Sprinkler Age Nov/Dec 2023

34 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW

NOV / DEC 2023

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 42/06

LEADING THE WAY

LINDA BIERNACKI NEW AFSA BOARD CHAIR

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NOV / DEC 2023 VOL 42/06

FEATURES 12 | THE MAGIC TOUCH: AFSA42

Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition Draw Record Attendance

18 | MEMBERS ELECT 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Biernacki Elected as Chair of the Board

22 | IN MEMORIAM: RON COLEMAN

Industry Mourns Loss of Fire Safety Champion

24 | WATER SUPPLIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE How They Relate to Fire Protection Systems

29 | MEET YOUR 2024 M/S COUNCIL MEMBERS Representatives Work on Behalf of Associates

31 | IN MEMORIAM: BILL PHAIR

Industry Veteran Dedicated to Fire Protection

32 | TIME-TRACKING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Busybusy Offers Discount for Members

34 | LEGISLATIVE REVIEW 2023

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

44 | ELEVATORS AND SPRINKLERS

The Ups and Downs of Combining the Two

47 | INCREASING AWARENESS ABOUT FIRE SPRINKLERS "Second Chance" Contest Awards Scholarships

48 | VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP

ON THE COVER: Linda M. Biernacki, founder/ president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana, has been elected Chair of the Board.

6 8 10 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 62

CHAIR’S MESSAGE PRESIDENT’S REPORT FLASHPOINT HIGHER STANDARDS TECHNICAL CHALLENGES CHAPTER NEWS AFSA NEWS AFSA CHAPTERS NEW MEMBERS U.S. CONSTRUCTION PEOPLE IN THE NEWS PRODUCT NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

A Look at AFSA’s Dues Structure SPRINKLER AGE, (ISSN 0896-2685) is published bi-

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SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

I

am truly saddened and heavy-hearted; one of our long-time friends and associates, Bill Phair, with Ferguson Fire and Fabrication, passed away suddenly in September. Bill was the incoming Chair of the Manufacturers & Suppliers (M/S) Council and will be greatly missed. His support, encouragement, and genuine kindness were one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellen and her family at this difficult time.

The success of the AFSA42 convention was no illusion. I want to thank Convention Chair Chris Johnson with Piper Fire Protection, his committee, and the AFSA staff for an AMAZING performance. It was encore-worthy. I would also like to thank Jessica Cox, executive director for the Florida Chapter, for collaborating with AFSA to provide the Florida members with the necessary CEUs to meet their required renewal licensing. This could not have been possible without Jessica and the financial support of the M/S Council.

AFSA42 broke records, the number attending AND the number of first-time attendees, over 160! It also exceeded expectations and wowed registrants from beginning to end. The opening party was a hit! The food was fabulous, and the Karaoke bar was spot on. There are some very talented singers in the AFSA family. Then, who did not feel like a kid again at Hogsmeade? I rode every ride at least once, drank Butterbeer, visited the Wand Master, and reveled in all the enchantment that Hogsmeade Orlando provided.

I was on the last bus to leave the park!

There were so many great moments at the convention. One of many top performers was James Golinveaux’s seminar, “Leadership in the Industry.” His story was uplifting and rang true to what our industry provides—a career, not a job.

The general session was the best yet! The theme “Magic” was a great addition. Jay, you are an ACT! I am so grateful for all that you do for the Board. You are going to be a tough act to follow.

Congratulations to Apprentice Daniel Coticchio with Piper Fire Protection; Dr. James Milke, 2023 Parmelee Award recipient; Todd Short, 2023 Advocate of the Year; and Adam Levine, Young Professional of the Year. All are an amazing representation of the fire sprinkler industry.

The AFSA42 Awards Party was one for the books. The live auction of the best picture of Bob Caputo I’ve ever seen (just kidding) was the highlight of the evening. Kevin Fee, Reliable, was the winning bidder, with $11,000 going to the new AFSA lab. Thank you, Kevin, for loving Bob as much as we do! This just shows that AFSA is not just an association but FAMILY. When we are at convention, we are not competitors but allies that are all working to protect our team, peoples’ lives, and the fire sprinkler industry.

In closing, I would like to say that becoming the 2024-2025 Chair of AFSA is a humbling yet exciting moment for me and my girls (Emily and Nikki). The opportunity to serve our members and grow the best association in our industry has been something I’ve looked forward to! “Thank you” to all the past Chairs; their leadership has mentored me for the Chair position. Working with the Board, committees, Bob, and the amazing AFSA team these next two years will be unforgettable. I appreciate all the support past, present, and future from everyone. Thank you ALL for allowing me to serve our association and our industry. n

EDITORIAL: 214-349-5965

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, Publisher, ext. 124

bcaputo@firesprinkler.org

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

ADVERTISING: 214-349-5965

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

CIRCULATION: 214-349-5965

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

AFSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS LINDA M. BIERNACKI, Chair, 318-841-0330

PAUL DELORIE, First Vice Chair, 603-432-8221

JAY STRICKLAND, Second Vice Chair, 301-474-1136 ROD DIBONA, Treasurer, 605-348-2342 JEFF PHIFER, Secretary, 803-438-2994

JACK A. MEDOVICH, P.E., Immediate Past Chair, 804-222-1381 BROOKS BAYNE, 503-692-9284 LYLE HALL, 858-513-4949

CHRIS JOHNSON, 727-581-9339

R. DONALD (DON) KAUFMAN, 505-884-2447 MICHAEL F. MEEHAN, 804-459-2200 WAYNE WEISZ, 209-334-9119

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

MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Vice President, Meeting & Education Services, ext. 118 MEDA MERRITT, Senior Director, Membership Services & Chapter Support, ext. 133 MELISSA ATHENS, Director, Finance & Administration, ext. 112 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director, Education Services, ext. 130 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, 1410 East Renner Road, Suite 150, Richardson, TX 75082.

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

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

LINDA M. BIERNACKI AFSA BOARD CHAIR

6 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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A

PRESIDENT’S REPORT s I think about this column, I must admit we in the home office are still riding the energy of the success of our recent annual convention. For those of you unable to attend, I assure you that you missed what was likely the best all-around convention AFSA has ever experienced. The opening party at Universal Studios CityWalk set the stage for fun and excitement, while the Hilton Signia provided a great venue and very good food. Most of the seminar sessions were full to the door, with attendees eager to participate in more than 60 technical- and business-related presentations. Our general session was equally amazing with the magical stylings and humor of AFSA At-Large Director Jay Strickland, who kept the session lively and fun. As I noted during my address to the membership, this is a team sport, and while I am so very proud of the AFSA staff for their hard work in making this year’s event a success, the true credit must be shared with the record number of people in attendance—especially the more than 160 first-time attendees. This year’s event was capped off at our awards party, where the top finishers in the 2023 apprentice competition were acknowledged. It goes almost without saying that all seven regional competitors deserve accolades for their efforts and making it to the finals. It is heartwarming to see these young people at the start of their careers in this fantastic industry and know they are the future leaders, business owners, and foundational strength of our trade. I would be remiss if I did not mention the incredible generosity of Kevin Fee and the Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, who stood up and donated $11,000 when a live auction spontaneously broke out during this party. Some AFSA staff members decided to auction off what is alleged to have been a life-sized photo of me, which was a part of the AFSA booth décor in the exhibit hall, with the proceeds earmarked for our new lab in the Richardson (Dallas area) office. After some banter with a seemingly rowdy crowd of miscreants hollering out their bids, Kevin put the whole thing to rest with his offer of $10K. He then topped it off with another $1,000 for a signature on the portrait. One can only guess what will become of this piece of art or how many times it will be coming to haunt me in the future. Thank you, Kevin, for your sense of humor and for your dedication and generous contributions in support of AFSA and this industry!

The AFSA staff and Board of Directors often speak about how to better focus on the needs of our members and chapters. I am pleased to report that during its past meeting, the Board committed to assisting and strengthening our chapters by changing our chapter seminar and speaker policy. In the past, chapters were required to share in the cost and profits when AFSA staff provided seminars. In 2024, we will be offering each chapter a seminar at no cost, with the speaker fees and travel expenses covered by AFSA. Now, before you go shooting off fireworks (which we do not recommend) and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys (which we do recommend), remember there are some logistics and schedules to work out as we roll out this new offering.

There are 29 chapters but only 12 months in each year, and our staff is already busy, so we will need to create a schedule. Also, we must plan how many days of training we can offer before asking chapters to contribute to travel costs. For example, we will probably start by

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offering one- or two-day programs without contribution, but when longer programs are requested, we might need the chapter to assist with some of the direct travel expenses. In addition, we may consider a small fee for providing CEU certificates, to be paid by those who require them. As we work through the details, we will announce the structure, topics available, and schedules for chapter leaders to use in planning. I want to thank our Board members for this opportunity to truly focus on members and chapters at the local level.

Another initiative you will be hearing more about is a recruitment effort to bring new DNA into the fire- and life-safety world. AFSA will lead the way in getting the message out to high schools, technical schools, and community colleges so that we might increase the number of young people who know of and become interested in careers in fire protection. Most young people who might choose a career in the construction or service trades are aware of opportunities in plumbing, electrical, or HVAC, but very few know about fire sprinklers or the benefits of working in this industry. We simply must change the game, and to do this, we need to get the word out at the local level. As we develop materials and methods to deliver this message, I want to encourage each of our members to consider participating in local career events to help introduce soon-to-be graduates and separating military men and women to join our ranks. This call to action is needed to sustain the work available to our members as we all struggle to expand our workforce. Our industry offers training and opportunities for anyone willing to show up, learn, and work for good pay and benefits.

Our growth is limited only by our ability to find and develop more competent people to add to our ranks. The practice of trading people back and forth between companies can no longer sustain us, and AFSA is prepared to make this a priority for our members.

Lastly, I’d like to note the passing of two great contributors to the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Ronny J. Coleman, former California State Fire Marshal and 1989 Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient, and Bill Phair, area sales manager for Ferguson Fire & Fabrication and incoming M/S Council Chair. Ron devoted more than 50 years of his life to the fire service. In 1999, he was selected as one of the 20 Most Influential Fire Service Leaders of the 20th Century. A prolific writer, dynamic speaker, and passionate leader, he was at the forefront of many advances in firefighter leadership, safety, fire prevention, code enforcement, training, technical innovation, and the residential sprinkler movement. Bill was very active within the fire sprinkler industry and AFSA, serving on the Public Education & Awareness Committee and M/S Council for many years. Please keep Chief Coleman, Bill, and their families in your prayers. n

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS AFSA PRESIDENT

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FLASHPOINT

T

he topic for this issue is water supplies for waterbased fire protection systems. My entire career has been based on my passion for fire protection hydraulics. In the business, I’m known as a hydraulics nerd. While I deserve that nickname, it still amazes me that many designers, engineers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) miss the entire point of the hydraulic calculations. This issue’s column shares my thoughts on the topic.

In the case of a sprinkler or standpipe system, we perform hydraulic calculations to determine whether the pipe we install will be of sufficient size to allow the system to perform correctly.

Now, I fully understand a lot goes into the hydraulic calculations, such as the amount of water that needs to be delivered per sprinkler or hose, the elevations of all points of the piping system, the pipe material, the pipe inside diameter, the pipe length, the fittings, and the “smoothness” (C-factor) of the inside of the aged piping, among other things. As professionals in this business, we study these variables, make decisions based on the results of the hydraulic calculations, and have others validate whether what we did is based on reality. In the end, the result is a flow and pressure demand we compare to the available water supply to ensure a piping system is properly sized to perform in accordance with the installation standards. The hydraulic calculation method required by NFPA 13 is a good but not perfect engineering approach. The results are reasonably accurate for most typical water-based fire protection systems, and the process is sufficiently uniform to produce results we can all agree on. However, no one should ever assume the results are absolutely perfect in the real world. There are plenty of “assumptions” and rounding allowances to understand every hydraulic calculation has a degree of uncertainty in the result.

Now, before you start to ask what the heck we are doing, let’s understand what we compare the results of the hydraulic calculations to. Every water-based fire protection system requires an adequate water supply. How well do we know the water supply data? When was the data obtained? Who performed the test or model? Were there any adjustments to the raw data to account for daily and seasonal fluctuations, new demands, drought, a “safety” factor, or any other conditions that should be accounted for based on that individual water supply?

The National Fire Protection Association Research Foundation looked at the need to adjust the water supply for water-based fire protection systems. The report concluded that every water supply system used to supply a water-based fire protection system is unique, and the variables need to be evaluated by qualified individuals. For several revision cycles, the NFPA 13 technical committee has considered and debated mandatory adjustments; however, none are required. There is language in the body and annex of NFPA 13 describing what should be considered.

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers position paper number 2020-1 clearly defines who is responsible for this analysis.

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The analysis is the practice of engineering and design professionals with the proper training, knowledge, and experience needed to perform this work.

In addition, NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 edition has a requirement for an Owner’s Certificate on every project. The purpose of this certificate is to document the basis of the design for the sprinkler system. This includes the water supply information, including any necessary adjustments required.

This certificate is to be completed by the owner or his/her designee.

On how many projects do you receive this certificate? Unfortunately, I know the answer is not many! This requirement is mandatory for all submissions to the AHJ. This certificate was designed to put the responsibility of the hazard selection, water supply, and seismic classifications, among other things, on the owner since it is their building. As contractors and AHJs, we have little control over how the building will be utilized.

Water flow testing is covered by NFPA 291, Recommended Practice for Water Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants; however, this document is a recommended practice and not an enforceable standard. Chapter 4 covers water flow testing. NFPA 13 also discusses water flow testing, and since NFPA 13 is a standard, it is enforceable. However, NFPA 13 has no requirements for pressure gauges or testing equipment utilized in water flow testing. Are calibrated pressure gauges required? How often do the pressure gauges need to be calibrated? What accuracy do the pressure gauges need to be? What pressure ranges should the pressure gauges be?

Does flow metering equipment need to be listed? Nothing is required by NFPA 13. NFPA 25 currently has requirements for test equipment, including pressure gauges. In my opinion, it is time for NFPA 13 to have similar requirements. The AFSA Technical Advisory Committee will be discussing these items for the 2028 edition of NFPA 13. Until then, it is ultimately the responsibility of the design professional to ensure the water flow test equipment is sufficiently accurate to ensure accurate results of the raw data.

In conclusion, we can produce accurate hydraulic calculations and verify the adjusted water supply data is sufficient for the system. But we spend so much time worrying and verifying every detail of the hydraulic calculations that we might miss the bigger picture. Is the water flow data reliable, current, and adjusted for us to use? We need to ensure the design professional is providing the data. In all cases, make sure the AHJs agree and approve the water supply data utilized. And last but not least, obtain those Owner’s Certificates! n

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

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THE MAGIC TOUCH: AFSA42 CONVENTION, EXHIBITION, AND APPRENTICE COMPETITION DRAW RECORD ATTENDANCE

A

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

FSA42 attendees were spellbound this year as the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) presented its annual convention, exhibition, and apprentice competition in Orlando, Florida, September 6-9. Nearly 1,300 fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, architects, designers, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and other industry professionals converged at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek to celebrate the association and the fire sprinkler industry.

“AFSA was truly magical in every way!” comments AFSA At-Large Director and Convention Chair Chris Johnson, president and co-founder of Piper Fire Protection, A Fortis Brand, in Clearwater, Florida. “We exceeded all expectations for pre-registration numbers. We sold out the exhibit hall. We moved our apprentice competition to the middle of the exhibition hall, and that worked out wonderfully. I am so proud of our convention planning team!”

In addition to attending 64 technical and managerial seminars, attendees explored AFSA’s exhibit hall, which filled the resort’s convention center and spilled out into the adjacent lobby area with booths featuring the products and services of 107 exhibiting companies. AFSA also offered local AHJs two free days of education and a chance to explore the industry’s largest exhibition.

A PACKED SCHEDULE The convention began the afternoon of Wednesday, September 6, with seminars. That evening, attendees were whisked away to Universal Studios’ Universal CityWalk for dinner and entertainment in a variety of venues: Pat O’Brien’s® to enjoy dueling pianos, CityWalk’s Rising Star™ to sing karaoke, and Bob Marley—A Tribute to FreedomSM to listen to a jamming reggae band. Next came a magical time at Harry Potter’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Hogsmeade™, where guests indulged in desserts, Butterbeer™, shopping for wizarding supplies, entertainment, and unlimited attraction rides. It was truly a night of wizardry and excitement!

Seminars were offered all day on Thursday, September 7, providing numerous CEUs and CPDs. Networking breakfast and lunch meals also began on Thursday and lasted through Saturday, allowing attendees staying at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek to network and connect. An open

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Dr. James A. Milke (right) was selected as AFSA’s 2023 Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient and received his award from 2021-2023 Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E. at the AFSA42 General Session. night that evening provided an opportunity for socializing and exploring nearby attractions, shopping, restaurants, and all that Orlando has to offer.

Friday, September 8, offered more seminars followed by the general session, where attendees celebrated award recipients amid some magical entertainment! AFSA 20212023 Chair of the Board Jack Medovich, P.E., presented the 2023 Henry S. Parmelee Award to Dr. James Milke, professor emeritus of the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland College Park, who has been dedicated to the education of the fire protection industry. In addition, the 2023 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Todd Short, Redmond, Washington, fire marshal, was honored for his advocacy of residential fire sprinkler systems. Finally, Adam Levine, P.E., president of Capitol Fire Sprinkler, Woodside, New York, received AFSA’s 2023 Young Professional of the Year award for his work and contributions to the industry.

Todd Short, fire marshal for the Redmond, Washington Fire Department (left), received the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award from Legislative Chair Chris Johnson.

Adam Levine, P.E., president of Capitol Fire Sprinkler (left), was presented with the 2023 Young Professional of the Year award by AFSA NextGen Initiative Chair Katie Meehan.

Attendees were then invited to the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception for a first look at this year’s exhibiting companies, tasty hors d’oeuvres, and delicious cocktails. This year’s exhibit hall was sold out, featuring 146 booths displaying the best products and services in the industry.

On Saturday, September 9, after seminars, the exhibit hall opened once again. The 30th Annual National Apprentice Competition was held in the center of the hall this year, with the top seven fire sprinkler fitter apprentices in the nation competing for cash and prizes. Competitors installed a mini-sprinkler system before a packed crowd who cheered on their favorite apprentices.

Saturday evening, the annual Awards Party took place in the Floridian Ballroom at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and featured acrobats, stilt walkers, an illusionist, a magician, and a DJ. Guests dined on prime rib and salmon with all the trimmings and indulged in specialty cocktails. A silent auction for AFSA President Bob Caputo’s Renaissance-themed

masterpiece portrait turned into an exciting live auction with AFSA At-Large Director Jay Strickland as auctioneer. Amid the frenzy of bids, Kevin T. Fee, president of Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc., emerged as the highest bidder! Proceeds from the auction will help fund AFSA’s new training lab.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of apprentice competition winners: Daniel Coticchio, Piper Fire Protection, A Fortis Brand, Clearwater, Florida, won first place at this year’s competition as well as a cash prize of $5,000.

Andrew Lynch, Johnson Controls, Colorado Springs, Colorado, won second place and a $3,000 cash prize. Brian Otto, Aegis Fire Systems An RFPG Company, Pleasanton, California, took home third place along with a cash prize of $2,000. Honorable mentions and $1,000 cash prizes were awarded to Samuel Callison, Titan Fire Protection Inc., Vista, California; Matthew Comp, Diamond Automatic Sprinklers, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania; Timothy Farley, Allied Fire Protection, Fargo, North Dakota; Armonie Jones, Aqueduct Fire Protection

Convention Chair Chris Johnson and General Session guests were mesmerized by the talents of Magician Extraordinaire Jay Strickland.

UMD FPE alumni attending AFSA42 gathered to celebrate Levine and Milke as the 2024 award recipients.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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Systems, Williamstown, New Jersey. All competition winners also received a commemorative award and tools.

To see more photos from AFSA42, visit AFSA’s social media channels—Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

AFSA HEADS WEST! Don’t miss out on the mile-high excitement of AFSA43: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition to be held September 18-21, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies in Denver! Mark your calendars now and stay up-to-date on next year’s event through AFSA’s website at firesprinkler.org. n

Evening events were the highlight of AFSA42 with a visit to Universal CityWalk, Harry Potter’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Hogsmeade™ , and an evening of magic and acrobatics at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s ballroom.

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AFSA was up to magic and mischief in Orlando with music, dancing, karaoke performances, good food, and delicious drinks during its AFSA42 networking events.

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The AFSA42 exhibit hall was packed with vendors and attendees both days. Attendees mingled with manufacturers and suppliers during the Exhibition Grand Opening Reception on Friday night and then again on Saturday afternoon.

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Top row from l to r: Andrew Lynch, Daniel Coticchio, and Brian Otto were the top NAC winners. First-Place Winner Daniel Coticchio and Chris Johnson celebrate. Second and third rows: Danielle Fowler and Paulene Norwood were magical! Exhibitors put on a fantastic show! Fourth row: Thanks to the NAC judges! Members of AFSA’s NextGen Initiative welcomed new AFSA members and first-time convention attendees during a special reception.

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The members of the 2023-2024 Executive Committee are (l to r): Chair Linda M. Biernacki; First Vice Chair Paul DeLorie; Second Vice Chair Jay Strickland; Secretary Jeff Phifer; Treasurer Rod DiBona; and Immediate Past Chair Jack Medovich, P.E.

MEMBERS ELECT 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BIERNACKI ELECTED AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD

T

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 2023-2024 officer elections during the September 2023 Board meeting. Linda M. Biernacki, Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana, was elected as Chair of the Board. Paul DeLorie, Hampshire Fire Protection Co., Londonderry, New Hampshire, was elected First Vice Chair; and Jay Strickland, Strickland Fire Protection, A Pye Barker Company, was elected Second Vice Chair. Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Company of South Carolina, Lugoff, South Carolina, was re-elected Secretary; and Rod DiBona, C.O.O of Rapid Fire Protection Group (R.F.P.G), the sprinkler division of Pye Barker Fire and Safety, Rapid City, South Dakota, was re-elected Treasurer.

Board members re-elected to another three-year term were At-Large Director Jack Medovich, P.E., Summit Companies out of Mendota Heights, Minnesota; At-Large Director Wayne Weisz, Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., Lodi, California; and Region 7 Director Paul DeLorie. Newly elected to the 2024 Board was Brooks Bayne, AFP Systems, Inc. in Tualatin, Oregon.

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BIERNACKI ELECTED CHAIR Serving as Chair of the Board and Region 4 Director, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana.

Fire Tech Systems is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, and is licensed in six states (Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). With over 33 years of experience, Biernacki provides industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is past chair of the NICET board of governors (June 2022-June 2023), past board member and current member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) board of directors, past president and current board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records, and is past AFSA40 Convention Committee and Membership & Chapter Development chair. Biernacki is certified in NICET Level III Fire Protection Engineering Technology Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast.

Biernacki is proud and honored to have been elected Chair of the Board for AFSA and has several initiatives for 2024. “As the Board and I allow the mission and vision statements to guide us, I would like to focus on these goals,” states Biernacki.

“Training and education are what AFSA is known for; that’s the biggest ‘bang for the buck’ for our members,” she comments. “That’s what Bob [Caputo] has focused on, and I want to continue with that emphasis. AFSA has an incredible new headquarters with the top training lab in the country. We want to make sure that every member has access to it and can experience the best-in-class technology that we have to offer."

Recruiting the next generation of leaders into the industry is also on Biernacki’s to-do list. “Recruitment is a long-term plan. It’s a call to action for all of our members—get into the high schools to educate students about our industry and work within our chapters to spread awareness locally. We need to attract smart, diverse leaders to our industry. We must think nationally and act locally.”

Biernacki would also like to build stronger relationships with industry

From left to right: Region 1 Director Lyle Hall, Region 2 Director Don Kaufman, Region 6 Director Michael Meehan; At-Large Director Chris Johnson, AtLarge Director Brooks Bayne; and At-Large Director Wayne Weisz. partners such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Fire Sprinkler Association (IFSA), National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), and the four major universities that offer fire protection education.

Linda comments, “Amy Poehler said, ‘Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.’ This is exactly how I feel about my industry and AFSA.” As Chair of the Board, Biernacki leads the AFSA Board of Directors, which 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.

NEW DIRECTOR ELECTED AFSA members have elected Brooks Bayne, co-owner and vice president of operations of AFP Systems, Inc. in Tualatin, Oregon, as a new At-Large Director for the association. Bayne started in the fabrication shop working for his uncle, AFP Systems founder Jim Bayne, after graduating from McQueen High School. After earning his journeyman license through the AFSA apprenticeship program, Bayne worked in the field as a foreman before becoming superintendent in 2007.

Bayne was inspired to go further in the industry, learning sprinkler system design, estimating, and project management. In 2017, he stepped into the roles of co-owner and vice president of

operations after working 20 years alongside his uncle.

“I’ve brought my family’s values of integrity, community, caring, and doing what’s right to AFP Systems and the fire protection industry,” comments Bayne. “I’m pleased that AFP Systems has continued to excel under my leadership while maintaining our core family values.”

AFP Systems has been an AFSA Contractor member since 2012. The company has provided service throughout the Pacific Northwest for over 35 years and is a proud member of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Pacific Northwest Chapter and ABC Inland Pacific Chapter, Inc. “I am looking forward to meeting and working with great people who have the same goals in the fire sprinkler industry,” Bayne states about joining the Board of Directors. “The fire protection industry’s current state is constantly changing in my eyes. With all the new system designs and ongoing industry material improvements, we must stay ahead of the curve to succeed.”

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 45 years, with the last 29 years at Western Fire.

Prior to that, he was a helicopter-based wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. He has a degree in fire science with continuing education at the University of California San Diego. Hall started in the fire sprinkler industry as an apprentice pipefitter and worked his way into design, project management, sales,

and eventually, management. His past accomplishments include past director on the San Diego Fire Protection Association board; past chair of the San Diego Chapter of the AFSA; past chair of the California American Fire Sprinkler Association—Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee; and past chair of the California Fire Training Alliance. Hall currently serves on the California American Fire Sprinkler Association— Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee and was the Chair of AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education Subcommittee to develop the ITM program. He currently serves on various AFSA committees and is on the board of directors for AFSA’s San Diego Chapter.

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

With over 48 years in the sprinkler business, Kaufman was instrumental in starting AFSA’s New Mexico Chapter and is a past president of the chapter.

On the national level, Kaufman served as the 2009-2011 Chair of the Board and has chaired several committees. He also served as chair of the New Mexico State Board for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, three terms as chair of the New Mexico State Apprentice Council, and served on the New Mexico Construction Industries Commission. He is an active member of ABC, past president of ABC’s New Mexico Chapter, member of the American Society of Professional Estimators, and past charter president of Albuquerque Rotary Del Sol. Region 3 Director and Treasurer Rod DiBona is the C.O.O of the sprinkler division of Pye Barker Fire

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and Safety, with branches throughout the United States. He lives in Rapid City, South Dakota. DiBona entered the fire protection industry in 1990 and started in the AFSA apprenticeship program in 1991. In October of 1993, he was asked by Marty Hammon to join him, his son, and his son-in-law to create Rapid Fire Protection. In 1995, DiBona was a Top 7 finalist in the AFSA annual National Apprentice Competition. In July of 2021, Rapid Fire joined the Pye Barker Fire and Safety family. DiBona is a NICET Level III Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout.

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. Crawford celebrated its 100th year in 2020. Phifer has been at Crawford for 44 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.

Region 6 Director Michael F. Meehan is chairman of VSC Fire & Security, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. A 1981 graduate from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Meehan began his fire sprinkler career working summers as a pipefitter apprentice. He is a NICET Level IV Certified Engineering Technician in Water-Based Systems Layout and has more than 44 years of 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.

Region 7 Director and Second Vice Chair 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

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shop fire sprinkler companies in New England. DeLorie is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He has over 38 years of experience in sprinkler design, estimating, sales, project management, and senior management.

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS At-Large Director Chris Johnson is president and co-founder of Piper Fire Protection a Fortis Brand, located in Clearwater, Florida. He has led Piper since 2002. Johnson is a NICET-certified fire protection Engineering Technician, holding a level III certification in fire sprinkler design. He has served AFSA’s Florida Chapter since 2011 as Education and Legislative Committee chair as well as vice chair and immediate past chair of the chapter. Johnson has served on the board of ABC for the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter since 2015, is the chair of that chapter for 2023, and he has also served on the ABC Florida State board as well as the ABC National board. Johnson was elected and sworn into office as Largo City Commissioner in November 2022. His mission is to utilize his time, treasure, and talents to advocate for the fire sprinkler industry throughout Florida. He holds a Florida Fire Protection Contractor I License and Fire Equipment Dealers’ Licenses Class A and D. At-Large Director and Immediate Past Chair Jack A. Medovich, P.E., is with Summit Companies out of Mendota Heights, Minnesota. 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 37 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, 25, 101, 750, and 5000.

Jay Strickland serves as an At-Large Director. He is the president of Strickland Fire Protection. After 39 years, he partnered with Pye Barker and Rapid Fire Group in 2021. Strickland Fire Protection is in Forestville, Maryland, and was established in 1983. Strickland has been involved in the fire protection industry for 40 years. He is certified in NICET Level II, Fire Protection, Water-Based System Layout. He is a past chair of the AFSA Chesapeake Bay Chapter. He also serves on the board of Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation. The organization’s mission is to secure and steward private funds to enhance the educational endeavors of the college. This includes creating a new pathway to earn a college degree that many skilled craftsmen and women may have never considered as an option. A new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program at AACC will enable students who have completed apprenticeship programs to earn credits for their hard work. This will include pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. The degree will be part of the school programming to ensure that students have the resources they need to pursue lifelong careers and that local businesses have a pipeline of employees ready for roles from entry-level through upper management.

At-Large Director Wayne Weisz started his career in the fire sprinkler industry in 1979. He started as an apprentice and quickly worked his way through the ranks as a foreman and then general superintendent with American Fire Systems in Lodi, California. In 1986, Weisz, along with his brother Byron, founded Cen-Cal Fire Systems, Inc., also in Lodi. In 1997, the brothers established D-M Fabrication, which ran as an independent pipe fabrication facility supplying fire sprinkler piping throughout the western United States. Cen-Cal Fire became a member of AFSA in 1987.

Weisz became a member of the AFSA Board of Directors in 2005. He

has chaired multiple AFSA national committees over the years and in 2017-2018 served as AFSA Chair of the Board. In 2018, he was appointed by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office to serve on the State Automatic Extinguishing Systems Advisory Committee. Weisz is active in California apprenticeship issues and sat on the CAFSA apprenticeship board of directors for over 20 years. He is a founding member of and active in the AFSA Sacramento Valley Chapter.

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.

RETIRING DIRECTOR HONORED At-Large Director Ted Wills is retiring from the Board this year. He is president of Anchor Fire Protection Company, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania.

He was an active member of AFSA in its early years, serving on the AFSA Board of Directors from 1987-1993, and began a second run in 2008. He was Chair of the Board from 2019-2021.

Wills 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.

Wills was recognized by 2022 Chair Jack Medovich during AFSA’s Board Meeting in July 2023. “Ted Wills has been a steady rock on our Board for many years,” says Medovich. “He has always been a Board member who provided guidance and wisdom, even

Ted Wills (left), who announced his retirement from the AFSA Board of Directors, was recognized by 2021-2023 Chair Jack Medovich for his service to the association and its members at the AFSA Board Meeting in July 2023. when it might not be so popular to do so. AFSA and our entire industry owe Ted a debt of gratitude for his service over the years. He will be sorely missed.”

AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS, appreciated Wills’ support when he was named president of the association.

“When I came aboard, I wasn’t really sure about the specifics of the job or the role,” comments AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “Ted made my transition very easy with encouragement, advice, and a great sense of humor. I hope he doesn’t fade off into the sunset, but if he does, I’ll expect random phone calls sharing his exploits with a deep-sea fishing pole and the occasional joke or two. I hope Ted enjoys the best life has to offer in the future!”

any board member or staff. If you have a question or comment, please see the list of Board members and key staff on page 6 of every issue of Sprinkler Age or visit the Board of Directors webpage on the AFSA website at www.firesprinkler. org/board or the staff webpage at www. firesprinkler.org/afsa-staff. n

CALL UPON THE BOARD 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 ask questions or voice suggestions with SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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IN MEMORIAM: RON COLEMAN INDUSTRY MOURNS LOSS OF FIRE SAFETY CHAMPION

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embers and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn that Chief Ronny J. Coleman, State Fire Marshal (Ret.), passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, in Sacramento. He is survived by his wife, Marie, his son, Chris Coleman (North Carolina), his daughter, Lisa Coleman (Colorado), and their families.

Chief Coleman was a 50-plus-year veteran of the fire service. Following his service and leadership as the fire chief in San Clemente, California, and the fire chief in Fullerton, California, he was appointed as California State Fire Marshal from 1992 to 2000 by Governor Pete Wilson. Coleman was the past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and has been a member and leader of numerous fire service committees and associations. He championed the California State Fire Training system both as the division chief and as the chair of the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee. He has authored more than 19 books and was influential within the fire protection industry as an advisor, leader, mentor, and friend.

During his tenure as state fire marshal, the State Fire Marshal’s Office was merged into the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, now known as CAL FIRE. “Ron was one of AFSA’s longest-standing supporters and friends,” says AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “He was at the forefront of many advances in firefighter leadership, safety, fire prevention, code enforcement, training, and technical innovation, and a pioneer in the residential fire sprinkler movement. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy will live on in the lives of those he impacted.”

PROTECTING THE WORLD FROM FIRE In 1978, then San Clemente Chief Coleman managed to get his city to do something no one had ever done—sign a law requiring builders to put sprinklers in all new construction, both residential and commercial. He said he was extremely proud to have played a major role in researching, preparing, and implementing the ordinance.

In a November 1989 Sprinkler Age article about Coleman receiving AFSA’s prestigious Henry S. Parmelee Award, he stated that “… the one thing that I feel really good about is

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Ron Coleman (left) accepted the 1989 Henry S. Parmelee Award from AFSA Chair Ed Smith, during the Opening General Session of the 8th Annual AFSA Convention & Exhibition in Scottsdale, Ariz. that I’ve had the opportunity to participate with the real movers and shakers to improve the fire safety industry.”

Coleman also stated that when he started out with the U.S. Forest Service in 1960, he had no idea he would become one of the country’s foremost proponents of fire safety. “I thought I was going to be planting trees.”

Then AFSA’s immediate past chair Ed Smith said Coleman “never takes off the hat of a sprinkler advocate. His objectives are simple: to provide sprinkler protection in all buildings and to do so by means of legislation and education. While we know of many individuals who may qualify as the man of the year, we know of no other who deserves the Henry S. Parmelee Award as much as Ron.”

EXTENDING HIS REACH In addition to being a member of California’s local and state fire services as an AHJ, Coleman was involved with many industry organizations. He was one of the founders of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). He served on the Public Safety Committee for the League of California Cities for almost 20 years and served as chairman of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) from 1984 to 2005. In 2010, Coleman was appointed chairman of the

California State Firefighters Association (CSFA) Volunteer Committee. He also was instrumental in establishing the National Fire Heritage Center, where he served as president for many years. Coleman served in many elected positions, including vice president of the International Committee for Prevention and Control of Fire (CTIF), and president of the California League of Cities Fire Chiefs Department. He also served as a panel member on the re-constituted “America Burning” panel and was a member of the U.S. Fire Administration Stakeholder Committee. In addition, Coleman served on the Fireman’s Fund Heritage Program National Committee.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES In addition to AFSA’s Henry S. Parmelee Award, Coleman was selected as one of the 20 Most Influential Fire Service Leaders of the 20th Century by Fire Chief magazine in 1999.

Coleman received the 2011 Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) Mason Lankford Award and special recognition from the International Code Council (ICC) for his lifetime involvement in the development of fire codes. He was also elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) by the British Chapter.

In 2014, FDIC International presented Coleman with the Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award for his long and distinguished fire service career. He also has had numerous awards named in his honor, including the California Fire Chiefs Association Annual Fire Chief of the Year Award and the CPSE perpetual trophy devoted to excellence in leadership.

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AN AHJ’S PERSPECTIVE Coleman wrote the “AHJ Perspective” column for Sprinkler Age magazine for nearly 30 years, from December 1989 through 2018, penning nearly 300 columns for the association. In his last column, Coleman stated, “Words cannot express how I feel about the opportunity to share my ideas with Sprinkler Age readers. It provided me with an opportunity to travel not only nationally but internationally. The experience has been professionally fulfilling and personally delightful.”

He continued, “But, while we have fought many battles over the last 30 years, the world has yet to accept sprinkler protection as the appropriate solution for residential fire problems. The solution is not that far, far away. I would like to hope that over the next 30 years, we are able to obtain that support.”

No doubt, Coleman inspired many within the fire protection industry to work towards that goal.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the National Heritage Fire Museum or the California Fire Museum & Safety Learning Center. Condolence cards may be sent to Mrs. Marie Coleman, c/o Chris Fowler, P.O. Box 661114, Sacramento, CA 95866. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Sources for this article include the California Fire Technology Directors’ Association, California State Firefighters Association, Center for Public Safety Excellence, Coleman Family statement, Fire Engineering magazine, Firehouse magazine, Fire Rescue 1, Sprinkler Age magazine, and The Sacramento Bee.

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WATER SUPPLIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE HOW THEY RELATE TO FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

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VIRGINIA R. CHARTER, PH.D., P.E., FSFPE | OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

limate change is not a common phrase used in the fire protection system design realm. However, in recent years, there have been extreme weather events and severe droughts that must now be taken into consideration. The most common fire protection systems rely on having an adequate water supply to aid in control or suppression of fire. Firefighters also rely on having enough water and pressure to fight fires. Most jurisdictions have a combined water supply system that provides for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and fire protection needs in the community. Each jurisdiction varies in how the community is served by the water source and overall supply. Water supply systems consist of underground networks of pipes connected to a source of water. However robust these systems are, they can also be quite fragile should there be a significant weather event, such as major freezing conditions, wildland fires, or an extended drought. This can lead to water supply disruptions, which in turn lead to fire protection systems and fire departments incapable of controlling or suppressing a fire. Fire protection systems have not been in the conversation when it comes to climate change, which is usually focused on domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. However, to ensure the public is protected from fire, fire protection professionals need to gain an understanding of the overall issue to ensure codes, standards, and policies can be modified and implemented. This article

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Figure 1. Water Stress Projections (Petruzzello, 2021). By courtesy of Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., copyright 2019; used with permission. will discuss areas needed for improvement based upon a survey conducted, as well as how recent events have emphasized these areas even more so.

CLIMATE CHANGE Given that fire protection designers and engineers are not typically in the climate change discussion, it is important to provide a definition. According to NASA, climate change is defined as a change in global or regional climate patterns over the long term (NASA, n.d.). Climate change indicators have included land and ocean temperature increases, ice melt from glaciers, rising sea levels, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather. Extreme weather can include heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, and polar vortexes (NASA, n.d.). These extreme

weather events can lead to water supply issues for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and fire protection use.

Throughout the world, water supplies are becoming more stressed, and these instances of communities lacking water, either through a long-term change or a short-term extreme weather event, are more prevalent. There are not many regions of the world that will not be affected by water stress in the future.

Figure 1 shows water stress projections worldwide for 2040 and demonstrates that mitigation of fire disasters will prove to be difficult if communities are suffering from water stress.

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS Water supplies typically come from sources that are either considered ground water, surface water, or a combination of

both. Ground water consists of sources such as springs or wells, while surface water comes from sources such as lakes or rivers. Occasionally, along coastlines, ocean water may be used. Water sources are then transported for treatment and distribution to communities. Water tanks and pumps supplement the overall water supply, providing storage, flow, and pressure. Water is required for human consumption and used for many industrial processes. Water is also the most common source used in fire suppression.

Fire protection designers and engineers will test water supplies to gain a better understanding of the constraints in a given area when designing a new system or modifying an existing system.

However, there are limitations to these tests. Hydrant flow tests and their results are for a single point in time at a single location, whereas water supplies and community demand changes throughout the year as well as changes over time.

This could include diminishing of the supply itself, such as lower lake or river

levels, as a result of drought or due to increased usage of the source, such as a population increase. With a decrease in supply or a loss of supply, not only will the population domestic supply be an issue, but fire protection systems will also be left without water.

FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS Once the fire protection designer or engineer understands the water supply from either physical testing or, occasionally, a computer model of the underground system, a fire protection system can be designed. Designers use the standard appropriate for the system, such as NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, for automatic sprinkler systems, or NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, for standpipe systems. Designers then have to ensure the system can work within the confines of the water supply or supplement the system with fire pump(s) or water tanks, depending upon the need.

As indicated previously, these systems rely on the water supply. However, fire protection system design may not always take into account the impact of short-term weather events or longer-term changes (O’Connor, 2020). If something happens to a water supply; e.g., the source has changed, piping has been modified or undergoing maintenance, a major population growth, or water stress or shortages in the area, then the fire protection system may not work as designed. This can be particularly devastating if the region is already in a drought.

The fire will spread very quickly, and there will be very few ways to combat it. As such, as fire protection designers, a full picture of the water supply over time including regional climate change (both extreme events and long-term changes) should be taken into consideration for fire protection system design.

PLANNING FOR WATER SHORTAGES The SFPE Foundation funded a project that included an exploratory

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survey to understand where groups such as fire protection designers, engineers, insurers, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) were in understanding how climate change is impacting water supplies. In particular, respondents provided insight as to where the fire protection community was seeing issues with the water supply and community planning for water shortages (Charter & Fletcher, 2022).

Based on the responses, less than half of the communities these individuals worked within had a known plan for water shortages. Furthermore, of the known community plans for water shortages, approximately one-quarter of them included plans for fire protection systems. This is a clear gap in the ability to be prepared for a water shortage event. If there is not enough water for domestic or industrial uses, there will not be enough water to control, suppress, or fight a fire. As such, communities need to develop plans to account for water shortages if one is not already in place. And those communities that do have a plan need to have fire protection systems and response as a part of that plan. Communities should include the many stakeholders to ensure all areas are addressed. This would include the participation of fire protection system designers, engineers, and manufacturers. Furthermore, a one-size-fits-all plan will not work. They need to be adapted and community-specific for that region’s climate, topography, and water supply capabilities and needs.

The involvement of all stakeholders will allow for a robust water shortage plan that can address many scenarios and possible solutions for that community (Charter & Fletcher, 2022).

Current community plans had a variety of measures in place and/or for communities to deal with droughts, water stress, or water shortages. These plans included providing a supplemental supply via tanks or adjacent community supply connections, reductions to water supply pressures, rationing of public access to water, and water boil

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advisories. Although each of these avenues presented may help with domestic use of water, it does not provide in detail how fire departments will respond or if fire protection systems in buildings will continue to operate (Charter & Fletcher, 2022).

Most discussion of water supplies focuses on clean and reliable water access for domestic use. Fire protection systems and the implications of water and pressure shortages are rarely a major part of the discussion. Building fire protection systems and fire suppression efforts for fire departments will be hindered if there are water shortages, which has become more apparent in recent years.

IMPROVEMENTS TO INFRASTRUCTURE Another key finding by Charter and Fletcher (2022) was that many survey respondents identified that infrastructure is a primary reason that would cause fire protection systems and fire suppression efforts to be limited or fail during a fire event. The next few reasons that would lead to system inadequacy or failure were droughts in the area, recent population growth, or mechanical failures. When considering these identified areas of water shortages, they point back to infrastructure being a key issue.

Droughts in the area indicate that the water supply sources are being drawn down below normal levels, resulting in less water. Recent population growth is an indicator that either the supply piping is no longer sized sufficiently to serve the larger population or the growth is causing water supply sources to be drawn down below normal levels, resulting in less water for the community to be in reserve. Finally, mechanical failures in a water supply are a direct result of needing improvements to infrastructure.

RECENT EVENTS In recent years, there have been events that have occurred around the world that have emphasized the issues

discussed previously on water supplies.

Although each event did not necessarily also have a major fire, they highlighted the issues of infrastructure and community preparation. A few recent examples are highlighted below.

In Cape Town, South Africa, in 2018, the area was at major risk of having to ration water to the public, dubbing it as “Day Zero.” This was a result of massive population growth and drought in the area over several years. As the water system became more stressed and shortages loomed, procedures were implemented based on water levels. These included reductions in system pressures, limitations on water usage among the public, and water rationing. These efforts ensured clean water was available to the public but also created limitations to any fire sprinkler systems as well as fire department response efforts to a fire event (Mlaba, 2020).

Another recent severe weather event was in 2021. The Artic Blast weather event led to a cascade of issues, particularly in Texas. Power was lost in many communities, resulting in problems related to water supply throughout the system(s). It included main supply pump heads freezing all the way down to sprinkler pipe freezes (Healy, Fausset, & Dobbins, 2021).

Due to these issues, millions were also left without water. Additionally, all of these areas were then defenseless to fires as they were without water. Both building sprinkler systems and fire department suppression efforts would have been rendered useless when connected to the existing water supply.

Finally, in August of 2023, a major catastrophe in Lahaina, Hawaii, occurred.

Wildfires, driven by high winds, devastated the area. This was amplified when firefighters began losing water pressure and, ultimately, hydrants ran dry. The fire conditions caused power outages in the area, reducing the pumping capability for the water supply. According to early reports, Lahaina’s water system, which relied on both surface water and ground water, was impacted in recent years of

2024 Education Schedule TECH WEBINARS 1/17

Fire Pump Sizing

1/31

Reviewing Plans - AHJ Webinar

2/14

Proposed Changes to NFPA 200

2/28

Changes to NFPA 20, 2025 Ed.

3/23

Internal Inspections and Obstruction Investigations - Fitter Zone Webinar

3/27

Design Approaches for NFPA 30

4/10

Reviewing Calcs - AHJ Webinar

4/24

Alternate Power for Fire Pumps

5/1

Residential Requirements in NFPA 13/13R/13D

5/15

Changes to NFPA 13, 2025 Ed.

6/1

Sprinkler Testing - Fitter Zone Webinar

7/10

Power Requirements for Pumps, Drivers and Controllers

7/31

Acceptance Testing - AHJ Webinar

8/28

Commodity Classification

9/11

Enforcing NFPA 25 - AHJ Webinar

10/9

Proposed Changes to NFPA 25

10/16 CMDA/CMSA/ESFR Hydraulics 11/6

Antifreeze Calculations

AFSA43 Sept 18-21

Gaylord Rockies Denver, CO

PROGRAMS Jan 15-Feb 2* Apr 2-26* Jul 15-26 Oct 29-Nov 22*

Beginning Design School

Feb 7-16* Jul 22-Aug 2* Nov 5-15*

Intermediate Design School

Feb 26-28 May 20-22 Oct 14-16

Sprinkler Hydraulics Workshop

Mar 26-28 Jul 10-12 Oct 2-4

Advanced Hydraulics Workshop

Feb 29 May 10 Jul 25 Sept 4

Introduction to the Fire Sprinkler Industry

Mar 18-19 May 6-7 Jul 8-9 Nov 6-7

Beginning ITM Workshop

Apr 15-17 Jul 10-12 Aug 21-23 Nov 13-15

Intermediate ITM Workshop

Mar 20-21 Apr 18-19 May 8-9 Jul 23-24 Aug 19-20 Sept 5-6 Nov 19-20

Fire Pump ITM Workshop

Aug 22

ASSE Recertification * Hybrid Course

For More Details Visit:

www.firesprinkler.org

Dates subject to change

population growth and from severe drought conditions. The community had been working on increasing the water supply via new wells. However, it was not in time for this crisis (Baker, Browning, & Bogel-Burroughs, 2023). This recent example exemplifies the need for improved infrastructure, the importance of planning, and creating a system of backups to mitigate system failures.

MODIFICATIONS TO CODES, STANDARDS, & POLICIES Communities need to begin planning and developing policies to upgrade infrastructure where needed and to provide adequate and reliable water supplies. Additionally, policies and plans need to be in place to maintain those systems to keep them reliable. Some communities have alternative solutions for how to handle water shortages, but when fire protection systems are involved, there are very limited solutions. Creating and developing policies that provide for means to upgrade current water supply infrastructure to help combat water shortages will also help improve fire protection system performance when water shortages occur.

Around the world, some regions are starting to understand that water shortages are a major problem and are working to determine how to ensure their citizens have access to water. However, countries still do not recognize the implications of a cascading event in the loss of water and how that can impact fire protection systems and response.

There are various codes and standards in place regarding fire protection systems in differing regions around the world.

However, many of the codes and standards do not address how a water supply shortage will affect various fire protection systems and/or fire department suppression and response efforts for future events beyond the initial design and installation.

In the U.S., many sprinklered buildings rely on an adequate public water supply for flow and pressure. Other regions rely primarily on fire department response and suppression efforts, which also rely upon an adequate and accessible water supply.

28 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Understanding how differing regions work with water supplies for their various fire protection systems, whether it be through sprinkler systems or similar or through fire department response and suppression, is key to understanding how to develop policies and plans to help combat water supply shortage issues.

Along coastlines, desalination plants need to be a bigger part of the discussion in providing a reliable water supply.

Developing a plan and policy to include desalination as a part of the water supply can prevent future issues for public domestic use. Creating such a reliable and accessible water supply will also ensure that fire protection systems will be able to serve the community.

MOVING INTO THE FUTURE Fire protection designers, engineers, and jurisdictions need to begin planning for water shortages in their community and, thus, issues with protecting the community from fire. This will rely on educating the public as well as designers in identifying areas that may be subject to water shortages in the future. This process needs to involve stakeholders, including community emergency management, fire departments, water supply purveyors, civil engineers, property insurers, the public, and fire protection designers and engineers. By including all parties, a more holistic approach that addresses the various needs will be addressed for that community (Charter & Fletcher, 2022).

Another key component in being prepared is planning for and implementing alternatives on how to supplement fire protection systems when designing them. Adding elements of backup to ensure that the systems, either for automatic sprinkler systems or fire department response, will allow for more effective fire to control and suppression.

Fire protection designers and fire departments should be educated about the risks of water stress and shortages.

This will enable them to put more controls in place to ensure water is there when it is needed most to combat fires, even in areas where water shortages may be considered unlikely.

Moving forward, additional research needs to be done to improve systems and policies in preparation for communities to have water shortages. Climate change, in both long-term changes and shorter-term severe weather events, has become more prevalent, and fire protection designers and engineers need to be the leaders in their communities to prepare and plan how to mitigate these concerns. n REFERENCES: Baker, M., Browning, K., Bogel-Burroughs, N. (2023, August 13). “As Inferno Grew, Lahaina’s Water System Collapsed.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/13/us/lahainawater-failure.html Charter, V., Fletcher, J. (2022). Water Supply & Climate Change: “The Impact of Water Stress on Fire Protection Systems.” SFPE Foundation Research Report. https:// higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/SFPE/c2f91981c014-4bec-97f4-1225586937ac/UploadedImages/Water_ Supply_and_Climate_Change_Report_2022.pdf Healy, J., Fausset, R., Dobbins, J. (2021, February 18).

“Cracked pipes, frozen wells, offline treatment plants: A Texas water crisis.” https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/ us/texas-water-crisis-winter-storm.html Mlaba, K. (2020, October 9). “How Cape Town went from water crisis to overflowing dams in just two years.” https:// www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cape-town-water-crisisday-zero-overflowing-dams/?template=next NASA (n.d.). “Overview: Weather, global warming, and climate change.” https://climate.nasa.gov/resources/globalwarming-vs-climate-change/ O’Conner, B. (2020). NFPA Journal: “July August 2020.

Establishing a water supply as a part of a sprinkler system.

Petruzzello, M. (2021, February 3).”

“Water scarcity.” Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www. britannica.com/topic/water-scarcity ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Virginia Charter is an associate professor and program coordinator for the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology Department at Oklahoma State University. She obtained her BS in FPSET from OSU, her MS in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies—Higher Education from OSU. Prior to returning to OSU, she practiced as a consulting and design engineer for nine years in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has worked on many of the infamous Strip properties, planning for and evaluating fire protection, life safety, and risk control systems. Her research is focused on areas that impact fire protection system effectiveness, building and fire codes and standards, and engineering education. She is a licensed professional engineer in Nevada, California, and Oklahoma. She serves as an alternate member of several standards committees, including NFPA 13, NFPA 20, and NFPA 101. She currently sits on the UL Fire Council, is an SFPE Foundation Governor, and is on the Higher Education sub-committee to the SFPE Professional Qualifications Committee. She is a Fellow member in SFPE.

MEET YOUR 2024 M/S COUNCIL MEMBERS REPRESENTATIVES WORK ON BEHALF OF ASSOCIATES

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he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council held a productive meeting during AFSA42: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition in September 2023 in Orlando, Florida. It was an opportune time to conduct business, network, and reconnect. Bill Phair, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, was elected 2024 Council chair, and Phil Schechinger, ASC Engineered Solutions, was elected vice chair for 2024. After such a fantastic Council meeting and convention, it was devastating to learn of the sudden passing of Phair just weeks after AFSA42. (See the “In Memoriam” on page 31.

“We often hear nice things said about someone who has passed, but in the case of Bill Phair, our industry has truly suffered the sudden loss of a man whose dedication and passion for our industry was as intense as they come,” says AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “Bill was truly a good guy, always with a kind word, and filled with ideas on how to promote the industry and our association’s role in it. We pray for Bill, his family, and his coworkers as we mourn his loss.”

ELECTION RESULTS With the untimely passing of Phair, Schechinger will step into the role of chair, and a new vice chair will be elected at the Council’s next meeting in February 2024.

“Bill Phair was a true gentleman both as a business partner and a friend. We will all miss him every day, but it is our charge to continue his agenda to further the work of the M/S Council and support this great industry,” comments Schechinger. “Bill told me how proud he was to be elected as the chair of this

Council as he gave me one of his firm handshakes—I personally will miss his insight on how he inspired others to be their best.”

Election results for the three open seats were announced during the September meeting: Dave English, General Air Products; George Rabideau, Wheatland Tube; and Terry Pickvet, Winsupply. In addition, Jim McHugh, AGF Manufacturing, was re-elected to a three-year term. Each will begin a three-year term, expiring in 2026.

James Golinveaux with the Viking Group was appointed to the device manufacturing seat.

The new members are excited to serve.

“As the first representative to be elected to

the pipe seat on the Council, I am honored to be able to represent Wheatland Tube and the other pipe producers in this capacity,” comments Rabideau. “I hope to be able to bring a new and different perspective to the Council and feel grateful for the opportunity to be able to learn more about the sprinkler industry from some of the other Council members.”

“I’m excited to be back on the M/S Council, putting my 10 years in contracting and 32 years in manufacturing to good use,” comments Golinveaux. “My passion lies in growing our life-saving industry, and I’m here to support any team with the same

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SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

29

hit the ground running,” comments AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, and staff liaison. “The support of the M/S Council means so much to AFSA. The energy and the passion of its members make me proud to be in this industry.”

REPRESENTING ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Phil Schechinger (left) and Bill Phair (right) were elected vice chair and chair, respectively, during AFSA42 in Orlando. goal. I look forward to making the most of our time and contributing to the important work of AFSA.” Pickvet is also excited to be a part of the Council. “I am proud to be at the table, discussing and resolving issues for the good of our industry. Representing Winsupply on this Council and within AFSA is a privilege.

I represent 20 Winsupply companies across the country. We’re growing, and we’re committed to supporting this association and all of its projects.”

“I’m honored and thrilled to be welcomed onto the M/S Council, and I’m ready to hit the ground running in working with some incredible folks in our industry,” comments English. “Being elected by my peers is exciting and humbling. I am honored to be offered the opportunity to work with the best in the industry to help AFSA continue to offer and promote training of the highest caliber. I will focus on helping the Board and committee members by making connections between sprinkler industry resources and the places they will have the greatest impact.”

A BUSY & PRODUCTIVE YEAR AHEAD When asked about plans for the new year, Schechinger stated, “As we enter into 2024, my goals for the M/S Council include

30 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

increased participation by our members and expanding the roster to further strengthen the support we provide to AFSA. As manufacturers and suppliers, we are provided an opportunity to go above and beyond the expectations of the Board and Chair Biernacki; I want to assure them I will do everything within my scope to deliver results.”

The Council, established in 1983, represents member companies that produce fire sprinkler system components and supply materials and services to the industry. It was created to represent the interests of all associate members who make and supply products in the industry and assist AFSA’s Board in meeting the goals of AFSA. Members of the 2023-2024 M/S Council include Derek Allen, Core & Main; Dave English, General Air Products; Tim Freiner, Potter Electric Signal Company; James Golinveaux, Viking Corporation; Scott Howser, Victaulic; Andy Kaempfer, Safe Signal; Lainey Liotta, Lubrizol; Jim McHugh, AGF Manufacturing Inc.; Terry Pickvet, Winsupply; George Rabideau, Wheatland Tube; Melisa Rodriguez, Johnson Controls; Phil Schechinger, ASC Engineered Solutions; and Rex Schwendiman, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company.

“With some new members, the Manufacturers and Suppliers Council is set to

The M/S Council is comprised of both appointed and elected representatives. Each device manufacturing company that holds AFSA membership at category 15 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 category 15 or above with a national scope. In addition, there is one domestic pipe manufacturer seat for category 15 and above. 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 Council representatives with questions or ideas. If you are interested in becoming more involved with AFSA, consider investing in the future of your industry. 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 2024: February 5-7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; April 29-May 1 in Frisco, Texas; July 15-17 in Newport Beach, California; and during AFSA43 to be held September 18-21 in Denver, Colorado.

All companies represented on the M/S Council, whether the position is appointed or elected, must maintain their status as an AFSA member in good standing. Currently, to run for an elected seat on the M/S Council, nominees must attend at least one AFSA Quarterly meeting, M/S Council meeting, and exhibit at the AFSA Exhibition within the prior year. Members interested in serving should contact Denhardt at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org. n

IN MEMORIAM: BILL PHAIR INDUSTRY VETERAN DEDICATED TO FIRE PROTECTION

M

embers and staff of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) were saddened to learn of the passing of William “Bill” R. Phair, of Cornwall, New York, who was an area sales manager for AFSA Associate Member Ferguson Fire & Fabrication and was an active member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), where he served as a member of AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee and was recently elected as chair of its Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council. He was also an active member of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA).

Phair passed away on September 25, 2023, in Saint Arnoult, France. He was 68 years old. He was the son of the late William R. Phair and Margaret (McCabe) Phair and was born on December 2, 1954, in St. Albans, Queens, New York. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife Ellen (Auffredou) Phair; his daughters Raquel “Kelly” Hogan and her husband Andre, and Jessica Phair and her fiancé Michael Niekamp; his son William Phair and his wife April; his grandchildren Lennox and William (Liam) Hogan and Ryleigh Niekamp; his sister Patricia (Phair) Tinelli and fiancé Kevin; his brother Stephen Phair and his wife Cindy; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, Phair was predeceased by his brother, Christopher Phair.

“Bill was a true industry professional. With every discussion or interaction,

his first response was always, ‘How can I assist?’ He never ran from an issue but instead openly embraced it as an opportunity,” comments AFSA Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, and M/S Council staff liaison.

“He was a great professional who gave of himself with a warm and friendly servant’s heart. I can only aspire to be like Bill. God bless Bill and his family.

We will not forget him.”

A Mass of Christian Burial for Phair was held on October 14 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Newburgh,

New York.

Interment followed the Mass at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh, New York. Memorial contributions in Phair’s name may be made to Autism Speaks, Donations Processing Center, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148. n

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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TIME-TRACKING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BUSYBUSY OFFERS DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS

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he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to introduce another strategic partnership and “members-only program” with busybusy, the #1 time-tracking app for the construction industry where field employees can track labor, materials, and heavy equipment all within an easy-to-use mobile app. This business and other AFSA partners can be found on the AFSA website, firesprinkler.org, by logging in as an AFSA member and then clicking on “Member Services” and “Member Discounts.”

TIMELY TRACKING Busybusy offers a mobile time card app built for construction and other remote industries. Whether the team is clocking in on their phone or supervisors are tracking their crew’s time, employers will have the data they need to know which jobs are profitable and which are losing money in real time. Favorite features include safety sign-offs, scheduling, team messaging, GPS, daily field reports, and document storage.

Busybusy offers GPS timestamps for employee clock in/out.

Employees can clock in/out, take a break, switch between projects/ cost codes, and track time on the job. Companies can eliminate manual timecard collection, including all the mistakes and headaches that come with it. Are you worried your employees will forget to clock in/out? “Location-based reminders” sends a reminder when employees arrive and leave the jobsite, saving time card mistakes while also helping new employees adjust to using an app.

“Location-based coordinates” stamp a location when someone clocks in/out or goes on break. Colored pins represent different actions—green where they clocked in, yellow for the start and end of a break, and red for clocked out. Employees aren’t able to clock in if they aren’t inside the geo-fence when the “required onsite” feature is engaged.

ACCOUNTING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT Busybusy integrates with thousands of accounting and project management software. Accurate reporting gives visibility into each job site with payroll data. Job costing informs employers where employees are and how much time they are spending at each job.

Time tracking and daily project reports go hand-in-hand.

Busybusy’s daily reports make that information accurate and easily accessible from anywhere (mobile or desktop).

32 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Busybusy offers GPS location stamps, software integration, accurate reporting, and job costing.

Eliminate liability with project photos. Busybusy time stamps, GPS stamps, and project stamps each photo automatically. Easily search for photos by date, project, or employee.

Protect yourself from liability, share plans, receipts, documents, and more.

Create schedules and notify employees if there is a change or new update to their schedule. Employees can easily check their upcoming schedules right from their smartphones.

Scheduling improves data accuracy from the field and makes it even easier for the field employee to clock in. Busybusy allows employees to clock in directly from their schedule. This makes things much easier for the employee to clock in because the project, cost code, and equipment can be pre-selected when the schedule is created.

LEARN MORE “When establishing what services to provide to our members through member savings, AFSA first determines what resources our members can utilize to aid in the success of their business. What can assist them with working effectively and efficiently?” says AFSA Senior Director of Membership & Chapter Development Meda Merritt. “We are pleased to offer yet an additional service to aid in that effort.”

AFSA members receive 20 percent off their first annual purchase of busybusy! To request more information and schedule a demonstration, visit busybusy.com, email info@ busybusy.com, or call (855) 287-9287. n

50 years is a long time for a company to be under the same leadership. For American Fire Protection, Inc.,

that speaks to the company founder and the talent he assembled over those 50 years, which have made American Fire Protection one of the most successful and respected fire sprinkler contractors in the Southeast.

American Fire Protection was founded in 1973 by Douglas E Greer, Jr. at the age of 26, relying on his 8 years of training by Grinnell, High Point Sprinkler, and their expert trade mentors as a foundation to build knowledge and a future in the industry.

Growing up working on his dad’s farm, Doug learned that hard work made a good partner to character and dependability. These qualities led him to select like-minded men and women to work toward giving American Fire Protection a strong foundation.

In good times and bad, American Fire Protection has stood the test of those 50 years and is now a multimillion-dollar firm with 40+ skilled employees who are our corporate family. We are fortunate that many employees have been with our company for going on 30 years. Good people are one of the keys to a successful past and a strong future, and we thank them all.

From day one, Doug and his wife, Ricelyn, committed to a family-focused future aimed at everyone working together for each family’s well-being. It worked! American Fire Protection is moving into the future under the leadership of their children, Michael and Michelle, and we are proud of their commitment to continue the same family values.

American Fire Protection is incredibly fortunate to be located in Greenville SC, which is in the flourishing Upstate, and a great location to be a part of the continued growth of the southeastern United States.

On that note, American Fire Protection wishes to thank the Upstate community, and the entire southeastern United States for its support of our business. Our company’s history and its future are here with our community. Thank you, and God’s Blessings to all of you.

AMERICAN FIRE PROTECTION, INC.

720 WORLEY ROAD, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA 864-250-2001 | AFIREPRO.COM

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW 2023 CODES, STANDARDS, AND REGULATIONS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

T

his issue of Sprinkler Age features our 36th 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 and the provinces of Canada in the fall of 2023.

If a response was not received, information that appeared in the 2022 Legislative Review (November/December 2022 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 left column of the chart.

SURVEY QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES The 2023 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

34 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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 2021 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 state-financed 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 state or any jurisdiction offer tax incentives to encourage property owners to install historial structure, 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 Technicians? 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’s CWBSP, etc.)

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

22. Does your state require any seismic requirements beyond those in the adopted eidtion of the IBC, IFC, and NFPA standards for fire protection?

23. Do you require a completed copy of the owner’s certificate (see NFPA 13, 2019 edition, section 4.2) as per the state-adopted edition of NFPA 13 as part of the working plan submittal?

24. Do you require a signed and completed copy of the Contractor’s Material and Test Certificate for Underground Piping as per the state-adoped edition of NFPA 13, as part of the working plan submittal?

Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) for Sprinkler Fitting Apprentices

Level 1 - New Class Starts Spring 2024 Registration Coming Soon Level 2 - Early Bird Registration Available Now (Level 2 VIP begins Feb. 7, 2024)

SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

www.firesprinkler.org/VIP

NEW COURSES FOR 2024 FEATURING AFSA’S NEW TRAINING LAB

Introduction to the Fire Sprinkler Industry 1 DAY

Beginning ITM Workshop 2 DAYS

Description: This course is designed for those new to the industry. Participants will explore the critical role of sprinkler systems in fire protection and life safety while gaining insight into basics of fire dynamics. We will identify functions of fire sprinklers within various occupancies and include hands-on activities.

Description: Participants will learn essential procedures and best practices based on NFPA 25. This hands-on course is tailored for those responsible for the ongoing maintenance and compliance of sprinkler systems and includes demonstrations of wet systems, dry systems, and fire pumps, including main drain testing, dry valve trip testing, and fire pump no-flow testing.

Intermediate ITM Workshop

Fire Pump ITM Workshop

3 DAYS

2 DAYS

Description: In this hands-on workshop, participants will gain practical expertise in determining minimum frequencies and procedures for inspection & testing.

Advanced skills will be developed in performing water flow tests on private service mains and standpipes, and analysis of results. Requirements, components, operations, and special considerations for deluge and preaction systems are also included.

Description: This workshop will develop your knowledge and skills related to fire pump installations and necessary ITM procedures. Key differences between diesel and electric-driven fire pumps, exercises to perform no-flow and full-flow tests, and ITM requirements for water storage tanks are all included. Activities include energy diffuser selection, data acquisition, supply graphing, and data interpretation.

The tables on pages 36 through 41 provide the answers to most of the survey questions. The table on page 42 provides licensing and certification information (questions 18-20). The tables on page 43 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 District of Columbia, California* has pending legislation regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) but did not indicate if it is more or less restrictive. Florida* has “none at this time but usually high-rise retrofit appears yearly.”

Indiana indicated pending legislation for fire sprinklers “to transfer to the fire code from building code.” For dwellings and lodging housing, Massachusetts* has more restrictive and less restrictive legislation for “multiple legislative items.” Maryland has pending, more restrictive legislation for high-rises. 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, healthcare, 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 2021 International Residential Code (IRC). Most states indicated they were not adopting that edition for this year’s survey. States that responded “yes” include California*, Florida* (no sprinkler requirement, removed by statute), Hawaii* (the state’s revised statute 46-198 “ ... no county shall require installation or retrofitting of automatic fire sprinklers in new or existing one- or two-family dwelling unit ...”), Idaho* (eventually will adopt and requirement will be removed), Illinois* (will vary by local jurisdictions and the statewide trend is to remove the sprinkler requirement), and Maryland (adopted through the Maryland Building Performance Standard with the residential sprinkler requirement intact).

Iowa is adopting the 2021 IRC without the sprinkler requirement. Georgia* House Bill 1196 (2010 legislative session) prohibits any residential sprinkler requirement, past or

future. Massachusetts* has adopted the 2021 IRC “traditionally modified to remove sprinkler requirements for under 14,000 ft2 one- and two-family dwellings.” New York* adopted the code with the “removal of NFPA 13D one- and two-family requirement.” New Jersey* DFS: “Yes” and DCS: “Yes, R313 is deleted.” North Dakota* adopted but “state law removes sprinkler requirement.” Tennessee* adopted the IRC, noting that “TCA 68-120-101(a)(8) does not allow mandatory adoption so Section R313 is removed.”

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. 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*, and Rhode Island* are adopting the IRC with the residential sprinkler requirement removed. In Ohio*, there are construction

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; (cont. on next page)

36 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Canada Inspection, Testing & Maintenance and Seismic Protection Requirements

NICET Level II

NICET Level III

Other (CSA, Local)

N N -

N N -

N N N N N N N N N

N Y1 Y2 -

Province Alberta* British Columbia* Manitoba* New Brunswick* Newfoundland* Nova Scotia* Ontario* Prince Edward Island* Quebec* Saskatchewan*

Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems:

Yes/No

NICET Level I

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

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

1

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

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

SingleFamily

High-rise Condo/apt

Recognized Code Adoption for Local Authorities or Individual Preference

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBCC

-

-

-

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

Code adopted by province & applies in all local govts.

Yes, working toward adopting NBC 2015 in year 2018

Yes, 2008

-

-

All Encompassing

Provincewide adoption

Yes, 2020 NBC

Yes, 2014

-

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBC

-

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2015 NBC

All Encompassing

RCA

All Encompassing

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

Florida* has retrofit requirements for high-rise condos. Georgia*, New Jersey*,

MultiFamily

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

Locally

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, Colorado, Connecticut*, Indiana, Michigan*, Minnesota*, New Jersey*, and Tennessee* have retrofit requirements. Georgia* has require-

Provincewide

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). 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.

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. While these legislative charts 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 2021 edition of the IRC. 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

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

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

-

-

Local govts would decide

Yes

N/A

No

No

No

Yes

No

Province Only

-

-

-

-

-

No

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

Yes, 2015 NBC

-

-

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes, federal projects follow NBC

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

Adopted NFPA 25

Local Jurisdiction With Residential Ordinances

(cont. from previous page) 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.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

37

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

IBC & IFC - both amended

No

2019

No

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 schools, 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*

2021 IBC, IFC, IRC, IAC & IEBC

https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CAFC2022P1/chaper-80referenced-standards#CAQFC2022P1_P06_Ch80_PromNFPA

2022

-

-

Colorado

IBC, IFC & NFPA 101

Yes, https://dfpc.colorado.gov/white-papers - NFPA 25 (2020) 5.3.4.4 is deleted in its entirety and replaced. See white paper for details.

2018

No

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 amended NFPA 13 & 14, 2019, amended

Yes, www.statefiremarshal.delaware.gov

2019

Yes

-

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 - all amended

Yes. 2.3.5 FFPC (101). Remove single-family req., High-rise condo retrofit 13.3.2.26.2.3/4/5 FFPC (1)

2016

Yes, FFPC(1) 1.4.1.1

Min/Max

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*^

2018 IBC amended, 2018 IRC amended, 2018 NFPA 1 amended

No

2016

-

Minimum

Idaho*

2018 IBC, IFC, NFPA 101 - all amended

Yes, one- and two-family dwellings not required

2019

Depends

Minimum

Illinois*

IBC, IFC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 5000 - local option; 2015 NFPA 101

Local jurisdictions may amend codes. If no local code is adopted, the IL Capital Development Board Act provides that most recent ed. of the IBC be used for any public or commercial structures.

CDB local code page: https://www2.illinois.gov/cdb/business/codes/ Pages/default.aspx Directory of Illinois Codes: https://www2.illinois.gov/cdb/business/ codes/Documents/Code%20Directory.pdf

IL Admin Rules provide that installation by licensed sp contractors be in accordance w/the editions current at the time and place of installation. May vary in local juris.

Yes

Min/Max

Indiana

2012 IBC & IFC - both amended; 2020 Indiana Residential Code

Yes, single-family homes are not required to be sprinklered.

2010 amended & direct adoption

Yes

Minimum

Iowa§

2015 IBC & IFC; 2012 NFPA 101; 2021 IMC, UPC, IECC; 2020 NFPA 70

Yes, email bcinfo@dps.state.ia.us and/or fminfo@dps.state.ia.us

2013

Yes

Minimum

Kansas*

2006 IBC & IFC, 2018 NFPA 101; 2018 NFPA 1

No

2016

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; 2018 NFPA 1 & NFPA 101

Yes, removal of one- and two-family homes fire sprinkler requirements

2016

No

Minimum

Maryland

NFPA 1, NFPA 101 & IBC - all amended

Yes. Prohibits the installation of drop out ceilings in new ceiling installations. Prohibits the installation of fire pumps, drivers, or controllers in below-ground vaults or pits unless specifically approved by the AHJ.

2016

No

Minimum

Massachusetts*

2015 IBC amended, 2015 NFPA 1 amended

Yes, 2015 IBC (IRC) no requirement for sprinklers in one- and twofamily homes. https://www.mass.gov/handbook/ninth-edition-of-thema-state-building-code-780

2010

No

Min/Max

Michigan*

2012 NPFA 101 & 2006 NFPA 1 - both amended

No

2010

No

Min/Max

°Arkansas is in the process of revising the current Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (2012 edition based on the 2012 editions of the IFC, IBC, and IRC with Arkansas amendments). The revised Arkansas Fire Prevention Code will be the 2021 edition and it will be based on the 2021 editions of the IFC, IBC, and IRC, with some Arkansas amendments. While the timeline for adoption of the revised code is not set in stone, the new code in planned to be in place by early 2022. +The District of Columbia 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

38 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Statewide

Locally

SingleFamily

MultiFamily

High-rise Condo/apt

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

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

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

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

No

Yes, 2020

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Y

All Projects

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

-

-

Yes, 2021 ICC

Yes, ‘11

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Limited

IP

No

Yes, 2020

Yes

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

Yes

All Projects

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes ‘11

-

No

No

No

No

No

State Only

All Encompassing

-

No

Yes, 2020

-

Yes

Yes

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 edition

No

All+

Limited. AG Exceptions

-

Yes, 2021 IBC, NFPA 1, & NFPA 101

Yes, ‘17

-

Yes

N/A

N/A

Yes

Yes

State Only

All Encompassing except 1 & 2 family & individuallyowned residences

-

No

Yes, ‘11

No

No

No

No

No

No

Juris. varies

All Encompassing

-

Yes, 2021 NFPA 1

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

-

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes

-

No

No

No

Yes

No

All

May vary by local juris.

IP

No

Yes, current ed.

ref. compliance stanard for licensed sprinkler contractors

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

PE/Architect for tech. submission; NICET III for layout

IL Capital Dev. Bd. has oversight of state bldg. projects

Limited

IP

No, code adoption was halted & no clear path forward

Yes, ‘11

-

No

No

No

Yes

No

All

All Encompassing

IP

Yes, 2021

Yes, by ref from IFC

-

No

No

No

No

Yes

All

All Encompassing

IP

Yes, 2018 IBC/IFC

Yes, ‘17

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes

All

Adopted NFPA 25

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

-

No

n/a

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes, ‘14

-

-

-

-

Yes

Yes

All

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes, ‘14

-

Yes

-

-

Yes

Yes

All°

Limited

RCA

Yes, 2024 NFPA 1 & NFPA 101

Y

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Both. State Fire Prevention Code applies to all buildings outside of Baltimore City other than one- and two-family dwellings.

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2021 IBC (base bldg code) & 2021 NPFA 1 (base fire code)

Yes, ‘14

-

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

State Only & limited authority for state projects

Limited

RCA

No

Yes, ‘11

No

No

No

No

No

No

State Only & other regulated facilities

statewide by reference from 2015 IFC and 2014 NFPA 25. 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.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

39

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*

2018 NFPA 101, IBC & IFC

Yes, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/7511.0903

2016

No

Min/Max

Mississippi*

2015 IBC & IFC

No

-

2013 by ref.

Minimum

Missouri

-

-

1999

Yes

-

Montana*

2012 IFC & IBC

No

2010

Yes

Minimum

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*§

DFS: 2015 IFC - amended DCS: 2021 IBC amended, 2021 IFC, NFPA 101 Ch 35/IBC (https://codes. iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P2/ chapter-35-referenced-standards)

DFS: Yes. Maintenance Code only. All installation on requirements have been removed.

DCS: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2021P2/chapter-35referenced-standards

DFS: 2013 DCS: See Ch 35/IBC

DFS: No DCS: No

DFS: Min/ Max DCS: Minimum

New Mexico*

2015 IBC & 2015 IFC, both amended

No

2013

Yes

Min/Max

New York*

2018 IBC & IFC, both amended

No

2016

Yes

Min/Max

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

-

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*

IBC & IFC - both amended

Yes. Utah Code. Title 15A, State Construction and Fire Codes Act. Chapter 5, State Fire Code Act. Part 3, Amendments and Additions to National Fire Amendments to NFPA documents and IFC (15A-5-304)

2019

Yes

Minimum

Vermont*

2015 IBC, NFPA 1 & NFPA 101, all amended

Yes, see 2015 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code

2013

No

Minimum

Virginia*

2015 IBC, IFC & NFPA 101 all 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 the NFPA standards that are recognized by IBC

No

All that are rec. by IBC except NFPA 101

Yes

Minimum

The State of New Jersey is unique in that maintenance and retrofit requirements fall within the scope of the State Fire Marshal’s Office/Div. of Fire Safety (DFS above), whereas new construction requirements are within the purview by the Div. of Codes and Standards (DCS above). ≠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/AHJs that control permits, licenses, etc., and can involve AHJs who are state or local or may involve both. *West Virginia: All municipalities and political subdivisions which have §

40 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Locally

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

SingleFamily

MultiFamily

High-rise Condo/apt

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

-

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

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

No

-

Yes

-

-

Yes

Yes

State Only

-

-

-

-

-

No

-

-

Yes, 2021 IFC

Yes

-

No

No

No

Falls to Bldg Dept

No

Neither. Falls to Bldg Dept

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

DFS: All Encompassing DCS: All Encompassing

DFS: N/A DCS: RCA

DFS: Yes, 2018 IFC w/NJ amendments DCS: No

DFS: Yes, ‘14 DCS: Ch 35/ IBC

DFS & DCS: No

DFS & DCS: No

DFS & DCS: No

DFS & DCS: No

DFS: No DCS: Yes

DFS & DCS: Yes

DFS: All DCS: State sets code, locals enforce

Limited

-

Yes, 2021

No

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

State Only

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, 2021 ed.

By ref only

-

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

State Only

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

-

Yes

Yes

-

No

No

State-Owned/ State-Financed Only

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, 2021 IBC, NFPA 1 & 101

Yes, ‘14

-

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

All

All Encompassing

RCA

Yes, ‘21 NFPA 1 & 101

Yes, ‘14

-

Yes

Yes

-

Yes

Yes

All

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

Adopted NFPA 25

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

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

All Encompassing

RCA

No

Yes, ‘17 ed.

Limited

IP

No

-

IP

No

All Encompassing

RCA

All Encompassing

Statewide

Scope of Enforcement is Limited or All Encompassing

enforcement authority

their own Fire Prev. Bureau and personnel to perform plans review and inspection we have understanding of their AHJ allowance.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.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

41

42 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

PE/Architect Seal

NICET Level III

NICET Level IV

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y -

Fire Alarm Inspections

Y Y N Y Y N Y Y N N N N Y Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y

Inspections

Y Y N Y Y N Y N N N N N Y Y N Y Y N N N N N Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y N N Y Y Y N N Y N Y N N Y Y

Technicians

Alabama Alaska Arizona* Arkansas* California* Colorado Connecticut* Delaware* D.C.* Florida+ Georgia* Hawaii* Idaho* Illinois* Indiana Iowa Kansas*◊ Kentucky* Louisiana* Maine*± Maryland Massachusetts Michigan* Minnesota Mississippi* Missouri Montana Nebraska* Nevada New Hampshire* New Jersey* New Mexico* New York* North Carolina* North Dakota* Ohio* Oklahoma* Oregon* Pennsylvania* Rhode Island* South Carolina*≠ South Dakota* Tennessee* Texas* Utah Vermont*§ Virginia*‡ Washington* West Virginia*° Wisconsin* Wyoming*

Requires for Sprinkler Drawings:

Fitters

State

Contractors

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 of these charts, changes may have occurred. Also, code adoption cycles/processes vary, 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 each state. We thank

Requires Requires Certification Licensing Of: For:

Inspectors

CONCLUSION

State Licensing & Certification Requirements

Plan Reviewers

and North Dakota* have retrofit requirements for public assemblies (PAs).

Vermont* and West Virginia* have retrofit requirements for institutions.

For hotels and apartments, Florida* has retrofit requirements, and Connecticut* retrofits only hotels. New Jersey* retrofits hotels and apartments, high-rises, institutions, public assemblies, college dorms, and windowless stories. Wyoming* has requirements for college dorms. Maryland has retrofit requirements pending for high-rises.

Florida* also has requirements to retrofit dwelling and lodging housing. Iowa retrofits 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 requirements (question 12a), several states indicated “yes;” however, most did not provide a list. Florida* did provide a website for details: “visit myfloridacfo.com/division/ SFM/BFP and scroll down to ‘Local Amendments.” Hawaii* listed Honolulu and Maui counties, and New Mexico* listed Las Cruces. Minnesota* indicated “yes” and listed “2018 IFC Appendix M.” Question 16 asked if any jurisdictions were offering tax incentives or initiatives to encourage property owners to install fire sprinklers in historical structures, residential, and/or commercial in their area. Most of this year’s respondents reported “no” or did not answer the question. Florida* and Vermont* did answer “yes.” Massachusetts* indicated it does allow some allowances for night clubs to retrofit.

Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y N N N Y N N Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y N Y N Y Y N N N Y Y N N Y N N N N Y Y N

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N N Y Y N Y N Y Y N Y N Y N Y N Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y N N Y Y N Y Y Y Y N

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N

Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y N Y N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N Y N Y Y Y N

Y Y -

Y Y Y Y -

-

Cert

Y -

Cert

Y Y -

1/1/24

Y N Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y N Y Y Y Y

Cert

Y -

lni.wa.gov

Y

OTHER

OTHER

OTHER

NO REQ

NO REQ

NO REQ

NICET II

NICET II

Y N N Y N Y Y P.E. Y Y Y Y Y N N Y N Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N Y N Y Y Y -

Y Y

or sp ctr

N

Y N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

N N Y N Y Y

N Y N Y N N Y N N N Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y

-+ Y N N Y Y Y Y N Y Y N N N N Y Y N Y N N N

Y & cert des

N N Y N -

Y -

Information not available for Canada. A “-” indicates no response was given. +In Florida, for shop drawings. For design drawings P.E. > 50 A/S. ◊In Kansas, there is no state licensure. Registration is required for all types. ≠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. §Vermont certification not req. though most are. ‡Virginia will require inspectors to be licensed as of 7/1/21. °West Virginia requires certification of building code officials, inspectors, and plans reviewers.

cases, we have listed the telephone or email for the state fire marshal’s office, with the hope

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

Hawaii* Idaho* Illinois* Indiana Iowa Kansas* Kentucky* Louisiana* Maine* Maryland Massachusetts* Michigan* Minnesota* Mississippi* Missouri Montana* Nebraska* Nevada New Hampshire* New Jersey* New Mexico* New York* North Carolina* North Dakota* Ohio* Oklahoma* Oregon* Pennsylvania* Rhode Island* South Carolina* South Dakota* Tennessee* Texas* Utah Vermont* Virginia* Washington* West Virginia* Wisconsin* Wyoming*

Numbers in ( ) are for retrofit questions. Phone numbers not available for Canada.

Alabama* Alaska Arizona* Arkansas* California* Colorado Connecticut* Delaware* D.C.* Florida* Georgia* Hawaii* Idaho* Illinois* Indiana Iowa Kansas* Kentucky* Louisiana* Maine* Maryland Massachusetts* Michigan*+ Minnesota* Mississippi* Missouri Montana* Nebraska* Nevada New Hampshire* New Jersey DFS* New Jersey DCS* New Mexico* New York* North Carolina* North Dakota* Ohio* Oklahoma* Oregon* Pennsylvania* Rhode Island* South Carolina*• South Dakota* Tennessee* Texas* Utah Vermont* Virginia*# Washington* West Virginia* Wisconsin* Wyoming*

No Req N Y No Req Y Y Y Y No Req No Req N No Req N Y Y N No Req No Req No Req No Req N N -

Y Y Y No Req N Y Y via waiver Y No Req Y Y Y N Y Y Y No Req N No Req N No Req Per Y Y N No Req No Req N Y No Req N No Req N Y N Y Y State -

Y No Req No Req Y• N Y N Y Y No Req No Req Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y No Req No Req N No Req No Req N N No Req No Req Y Y Y Y NFPA 1 & NFPA 101 N N N N No Req No Req No Req No Req No Req No Req N Y, state cert No Req No Req No Req N No Req N Y Y Y Registered Tester Y -

Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems:

Yes/No

NICET Level III

Georgia*

State

NICET Level II

California* Colorado Connecticut* Delaware* D.C.* Florida*

334-241-4166 907-269-5491 602-364-1003 501-618-8601 (501-618-8601) 626-712-4260 303-239-4100 860-713-5750 302-739-4394 202-442-4551 850-413-3610 (850-413-3610) 404-617-8515 (404-617-8515) glum@honolulu.gov 208-334-4370 217-558-0328 317-232-1421 (317-233-1421) fminfo@dps.state.ia.us 713-296-3401 502-573-0365 x201 1-800-256-5452 (1-800-256-5452) gerald.r.leachman@maine.gov 410-653-8980 978-567-3372 (978-567-3372) 517-241-9371 (517-241-9371) fire.code@state.mn.us 601-359-1061 573-522-1624 elizabeth.torske@mt.gov 402-471-2027 775-684-7532 (603-271-3294) bfcecodeadmin@dca.nj.gov or codeassist@dca.nj.gov kylle.marshall@state.nm.us 518-474-6746 919-647-0011 701-328-5555 614-728-5460 (614-728-5460) 405-522-5006 503-934-8269 (503-934-8269) 717-346-2729 401-393-7717 803-896-9800 605-773-3876 615-741-6246 512-305-7909 ksnow@utah.gov 802-885-8942 804-879-2302 360-596-3913 304-558-2191 608-266-0251 307-856-8214

Other (CSA, Local)

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

Local Jurisdictions and Retrofit Information Alabama Alaska Arizona* Arkansas*

that a representative can direct contractors to the appropriate authority. n

NICET Level I

the many individual state fire marshals, deputy state fire marshals, deputy chiefs, fire protection engineers, code specialists, and others who participated this year. Some respondents did not provide a specific contact for questions regarding jurisdiction over fire sprinkler plan review/inspections. In those

N Y Y N N N Y N N N Y N Yes, DOL appr program

Y Y Y N N N Per NFPA 13/IBC Y N N N Y N Y Y Y N Based on IBC req N Y N Y Y Y Y N Y N N Y By specification on job

Y N Y Y, in some areas

A “-” indicates no response was given.

• In Colorado, NFPA and ICC certifications required. + 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 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

43

ELEVATORS AND SPRINKLERS THE UPS AND DOWNS OF COMBINING THE TWO

T

MATTHEW J. WILLIS | FERGUSON FIRE DESIGN, LLC he very first sprinkler I ever installed solo and unsupervised as a helper was in an elevator shaft.

You will just have to take my word for it, but it was the most perfect and precise installation of a sprinkler to be achieved. Ever. But I digress. We received a call a few days later to come and remove the sprinkler, or the elevator inspector would not pass the elevator. He had stated his code—the elevator one—said no sprinklers allowed.

Those were the times. Show the sprinkler to the fire inspector; remove it for the elevator inspector. I recall thinking to myself, “This is just stupid!” So, I did what any self-respecting helper with crushed feelings would do and obtained a copy of the “elevator code” and set about finding that statement.

Imagine my disbelief when I found that the elevator code not only did NOT say that but actually supported the installation of fire sprinklers! To paraphrase, “Where sprinklers are required by another code or standard, they shall be installed in accordance with this document.” And so began my journey into codes and standards and, eventually, design.

Now, to be perfectly clear, the most important lesson I learned from that is that there are VERY valid life-threatening concerns when sprinklers are placed in or around elevator equipment. When water gets on any controls, the elevator does not function properly. It may stop and open the doors between floors or, worse yet, on the floor engulfed in flames. Imagine reaching the elevator and thinking you are safe, only to have the doors open, and you at once become blinded by smoke and step forward into nothing.

Now, when faced with an elevator, I ask myself two questions in this order. 1. Will water get on any of the controlling equipment? 2. Can I eliminate the sprinkler?

While answering these questions seems simple on the surface, there is more to it than meets the eye. There have been many “lessons learned” for both industries over the years, the hardest of which was taught on September 11, 2001.

I strongly recommend you call the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or fire department whose jurisdiction the elevator is in before proceeding on the quest to answer these two questions. I assure you it will save you time and money.

The “elevator code” previously mentioned is actually ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (hereafter referred to as the elevator code). It is important to remember here that a code trumps a standard. In other words, where there exists a

44 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

discrepancy between the two, what the code says is what is to be followed. So, with that in mind, let’s look at some of the do’s and don’t’s of the elevator code ASME A17.1.

The elevator code has allowances for electrical, mechanical, and sprinklers. But just like with the electrical code, sprinklers have more specific allowances.

Per the elevator code, “Sprinkler systems conforming to NFPA 13 [Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems] shall be permitted to be installed in the hoistway, machinery space, machine room, control space, or control room subject to the following requirements.”

“All risers shall be located outside these spaces. Branch lines in the hoistway shall supply sprinklers at not more than one floor level. When the machinery space, machine room, control space, or control room is located above the roof of the building, risers and branch lines for the sprinklers shall be permitted to be located in the hoistway between the top floor and the machinery space, machine room, control space, or control room.”

Therefore, as we can see, we cannot supply different floor levels within the elevator shaft itself. Sprinklers must be supplied from the floor level they are located on. For the bottom of the shaft, we can come off the first-floor sprinkler system and drop down to the bottom of the shaft to a maximum of 24 in. above the bottom.

“Where elevator equipment is located or its enclosure is configured such that application of water from sprinklers could cause unsafe elevator operation, means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the mainline power supply to the affected elevator and any other power supplies used to move the elevator upon or prior to the application of water.”

“Heat detectors and sprinkler flow switches used to initiate mainline elevator power shutdown shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 72® [National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®].”

“Smoke detectors shall not be used to activate sprinklers in the spaces or to disconnect the mainline power supply.”

You will hear the above commonly referred to as a “shunt trip.” I find this to be the biggest disconnect (no pun intended) on whether sprinklers are provided or not. We must keep in mind that not everyone understands NFPA 13 the way that we do. A prime example of this is a small hotel that has an elevator that, due to the type, say hydraulic, requires sprinklers when the hotel is being designed to NFPA 13 requirements. In this situation, the electricians may not have allowed for a shunt trip, and you will find yourself in a battle of whether sprinklers are to be provided

or not, mainly due to the cost of providing this shunt trip. The solution and key to this is the same as with anything else: communication, communication, communication.

It is incumbent upon us to communicate with the electrician, general contractor, and/or building owner as to why we are providing sprinklers. It ultimately may be that you will not have to provide the sprinklers after all. But ensure that you have documentation stipulating the approval for removing the sprinklers.

These days, the shunt trip is normally accomplished by using a heat detector. Per NFPA 72, the heat detector must be located within 24 in. of the sprinkler. Be advised if the heat detector is installed before the sprinkler, then it becomes our responsibility to ensure the sprinkler is located within 24 in. of the heat detector.

The sprinkler is also required to have a higher temperature rating than the heat detector. This helps ensure that the power is disconnected prior to the discharge of water.

However, if you are required to use a waterflow switch as the method for a shunt trip, then be aware of the requirements of NFPA 72. If pressure or waterflow switches are used to actuate the disconnecting means for elevator power shutdown, the use of devices with time-delay capability shall NOT be permitted.

Most waterflow switches are equipped with a timer retard on them from 0 to 90 seconds. This is so that when the system experiences a water surge, we can set a time delay to avoid false alarms. However, per the requirements of NFPA 72, the device used for a shunt trip cannot have any retard capabilities. So, you cannot use a standard waterflow switch with the retard set

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to 0. Most manufacturers provide a waterflow switch with zero retard capabilities. It is normally identified by the switch model, with the words “no retard,” “without retard,” or some other identifying means.

Let’s look at elevator machine rooms. In more recent editions of NFPA 13, an allowance has been added to omit sprinklers from the elevator machine room, subject to certain stipulations. If sprinklers are installed in an elevator machine room, it is subject to the same shunt trip requirements mentioned above. Also, depending on which edition of the standard you are using, sprinklers installed in the machine room, as well as the hoistway, are required to be standard response. Ensure you review the edition you are working from for these requirements. There is also a more common type seen these days, the “Machine Room Less” elevator, noted by the abbreviation MRL. With these types of elevators, the controlling equipment is built into the elevator, not requiring a separate room. Be aware there is also an MRL elevator for hydraulic elevators that has the controlling equipment located at the bottom of the shaft with the hydraulic equipment. Previously, installing the sprinkler in the bottom of a hydraulic elevator shaft did not normally require any type of shunt trip as the water would not discharge onto any of the controlling equipment. With this new type, water certainly will get on the controlling equipment and then subject you to the shunt trip requirement.

Now that we understand the above, it’s time to look at the final pieces of information that we need to answer the two questions—elevator types and elevator uses. Although you will

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45

find myriad elevator types listed in the elevator code, it only comes down to two for our purposes—the “hydraulic” elevator and the “suspension” elevator.

A hydraulic elevator is exactly as it sounds: a power elevator in which the energy is applied by means of a liquid under pressure in a hydraulic jack. Now, the hydraulic type of elevator is the one elevator that almost always trumps all allowances for omission. At a minimum, you will have a sprinkler in the elevator pit not more than 24 in. above the floor, and if present, one in the machine room. I say almost always because there is an allowance for omission if the hydraulic fluid is not combustible. Good luck finding an elevator that utilizes non-combustible fluid.

The suspension-type elevator is pretty much as it sounds as well. It is a type of elevator that has the car suspended within the hoistway. Once again, depending on the edition of NFPA 13 you are using, you may or may not see references to a suspension-type elevator. This one requires a little bit more of a deep dive to determine if the suspension means is combustible or not. If the suspension is combustible, e.g., a noncircular elastomeric-coated or polyurethane-coated steel belt, then sprinklers are required at the top and bottom of the shaft. The noncircular steel belt referenced looks kind of like a tread on a tank and normally travels up and down along a track. There is an allowance for the omission of sprinklers at the top and bottom of the shaft if the suspension means provides not less than an FT-1 rating. I’ll save you the trouble.

The FT-1 is a vertical flame testing procedure that has the cable subjected to a 15-second test of a 3,000 BTU per hour flame five times. The finish conductor shall not convey flame or continue to burn for more than 60 seconds after five 15-second applications of the test flame.

This finally brings us to elevator uses. For many, many years, there were only two types of elevators.—the passenger elevator and the freight elevator. The passenger elevator is an elevator used primarily to carry persons other than the operator and persons necessary for loading and unloading (referencing the passengers and not material). For passenger-type elevators, the sprinkler at the top of the shaft is not required where the hoistway for passenger elevators is non-combustible or limited combustible, and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of the elevator code.

The freight elevator is an elevator used primarily for carrying freight and on which only the operator and the persons necessary for unloading and loading the freight are permitted to ride. With the freight elevator, there is no “get out of jail free card.” The sprinkler at the top of the shaft is required as there is no allowance in NFPA 13 as we have with the passenger elevator.

Following the tragedy of 9/11, we learned a hard lesson that we must get the occupants out more quickly and get America’s finest up and down the floors much faster! Therefore, we now have the Fire Service Access Elevator (FSAE) and

46 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

the Occupant Evacuation Elevator (OEE). The Fire Service Access Elevator is required when the building reaches more than 120 ft. The Occupant Evacuation Elevator is required when the building reaches over 420 ft. For our considerations, these are very easy. Sprinklers are not permitted in any elevator-related equipment, hoistway, machine rooms, etc.

These elevators even have the requirement of no power disconnect capabilities. The concern of getting water in these hoistways is so serious that there must be a means in place to prevent water from entering the hoistway. This could be some form of dam, or I have even seen the floor of the elevator lobby sloped to the middle, away from the elevators. Folks, let’s please do our due diligence on identifying these.

In order to understand elevator operation, you must be aware of the phase recall system. There are two recalls, Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 recall moves the elevator to a designated floor or to an alternate should that floor be on fire. This can be done manually using a key or automatically if there is a fire in the building. (Pro tip: The recall floor may not be the same as the one you entered the elevator on.) The next time you are in an elevator, look at the panel; there will be a star next to one of the numbers. That is the recall floor. Phase 2 recall is when a firefighter takes manual control of the elevator after a Phase 1 recall has been initiated. We’ve all seen the little firefighter helmet light in elevators. If that little red helmet starts flashing, it tells the operator that water discharge is imminent. The shunt trip will activate, power will be lost to that elevator if sprinklers have been provided, and water will get on the equipment.

Requirements for elevators and fire sprinklers are constantly being discussed. Keep an eye open for any upcoming changes.

I will end with this. There are as many types of elevators as there are fire sprinklers. If you get a project and see that it has elevators, request the elevator submittal data. I recommend that you submit a Request for Information (RFI) so that it is contractually linked. Again, please contact the AHJ and the fire department in which this project is located and talk with them before work begins. n EDITOR’S NOTE: The requirements for sprinklers in elevators are proposed to be modified for the 2025 edition of NFPA 13. The proposed language states that sprinklers are not required in the pits of elevators, regardless of the elevator type. The sprinkler at the top of the hoistway is also permitted to be omitted in hydraulic and non-hydraulic elevators, except for combustible suspension elevators not passing an FT-1 test in accordance with UL 2556.

The 2025 edition of NFPA 13 is currently in the second draft phase, and proposed changes can be withdrawn, modified, and/or accepted as currently written.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matthew J. Willis is the engineering manager for the southwest region of Ferguson Fire Design, LLC, A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, LLC. He is a long-time frequent contributor to the AFSA SprinklerFORUM and an alternate committee member for NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols. Willis is a member of NFPA, ASCET, and an adjunct faculty member of the Fire Sprinkler Academy.

INCREASING AWARENESS ABOUT FIRE SPRINKLERS “SECOND CHANCE” CONTEST AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

T

he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce the five college students nationwide who have won a scholarship through the association’s online scholarship program, www.afsascholarship.org/secondchance. These national winners were randomly selected from 13,000 students who entered to receive a one-time $1,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university, or trade school.

This online scholarship contest awards five $1,000 prizes. The five national winners for 2023 are Kiara Cartwright, Maple Heights, Ohio; Mary Krupla, Berea, Ohio; Christian Nesselrodte, Martinsburg, West Virginia; Laura Restrepo Posada, Austin, Texas; and Ethan Swords, Santa Clarita, California.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a current student enrolled at a college, university, or trade school. Applicants are required to read a passage about fire sprinklers—which describes their history, how they operate to save lives and property, 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 five $1,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible.

The 2024 Second Chance Contest will open January 1 through August 31, 2024. For more details, visit www. afsascholarship.org/secondchance.

AFSA’s Public Education & Awareness Committee have sought to promote the scholarship contests outside of the fire sprinkler industry in the hope of reaching students who may otherwise never have recognized the importance of automatic fire protection. These students have no doubt learned the life- and propertysaving benefits of automatic fire sprinkler systems. The hope is that they will carry this education with them throughout their lives and share the message with others.

AFSA scholarships are open to U.S. citizens and legal residents and are not based on financial need or grade point average (GPA). For details or to apply for either scholarship, visit www.afsascholarship.org. n

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIORS While put on hold for the 2022-2023 school year, AFSA will once again sponsor a scholarship contest for 2023-2024 high school seniors. To enter, an applicant must be a current senior planning to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school in the fall. Students are required to complete the same online contest as the Second Chance entrants. For each question answered correctly, the student receives one entry into a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible. The contest is open now through December 31, 2023. More details are available online at www.afsascholarship.org/high-school-contest.

RAISING AWARENESS AFSA is proud of the success of its online scholarship contests. Since the program’s creation in 1996, members of SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

47

VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP A LOOK AT AFSA’S DUES STRUCTURE

A

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

s most of you know, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Board of Directors added new categories to our dues structure in 2022, following a 20-percent increase in 2020. AFSA had only increased dues one time in the prior 20 years, but it was made clear to our staff that a 20-percent jump was not very popular.

The decision to create additional categories introduced in January of 2022 was primarily driven by the mergers and acquisitions activity, which resulted in a loss of dues revenue for AFSA in excess of $250,000. This was the unintentional consequence of larger member firms who were already paying the maximum dues rate, purchasing smaller companies whose dues then disappeared. It was also decided that rather than hit the membership with periodic large dues increases, we would implement small increases each year to keep pace with rising costs of labor, facilities, and general expenses. I hope you will agree this

is a reasonable rate of increase to keep our high-level services consistent as inflation and the cost of everything increases yearly.

That said, we did not implement any increase for 2023 in consideration of the fact that some members had not yet begun to pay dues based on the newly created additional categories.

Our member renewal dates are based on the month your company joined, and renewals occur throughout the year, so some company dues do not change until the third or fourth quarter. I want to reiterate that AFSA dues are self-reported, based on your top-line volume, and not audited. We always ask our members to re-evaluate their tier status upon renewal so we may continue to provide best-in-class services and training programs to support you and your company’s growth.

DUES INCREASE IN 2024 Beginning in January 2024, AFSA will increase dues across the board at a rate of three percent annually. (See Table 1.) All things considered, we hope our members will agree that membership in AFSA is now and has always been a wise and worthy investment in our industry as a whole and a value-added benefit to each of you. Although “dues” sounds like you are paying your membership to a gym or subscription to a streaming service, consider AFSA as an investment into you and your business.

We are considering prorating dues at some point to move all renewal dates to January 1 of each year. That would mean your 2024 dues would renew through year-end regardless of your current renewal month, so everyone’s renewal in 2025 would be January 1. New members joining would start their dues on a prorated basis for the year they join and become renewed each January 1 thereafter. Members joining or having renewal dates after July would have the option to pay the prorated amount plus the following full year, with a discounted rate (2 percent) to make things simple. This potential change would help AFSA staff plan accordingly and spend less time each month addressing renewals, sending invoices, and chasing receivables, allowing us to focus on expanding membership and providing support programs.

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS There are so many benefits to AFSA membership for contractors and associates that they can’t all be listed within this article. But some of those benefits include the following: • Technical Resources—Free Technical Reviews are one of the most valuable technical resources for members. They are written interpretations available from the Engineering & Technical

48 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Services Department, on any subject related to automatic fire sprinklers. Use this benefit as an extension of your design staff.

Members have reported paying for their annual dues based on the savings from one Technical Review!

• Education & Training—AFSA’s membership benefits include substantial discounts and access to the best in education and training in the industry.

• Networking—Actively participate in the association through local chapters, committees, educational opportunities, and the convention. Your involvement can help create a better informed and educated member experience.

• AFSA Convention & Exhibition—AFSA holds the largest fire sprinkler industry convention and exhibition in North America. In addition to presenting the latest in products and technology, the convention includes a wide variety of industry-related business and technical seminars.

• Public Relations/Industry Promotion—AFSA works within the industry and the media to promote fire safety and awareness of the value of fire sprinklers in saving lives and property.

• Discounts—As an AFSA member, you will receive a discount on all products and services, including technical reference products,

seminars, training courses, and convention registration. Exclusive members-only discounts on NFPA standards.

• Legislation—AFSA acts as your liaison with other associations involved in fire safety, government agencies that can affect your business environment, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

• Legal Consultation—All AFSA members are entitled to a free, initial legal consultation over the phone with a nationally known attorney who specializes in labor litigation.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU We would appreciate your feedback on this proposal prior to the implementation of any proposed changes. I am always happy to hear from you; feel free to email me at bcaputo@firesprinkler.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Caputo, CFPS, is president of AFSA. He currently serves as chair of NFPA 24/291 Private Water Supply Piping Systems committee and as an alternate member of NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Installation Criteria committee. Caputo has written and presented seminars throughout the world and has developed AFSA and NFPA education and training materials.

AFSA Membership Dues (Contractor & Associates) Dues are for Annual Year Dues Category

Annual Gross Sales

2023 Dues Amount

New Dues Amount (3% Increase)

Category 1

Less than $500,000

$1,200.00

$1,236.00

Category 2

$500,000 - $999,999

$1,584.00

$1,631.52

Category 3

$1,000,000 - $2,999,999

$2,376.00

$2,447.28

Category 4

$3,000,000 - $4,999,999

$3,168.00

$3,263.04

Category 5

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

$4,620.00

$4,758.60

Category 6

$10,000,000 - $14,999,999

$6,600.00

$6,798.00

Category 7

$15,000,000 - $19,999,999

$9,900.00

$10,197.00

Category 8

$20,000,000 - $24,999,999

$13,200.00

$13,596.00

Category 9

$25,000,000 - $29,999,999

$19,80.00

$20,394.00

Category 10

$30,000,000 - $49,999,999

$26,400.00

$27,192.00

Category 11

$50,000,000 - $74,999,999

$30,000.00

$30,900.00

Category 12

$75,000,000 - $99,999,999

$32,000.00

$32,960.00

Category 13

$100,000,000 - $124,999,999

$34,000.00

$35,020.00

Category 14

$125,000,000 - $149,999,999

$36,000.00

$37,080.00

Category 15

$150,000,000 - $174,999,999

$38,000.00

$39,140.00

Category 16

$175,000,000 - $199,999,999

$40,000.00

$41,200.00

Category 17

$200,000,000 - $249,999,999

$42,000.00

$43,260.00

Category 18

$250,000,000 - $299,999,999

$44,000.00

$45,320.00

Category 19

$300,000,000 - $349,999,999

$46,000.00

$47,380.00

Category 20

$350,000,000 - $399,999,999

$48,000.00

$49,440.00

Category 21

$400,000,000 or more

$50,000.00

$51,500.00

Table 1. AFSA membership dues for 2024 will increase three percent.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

49

HIGHER STANDARDS

O

ver the last few months, there have been several technical committee meetings for standards that our members use or will use every day. In just one week, in fact, AFSA participated in a pre-first draft meeting for the 2027 edition of NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures, a second draft meeting for the 2025 edition of NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, a first draft meeting for the 2026 edition of NFPA 770, Standard on Hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire-Extinguishing Systems, and the inaugural first draft meeting for the proposed NFPA 200, Standard for Hanging and Bracing of Fire Suppression Systems.

And, if that wasn’t enough, NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, held its first draft meeting for the 2026 edition.

Throughout my career, I have learned the most during technical committee meetings. This is where new ideas and new technologies are first introduced, arguments are made to justify support or opposition to proposed changes, positions are changed based on the merits of those arguments, and the true intent of requirements is hashed out. Technical committee meetings provide a different perspective, and due to the open nature of the NFPA standards development process, I would encourage all who are able to attend and listen to the discussion.

While it was a hectic couple of weeks, AFSA staff represented our membership in every technical meeting. Through the review of the public inputs and public comments, as well as the discussions during the meetings, here are the key takeaways from each meeting: NFPA 88A—There is no prescriptive approach for parking structure hazard classification … yet.

Everyone wants parking structures to fit into a perfect cookiecutter mold for hazard classification, but there are a lot of unanswered questions about having a one-size-fits-all approach. Are there going to be electric vehicles present? If so, will there be charging stations? Is the parking structure self-parking, valet parking, or automated? Each choice will change the fire risk in the structure and really should be considered by a responsible design professional. Be on the lookout for the phase two report from the Fire Protection Research Foundation, which should answer some of these questions.

NFPA 20—Fire pump motors are oversized, and the requirements incentivize inefficient design, but no one knows why.

NFPA 20 requires that motors provide the required power to operate the pump at any flow condition—even though NFPA 20 also limits the available flow for design to 150 percent capacity. There have been public inputs and public comments over the last few cycles to reduce the power requirements on fire pump motors, but the proposals have been rejected each time with little or no technical substantiation. Stay tuned for possible actions that will take place at the 2024 Technical Meeting to address this issue.

NFPA 770—See manufacturer’s instructions.

Hybrid systems are still relatively new to the industry, and to be accepted internationally, an installation standard was needed. If you

50 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

read the document closely, the majority of the requirements for system design and installation still rely heavily on the listing and the manufacturer’s instructions.

NFPA 200—Does this document really need to cover all hanging and bracing requirements for water-based systems?

Prior to the establishment of the NFPA 200 technical committee, each individual water-based fire protection system was left to its own devices to develop hanging and bracing requirements. NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has its own hanging and bracing committee and derived specific hanging requirements from established industry standards and simplified seismic design for sprinkler systems based on ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. For most of the other systems, the committees punted and simply stated, “hang and brace in accordance with NFPA 13,” and NFPA 200 is needed to prescribe appropriate requirements for those systems. But what about NFPA 20 and NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection, which already have fully developed requirements? Does NFPA 200 really need to extract those requirements just to have them extracted back into their originating document? This is something to discuss and consider for the public comment phase.

NFPA 25—Can the AHJ really do whatever they want?

One of my least favorite tropes said during meetings is, “The AHJ can do whatever they want.” This is not 100 percent true.

AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) play a vital role in the fire protection ecosystem and are the last line of defense to make sure that the requirements in codes and standards are being applied correctly, but the AHJ does not have free reign to “do whatever they want.” Code enforcement is just that—enforcing the minimum codes and standards (plus any local amendments that go through the legislative process). I think there is a misconception that the equivalency section in Chapter 1 provides the AHJ absolute power, but equivalency should be documented and substantiated to the AHJ so that they can make the final call.

There is no end to the changes occurring in our codes and standards as technologies, means, and methods continue to evolve.

The standard development process continues with each new edition.

AFSA looks forward to 2024, when we will reestablish the Technical Advisory Council to get our members more involved in the NFPA standards development process and shape the development of the codes and standards so that they benefit our membership base. n

KEVIN HALL,M.ENG, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE AFSA SENIOR MANAGER OF ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL SERVICES

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES CAN YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE? AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department staff present technical challenges here for you and your co-workers.

These exercises are also excellent preparation for professional certification tests and may count as CEUs. Check with your certification organization. Answers to this issue’s questions will be presented in the next issue.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ANSWERS The following questions are based on NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 edition.

1. What term is defined as “a water control valve that is held in the closed position by the system gas pressure exposed to the surface area on the air/nitrogen side of the clapper where such surface area is larger than the surface area on the water supply, with an intermediate chamber between the two surface areas that is open to atmosphere”? NFPA 13, 2022 Edition Section 3.3.235.4.1 A. Dry pipe valve B. Mechanical deluge valve C. Differential dry pipe valve D. Mechanical dry pipe valve 2. What statement is correct for a 4-in. incoming riser check assembly? NFPA 13, 2022 Edition Section 16.10.4 A. The main drain valve size shall be 2 in.

B. The main drain valve size shall be 11/2 in. or larger.

C. The main drain valve size shall be 2 in. or larger.

D. The main drain valve size shall be based on the incoming

static pressure. For static pressure less than or equal to

100 psi, a 2-in. valve is required. For static pressure over

100 psi, a 21/2-in. valve is required.

3. Listed indicating control valves shall not close less than _________ when operated at maximum possible speed from the fully open position? NFPA 13, 2022 Edition Section 7.6.1 A. 5 seconds B. 15 seconds C. 30 seconds D. 60 seconds 4. Check valves shall be installed with flow in what direction?

NFPA 13-2022 Edition, Section 16.9.4.4 A. In the vertical up or horizontal position in accordance

with their listing.

B. In any direction their listing allows.

C. Any direction as long as the check valve incorporates a

spring in the clapper assembly.

D. Only in the vertical up position in accordance with their listing.

5. A water control valve is defined as a valve that activates to allow water flow to a water-based fire protection system.

Which of the following are examples of these valves? NFPA 13-2022 Edition, Section A.3.3.235.4 A. Deluge, preaction, and dry B. Deluge, dry, and control C. Preaction, dry, and control D. Deluge, preaction, check, dry, and control

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER QUESTIONS The following questions are based on NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022 edition.

1. When a waterflow test is used for the system design, how current must the waterflow test data be when submitted with the working plans?

A. Within 6 months of the working plan submittal date B. Within 12 months of the working plan submittal date C. Within 18 months of the working plan submittal date D. Within 24 months of the working plan submittal date 2. Which of the following are the requirements for the pressure gauges used in a waterflow test?

A. Must be listed and calibrated within one year B. Must be approved and calibrated within one year C. Must be listed and calibrated within six months D. None of the above 3. Who is required to provide the water supply information for the design of a sprinkler system, including any necessary adjustments?

A. Building owner B. AHJ C. Sprinkler contractor D. Engineer of record 4. Which of the following is TRUE with regard to static pressure in a typical city water main?

A. It represents a condition of zero flow through the water main.

B. It represents a condition with normal domestic

waterflow through the main, but zero hydrant flow.

C. It represents a condition with both normal domestic

waterflow and hydrant flow.

D. It represents a condition with hydrant flow but zero

domestic waterflow through the main.

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

51

CHAPTER NEWS LOUISIANA (LFSA)

The 16th annual LFSA golf tournament was a blazing success. It was a good thing we had sprinkler contractors on site! A glorious $10,000 was raised and donated to two non-profits. Camp I’m Still Me received $5,000, and the Ochsner LSU Health Burn Center received $5,000. Thank you to all for supporting and making a difference for these organizations.

Below are the golf tournament results: • 1st Place – Louisiana Fire Extinguisher – Blake Clack, Eric Clack, David Jacobson, and Zoey Lee • 2nd place – Baton Rouge Windustrial – Bill Dow, David Nungarey, Perry Starks, and Joe Sturtz • 3rd Place – Fire Tech Systems – Linda Biernacki, Alan Porreca, David Stone, and Danna Wells • Closest to the Pin - Blake Clack with Louisiana Fire Extinguisher • Longest Drive – Ladies – Connie McCurdy; Men’s - Zack Duncan A huge thank you to all of our sponsors: • Presenting Sponsor– Louisiana Fire Extinguisher • Diamond Sponsors – BRASSCO, Fire Tech Systems, Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, Reliable, Victaulic • Gold Sponsor – Baton Rouge Windustrial • Lunch Sponsors – Frymaster, Potter Signal • Closest to the Pin – Austin Fire Systems • Longest Drive – ACS-ES The last meeting of 2023 was held at the St. George Fire District Compound. on October 17. With 50 members and guests present, LFSA President Randy Laguna announced the tournament winners and discussed the opportunity to serve on the LFSA board. Ricky Robique with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office gave an update on the electronic tagging rollout timeline.

Saltwater intrusion affecting fire sprinkler systems has become a concern, and the issue was reviewed with the membership, including processes and procedures, in case this becomes an issue. LFSA thanks AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS, for his input.

After the meeting, several members stayed behind for a tour of the St. George Fire District and were very impressed with this state-of-the-art facility, which includes fire truck simulators, a burn building, a repair shop,

indoor/outdoor training areas, a 911 call center, and the symbolic fire pole. Thanks to Boyd Petty and the St. George team members for facilitating our meeting and giving the VIP tour.

LFSA has scheduled its 2024 meeting dates for January 30, April 23, and July 23. The golf tournament will be held on October 28. For more information on LFSA or its activities, contact Chapter Executive Director Ellen Ballard at EBallard@firetechsystems.com or visit lafiresprinkler.org. n

1 Photos 1: Ochsner LSU Health Burn Center was one of the $5,000 recipients from LFSA. Photos 2-4, from top to bottom: Winners of the LFSA Golf Tournament included First Place—Louisiana Fire Extinguisher, Second Place—Baton Rouge Windustrial team, and Third Place—Fire Tech Systems.

52 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

2

3

4

AFSA NEWS ANDRESEN EARNS WBITM CERTIFICATION

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce that Eric Andresen, technical training specialist, has received WaterBased ITM certification (WBITAM) from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The WBITM certification is a valuable credential confirming an advanced understanding and ability to independently perform the complete range of inspection, testing, and maintenance tasks on water-based ANDRESEN fire protection systems. To earn the certification, candidates must have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience, obtain an attestation from a supervisor or employer, and pass the exam.

“This is a high honor and shows his knowledge to our students,” says John A. Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, vice president of AFSA’s Engineering and Technical Services Department. “Congratulations, Eric!”

AFSA STAFF APPOINTED TO NFPA TECHNICAL COMMITTEES

The following appointments to NFPA Technical Committees were made at the NFPA Standard’s Council Meeting: • Correlating Committee on Automatic Sprinkler Systems (AUTAAA) – Kevin Hall (Alternate)

• Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Systems (INM-AAA) – Josh McDonald (Principal) • Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Systems (INM-AAA) – Kevin Hall (Alternate) • Remote Inspections (REI-AAA) – Josh McDonald (Alternate) • Testing and Maintenance of Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems (SIG-TMS) – Josh McDonald (Principal) • Testing and Maintenance of Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems (SIG-TMS) – John Denhardt (Alternate) Currently, AFSA has 116 seats (principal and alternate) on 54 NFPA Technical Committees covering 44 NFPA documents.

AFSA43 CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

Want to be part of the excitement at AFSA43? Become an AFSA43 presenter! AFSA43 will be held in Denver, Colorado, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center from September 1821, 2024.

Submit your seminar proposal(s) by December 31, 2023. The AFSA technical services team and the AFSA convention committee will review your submission(s). There is no limit to the number of submissions you may enter. Selections will be determined by February 15, 2024. To submit your proposal, visit https://fs8.formsite. com/AFSA/zcnztotr7x/index. n

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53

AFSA CHAPTERS ALABAMA

Lee Seewald – Pres.

202-252-5101 Greg Willis – Exec. Dir. 334-567-4257

ARIZONA

Jason Williams – Chair 480-421-8411

ARKANSAS

Dennis Morrall – Chair 901-734-4796 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-461-3863

CAROLINAS

Jason Graham – Chair 919-533-2356 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

CHESAPEAKE BAY

Jason Martin – Chair 410-286-3314 Danielle Fowler – Exec. Dir. 410-972-1122

COLORADO

GREATER KANSAS CITY

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

NEW ENGLAND

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

DALLASFORT WORTH

Skyler Bilbo – Chair 217-342-2242 Mitch Bortner – Vice Chair 206-348-0078

FLORIDA

Bob DiModica - Chair 239-514-7155 Jessica Cox – Exec. Dir. 813-784-3624

LOUISIANA

Randy Laguna – Chair 504-464-6236 ext 224 Ellen Ballard – Exec. Dir. 318-688-8800

GEORGIA

Allen Cagle – Chair 770-554-5285 Tracy Williams – Exec. Dir. 770-355-0774

MICHIGAN

Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair 616-784-1644

GREATER BAY AREA Dave Karrick – Chair 925-417-5550 Alicia Karrick – Exec. Dir. 510-398-9185

MINNESOTADAKOTAS

Marc Huag – Chair 701-232-7008 Tina Hoff – Exec. Dir. 701-709-1899

Jordan Hopkins – Chair Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

NEW JERSEY

ILLINOIS-INDIANA

CJ Bonczyk – Chair 817-529-1693

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Lisa DiRienzo – Chair 508-298-2134 John DiRienzo – Exec. Dir. Thomas Bowlby, Jr. – Chair 908-226-5313 Victor Lugo – Exec. Dir. 201-635-0400

SAN DIEGO

Mark Scott – Chair 619-778-2377 Rhonda Gudger – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600

NEW MEXICO

Paul Chavez – Chair 505-898-9197 Jeriod Towery – Vice Chair 505-410-4007

SCHUYLKILL

Christopher Campion, Jr. – Chair 732-798-0911 Meaghen Wills – Exec. Dir. 610-754-7836

OHIO

Scott Huber – Exec. Dir. 513-942-1500

SOUTH CAROLINA

Tyler Blume – Chair 864-909-2643 Ashley McAdams – Exec. Dir. 864-561-4088

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Chris Russell – Chair 360-734-4940 Ron Greenman – Exec. Dir. 253-576-9700

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Jeff Bridges – Chair 941-413-0526 Vahe Zohrabian – Exec. Dir., Treasurer 818-822-1797

TENNESSEE

Casey Milhorn – Chair 615-349-5278 David Pulliam– Exec. Dir. 901-484-0605

UPSTATE NEW YORK Justin Petcosky – Chair 607-296-7969

UTAH ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair 385-630-8064 Brent Heiner – Exec. Dir. 801-544-0363

VIRGINIA

Bob Beckwith – Chair 540-659-4675 Steve McGee – Exec. Dir. 757-544-0520

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS

OKLAHOMA AFFILIATE

ofsa.info Tim Hollon – Pres.

918-851-2416

TEXAS AFFILIATE

fscatx.org David Stone – Pres.

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

Pacific

Northw

est

Sacramento Valley Greater Bay

Michigan

Utah

Southern California

San Diego

d n er lan rth Eng o Upstate N w e New York N Patriot Connecticut New Jersey Schuylkill

Minnesota-Dakotas

Arizona

Colorado

New Mexico

Indiana-Illinois

Greater Kansas City Oklahoma (Affiliate)

Arkansas

Dallas Fort Worth

Alabama Louisiana

Chesapeake Bay Virginia Carolinas

South Carolina Georgia gia

a

id or

Fl

Texas (Affiliate)

Tennessee

Ohio

54 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

AFSA NEW MEMBERS New members as of November 13, 2023

CONTRACTORS

Amptec International Corporation, Edmonton, AB, Canada Ash Arabia Co. Ltd., Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia Blackwater Fire Suppression, Manchester, NH Builders Fire Solutions LLC, Warrenton, VA Burke Fire LLC, Asbury Park, NJ Code Red Fire Systems LLC, Billerica, MA Comprehensive Fire Technologies, Chester Springs, PA Ethos Fire Protection, LLC, Zanesville, OH Fire & Life Safety Consultants, LLC, San Marcos, CA Fireaway LLC, Oxford, GA Four Feathers Alarm, Denison, TX Genesis Endeavors LLC, Kilgore, TX Hydro Flow Fire Protection, Inc, Newton, NJ Kentucky Fire Protection LLC, Nicholasville, KY Mar Vet Fire Protection, Desert Hot Springs, CA Mazuga Fire Protection NV, Oranjestad, AW, Aruba Phillips Fire & Life Safety LLC, Kingwood, TX Precision Pump & Controls Inc., Hudson, FL Thames Valley Fire Protection LLC, Canterbury, CT

ASSOCIATES AWL Automation, Spartanburg, SC Hydra-Tap, Sandy, OR UtilizeCore, New York, NY

DESIGNERS

Patriceo Green Desgins, Severn, MD Solera Consulting, LLC, Bend, OR

AHJS

Wilfred Alvarado, Orlando, FL Marc Ascencio, Wahiawa, HI Jeremy Ashley, Fayetteville, AR Ferdinand Baguso, Wahiawa, HI Parker Barnes, Wheatland, CA Christopher Bird, Huntington Beach, CA Bryan Booth, Orlando, FL Joshua Bossle, Fort Lauderdale, FL Jennifer Brand, Orlando, FL Daniel Caballero, Homestead, FL Kevin Carpio, San Marcos, TX Martha Casas, Miami, FL Cameron Chapman, Tillar, AR Jack-Luis Charles, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bertrand Chen, Brampton, ON Michael Connors, Brookfield, CT Brian Cook, Long Beach, CA Raul Cosme, Fort Lauderdale, FL Thomas Courchesne, San Marcos, TX Allen Cravey, Goose Creek, SC Brad Cronin, Plympton, MA Lindsay Davidson, Auburn, CA Joseph Davila, St Charles, IL Warren Dix, Orlando, FL Willem Felder, Simi Valley, CA Kevin Fore, Powhatan, VA Savannah Fuentes, HHI, SC Peter Googins, Portland, ME Ryan Grant, Toledo, OH David Hill, Renton, WA Darrell Hinton, Chattanooga, TN William Jackson, Chattanooga, TN David Johnson, Los Angeles, CA Kevin Jones, Henderson, NV Fernando Katayama, Lima, OH Kevin Kimple, Moundsville, WV Ruben Martinez, Fort Lauderdale, FL Jennifer Massanova, Fort Lauderdale, FL William McGough, Land O Lakes, FL Timothy Megee, Charleston, SC Russell Moore, Orlando, FL

Noorun Nahar, Stockton, CA James Powell, Orlando, FL Norberto Ramos, Wahiawa, HI Timothy Reger, Fort Lauderdale, FL Susanna Robbins, Orlando, FL Matt Samhat, Northville, MI Timothy Schwarting, Leesburg, VA Alvin Sims, Orlando, FL Joseph Szewczyk, Orlando, FL John Szucs, South Bend, IN Kirk Walker, Van Nuys, CA Kylie White, Brampton, ON Mark Williams, Orlando, FL Jonathan Winningham, Orangeburg, SC Michael Wright, Apison, TN William Young, San Marcos, TX

SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

55

U.S. CONSTRUCTION REPORTS CONSTRUCTION STARTS DROP 6 PERCENT AS FEWER MEGAPROJECTS MOVE FORWARD

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION INCREASE IN AUGUST DUE TO INFLUX OF NONRESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION STARTS Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate Sep 2023 Aug 2023 Nonresidential Building $ 459,429 $ 479,970 Residential Building $ 394,123 $ 419,842 Nonbuilding Construction $ 344,801 $ 377,079 Total Construction $1,198,353 $1,276,891

MONTHLY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT VALUE Millions of Dollars, Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate Aug 2023 Jul 2023 Nonresidential Building $ 475,125 $ 339,933 Residential Building $ 418,029 $ 422,231 Nonbuilding Construction $ 379,758 $ 441,972 Total Construction $1,272,913 $1,204,136

Total construction starts fell 6 percent in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.2 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential starts lost 4 percent, residential starts declined 6 percent, and nonbuilding starts fell 9 percent.

Year-to-date through September 2023, total construction starts were 3 percent below that of 2022. Residential and nonresidential starts were down 17 percent and 7 percent, respectively; however, nonbuilding starts were up 25 percent on a year-to-date basis. For the 12 months ending September 2023, total construction starts were unchanged. Nonbuilding starts were 22 percent higher, and nonresidential building starts gained 3 percent. Conversely, on a 12-month rolling basis, residential starts posted a 16 percent decline.

“Risks continue to mount for the construction sector,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network. “Over the last 12 months, construction starts have essentially froze as rates increased and credit tightened. The industry needs further adjusting as rates are expected to stay higher for longer, along with the potential for higher energy costs and continued political uncertainty. A return to broadbased growth in construction starts is still some time away.” n

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

Nonresidential Building Residential Building Nonbuilding Construction Total Construction

% Change -4 -6 -9 -6

Total construction starts rose 6 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.3 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential starts rose 40 percent thanks to a large pickup in manufacturing and transportation buildings. Residential and nonbuilding starts fell 1 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

Year-to-date through August 2023, total construction starts were 5 percent below that of 2022. Residential and nonresidential starts were down 18 percent and 9 percent, respectively; however, nonbuilding starts were up 22 percent. For the 12 months ending August 2023, total construction starts were unchanged. Nonbuilding starts were 20 percent higher, and nonresidential building starts gained 6 percent.

Conversely, on a 12-month rolling basis, residential starts posted a 17 percent decline overall.

“Despite the August gain, the construction sector is running uphill,” said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network.

“Fear of an imminent recession seems to have abated, which should provide a boost of confidence to the sector. However, higher interest rates, labor shortages and significantly tighter lending standards will weigh down starts in the final quarter of the year. This will persist for the foreseeable future, lasting until interest rates start to move lower.” n

Prepared by Dodge Data & Analytics

THE DODGE INDEX (2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) September 2023......................253 August 2023.............................270

THE DODGE INDEX (2000=100, Seasonally Adjusted) August 2023........................269 July 2023.............................255

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, in Millions of Dollars 9 Mos. 2023 9 Mos.2022 $ 302,442 $ 325,129 $ 276,225 $ 331,473 $ 242,347 $ 194,130 $ 821,014 $ 850,731

YEAR-TO-DATE CONSTRUCTION STARTS Unadjusted Totals, in Millions of Dollars 8 Mos. 2023 8 Mos. 2022 $ 262,806 $ 287,824 $ 245,001 $ 299,268 $ 214,400 $ 175,276 $ 722,207 $ 762,268

56 SPRINKLER AGE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

% Change -7 -17 25 -3

Nonresidential Building Residential Building Nonbuilding Construction Total Construction

% Change 40 -1 -14 6

% Change -9 -18 22 -5

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Chief Matthew Schofield, Jefferson City Fire Department and Turner presented Kittrell with the award during the City of Jefferson Council Meeting. Visit homefiresprinkler.org.

MEYERS PROMOTED VICE PRESIDENT—SALES

From l to r: Jason Turner nominated Kyle Kittrell for the NFPA/HFSC award.

KITTRELL RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Sprinkler Initiative and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) have awarded Kyle Kittrell, director at Transformational Housing, Jefferson City, Missouri, with the 2023 Bringing Safety Home Award. This award recognizes outstanding efforts by a safety advocate who diligently promotes the importance of home fire sprinklers. It honors fire safety advocates in North America who diligently promote the importance of home fire sprinklers and use HFSC educational material, NFPA data, and Fire Sprinkler Initiative resources to educate decision-makers about the importance of home fire sprinklers.

Jason Turner, division chief of prevention, Jefferson City Fire Department, nominated Kittrell because he was instrumental in convincing Habitat for Humanity to protect the 100-build home and future homes with fire sprinklers when he was a volunteer with the organization. Kittrell continued his mission in his current role as director at Transformational Housing. Kittrell educated about the lifesaving benefits of home fire sprinklers and had the overwhelming support of local contractors and worked hard to see sprinklers installed in projects completed by both organizations. As a result, occupants and first responders will be protected from fire.

Kittrell is the first award recipient who is not a member of the fire service. He spent his career working as a civil engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation. He had the opportunity to experience a live fire and sprinkler demonstration where two rooms were set on fire, one with a sprinkler. After he saw how quickly flashover occurred and how effectively the sprinkler controlled the fire, he was convinced people who live in the Habitat for Humanity Homes had to be protected.

“It is very powerful when someone who is not a member of the fire service hears about what they can do and becomes a true advocate,” said Lorraine Carli, HFSC president and NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy. “Kyle learned about sprinklers and used our educational resources to educate others from the organization. Now both occupants and firefighters are protected thanks to Kyle.”

As the Bringing Safety Home Award recipient, Kittrell was awarded a $1,000 stipend to further fire sprinkler advocacy and educational efforts. Fire

Viking SupplyNet announces the promotion of Matthew Meyers to the position of vice president— sales. In his new role, Meyers will assume expanded responsibilities for the entire United States sales team.

Meyers proudly served in the United States Air Force with Security Forces, earning multiple Air Force Achievement Medals and an Army Accommodation Medal during his three deployments in the Middle East. His dedication to excellence continued as he pursued higher education, obtaining a master’s degree in Business Administration (M.B.A) from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a specialization in Finance.

With a career spanning more than 20 years in the fire protection industry, Meyers’ tenure at Viking has been defined by his unwavering dedication as regional sales manager—South Central. He has consistently displayed a strategic approach and strong financial acumen, positioning him as a key driver of Viking SupplyNet’s future sales expansion. Visit supplynet.com. n

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PRODUCT NEWS

NIBCO ANNOUNCES BENCHPRESS® PRODUCT LINE EXPANSION

NIBCO INC. expands its line of carbon steel fittings to bring more press options for plumbing and mechanical carbon steel pipe applications, as well as fuel and gas carbon steel pipe applications. The BenchPress and BenchPressG fittings are designed for efficiency, with easy, clean and

fast installation, for a wider range of applications. The line features a patented fitting design that creates consistent joints, is flame free and environmentally friendly.

“This expansion increases our SKU count, allowing our customers to have more options when it comes to plumbing, mechanical, fuel and gas applications,” said Marilyn Morgan, senior product manager-metal fittings, NIBCO. “These heavyduty fittings feature stainless steel grip rings and separator rings to ensure premium performance.”

Available in 1/2-in. to 2-in. sizes, the BenchPress and BenchPressG fittings can be installed within seconds and require no threading

equipment and lubricants, while maintaining joint integrity and professional appearance.

Visit www.nibco.com/benchpress.

VIKING’S NEW K3.7 RESIDENTIAL CONCEALED PENDENT SPRINKLER

The Viking Corporation announces a new sprinkler to round out its robust residential concealed sprinkler offering. The cULus Listed VK495 K3.7 Residential Concealed Pendent provides sprinkler designers more options than ever before when dealing with the variability in water supplies seen in residential sprinkler systems.

“The low-flowing K3.7 sprinkler is optimized at the 14-ft x 14-ft coverage area flowing only 10 gpm at 7.3 psi,” states Darren Palmieri,

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

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Viking’s general manager —residential portfolio.

“The K3.7 fills out our residential concealed pendent line perfectly, as we already offer a K3.0, K4.9 and K5.8. We now offer concealed sprinklers that are optimized for all the most commonly used coverage areas, making Viking a one-stop-shop for sprinkler designers.”

Viking’s glass bulb VK495 is available in brass or an Electroless Nickel PTFE (ENT) coating for applications in which corrosion might be of concern. The sprinkler is cULus Listed and has an Ordinary temperature rating of 155°F (68°C) and an Intermediate temperature rating of 200°F (93°C). Its protective cap prevents damage to the sprinkler during installation and ceiling finishing, and Viking’s line of cover plates offers multiple sizes, finishes and shapes. Visit vikinggroupinc.com or contact your local Viking SupplyNet.

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NFPA LAUNCHES STEPS TO SAFETY™ PREVENT FIRE AND FALLS AT HOME

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has announced the launch of Steps to Safety™ Prevent Fire and Falls at Home program, which serves as an update to Remembering When™: A Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults, the NFPA fire and falls prevention curriculum for older adults created some 25 years ago. Like Remembering When, Steps to Safety’s core messages and methods focus on risk reduction to falls and fires, while the updated program reflects changes in today’s social, physical, and technological landscape.

Steps to Safety is designed to be implemented by a coalition or community partnership comprised of the local fire department, health and social service agencies, service clubs, social and religious organizations, retirement communities, and others to deliver key fire and fall messages. Together, coalition/partner organizations can decide how to best approach the local senior population, leveraging local data, resources, and additional programs such as smoke alarm installation programs, lock box programs, grab bar installation services, and other wrap around services. Visit nfpa.org. n

Quality hydrotested Schedule 10 A795/ A135 Type E Grade A ERW steel pipe for new construction and retrofit fire sprinkler systems Pipe and Diameter Sizes: 1”- 2-1/2” Pipe Length Sizes: 10’ up to 21’ Available in beveled or grooved ends UL listed and FM approved Ask about our Schedule 40 Black Steel Pipe, Galvanized and Black Steel Nipples Fayette Pipe 2282 University Drive Lemont Furnace, PA 15456 724.438.7600 sales@fayettepipe.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS INSPECT POINT ACQUIRES FORMLINK

Inspect Point announces its acquisition of FormLink Systems. This strategic move will further solidify Inspect Point’s position as an industry leader while enhancing its ability to serve a broader range of fire protection professionals with innovative and efficient solutions.

Inspect Point and FormLink Systems have long shared a common vision of empowering fire protection professionals with the tools they need to streamline their workflow and ensure safety and compliance. With a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, both brands are dedicated to providing exceptional customer experiences and ensuring that fire protection professionals have the best-in-class tools to optimize their operations.

Inspect Point and FormLink Systems will continue to operate as separate products. Customers of both companies can expect uninterrupted service, ongoing support, and access to even more comprehensive features and capabilities in the future. Visit inspectpoint.com.

RIDGID® MARKS ITS 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH CELEBRATION

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, is celebrating a major milestone this year: 100 years of designing and building innovative tools trusted on jobsites around the world and handed down from generation to generation. On Saturday, July 29, the company commemorated the occasion by inviting employees past and present, along with their families, to an open house event filled with food, music, entertainment, children’s activities, plant tours, and more.

Nearly 1,000 employees, retirees, and their family members attended the festivities.

The festivities included a beer tent where adult guests could sample “RIDGID Wrenched 100 IPA,” a specialty beer developed in collaboration with Unplugged Brewing Company in Elyria. Families spent the day playing carnival games, inflatable darts, inflatable golf and taking rides on giant trikes while listening to live music. A highlight of

MICROBIM RELEASES MODERN FIRE SPRINKLER DESIGN TOOLBOX IN U.S.

MicroBIM announces the release of MicroBIM Fire (MBF), a comprehensive selection of software tools used inside of Revit for the lay-

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the open house included plant tours, where attendees learned about the company’s plans for expansion and their continued commitment to growth.

RIDGID has had a manufacturing presence in Ohio since the company was founded in 1923. The 27-acre complex in Elyria is the world headquarters for the brand’s operation and considered a hub for innovation with a recently renovated state-of-the-art shipping and receiving area that helps the company deliver products faster and more efficiently. Over the next several years, the company has plans for additional investments in the area, transforming the southeast corner of Elyria into a vertically integrated, automated manufacturing center of excellence. Visit RIDGID.com.

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NO AFSA member dues are deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.

To qualify for 2023, join or renew by DECEMBER 31 @ firesprinkler.org/join

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out, calculation, coordination, and stock listing of fire sprinkler systems, in the U.S. The company updated its software plugin for the CAD program Revit (Autodesk) for U.S. designers by converting the design tools from the metric system to the imperial measurement system.

MBFire Revit add-in tools provide everything needed for efficient system modeling, shop drawing documentation, interactive hydraulic calculations, and accurate stock listing for Fire System design and fabrication. The comprehensive collection of fire sprinkler design tools is used by a majority of the market in Australia and New Zealand, where the company is based. The software has already been implemented by users in the U.S., including Ferguson Fire Design, a large fire sprinkler design firm that is part of Ferguson Fire & Fabrication, one of the largest supplier to the fire sprinkler industry. MicroBIM Fire capabilities: • Converts AutoCAD drawings into a fire model ready for coordination and fabrication quickly and efficiently.

• Automatically generates 3D fire models, saving man hours with automatic sprinkler layout and pipe routing tools.

• Simple hydraulic calculator performs live hydraulic calculations in Revit.

• Creates node drawings and input files automatically that can be opened in Hyena and FHC Canute.

• Provides 3D views of selected sprinklers and hose valves in operation.

• Optimizes calculation results with an interactive calculation engine, without leaving Revit.

• Effective space analysis tools help designers create spaces per architectural models, with room names and numbers.

• Generates a below ceiling or exposed sprinkler layouts, as well as concealed space sprinkler layouts, by analyzing architectural and structural Revit models.

• Automatically connects selected sprinklers to the nearest selected main.

• Create quick and accurate fabrication and material stock lists.

Visit microbim.net..

FIRE PROTECTION RESEARCH FOUNDATION RECEIVES GRANTS

The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) has received grant funding for five projects. Two projects are being funded by

the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is funding one project.

• FEMA Assistance to Firefighters (AFG): “Understanding the Role of Training on Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention” and “Training Responders’ Awareness Using Immersive Next-Generation Technology (TRAIN).”

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): “WUI-SHOW: Assessment of Wildfire Evacuation Data Needs and Prototyping of a WUI-NITY Visualizer” and “Usage and Func-

tionality of Smoke Alarms and CO Alarms in Households and Data Collection, Evaluation, and Analysis of Local Codes, Regulations, and Laws in Place for the Areas Surveyed.”

• National Academy of Sciences (NAS): “Lithium-ion Battery Transit Bus Fire Prevention and Risk Management.”

For more information, visit nfpa.org.

SFPE AND SFPE FOUNDATION ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) and the SFPE Foundation have made

Visit FPC’s all new, updated website – designed with Fire Sprinkler Contractors in mind! www.fpcmag.com Now offering Digital Subscriptions for on-the-go convenience!

Fire Protection Contractor magazine The Most Widely-Read Spr inkler Industr y Publication

Serving the Fire Sprinkler Industry since 1978 FPC/Fire Protection Contractor PO Box 370 | Auburn, CA | 95604 | (530) 823-0706

info@fpcmag.com | www.fpcmag.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS CONT. considerable progress advancing sustainability objectives for fire protection engineers.

Earlier this year, the SFPE board of directors approved a position statement titled “Engineering a Sustainable and Fire Resilient Built Environment” that acknowledges sustainability and fire resilience are important objectives for the built environment and that every project should balance these objectives. SFPE President Jimmy Jönsson, FSFPE, along with Interim CEO Chris Jelenewicz, P.E., FSFPE, then authored the article “How SFPE is Developing Opportunities for the Fire Protection Engineering Profession to Influence & Elevate Sustainability in the Built Environment” in support of this position that informs how fire protection engineers, architects, policymakers, researchers, code officials, fire service representatives, and sustainability professionals can engage in a meaningful dialogue on promoting sustainable and fire-resilient built environments.

To further adoption into the daily work of fire protection engineers, SFPE hosted three live webinars. Featuring SFPE expert members and sustainability professionals, each webinar is now available on-demand, including Sustainability and Fire Resilience: Setting the Scene, Fire Safety Perspectives Relative to the Three Pillars of Sustainability, and Research Directions in Sustainability and Fire.

Additionally, SFPE has partnered with FireSafe Sustainable Built Environment (FRISSBE) to host an engineering solutions symposium in Ljubljana, Slovenia, exploring design concepts, tools, and approaches for fire-safe buildings, while highlighting the role of fire safety in sustainable design and education.

To learn more about thesymposium, visit www.sfpe.org/fssbdsymposium.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the SFPE Foundation’s work, following the adoption of a new vision statement in December 2022 to focus on engineering a resilient, sustainable, fire-safe world for all. Most recently, the SFPE Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization focused on enhancing the scientific understanding of fire and its interaction with the social, natural, and built

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environments, published a report to prepare for future development of risk-informed performance-based tools for the assessment of sustainable and fire-resilient buildings.

Titled “Risk and Performance Assessment Framework for a Sustainable and Fire Resilient Building Environment (SAFR-BE),” the report was authored by Brian Meacham, Håkan Frantzich, Margaret McNamee, and Erik Kimblad. The webinar “Risk and Performance Assessment Framework for a Sustainable and Fire Resilient Building Environment (SAFRBE)” highlighted the findings published in the report, was presented live, and is now available for on-demand viewing.

As part of its Grand Challenges Initiative (GCI), the SFPE Foundation published a white paper on sustainability and resilience. Titled “Grand Challenges in Resilience & Sustainability: A 10-Year Plan for Strategic Cooperation in Research and Education to Advance Fire Engineering,” the paper presents a framework for strategic cooperation in research and education to advance fire engineering and can be downloaded from sfpe.org/foundation. The paper was also presented during the 2023 Virtual GCI Summit, a recording of which is now available for on-demand viewing. The GCI is a multi-year collaboration between 34 industry, academic, government, and non-profit partner organizations. With the white papers now published, implementation of the 10-year action plan is underway and new partner organizations are welcome to join the effort.

To learn more about these and other SFPE and SFPE Foundation initiatives focused on advancing sustainability objectives, visit sfpe.org and sfpe.org/foundation.

AFSA MEMBERSHIP IS A TAX DEDUCTION

Need a hand with business deductions?

AFSA membership dues are deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. To qualify for 2023, join or renew by December 31 to get an immediate tax deduction!

Visit www.firesprinkler.org/join or contact AFSA’s Senior Director of Membership

& Chapter Development Meda Merritt via phone at 214) 349-5965 ext. 133 or email at mmerritt@firesprinkler.org. n

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