No

2013

Yes

Minimum

Connecticut*

2012 IBC, IFC & NFPA 101; 2012 NFPA 1 - amended

Yes, new buildings greater than four stories & all new schools

2010

No

Min/Max

Delaware

NFPA 1 & 101

https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title1/700/701. shtml#TopOfPage – See Chapter 7

2013

Yes

Minimum

District of Columbia*

IBC & IFC

Yes, currently enforcing the ICC 2012 Codes in conjunction w/modif. as adopted in the 2013 Title 12 DCMR (District of Columbia Municipal Regulations). For adopted codes see: https://dcra.dc.gov/page/ dc-construction-codes

2010 ed. as listed in Ch 35, 2012 IBC

No

Minimum

Florida

2015 IBC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 101

Florida-specific amendments to NFPA 1 & 101 and IBC. Visit: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/SFM/BFP/FloridaFirePrevention CodePage.htm and https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/florida

2013

No

Minimum

Georgia*

2012 IBC, IFC & NFPA 101 - all amended

Yes, all modifications to NFPA 13, 13R, 14, 15, 20, 22, 24 & 101 are contained in GA Chapter 120-3-3 (revised 1/1/2015)

2013

-

Minimum

Hawaii^

2012 IBC amended, 2012 IRC amended, 2012 NFPA 1 amended, 2015 IECC amended; 2018 UPC amended; 2017 NEC, Elevator ANSI 2007, ASME 2010, 2011

State law prohibits counties from erquiring residential sprinklers in one- or two-family dwellings except for inadequate firefighting water supply or acess road or nonresidential agricultural or agricultural buildings

2010

Yes

Min/Max

Idaho

2018 IBC & 2018 IFC - both amended

Yes, referenced standards list was updated to current editions

2019

Yes

Minimum

Illinois•

Illinois does not have a statewide code adoption program.

See additional notes below.

Yes, local jurisdictions may adopt their own codes and this varies from place to place

Determined by local juris. based on primary code adoption. See additional notes below.

Yes

Minimum

Indiana*

2006 IBC & IFC, 2006 IMC/IFG - all amended

Yes, Indiana amendments to codes and standards are at in.gov/legislative/iac/iac_title?iact=675

-

No

Min/Max

Iowa§

IBC & IFC; NFPA 101

Yes, 2015 IFC sec. 907.2.3 was amended to require smoke detection in corridors, hazard areas, and non-occupied areas.

2013 NFPA 13

Yes

Minimum

Kansas

2006 IBC & IFC, 2006 NFPA 101

See Kansas Fire Prevention Code 22-1-3

2007

Yes

Minimum

Kentucky*

NFPA 1 & 101 & IBC, amended

No

2000

No

Min/Max

Louisiana*

2015 NFPA 101; 2015 IBC amended

Yes, http://lsuccc.dps.louisiana.gov/pdf/Title_17_UCC.pdf

2016

-

Minimum

Maine*

2015 IBC, IEBC, IRC; 2009 IEC & NFPA 101; 2006 NFPA 1

Yes, the updated chapters can be found at https://www.maine.gov/ dps/bbcs/index.htm

2016

Yes

Min/Max

Maryland

2018 IBC, NFPA 101 & NFPA 1 - all amended

Yes, http://www.dsd.state.md.us/COMAR/ComarHome.html (Comar 29.06.01)

2016

No

Minimum

Massachusetts*

2009 IBC amended, IFC partially amended, 2012 NFPA 1 amended (1/1/15)

Yes, reduced sprinkler thresholds

2010

No

Min/Max

Michigan

2012 NPFA 101 & 2006 NFPA 1 - both amended

No

2010

No

Min/Max

Abbreviations: BOCA/National-Building Official and Code Administrators International; IBC-International Building Code; IFC-International Fire Code; IFGC-International Fuel Gas Code; IMC-International Mechanical Code; IRC-International Residential Code; LSC-Life Safety Code; NBC-National Building Code of Canada; NEC-National Electric Code; NFPA 5000-Building Construction & Safety Code. +The DC Fire Dept. only enforces the DC Fire Code, and does not govern new construction or alterations to existing buildings. The DCRA Agency is responsible for administering the building codes and building inspections for construction work. ^Hawaii information is provided for Oahu only. §Iowa has adopted NFPA 25 statewide by reference from 2015 IFC and 2014 NFPA 25. °Maine’s SFMO reviews all sprinkler designs and permits; however, for life safety they do not review and permit for residential, storage, or industrial unless it is a mixed occupancy. See www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/sites/maine.gov.dps.fmo/

28 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

Local Jurisdiction With Signed Residential Ordinances copy of owner’s certificate as part of working submittal plan

State Requires PE to do Sprinkler Design Concepts

Office of State Fire Marshal Has Authority Over All Projects in State or Only Over State-Owned/ Financed Projects

All Encompassing

IP

No

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

All

State Only

All Encompassing

IP

Yes 2021 IFC, IBC & IRC

Yes, ‘17

-

-

-

-

No, NFPA 13 2019 ed. not adopted

No

All

Limited

RCA

Yes, IFC 2012

Yes, ‘98

-

-

-

-

All

No

State Only

All Encompassing

n/a

No

Yes, ‘11

-

No

No

No

No

No

All with focus on State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018 IBC & IFC

Yes, ‘11

-

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes or lic. fire sp. contractor

State Only for creating regula-

Limited

IP

Yes, IBC & IFC 2021

2014

-

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

No

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes ‘11

-

No

No

No

No

No

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, latest NFPA codes

Yes

Denver,

Yes

-

-

Yes

No

All

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 ICC Codes w/ amend. which will be adopted into the Title 12 DCMR

Yes

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

No, enforcing NFPA 13 2010 ed.

No

All+

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018 NFPA 1 & 101, 2016 NFPA 13

Yes, ‘14

-

No

No

No

No

Yes

State Only

All Encompassing except 1 & 2 family & individuallyowned residences

-

No

Yes, ‘11

No

No

No

No

No

No

Juris. varies

Limited

RCA

Yes, IBC, IRC, NFPA 1, IECC 2018 editions

Yes,

-

-

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

-

‘17 ed.

Locally

Statewide

Adopted NFPA 25

Newark

High-rise Condo/apt

In a Code Revision Cycle Now? Codes & Years Anticipating Adoption

MultiFamily

Recognized Code Adoption (RCA) for Local Authorities or Individual Preference (IP)

SingleFamily

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

tion state and occup. A,E,H,I,R

adopted by ref in NFPA

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes, ‘20

-

No

No

No

Yes

No

All

Limited. Generally, state enforcement is limited to state buildings. Local juris. have primary neforcement responsibility.

IP

No

Varies by juris.

Varies by juris.

Yes

Yes

Yes

This is a local issue

A P.E. or Architect seal.

See below.

See below.

All Encompassing

-

Yes, 2012 IBC, IFC, IMC, IFGC - eff.

12/1/14

Yes, ‘11

-

No

No

No

-

No

All

All Encompassing

IP

No

Yes, ‘16

-

-

-

-

No

No

All

Limited

-

Yes, 2018 I-Coes

Yes, ‘08

-

-

-

-

Yes

-

See 22-1-7

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

-

No

n/a

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes, ‘14

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes

All

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, NFPA 2009 updating to 2018

Yes, ‘14

-

Yes

-

-

Yes

Yes

All°

All Encompassing

IP

No

Yes, ‘17

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

All, except city of Baltimore

All Encompassing

-

Yes, updating fire & bldg codes in Jan. 2018

Yes, ‘11

-

Yes

-

-

-

No

-

Limited

RCA

No

Yes, ‘11

No

No

No

No

No

No

State Only & other regulated facilities

files/inline-files/FMO_CBF_Permitting.pdf. •Illinois notes: State Code Adoption – Each of Illinois 1,200 local juris. is empowered to adopt its own building & fire codes. There are thousands of listings for codes (building, mechanical, electrical, fire, etc.) in effect in Illinois municipalities. If a community has not adopted a code, the most recent edition of the ICC IBC is the “default” code as per the Capital Development Board. The OSFM has adopted the 2015 NFPA 101 (as amended). This may be applied to the extent that is more restrictive than the locally adopted code. Edition of NFPA 13 – OSFM has adopted the 2015 Life Safety Code® which would cite 2013 ed. of NFPA 13. Sprinkler Design Concepts & All or State-Owned Projects – P.E. or Architect seal is req. on tech. submissions for building permits where sprinklers are req. Subsequent layout work may be done by a NICET III or IV employed by a licensed fire sprinkler contractor.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 29

State

State Code Adoption

Additional NFPA Standards

NFPA 13 Edition Adopted

Local Jurisdiction Can Use Latest NFPA 13 Ed.

Minimum Base or a Min/Max for Enforcement

Minnesota*

2012 NFPA 101, 2012 IBC

Yes, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/7511.0903/. 5 psi safety margin in calculations. Vestibule exemption (for some). Swimming pool exemption. Certain linen closets & pantries exempt. Control valves chained (even if monitored). Single sprinkler on common wall of attached garages (NFPA 13D). See others on website.

2010

No

Min/Max

Mississippi*

2015 IBC & IFC

No

-

2013 by ref.

Minimum

Missouri

No codes have been adopted statewid. Many state agencies use different variations of different codes for inspections.

No

Everything is being used from ‘99 to current

Yes

Minimum

Montana

2012 IBC and IFC

No

2010

Yes

Min/Max

Nebraska*

2003 NFPA 1; 2000 NFPA 101

No

2002

No

Minimum

Nevada*

2012 IBC & IFC, amended

No

2016 by ref.

-

Minimum

New Hampshire*

2009 IBC amended; 2015 NFPA 1 & 101 - both amended

Yes, no sprinkler req. for one- and two-family dwellings

2013

Yes, w/ variance

Minimum

New Jersey*

2015 NJ IBC New Construction; 2006 IFB NJ as maintenance code - both amended

No

2013 as ref. by 2015 IBC

Yes only by the designer for specific issues not in 2013 ed.

Min/Max

New Mexico*

2009 IBC & 2003 IFC - both amended

Yes, 903.2 exception does not apply; 903.2.7 does not apply to detached oneand two-family homes

1999, ref by IFC 2003

Yes

Minimum

New York*

2018 IBC & IFC, both amended

No

2016

No

Minimum

North Carolina*

2015 IBC & 2012 IFC, both amended

Yes, amendments to Ch 9 req. removing sprinklers from certain residential occupancies

2013

Yes

Min/Max

North Dakota*

2018 IBC & IFC, both amended

No

2016

Yes

Min/Max

Ohio*

2009 IBC & IFC, both amended

Yes, A-3 sprinkler req.

2010

No

Minimum

Oklahoma*

2006 IBC & IFC, 2007 NFPA 101, all amended

No

2007

Yes

Minimum

Oregon*

IBC & IFC, both amended

No

2013

Yes

Min-Fire/ Max-Bldg

Pennsylvania

2009 IBC & IFC

No

2007

No

Minimum

Rhode Island*

2012 IBC, NFPA 1 & 101 - all amended

Yes, residential deleted

2010

Yes

Minimum

South Carolina*

2015 IBC & IFC, both amended

Yes, see llr.state.sc.us/pol/bcc

2013

Yes

Minimum

South Dakota

2015 IBC & IFC - amended; Other various NFPA standards

Yes, www.sdlegislature.gov/rules/61:15:01

2013

Yes

Minimum

Tennessee*

2012 IBC; 2012 IFC & NFPA 101

Yes, Tenn. statute prevents the state from req. sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings

2010

Yes

Minimum

Texas*

2012 NFPA 101 amended

No

2013

Yes

Minimum

Utah

2018 IBC & IFC - both amended

Yes

2016

-

Minimum

Vermont*

IBC, IFC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 101

Yes, firesafety.vermont.gov

2013

No

Minimum

Virginia*

2015 IBC & IFC - both amended

Yes, many exceptions. Excluded single-family sprinklers.

2010

Yes

Min/Max

Washington*

2015 IBC, IFC, IRC, IMC & UPC; 2015 NFPA 101; NFPA 5000 - all amended

Yes, IRC. Did not adopt Ch 11-25. Residential sprinklers if added need to meet IRC P2904 or NFPA 13D

2013

No

Min/Max

West Virginia

2015 IBC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 101

No

2016

No

Minimum

Wisconsin*

2009 IBC & NFPA 1 - both amended

Yes, systems req. in most bldgs over 60 ft. Different sprinkler thresholds protection and alt. for smaller apt bldgs & townhouses, Comm 6.2.09 (5) Wis. Sec Code

2007

Yes

Minimum

Wyoming

IBC & IFC. Also whatever NFPA standards that are recognized by IBC

No

All that are rec. by IBC except NFPA 101

Yes

Minimum

≠South

Carolina has statewide authority to enforce state and local fire codes, but the requirement to use its free plan review services comes from the primary AHJ or AHJs that control permits, licenses, etc., and can involve AHJs who are state or local or may involve both. Abbreviations: BOCA/National-Building Official and Code Administrators International; IBC-International Building Code; IFC-International Fire Code; IFGC-

30 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

Adopted NFPA 25

Local Jurisdiction With Residential Ordinances

Office of State Fire Marshal HasAuthority Over All Projects in State or Only Over State-Owned/ Financed Projects

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, anticipate update to 2018 IFC & IBC in Spring 2020. Will incl. 2016 NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, 14, & 20

Yes, ‘17 Spring 2020

-

No

No

No

Yes

No

All. State Fire Code applies throughout but SFM only has juris. for specialized occup. (healthcare, correctional, day care, schools, hotels, etc.)

Limited

IP

No

No

-

Yes

Limited

IP

No

No

No

Unknown

-

-

Yes

Yes

State Only

Unknown

Unknown

No

Yes

State Only. Not all state bldgs fall under the Fire Marshal juris.

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018 IBC & IFC

Yes, ‘17

-

No

No

No

No

No

All

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2012 NFPA 101

Yes, ‘02

-

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

All

Limited

RCA

Yes, 2018 IBC & IFC

Yes, ‘17

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

State Only

All Encompassing

-

Yes, 2015 NFPA 1 w/ ref.; 2015 IBC & IRC

-

-

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 IFC

Yes, ‘98

-

No

No

-

Yes

Yes

All

All Encompassing

-

No

Yes, ‘17

-

-

-

-

Per ‘16 ed.

Yes

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes

-

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018

By IFC

reference

No

No

No

Yes

Yes, not necessarily PE but design req.

All

Limited

-

No

Yes, ‘08

OH Fire Code

Yes

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

State Only

Limited

RCA

No

Yes, ‘02

-

-

-

-

-

No

All

All Encompassing

IP

Yes, 2009 IRC 7/1/11

Yes, ‘08

-

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

-

No

PA Fire Marshal has no code

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015

Yes, ‘11

-

No

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

All

See llr.state.sc.us/pol/bcc

See llr.state.sc.us/ pol/bcc

Yes, see llr.state. sc.us/pol/bcc

Yes, ‘14

-

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

All≠

Limited

IP

Yes, reviewing 2021 IBC & IFC, NFPA standards referenced will follow

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Certain projects only

Limited

RCA

Yes, ‘18 IRC

Yes, via IFC ref.

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

All

Limited

IP

No

Yes

-

-

-

-

No

No

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes, ‘17

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018 IBC, IEBC, NFPA 1 & 101, & ref. codes

Yes, ‘14

-

No

No

No

Yes

No

All

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, ‘18 NFPA 13

Yes, ‘14

-

No

No

No

No

No

State Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2018

Yes, ‘14

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

n/a

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes

All Encompassing

IP

Yes, ‘12 IBC, IECC, IMC, IFGC, IEBC & NFPA 1

Yes, ‘08

-

-

-

-

Eng., arch., or sp. contr.

n/a

All*

Limited

IP

No

No

Yes

-

-

-

No

No

State Only

High-rise Condo/apt

State Requires PE to do Sprinkler Design Concepts

MultiFamily

Signed copy of owner’s certificate as part of working submittal plan

SingleFamily

In a Code Revision Cycle Now? Codes & Years Anticipating Adoption

Locally

Recognized Code Adoption (RCA) for Local Authorities or Individual Preference (IP)

Statewide

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

enforcement authority

International Fuel Gas Code; IMC-International Mechanical Code; IRC-International Residential Code; LSC-Life Safety Code; NBC-National Building Code of Canada; NEC-National Electric Code; NFPA 5000-Building Construction & Safety Code. *West Virginia: All municipalities and political subdivisions which have their own Fire Prev. Bureau and personnel to perform plans review and inspection we have understanding of their AHJ allowance.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 31

CONCLUSION The AFSA staff has made every effort to provide the most accurate and current information. Because of the time lapse between gathering the information and publication, changes may have occurred.

Also, code adoption cycles/processes vary from state to state, but most statewide codes are updated once every three years. So states that are not listed as considering adoptions within the next year may in fact be initiating the process of reviewing all available codes.

Contact the respective AHJ for more detailed information for particular states.

We thank the many individual state fire marshals, deputy state fire marshals, deputy chiefs, fire protection engineers, code specialists, and others who participated in this year’s survey. Some respondents did not provide a specific telephone number for questions regarding jurisdiction over fire sprinkler plan review/ inspections. In those cases, we have listed the telephone number for the state fire marshal’s office, with the hope that a state representative can direct contractors to the appropriate authority. n

32 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

State Licensing & Certification Requirements

NICET Level IV

NICET Level III

PE/Architect Seal

Fire Alarm Inspections

Inspections

Requires for Sprinkler Drawings:

Designers

Fitters

Contractors

State

Inspectors

Requires Requires Certification Licensing Of: For:

Plan Reviewers

requirements (question 12a), several states indicated “yes;” however, most did not provide a list of cities, towns, and/or villages except for Florida which provided a website for details: visit myfloridacfo.com/division/ SFM/BFP and scroll down to “Local Amendments.”

Question 15 asked about residential fire sprinkler ordinances in local jurisdictions.

Illinois indicated that approximately 15 communities have adopted ordinances.

Maryland has ordinances for single- and multi-family and high-rise condos/apartments. Multiple jurisdictions have residential sprinkler requirements. All are addressed by reference to the State Fire Prevention Code and IRS, 2018 edition. South Dakota has ordinances for multi-family and high-rise condos/apartments.

Question 16 asked if any jurisdictions were offering incentives or initiatives to encourage property owners to install residential and/or commercial fire sprinklers in their area. All of this year’s respondents reported “no” or did not answer the question.

Alabama* - - - - Y Y Y Y Y Alaska Y Y Y Y Y Y Y - Y Arizona* Y Y Y Y Y - - Y - Arkansas N N Y Y Y Y Y - Y - California N - Y Y Y N N Y N N Colorado Y Y Y Y - Y - - - Y Connecticut* Y Y Y Y Y - - - Y Delaware N N Y N N Y Y NICET II NICET II NICET II D.C.* - - Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Florida+ Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y - -+ Georgia* N Y Y N Y Y Y N N Y Hawaii N N Y Y Y - Y Y Idaho N N Y Y N N N - - Y Illinois N N Y N N N N -• Y• -• Indiana* N N N N Y - - Y Y Y Iowa N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Kansas Y Y N N N N N Y - Kentucky* Y Y Y N Y - - Y Y Y Louisiana* N N Y Y N - - Y Y N Maine±* Y Y Y Y - Y - Y - Maryland N N Y Y Y Y N - Y Massachusetts* N N Y Y N - - Depends Depends Depends Michigan N Y Y N Y - - N N N Minnesota* N N Y Y N N N N N N Mississippi* N N Y N Y N N Y Y N Missouri N N N N N N N Y - Montana Y Y Y Y Y Y Y - Y Nebraska* Y Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y Nevada* - - Y Y Y Y Y Y NICET II NICET II New Hampshire* N N N N Y - - Y - New Jersey* Y Y Y N N - - Only NICET II New Mexico* N Y Y Y - - - Y - New York* N Y N N N N Y Y N N North Carolina* Y Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N North Dakota* N N N N N N N N N N Ohio* Y Y Y Y Y - - N N Y & cert des Oklahoma* N N Y Y Y - - - Y Oregon* N N N N N N N N N N Pennsylvania Y Y N N N - - N N N Rhode Island* Y Y Y Y Y - - Y - South Carolina≠ Y Y Y N Y Y Y - - South Dakota* N N N N N N N N N Y Tennessee* N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y N Texas* Y Y Y N Y - - Y Y Utah Y Y Y N N Y Y - Y Y Vermont* Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y - Virginia‡* Y Y Y N N Y N - Y Washington* N N Y Cert Cert Cert lni.wa.gov Y Y Y West Virginia° N N N - Y Y - Y - Wisconsin* Y Y Y Y Y - - or sp ctr N Wyoming Y Y - - - - Y N Y Information not available for Canada. A “-” indicates no response was given. +In Florida, a contractor can seal when less than 49 sprinklers. • In Illinois, subsequent to a technical sub mission by a P.E. or architect, a NICET Level III or IV Technician employed by a licensed fire sprinkler contractor may do the layout drawing. This can also be provided by a P.E. ±Maine also requires code enforcement officials to be certified. For sprinkler drawing requirements, contact Gerald Leach at the SFMO at 207-626-2880. ≠In South Carolina, certification per Title 6, Chapter 8 of SC Code of Laws. The SC-specific design and shop drawings requirements can be found in Title 40, Ch 10 of the SC Code of Laws. ‡Virginia will require inspectors to be licensed as of 7/1/21. °West Virginia requires certification of building code officials, inspectors, and plans reviewers.

Numbers in ( ) are for retrofit questions.

Phone numbers not available for Canada.

Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems:

Yes/No

Other (CSA, Local)

State

NICET Level III

Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems:

NICET Level II

Alabama* 334-241-4166 Alaska 907-269-5491 Arizona* 602-364-1003 Arkansas 501-618-8601 (501-618-8601) California 916-327-4998 Colorado 303-239-4100 Connecticut* 860-713-5750 Delaware 302-323-5365 or 302-856-5298 D.C.* 202-442-4551 Florida 850-413-3610 (850-413-3610) Georgia* 404-617-8515 (404-617-8515) Hawaii 808-723-7176 Idaho 208-334-4370 Illinois 217-558-0328 Indiana* 317-232-1421 (317-233-1421) Iowa 515-725-6145 Kansas 785-296-3401 Kentucky* 502-573-0365 x201 Louisiana* 1-800-256-5452 (1-800-256-5452) Maine* 207-626-3880 (207-626-3880) Maryland 410-653-8980 Massachusetts* 978-567-3375 (978-567-3375) Michigan 517-241-9371 (517-241-9371) Minnesota* fire.code@state.mn.us Mississippi* 601-359-1061 Missouri 573-522-6207 Montana 406-841-2053 Nebraska* 402-471-2027 Nevada* 775-684-7532 New Hampshire* (603-271-3294) New Jersey* 609-984-7609 (609-633-6741) New Mexico* 505-476-0080 New York* 518-474-6746 North Carolina* 919-647-0011 North Dakota* 701-328-5550 Ohio* 614-728-5460 (614-728-5460) Oklahoma* 405-522-5006 Oregon* 503-934-8269 (503-934-8269) Pennsylvania 717-346-2729 Rhode Island* 401-393-7717 South Carolina* 803-896-9800 South Dakota 605-773-3876 Tennessee* 615-741-6246 Texas* 512-305-7909 Utah 801-256-2365

(firemarshal.utah.gov) Vermont* 802-479-7566 Virginia* 804-371-0220 Washington* 360-596-3913 West Virginia 304-558-2191 Wisconsin* 608-266-0251 Wyoming 307-856-8214

U.S. Inspection, Testing & Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements

NICET Level I

Local Jurisdictions and Retrofit Information

Alabama* - Y - - Alaska - Y - - Y Arizona* - Y - - Y Arkansas - - Y - Y California N - N Y Y Colorado• - - - Y• Yes, where req. by code Connecticut* - N N - N Delaware* - Y - - N D.C.* - - - - Y Florida Y Y Y - N Georgia* N via waiver Y N N Hawaii - - Y Y Y Idaho - - - Y Y Illinois≠ - Y Y Y N Indiana* - - - - Yes, DOL appr program Iowa Y Y Y - N Kansas No Req No Req No Req - Y Kentucky* - N N - Y Louisiana* - Y N - N Maine* Y Y Y - Y Maryland - Y - - N Massachusetts* - State License - Yes, in some areas Michigan+ - N N - Y Minnesota* No Req No Req No Req No Req N Mississippi* N N N N N Missouri No Req No Req No Req No Req N Montana - - - No Req Y Nebraska* - - Y Y N Nevada* - - - Y Y New Hampshire* N Per NFPA 1/101 NFPA 1/101 Y New Jersey* - Y N - Yes, some New Mexico* - No Req No Req No Req Y New York* No Req No Req No Req No Req Based on IBC req North Carolina* - - - - North Dakota* No Req No Req No Req No Req N Ohio* - N N Y, state cert Y Oklahoma* - Y - - N Oregon* No Req No Req No Req No Req Y Pennsylvania - - - - Y Rhode Island* - N - - Y South Carolina*° - - - - Y South Dakota No Req No Req No Req - N Tennessee* N N N No Req Y Texas* - Y - - N Utah - - Y - Y Vermont* No Req No Req No Req No Req Y Virginia#* - Y - - By specification on job Washington* - Y - - Y West Virginia - - Y - N Wisconsin* - State Registered Tester Y Wyoming - - Y - Y, in some areas A “-” indicates no response was given.

•In Colorado, NFPA and ICC certifications required. ≠In Illinois, effective 1/22, NICET Level III will be required for ITM of water-based fire protection systems.Other qualifications include completion of a DOL-approved Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program and/or ASSE 15010 certification. +In Michigan, in regulated facilities they have to be Act 144 Certified. °In South Carolina, the adopted building code determines when seismic protection is required.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 33

“APPROVED” THE FIRE SPRINKLER INDUSTRY’S MAGIC WORD KEVIN HALL, P.E., MSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

T

here is a magic word in the fire sprinkler industry, and it is not the kind of magic word that gets you thrown out of a baseball game.

Where an umpire calls balls and strikes, fair or foul, and catch or no catch, your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the umpire in the arena of fire sprinkler installation—and the magic word is “approved.”

The definition of “approved” in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019 edition is one of the few definitions that is fairly straight forward: 3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

The requirements for “approved” materials do not have to follow the same rigorous process as Listed materials. As such, there are cost savings available where approved materials are permitted, and your AHJ is agreeable.

The intent is not to try and slip something by the AHJ but to have an open discussion and address any concerns to advance the approval process smoothly. The term “approved” is used 186 times in the NFPA 13 standard and often presents an opportunity to provide cost-effective alternatives. Some common examples are detailed below.

PRESSURE GAUGES For pressure gauges, the reading is not going to affect whether or not water gets to an operating sprinkler.

The approval from the AHJ, in this case, will relate to the range of the

34 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

gauge and to make sure it is of an acceptable quality. Remember, the most accurate section of a pressure gauge is in the middle third of the range. One other thing to keep in mind for those performing inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) work is to replace the approved gauge for a certified calibrated gauge during the test so that results will be accurate.

DRAIN VALVES Unlike control valves for the sprinklers system, drain valves are not required to be listed. This opens the door to many types of shut-off valves with varying costs. Some examples of acceptable drain valves would include ball valves or globe valves. Notice that the ball valve would not meet the slow close requirement of the standard, but that is ok since the risk of water hammer and damage to the system is much less in the small drain valves than with larger diameter control valves.

STRAINERS FOR WATER MOTOR GONGS An approved strainer is permitted specifically for water motor gongs.

Listed strainers would still be required for fire sprinkler systems using small orifice sprinklers (less than K-2.8). This is a perfect illustration of the difference between Listed components essential to successful system operation and approved components that may not have as big an impact on the overall system operation. The strainer in the water motor gong keeps sediment out of the arrangement to ring the alarm

bell; the strainer in the sprinkler system prevents sediment from clogging the orifice of the sprinkler. Failure of the water motor gong—silence and the fire departments should still be able to locate the sprinkler equipment room based on required signage visible from the street. Failure of the sprinkler—uncontrolled fire growth and the potential to overrun the sprinkler system. One is Listed, and one is approved, and the savvy AHJ knows the difference.

THE AHJ For the previous example, you need to know what your AHJ wants. The next example requires you to know who they are.

Fire department connections (FDCs) and their locations are required to be approved by the AHJ, but who is the AHJ in this instance? The term “AHJ” is an all-encompassing term that could point to numerous stakeholders of a project. The annex explains this ambiguity: A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phrase “authority having jurisdiction,” or its acronym AHJ, is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner, since jurisdictions and approval agencies vary, as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is primary, the authority having jurisdiction may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory authority. For

insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau, or other insurance company representative may be the authority having jurisdiction. In many circumstances, the property owner or his or her designated agent assumes the role of the authority having jurisdiction; at government installations, the commanding officer or departmental official may be the authority having jurisdiction.

As it pertains to FDCs, the local fire department would be the specific AHJ needed for approval. There are a lot of variables that only the local fire department knows when it comes to FDCs. What size hose connections are they using? Does the FDC need to be located on the address side of the building or at another access point? Is the department using standard hose threads? Is the local fire department expecting a quick (storz) connection?

Storz connections are required to be listed, whereas Siamese and other standard FDCs only require approval.

The remaining question is, how?

How does your AHJ operate? Do they accept electronic plans and submittals, or do you have to submit four hardcopy sets? The requirements for plans and calculations permit the plans to be submitted electronically, but only if acceptable to the AHJ. See section 27.1.1.2 in NFPA 13: 27.1.1.2 Submittals shall be permitted to be in electronic format when approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Following the AHJ’s process is only going to speed up review times and eliminate any hiccups in missed information, but remember—each AHJ has their own process, and each jurisdiction operates in its own way.

Knowing who your AHJ is, what they want, and how they want it can expedite the approval process on any project. The AHJ is an ally who verifies minimum compliance with the adopted standards in their jurisdiction. They could catch something that you overlooked, or you could learn from

one another while discussing acceptable means and methods. All in all, the sprinkler contractor can have a much easier project. All you have to do is know your AHJ. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kevin Hall, P.E., MSFPE is the coordinator of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He has been in the fire protection industry for nearly 10 years. He is a registered professional engineer in fire protection in Delaware and Maryland. He has his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Hall previously served as a member of several NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 30B, 45, 96, 101A, 550/551, 750, 770, and 1031. He currently

serves as the committee manager of International Standards Organization (ISO) TC 21/SC 5 Fixed firefighting systems using water and several UL standard technical panels (STP) including STP 199 Sprinkler equipment for fire protection and STP 2901 Antifreeze solutions for use in fire sprinkler systems. He is a member of NFPA, ICC, and SFPE. He has developed, updated, and taught training programs and technical courses. Hall also has real-world experience on the contractor side of the industry and in the design and installation of sprinkler systems.

SYSTEMS

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www.purgenvent.com SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 35

M/S COUNCIL ELECTS 2021 OFFICERS REPRESENTATIVES WORK ON BEHALF OF ASSOCIATES

T

REBECCA HERRING | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council elected its 2021 officers in August 2020 and were proud to announce them during their annual meeting in September 2020, which was held via Zoom. Chris Stason of Victaulic Company in Temecula, California, was re-elected to serve as chair of the Council, and Derek Allen of Core & Main in Hayward, California, was re-elected to continue serving as vice chair of the Council.

Jim McHugh of AGF Manufacturing, Inc. in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Mark Abernathy of Bull Moose Tube Company in Chesterfield, Missouri, were re-elected to three-year terms, expiring in 2023. Matt Baker of Spears Manufacturing in Sylmar, California, was newly elected to a three-year term expiring in 2023. Finally, Michael Mottice of Johnson Controls in Hillard, Ohio, was elected to fill the Johnson Controls vacated seat.

Newly elected council member, Matt Baker looks forward to serving on the council, saying, “I am honored to have been selected to be on the AFSA Manufacturers & Suppliers Council, representing Spears, to further the commitment [Spears] has to the industry, the association, and the professionals it serves.”

In fact, all members are anticipating a year of making a great difference on the Council. With the 40th anniversary celebration of AFSA top-of-mind, Stason says the council couldn’t be more enthusiastic for the upcoming year. “The M/S Council is looking forward to the 40th

36 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

anniversary of AFSA and working with Chair Wills to ensure that the year is very prosperous for the membership. With a new leadership team set in place, we look forward to working with Bob Caputo and the AFSA staff to help facilitate training, leadership, and membership initiatives, goals, and objectives to make 2021, the organization’s 40th anniversary, one for the memory books.”

The Council, established in 1983, is a national council representing member companies that produce fire sprinkler system components and supply materials and services to the industry. The M/S Council was created to represent the interests of all associate members that make and supply products in the industry and assist AFSA’s Board of Directors in meeting the goals of AFSA. Members of the 2020-2021 M/S Council include Mark Abernathy, Bull Moose Tube Company, Chesterfield, Missouri; Derek Allen, Core & Main, Hayward, California; Mike Dooley, Anvil Inter-national, Holliston, Massachusetts; Ray Fremont, Jr., General Air Products, Inc., Exton, Pennsylvania; Tim Freiner, Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, Missouri; Matt Baker, Spears Manufacturing, Sylmar, California; Mark Knurek, Lubrizol, Cleveland, Ohio; Jim McHugh, AGF Manufacturing Inc., Malvern, Pennsylvania; Darren Palmieri, Viking SupplyNet, Hastings, Michigan; Bill Phair, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Passaic, New Jersey; Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Dallas, Texas; Chris Stason, Victaulic Company, Temecula, California; Michael Mottice, Johnson Controls, Hillard, Ohio; and

Ralph Watson, Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, Standish, Michigan.

The M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at level A-6 or above is allowed one seat, with the representative to be appointed by the individual company, and two appointed seats on the Council are reserved for distributor/fabricators in dues-paying categories A-9 or above with a national scope. There are seven elected representatives, and persons serving in these positions may represent any supplier or manufacturer company that includes, but is not limited to, suppliers, other manufacturers, or manufacturer’s representatives as long as the company is an AFSA member in good standing.

AFSA members are encouraged to contact M/S Council representatives with questions or ideas. If you are interested in becoming more involved with AFSA, the Council encourages you to do so! Consider investing in the future of your industry by getting more active; please also consider the time and financial commitment required to attend meetings and work on AFSA programs. The M/S Council will meet on these dates in 2021: January 25-26 (tentative); April 12-15, July 20-22, and September 18-21.

Members interested in serving on the Council should contact M/S Council staff liaisons Nicole Duvall, director of communications & social media, at nduvall@ firesprinkler.org or Marlene Garrett, CMP, vice president of program operations & educational services, at mgarrett@firesprinkler.org, or visit firesprinkler.org. n

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH LEGISLATION UPSTATE NEW YORK CHAPTER AND LOBBYIST FIRM FORM PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP STACEY FANTAUZZI | NORTH EAST FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS, INC. JAY HOLLAND | OSTROFF ASSOCIATES

A

s business owners, we frequently hire subject matter experts (SMEs) to assist us in being more proficient in business practices and mitigating risk in the day-to-day operations. We all have accountants, attorneys, engineers, insurance brokers, and financial advisors for retirement plans and keyman policies. How many of us have a legislative expert, a lobbyist? For many of us, we rely on ancillary trade associations, the Chambers of Commerce, and our national associations to navigate the state and federal legislative bodies creating laws we don’t know about until we are in a reactionary position.

Well, that reactionary position is where the Upstate New York (NY) Chapter of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was in June of 2019.

The chapter quickly reached out to AFSA National and other associations, then decided we needed to have an SME of our own to understand the legislative process. The lessons we learned have been invaluable and sometimes surprising. We asked our lobbying firm, Ostroff Associates, to participate in the creation of this article. The following is the list of lessons learned from this new relationship:

HOW DOES A BUSINESS REACH OUT TO A LEGISLATOR? Building relationships with legislators takes time and effort. The

38 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

Chapter members visiting with legislators in 2018. Front row from l to r: Justin Petcosky, Brian Terrell, Trisha Merkle, Jimmy Fantauzzi, and Stacey Fantauzzi. Back Row l to r: Mike Petcosky and Dan Merkle.

best way to build relationships is on equal ground before there is a need for action. To do this, the chapter encourages business owners and its members to get involved with local elected officials in a friendly capacity through helpful or informative outreach.

Legislators want to know the people in their communities who are providing jobs and opportunities, so informational meetings are a great way to start.

These meetings are often done in the district and not the Capitol. As a first step, businesses can reach out to legislators’ offices to set an introductory meeting. Business owners can take this opportunity to develop a relation-

ship with the legislators and inform them of the work you do in your community.

Another way for businesses to build relationships is to be proactive in their communities with their outreach to legislators. For example, if you are opening a new location or announcing a number of new jobs, inviting legislators to speak at the opening is a good way to get to know them. Justin Petcosky, president of our AFSA chapter, and his team at Petcosky Fire in Vestal, New York, and other members, like Chris Ribando of Approved Fire Prevention from Long Island as well as our team at North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc in Ballston, New York, have

long been active in engaging our politicians at a local level. When we first gathered as an AFSA chapter, this was our strength and the common ground that built our chapter.

HOW DOES ONE UNDERSTAND THE EBB & FLOW OF A LEGISLATIVE SESSION? WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHEN? One of the most important functions of a lobbyist is having a guide who understands the terrain of the government to help make contact as productive as possible. It’s important to understand the workflow of the legislature in your areas, so you are not disrupting overwhelmingly busy times on a legislator’s schedule. In normal times here in New York, the legislature holds to a fairly predictable schedule— the legislative session begins in early January, the State budget is due April 1, and the session ends in June. There are periods of time when it’s productive to engage with legislators and times when it is unproductive. For example, in the weeks before the budget is due, legislators and staff are completely focused on completing that task, and any engagement on non-budget issues can backfire. As veterans of the process, lobbyists help our clients understand when to engage and when not to in order to produce the most favorable results.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal process of the legislature and government has been completely upended. The legislature has been forced to implement new voting procedures, the Capitol has been closed to visitors, and the budget process has been disrupted by deficits. The process has been overtaken by uncertainty, so having a lobbying team in place who works with government constantly is essential to be informed on what is happening and when opportunities and threats could arise.

WHAT DOES A LOBBYIST DO FOR AN ASSOCIATION? The primary responsibility of a lobbyist is to advocate on behalf of the association’s positions—but we do much more than that. We seek to elevate the

awareness and perspective of the association’s industry with people who work in government. That means not only directly lobbying on legislation, but also building a profile and a reputation for the industry so that lawmakers have a positive perspective of the work that you do. To accomplish this, we take the time to learn the association’s issues and do extensive research on the industry to advocate on the association’s behalf effetely.

Keeping clients informed of what is happening in government is critically important, so we track and analyze every bill that is introduced, along with all regulatory activity, to evaluate any impact on the industry. We then work with the association’s leadership to form a strategy to best affect a positive outcome. We help prepare memos in support and opposition, written testimony, talking points, and other communications. Our team also organizes the association’s lobby days and sets meetings for the membership to meet with key lawmakers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has played an outsized role in how businesses are allowed to operate—if they are allowed to operate at all. Keeping businesses informed of the latest regulations, closings, and openings, and new operational rules has been a large part of our work recently. At the height of the pandemic, keeping in close contact with the government was an important way to limit how long the construction industry was shut down.

Representing a number of industries and clients means we are constantly meeting with legislators and their staff to discuss issues, which means we are able to build strong relationships with decisionmakers. We get to know these people both professionally and personally through working together, so we understand how to best approach them. We also work with other lobby firms and their clients on a number of issues, so we are able to make connections for the association to build stronger coalitions. Additionally, we can use our experience to identify parties and lawmakers who may be inclined to oppose our positions. In our work for AFSA, we

were able to unite the various fire sprinkler industry interests to negotiate a bill that would satisfy all parties. We were then able to approach legislators as a unified industry to advance our position, which has been effective.

WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE The AFSA Upstate NY Chapter wishes to thank Ostroff Associates for their hard work this past year. They have strengthened our resolve, tempered our passion, and focused us on relationships in the state legislature that provide us with solid footing for future success. n ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Stacey Fantauzzi is vice president, operations at North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc., Ballston, New York. Her experience at North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc. spans from time spent in the fabrication shop, to the field, as an installer, inspector, service technician, and project manager. Fantauzzi is chair of AFSA’s Legislative Committee, a member of AFSA’s Membership Committee, and secretary of the AFSA Upstate NY Chapter.

Jay Holland is a vice president at Ostroff Associates, Albany, New York. He has extensive experience guiding lobbying efforts and leading political campaigns.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 39

DEALING WITH ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN CONSTRUCTION DURING THE COVID-19 ERA BEST PRACTICES, ETHICS, RISK MANAGEMENT PATRICK HOGAN | HANDLE.COM

W

hen the COVID-19 pandemic significantly crippled the economy, ethical considerations in the construction sector also took a hit. Closures of ongoing construction projects and the economic uncertainty have put many construction companies on a rocky financial foundation. This financial insecurity, among other reasons, may push construction parties to engage in questionable practices, if only to keep their companies afloat during the pandemic.

The most common ethical issues in construction include unfair tender negotiations, questionable bidding processes, and late and short payments.

These ethical issues are considered to be in the “gray area” between right and wrong, and even though they are perceived to be mostly undesirable, there are still people who might defend them and say that this is just how business works.

But among these ethical concerns are two key elements: 1) that at least one party tries to make more money at the expense of other participants, and 2) that there are no legal programs or sanctions to regulate such activities.

When parties engage in unethical behavior, those on the lower end of the contracting chain are usually the ones who bear the brunt.

40 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

With the ongoing public health crisis, it is imperative that parties, especially subcontractors, stay vigilant and alert against potential unethical malpractices. Let us dive deep into some of the most common ethical issues and how you can navigate around them as the economy continues to reel from the economic devastation brought about by the pandemic.

1.

BID SHOPPING

Now that many businesses are out of work, they might resort to bid shopping to secure a project. Bid shopping is when an owner or a contractor “shops” for the lowest bidder by divulging the offers made by the bid participants. By revealing to you the amount that the other parties have offered, they are spurring you on to beat those offers and make a lower bid.

They may also do the reverse and disclose your offer to other parties.

This practice is highly questionable, but is not necessarily illegal. It only benefits the “shopper” and puts subcontractors at a great disadvantage.

You may be tempted to reduce your offer once you are informed of your competitors’ bids. Unfortunately, there is also no easy way to know if an owner or contractor is divulging your bid to other parties.

However, you may want to consider including a provision in your

proposal stating that your bid price may not be disclosed to any third party, and that doing so would automatically make the subcontract binding.

2.

OVERBILLING

Overbilling happens when a party bills a payment that is worth more than what is actually accomplished. If, for example, a contractor has finished 20 percent worth of a project but asked for payment that is worth 30 percent, that is overbilling.

Some parties may say that overbilling is acceptable, especially since running a construction business depends on having a continuous cash flow. The “overbill” may therefore be used to purchase materials to be incorporated into the same project.

During a pandemic, many contractors may choose to engage in overbilling just so they can augment their dwindling cash flow and also as a financial cushion in case a project closes down.

However, note that while overbilling may be justified depending on whom you talk to, this practice may lead you to run out of money to bill altogether. Running out of billing may happen if you keep “borrowing” money until you have no funds to bill. This issue can lead to further concerns, including late payment to your subs and even failing to deliver on your contract.

You must not lose track of your finances, especially during an ongoing crisis. Take advantage of all the legal protections you’re entitled to–like ensuring you’re filing documents like the preliminary notice in California and notices to owner in Florida and Washington to protect your lien rights–but limit stepping onto the gray areas.

Engaging in small ethical gray areas may be tempting in the beginning, but they are always detrimental to your business in the long run.

3.

CHANGE ORDER ABUSE

Change orders are a legitimate part of the construction business. When the scope of a project changes or when additional work needs to be done, change orders are issued to reflect these modifications.

An ethical issue typically arises when the change order system is abused during a bidding process. Parties may collude in order to make a lower bid, but once they secure a project, they will ramp up the amount that they can earn

through change orders. Collusions among parties may happen between a project owner and a contractor, and also between a contractor and their subcontractors.

The scarcity of available projects during a pandemic may push parties to abuse the change order system. It doesn’t help that change orders are rarely checked and verified, and there are no systems in place to strictly monitor them, unlike in the bidding process.

However, note that as with any ethical malpractice, abusing the change order system is largely frowned upon and it can cost you your reputation. It may be tempting to collude with a contractor so your business can stay afloat, but dilemmas like this require you to think long-term and make an ethical decision.

in fraudulent activities. You may end up losing money and also damage your brand and entire business. Not only must you keep away from participating in such activities, but you are also encouraged to be wary of them — to be mindful when people around you are doing the wrong thing. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patrick Hogan is the CEO of Handle.com, where they build software that helps contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers with late payments. Handle.com also provides funding for construction businesses in the form of invoice factoring, material supply trade credit, and mechanics lien purchasing.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Reprinted with permission from The Contractor’s Compass by the American Subcontractors Association (ASA). Visit asaonline.com.

CONCLUSION Even though these unethical practices may be common in the industry, there are serious risks that come up when you constantly engage

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HELP LEGISLATORS CREATE FIRE SPRINKLER SOLUTIONS PROACTIVELY SHAPING POLICY

M

JESSICA COX | AFSA FLORIDA CHAPTER

ore than ever, the fire-sprinkler community needs to be proactive in helping political candidates work toward commonsense solutions in the areas of our workforce, workers’ compensation, tax, regulation, healthcare, economic development, and labor. The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s Florida Chapter (AFSA-FL) has been successful in this process, due to the hard work of our legislative committee—Ron Cox, Suzanne Saults, and Chris Johnson—in partnership with our lobbying firm, RSA Consulting Group, LLC. The RSA team came on board with our chapter in January 2020, and their leadership raised the level of our renown and engagement in the political process and with elected officials.

ATTEND THE LEGISLATIVE PLANNING CONFERENCE Our process hinges on our attendance at the annual two-day Legislative Planning Conference. This year, from July 30–31, AFSA-FL members met in St. Augustine, Florida, to lay out the association’s legislative agenda for 2021. Although adjustments had to be made for COVID, making things look a little different this year, we were able to meet in person.

Ron Pierce and Edward Briggs, of RSA Consulting Group, kept the group on track while they debated the pros, cons, and exact wording of the Florida Chapter’s top three legislative priorities for the 2021 session. Ron Cox, chair of the AFSA-FL legislative committee, encour-

42 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

aged everyone to voice their opinions. In between discussions and breakout groups, Representative Jason Fischer, Senator Dennis Baxley, and Representative Bobby Payne addressed the room.

Everything accomplished during the planning conference helped us develop these ideas into comprehensive and robust reform efforts on behalf of the fire sprinkler industry. Our lobby team will now take steps to draft bills, create talking points, and collect member anecdotes about the importance of the reforms.

STEP ONE: DEVELOP AN AGENDA During the Legislative Planning Conference, the legislative committee and chapter members develop the chapter’s legislative agenda for the following year. This year, RSA Consulting Group’s Ron Pierce and Edward Briggs had a new suggestion: that we build relationships on the front end, meaning, meet with individuals running for office and start building a relationship before they are elected.

STEP TWO: INTERVIEW POLITICAL CANDIDATES Our chapter has always proactively met with lawmakers to educate them about our industry issues, so it wasn’t a stretch for us to schedule interviews with hopefuls throughout the state. RSA went to work finding willing candidates, and the legislative committee recruited chapter members to interview them.

Piper Fire Protection hosted the Tampa Bay interviews, Naples Fire Protection, Inc. hosted the South Florida interviews,

and Cox Fire Protection hosted the North Florida interviews. Logan Hoggarth, of Victaulic, was the hero who kept the group fed and happy.

Members interviewed more than 30 candidates, all vying for election to the Florida State Legislature. Each question was asked genuinely, in hopes of building the foundation of a relationship to be strengthened if the candidate was elected.

“Interviewing legislative candidates throughout the state has been a great opportunity to build relationships with future decision makers and educate them about the importance of the fire sprinkler industry,” said Suzanne Saults, chair of AFSA-FL. “We look forward to continued relationship development in the years to come.”

STEP THREE: ENDORSE CANDIDATES While scheduling candidate interviews, the legislative committee and board of directors formed a chapter Political Committee (PC). The AFSA-FL PC provides an avenue to make a meaningful impact on the legislative process, and, by collectively mobilizing efforts and engagement, AFSA-FL PC creates synergy.

We are stronger together, and our numbers allow us to lead the conversation on Florida’s public policy matters. PC funds allowed our chapter to endorse 14 of the candidates we interviewed and to contribute financially to their campaigns.

STEP FOUR: WALK THE HALLS OF THE CAPITOL During every legislative session, the Florida Chapter meets in Tallahassee, giving

AFSA Florida Chapter members met with Representative Clay Yarborough.

members an opportunity to see the legislative process in action and meet our elected officials, who tell us they want to hear from us, since otherwise they don’t know how policy affects our industry. Participation in this event is a catalyst that gets more AFSA-FL members involved in politics.

RSA Consulting Group secured a conference room in the Capitol and filled the day with back-to-back meetings with senators and representatives from our members’ districts. Up first were guests from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Director Julius Halas, Chief Casia Sinco, and the CFO’s Legislative Affairs team discussed our partnership and the importance of reforming fire sprinkler code and legislation with one voice.

We met with legislators to discuss the Priority Bills created during the July Legislative Planning Conference and asked for support to get them passed. Our time together gave us an opportunity to build credibility and become that trusted industry resource. As each new senator and representative met with our group, members became more comfortable telling their personal stories of how the Florida Chapter’s bills have affected their companies, and how passing the bills would benefit the industry as a whole.

STEP FIVE: SUCCESS! Our chapter’s policy success during the 2020 legislative session—our help in passing priority bills that lower retainage from 10 percent to 5 percent, increase continuing contracts from $2 million to $4 million, and keep the retrofit high-rise

bill active—creates excitement as we look toward 2021. Our partnering with RSA Consulting Group, interviewing political candidates, developing a chapter Political Committee, and spending two days planning our chapter’s legislative priorities put the AFSA-FL Chapter in the position to encourage passage of legislation that will positively affect the fire sprinkler industry.

These successes would not be possible without the dedication and leadership of our executive committee,

board, legislative committee, and lobbying firm. Our accomplishments have created a stronger camaraderie within our chapter, more participation, and a better fire sprinkler industry. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jessica Cox is the executive director for the AFSA Florida Chapter.

For more information about the chapter or its legislative activities, email Cox at jessica@ afsafl.org.

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THE ROLE OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN COVID-19 RECOVERY HOW E&C FIRMS CAN LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT THEIR STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES RUSS YOUNG & JAY SNYDER | FMI

C

OVID-19 opened the engineering and construction (E&C) industry’s eyes to how technology can be fully leveraged and depended upon for business continuity and remote project execution. Many thought the pandemic would create radical change in how we work and invest in technology; but as we start to see some light at the end of the tunnel, the event has mostly served as an accelerant of existing construction technology trends. In fact, COVID-19 may have done more to propel the industry forward technology-wise than the massive influx of venture capital has over the last five years.

Start-ups and venture capital firms should expect this trend to accelerate technology spending in the short term.

In fact, while technology spending and willingness to spend on technology will both surely increase, contractors will likely focus on core technology to benefit the company strategy versus “quick-point” solutions that benefit individual projects only (or at least, they should). For example, they should focus on optimizing their technology spending by assessing which solutions are core to their businesses and commit to fully funding and adopting those solutions across the enterprise. They should also

44 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

look for areas where their software solutions overlap, assess the tradeoff of choosing one or the other, and then trim their technology stacks to make them lighter, leaner, and more resilient.

BEFORE THE PANDEMIC As we recap some of the pre-COVID construction technology trends, we saw ample venture capital, a proliferation of startup technology, and a heightened level of mergers and acquisitions. On the buyer side of this equation, we had more active contractor pilot projects, beta testing, and research and development (R&D).

We also noticed a distinct lack of accountability and maturity for dollars spent on technology within E&C firms.

In fact, many firms had undefined strategic goals for their technology and struggled to know if their applications and data management solutions were meeting their needs. Technology products purchased based on a shortterm need or success of a unique project often took precedence over a company’s longer-term technology needs.

Much has changed since the buzzword “COVID-19” has become part of our everyday language. Going into a period of recovery, we now expect to see not only ample venture capital but also increased diligence. There will

be a continued infusion of startups, but with the market focused less on “trusting the demo” and more on the proven use case and functionality.

Also expect to see more technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity as start-ups seek stability and as mature technology vendors work to build out their platforms. There will be more emphasis on proven thought leadership and growing market needs, such as proven customer success at scale over the flashy technology. The Built Environment should hold technology companies responsible to prove the problems solved and not just emphasize the science or technology of solutions like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. Plan to see a bigger focus on proven market penetration, return on investment, and the problem solved for our industry— more steak and less sizzle.

APPLYING LESSONS LEARNED As the recovery progresses, we expect to see increased accountability and scrutiny for technology spend, with a focus on optimizing technology budgets and incorporating more comprehensive planning processes to determine real technology needs.

Technology companies should also expect more requests from contractors seeking better understanding of their

Figure 1. Example of a tech stack.

current software agreements, price and packaging renegotiations, and more access to data.

This will also be a good time to examine success in construction technology in other countries and apply some of those lessons learned here in North America. Successful E&C firms will adopt an agile tech strategy intended to employ a decision matrix, establish the role of tech in the business, and create two- to three-year road maps. In short, the role of technology will be held accountable to support the strategic and operational objectives of E&C.

THE NEW “ABNORMAL” Companies looking to advance on the technology curve and build a leaner, more effective, resilient technology asset stack can use these strategies to make that happen: • Freeze nonessential spending for two to three months and don’t allow an overreaction to invest in tech “just in case” this happens again.

• Take inventory of your current technology stack and identify how

each solution is used (see Figure 1 for a tech stack example).

• Identify overlaps and assess the need for any redundant solutions.

• If two solutions do the same thing, but if each does something “a little better” than the other, make the tradeoff. Simplicity pays off both in licensing costs and repeatability across your enterprise.

• Review your software agreements and benchmark your pricing.

• Schedule calls to renegotiate contracts with appropriate technology providers in your stack. Good technology partners will welcome the conversation to explain their value and support your initiative.

• Review contracts with your managed service providers (i.e., network administration, database administrator, help desk, cybersecurity and cloud hosting).

• Ask yourself where you can consolidate services and reduce potential service overlap or simply avoid paying multiple fees. For example, is there an opportunity to move into all-inclusive cloud providers for

simplicity and longer-term cost savings?

• Provide transparency for feedback and ideas; use a series of questions to act as a filter so that employees understand the company’s technology approach.

• Establish feedback channels and form a committee to assess, vet and recommend actions that will improve your tech asset stack and/or maximize the use of current tech assets.

FINDING STRATEGIC VALUE Some technologies moved right to the front of the line to combat the immediate impacts of COVID-19. Take a hard look at these solutions to determine if and how they support your company’s vision and strategy.

Some may end up as temporary Band-Aids, but many will have longerterm impacts to your business—namely because this event has evolved as an accelerant of existing trends. For instance, before COVID-19, Amazon was taking business from shopping malls, and Zoom meetings were already growing; the global pandemic simply SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 45

added rocket fuel to these growing business lines.

Similarly, in the E&C world, we were already seeing winners in digitization, remote work capabilities, collaboration, and data management. The pandemic moved many of these from “nice to have” to “must have.” Here are three of them: • Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: These technologies provide remote project management, inspection, conflict resolution, and approvals that help keep projects rolling while project managers, engineers, architects, and inspectors couldn’t safely get to the job site. Devon Copley, CEO of Imeve, had a similar situation that we all saw with Zoom. His web and phone traffic shot up 300 percent from construction companies trying to solve this immediate problem. As companies see the positive impact to project cost and project completion time, we would expect these technologies to become more commonplace on projects.

Don’t sell Yourself short.

• Video, Devices, and Artificial Intelligence: Josh Kanner of Smartvid.io also had his phone ringing off the hook as he was able to quickly modify and enable his AI technology to report on new social distancing requirements on the work site. It was amazing to see such a quick and effective partnership between construction and technology to solve an immediate and new problem. This specific use case may be a unique solution to the new realities of a pandemic, but as construction sites embrace video, devices, and AI, there will be long-term positive impacts on safety, compliance, and productivity.

• Default and Risk Management: The financial health of the entire construction supply chain—owners, A&E, GCs, specialty trade contractors, and building project managers—is coming under a new level of scrutiny. Michael Ho of Bespoke Metrics also had his phone ringing as GCs needed a more immediate and scalable solution for subcontractor verification in this new world. Data standardization and data collaboration to collectively price risk were not new needs, but they came to the forefront due to the effects of COVID-19.

For Fire Sprinkler

ESTIMATING, BIDDIN G, SELLING, AND CONTR ACTING

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

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GETTING INTO THE TECH SANDBOX E&C companies need to be aware of and track new technologies that could support the future vision and strategy of the company. We still see too many companies quickly putting these new offerings into a live project without prior diligence to build a proven plan for change management.

Training, integrations, updated processes, and workflow are a few of the most important items to consider. One proven approach is to create a dedicated technology “sandbox” for your company. This is a separate testing environment to use before implementing on a live project or the entire enterprise. Make sure your sandbox environment is contained and do not let test projects unintentionally become

long-term, fully deployed solutions without a clear plan for change management. COVID-19 poured gas on the fire for why technology is important in E&C. This alone will change technology in your company—and your life in general—during this recovery period.

The companies that survive and thrive in the new normal must be both deliberate and purposeful with technology. They must also demand increased accountability for the performance and cost of their technology solutions and initiatives, and create lean, efficient, resilient technology asset stacks. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Reprinted with permission from FMInet.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Russ Young is a senior consultant and leads FMI’s technology partnering program, having worked with tech partnering programs his entire career.

Russ also provides experienced consulting to stakeholders in the E&C industry, enabling them to maximize the benefits of technology solutions in their business. He can be reached via email at ryoung@fminet.com.

Jay Snyder is the technology practice leader with FMI. Jay has been in the engineering and construction industry throughout his entire career.

He has industry experience as a construction project executive; corporate director of planning, design and construction for a health care system; founder and managing partner of a risk management tech startup company; and as a valued business consultant. He can be reached via email at jsnyder@fminet.com.

SCHOLARSHIPS + SPRINKLERS = SAFETY

S

STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM EDUCATION ince its creation in 1996, the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Scholarship Contests have sought to promote the scholarship outside of the fire sprinkler industry in the hope of reaching students who may otherwise never have recognized the importance of automatic fire protection.

Now entering its 25th year, the AFSA scholarship program continues to grow, attracting over 105,500 unique visitors to its website AFSAscholarship.org thus far in 2020. This year, a total of $20,000 was awarded through this public awareness campaign to 10 lucky graduating high school seniors as they pursue their higher education goals.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS For the high school senior contest, applicants must be a current high school senior planning to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school in the coming Fall. Applicants are required to read a passage about fire sprinklers—which describes their history, how they operate, and the types of careers that are available in the industry— and take an eight-question reading comprehension test. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry into a drawing for one of 10 $2,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible.

The winners were randomly selected from over 46,000 students who entered to receive a one-time $2,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university or trade school. The 10 national winners for 2020 are Emmanuel Bryant, Greenville, North Carolina; Taylor Cook, Clovis, California; Nayeli Flores, Porterville, California; Lily Jewett, Cumming, Georgia;

Liam McFarland, Olympia, Washington; Sage Orbell, Riverton, Wyoming; Bena Patel, Irvine, California; Alexandria Self, Lacombe, Louisiana; Gabriela Shamblin, Lakeland, Florida; and Karina Villegas, Paint Rock, Texas.

Winner Sage Orbell knew “basically nothing” before she entered this contest. “I think [fire sprinklers] are incredibly helpful devices. They have prevented many fire-based disasters and saved many lives and properties.

They revolutionized factory safety practices.”

Orbell is currently attending Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

After learning more about fire sprinklers through this contest, winner Lily Jewett, majoring in performing arts at Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia, says, “Fire sprinklers need to be in as many buildings as possible.”

Winner Liam McFarland knew little about fire sprinklers “besides that they are often used in schools. I appreciate the environmental benefits, not to mention the safety benefits.” He is a freshman History major at Western Washington University in Bellingham.

Bena Patel, studying bioengineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, comments, “I didn’tInc., know much...CAI have a Aegis Fire Systems, Pleasanton, new respect for people buildPA and test fire Aegis Technologies, Inc.,who Pottstown, Allstar Fire Protection, Inc., Madison, TN work sprinklers now that I know how much Anchor Fire Protection, Perkiomenville, PA is dangoes into them for safety purposes. Fire Atlanta Winsupply, Lithonia, GA gerous, andFire precautions need be taken Bamford Sprinkler Co., Inc.,toSalina, KS so they aren’t Fire anyProtection, tragedies.”Inc., Dunn, NC Carolina Andrew DeVillegas Camara, Sherman Oaks, CA Karina majoring in Education at Terese De Camara, PA Texas, Howard College inDresher, San Angelo, Extinguish Fire Corp., Fredricksburg, VA reports, “I did not know anything about fire Fire & Safety Systems Co., Ocean, NJ sprinkler are aLA very reliable way Fire Techsystems.

Systems, They Shreveport, to keep people safe.” CT Firestop, Inc., Bethel, Freedom Fire Protection, Longmont, CO “Awarding scholarships to talented General Underground Fire Protection, students is one of our organization’s key Orange, CA contributions to the future of the fire

protection industry and beyond,” says AFSA Director of Communications & Social Media Nicole Duvall, staff liaison to AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee, which oversees the annual scholarship program.

“Our board and staff are dedicated to keeping this very worthwhile program going strong, even in these challenging times. It is our mission and our legacy to educate the next generation about the life-saving benefits of fire sprinklers and to support education in everything we do. Since we began the program, we have awarded over half a million dollars in scholarships.”

SECOND CHANCE SCHOLARSHIPS While a second chance contest wasn’t held in 2020, one will be offered for 2021.

Five $1,00 scholarships will be awarded to five students, drawn at random. Applicants for the second chance contest must reside in the United States, hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, and be enrolled at or accepted to a college/university or certified trade school. Second chance students follow the same rules and procedures as the high school senior students for entering. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry intoLondonderry, a drawingNH for one of Hampshire Fire Protection, the scholarships.

A total of eightMA entries per Hampshire Fire Protection, Westfield, Houston Fireinto Systems, applicant the Lockford, drawing CA are possible.

J & J Fire Protection Co., Inc., Butler, PA JB Fire Protection, Fullerton, CA STUDENTS ENTER ONLINE Jimco Fire Protection, Inc., Au Gres, MI The senior contest is JSM Fire Pro,high Oak school Ridge, TN currently openDallas, now until Richard Matsuda, TX April 1, 2021. The Noland, PA on that date and run secondMechanicsburg, chance will open Protection Design & Consulting, through August 31, 2021. AFSA scholarships San Diego, CA are open to U.S. citizens or VT legal residents and Sawyer Sprinkler Service, Milton, are not based on financial need.

For details or Willie Templin, Fort Worth, TX United Sprinkler Co., Inc., Fredricksburg, to apply, visit afsascholarship.org. VA n Universal Fire Systems, Inc., Tampa, FL VSC Fire & Security, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 47

AFSA Graduates Lead the Industry

“

I’ve never seen a better program. The students’ confidence and their skill level has gone way up which makes the quality of the work they perform superior. Many of the people who have gone through the program have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend.”

Jeff Lewis, CET, CFPS - VSC Fire & Security, Inc.

“

One of the greatest benefits of this program is that it goes beyond how just to do an inspection. It teaches the students how to relate to customers and represent their company, leading to better service for our customers.”

Jimmy Snowden - Hampshire Fire Protection Co., LLC

“

When you have employees who have gone through the ITM program, it helps alleviate a lot of your liability. You know they have been trained to do it the right way. They know what they’re doing, what to look for, and the proper way to inspect a system.”

Tacy Hadwin - Fire Tech Systems, Inc.

Develop a workforce ready to grow your business Our 19-month program guides your novice inspector technicians as they gain knowledge and practical skills while learning code-compliant inspections. In fact, AFSA’s ITM Program graduates achieve a 91% pass rate on NICET Level I & II exams*, exceeding the 66% national average. All material is updated to the 2017 Edition of NFPA 25, aligning with current NICET exams. Gain a more professional and knowledgeable staff to grow your business.

ITM

INSPECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

*AFSA makes no implied or expressed warranty that studying these materials or passing the assessments or exams will ensure passage of the related NICET exams or certification by NICET.

ENROLL FOR SPRING 2021 | www.firesprinkler.org/ITM

LEARN SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN 2021 SCHOOL CURRICULUM UPDATED TO NFPA 13, 2019 EDITION

T

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has set its first group of 2021 schools for its popular Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School—and they’re on the road! If you’re in California or Florida, one of these schools could be the perfect fit. Classes currently scheduled include January 25 – February 5 in Tampa Bay, Florida; February 22 – March 5 in Sacramento, California; and April 12-23 in San Diego, California. AFSA will schedule future schools in AFSA’s Training Center in Dallas as well.

NEW FOR 2021—UPDATED CURRICULUM! Taught by AFSA’s expert technical staff, AFSA’s Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School teaches the essential elements of system layout in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Recent upgrades have been made to the content, updating it from the 2016 edition to the 2019 edition of the standard. The school is designed to train a beginner to be productive immediately upon returning to work. This class is designed for those with no experience or those who need assistance with design. The school presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Students receive two full weeks of instruction: 60 percent is the study and review of NFPA 13, and 40 percent is the preparation of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings, and hydraulic calculations.

AFSA’s Coordinator of Technical Services Kevin Hall, P.E., MSFPE (standing) instructs beginning designers.

Attendees are given the tools to accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications; determine the proper and economical planning of fire sprinkler system layout and installation methods; know the importance of sprinkler specifications, types of pipe, hangers, fittings, flow tests, etc.; learn to develop shop drawings from start to finish; learn to coordinate with other trades such as plumbing, mechanical, structural and electrical; perform manual hydraulic calculations, preparing the student for an easier decision-making process when using a computer to perform hydraulics; and prepare shop drawings in class for projects with different applications.

Early registration is highly encouraged at firesprinkler.org/ design. For additional details, email AFSA Meeting & Events Coordinator Liz Rosemiller at liz@firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965 ext. 117. n SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 49

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT MEMBERS CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

T

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is recognizing members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured here have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership.

“As we bring 2020 to a close, it sure is nice to have something happy to celebrate such as these significant membership anniversaries!” comments AFSA Vice President of Membership & Communications Liz Messner, CAE, IOM. “The investment of these members in AFSA membership has made a big difference in the growth, prominence, and excellence AFSA has achieved. AFSA is proud to honor and recognize these great companies. We are grateful for your trust and support over the years.”

Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in November and December 2020. Sprinkler Age asked those members some questions about their time in the fire sprinkler industry and with AFSA. Ronald Davis, with Contractor Member Clark Patterson Lee, shared some of his favorite AFSA memories and things he’s learned through the years.

AFSA Milestone Membership Anniversaries November–December 2020 30-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Guy M. Cooper, Inc. Mechanical Contractors, Willow Grove, PA 25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Bravante and Associates, Inc., Boonton, NJ Rieve Fire Protection, Bethel, CT Xcel Fire Protection, Inc., Salem, NH 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Flow Fire Protection, Inc., Collins, CO Sprinx Fire Protection, Inc., Gig Harbor, WA Designer Members Clark Patterson Lee, Greensboro, NC 15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members All American Fire Systems, Inc., Claremore, OK

50 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE FIRE SPRINKLER INDUSTRY? “I started pipe schedule sprinkler layout design in 1985 with the A&E Firm RS&H in Greensboro, North Carolina.”

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH AFSA?

DAVIS “When I started working for Moser Mayer Phoenix in 1991 as a plumbing/sprinkler designer, I became more involved with researching NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, sprinkler design criteria.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST USED AFSA BENEFIT? “My favorite benefit is the Tech Update weekly e-newsletter.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AFSA AND/OR AFSA CONVENTION MEMORY? “The 2019 ASCET seminar in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.”

WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY? “The technical support and training opportunities.”

WHAT’S THE KEY INGREDIENT TO YOUR SUCCESS? “Staying abreast of NFPA changes and updates.”

IF I WEREN’T WORKING IN FIRE PROTECTION, I WOULD BE... “ ... a plumbing/HVAC designer.”

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! AFSA looks forward to celebrating with more members!

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

Congratulations to these members and AFSA looks forward to celebrating with more members throughout the year! n

LEARN AND EARN UPCOMING TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL WEBINARS OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION UNIT CREDITS

J

oin the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) for upcoming webinars geared toward fitters, technical, and managerial staff. These webinars all offer continuing education units (CEUs), and continuing professional development points (CPDs).

NFPA 25 AND 72: DEVELOPING AND INTEGRATING YOUR ITM PLAN Join AFSA and the Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) on December 9, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time for this 90-minute overview of the codes and standards that apply to the inspection, testing, and maintenance of alarm and sprinkler systems, and why the coordination of these inspections is vital. Conducting inspections in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of WaterBased Fire Protection Systems, or NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, require coordination between the building owner, facilities staff, and occupants. AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, and AFAA Training Manager Tim Knisely will present this webinar. The webinar connection and content is free to all AFSA members. The non-member rate is $270. There is a nominal fee of $35 for CEUs (per person). This webinar offers 0.15 CEUs and 1.5 CPDs but does not offer CAL FIRE-approved CEUs.

CATRON

BIRD

DENHARDT

KNISELY

(per person). This webinar offers 0.15 CEUs but it does not award any CPDs. nor CAL FIRE-approved CEUs.

REGISTER TODAY For more details and to register for any or all of AFSA’s upcoming webinars, visit firesprinkler.org/webinars. n

RECRUIT. TRAIN. RETAIN: APPROACHES FOR AN EVOLVING WORKFORCE This 90-minute webinar will be presented on December 10, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. As the workforce landscape changes, so must tactics for recruiting, training, and retaining professionals in our industry. The effort will require new approaches in how we communicate career opportunities, such as work-based learning and other initiatives, to youth and young craft professionals. Come learn how the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER) and Build Your Future’s resources can help build your company’s workforce development strategy. Christina Catron, senior manager marketing and design at NCCER, and Patty Bird, senior workforce development manager at NCCER, will present this seminar. The webinar connection and content is free to all AFSA members. The non-member rate is $270. There is a nominal fee of $35 for CEUs SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 51

AFSA NEWS AFSA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST OPEN

From now until April 1, 2021, eligible high school seniors can visit afsascholarship.org to apply for one of AFSA’s high school scholarships.

Open to 2020-2021 high school seniors who want to pursue a college degree or trade school education, the scholarship offers the chance to win one of 10 scholarships. The best part? The AFSA scholarship contest has no essay-writing required. Instead, 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! Winners are randomly selected to receive a one-time $2,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university, or trade school. To learn more and apply for the scholarship, visit afsascholarship.org before April 1, 2021..

BUILDING VALUE THROUGH SAFETY

Have you visited afsasafetyportal.com yet? It’s AFSA’s member-only safety resource! This virtual library delivers the accident-prevention and safety-related information you need to educate your staff, help prevent claims,

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2020

9 • NFPA 25 and 72: Developing and Integrating Your ITM Plan Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinar 10 • Recruit. Train. Retain: Aproaches for an Evolving Workforce Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinar

JANUARY 2021

25-2/5 • AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Tampa, FL firesprinkler.org/design

FEBRUARY 2021

22-3/5 • AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Sacramento, CA firesprinkler.org/design

APRIL 2021

12-23 • AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School San Diego, CA firesprinkler.org/design

Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times. For information on Chubb and/or OSU programs, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Training Calendar.”

52 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

and create a safe work environment. Developed by the AFSA Insurance & Safety Committee in partnership with Blue River Underwriters, an AFSAendorsed insurance partner, AFSA’s online Safety Portal is a customized safety website built with the specific needs of fire sprinkler contractors in mind. With over 1,000 resources and references, AFSA’s Safety Portal aims to address some of the key issues in fire sprinkler construction safety today, such as electrical safety, ladder safety, loss control, personal protection, and vehicle safety. Whether members are in need of OSHA regulations, workplace safety posters, or even loss statistics to better prepare their staff, AFSA’s Safety Portal helps to make your place of business and job-sites safe and compliant. Visit afsasafetyportal.com.

WATCH AFSA’S VIRTUAL GENERAL SESSION

AFSA debuted its first-ever virtual general session on October 7, 2020, and was excited to celebrate the association and its members. Highlights of the session included presenting two association awards: the 2020 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award to Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci and the 2020 Young Professional of the Year award to Jamil Shamoon, Symons Fire Protection, Poway, California. The general session also featured the announcement of Bob Caputo, CFPS, as AFSA’s new President; guest speakers AFSA Chair of the Board Ted Wills and AFSA At-Large Director and 2020 Convention Co-Chair Chris Johnson; and AFSA’s vice presidents, who gave updates on the association’s activities. To view the replay, visit firesprinkler.org.

AFSA APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

A well-trained staff is the single most important factor in the long-term success of your company! AFSA is proud to offer training courses to help you help your employees reach their full potential. This fire sprinkler fitter apprentice training series, written from a contractor’s point of view, has been developed through combined efforts of technical experts and AFSA contractor members.

Each level of the series includes photographs, drawings, and tables to provide the latest graphic as well as written instruction on proper installation techniques and use of tools. Learn more about AFSA’s fitter training series that features online testing at firesprinkler.org/fittertraining.

STAY IN-THE-KNOW WITH SPRINKLER AGE

Sign up to receive your own free copy of Sprinkler Age magazine— printed, digital, or both! Qualified industry professionals can sign up for a subscription online at firesprinkler.org/sprinklerage/subscribe. For more information or to view the digital edition, visit sprinklerage.com.

AFSA PARTNERS WITH THE RED CROSS

The American Red Cross and AFSA have joined forces to educate homeowners about home fire safety and residential fire sprinkler systems. Join AFSA in supporting the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign to help save lives and make our communities safer. Your gift will enable the Red Cross to provide critical support to people struck by home fires, along with the life-saving tools and information that can actually prevent them from happening in the first place. To make a tax-deductible donation on behalf of AFSA, visit redcross.org/afsa-pub. n

CHAPTER NEWS FLORIDA CHAPTER

The AFSA Florida Chapter hosted its annual Golf Open on October 5.

The tournament benefitted AHJ training and the AFSA FL PAC. The chapter thanks all who attended and made the golf tournament a success! The chapter also recently held chapter and board meetings. To keep up-todate on the chapter and its events, visit www.afsafl.org.

1

OHIO CHAPTER

The AFSA Ohio Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament August 17.

The golf outing was a success with $10,000 raised to donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Association. The chapter graciously thanks all who attended and made it a success and all of the sponsors. To stay up-todate with the chapter and any upcoming events, visit afsaoh.org.

VIRGINIA CHAPTER

On October 13 the AFSA Virginia Chapter held a chapter meeting to discuss current business and to see Jeff Lewis of VSC Fire & Security present “NICET Application Pitfalls that Cause Delays in Certification.� Thank you to all who attended the meeting and made it a success. Keep up-todate with the chapter at afsavirginia.com. n

3

2

4

ASSOCIATION NEWS FSCATX

On October 26, the Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association of Texas (FSCATx) held its Annual Golf Tournament benefitting the Scottish Rite Hospital. With over 100 people in attendance, the event was a huge success! Thank you to all who attended, participated, and sponsored. Keep up-to-date with events at fscatx.org. n

5 Photos: 1 & 2: Florida Chapter members held a successful golf tournament, chapter, and board meeting.

3: Ohio Chapter members played during its 3rd Annual Golf Tournament in August.

4: Virginia Chapter members met on October 13.

5. The FSCATx golf tournament benefitting Scottish Rite Hospital was a success.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 53

AFSA CHAPTERS AFSA CHAPTERS 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, Jr. – Chair.

203-877-7983

Arizona Bob Caputo – Chair.

864-222-1381 Makenna Leathers – Exec. Dir. 4804-222-1381

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

817-529-1693

Arkansas David Nabors – Chair.

501-225-4910 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-986-9090

Florida afsafl.org Suzanne Saults – Chair.

727-556-2790 Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

Carolinas afsacarolinaschapter.com Bernie Parsons – Chair.

704-201-7352 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

Georgia georgiafiresprinkler.org Allen Cagle – Chair.

770-554-5285 Bonnie Pinson – Exec. Dir. 770-310-2754

Chesapeake Bay afsachesapeakechapter.org Jason Martin – Chair.

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

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

925-417-5550 Alicia Karrick – Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS Oklahoma Affiliate ofsa.info Gary Field – Chairman 918-266-2416

Texas Affiliate fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

713-466-9898 Sarah Kiefer – Exec. Dir. 512-844-6632

54 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

Greater Kansas City Mark McKenzie – Chair.

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

318-688-8800 Ellen Ballard– Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800 Michigan afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr.- Chair 616-784-1644 Minnesota-Dakotas Marc Haug – Chair.

701-232-7008 New Jersey Thomas Bowlby, Jr. – Chair.

908-226-5313 Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400 New Mexico Rebecca Garley – Chair.

505-898-1647 Benjamin Dominguez – Exec. Dir. 505-898-1647 Northern New England Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-865-3600

Ohio afsaoh.org Bill Hausman – Chair 937-859-6198 Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-942-1500

South Carolina scfsa.org Stuart Weeks – Chair.

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

Pacific Northwest afsanw.org Josh Massingale – Chair.

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

Southern California socalafsa.com Terry Housholder – Chair.

714-632-8646 Amber Barrios – Exec. Dir. 562-833-9492

Patriot afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair.

508-431-9938

Tennessee afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair.

615-349-5278 Leslee Kiser – Exec. Dir. 615-865-5600

Sacramento Valley sacvalleyafsa.org Jordan Hopkins – Chair.

916-672-8415 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635 San Diego Brian McKee – Chair.

619-971-4015 Rhonda Hill – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600 Schuylkill afsasc.org Ben Young – Chair.

480-621-5074 Ilyse Shapiro – Exec. Dir. 610-642-7427

Upstate New York afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky - Chair 607-296-7969 Utah Rocky Mountain afsautahchapter.org Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair.

385-630-8064 Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363 Virginia afsavirginia.com Bob Beckwith – Chair 540-659-4675 Michael Christensen – Exec. Dir. 804-371-7456

AFSA MEMBERSHIP NEW MEMBERS The following is a list of new contractor members that have joined as of November 1, 2020.

CONTRACTORS

A & S Fire Protection Ventura, CA AFS Fire Protection, Inc. Southington, CT All-State Services Phillipsburg, NJ Caruth Protection Services Sunnyvale, TX Done Rite Fire Protection, Inc Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Firecode Sprinkler Systems, LLC San Antonio, TX

DESIGNERS

AV Fire Protection Engineering Pasadena, CA

ICON Fire Solutions, LLC Williamsport, PA

Brian Cain Baker, LA

Integrity Fire Protection LLC Mashpee, MA

ICON Fire Solutions, LLC Williamsport, PA

Mt. Hoyloke College South Hadley, MA S&S Fire Protection, LLC Oakridge, TN

Dell Consulting, LLC Pensacola, FL Fireproof Design O’Fallon, MO

AHJS

SprinkFire Design Abrams, WI

Patrick Chew Roseville, CA

Tejjy Inc. Rockville, MD

Carla Gutierrez Denver, CO

Vertical Fire Design, LLC Prescott Valley, AZ

Scott Hamblen Tucson, AZ

Waitz Fire Sprinkler Design, LLC Saylorsburg, PA

Kenneth Helms Enid, OK John Wangles Buckley, WA

STUDENTS

Anthony Chen Harvard Business School Shawn Lennon Eastern Kentucky University Jason Prestien Easter Kentucky University

Locked in Fire and Engineering, Inc. Pleasant Hill, CA

U.S. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS CONSTRUCTION STARTS POST SOLID GAIN IN AUGUST

Total construction starts rose 19 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $793.3 billion. Gains were seen in all three major building sectors: nonresidential building starts rose 16 percent and residential building climbed 12 percent, while nonbuilding construction jumped 40 percent over the month. While large projects certainly influenced the August gains, removing those projects would still have resulted in a gain for the month.

Year-to-date through the first eight months of the year, starts were 14 percent lower than in the same period in 2019. Nonresidential starts were 24 percent lower and nonbuilding starts were down 20 percent, but residential starts were down less than one percent.

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Aug 2020 July 2020 % Change Nonresidential Building $236,748 $203,655 16 Residential Building $372,121 $333,428 12 Nonbuilding Construction $184,407 $131,640 40 Total Construction $793,276 $668,723 19

CONSTRUCTION STARTS STEP BACK IN SEPTEMBER

Total construction starts dipped 18 percent in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $667.7 billion, essentially taking back August’s gain. While some of this decline is certainly payback from several large projects entering start in August, the drop in activity brought total construction starts below levels seen in June and July. Nonresidential starts fell 24 percent, while residential building dropped 21 percent over the month. Nonbuilding starts were 5 percent lower than August.

Year-to-date through nine months, total construction starts were down 14 percent from the same period in 2019.

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

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates, In Millions Sept 2020 Aug 2020 % Change Nonresidential Building $177,432 $234,569 -24 Residential Building $313,986 $395,858 -21 Nonbuilding Construction $176,314 $185,278 -5 Total Construction $667,733 $815,705 -18

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) August 2020... ..............168 July 2020... ...................141

THE DODGE INDEX (Year 2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) September 2020..................141 August 2020.........................173

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

8 Mos. 2020 8 Mo. 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $158,861 $207,847 -24 Residential Building $219,346 $219,880 0 Nonbuilding Construction $114,598 $142,881 -20 Total Construction $492,805 $570,608 -14

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

9 Mos. 2020 9 Mos. 2019 % Change Nonresidential Building $175,024 $235,820 -26 Residential Building $248,697 $246,120 1 Nonbuilding Construction $130,314 $159,596 -18 Total Construction $554,035 $641,535 -14

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 55

DESIGNER’S CHALLENGE CALLING ALL DESIGNERS!

Each issue, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department presents one or multiple problems for designers. Challenge yourself and your co-workers! Working these problems is excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as continuing education hours—check with your certification organization. To participate in this month’s challenge, carefully read through each challenge, work the problems, and submit your answers online at firesprinkler.org/ designerschallenge by December 31, 2020. One winner will be pulled at random from those who answer correctly and will receive some AFSA swag!

Answers will be published in the next issue’s column when new challenges are presented.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CHALLENGE ANSWERS

All answers are based on the 2019 edition of NFPA 13. Questions may have more than one correct answer.

1. C. In hotels and motels only, sprinkler protection is not required if the

area of the space does not exceed 24ft2.

(9.2.4.2) 2. D. Extra Hazard Group 2. (A.4.3.6(9)) 3. A. The owner or their authorized agent.

(4.2.(3)) 4. D. Standard response sprinklers are permitted for use in areas classified as light hazard. (26.29.1.1)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER CHALLENGE

All questions are based on the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

1) What is the definition of a “flat” ceiling type.

Definitions: A. A continuous ceiling free from significant irregularities, lumps, or indentations B. A ceiling with a slope not exceeding 2 in 12 C. A continuous ceiling in a single plane D. A ceiling with a slope exceeding 2 in 12 2) “Cloud” ceilings are defined as any ceiling system installed in the same plane

with horizontal openings to the structure above on two or more sides.

A. True B. False 3) Name the two types of dry valves defined in NFPA 13.

A. Differential; Low-Pressure and HighPressure B. Differential and Mechanical C. Solenoid and Differential D. Differential; Low-Pressure and MediumPressure 4) All pipe used in a sprinkler system must be Listed.

A. True B. False 5) Air and water pressure gauges used in a sprinkler system must be Listed.

A. True B. False n

ITM CHALLENGE CALLING ALL TECHNICIANS!

Each issue, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department presents one or multiple challenges for technicians. Besides challenging yourself and your co-workers, working these problems is excellent preparation for professional certification tests and also may count as continuing education hours. Check with your certification organization to see if this exercise meets its criteria. To participate in this month’s challenge, carefully read and work the problems, and submit your answers online at firesprinkler. org/itmchallenge by December 31, 2020. One winner will be pulled at random from those who answer correctly to receive some AFSA swag! Answers will be published in the next issue when new challenges are presented.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CHALLENGE ANSWERS

All answers are based on the 2020 edition of NFPA 25.

1. C. Electrically operated sprinklers shall be

56 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. (5.3.2.2*) 2. C. Semiannually. (5.3.3.2 and A.5.3.3.2) 3. A. Noncritical deficiency. ( Table A.3.3.8) 4. B. Critical deficiency (Table A.3.3.8)

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER CHALLENGE

All questions are based on the 2020 edition of NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

1) Air compressors not dedicated to water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected: A. Weekly B. Monthly C. Quarterly D. In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions 2. When using automated testing equipment, the discharge of water shall be visually observed at a minimum frequency of:

A. Quarterly B. Annually C. Three years D. Five years 3. During an inspection of strainers for water spray fixed systems you observe a plugged strainer, how would classify your finding?

A. Noncritical Deficiency B. Critical Deficiency C. Impairment D. Classification of findings are not provided in NFPA 25 4. During the three-year air leakage test on a dry pipe system, it is determined the system is losing more pressure than what is allowed, how would classify your findings?

A. Noncritical Deficiency B. Critical Deficiency C. Impairment D. Classification of findings are not provided in NFPA 25 n

INDUSTRY LEADING TR AINING AFSA Members save over 30% per course

FIRE SPRINKLER FITTER APPRENTICE TRAINING Levels I-IV This fire sprinkler fitter apprentice training series, written from a contractor’s point of view, is developed through combined efforts of technical experts and AFSA contractor members.

Each level of the series includes photographs, drawings and tables to provide the relevant representations as well as written instruction on proper installation techniques and use of tools.

The four levels are divided into modules. Each module includes a series of lessons that cover a particular topic within the scope of that module. Convenient online testing is included to assess learner knowledge on a periodic basis.

RECOGNIZED CURRICULUM

CUSTOMIZABLE to fit your company’s needs

in all 50 states

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PRODUCT NEWS NEW MODEL V-EP ATTIC SPRINKLER ALLOWS FOR DESIGN WITH LOWER FLOW RATES

The Viking Corporation announces availability of a new specific application sprinkler designed to protect challenging attic spaces. The 5.6 K-factor “Model V-EP” VK690 allows for an enhanced system design which eliminates the need for additional branch lines, reducing installation and materials costs. In addition, the sprinkler can reduce flow and pressure requirements compared to other attic protection schemes.

When used in conjunction with Viking’s existing Model VK697 5.6 K-factor attic upright sprinkler, the new Model V-EP attic sprinkler can protect up to 80-ft roof spans using three branch lines, and up to 100-ft spans with a five branch line design, with roof pitches ranging from 2½:12 through 6:12. Additionally, the VK697 and VK690 used together allow for flows as low as 20 gallons per minute and a minimum operating pressure of 13 psi.

Thorough design criteria may be found on the sprinkler’s technical data sheet.

The cULus Listed sprinkler is available in brass or corrosion resistant ENT plating. With a thread size of 1/2-in. NPT or 15 mm BSPT, the 5.6 (80) K-factor sprinkler can be ordered with an intermediate temperature rating of 200° F (93° C). Visit vikinggroupinc.com.

AGF INTRODUCES FULLY AUTOMATIC AUXILIARY DRAIN

AGF Manufacturing is excited to introduce their COLLECTANDRAIN Model 5500 Automatic Auxiliary Drain. The Model 5500 includes all the benefits of the COLLECTANDRAIN Model 5400 auxiliary drain in a heated cabinet, with the added capability of being fully automated.

Set it to fully automatic mode or empty it remotely with the push of a button.

The COLLECTANDRAIN line includes a series of auxiliary drains with integrated NFPA 25 signage as well as accessories designed to solve the problem of false system trips caused by broken or misused low point drains.

Like the 5400, the new Model 5500 is an auxiliary drain in a heated and insulated cabinet. The cabinet prevents the drain, even when

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

58 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

filled with condensation, from freezing and breaking while minimizing power consumption, protects against vandalism, and provides the code required NFPA 25 integrated signage.

The Model 5500 adds a brandnew feature—automation. A programmable logic control (PLC) allows for fully automatic emptying of the auxiliary drain. Set the Model 5500 to automatically empty when the drain is full or wait for the unit to send an alert to the Fire Control Panel or Building Automation System and empty it with the push of an on-site or remote button. For more information, visit agfmfg.com.

JOHNSON CONTROLS ANNOUNCES EXPANDED UL LISTING OF LFP® ANTIFREEZE

Johnson Controls is announcing an enhanced listing for its LFP® Antifreeze. The industry’s first UL Listed antifreeze is now listed for system volumes of up to 500 gallons. LFP Antifreeze complements the full line of Tyco® fire suppression products. Those offerings, along with other Johnson Controls products and solutions, help make buildings more safe, secure and sustainable. LFP Antifreeze highlights include: • Proven UL Listed product ideal for new construction or retrofit, • Compliant with NFPA 13 for light hazard occupancies of up to 500 gallons, • Compliant with NFPA 13R and 13D for residential systems, • Trusted protection for temperatures as low as -10°F, • A patented formula with proven corrosion resistance, and • Suitable for use with most common pip-

ing system materials, including CPVC. Visit tycofpp.com/lfp.

POTTER ANNOUNCES UPGRADED RBVS TAMPER/SUPERVISORY SWITCH Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC of St. Louis, Missouri USA, announces upgrades have been made to its Retrofit Ball Valve Supervisory Switch (RBVS) Tamper/Supervisory switch.

Originally developed to monitor the position of a ball valve installed on a sprinkler system, the RBVS has been redesigned to allow more room for wiring during installation. The upgraded RBVS kit also now includes extra mounting hardware allowing it to be installed on solenoids to supervise the position of the coil which will be a requirement in NFPA 13 beginning in 2021.

The upgrade will also still retain the ability to be mounted on ½-in. thru 2-in. ball valves and backflow preventors. Visit pottersignal.com.

Weighing only eight pounds with the battery, the RP 350 features an advanced brushless motor, known for maximizing tool longevity, efficiency and durability. The tool’s 360° swivel is an industry-first and comes paired with brightest-in-class LED lights to let users not only access tight spaces—but see them more clearly in low-light applications.

Ideal for making connections on residential, commercial and industrial jobs, the RP 350 is compatible with the full line of RIDGID jaws and rings, including: 1⁄2 – 4-in. ProPress® for copper and stainless steel, 1⁄2 – 2-in. PureFlow® for PEX, and 1⁄2 – 2-in. MegaPress® for carbon steel. It also offers maximum versatility, pairing with the RIDGID Press Booster for 21⁄2-in., 3-in., and 4-in. carbon steel, StrutSlayr™ Strut Shear Head and the Press Snap™ Soil Pipe Cutter.

The tool’s 18V battery platform includes a car charger for on-the-go battery charging; the unit also pairs with the RIDGID Link app to track tool usage, service needs, battery life and last known location. All RIDGID press tools, including the RP 350, come with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty. Visit RIDGID.com.

ANVIL ANNOUNCES ADDITION TO HANGER AND SUPPORTS OFFERINGS

RIDGID® ADDS TO INDUSTRY-LEADING PRESS TOOL LINE WITH RP 350 PISTOL-GRIP RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s Professional Tool group, is adding even more versatility to its line of trusted press tools with the introduction of the RP 350—an advanced, long-running press tool that’s built for the most demanding jobsites. Engineered to be five percent lighter and almost three inches shorter than its predecessor, the RP 350 eliminates scheduled service intervals for less downtime and features a brushless motor, 360° swivel head and most advanced LED interface and lighting.

Anvil is pleased to announce a new addition to its already broad hanger and supports offering with a line of cable hangers.

These hangers offer various structural attachments for wood, concrete, and steel applications. Anvil Cable Hangers provide solutions for plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC systems.

These hangers offer: • Safe and fast installation, • Loop design for duct support and structural attachment, • Single pass-through for trapeze and single pipe hanger attachment, and • Multiple structural fastener options.

Visit anvilintl.com for details. n

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 59

PEOPLE NEWS GENERAL AIR PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES HIRING OF MCTAMNEY AS REGIONAL SALES MANAGER General Air Products is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Matthew McTamney to the position of Regional Sales Manager. As part of the General Air sales MCTAMNEY team, McTamney will work with contractors, distributors, and fire protection associations and focus on the sale of nitrogen generation products and NFPA-13D compliant pump and tank systems, including the H2hOme®.

McTamney joins General Air Products after serving in purchasing and sales roles for Atlantic American Fire Equipment, and most recently, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication. He brings with him 15 years of industry experience with an extensive focus in areas including NFPA20 compliant fire pumping systems, NFPA-22 compliant water storage tank assemblies, Nitrogen Generation systems, and NFPA-13D and NFPA-13R residential pump and tank systems. Visit generalairproducts.com.

WORSHAM APPOINTED NCCER PRESIDENT AND CEO

NCCER announced that its Board of Trustees named current president, Boyd Worsham, as president and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 3, 2020.

NCCER has been WORSHAM implementing a formal succession plan over the last two years to fill the leadership position Don Whyte held since 2003. In 2018, Worsham, formally of The Haskell Company, was identified as the successor to lead NCCER into the future while Don Whyte remained on board as CEO to provide guidance and support during this transition.

In March of 2020, Worsham was given full operational oversight of NCCER and has quickly earned the trust and confidence of

60 SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020

the NCCER staff and executive committee.

After careful consideration over the last few months, the Executive Committee made the recommendation to the full NCCER Board of Trustees to promote Boyd Worsham to the position of President and CEO of NCCER where the motion passed unanimously.

The NCCER Board of Trustees thanks Don Whyte for his service and leadership which has provided the guidance and financial stability for the organization to thrive and grow for over 25 years. Whyte will remain connected to NCCER as the Senior Advisor to the Executive Committee for the remainder of 2020. Visit nccer.org.

COMEAU NAMED EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF IFMA

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named Nicole Comeau the executive secretary of the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA). The mission of IFMA is to aid in the preservation of life and property by advocating for, promoting, and providing support to fire marshals across the globe who have expertise in fire prevention, public fire, life safety education, property inspection, explosives, engineering, and fire investigation.

Prior to being named stakeholder development director for NFPA earlier this summer, Comeau worked closely with the enforcement community since joining NFPA in 2015. Her collaboration with fire marshals and her keen understanding of the issues facing AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) prompted NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley to appoint her as the new executive secretary of IFMA. Established in 1906, IFMA was originally known as the Fire Marshals Association of North America until it became the Fire Marshals’ Section of NFPA or IFMA in 1927. IFMA members are encouraged to: • Actively participate in the codes- and standards-making process, • Stay abreast of new research, • Identify resources that will help to further fire prevention and protection efforts, and • Monitor fire safety issues at the international, national, state, and local levels.

Visit nfpa.org.

MOORE-MERRELL RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Motorola Solutions once again proudly recognize Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell as the recipient of the 2020 Mason Lankford MOORE-MERRELL Fire Service Leadership Award. The presentation of the award was to have taken place at the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, but the program was cancelled due to COVID-19. So, the two organizations instead produced an award video to honor Dr. Moore-Merrell for her achievements.

The five-minute video features tributes from national fire service leaders and personal thoughts from Dr. Moore-Merrell on her distinguished fire service career that began in 1987 with the Memphis Fire Department. For 26 years, she was with the International Association of Fire Fighters where she focused much of her work on data analysis, system performance measurements, and staff deployment models.

In 2019, Dr. Moore-Merrell retired from the IAFF and founded the International Public Safety Data Institute. The nonprofit organization is dedicated exclusively for scientific purposes that provide analytical tools and information to the public safety sector to improve how they evaluate risks, deploy resources, and respond to emergencies.

CFSI and Motorola Solutions congratulate Dr. Moore-Merrell for this well-deserved honor and extend their thanks and appreciation for her dedication and commitment to public safety. Visit cfsi.org. n

INDUSTRY NEWS

ANVIL INTERNATIONAL® BECOMES MASTER DISTRIBUTOR OF KENNEDY VALVE SOLUTIONS

Anvil International® and Kennedy Valve have announced a new partnership, naming Anvil as the master distributor of Kennedy Valve products for the fire protection industry. Kennedy Valve offers one of the broadest lines of UL/FM valves and indicator posts in the market, making them a perfect addition to Anvil’s expansive line of industry-leading fire protection solutions.

Anvil will provide Kennedy Valve solutions including UL/FM grooved and wafer butterfly valves; UL/FM grooved, wafer, and flanged check valves; UL/FM indicator posts; and Series 5000, 7000, and 8000 UL/FM resilient wedge gate valves, across North America.

Anvil’s offering for the fire protection industry includes grooved couplings and fittings, hangers and supports, flexible fire sprinkler connections, valves, seismic solutions, and more. Visit anvilintl.com.

WINSUPPLY BREAKS GROUND ON RICHARD W. SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR INNOVATION

Winsupply Inc. has broken ground on the future home of the Richard W. Schwartz Center for Innovation. Located at the corner of Kettering Blvd. and Big Hill Rd. in Moraine, Ohio, the facility will also be the new home of Winsupply of Dayton, a local distributor serving plumbing contractors in the Dayton market.

Winsupply of Dayton will move from its current location at 427 Washington Street. Opening is expected in the summer of 2021.

The Richard W. Schwartz Center for Innovation will serve as a local training facility for Winsupply Support Services employees and where new, innovative support services

for the company’s 600 distributor locations will be piloted and finalized. Winsupply has some 275 people working at its adjacent campus in Moraine, at 3110 Kettering Blvd. and 3131 S. Dixie Dr. The employees in the two buildings play a key role in the success of Winsupply’s 600 operating companies nationwide by offering back office support services. These services include capital and financial resources, management consulting, sourcing and logistics, e-commerce, information technology, accounting, payroll, and more. The new facility will encompass 28,000 ft2 and connect to the existing campus by a walkway. Visit winsupplyinc.com.

VIEGA ADDS TO KANSAS MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS

Viega LLC has added production lines to its Kansas manufacturing operations, an investment which will quicken distribution and allow the company to move more production from Germany to the United States.

The expansion is a 200,000-ft2 manufacturing plant which will create a to-be-determined number of manufacturing jobs.

When fully operational, the new plant will house additional ProPress production lines of various products and sizes. Many of those products have been manufactured in Germany, but Viega moved some production here in order to accommodate growth in the North American market. Visit viega.us.

DYNE FIRE PROTECTION LABS RECEIVES ISO-17025 ACCREDITED STATUS FROM A2LA FOR SPRINKLER TESTING LAB Dyne Fire Protection Labs is excited to announce its ISO-17025 “General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories” accreditation by A2LA for sprinkler testing services.

Dyne recently applied for 17025 accreditation status for our sprinkler testing laboratory to compliment its ISO 9001:2015 status. As a testing laboratory, testing quality standards are of utmost importance. ISO17025 Accreditation proves a laboratory has an acceptable quality management system in place, and it has the ability and competence to provide testing and calibration results. In order to be accredited, the laboratory’s quality management system and technical competence is thoroughly evaluated by a third-party such as A2LA. Dyne will go through audits on a regular basis to maintain accreditation.

NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, requires building owners to have a sample of the installed sprinklers periodically tested by a recognized testing lab in lieu of replacement. Dyne Fire Protection Labs offers free test kits and five-business day turnaround on test results for an easy and convenient way to ensure that sprinklers are compliant.

Dyne tests the response time of the sprinklers to ensure the sprinklers will release in a specified amount of time when exposed to a defined temperature and air flow. The acceptable response time is based on the acceptable response time index (RTI) as defined by NFPA 25. Visit dyneusa.com.

EMERSON RIDGID® AND GREENLEE® BRING EXPERTS TO CONTRACTORS

Emerson’s RIDGID and Greenlee brands are putting their experts in front of people everywhere with JobSite Live, a new virtual event series that gives professionals the chance to interact with their peers and ask questions about everything related to the skilled trades.

The series kicked-off in July with a RIDGID Instagram Live event dedicated to the latest trends in diagnostic and monitoring technologies, including RIDGID Cameras with TruSense technology. The interactive question and answer format allowed viewers to learn how certain tools can help them work more efficiently on the job site.

Within the first week, the broadcast was viewed more than 12,000 times.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOV/DEC 2020 61

RIDGID and Greenlee plan to host these events on an ongoing basis and utilize a variety of virtual channels to engage viewers. Future events will include product updates on drain cleaning, cable pulling, pipe-joining technology, high-voltage cable cutting, and more, as well as troubleshooting questions and answers. Visit rigid.com.

ANVIL AND SMITH-COOPER PRODUCT LINES CONSOLIDATED

Beginning November 2, 2020, the Anvil and Smith-Cooper malleable iron, ductile iron, cast iron, welded nipples and forged

steel product lines will be consolidated. The consolidation will eliminate duplicate SKUs while retaining any unique items offered within the Anvil or Smith-Cooper portfolio.

To simplify this transition, Anvil and SmithCooper have created a merger web page to find and download critical information related to this consolidation. Visit anvilintl.com/ company/merger.

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ADDS WORKERS

Construction employment increased by 26,000 jobs in September to a total of 7,245,000, but the

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gains were concentrated in housing, while employment in the infrastructure and nonresidential building construction sector remained little changed, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released. Association officials said the pandemic was prompting strong demand for new housing as more Americans work from home, while undermining private-sector development of office, retail, and other types of projects and forcing many local and state governments to cut construction budgets.

The AGC of America-Autodesk Workforce Survey found that 38 percent of respondents—whose firms perform all types of nonresidential construction—expect it will take more than six months for their firm’s volume of business to return to normal, relative to a year earlier. That percentage topped the 29 percent who reported business was already at or above year-ago levels. A likely reason for the more pessimistic outlook is the rapid increase in postponed or canceled projects.

Association officials said that nonresidential construction was likely to continue to stagnate while the pandemic persists without new additional federal coronavirus recovery measures. Visit agc.org. n

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In today’s competitive environment... it is more important than ever to strengthen your business by building your professional network. AFSA members work together to promote and improve our industry through training, information and technical services. AFSA membership dues are deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. To qualify for your 2020 tax deduction, your membership application must be postmarked by December 31, 2020. Apply online at firesprinkler.org or call (214) 349-5965.

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