July/August 2021 Sprinkler Age

22 SCOTT COX, 2021 YOUNG

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

JUL/AUG 2021

SPRINKLER AGE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

VOL 40/04

2021 FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

H. “BUTCH” BROWNING

LOUISIANA STATE FIRE MARSHAL

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JUL / AUG 2021 VOL 40/04

FEATURES 12 | THE GIFT OF FIRE PROTECTION WITH A LITTLE LAGNIAPPE

Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning Goes the Extra Mile

18 | DIESEL ENGINE-DRIVEN FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

Design and Installation Considerations

20 | WELCOME TO TEXAS, Y’ALL!

AFSA40 Offers Education, Exhibits, and Entertainment in the Heart of Hill Country

22 | SCOTT COX NAMED 2021 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Building the Future of the Next Generation One Opportunity at a Time

26 | WHY USE A DIESEL FIRE PUMP DRIVER?

Consider Your Options

28 | WORKING TOGETHER FOR HOME FIRE SAFETY

Industry Partners Donate Fire Sprinkler System to Firefighter and His Family

30 | WHERE THERE IS SMOKE, THERE IS FIRE

But Sometimes It’s the Good Kind... BBQ Contest Supports Virginia Burn Survivors Foundation

32 | UPDATES TO NFPA 20, 2022 EDITION

Accepted First Revisions, Second Revisions, and Proposed Tentative Interim Amendments

34 | FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association Reaches K-12 Students

36 | PROTECTING HIGH-RACK STORAGE IN A RETAIL SETTING

Electronic Sprinklers Provide Flexibility for Non-Traditional Projects

38 | CAROLINAS CHAPTER HOSTS SPORTING CLAY SHOOT

Members Come Together for First In-Person Event of 2021

40 | MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS: 31 CHAPTERS

AFSA is the Baskin Robbins® of Merit Shop Fire Sprinkler Contractors

42 | HOME FIRE SPRINKLER WEEK MAKES AN IMPRESSION

Digital Campaign Educates Public About Residential Sprinklers

43 | SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST HELPS THE NEXT GENERATION

Victaulic Participates in Homes for Our Troops

45 | CHAPTER LEADERS NETWORK AND SHARE IDEAS VIRTUALLY

Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference Connects Volunteers

46 | PROTECTING OUR OWN

6 CHAIR’S MESSAGE 8 PRESIDENT’S REPORT 10 FLASHPOINT 52 AFSA NEWS 52 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 53 CHAPTER NEWS 53 ASSOCIATION NEWS 54 AFSA CHAPTERS 55 NEW MEMBERS 56 AHJ CHALLENGE 56 DESIGNER’S CHALLENGE 57 FITTER’S CHALLENGE 57 ITM CHALLENGE 58 PEOPLE IN THE NEWS 60 PRODUCT NEWS 61 INDUSTRY NEWS 62 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Program Educates Students About Fire Sprinklers

44 | PROTECTING VETERANS WITH HOME FIRE SPRINKLERS

ON THE COVER: Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning is AFSA’s 2021 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year. Scott Cox, Cox Fire Protection, Tampa, Florida, is AFSA’s 2021 Young Professional fo the Year. Also in this issue: NFPA 20 and AFSA members in action.

Safety and Health Considerations for Fire Systems Professionals

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50 | THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 5

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

EDITORIAL: 214-349-5965

W

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS, Publisher, ext. 124

bcaputo@firesprinkler.org

hat I want to talk to you about this month is preparation. Our industry is growing strong, even with the pains of the cost of materials. New apartment buildings are going up; old spaces are being retrofitted for new uses; cities that once were deemed “flyover cities” are now experiencing a rapid influx of remote workers. This spells good news for the building industry and, consequently, each of us.

We each must be prepared for new projects in new places and types of buildings we may not have considered before. But if we can look at this new economy as a moment where work is changing, and thus buildings are changing, we can find opportunities for new and creative bids. Seneca said that “Luck is where opportunity meets preparation,” and many of you will be the luckiest through your preparation in meeting the new opportunities of this economy.

To meet the demands for the next year, our organization is stronger than ever. Our new President Bob Caputo is leading us to new heights with the expansion of our Engineering and Technial Services Department and an expansion of services with the addition of field reps. This is so we can serve our new and current members best through both online training and in-person events slowly coming back. I am looking forward to meeting each one of you at our regional and national events throughout this next year. We have also implemented a long-range planning committee to help do some of the “big-picture” thinking for our association. This group, combined with your input, will put us on a solid track for the years ahead. I am excited to see the positive direction in which we grow.

Our training has been the foundation of everything we do; it is second to none, to which I credit having the right people in the right places. I think back to why we started as an organization, and that was to provide effective apprentice and fitter training which results in quality installation and maintenance to our members. We were formed at a time when the idea of member education was novel. Now, it is almost assumed that an organization like ours would need to provide not just excellent training but also virtual and in-person options. To make that jump over the years, we have been honored to have a great team that has adapted each year to the changing needs of our members, especially this past year when so much had to be done virtually. We will continue to adapt and transform our training to meet your needs. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is a course or module that you would like to see. Ultimately, when you and your staff are better trained, your quality and reputation increase, as do your future bids.

Take this summer to become more prepared for the changing economy. Know that the types of bids will change, as will the projects, but you can succeed if your preparation meets the opportunity presented. Above all, seek out more training to relearn the fundamentals or to expand your horizons. You will be better prepared for what lies ahead than if you just maintain the status quo. A great opportunity for training is AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition to be held September 18-21 in San Antonio, Texas. We are offering over 60 technical and managerial seminars. Registration is now open at www. firesprinkler.org/AFSA40. I encourage you to go online, view the schedule, and register for this event. Here’s to a prosperous summer and continued success! n

D’ARCY G. MONTALVO, Editor, ext. 115;

dmontalvo@firesprinkler.org

ADVERTISING: 214-349-5965

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Specialist, ext. 134;

rherring@firesprinkler.org

CIRCULATION: 214-349-5965

REBECCA HERRING, Communications Specialist, ext. 134;

rherring@firesprinkler.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARLENE M. GARRETT, CMP, Senior Director, Meeting & Education Services, ext. 118 LESLIE CLOUNTS, Director, Education Services, ext. 130 ROGER GRAGG, Director, Marketing & Information Technology, ext. 116 BRUCE LECAIR, Director, Membership & Chapter Support, ext. 139

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

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

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

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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.

TED WILLS AFSA BOARD CHAIR

6 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I

t seems amazing that nine months have passed since I stepped into this new and exciting role as the president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Having spent over 40 years in the fire and life safety world, I had assumed that when I threw my hat in the ring, I would know exactly what to expect in this job—what to do and how to do it. I think back to a Saturday morning on the fourth tee at the Painted Mountain Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona, when Russ Leavitt first suggested I’d be a good choice for AFSA and that I should apply for the position. Not intending to be humble, I recall telling Russ he was crazy, which he might be, but that has nothing to do with encouraging me to pursue the position. Russ and I have known each other for many years, and through it all, we have been competitors and business partners. I have been his employee, we’ve served on committees together, traveled and presented seminars together all over the globe, and, most importantly, we’ve been true friends… even closer.

Well, after nine months in this chair, I have seen many things I did expect and as many which I did not. I have always been passionate about our industry, and I have always had a strong commitment to our members and our common cause. Our profession is a noble one and one that is easy to romanticize. We save lives and property. What we do matters. Ok, they probably will not make movies about fire sprinklers (unless it’s a disaster film) or fire sprinkler installers, but we know how important it is to get things right, especially as it relates to our inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) work. Think about how many disasters have been avoided because one of us did the job to ensure our systems will work when called upon? We break it during testing, so we know it will work when that fire happens.

Let us put the most dramatic point on this that we can, because we should put the importance of our ITM programs into proper perspective. I had dinner with Christopher Campion, P.E., who is one of our members from New Jersey (and mayor of his hometown). On July 3 he said to me that the building collapse in Florida was more than just a disaster for the victims, their families, and the first responders.

There is also a very realistic parallel message to everyone in our industry who performs ITM work on fire protection systems because this could have and should have been avoided if the building owners had only taken heed and the appropriate action when inspectors expressed concern for the structural decay of their building. As I write this, please know that I have no facts about this horrific building collapse except for what has been reported in the news media. It has been reported that the city inspector(s) did caution the owners about the impending problem. It was reported that the HOA voted multiple times to wait rather than spend the money necessary to facilitate repairs.

How many of you have customers who do not respond or react to your deficiency reports? What should you do about that?

Where do we draw the line when it comes to compelling a business owner to spend their money, whether maintenance budgets or capital expense budgets when we reveal the need to repair systems or replace components? How much liability do we

8 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

think we should accept for a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars’ worth of inspection revenue?

In my opinion, it is fair and accurate to say that the owner owns the system(s), and we have done our job by reporting the deficiencies to them. They have the choice to do something about it or not. I am not sure where our legal responsibility ends and where our moral obligation begins, but, in my opinion, we should make it a practice to report serious deficiencies to our local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The adopted codes in all 50 states (here in the USA) give authority to the AHJ to enforce the adopted codes, standards, and local policies. In some states like Texas, it is mandatory to report critical deficiencies and impaired systems within a short timeframe.

Regardless of your view of this practice or your business practices, I do believe that consistency is critically important to avoid liability. I encourage you to have this discussion with your attorney, your local AHJ, and others to establish a policy that fits your organization before you are confronted with an unfortunate incident associated with a loss of property or worse. It does not matter that your firm may not have designed or installed the system(s) when your company name is on the inspection tag. As I have said so many times, what we do matters. That is real. The question is whether doing the job is limited to filing an inspection report or is going to the next level a responsibility we should consider. As a service provider, you should be clear about the scope of work you are proposing to perform and ensure your staff understands completely what services are included and excluded before they start.

Communication is always the key.

I think it is imperative that your inspectors spend the time with the owner (or owner’s representative) to discuss your findings following ITM cycles and using NFPA 25 and especially the annex sections of chapter 3 to explain why noted deficiencies need correction and the potential consequences for their inaction. If you document everything as if you will end up in a deposition or courtroom, you probably never will. Of course, different circumstances may require different approaches. By that I simply mean that residential occupancies, institutional facilities, and schools probably require a greater sense of urgency and demand more attention than warehouses filled with boxes and crates.

As we celebrate the 245th birthdate of America, there can be no doubt we are living in an incredible time both socially and politically.

The pressures on merit shop contractors and the support of union labor by the current administration in Washington, D.C. are evident every time President Biden steps in front of a microphone. Your membership CONT. ON PAGE 41

BOB CAPUTO, CFPS AFSA PRESIDENT

STATE-OF-THE-ART

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FLASHPOINT

T

he topic of this month’s column is one I wanted to write about for a while, but other things kept taking center stage. I want to tell you about what I have seen and heard over the last six months or so traveling the country. I have traveled to Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. I have visited some of these states five times so far this year alone!

Our members are unbelievable. While the accents may change, the issues, challenges, and struggles are all the same. The determination and spirit of the owners, managers, designers, and field employees are what makes us strong.

The classes and seminars I have taught have been fun and enriching for me. For example, one class was scheduled for 10 hours of training on a Friday. Most of the attendees were fitters, superintendents, a few apprentices, two designers, one estimator, and the owner. I thought to myself, “What fitter is going to sit still for 10 hours, especially on a Friday?” Well, the class was a joy. The attendees listened and asked questions, and the learning never stopped. I adjusted my presentation to allow them to tell me what they needed.

The estimator and designer found out they cost their company money because they were installing a piece of equipment in every wet sprinkler zone when, in fact, it was not required by the installation standard.

Our chapter meetings have been great. It does not matter if I am stopping by to attend the meeting and give a 30-minute update or if I am presenting a full seminar. The chapter executive directors and chapter leaders welcome me with open arms. The attendees actively participate in the meeting, and when I speak on a topic that may be confrontational, they challenge me. The discussions and feelings are real and hit home. I am a contractor at heart, so I have seen your issues out in the field and, hopefully, I can present some real solutions for your issues.

Our Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School and our Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) Inspector Development program have been exciting. The faces change, but the “young student” desiring to build a career does not. The students are excited to learn while worried about passing their tests, so they don’t disappoint their loved ones or bosses. The students’ questions show their desire to learn.

As I write this column, the NFPA Annual Technical Meeting voting process is open. I just voted. The AFSA call for action for this year has been well received. While the debate on each issue was strong, I believe our positions will prevail. I want to personally thank each NFPA member who voted. On most issues, we can represent you, but when we need your voices, only you can make the difference. I will provide my analysis of the results in the next issue of Sprinkler Age.

10 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

Denhardt presented a four-hour seminar “Design and Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems” for FSCATX members in the Houston area on March 11.

I want to welcome our newest member of the Engineering and Technical Services team, Joshua MacDonald, M.S., CFPS, technical programs specialist. Joshua is a great addition and compliments our group well. He has jumped in with both feet. This last year, John Johnson, CFPS, manager of ITM technical training; Kevin Hall, M.Eng, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, coordinator, engineering and technical services; and now Joshua have joined our department. We do have the resources you desire and need.

One thing I tell all attendees I speak to is the AFSA’s Engineering and Technical Services team is here for you, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We do check our emails, phone messages, texts—or whichever way you can get a hold of us. If we can, we will respond to your questions within 24 hours. Some topics do require research or calls to others. These answers could be slower due to the effort needed. Many of these topics generate public inputs for the next edition of the applicable standard.

I look forward to meeting you in person. My team and numerous other speakers are preparing our presentations for AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition to be held this September at the JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in Texas. This event will be an unbelievable convention with great technical presentations. I encourage you to view the schedule and register online at www.firesprinkler. org/AFSA40. I hope to see you there! n

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

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THE GIFT OF FIRE PROTECTION WITH A LITTLE LAGNIAPPE FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR LOUISIANA STATE FIRE MARSHAL H. “BUTCH” BROWNING GOES THE EXTRA MILE

L

D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION ouisianans always like to give “lagniappe,” or a little extra, to friends, family, customers... whoever is the recipient of their business or generosity. This year’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year awardee is no different, always giving “a little extra” to communities in which he lives and to the people living in them. He was affected by fire early in life, which unknowingly set the stage for a lifelong career in the fire service and in community service. For his work and dedication to life safety, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is honored to present its 2021 Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award to Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning.

A LIFE IN THE FIRE SERVICE When Browning was a young boy growing up in the community of Brownsfield, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge, he was badly burned on his legs in a home fire. “I remember my dad running me to my grandma’s house across the street and putting me in the tub and the volunteer fire department coming to put out the fire.”

The volunteers who responded to the fire stayed in Browning’s dad’s mind. He was so moved that he joined the fire department shortly after that and eventually became chief of that department.

“My dad has always been my greatest inspiration,” comments Browning. “He worked in the petrochemical industry but volunteered with the fire department from that day on.”

That dedication to the fire service continues today for Browning’s father, who still teaches fire and HAZMAT training even at the “young” age of 76. Browning remembers: “As a kid, I remember my mom and the other ladies in our community responding to fires during the day when men were at work. I was always hanging out at the fire station. As a teenager, I was allowed to sleep in the station if my grades were good. While in high school, I started teaching CPR/first aid and got my EMT certification when I was a senior and was even allowed to leave school to fight fires.”

Three days after he graduated high school, Browning went to work in East Baton Rouge Parish as a sheriff’s deputy. “It was the

12 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

Browning was an operator at Fire District 6 – East Baton Rouge Parish, in 1987.

only job being offered in my interest of public safety at the time because the fire department in Brownsfield was still volunteer.”

Browning left law enforcement for the fire service in 1987 and later taught firefighting techniques as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University (LSU) from 1987 to 1998. Browning also served as assistant fire chief for the District 6 Fire Department in Baton Rouge from 1987 to 1998, when he was promoted to fire chief. In 2001, he left to become the fire chief of Gonzales Fire Department. In 2008, Browning was appointed state fire marshal.

When appointed, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal stated: “Butch Browning has an incredible wealth of experience in firefighting, fire training, response, and emergency preparedness.

Ensuring the safety of Louisiana children and families is a critical mission, and the state will benefit from his leadership, knowledge, and service.”

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC Browning has developed and implemented several fire safety programs in the cities, parishes, and the state of Louisiana.

“Effective Fire Drills” is a program for fire safety in schools that provides students with realistic scenarios for evacuating burning

After 9/11, Browning and former Louisiana Governor Mike Foster kicked-off a campaign to create “The Spirit of Louisiana” fire truck, paid for by donations and sent to the Fire Department of New York. Since then, the truck has served during other catastrophes.

Browning joined Governor John Bel Edwards (second from right) to present details about the state’s assistance to local governments in times of disaster at the annual meeting for a parish industrial emergency response organization.

buildings, and “Operation Save a Life” is a program that partners the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office with local fire departments to install free 10-year Lithium battery smoke alarms in the homes of families that cannot afford them.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office also knows the value of educating the public through social media. Browning’s team is active on Twitter, tweeting and retweeting fire safety tips and sprinkler success stories. They post on Facebook during Home Fire Sprinkler Week and dispel sprinkler myths.

“One of our goals is to reach the public any way we can with the message that fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, and fire safety education can save lives,” comments Browning.

accelerant detection handler, and a peer counselor. He has an Associate’s degree in fire science from LSU.

INVOLVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY Browning is a four-time recipient of the Roy Robichaux Legislative Award. He was named the 1996 Louisiana Fireman of the Year by the American Legion and named District 6 Officer of the Year in 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1993. He is also an Eagle Scout. Browning’s office received the President’s Award in 2018 from the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) for its Information Management System.

Browning is an active member of many state and national fire service organizations and has served in many officer positions, including past president of the Louisiana State Firemen’s Association, past president of the NASFM, and past president of the Louisiana Arson and Fire Prevention Association. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, he was bestowed the chief fire officer designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing Chief Fire Officer, and he is a member of the Louisiana Fire Chief ’s Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, American Red Cross, and the National Fire Protection Association. Browning has also previously served on the Governor’s Arson Strike Force Committee.

Browning has received fire prevention training from the FEMA’s National Fire Academy in Maryland, LSU, and Oklahoma State University (OSU). He is a registered EMT, a certified

KEEPING LOUISIANANS SAFE Browning has led the reorganization of the State Fire Marshal’s Office to include cross-training of personnel, decentralizing the office to all areas of the state, and the development of a modern-day data management system. His motto is “We work every day to protect safety and economic development through building friendships and trust.”

“We’re unique in Louisiana—in a good way—in that we have a single licensure/enforcement arm of the fire protection industry, which includes fire sprinklers. There’s not a different set of rules or expectations from city to city. This was done well before I got here, and it was done by the industries coming together,” Browning says. “We want the industry to be professional and we can assure that through licensure. We root out anything bad and make good things even better. The [fire sprinkler] industry crafted the laws we have. Second to that, we have a board that ensures the training and certification are done to current national models.

That is the best way to do this. It is truly apples to apples from company to company. A company can’t come in and use another method or standard. I’ve taken a stand that we’re going to continue that mission but adapt when needed.”

He continues: “I made a commitment to the fire sprinkler industry. Any change that’s suggested, they [the sprinkler industry professionals] will be at the table to discuss those changes. That bond has made us very successful. We should be partners in progress. If it weren’t for the fire sprinkler industry, we wouldn’t save the lives and prevent the fires that we do.”

AFSA Second Vice Chair Linda Biernacki, president of Fire Tech Systems in Shreveport, Louisiana, has seen that commitment. “In Louisiana, our industry is fortunate to have a State Fire Marshal’s Office that wants to work with business owners and hear opinions of the people with the ‘boots on the ground’ prior to creating regulations for the state. The communication SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 13

Browning is frequently requested as a speaker for fire industry organizations, including the Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association. pipeline is open-ended, meaning each group is always available to the other.”

Browning notes that, “The State Fire Marshal’s Office doesn’t install sprinklers! It takes those industries and their training and professionalism to do that, and it only works if we have a successful business model. We’re going to make sure it works, and it’s fair to everybody. If you can create a one-stop shop and manage it right, it’s the best thing in the world. I hear from other state counterparts that it’s a struggle when you have jurisdictions with different rules for each.”

FIRE SPRINKLER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS 1997 Dan Jones, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Fire Chief 1998 John Vendetta, Hartford Fire Chief 1999 V.J. Bella, Louisiana State Fire Marshal 2000 Dennis Compton, Mesa, Arizona Fire Marshal 2001 George Miller, National Fire Protection Association 2002 Jim Ford, Scottsdale, Arizona Fire Department 2003 Gary Keith, National Fire Protection Association 2004 Jan Gratton, Fire & Life Safety Educator, Covina, California Fire Department 2005 Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) 2006 Meri-K Appy, Home Safety Council 2007 Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) 2008 Ron Hazelton, Home Improvement Expert 2009 Olin Greene, U.S. Fire Administrator 2010 Jim Shannon, National Fire Protection Association 2011 Jeff Feid, State Farm Insurance 2012 Tonya Hoover, California State Fire Marshal 2013 William Barnard, Maryland State Fire Marshal 2014 Peg Paul, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition 2015 Ed Van Walraven, Aspen, Colorado Fire Marshal 2016 Ed Altizer, Virginia State Fire Marshal 2017 Randy Miller, Camas, Washington Fire Marshal 2018 Richard Smith, Maryland State Firemen’s Association 2019 Amy Acton, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors 2020 Brian Geraci, Maryland State Fire Marshal 2021 H. Butch Browning, Louisiana State Fire Marshal

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Browning utilizes all forms of communication in his fire prevention and fire safety efforts and frequently speaks to the media.

Browning has shared his office’s method with other states and has had serious conversations with those state officials. “I see an opportunity to create a reciprocity or compact between states if I’m a contractor in Louisiana and I want to work in Texas, Arkansas, or Mississippi,” notes Browning. “We need to unify a set of requirements. I’d love to see more conversation to make it easier to allow these contractor companies to flex and surge up and help their neighbors, especially if a neighboring state has a disaster.”

Louisiana has seen its share of disasters—hurricanes, flooding, and recently COVID-19. “We learned several years ago with hurricanes that when we have mass disasters in the community, getting life-safety systems repaired and back in service is a huge task that can overwhelm in-state providers,” says Browning.

“During disasters, we’ve always had a standard memo to put out to contractors that if you get overwhelmed, we will expedite licenses to get technicians out in the field.”

When COVID-19 hit the state, the State Fire Marshal’s Office issued a memo stating that inspections weren’t being suspended, despite lockdown and stay-at-home orders.

“We required businesses that were open to get any needed repairs and to have their fire protection systems in service,” notes Browning. “Our contractors were deemed ‘essential’ and went out in risky situations to make sure sprinklers were being tested, and repairs were being made.

With the pandemic and not knowing how many first responders could be quarantined or out sick, an automatic alarm or fire sprinkler activation must work. It means life or death for occupants of that building.”

Browning says that issuing that requirement at the beginning of the pandemic was the key to success. “Our contractors needed that, too, to keep them in business. Some building owners and operators thought, ‘We don’t have to do that on lockdown.’ Well, yes, you do. The COVID-19 pandemic has been the longest state of emergency in the country, and we have to ensure these systems are protecting life and property.”

LFSA joined with the State Fire Marshal’s Office to celebrate VJ Bella (center with Browning at left and Biernacki at right) and his 90th birthday and to present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Without fail at any and every opportunity, Chief Browning always articulates the importance of life safety systems and the use of fire sprinklers,” says Biernacki. “It is his belief, as is ours, that ‘fire sprinklers save lives.’ His continual support of fire safety, enlisting input for codes and procedures, AHJ attendance at training seminars and meetings, and being available to fight the fight when needed.”

PARTNERS IN PROTECTION Browning has worked hand-in-hand with the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA) since he came into office. Biernacki has worked with Browning for years, including when she served as LFSA President. She notes his service is above and beyond all expectations: “He comes to our meetings, lets us use their training room, wants our input on industry regulations, and he has even cooked jambalaya for us several times! Connections are made, business is discussed... everything is better when we’re sitting around eating a delicious dish of homecooked jambalaya,” Biernacki notes. “Butch also has his managers at our meetings to give updates and be available to our members when they have issues on jobs. It also lets the managers get to know the companies and their employees working in the state. Butch has got a great team, and a great team comes with a great leader.”

RESIDENTIAL ACCEPTANCE Louisiana is one of the states with laws prohibiting residential sprinklers, which passed years ago, before Browning’s time.

“There are lots of reasons why [sprinklers were prohibited], but I’m 100 percent for residential sprinklers,” he says. “Other interested parties weren’t ready then, and they still aren’t ready for residential sprinkler laws to pass. A lot of what we’re doing now is promoting the understanding of and education about sprinklers.

The reality is people didn’t understand sprinklers back then due to a lot of myths.”

Since Browning has come into office, promoting home fire safety has been at the forefront.“We’ve always issued press releases on fire deaths, but after I came into office we thought it was important to report whether working smoke alarms were in the

Browning cooking his famous jambalaya.

home at the time. In most cases, there wasn’t one if a death occurred. So then reporters asking about smoke alarms.”

Utilizing the same method with residential fire sprinklers helps generate public awareness about them and helps dispel the myths associated with them.

“Sending out a press release that mentions residential sprinklers were not installed starts the discussion. ‘Why have them in homes?’ they ask. We need to educate reporters and the public through as many avenues as possible,” Browning says.

In the last six or seven years, Browning’s office has built up the capacity to usher in the installation of residential sprinklers.

“Louisiana has a statewide building code and a statewide residential code, so we’ve got work to do. But we’re going to get there. The acceptance and interest have turned around in the last seven years.

Continuing side-by-side burn demonstrations and educating the public and elected officials will be the vehicles that get us there.”

The side-by-side demonstrations have been well attended and showcase the value of residential sprinklers. Demonstrations have been held at LFSA meetings and statewide events such as the Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association’s (LLSSA) 2019 convention in Kenner. Working in partnership, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and LFSA work to spread public awareness.

“Along with the training, partnering in side-by-side burn demonstrations, meeting collaborations, and special events are factors that each partner places in high regard for support, involvement, and representation,” says Biernacki. “Chief Browning’s commitment to advancing the use of residential sprinklers has been a constant message at every event, as well as promoting sprinklers at the Capitol on Legislative Awareness Day.” Browning truly believes in “lasting change,” a phrase that has been in his bio since it was created. “Internally, lasting change is the culture of the fire marshal’s office—to create a culture that SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 15

we’re efficient, accountable, and flexible. That we’re constantly changing and adapting,” Browning notes. “We cross-train, and we’re an agency that always helps when needed. In many cases, it’s not for a fire burning. We’re going to do everything we can to protect the public.”

He continues: “Externally, we’ve always got to be an advocate for fire safety, prevention, and codes and standards.

The attitude is, ‘We’ve been here 20 years; why do we have to change the code?’ Well, we don’t have city blocks and towns burning down now because of codes, standards, construction requirements, and active and passive fire protection in buildings. Certainly, firefighters play a big role, but we know that fire suppression systems control modern-day fires until crews get there and gain total containment. If we don’t grow and build on what we’ve learned, shame on us. We can never forget what we’ve learned in fire safety, and we’ve got to improve it.”

“Lasting change is a daily function. It’s about building relationships, answering every call, giving understanding.

Those will last long after I’m gone,” Browning summarizes.

A WELL-DESERVED HONOR AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award was created to honor individuals not directly involved in the fire sprinkler industry whose efforts have had a national impact in advancing life safety and property protection through the use of automatic sprinklers. Each year, members of AFSA’s

Legislative Committee select a recipient from a pool of nominations. Their nomination is then approved by the AFSA Board of Directors.

“Working with Butch over the years has been a partnership of commitment, communication, and loyalty. We have built a relationship to ensure the continual growth of our industry and the safety of the citizens of Louisiana, both personally and professionally,” comments Biernacki.

I have had the privilege of knowing Butch Browning for many years,” says AFSA President Bob Caputo. “Butch is the consummate professional fire service leader and strong supporter of fire sprinklers. His tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Louisiana, along with his commonsense approach to problem solving have made Butch an easy choice for recognition by our association as the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year. I couldn’t imagine a more deserving individual, nor a more dedicated professional.”

“The great honor of the Legislative Committee is to award the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year,” comments AFSA Legislative Committe Chair Stacey J. Fantauzzi, vice president, operations, North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc., Ballston, New York. “Each year we find another way that our community is impacted and improved by passionate professionals such as Butch Browning. We are excited to honor an individual who is a leader in his profession and a mentor to the next generation of code enforcement.”

“I am delighted and very pleased to learn that Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning has been chosen for the Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award. He is the perfect guy!” states V.J. Bella, former Louisiana State Fire Marshal.

“Butch Browning has been involved in and promoted life safety and property protection since he was a kid. You couldn’t have selected a more deserving individual.”

Browning stays humble among all the accolades. “I’m so honored by this award,” comments Browning, “There’s got to be so many people than me who are more deserving.”

A CELEBRATION AS BIG AS TEXAS Browning will be presented with AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award during the general session at AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition on September 20 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa near San Antonio, Texas. To learn more about and register for AFSA40, visit www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA40. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you know someone who should be nominated for AFSA’s Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year award? AFSA is proud to recognize those individuals who have given extraordinary support to furthering the advancement and awareness of fire sprinklers. All three of AFSA’s annual awards—the Henry S. Parmelee Award, Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year Award, and Young Professional of the Year Award—accept nominations year-round at www.firesprinkler.org/awards.

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DIESEL ENGINE-DRIVEN FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

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JOHN AUGUST DENHARDT, P.E., FSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION he installation of a fire pump system in a commercial or industrial property is a common occurrence.

Using a fire pump system may allow a property to be developed where sufficient water pressure is not available. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire Protection, covering the design and installation of fire pump systems. The current edition of the standard is the 2019 edition, with updates occurring every three years. The revision process for the 2022 edition of NFPA 20 has been completed.

A fire pump can be driven by an electric motor, diesel engine, or steam drive. Steam drives are infrequently utilized, while electric motors are most common. A diesel engine is often used when the electrical supply to the property is not reliable nor sufficient in capacity. A diesel engine is also used by clients who desire a primary electric motor-driven fire pump system and a redundant diesel engine-driven fire pump system or used in a property that requires a redundant system due to its seismic zone or height. This article will discuss design and installation issues with a diesel engine-driven fire pump system. Diesel engines have been used in light- and heavy-duty applications for decades. A diesel engine driver is commonplace for larger generator sets.

While a generator set and fire pump system might use similar diesel engines, their design and installation in certain key areas are drastically different.

For all fire pump applications, diesel engines must be “Listed” for the fire pump system application. NFPA defines “Listed” as “Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.” Typical Listing agencies for diesel drivers are UL and FM Global. The Listing indicates the available nameplate power at a certain engine speed. The available nameplate power is based on an ambient operating temperature of 77°F at a 300-ft elevation above sea level. In addition, an across-

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the-board 10 percent deduction in the actual power rating is required to be made to achieve the nameplate power rating. For ambient operating temperatures above the baseline operating conditions, a deduction of 1 percent of the nameplate power rating needs to be made for every 10°F above the baseline operating temperature. For elevations above the baseline operating conditions, a deduction of 3 percent must be made for every 1,000 ft above the baseline operating elevation.

Typical Listed diesel engines are supplied by a limited number of suppliers. While the base engine might have been manufactured by Caterpillar, Cummins, Deutz, John Deere, or any other engine manufacturers, the base engine is modified and assembled to comply with the Listing and NFPA 20 requirements by another company. Listed fire pump engines are provided by companies, such as Caterpillar Inc, Clarke Fire Protection Products, and Cummins Incorporated. These companies are responsible for ensuring the diesel engine is suitable for fire protection services. The owner’s and installation manual must be reviewed and complied with to ensure troublefree operation and maintain any warranty policy. For a diesel engine to operate properly, it needs to be able to eat, breathe, and cool itself.

The diesel engine needs clean fuel delivered to the engine’s fuel injection pump under gravity pressure. The supply tank shall be located so the fuel supply pipe connection to the engine is no lower than the level of the engine fuel transfer pump. The engine manufacturer’s fuel pump static head pressure limits shall not be exceeded when the fuel tank is at a maximum fill level.

NFPA 20 requires a dedicated Listed fuel tank located above ground in accordance with municipal or other ordinances and per the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction. In areas subject to freezing, the tank must be located in the fire pump room.

The tank is required to have a dedicated fill, vent(s), and a visual and monitored fuel level gauge installed. In the marketplace today, two types of fuel tanks are available: single- and double-wall tanks.

While a single-wall tank is initially less expensive, a full tank capacity spill containment system must be provided. A double-wall tank, by design, contains the spill containment device. The double-wall tank’s containment space must be monitored for leakage from the inner wall. Vents from interstitial spaces of

double-wall tanks may not be manifolded together with a vent from the primary compartment of the tank. The minimum capacity of the fuel tank is driven by a simple equation, 1 gallon per rated horsepower (HP) plus 5 percent for sump and 5 percent for expansion. While you should install a fuel tank of at least minimum size, providing too large of a tank is not necessarily a better idea.

Diesel fuel has a shelf life, and there are requirements for periodic fuel-quality testing. In a typical installation, the fire pump system is operated annually, on average, 30 hours or less. The tank is required to be refilled as needed to keep it near full capacity at all times; however, it shall never be less than two-thirds of full capacity. This ensures the engine always has the capability to operate for the required duration at full load. However, this can contribute to fuel becoming stale. For the 2022 edition of NFPA 20, a new approach to sizing the diesel fuel tank will be available. This approach should lower the fuel minimum fuel tank capacity while still providing sufficient fuel for any anticipated condition.

The required grade of fuel for the engine must be posted on a label on the fuel tank. NFPA 20 and the engine manufacturers have very specific requirements for the fuel type that must be followed. Use of residual fuels, domestic heating furnace oils, drained lubrication oils, biodiesel above certain percentage limits, number 1, kerosene, and similar fuels are typically not allowed.

Normally, only pure number 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM D-975-11b requirements is to be utilized. NFPA 20 does have allowance for areas where local air quality management regulations only allow the use of number 1 diesel fuel and no diesel fire pump driver is available Listed for use with number 1 diesel fuel; an engine Listed for use with number 2 diesel fuel shall be permitted to be used but shall have the nameplate rated horsepower derated 10 percent, provided the engine manufacturer approves the use of number 1 diesel fuel.

The diesel engine needs to consume large volumes of air and dispose of combustion gases to operate properly. The diesel engine’s manufacturer’s data sheets provide the required quantity of combustion air required. This volume of air must be freely available at the air cleaner inlet and not more than 120°F. Depending on a particular installation site, vents to the exterior, ducted fresh air, or other methods must be designed and installed.

The diesel engine needs to have a proper exhaust system to dispose of all combustion gasses safely. The exhaust system must be routed to a safe place of discharge. The exhaust system’s design and installation need to be in accordance with the engine’s manufacturer’s installation manual, NFPA 20, municipal or other ordinances, and per the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Sizing of the exhaust system needs to be completed by a calculation program to ensure the back pressure on the diesel engine complies with the Listing. The type of silencer selected, the size and length of pipe run, the number and type of fittings, and other factors will all impact the minimum pipe size required. The exhaust system piping should be kept as short as possible, insulated, and guarded to protect personnel and keep heat transfer to the fire pump room or other surfaces to a minimum. In many current installations, the exhaust system was not properly designed or

evaluated. In most cases, the system worked fine, but available power was impacted, and damage to the diesel engine has occurred.

The diesel engine needs to be located in an environment that complies with NFPA 20 and the engine’s manufacturer’s requirements. Usually, this means the ambient temperature is maintained between a maximum temperature of 120°F when the fire pump system is under full load and a minimum of 40°F when the fire pump system is not operating. The engine’s manufacturer’s data sheet will provide the engine’s heat rejection data while it is operating under full load. The 40°F value is typically based on a block heater provided on the diesel engine’s block. The block heater will need to be wired to a power source, and my personal preference is to have the power source energized from a standby power circuit. NFPA 20 states, “In locations where electrical power is not reliable and where there is a risk of pump room freezing, an alternate power source shall be provided to maintain space heating, battery charging, engine block heating, and lighting.”

Cooling an operating diesel engine is a critical requirement.

Two methods are available to accomplish this. Like a generator set, a large radiator with fan(s) providing the required airflow for the heat exchange is an entirely acceptable method. However, in reality, this is seldom utilized. The amount of airflow and the ease of the other method usually make the choice a “no brainer.” The second method utilizes a heat exchanger with water from the fire pump’s discharge side to provide cooling. Because water is so much better than air as an absorber of heat, the relative size and ease of this approach are utilized in most applications. In addition, with this method, the cooling water also acts similar to a casing relief valve. Thus, NFPA 20 does not require installing a casing relief valve when utilizing this method.

In summary, a diesel engine is an excellent choice for a driver of a fire pump system. Diesel engines are a reliable and effective driver. Fuel supply and associated components, combustion air, exhaust, ventilation, operating environment, engine cooling all need to be accounted for in the design and installation to provide a reliable and quality system. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE is vice president of engineering & technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is a Professional Engineer (P.E.) registered in the District of Columbia as well as the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In addition to his P.E., he is a NICET Level III in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout and Inspection & Testing of Water-Based Systems as well as NFPA Certified Water-Based Systems Professional (CWBSP). Denhardt has a Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland. He is a member of NFPA 13 AUTAAC, NFPA 13 AUT-SSD, and NFPA 14 technical committees and is an SFPE fellow. Denhardt can be reached via email at jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above requirements, statements, and guidance are provided from the author’s experience; knowledge of NFPA 20, 2019 edition; manufacturer’s data sheets; manufacturer’s installation and maintenance documents; and other sources. This article is not meant to be an all-encompassing design or installation manual. The purpose of this article is to convey items to be considered when designing or installing a diesel engine-driven fire pump system. Always perform proper research for your particular design and application.

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WELCOME TO TEXAS, Y’ALL! AFSA40 OFFERS EDUCATION, EXHIBITS, AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE HEART OF HILL COUNTRY

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owdy, y’all! The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is gearing up for a fantastic celebration in San Antonio, Texas, Hill Country for AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition, and Apprentice Competition. Taking place September 18-21, 2021, AFSA40 will gather the best in the fire sprinkler industry to learn, network, and socialize under the big Texas sky. In addition to 100 hours of education in 60-plus technical and managerial seminars, AFSA40 offers entertainment worthy of an anniversary celebration! Read below to see how you can participate in all of AFSA40’s special events.

TEE TIME—GRAB YOUR CLUBS! Host to the Valero Texas Open, TPC San Antonio is an experience of a lifetime. AFSA is excited to host the AFSA40 golf tournament at the Canyons Course, which stands on its own as a tournament venue in terms of design, strategy, and Texas Hill Country beauty. The course played host to PGA TOUR Champions’ San Antonio Championship from 2011-2015. Test your skill on this 18-hole Pete Dye-designed championship course, measuring 7,106 yards with a Par 72 challenge for scratch golfers and novices alike with dramatic elevation changes. Corridors provide panoramic views of a 700-acre nature preserve. The AFSA40 golf tournament on Saturday, September 18, is a four-person team scramble with contests for longest drive and closest to the pin for both men and women.

Golf clubs are available for rent. Your golf registration includes a boxed breakfast and two drink tickets.

40TH ANNIVERSARY OPENING PARTY AFSA40 kicks off the night of September 18 with an opening party to celebrate AFSA members’ 40 years of growth, professional advancement, and the pursuit of excellence. This festive event features live music performed by London Calling, a nine-piece Austin band, entertaining the audience with music from the last 40 years. Enjoy food, drinks, and dancing with your AFSA family at the outdoor River Bend Pavilion located within the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

APPRENTICE AWARDS PARTY – KNIBBE RANCH The AFSA Apprentice Awards Party on September 21 will be an experience you will never forget! Pull on your boots and jeans for an evening event at Knibbe Ranch, a real Texas working ranch. A steady lineup of live country music complete with Texas line dancing will keep you on your feet. Or, if cognac and cigars by the campfire is more your style, we’ve got you covered. Otherwise, participate in the

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TPC San Antonio’s Canyons Course at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa will be the venue for AFSA’s Golf Tournament. armadillo race—form a team and encourage your live Texas armadillo to cross the finish line first! There is something for everyone at this event. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious Texassized steak cooked to perfection on an outdoor grill prepared by master culinary chefs. The highlight of the evening will be the crowning of the newest National Apprentice Competition champion!

The evening ends with a magnificent fireworks display to mark AFSA’s 40th anniversary.

HEADQUARTERED IN THE HILL COUNTRY Nestled amid 600 acres of oak-covered hills, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a luxury haven within a stunning landscape and the headquarter hotel for this year’s convention. Schedule some time before and after AFSA40 to explore the area’s most popular attractions, including wineries, SeaWorld, Shops at La Cantera, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

The hotel also features the thrilling River Bluff Water Experience, a nine-acre water park with a 1,100-foot lazy river; six restaurants; and a luxury spa.

Find your respite in upscale accommodations with expansive floor plans, plush furnishings, premium amenities, and breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is an inspiring destination with something for everyone. AFSA convention registrants who have a room reservation under AFSA’s group block will enjoy: • Free Networking Meals with “All-Access” registration (up to six meal vouchers) if staying at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. With an “Exhibit Hall-Only” registration, up to three meal vouchers if staying at the hotel. Vouchers are valid

Left: The hotel’s RIver Bluff Water Experience includes a relaxing lazy river and exciting water slides. Right: Two-step the night away at AFSA’s Awards Party at Knibbe Ranch. only for AFSA networking meals but not at hotel restaurants.

Vouchers have no cash value.

• Free Internet Access in guest rooms, meeting rooms, and public spaces.

• Great Location for your hotel room. The AFSA room blocks are located just steps away from all the meeting spaces.

The AFSA group rate is $254 plus tax for a standard single/ double room. Group rates are available for stays September 14-26, 2021. The AFSA room rate includes the resort fee and free parking.

To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, you must book directly with the hotel using reservation links at www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA40.

Rooms must be reserved by August 13, 2021, to guarantee this special rate.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Regular registration is now open through July 31, 2021. Visit www.firesprinkler.org/AFSA40 to view the schedule, make hotel reservations, and register to attend. This special anniversary celebration will bring the best to Texas and gather the industry’s finest. We can’t wait to welcome y’all! n EDITOR'S NOTE: Don’t let your reservation be hijacked! AFSA is aware of third-party vendors soliciting AFSA exhibitors and attendees posing as our housing vendors. These companies mislead you to think they are working on our behalf. Companies that use this tactic include Exhibitor Hotel Reservation Services (EHRS) and Global Housing. They are NOT endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA nor its show, and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences like no free networking meals nor complimentary internet access. To receive full AFSA hotel benefits, you must book directly with the hotel by using reservation links at www. firesprinkler.org/AFSA40.

AFSA40 Exhibitors (as of June 23, 2021)

AGF Manufacturing, Inc. American Backflow Products Co. American Fire Sprinkler Association Ameriflo ARGCO Armstrong Pumps Inc. ASC Engineered Solutions Asurio, Inc. BAVCO BIOEX BlazeMaster® Fire Protection Systems Blue River Underwriters BuildingReports Bull Moose Tube Company C-Aire Compressors, Inc Cintas Fire Protection Clarke Fire Prot.Products Inc. Core & Main Fire Protection CST Industries Doringer Cold Saws Driven Fire Consultants DUYAR VANA MAKINA SAN. VE TIC. A.S. Engineered Corrosion Solutions Ferguson Fire & Fabrication Fire End Crocker

Fire Tech Productions FirePro365 / Thinkmax Firetrol, Inc. Gast Manufacturing, Inc. General Air Products Inc. HRS Systems, Inc. Hydratec, Inc. Inspect Point JG Innovations, Inc. Job Gmbh Johnson Controls Kennedy Valve Loos & Company, Inc. Milwaukee Valve Co., Inc. National Construction Workforce Noble Company Nucor Tubular Products nVent CADDY Pace Machinery Group, Inc. Peerless Pump Company Perimeter Solutions Permabond PHD Manufacturing, Inc. Potter Electric Signal Company Potter Roemer

Reed Manufacturing Company Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Ridge Tool Company, (Emerson) Safe Fleet Fire, EMS & Industrial Group Safe Signal ServiceTrade, Inc Sigma Piping Products South-Tek Systems Spears Manufacturing Co. SPP Pumps, Inc. Talco Industries Inc. dba Talco Fire Systems Texas Manufacturing Company The Hose Monster Company The Metraflex Company TLX Technologies, LLC Tornatech Inc. United Fire Systems Victaulic Viking Group, Inc. Watts Water Technology Wheatland Tube Company Winsupply Zurn Industries, LLC

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SCOTT COX NAMED 2021 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR BUILDING THE FUTURE OF THE NEXT GENERATION ONE OPPORTUNITY AT A TIME

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REBECCA HERRING | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION aving grown up in the fire sprinkler industry, Scott Cox is keenly aware of the places the industry excels and the areas in which it needs growth.

Often discussed but also elusive areas to tackle are the recruitment, training, and promotion of the next generation of fire sprinklers professionals. Who will take over when the current workforce is ready to retire? There is more sprinkler work each year and less available workforce. These thoughts sit heavy on the mind of many fire sprinklers professionals like Cox. However, he has risen to meet the challenge head-on by bringing new people into the industry. Growing up in the industry has given Cox insight and a unique perspective on the industry’s acknowledged need for new blood. He works hard to promote the industry to young professionals as the attractive and attainable option that he knows it to be. From conceptualizing to developing, heading, and spreading the word about next-generation opportunities in Florida and beyond, Cox does it all. He not only works on these initiatives in his own company but also develops opportunities in the industry in Florida and across the country through his work with the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) NextGen and other trade associations.

For these reasons, AFSA is pleased to announce that Scott Cox of Cox Fire Protection in Tampa, Florida, has been elected by his peers as the recipient of AFSA’s 2021 Young Professional of the Year (YPY) award. The award highlights the efforts of a young and talented fire protection professional under 40 who demonstrates exemplary technical, professional, and inclusive leadership skills in their businesses and at a national level. The sixth annual award will be presented during the general session of AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas.

A LITTLE BIT OF FATE AND A LOT OF HARD WORK Scott Cox’s father, Ron Cox, started Cox Fire Protection when he was just two years old. Cox recalls fondly, “Even before

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Cox is grateful for his family’s support: his wife, Tera; son Jase, and daughter Elizabeth.

I worked with them, I grew up with the guys at Cox. They are my family. I was brought up with these guys, and now I even have the honor of working with them.” Cox has memories of working in the office with his family as young as 12, helping with easy tasks around the office such as cleaning up and filing.

In high school, when he was old enough to begin learning his way around the business, he started working on jobsites in his free time. Cox chuckled as he recalled being “voluntold [by his parents] to go work out in the field to help save for college or extra spending money.”

Despite his upbringing, Cox’s path temporarily diverged from the fire sprinkler industry when he attended college in Indiana. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in history in 2006, Cox decided to move back to Florida with his wife. He didn’t plan to stay, though, intending to use the time to pay off student loans before going to graduate school. But in 2007, the great recession struck, turning Cox’s plans upside down.

So Cox continued working at Cox Fire Protection, initially as a designer. Linda Cox, Scott Cox’s mother who nominated him for the award, described Scott as “[realizing] that fire protection was going to be a life-long passion.” However, that passion just didn’t lie in design, so he moved into sales and project management. He operated in that capacity until 2013, when he stepped up to sales manager/director of preconstruction. With this move, Cox also transitioned into his first management role, which afforded him time on the road visiting the company’s other branches in Ocala and Jacksonville. This travel experience helped him understand the overall state of the fire sprinkler industry in Florida. In 2015, Cox was promoted to vice president and continued to oversee sales and project management, culminating in the 2017 opportunity to buy into ownership of Cox Fire. Over the past four years, he has been co-owner and president of the company.

However, his journey hasn’t stopped by “reaching the top.”

Every year Cox continues to innovate and grow his company in new ways that both challenge his employees and offer opportunities for new hires to gain invaluable experience and train up the next generation of fire sprinkler contractors.

For example, over the past two years, Scott and his development team have built a fully functioning lab on Cox Fire’s property in Tampa to offer new hires hands-on opportunities with various types of fire protection systems before they deal with those systems in the field. The lab is also used as an awareness and training resource to property owners, property managers, architects, engineers, and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

Cox Fire Protection in Tampa, Florida, is a family-owned and run business with brother Chris, father Ron, mother Linda, and Scott.

As far as AFSA NextGen, Cox says to him it’s simply a matter of “if you don’t make things a priority to you, then they’ll never become a priority.” After his success starting the ABC NexGen program in Florida, Cox prioritized jumpstarting AFSA’s NextGen within the AFSA Florida Chapter.

“I often found myself at the meetings seeing the same faces over and over. Growing up in the industry, I knew that there was an important need to bring in new young people to the group,” recalls Cox. “However, I know sometimes it’s intimidating going somewhere new where you don’t know anyone and aren’t sure if you’ll be able to connect with people your age.”

DEVELOPING FLORIDA’S NEXTGEN Flashing back to early in his career, Cox had an influential experience that helped spark his passion and has guided much of his work with the next generation. In 2013, Cox attended Leadership Tampa, which is hosted through the Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Cox says that program opened his eyes to a problem he wanted to tackle. “There was a real lack of leadership programs in the area and, especially for our industry, there was a real lack of local fire protection leadership programs for young professionals.”

With an existing passion for educating the next generation of fire sprinkler workers in Florida and the spark of newly gained knowledge from the Leadership Tampa program, Cox approached the local Associated Builder and Contractors (ABC) Chapter and in 2014 launched a NexGen program with them. This program was designed to be a leadership track for young professionals in the fire sprinkler industry and to “… offer young professionals across industries the opportunity to learn from top experts in the construction industry, across a broad range of topics,” explained Cox. The program was a success and is still going strong in its seventh year. The opportunity to participate in that group has become highly competitive, emphasizing the need for this training for young professionals on the local level.

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Currently, the NextGen Initiative is hosting quarterly webinars covering mentorship topics for young professionals in all aspects of the industry and all steps of a mentor relationship. Keep up-to-date with all AFSA NextGen events and programs at www.firesprinkler.org/events.

HONORING THE FUTURE

Cox still enjoys working on jobs when time allows.

So Cox helped to develop a space for those young people to network with peers by starting a NextGen Initiative in Florida.

The group’s involvement in the chapter started simple—helping with the golf tournament­­—which is now a huge driver for membership. Under Cox and other NextGen members’ supervision, the golf tournament has raised over $75,000 for charity since its inception. Additionally, NextGen sponsors training and networking events for the under-40 members of the chapter.

Beginning with Cox, NextGen now has a seat on the AFSA Florida Chapter board. In addition, he has helped other NextGenners become involved in leadership roles. “We have four NextGen members on our board, and one is also on the AFSA Florida executive board. I think in the last few years, we’ve made great strides in getting younger people involved in the local chapter and board.”

Cox’s advice for those looking to create or expand a NextGen program near them? “I think it starts with getting a group of folks together who are passionate about NextGen, and then it’ll grow from that passion.”

Cox also serves on the AFSA National NextGen Committee, where he helps shape programming that serves the NextGen nationwide, including the annual NextGen Day at AFSA’s annual convention and quarterly webinar training.

MENTORING MATTERS One NextGen Initiative that is close to Cox’s heart is mentoring.

“It’s so important to focus on mentorship and to have a good mentor,” says Cox. “I had a couple of mentors who really fueled my career.” Cox believes it’s crucial for NextGen to find mentors in their lives and that a good mentor/mentee relationship is invaluable for a career. “I’ve had a few different mentors, including my dad. He’s brilliant in sprinklers and brilliant in business. It’s helped me to learn from him.”

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Good leaders are innovators, forging a path for others to follow.

Great leaders, however, inspire others to aim higher, dream bigger, and achieve greater and Cox is nothing short of a great leader.

“I am thankful for my family and friends who have supported me through the years, and to the entire Cox Fire family who work so hard that provide me the opportunity to devote time to the industry and AFSA,” says Cox. “I was honored to have been nominated for this award, and am speechless to be the recipient. It is an even greater honor to be placed among the distinguished ranks as those of past award recipients who have made such important and incredible contributions within their own companies, to the employees and the families of those companies, and to our fire protection industry as a whole.”

This year marks the 6th annual YPY award—presented by AFSA’s young professional group, the NextGen Initiative (NGI).

AFSA’s NGI is on a mission to recognize the outstanding talent and achievements of young professionals in the fire sprinkler industry.

These young professionals aged 40 and under can be described by a variety of adjectives—movers and shakers, innovators; but by all definitions, NGI’s YPY award winners are most recognized for how they shape the business landscape with their passion and sense of community. The award also seeks to promote the emergence of young, talented professionals and inspire companies to invest even more in the development and excellence of the profession.

“Scott’s passion for advancing the next generation of the industry shines through in all of the work he does at both the local level in Florida and the national level serving on the NextGen committee,” comments AFSA NextGen Initiative Chair Meaghen Wills, Anchor Fire Protection Co., Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania. “I admire the way he’s grown the number of opportunities for young professionals in Florida and beyond.”

“Scott brings a ton of excitement and energy to anything he is involved in,” says AFSA Region 4 Director Chris Johnson, president of Piper Fire Protection, Clearwater, Florida. “I serve with him on our Florida AFSA Board as well as on the Gulfcoast ABC Board. Scott is passionate about training and mentoring others and has been a leader of both organization’s Next Gen initiatives. He never hesitates to evangelize fire sprinklers, the greater construction industry, or the merit shop philosophy to anyone he comes in contact with.”

The Young Professional of the Year award will be presented to Scott Cox during the general session on Monday, September 20, at AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competition in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more and register to attend at www. firesprinkler.org/AFSA40. For more details on AFSA or its NextGen Initiative, visit www.firesprinkler.org/nextgen. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you know someone to nominate for AFSA’s Young Professional of the Year (YPY) award? Nominations can be done online at www.firesprinkler.org/awards. Each award has a specific deadline, but you can nominate now for 2022 awards including Fire Sprinkler Advocate, YPY, Fire Sprinklers Save Lives, and the Henry S. Parmelee awards.

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WHY USE A DIESEL FIRE PUMP DRIVER? CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS

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JUSTIN STROUSSE | CLARKE FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS, INC. n my over 20 years in the fire protection industry, I’ve spoken to thousands of customers, contractors, engineers, and end-users. Without question, the number one reason they try to avoid using diesel drivers for fire pump sets is the cost. Now, I may be a little biased because personally, I believe that diesel is a viable option for almost every installation. But as with most things, there are advantages and disadvantages to using diesel or electric power to drive the fire pump system, depending on the facility being protected and the location of that facility.

Obviously, the cost of a fire pump system is critically important, but quantifying that cost may lie in the eye of the beholder. Are you looking at the total cost difference between diesel and electric for your end-user? Or are you simply performing a cost analysis for the purposes of overall project cost?

First, let’s discuss the differences between electric- and diesel-driven fire pump systems. Electric motors are quiet, efficient, and have no direct emissions output. They are also generally smaller and cheaper than their diesel counterparts. So, let’s ask the obvious question, “Why use diesel at all?” The simple answer, reliability and end-user savings.

According to the 2019 edition of NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, (section 9.2.1), an electric fire pump shall be provided with a normal source of power from a continually available source. Further, at least one alternative source of power shall be provided for a high-rise building or where the normal source is not available (section 9.3.1 9.3.2). It seems straightforward, right? Not so fast. We can’t talk about normal sources of power without discussing the reliability of the grid supplying that power. NFPA 20 defines reliable power supply as one where the source power plant has not experienced a shutdown longer than 10 continuous hours in the year prior to the plan submittal (section A.9.3.2(1)). It’s not difficult to pull recent examples of major utility outages from memory—Georgia’s Hurricane Michael in October 2018. And, just this last winter in Texas, where multiple areas had outages that were days and, sometimes, weeks long. We also can’t ignore the potential of a shifting vehicle market that increasingly favors electric vehicles without significantly adding to the production and distribution capabilities of the grid, further jeopardizing reliability.

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When it comes to alternate power sources, diesel generators are king. But this is where the gray areas of cost analysis start to creep in. We can all agree that a sprinkler contractor’s primary job is to provide fire protection for a facility. We can also probably agree that sprinkler contractors are not providing gensets on a wide-ranging basis. So when comparing the cost of an electricdriven pump set with a transfer switch against the cost of a diesel-driven set without a transfer switch, you may see some savings until you factor in that the genset must be capable of starting and running the electric-driven fire pump system while supplying all other simultaneously operated loads (section 9.6.1.1). To accomplish this, you’re going to need a listed transfer switch and a potentially larger building transformer with the capacity to handle 125 percent of the sum of the fire pump motor and maintenance pump motor in addition to 100 percent of the associated fire pump accessory equipment. (NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, 2020 edition article 695.5(A).)

Don’t forget testing! When testing to see if a genset can start an electric motor, the circuit to the controller is tripped to start the generator before the electric motor makes a start attempt.

However, this is an unrealistic scenario. This load test should be simulated to have the genset take on building load and then the electric motor start attempt simultaneously, just as it typically takes place during a natural disaster with elevated fire risk.

The 2013 edition of NFPA 20 introduced section 9.6.2.2, which mandates run-to-destruction capability of gensets, and section 9.6.2.3, which requires an additional eight hours of dedicated fuel supply to the genset fuel tank. Both have major impacts on genset application. A standard generator set, and almost all other commercially available engines, are inherently designed to protect themselves from catastrophic failure by monitoring operating conditions, sending warnings, escalating those warnings, and, eventually, shutting themselves down in acts of self-preservation. These shutdowns can happen for a variety of reasons: high water or oil temperature, low fluid or pressure levels, etc. None of which are conducive to keeping the electric-driven fire pump system running during a fire event. The revised section 9.6.2.2 requirement asserted that a genset needs to continue producing nameplate power without shutdown or de-rate for alarms and warnings or failed engine sensors. Unfortunately, this

Proctor and Gamble’s private aviation hangar features four Clarke JW6H Series diesel fire pump engines. Photo credit: Proctor and Gamble.

requirement is often overlooked, and there is a lack of standard, commercially available gensets with this functionality.

Conversely, a diesel fire pump driver is designed for one purpose only, to run. No matter the situation, the diesel driver is going to do everything possible to keep running, even if those conditions are to its own detriment and eventual demise. The only exception? Engine overspeed, because what good is a fire suppression system if it’s been over pressured?

“What about fuel supply?” Glad you asked. Section 9.6.2.3 requires enough fuel capacity to support eight hours of fire pump runtime at 100-percent load in addition to the supply required for other demands. This is a straightforward requirement when you have a dedicated fire pump engine with a dedicated fuel source. However, the genset fuel tank is most likely sized to handle the building load for a predetermined time period. It is very likely that it was not designed with an extra eight hours of capacity to carry the electric fire pump system load, putting the facility at potential risk during an extended outage with increased fire risk.

Finally, permitting. Current EPA, and many state and local standards, require advanced emissions control technologies for gensets. They run more hours and are often used in peak-shaving operations, which necessitates more stringent control measures resulting in product cost increases of 40 percent or more. Diesel

fire pump systems, on the other hand, are manufactured under an Emergency Standby exemption that precludes them from employing emissions after-treatment technology or devices. This keeps product costs lower while keeping complexities often associated with emissions equipment and testing to a minimum.

Bottom line, yes, electric motor fire pump systems are smaller, quieter, and cheaper. However, when you introduce a required alternate power source, the dynamic changes. The increased costs of larger tier 4 compliant gensets, increased fuel capacity, larger building transformers (with their associated feeders), and listed transfer switches all cause the pendulum to swing in favor of a diesel-driven, fire-protection system that is independent if the building and utility electrical systems. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Justin Strousse is the director of global sales for Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc. This will be his 30th year working for Clarke. He has been previously involved in production planning, inside sales, website designing, trade shows, product marketing, North American Sales, and Latin American Sales, and for the last 12 years, director of global sales.

Strousse has presented and worked with multiple global government officials, global fire associations, international engineering companies, and high-end users. He received his B.S. degree in Industrial Distribution from Clarkson University – Potsdam, New York. For more information on diesel fire pump drivers, visit www.clarkefire.com.

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WORKING TOGETHER FOR HOME FIRE SAFETY INDUSTRY PARTNERS DONATE FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM TO FIREFIGHTER AND HIS FAMILY

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JESSICA COX | FLORIDA FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION ine out of every 10 fire deaths happen at home, and most of these fires happen at night while people are sleeping. These are industry statistics that Jon Rocasi knows well and not just because he’s a firefighter in Tampa, Florida. Those numbers are on his mind every time he leaves his Palm Bay home to go to work.

He can’t help wondering if one of those times while he’s on duty, his wife and children will be victims of a home fire.

During his 15 years of career fire service with agencies across the country, Rocasi had witnessed the heartbreaking loss of lives and possessions due to fire and resolved to do whatever he could to keep his own family safe. He began by researching fireproof construction materials with an eye on retrofitting his house. While options did exist, the cost was significant—certainly more than the family budget could absorb. So, his next step was to seek grants from local municipalities that would help offset the costs.

Although he was not able to secure financial assistance, he did get help in another form: information about residential fire sprinkler systems. Rocasi knew most commercial buildings had those types of systems, but he was not aware of a contractor who installed a residential version. As he did more investigation and compared quotes from various companies, Rocasi also learned that, from a cost perspective, a residential fire sprinkler system was more affordable than fireproof drywall—roughly $1.35 per square foot of sprinklered space in new construction.

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Firefighter Jon Rocasi and his family are now protected by residential sprinklers, thanks to AFSA Florida Chapter members.

Unfortunately, however, even that cost savings would be a strain on the family finances, leaving Rocasi in the untenable position of having to weigh the cost of equipment and installation against the value of his family’s safety.

That’s when Quick Response Fire Protection entered the picture. The company installs residential fire sprinkler systems manufactured by Viking SupplyNet, and when Gene Robinson, who handles contract and Virgin Island sales at the company, learned of Rocasi’s story, he resolved to do what he could to ensure that at least this firefighter could go to work each day knowing his family was safe at home.

Robinson made a call to Viking, hoping the company would be willing to donate the equipment. “Our industry has great respect for first responders, and Jon’s story really touched me,” said Robinson.

“We work with manufacturers who share the same respect, so I called my Viking representative, and asked if they could give a break on the material. Viking ended up donating all the material.”

But the story doesn’t end there. News of the equipment donation from Viking spread throughout Quick Response and team members at the company took up the cause. Project designer Jason Ehrlich volunteered to design the system on his own time, and Charlie Bracket, Marty Brasher, Daniel Burgess, John Henderson, Dion Hudson, Jarmen Mann, Gene Robinson, and Johnathan Rodreges donated their time to install the system.

“Gene making the material donation ask to Viking sparked the rest of the guys to donate their time,” says company owner Marty Brasher. “I couldn’t be more proud of the Quick Response team.”

Jason Ehrlich with Quick Response Fire Protection designed the residential sprinkler system for the Rocasi family.

Rocasi was deeply gratified by the help he and his family received. “I was talking with my wife about how we were going to cover the cost of the fire sprinkler system when Quick Response called and said their employees wanted to donate the design and labor, and Viking wanted to donate all the materials. We are blessed,” states Rocasi. “I feel like our family now has a full-time firefighter inside our house.”

Far from being a high-end add-on, a residential fire sprinkler system can literally mean the difference between succumbing to a home fire or surviving it. A home fire can become deadly in two minutes or less.

Even more alarming, new homes built of common unprotected lightweight building materials and flooring can burn faster than older construction houses, making them even more deadly. Yet residential fire sprinkler systems are often not considered when buying or building a home.

“It’s important to us at Viking that we find ways to give back to fire service officials whenever possible,” comments Ben Johnson, who is the director of sales for Viking, adding, “We were grateful to have a hand in the installation and look forward to future collaboration initiatives that allow us to support our community.”

Learning about residential fire sprinkler systems has also sparked an interest in Rocasi and his wife to create a not-for-profit. “I’m that guy who wanted a system and had to figure out how to pay for it,” notes Rocasi.

“Our family received an incredible blessing, and we’d like to find a way to pay it forward.

Team members with Quick Response Fire Protection volunteered their time and manpower to install the residential sprinkler system.

Maybe it hasn’t touched you, but you know someone who has had a home fire. It’s time to start talking about residential fire sprinklers and how we get them in our homes.”

To learn more about residential fire sprinkler systems, visit the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC), the leading resource for independent, noncommercial information about home fire sprinklers, with resources and

informational materials for developers, land planners, and homebuilders, at homefiresprinkler.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jessica Cox is the executive director of the AFSA Florida Chapter. For more information about the chapter and its activities, visit afsafl.org or email Cox at jessica@afsafl.org.

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WHERE THERE IS SMOKE, THERE IS FIRE BUT SOMETIMES IT’S THE GOOD KIND... BBQ CONTEST SUPPORTS VIRGINIA BURN SURVIVORS FOUNDATION

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BILL JONES | FIREPRO, INC. n March 25-27, 2021, barbecue teams from across the U.S. converged on a little town in Virginia called Urbanna to light their fires and begin the process of smoking meats at the 4th Annual BBQ Gives Back contest. The contest is one of hundreds held around the world. The contest has been used as a fundraiser, and this year, the committee elected to use the profits to support the Virginia Burn Survivors Foundation (BSF). Through its fundraising, the BSF supports two charities— The Central Virginia Burn Camp for Kids (CVBC) and the Evans-Hayes Burn Center at MCV Hospital in Richmond, the premier burn center in this area.

Teams come from as far away as Colorado but mainly from the Mid-Atlantic area, Rhode Island to North Carolina. They prep and cook chicken, pork ribs, pork, and brisket to earn points for Team of Year, and qualify for the Kansas City Barbecue Society’s World Championship (KCBS), the American Royal World Championships, and the Jack Daniels Championships held later in the year.

Many of the teams take pride in the uniqueness of their team names. Names like Good Googly Goo, Redneck Scientific, Love N Smoke, Ham Squad, Sasquatch BBQ, Boggs Hog, and Bad Azz Mule are some of the 75 teams competing.

A basic KCBS contest begins Friday with teams arriving, setting up their sites, and visiting with friends from other teams. But when the fires are lit in their smokers that evening, all mindsets turn to making the best BBQ they can overnight to present to the KCBScertified judges the next day. This contest is a double, meaning they do it all over again Saturday and present their second cook on Sunday. Six judges are shown a team’s box of their entry, give an appearance score, and then take a bite (or two, or more) to give a taste and tenderness score. Basically, a single bite tells them what they need to know. The entry may be too dry, tough, salty, mushy, chewy, have an unknown flavor, or be the best entry they have ever had. If five of the six judges agree it’s an excellent entry, the team will get a perfect score of 180. The rare perfect score would be that all six judges gave it an excellent score. Each judge, during the judging process, will be given six chicken, rib, pork, and brisket samples to judge. For this contest, there were 11 such tables, all judging different teams’ entries and giving their scores.

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Wolf’s Revenge BBQ of Henrico, Virginia, won both days’ contests and was awarded the Two-Day Combined-Score Championship.

Take what you may know about BBQ and throw it out the window. This is not Ruby Tuesday’s, Applebee’s, or TGI Friday’s BBQ or what many people make in their backyard. KCBS, the governing body of judging BBQ, has set guidelines on how to score the BBQ the judges are tasting. An example would be a fall-off-the-bone rib in competition will get you low scores. A rib should come clean at the bite spot with little effort, should be moist and tender but not mushy or dry, and the rest of the meat should hold to the rib. Too tough or overdone will costs the team points.

Years ago, it was very common to see a Weber Grill or two, a pickup truck, a pop-up tent, and a couple of tables. Now, we see a lot of 25-to-40-ft trailers, motorhomes, and $10,000 smoker rigs.

Sometimes the larger rigs don’t fare as well as the smaller team set-ups.

Sometimes they do. It’s all in how well they can cook BBQ, not what they show up in. Points are not given for the best-looking rig. Teams’ scores are tallied, and each day teams are awarded cash and prizes for their finish. Teams need to have a consistent cook in all four types of meat to earn the Overall Grand Champion award.

At the end of the contest, fires are put out, and teams say their goodbyes and head home. Some relish in their wins and others contemplate what to do differently at the next contest. This year, as

The Old Virginia Smoke team took home the 2021 BBQ Gives Back award for Best Chicken.

the smoked cleared and scores were completed, one team stood out above all the rest. Wolf’s Revenge BBQ of Henrico, Virginia, won both days’ contests and was awarded the Two-Day CombinedScore Championship.

The Virginia Chapter hosted a side contest inside the main contest for Best Fire Sprinkler Finish as the chapter had two sprinkler employees competing. Glenn Zobel of VSC Fire and Security in Ashland/Love-N-Smoke BBQ was the best finisher and won the first-ever Fire Sprinkler BBQ Team award. The BBQ Gives Back committee was pleased to have been able to raise $10,000 for BSF.

BURN SURVIVORS FOUNDATION (BSF) Since its formation, the mission of BSF has been and will continue to be to improve the lives of all burn survivors, their families, and caregivers. The foundation is honored to support its charities. The Central Virginia Burn Camp is a free-of-charge, week-long summer camp dedicated to providing a special, fun, and safe experience for children with burn injuries. The Evans Haynes Burn Center at VCU Health Center is the regional resource for the care of acute burns and reconstructive needs of burn survivors and for people injured from fire, chemical, scalds, electrical burns, and skin loss injuries as a result from disease.

“Our donations to the CVBC have improved the lives of many child burn survivors. Our job at the BSF is to financially support the CVBC so they continue to accept all applicants throughout the Mid-Atlantic region … no child is turned away!” says BSF Director Jack Medovich, P.E., First Vice Chair on the AFSA national Board of Directors and president/CEO and an owner of Fire & Life Safety America. “Our donation to the Evans Haynes Burn Center assists them in purchasing needed equipment as well as sponsor a fellowship for a plastic surgeon to focus on treatment for burn survivors.” n

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bill Jones is president of FirePro, Inc. in Richmond, Virginia. He has served in many roles for the AFSA Virginia Chapter ,including vice president, treasurer, chapter projects chair, programs chair, golf committee member, and board member. Jones is very involved in the KCBS BBQ Contest. He also owns 11 fire trucks, 108 fire hydrants, 12 fire hose carts, 18 fire extinguisher cards, and numerous fire sprinkler artifacts.

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6/1/21 2:01 PM

UPDATES TO NFPA 20, 2022 EDITION ACCEPTED FIRST REVISIONS, SECOND REVISIONS, AND PROPOSED TENTATIVE INTERIM AMENDMENTS

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KEVIN HALL, M.ENG., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

he second draft meetings for NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, 2022 edition were held virtually from September 30 through October 2, 2020. Unlike with some other water-based installation documents, none of the actions taken by the committee were opposed by a certified amending motion (CAM) and these updated sections reflect what will be published in the 2022 edition of the standard.

VERTICAL FIRE PROTECTION ZONE The definition of Vertical fire protection zone was significantly reconstructed during the first-draft stage of NFPA 20. In an effort to correlate the use of these zones as they are used throughout other water-based fire protection installation documents, specifically standpipe systems and the model building codes, the previous definition was scrapped, and the following language was developed: 3.3.80* Vertical Fire Protection Zone. The portion of a vertical fire protection system of standpipes with hose valves, sprinkler systems with sprinkler system connections, or combination standpipe sprinkler systems that are supplied by a fire pump(s) or a water storage tank(s) where the static pressure difference between levels is only a function of the elevation difference.

Vertical fire protection zones are limited by the static pressures available from a water supply. Whether the water supply comes from a municipal source, a fire pump, or an elevated tank, the fire protection zones are defined vertically based on the static pressures available at a given height and the maximum and minimum pressures permitted by the appropriate installation standard. This change laid the groundwork for future changes that are currently happening in the current revision cycle for NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2022 edition regarding zones. Be on the lookout for an article in the November/December 2021 issue of Sprinkler Age for details on the robust changes made to the installation and design requirements for the different zones of a standpipe system.

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AUTOMATED INSPECTION AND DISTANCE MONITORING With the advent of NFPA 915, Standard for Remote Inspections, being approved and entering its first official revision cycle this year, there has been a trend in the water-based installation standards to clean up the language regarding automated inspections, tests, and distance monitoring in each respective standard. For both automated inspections and distance monitoring in NFPA 20, a requirement was added to each section stating, “Components that are subjected to system pressure but do not affect the fire pump’s performance shall not be required to be listed.” Previously all devices that were subject to system pressure required a listing in accordance with NFPA 20; however, many of the new devices for these remote functions were not specifically listed at the working pressure of a fire pump system. This additional requirement permits the use of non-listed devices so long as the overall performance of the fire pump is not reliant on their satisfactory operation. Similar language was proposed and accepted by the NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, committees and is currently under review by the NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, committee which is still in cycle.

WATER MIST POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPING UNIT PERFORMANCE Unlike the more common centrifugal fire pump, positive displacement pumps are capable of very high discharge pressures (up to 3,000 psi) and are better suited when used in water mist systems that require these high pressures and low flows. With today’s controller technology, positive displacement pumping units utilize several pumps to achieve the required design pressure based on a calculated demand. Since the performance of the pumping unit is not based on a simple on/off function, each unit must achieve the desired flow within a certain amount of time. The 2022 edition of NFPA 20 will require the following: 8.4.4.1 The pump controller shall manage the performance of all pumps so that within 20 seconds after any demand to start,

pumps shall supply and maintain a stable discharge pressure (±10 percent) throughout the entire range of operation.

8.4.4.2 The discharge pressure shall restabilize within 20 seconds whenever the flow condition changes.

These pumping units must maintain their required discharge pressure within 20 seconds of the start of the fire pump unit based on the calculated demand. During the first draft stage, a prescriptive requirement was lacking from section 8.4.4.2, and the committee reaffirmed that whenever the flow demand changes, the pumping unit will have 20 seconds to stabilize its discharge pressure to within ±10 percent.

Correlating language was added to the general requirements in Chapter 4: 4.21.1.2.1 The discharge pressure shall restabilize within 20 seconds whenever the flow condition changes.

This section applies to any fire pumps installed in series.

With the section on restabilization previously silent on a specific time requirement, the committee resolved the known issue by stating, “Not having a time limit specified for discharge pressure to ‘restabilize’ would potentially allow for the discharge pressure to be below the required pressure for a long period of time. The added 20 seconds provides a time limit for pressure stabilization to make the section enforceable.”

ELECTRIC-DRIVE CONTROLLER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS In the age of information, almost anything can be searched on your phone, and the answer can be available at your fingertips within a matter of seconds. In the second draft, the committee created a second revision that greatly expanded on what information needs to be available for every controller installed and how that information is permitted to be obtained or posted. Some information, however, is so important that it must be readily available in a physical form at the controller itself. Basic operating instructions for emergency response operation and complete installation instructions are required to be provided at the controller without the option of accessing a website or using the controller’s interactive display. The following list of advanced operating instructions are the only pieces of information that are permitted to be obtained through an electronic means: (1) Description of the model, including all options; (2) Product specifications; (3) Menu functions; (4) Settings; and (5) Maintenance.

It should be noted that the option of supplying this information electronically is at the discretion of the manufacturer­—it is not a choice for the contractor or owner to make.

require the tank to be sized based on the fuel supply rate of the engine and a run time of 12 hours: 11.4.1.3.1 Fuel supply tank(s) shall be sized for a minimum of 12 hours of engine run time based on the fuel supply rate requirements of the engine, plus 5 percent volume for expansion and 5 percent volume for sump.

There are two items of note in the new requirement. The duration of the run-time was debated heavily. The committee settled on a duration of 12 hours as other requirements in the standard permit the fuel level in the tank to be no less than two-thirds full, equating to an 8-hour supply at the lowest permissible level. Although the fire protection systems that are served by a fire pump are not required to run for 8 or 12 hours, the additional fuel capacity is beneficial when the pump is run weekly or during the event of a power outage where some local jurisdictions require the pump to run periodically to charge the batteries and keep the room warm.

The other issue is with the fuel rates. Currently, the new section references the fuel supply rate, which is not the correct data point. The fuel system for a diesel engine utilizes three data points—fuel supply, fuel return, and fuel consumption. Tank sizing should be sized based on the fuel consumption rate. This was a point that was missed during the last revision cycle of NFPA 20, and AFSA has submitted a tentative interim amendment (TIA) for the committee to consider. We expect the change to pass and be incorporated into the standard.

NEXT STEPS We are always looking down the road to the next edition of each standard to see what constructive changes can be made to make a better document that is easy to use for our members and avoids conflicts and misinterpretations. Whether you have a question, comment, or suggestion on any standard used in the fire protection industry, please reach out to us at technical@ firesprinkler.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kevin Hall, M.Eng, P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, is the coordinator of engineering and technical services for AFSA. He has been in the fire protection industry for nearly ten years. He is a registered professional engineer in Delaware and Maryland and has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fire protection engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Hall is a member of several NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 1 Fire Code Correlating Committee; NFPA 1 Building Systems and Special Occupancies; NFPA 1 Special Equipment, Processes, and Hazardous Materials; NFPA 13 Residential Sprinkler Systems; NFPA 15 Water Spray Fixed Systems; and NFPA 20 Fire Pumps. He also represents AFSA on the majority of UL standard technical panels (STP) involving the sprinkler industry, including STP 199 Sprinkler Equipment for Fire Protection.

DIESEL FUEL TANK SIZING Historically, diesel fuel tanks for diesel engine drives have been sized based on providing 1 gal per horsepower plus five percent volume for sump and five percent volume for expansion.

Continuing with the theme of information, the standard will now SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 33

FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS GEORGIA FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION REACHES K-12 STUDENTS

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D’ARCY MONTALVO | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION embers of the Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association (GFSA) have long been involved in educating the public about fire safety. Past American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Chair of the Board Bob McCullough believed in education for those in and outside of the fire sprinkler industry. During his tenure at AFSA and GFSA, he created AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition, started a GFSA Essay Contest program for students to learn about the life- and property-saving benefits of automatic fire sprinkler systems, and encouraged members to partner with the state to sponsor a Fire Safety Calendar Contest. All three of these programs continue to this day.

FIRE SAFETY CALENDAR Each year, the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire for the State of Georgia promotes an essay and fire safety calendar art contest for elementary grades based on the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week theme.

Each month of the calendar has a fire safety theme, including one month dedicated to automatic fire sprinklers. Students in Kindergarten through third grade across the state are eligible to compete in the art contest, while students in sixth through twelfth grades can compete in an essay contest about fire safety.

“The artwork which best fits the overall topic is combined with a monthly fire safety theme and incorporated into our ‘Fire Safety Tips’ calendar, which is then distributed to every third-grade classroom in the state,” comments Fire and Life Safety Educator Amanda Jones.

“Through research, we’ve learned that third grade is the optimal time to share the message of fire safety and get these children interested in a home escape plan and learning about staying safe from fire.”

Each August, Jones’ office sends out contest details to elementary schools so that the finished calendar and awards can be presented during Fire Prevention Week in October.

“We give one calendar to each third-grade teacher in the state, and it becomes the classroom’s calendar for the year,” states Jones. “When teachers turn to each month, they teach their students that month’s fire safety tip.”

Fire-safety education materials are also included in the center of each calendar that teachers can copy for each student in the

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Fire and Life Safety Educator Amanda Jones Jones and local fire department officials present Fifth Grader Sarah Graves with the firstplace award for her fire safety calendar drawing about smoke alarms.

classroom. First-place calendar and essay winners receive a $50 gift card and a gift bag full of goodies donated from insurance companies. All other winners win a gift bag as well. This year, GFSA also included a burn demonstration at the elementary school that had the most winners for the calendar.

“Awards are usually presented at a banquet, but because of the pandemic in 2020, we teamed up with local fire departments and GFSA to visit schools to present the awards. The fire officials who visited the school also gave a fire safety talk to students and showed off their equipment and fire truck,” says Jones. “We were pleased to learn that the students preferred this to a banquet, so we hope to continue with this format.”

In 2020, submissions were down due to the pandemic, but Jones’ office was pleased to have 24 schools submit entries. In years past, up to 80 schools have participated.

Jones is ramping up for the 2021 contest with NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week theme of “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™.”

Winning submissions from this fall’s contest will be published as the 2022 calendar.

“We’re so excited for this year’s contest!” states Jones. “We already handed out our materials and promoted the contest at

the Georgia Fire Safety Symposium in June, so we are ready for a great year of fire safety education and reaching as many students as we can.”

These calendars are paid for through the support of GFSA, the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and many others.

“We are very honored to support this project and the efforts of the State Fire Marshal,” comments GFSA Executive Director Bonnie Pinson. “We appreciate everyone who supports GFSA in our efforts to educate the public about fire sprinklers.”

One event that helps fund the contest is the 22nd Annual Bob McCullough Memorial Golf Tournament. This year’s event will be held on October 28 at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton. For more details and to register for this year’s event, visit georgiafiresprinkler.org.

GFSA ESSAY CONTEST GFSA members have long sponsored an annual essay contest to educate high school seniors about fire sprinklers. The contest is open to seniors in Georgia who plan to further their education at a college/university or certified trade school in the United States. Home-schooled students may apply as long as their course of study is equivalent to that of a senior in high school. The essays are judged in the spring, with scholarships awarded in time for the fall semester.

The 2021 contest’s theme was “Fire Sprinklers & Fire Safety in HGTV Programming,” where students were asked to write a letter to HGTV in support of programming to promote residential fire sprinklers and fire safety. The contest was recently renamed the “Asa Tuten Memorial – GFSA Essay Contest” in honor of long-time member Asa Tuten of HRS Systems, Inc. This year’s winners are First Place: Leah Grace Browning from Atkinson County High School ($1,500 scholarship); Second Place: Noah Jeffrey Fornuto from River Ridge High School ($1,000 scholarship); and Third Place: Hunter Alden Grout from North Oconee High School ($750 scholarship).

Winning essays in their entirety will be posted online at SprinklerAge.com in the coming months.

“We greatly appreciate members of GFSA, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and our industry who come together to read and judge these essays,” says Bobby McCullough, who administered the contest. “We couldn’t do it without their time and support.”

For 33 years, the contest has exposed thousands of high school seniors and their families to the life-safety and propertyprotection attributes of fire sprinklers. The success of the state essay contest prompted Bob McCullough, then AFSA Chair of the Board, to suggest a nationwide contest sponsored by AFSA national. With AFSA Board approval, the AFSA’s National Scholarship Essay Contest was created in February 1996. At that time, he wrote the following: “…we plan to launch a National Sprinkler Essay Contest that will provide scholarship money to high school seniors as they prepare to enter college. We believe this essay contest will help boost public awareness of automatic sprinkler systems for

The winning fire sprinkler entry for the 2021 fire safety calendar contest was submitted by a fourth grader from Jefferson Academy.

the students, parents, teachers, and in many cases the fire officials they interview.”

He continued: “In Georgia, we have conducted this type of essay contest for the past eight years, and I know for a fact that the students who write sprinkler essays in high school will continue to write about sprinklers while in college. This is a massive public awareness project, and we will need the help of local chapters and other industry groups who are willing to help promote sprinkler education.”

McCullough was right. The GFSA and national contests have educated tens of thousands of people about fire sprinklers and helped students further their education goals. Both contests will be open for the 2021-2022 school year. Details on the national contest can be found at afsascholarship.org in September 2021, and the 2022 GFSA Essay Contest will be posted in January 2022. For more information about GFSA, visit georgiafiresprinkler.org. n

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PROTECTING HIGH-RACK STORAGE IN A RETAIL SETTING ELECTRONIC SPRINKLERS PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY FOR NON-TRADITIONAL PROJECTS

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MANNY SILVA, P.E. | JOHNSON CONTROLS s the storage industry evolves, it often presents unique fire hazards that require customized detection and suppression solutions. For example, modern lift technology is allowing for higher storage heights, increasing the need for fire protection systems that can monitor and help protect these increasingly larger and denser areas. In addition, the storage of exposed expanded group-A plastic (EEP) materials creates a particular challenge since they produce fires that grow much faster than similar products stored in cardboard containers. EEP materials also do not absorb water as readily as cardboard, making fires difficult to contain.

Typically, fire protection schemes used to protect EEP rack storage arrangements have required the use of intermediate-level in-rack automatic fire sprinklers. The Fire Protection Research Foundation conducted testing that influenced updates to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, incorporating a ceiling-only protection scheme using Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) automatic fire sprinklers to protect EEP in single, double, and multi-row rack storage arrangements up to a 40-ft ceiling height and 35-ft storage height. The protection scheme requires the use of ESFR sprinklers with a nominal K-Factor of 25.2 at a minimum pressure of 60 psi flowing through 12 sprinklers. It also requires the use of solid vertical barriers for the full storage height and limits the aisle width to 8 ft.

A NON-TRADITIONAL PROJECT Recently, the IKEA store in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada, worked with

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The nature of an IKEA store requires non-traditional fire protection solutions.

Code Consultants, Inc (CCI) and Johnson Controls on a project that required innovative storage sprinkler technologies to help protect a unique arrangement of high-rack storage containing EEP materials.

The nature of an IKEA store requires non-traditional fire protection solutions. The store layout closely mimics a warehouse or storage facility. However, the use of the space is primarily retail-focused, serving as a showroom that allows customers to try products before purchasing while shopping freely through available inventory. The high percentage of Group A EEP within that inventory requires a higher-than-usual fire protection system compared to standard retail stores. As noted with the current NFPA 13 scheme using ESFR-25 sprinklers, the higher fire hazard of EEP has much greater hydraulic requirements than would be used and available in a typical retail space.

In addition to ensuring proper facility fire safety, the project goals for IKEA included maximizing storage flexibility, realizing project cost savings, minimizing retail store downtime, and utilizing the existing pipe system and fire pump.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR UPGRADE The first consideration was replacing the existing in-rack sprinklers with a scheme capable of protecting EEP. An in-rack scheme using extended-coverage upright sprinklers with a nominal K-factor of 25.2 was considered. This option would require replacing all the sprinkler piping, including the risers, as well as the addition of horizontal barriers within the racks. This was not selected due to the cost of the piping replacement and the fact that the piping would be fixed within rack structures and limit the flexibility of moving racks. There

was also concern about the potential of damaging the in-rack sprinkler.

A second option was to replace the in-rack system with a ceiling-only system using the protection scheme in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, for EEP. This scheme would require installing early-suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers with a nominal K-factor of 25.2, the installation of vertical barriers, and a fire pump upgrade from 1,500 gpm to 2,500 gpm to provide the necessary pressure and flowrate. While the ceiling-only scheme would provide rack arrangement flexibility, this option was not selected due to the cost of the pump upgrade and reduced operational flexibility due to the installation of the barriers.

As none of these options met the needs of high operational flexibility and minimal space downtime, CCI introduced the electronically activated sprinkler concept into the list of possible fire protection options to address the key goals of the IKEA store.

AN ELECTRONIC SPRINKLER SOLUTION The electronically activated sprinkler system was selected because it offers earlier fire detection and less water and smoke damage compared to a traditional storage space fire protection plan. The technology is designed to avoid sprinkler “skipping” and to react more efficiently to a fire. It is suited for high-rack storage applications containing more complex Group A EEP, which requires more water per square foot than other commodity classes.

The sprinkler system was specified and installed as a ceiling-only protection scheme which allows more flexibility with storage racking arrangement and helps meet the height requirements for protecting Group A EEP. The system made retrofits easy as the sprinklers use the same thread size compatible with piping infrastructure found in older storage facilities.

The specific electronically activated sprinkler system used for this project can develop a system scheme using an intelligent operation of an array of sprinklers around a point of origin. This is accomplished through various system components, including a sprinkler with a metron

activator, heat sensor, and a suppressionreleasing panel wired to all heat sensors.

The system detects the fire location faster than traditional protection systems through the sensors that gather data on the rate of rise in the surrounding air temperature. This temperature spike allows the system to select the most accurate sprinklers to activate. Based on the grid pattern design, between six and nine sprinklers activate simultaneously to address the fire location.

This design targets the fire with a “surroundand-drown” approach which activates only the required sprinklers earlier in the development of the fire. This is a critical part of combatting fires quickly in high-rack storage while ensuring other areas of the facility remain unharmed.

The electronically activated sprinkler system allowed for a significant update in fire protection without having to upgrade the fire pump and without having to install vertical or horizontal barriers. This minimized costs for the upgrade while maximizing operational flexibility.

Based on the project location, it was necessary to add ULC Listing to all system

components that were previously UL Listed only. Completing this step early in the project avoided delays in the overall timeline.

As the project progressed, the local fire officials assessed the fire protection plans and the distinctive ways they met all needs.

Overall, this project required the installation of 1,360 sprinkler heads throughout the 130,000-ft2 (12,077-m2) facility. The entire project was completed, with 90 percent of the installation work being done with no store downtime. With the new combination of electronically activated sprinkler technology and modern high-rack storage sprinkler protection, the IKEA store in Coquitlam is better equipped to handle fire protection needs for years to come. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Manny Silva, P.E., is chief engineer and Fellow for Johnson Controls Fire Suppression Products.

He is a member of the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria and Sprinkler System Installation, NFPA 30B, and NFPA 1925 technical committees. He has over 30 years of engineering experience, spent over two decades developing numerous products for use in fire sprinklers systems, and is named on 33 U.S. Patents related to fire suppression devices. Silva obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering systems from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and is a registered professional engineer in Rhode Island.

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CAROLINAS CHAPTER HOSTS SPORTING CLAY SHOOT MEMBERS COME TOGETHER FOR FIRST IN-PERSON EVENT OF 2021

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JOHN W. TURNAGE | AFSA CAROLINAS CHAPTER n May 27, 2021, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Carolinas Chapter (North Carolina) broke out of the COVID-19 quarantine with a bang! We held our first-ever 1st Annual AFSA Carolinas Chapter “Spring Hurry” Sporting Clay Event, and the response was great. The weather cooperated, the venue was perfect, and the food was outstanding!

Our shoot was held at The Fork Farm & Stables in Norwood, North Carolina, a venue rich in shooting sports tradition, and the event staff was spot-on with great service and anticipated our every need. We had 82 registered shooters, and while not all shooting skills are created equal, everyone had a great time and enjoyed the opportunity to get outside and soak up some sunshine.

The camaraderie and fun were genuine. Old friendships were rejuvenated, and new friendships were created. Vendors and contractors came together for a common cause, and we gained several prospects for new Carolinas Chapter members as a result of the event.

Shooters from New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia participated in the event, including AFSA’s Regional Director of Membership & Chapter Support Dominick Kasmauskas.

Although the accents varied, the good-natured “trash talking” carried a common competitive theme that always accompanies a Carolinas Chapter event.

When the dust settled, and the smoke cleared, the awards were as follows: First Place – Carolina Fire Protection, Inc.; Second Place – Victaulic (Team #2); and Third Place – UTG Incorporated. The Top Gun Individual Award for High Score was presented to Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina, Inc., Lugoff, South Carolina, who is also Secretary and Region 5 Director on the AFSA national Board of Directors.

The Carolinas Chapter would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone who contributed in any way to our clay shoot. The event was a great success due to the teamwork and contributions of all involved, and 2021 has set the standard for future outings.

Presenting Sponsors, in alphabetical order, were Atlanta Winsupply Carolina Commercial Systems; Carolina Fire Protection, Inc.; Core & Main Fire Protection; Crawford Sprinkler Co. of Raleigh, Inc.; Ferguson Fire and Fabrication; Fess Fire Protection;

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Johnson Controls; Hajoca (Charlotte Office); Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, Inc.; Sunland Fire Protection, Inc.; Victaulic (two teams); and Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. (three teams).

We’re already finalizing the details on our next sporting clay event to be held once again at The Fork Farm & Stables on April 7, 2022, so save the date! n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John W. Turnage is executive director of the AFSA Carolinas Chapter.

For more information about the chapter and its events, visit afsacarolinaschapter.com.

Top Photo: Carolinas Chapter Chair Carl Jackson (left) presents the Top Gun Award to Jeff Phifer. Bottom photo: Eighty-two shooters enjoyed a BBQ lunch after the clay shoot.

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS: 31 CHAPTERS AFSA IS THE BASKIN ROBBINS® OF MERIT SHOP FIRE SPRINKLER CONTRACTORS BOB CAPUTO, CFPS | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION EDITOR’S NOTE: With so many membership benefits offered by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), sometimes it’s hard to know them all! With that in mind, Sprinkler Age started the “Membership Has Its Benefits” column. In the following article, AFSA President Bob Caputo highlights many benefits of chapter membership.

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ce cream at Baskin Robbins® may come in 31 flavors and in cones or cups—I prefer the cones because when I get the cups, the wax gets stuck in between my teeth—but our 31 chapters each have their own individual flavors, too. Since stepping into the role of association president, I’ve had the privilege of “tasting” some of our chapters in person (where physical meetings have been held) and virtually where they’re still meeting via Zoom, Teams, or Skype.

One of the many common denominators I have observed is the need to provide our chapter leaders and executive directors with more support and easier access to the Dallas office for guidance and assistance on a wide range of issues. In some cases, the knowledge base as it relates to why a company should belong to AFSA in many member companies and chapters has retired or moved on, and the recently elected chapter leadership may not know who to call for assistance.

For those of you fortunate enough to attend AFSA’s annual convention, the staff and Board of Directors provide a Chapter Leadership Conference that offers our chapter leaders support and knowledge of how to do anything and everything related to chapter development and management. These sessions are invaluable, and I encourage anyone involved with or planning to become a chapter officer or executive director to

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attend one of these sessions when you can.

I’ve heard it said that some of the greatest benefits of attending our convention happen in the corridors and the networking meals between educational sessions. The opportunity to meet your counterparts from other chapters and form your own support network of peers and staffers is equally invaluable. In addition, AFSA provides a Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference for those of you who may not be able to attend the annual convention and to keep you informed of changes that occur between conventions.

This year’s mid-year conference was presented virtually May 5-6, and sessions were recorded for anyone who could not attend. As chapters return to live meetings, you can expect to see me or other staff members in attendance. We are here to support each chapter as much as possible, and we are anxious to end some of the distance between AFSA National and some chapters where communication has been less than great in the past.

Obviously, some chapters are older and have well-established ideas about issues that matter in their respective regions, including legislation, apprentice and fitter certifications, fundraising, and golf tournaments. We are happy to steal your success stories and share them with newer chapters to help their development, success, and growth. Other reasons why you should become involved with your local AFSA chapter include: • Participating locally helps keep you informed on what is happening legislatively in your neck of the woods. Chapters are tuned in to what is happening with local legislatures and work hard behind the scenes to advocate for you.

• Local-level events are a great way to get involved. Get to know local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), industry leaders, and manufacturer/supplier associates in your area through networking at chapter events.

• Bring the training to you! AFSA chapters offer a variety of training opportunities at the local level to help you earn those CPD/ CEU credits without having to travel far from home.

• Chapter participation locally drives public awareness. Charitable events, side-by-side burn demonstrations, and more all contribute to your community’s fire sprinkler awareness. Chapters often support and host these events, which help to spread the word about fire sprinklers.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what all chapter membership entails, but hopefully, it’s an intriguing starting point. We encourage you to find your local chapter and attend a meeting to learn more. Visit www. firesprinkler.org/chapters to find your chapter.

National and chapter membership should be beneficial on many levels, from educational and professional development to just having fun while we grow our companies and our industry. We hope you will reach out to AFSA’s Membership and Chapter Support team at any time for assistance. Bruce Lecair, Dominic Kasmauskas, and Meda Merrit are your first point of contact, but you can reach out to any of the AFSA staff at any time for any reason. We’re here to assist you! Here are a few of our contacts: • Bob Caputo, CFPS, president, bcaputo@firesprinkler.org, 760-908-7753; • John Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE, vice president of engineering and technical services, jdenhardt@firesprinkler.org;

• Marlene Garrett, senior director of meetings and educational services, mgarrett@firesprinkler.org; • Bruce Lecair, director of membership and chapter support (Western U.S.), blecair@firesprinkler.org; • Dominick Kasmauskas, regional director of membership and chapter support (Eastern U.S.), dgkasmauskas@firesprinkler.org; and • Meda Merritt, manager of membership

and chapter relations, mmerritt@ firesprinkler.org.

Join us! We are excited to welcome you to the AFSA family. Get involved with AFSA on local, regional, and national levels and see the benefits you reap and the connections you can make while increasing public awareness of fire sprinklers and improving the fire protection industry. I promise you won’t regret the decision. 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 on fire protection and life-safety systems and has developed AFSA and NFPA education and training materials.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT. FROM PAGE 8

and support of AFSA is as important as it ever has been. I want to assure you that your Board of Directors and staff are focused on the issues that matter to our collective interests. We plan to continue to deliver best-inclass training programs for this industry. Revamped training programs and new offerings at every level will help ensure you have the workforce needed to grow your business and our industry. AFSA is leading the way with a talented, dedicated, and engaged staff who are eager to meet the needs of our members.

I’d also like to encourage each and every one of you who have not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as you can. I understand some prefer to wait to see if those of us who have been vaccinated turn colors or grow a third arm, but, in all seriousness, the fastest way for us to return to some sort of normal is getting this virus in the rear-view mirror.

Doing so will also add some level of comfort to our upcoming annual convention in September in San Antonio, which we all look forward to.

AFSA40 is shaping up to be our best annual conference ever. Registrations and booth sales exceed expectations. We have a great lineup of speakers and opportunities to expand your knowledge while re-connecting with old friends and meeting a few new ones. This convention is not the one to miss! Bring your jeans and boots and leave the suit and ties at home! This Texas-sized party is a sure bet to bring us back together to celebrate 40 years. See you there! n

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HOME FIRE SPRINKLER WEEK MAKES AN IMPRESSION DIGITAL CAMPAIGN EDUCATES PUBLIC ABOUT RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS

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ire departments and public safety advocates across North America united May 16-22, 2021, to participate in a digital campaign and conduct community outreach activities to increase awareness about how dangerous home fires can be and the benefits of home fire sprinklers. Home Fire Sprinkler Week is co-hosted by the Fire Sprinkler Initiative (FSI) project of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC). The week coincided with HFSC’s 25th anniversary. In 1996, HFSC was founded to provide a singular focus on home fire sprinkler education. What began as a small group working with local and state fire services has grown into a national, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit continuing its original mission.

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is a founding member of HFSC. “The 2021 Home Fire Sprinkler Week digital campaign was a success!” comments Peg Paul, HFSC communications manager. “Almost twice as many members of the fire service/ advocates visited HFSC’s website and shared its content, compared to last year. We thank everyone who promoted and shared HFSC’s messages.”

Each day of Home Fire Sprinkler Week had a theme that focused on one aspect of residential fire safety: Monday – Fire is Fast, Tuesday – Fire Sprinklers are Part of Fire-Safe Communities, Wednesday – It’s Easy to Live with Home Fire Sprinklers, Thursday – Fire Sprinklers are Smart and Green, and Friday – Protect What you Value Most. The 2021 digital campaign included social media posts and media placements. Highlights of the campaign’s reach include: • Digital campaign website: 4,653 visitors shared the content, • Facebook reach: 60,049, • Twitter mention reach: 905,239, • YouTube impressions: 124,100, resulting in 24,568 video views, • Consumer digital campaign: 1.9 million impressions and 27,852 video views, and • Media outreach: 87 placements; 40.1 million impressions; 2,174 views and hits; and 60 click-throughs to the HFSC website, Home Fire Sprinkler Week, and Media Room.

This year, HFSC created a series of videos where HFSC President Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy, talked to HFSC board members about the coalition and

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Print images such as this were shared on HFSC’s Instagram account during Home Fire Sprinkler Week. the role each has played to support the coalition and promote the life-saving benefits of home fire sprinklers. AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS, participated in the interview series, and his video, along with the others, can be viewed online at homefiresprinkler. org/hfsc-25-years.

HFSC/NFPA BRINGING SAFETY HOME AWARD In conjunction with Home Fire Sprinkler Week, the HFSC/ NFPA 2021 Bringing Safety Home Award was presented to Paul Eichler, operations battalion chief with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and volunteer member of the Dover Fire Department. In his honor, the Dover Fire Department receives a $1,000 grant to further home fire sprinkler advocacy and educational efforts.

The award was established to formally recognize a fire safety advocate who diligently promotes the importance of home fire sprinklers and uses HFSC educational tools, NFPA data, and Fire Sprinkler Initiative resources to bolster local, regional, and/or state education and advocacy efforts. For more information about the award and HFSC, visit homefiresprinkler.org n

SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST HELPS THE NEXT GENERATION PROGRAM EDUCATES STUDENTS ABOUT FIRE SPRINKLERS

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he American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to announce 10 high school seniors nationwide who have won a scholarship through the association’s online scholarship program, afsascholarship.org. These national winners were randomly selected from over 37,000 students who entered to receive a one-time $2,000 AFSA scholarship payable to their respective college, university or trade school. This online scholarship contest awards ten $2,000 prizes annually. The ten national winners for 2020-2021 are: • Joana Carreras, Maywood, Illinois; • Landon Ellington, Weatherford, Texas; • Josh Lawless, Chesterton, Indiana; • Nathan Miller, Union Star, Missouri; • Ashlynn Oyemola, Haslet, Texas; • Victoria Piniella, White House Station, New Jersey; • Cale Rowley, Guthrie Center, Iowa; • Emma Shuffield, Austin, Arkansas; • Lauren Trull-Oxendine, Grand Prairie, Texas; and • Noah Weislo, Orchard Park, New York.

“The AFSA Board of Directors is pleased to assist today’s youth in attaining their educational goals while educating them about the life- and property-saving benefits of automatic fire sprinklers,” comments AFSA’s Region 5 Director and Chair of its Public Education & Awareness Committee Jeff Phifer, Crawford Sprinkler Co. of South Carolina in Lugoff.

“This contest not only generates awareness of the fire protection industry, but it also introduces students to the careers and opportunities in an industry they might not have otherwise considered.”

To be eligible, applicants must be a current high school senior planning to attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school in the coming fall. Applicants are required to read a passage about fire sprinklers—which describes their history, how they operate 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 ten $2,000 scholarships. A total of eight entries per applicant into the drawing are possible.

Since its creation in 1996, the AFSA Scholarship Contest has sought to promote the scholarship outside of the fire sprinkler industry in the hope of reaching students who may otherwise never have recognized the importance of automatic fire protection.

In its 26th year, the AFSA scholarship continues to grow, educating over 4.5 million users through this contest and awarding over half a million dollars. AFSA scholarships are open to U.S. citizens or legal residents and are not based on financial needs. The 2021-22 contest will open on September 1, 2021. For details on AFSA’s high school senior or “second chance” contest held each summer, visit afsascholarship.org. n

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 43

PROTECTING VETERANS WITH HOME FIRE SPRINKLERS VICTAULIC PARTICIPATES IN HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS

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SCOTT HOWSER | VICTAULIC merican Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) member Victaulic is donating sprinklers to one of two custom homes in Escondido, California, being built for Marines who were both injured during tours in Afghanistan and require residences with adaptions designed for enhanced safety and accommodating mobility. Victaulic joins other AFSA members, including contractor members Western Fire Protection, Poway, California, and JB Fire Protection Inc., Fullerton, California, to protect these Veterans from the devastation of fire.

Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) builds and donates specially adapted custom homes across the U.S. for severely injured, post-9/11 military Veterans to help enable them to rebuild their lives. HFOT has built 316 homes since 2004 and has another 67 projects are underway. AFSA is among several associations, businesses, and Veteran foundations that partner with HFOT. AFSA is the official partner of HFOT to facilitate donations of sprinkler systems and volunteering for professional installations.

The Escondido projects kicked off in April. In addition to sprinkler installations, the new, one-story homes will include widened doorways for wheelchair access, roll-in showers, safety bars, lower countertops for accessibility, and generators. The Veterans who will move into these homes are a teacher pursuing a doctorate and a mountain climber studying to become a physical therapist.

AFSA President Bob Caputo, himself a Navy veteran, reached out a few years ago

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to engage Product Manager of Sprinklers and Devices Daniel Wake at Victaulic on a similar home project for a Veteran in Arizona, starting a tradition of such service within the company. Victaulic contributed sprinklers and valves as well as procured pipes and other materials. In addition, Wake and a colleague donated time during construction to consult on the installation.

“Victaulic never hesitated for a minute and offered to provide all the equipment needed, including parts they had to procure from other suppliers. They showed up in force to assist with the installation, and Chris Stason provided lunch for everyone,” says Caputo. ‘‘A few months later, when a second home for another wounded veteran was being built, we didn’t want to impose on Victaulic a second time, but when they found out about it, they stepped up again!

The commitment to ensuring the safety of our wounded warriors is in the blood at Victaulic and with all of the AFSA member volunteers installing sprinklers where they’re need the most.”

While sprinklers are critical life-saving equipment for everyone, they are especially important to residents with any reduced mobility and provide another level of required safety in a home designed for wounded Veterans, Wake noted. “It’s even more meaningful,” he said.

AFSA members alike feel privileged to donate their time and materials to support the mission of creating safe, specially adapted custom homes for Veterans.

For its part, Victaulic’s connection to the military harkens back to its origins.

Victaulic’s innovative spirit was born out of a military need. The company was established in 1919 as The Victory Pipe Joint Company

to manufacture mechanical couplings to connect fuel pipelines in the first World War, which spawned applications for piping now deployed across various markets globally, including fire protection; mining and oil and gas infrastructure; and plumbing, heating, and air markets.

Since then, Victaulic has fostered a company-wide appreciation for troops.

During the observance of the company’s 100th “innoversary,” Easton, Pennsylvaniabased Victaulic received the 2019 Veteran Smart Award from the Lehigh Valley Chamber for its commitment to serving those who have served. The company sees great value in its Veterans hiring initiative.

Victaulic recognizes the value of the leadership skills as well as technical backgrounds that veterans bring to an organization. Veterans at Victaulic work in engineering, sales, human resources, and other areas. The company aims to provide an ongoing commitment to hiring Veterans, working with Veteran-owned businesses, and further participating with Veterans charities. Victaulic is proud to be a member of AFSA for its fire safety mission and the association’s dedicated service to Homes for Our Troops. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott Howser is vice president – fire protection sales at Victaulic.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Several AFSA members are contributing materials, time, and manpower to these homes in Escondido, California. Once the homes are completed, the Veterans and their new homes will be featured in Sprinkler Age. If you would like to become involved with the AFSA/Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) partnership, contact Executive Director of AFSA’s Sacramento Valley Chapter Paulene Norwood with Alwest Fire Protection in Roseville, California, volunteer coordinator for AFSA’s HFOT projects, at paulenesacvalleyafsa@ gmail.com.

CHAPTER LEADERS NETWORK AND SHARE IDEAS VIRTUALLY MID-YEAR CHAPTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE CONNECTS VOLUNTEERS

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MEDA MERRITT | AMERICAN FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION

earning, developing, networking, and collaborating—all occurred at the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) Mid-Year Chapter Leadership Conference. This year’s two-day virtual event occurred May 5-6 and brought new and veteran chapter leaders together to gain resources to implement in the operation of their chapters.

The conference was a great success and an opportunity for AFSA chapter leaders and staff to interact on a wide variety of topics, including chapter management, social media, and leadership strategies. Each day included two one-hour Zoom sessions and included: Being a Successful AFSA Leader, Tips and Tricks on Operating a Chapter, The Ins and Out of Social Media, and AFSA Case Studies.

Sessions incorporated panel, instructor-led, and virtual roundtable formats.

“Tips and Tricks” was a panel discussion where participants learned about different resources available from AFSA for use in managing their chapters. Ideas that have been utilized that worked and didn’t worked were also shared. The “Ins and Outs of Social Media,” presented by AFSA Communications Specialist Rebecca Herring reviewed the various types of platforms, from the best to the least desirable. She also provided tools on how to utilize social media to promote chapters. The “Being a Successful AFSA Leader” session helped participants define what leadership means and what are the various leadership styles. The most requested learning style is a roundtable discussion, which allows participants to break away into small groups to discuss diverse topics. AFSA brought the roundtable concept to a virtual format in the fourth and final session. “AFSA

Case Studies” separated participants into groups and placed them in virtual breakout rooms, where they were presented with a case study and had to determine the best approach to solve the problem. Then participants were brought back together to present the case as well as the outcome.

“In spite of the online format, most of the class sessions allowed for involvement and interaction by the participants and instructors,” comments AFSA Senior Director of Membership Services and Chapter Support Bruce Lecair. “Everyone learned a lot and had some fun!”

Attending this conference exposes chapters leaders to best practices, teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and different perspectives. It’s encouraged that all chapter leaders make efforts to attend either the Mid-Year or the Convention Leadership Conference. Engaging with other chapter leaders helps to strengthen AFSA and the chapters. To get more involved locally or to find your chapter, visit firesprinkler.org. n ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Meda Merritt is AFSA’s manager of membership & chapter relations. She can be reached via email at mmerritt@firesprinkler.org or phone at (214) 349-5965 ext. 133.

Take a Closer Look AT AFSA’S ITM INSPECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Our 20-month program guides your novice inspector technicians in gaining knowledge and practical skills while learning to perform code-compliant inspections.

• Effective

• Up-to-Date

• Safe

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

www.firesprinkler.org/ITM SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 45

PROTECTING OUR OWN SAFETY AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS FOR FIRE SYSTEMS PROFESSIONALS

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LESLIE STOCKEL, MS, CSP, SMS | OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY Figure 4

t a recent fire industry technical conference, a group of attendees was asked why they entered this profession. The typical response was consistent with the industry’s universally recognized vision and goals: “To protect people and property.” While this is a noble and aspirational response, many attendees were not prepared for the next question: “What are you doing to protect your own employees?”

The archived 1923 news article from the Oregon Safety Council, Labor Bureau, and Industrial Accident Commission describes a fatal accident where a sprinkler fitter helper fell 32 feet from a scaffold to his death. This artifact is one of the earliest accounts of a workplace accident involving fire sprinkler contractors, and should beg the question, has the industry improved over the last 98 years? The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Act in 1970 and subsequentFigure 5 regulatory promulgations provide a minimum standard of protection for all workers in the U.S. However, unfortunately, approximately 5,000 workers still lose their lives every year in this country (USC 91-596, 1970).

2019 Non Fatal Injuries – NAICS 238 Specialty Trade Contractors Multiple Injuries 3% Amputations 1% Burns 2%

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Musculoskeletal Disorders 35%

Bruises 5% Lacerations 16%

Fractures 19%

Figure 1. Non-Fatal Injuries in 2019. NAICS 238 Specialty Trade Contractors.

Source: Bureau of Lab

2018 Fatal Events – NAICS 238 Specialty Trade Contractors

609 Fatalities Contact with Objects 17%

ACCIDENT STATISTICS IN THE SPECIALTY TRADES Another disturbing reality is that fatal accidents have been increasing over the last five years, while other types of injuries and illnesses have plateaued (BLS, 2020b). The fire systems industry is not immune to these events. Fire systems contractors can and have been injured and killed in the course of their work. Even as recent as 2020, an employee of a sprinkler installation contractor was killed and another critically injured when performing a sprinkler installation using a 26-ft scissor lift. In this tragic case, both employees worked from the basket of the scissor lift, installing 21/2-in. sprinkler pipe overhead at the height of approximately 26-28 feet. They attempted to move the fully extended scissor lift over a surface with an uneven grade when the equipment toppled over, resulting in both employees falling and striking the concrete floor below. One employee was killed instantly, and the other was hospitalized with critical injuries (OSHA, 2021b).

The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data for fatality events and non-fatal injuries for the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) for Construction: Specialty Trades Contractors includes the following types of fire systems contractors: fire sprinkler systems installation, fire alarm electric systems installation, waterless fire suppression systems installation and repair, security and fire systems installation, and fire-stop/

Misc 19%

Transportation 20% Violence 6%

Harmful Exposures 17%

Fires/Explosions 2%

Falls 38%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Figure 2. Fatal Events for 2018. NAICS 238 Specialty Trade Contractors. fireproofing contractors. Research shows that, while overall fatalities, injuries, and illnesses are down over the last 12 years, the Specialty Trades Contractors (NAICS 238) subset continues to experience higher incident rates than the construction industry as a whole. Figures 1 and 2 show the highest type of events that occur in NAICS 238. Musculoskeletal disorders (38 percent), fractures (19 percent), and miscellaneous (19 percent) injuries are the most common types of non-fatal injuries. In comparison, falls (38 percent), transportation (20 percent), harmful exposures (17 percent), and contact with objects (7 percent) represent the most significant source of fatalities (BLS, 2020a).

Thoracic O WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON RISKS IN FIRE SYSTEMS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE? Transportation In all industrial sectors, motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of worker death. The National Safety Council reports that since 2015, all motor vehicle fatalities have increased year over year, primarily due to distracted driving. The U.S. has seen three straight years of at least 40,000 roadway deaths—from 2016 through 2018. Nevertheless, the risks of transportation accidents, specifically distracted driving, do not just apply to workers but others on the road that employees may encounter. A driver using a cell phone is four times more likely to crash when using a cell phone while driving, including during hands-free use. Commercial drivers who cause crashes where a cell phone is involved expose the company to significant liability.

Employers were held liable for up to $25 million for employeecaused crashes (NSC, 2021). Furthermore, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), non-fatal injuries sustained at work in a motor vehicle crash are the most costly, averaging $78,466 per claim (NSC, 2018).

Working at Heights While vehicle crashes are the top cause of death in all industries, falls are the number one cause of construction fatalities. In 2020, 167 deaths by falling occurred in the specialty trades sector (BLS, 2020b). The majority of these tragic events occurred when the employee worked from a ladder, scaffold, scissor, or aerial lift and was not protected by a proper fall prevention or arrest system. OSHA regulations require that workers exposed to a fall greater than six feet for construction, or four feet for general industry, be provided with some level of fall protection, dependent on the conditions of the work environment. Personal fall arrest systems include a body harness with a lanyard and one anchor point per person capable of withstanding 5,000 lbs of dead weight (OSHAb, 2020). Falls from motorized equipment such as aerial or scissor lifts are especially problematic because not only must the equipment be maintained in good working order, but employees must also be competent to operate the equipment properly to avoid toppling over.

Human Factors and Ergonomics Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 35 percent of all injuries in the specialty trades arena and account for over 400,000 injuries every year in all industries (BLS, 2020a). While these types of injuries are not typically fatal, they can cause life-altering body dysfunction for the workers who suffer them, and they can be tremendously expensive in terms of medical treatment and lost time away from work. The total costs of MSDs due to work-related are estimated to be between $45-54 billion annually. For example, the average shoulder injury requiring surgery and rehabilitation can cost upwards of $46,000, while a knee injury can cost an average of $33,000, and a lumbar (back) injury can cost anywhere between $40,000-$80,000 (NSC, 2018).

Another example of an MSD with high potential in the fire systems industry is thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a disorder occurring when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This condition can cause pain in the shoulders and neck and numbness

Repeated and long-term exposure to overhead work can contribute to

Source: opensuch source ergonomic injuries as thoracic outlet syndrome.

in the fingers. Common causes of TOS include physical trauma or injuries, pregnancy, or sleeping with arms above head. A concerning and work-related cause of TOS is repetitive overhead work such as that conducted by sprinkler system and fireproofing installers.

Treatment for TOS usually involves physical therapy and pain relief measures, and surgery in extreme cases. Thoracic outlet syndrome that goes untreated for years can cause permanent neurological damage. The average cost of thoracic outlet surgery is $65,000 in direct medical costs, not including lost wages from being off work, physical therapy, and other associated indirect costs. Thoracic outlet syndrome prevention measures include maintaining good posture, joint stability and flexibility, and maintaining healthy weight and fitness levels (Mayo Clinic, 2019).

Rotating Equipment Working around unguarded rotating equipment can result in severe injuries, including lacerations, fractures, and amputation. In 2017, a pipe fitter lost two fingers when he was operating a threading machine. His right hand was in contact with the product as it spun on the machine and came into contact with the cutting blade, amputating two fingers.

Furthermore, another tragic case was reported where a pipefitter was threading a pipe when his clothing became caught in the machine, twisting his shirt around his neck and suffocating him to death. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for pipe tools, B208.1-1982 paragraph 4.4 states that SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 47

Working at Heights

Falls are one of the most common type of fatal events in construction.

Source: open Source Exposures to heights over 6 ft require some form of fall protection.

cord-connected portable pipe threading machines and portable power drives must be equipped with momentary contact devices such as a guarded foot pedal to control the power input to the portable pipe threading machine or power drive (ANSI B208.1, 1982). Furthermore, OSHA has issued a Hazard Information Bulletin for specific models of pipe threading machines not equipped with a dead-man footswitch that was involved in a fatal accident (OSHA, 1992).

Excavation and Trenching While it might not seem obvious that excavation hazards are prevalent to fire systems contractors, there have been a surprising number of incidents. Water supply tanks and piping that must be run underground can present a hazardous environment during site preparation and installation. Excavation and trenching are considered high-risk activities because when a trench collapses with workers inside, it almost always results in a fatality due to the sheer weight of soil and the time needed for rescuers to respond and initiate recovery safely. In 2012, A 40-year-old sprinkler fitter died when he was struck by and pinned against the wall of excavation by a water tank that had pivoted due to an excavation wall collapse (NIOSH, 2013). Safe excavation operations can be a complicated process that requires a very specialized knowledge set. The type of protective system used is specific to each configuration and soil type. In some instances, a registered professional engineer must design the protective system. A competent person must inspect excavations daily and be authorized to take corrective measures when appropriate, and employees who work in and around excavations must be trained (1926 Subpart P, 2020).

Electrical Contact and Arc Flash In addition to typical electrical hazards of fixed and portable powered equipment commonly found on a construction site, the risk of arc-flash concerning fire pump installation and testing is cause for concern. When operating a fire pump controller during inspection and testing, there is potential for an electrical fault and arc-flash whenever the switch is operated.

NPFA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, requires hazard assessment and electrical equipment labeling to communicate

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the arc-flash energy potential, the minimum approach distances, and the necessary personal protective equipment that must be used.

OSHA Lockout/Tagout regulations (29CFR1910.147), NFPA 70E, and NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, require that equipment be de-energized before maintenance to avoid unnecessary contact.

However, NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, requires a continuous power source, overcurrent reliability protection, and procedural protocols to avoid nuisance tripping (Holub et al., 2013). These standards may conflict in certain applications and should be reconciled with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), the property owner, and the inspection, testing, and maintenance providers to ensure employees are protected.

Health Hazards A variety of chemical exposures can occur in sprinkler installation projects, from specialty chemicals used in the process to chemicals used by other trade contractors on the site. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires that chemical safety data sheets (SDS) be readily available to employees for every chemical they are exposed to, and training on protective methods must be provided.

Other health hazards that may be present include high noise levels from tools and equipment use, temperature extremes, both cold and heat, and sun exposure which can cause skin cancer. Sprinkler installers can be exposed to silica during concrete drilling or cutting concrete, especially when using rotary hammer tools and installing ceiling anchors. Sanding dry-wall mud and coring operations can be another source of exposure. Secondary silica exposures could occur while installers work in proximity to other trades such as masons, concrete work, demolition, and similar activities (Agnew, 2018).

In 2004, a mortality study of Canadian pipe trades workers (including sprinkler fitters) found a significant increase in esophageal, lung, and lymphatic cancers linked to exposures to asbestos, welding fumes, and other contaminants. The potential occupational exposures of pipe trade workers include the following known or suspected carcinogens such as acrylonitrile (lung, bowel); arsenic (lung, skin); asbestos (lung, pleural and peritoneal cavity, gastrointestinal tract); benzene (leukemia); beryllium (lung, bone); cadmium (lung, prostate); chromium (larynx, nasal cavity); nickel (nasal cavity, lung); styrene-butadiene rubber (lymphatic system); tar (scrotum, skin); and vinyl chloride (liver, brain, lung). Asbestos exposures still occur in buildings built before 1970, which can be prevalent during maintenance or retrofits (Finkelstein, 2004).

OSHA REGULATIONS APPLY TO FIRE SYSTEMS CONTRACTORS In addition to the unacceptable proposition of injuries or fatalities, fire systems contractors are subject to OSHA enforcement inspections and possible citations and fines for safety and health violations. Penalties for violations can range between $13,653 per violation up to $136,532 per violation, depending upon the severity and circumstances. In 2015, the U.S. federal government enacted a law to adjust penalties for all regulatory agencies. This new law enabled OSHA to make a one-time 38-percent increase in fines and then adjust the penalties annually based on the Consumer Price Index (OSHA, 2021a).

GOOD SAFETY IS GOOD BUSINESS Safety practitioners, researchers, and even regulatory bodies have long identified a strong connection between low worker injury rates and an organization’s development of an organized and structured safety management system. Even OSHA confirms through their Voluntary Protection Programs that companies who invest in their workforce by implementing effective safety management practices see benefits, not only in reduced occurrences of accidents, but also in improved productivity, higher employee morale, lower turnover, and increased overall business profit, both in terms of reduced insurance, costs, but also in increased efficiency, effectiveness, and lower operating costs. A robust safety management system includes written policies and procedures and a strong culture of safety that pervades the mindset of supervisors and workers. The critical components of a robust safety management system include the following: leadership commitment to safety demonstrated both in the written word and actual practices in the field, employee engagement in the safety system, which includes the essential “Stop Work Authority” for high-risk situations, but also a climate where employees feel committed to safety, and the leadership team supports them. An integral component of a safety system is identifying and controlling hazards and risks through worksite analysis. This effort is ongoing, especially in the ever-changing environment of construction, and includes procedures, processes, and resources to address hazards in a timely fashion. Employee and Supervisory Training is another critical component of the system.

Each person in the organization needs to be trained on the safety functions of their job, from fall protection to excavations and electrical safety. Supervisors and leaders need to be educated to understand their role and responsibility in protecting their crews from harm.

Construction activities are unique from other types of industries because they are dynamic and typically have multiple trades working alongside each other at any given time. Even if your employees are not directly exposed to a hazard, you may still be held responsible under OSHA’s multi-employer worksite policy.

Finally, any program must be evaluated and improved over time.

NOW THAT WE KNOW THE RISKS, WHAT DO WE DO? The myriad of safety and health concerns, including those described herein, can be overwhelming, especially for small contractors (OSHA, 2016). Consultation assistance is provided free in every state by the state OSHA Consultation programs.

Workers’ compensation insurance carriers also typically provide safety and health assistance, and some even offer premium discounts for companies with strong safety and health programs.

Fire systems engineering, installation, inspection, and maintenance is an honorable business. The direct output of our efforts protects countless lives and saves billions of dollars every year for the clients we serve. Our mission is to protect the lives and property, including those occupants of the buildings we serve, the general public, and our noble fire service brothers and sisters. If this is true, then certainly one of our most cherished values should also be to protect our own employees’ lives and well-being. n

Workplace Safety Resources For more information on workplace safety, explore these additional resources: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA consultation services for small businesses. www.osha.gov/consultation Bureau of Labor Statistics – Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities databases. www.bls.gov/iif Center for Construction Research and Training – Safety and Health Network. safeconstructionnetwork.org American Fire Sprinkler Association Safety Portal – www.afsasafetyportal.com

REFERENCES: Agnew, R. J. (2018). OSHA’s Silica in Construction Standard Concerns for Fire Sprinkler Installers. Sprinkler Age, 37(1), 44–46.

ANSI B208.1. (1982). Portable Pipe Threading Machines and Portable Power Drives, Safety Requirement. In American National Standards Institute.

BLS. (2020a). Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses 2019.

BLS, U. (2020b). Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries 2019.

Finkelstein, M. M. (2004). A cohort study of mortality among Ontario pipe trades workers.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61(9). https://oem.bmj.com/content/61/9/736 Holub, R. A., Doan, D. R., & Anderson, R. L. (2013). The arc-flash hazards of fire pumps: Redesigning protection schemes for electrical installations. IEEE Industry Applications Magazine, 19(1).

Mayo Clinic. (2019, September 12). Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Diseases and Symptoms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions NIOSH. (2013). Pipefitter Dies When Excavation Wall Collapses, Causing Water Tank to Rotate and Pin Him Against Excavation Wall. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/stateface/ mi/12MI121.html NSC. (2018). Accident Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/costs/workers-compensation-costs NSC. (2021). Safety on the Road. National Safety Council. https://www.nsc.org/road OSHA. (1992). Hazard Information Bulletin – Rigid Pipe Threading Machines.

OSHA. (2016). Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs (No. 3885). https:/ www.osha.gov/safety-management 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M Fall Protection, Pub. L. No. 40 USC 3701, 29 CFR 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (2020).

29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Excavations, Pub. L. No. 40 USC 333, 29 CFR 1926 Health and Safety Standards for Construction (2020).

OSHA. (2021a, January 13). OSHA Penalties. Federal Register.

USC 91-596, Pub. L. No. 84 STAT.1590, Public Law 91-596 (1970).

OSHA, O. C. A. O. (2021b). OSHA Inspection 1464422.015.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Leslie Rex Stockel, MS, CSP, SMS, is an assistant professor of professional practice at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology as well as instructional director for the OSU OSHA Education Center.

Additionally, she serves as vice president of the board of directors for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Stockel earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering Technology Management, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Enineering Technology from OSU. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree from Texas Tech University in Technical Communication and Rhetoric with an emphasis on Risk Communication. Stockel holds the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Safety Management Specialist (SMS) designations with photo credit: Robert J. Agnew (2018) the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. She has over 30 years of experience in the Safety and Health profession, working in both public and private sector organizations. Stockel can About the Author be reached via email at Leslie.stockel@okstate.edu.

Leslie Rex Stockel, MS, CSP, SMS

Leslie.stockel@okstate.edu (O): 405.744.8213

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 49

Leslie Rex Stockel is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Oklahoma State University in

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT MEMBERS CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

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

“Webster defines ‘dedication’ as being committed to a task or purpose,” comments AFSA Membership & Chapter Relations Manager Meda Merritt. “AFSA could not fulfill its mission or vision without our dedicated members. We congratulate those who are celebrating milestone anniversaries; your support is invaluable.”

Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in July and August 2021. Sprinkler Age asked those members some questions about their time in the fire sprinkler industry and with AFSA. Rick Matsuda, an industry consultant, and retired Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ); E. Parks Moore, CEO, S&S Sprinkler Company, LLC, Mobile, Alabama; and Scott Pugsley, SET, FPET, professor/ industry coordinator for Seneca School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; shared some of their favorite AFSA memories and things they’ve learned through the years.

Happy Anniversary to AFSA Milestone Members!

July–August 2021

Matsuda: “I was a traveling musician after graduating from the University of Hawaii and a stint in the Army. I quit my band while I was in Dallas in 1978 and found a job with the Fire Prevention and Engineering Bureau of Texas (FP&EB).”

Moore: “My father, Leland Moore, Sr., acquired the business in 1995. I started out working here during my summers while in college. I spent a summer working in the warehouse pulling parts and another summer working in design.”

Pugsley: “Originally, we started as part of the mechanical engineering program at Seneca College and shortly branched off to become our own set of courses and full program in 1972.”

35-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Brendle Sprinkler Company, Montgomery, AL Protegis Fire & Safety, Cincinnati, OH 30-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Automatic Fire Protection, San Angelo, TX Eagle Fire, Inc., Richmond, VA Fire Sprinkler, Ltd., Rustburg, VA Harvey & Associates, Fountain Inn, SC 25-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Advanco Fire Protection, Inc., Ontario, CA Control Fire Protection, Inc., Bakersfield, CA S&S Sprinkler Company, LLC, Mobile, AL Associate Members Reed Manufacturing Company, Erie, PA AHJ Members Rick Matsuda, Dallas, TX Seneca College – Fire Protection, Toronto, Ontario, CAnada 20-Year Anniversary Contractor Members A & F Fire Protection, West Babylon, NY 15-Year Anniversary Contractor Members Fifth Element Fire Protection, LLC, Weaverville, NC Immoos Fire Protection, Inc., Elk Gove, CA Superior Fire Protection, Hooksett, NH Designer Members G. Tim Stone Consulting, LLC, Essex Junction, VT Parsley Consulting, Escondido, CA

50 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE FIRE SPRINKLER INDUSTRY?

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH AFSA? Matsuda: “I met Steve Muncy when he was AFSA president, learned about the association, and then joined AFSA in 1996.”

Moore: “Upon acquiring S&S, our management team immediately identified the need and importance for access to good training resources for our designers, salesmen, and installers. AFSA had the resources that we needed, so we joined shortly thereafter.”

Pugsley: “There is a high demand for talent in the fire sprinkler industry. Our Fire Protection Engineering Technology program helps to provide many contractor members with a pipeline for designers, estimators, project managers, etc.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR MOST USED AFSA BENEFIT? Matsuda: “Sprinkler Age magazine, SprinklerFORUM, and old Tech Update e-newsletters.”

Moore: “I love the conventions for both networking and great seminars, but I have to say that my single most used

From l to r: Rick Matsuda; E. Parks Moore with S&S Sprinkler Company, LLC; and the staff of Seneca School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology are celebrating milestone anniversaries with AFSA.

benefit is the informal interpretations. I’ve used them many times over the years.”

Pugsley: “Training, training, and more training. There is never just one way to do something, and the perspective and experiences that are shared during seminars and conventions are priceless.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AFSA CONVENTION MEMORY? Matsuda: “The highlight of my career was being presented AFSA’s Fire Sprinklers Saves Lives Award in 2009.”

Moore: “That’s a tough question because there have been so many different ones. The mechanical bull at the 2015 Awards Party in Phoenix several years ago was pretty funny.”

Pugsley: “My personal favorite was when I was involved within the AFSA’s Northern New England Chapter and Russ Levitt would present to our chapter annually. Our favorite convention memory was seeing Bob Caputo receive the Henry S. Parmelee Award at AFSA36 in Las Vegas.”

WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY? Matsuda: “Hydraulics programs instead of hand calculations, CAD for drawing sprinkler plans, and ESFR and special application sprinklers.”

Moore: “The most significant change to the industry has to be the technological developments that have been made by the manufacturers over the years. This business has gotten so much more complex than it was 25 years ago. There are constantly new types of sprinkler heads and valves being released and new protection schemes, especially when it comes to protecting storage.”

Pugsley: “The introduction and adaptation to new technology. We have come a long way since the first SSU.”

WHAT’S THE KEY INGREDIENT TO YOUR SUCCESS? Matsuda: “I have been blessed with so many people who helped me along my professional career—my late Chief Engineer Damon Anderson; contractors like Bill Corbin, Willie Templin, Ed Juth, and Dan Mallow; the late Buck Morse, Dallas Chief

Building Plans Examiner; and Steve Muncy, who invited and allowed AHJs like me to participate in AFSA’s programs. There are many more people who helped me over the years and to whom I owe for my good fortune, but the list is extremely long. I only mentioned those who were instrumental in my decisions to be a part of this industry.”

Moore: “I believe that one of the biggest reasons for our success is our adherence to our core values. My father loves to tell the story of how our team members came together and selected the company’s core values: family, honesty, integrity, spiritual growth, fairness, and teamwork. It really boils down to treating others the way you want to be treated.”

Pugsley: “Passion—the passion that our staff consistently bring to our classroom and lab sessions is the key and something that our students feed off of also.”

IF I WEREN’T WORKING IN FIRE PROTECTION, I WOULD BE. Matsuda: “I’d be a starving musician (drummer). I still play part-time, and the band is just starting to get bookings again now that the COVID restrictions are being lessened.”

Moore: “I worked as an engineer in power tool manufacturing for several years after college. If I had not come home to raise my family where I grew up and rejoined the family business, I’d probably still be working in manufacturing.”

Pugsley: “I’d be in a related life safety trade.”

CELEBRATING AFSA MEMBERS AFSA looks forward to celebrating with more members this year and is excited to be offering a trial membership program for contractors and AHJs. Memberships are also available for associates (manufacturers and suppliers), designers, students, and retirees. For details, contact Meda Merritt at mmerritt@firesprinkler.org or (214) 349-5965 ext. 133. Membership details are also available online at www.firesprinkler.org/join.

Recognition for milestone membership anniversaries in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. Congratulations to these members! n SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 51

AFSA NEWS AFSA WELCOMES MCDONALD

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is pleased to welcome Joshua McDonald, M.S., CFPS, to its Department of Engineering & Technical Services as technical programs specialist. In this role, he will be responsible for developing, updating, and delivery of technical content.

“Joshua brings additional valuable industry knowledge to our team,” says AFSA’s Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services John August Denhardt, P.E., FSFPE. “He will be a big asset to our Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School, ITM Inspector Development Program, webinars, and in-person training.”

McDonald has experience in all areas of training for fire protection industry professionals, including web-based and hands-on learning. He also has experience with risk engineering applying to the installation of fire

CALENDAR AUGUST 2021

3 • Sprinkler Challenge: NFPA 25, 2020 Edition Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinars 8 • What Works in Mentoring? Tips for a Successful Relationship Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinars 12 • Air Supplies for Dry and Preaction Systems Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinars 16-27 • Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Baton Rouge, LA firesprinkler.org/schools

SEPTEMBER 2021

1 • Sprinkler Challenge: NFPA 20, 2019 Edition Webinar firesprinkler.org/webinars 10 • Hanging for Fitters Fitter Zone Webinar firesprinkler.org/zone 18-21 • AFSA40: Convention, Exhibition & Apprentice Competitinon San Antonio, TX firesprinkler.org/AFSA40 27-10/8 • Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School Dallas, TX firesprinkler.org/schools

Seminars subject to change. Call (214) 349-5965 to confirm locations and times.

For information on OSU programs, visit firesprinkler.org and click on “Training Calendar.”

52 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

protection systems. As a manufacturer, he has been involved in the research and development of new fire protection products and has extensive experience with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, TestMCDONALD HALL ing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology and Master of Science degree in fire safety and explosion protection from Oklahoma State University. McDonald is a member of NFPA and SFPE. Contact McDonald at jmcdonald@firesprinkler.org or at (214) 349-5965 ext. 138.

HALL EARNS NICET III

AFSA’s Coordinator of Engineering & Technical Services Kevin Hall, M.Eng., P.E., ET, CWBSP, PMSFPE, has earned his has achieved the designation of Engineering Technician (ET) from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) by obtaining his NICET Level III in water-based systems layout.

UPDATED SPRINKLER FITTING LEVEL ONE

The National Center for Construction Career Education and Research (NCCER) and Pearson are pleased to present Sprinkler Fitting Level One. In partnership with AFSA, this book has been updated and enhanced to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive apprenticeship training in the sprinkler industry.

AFSA is the voice of sprinkler fitting professionals and the leading authority in the sprinkler industry for education, training, consulting, information, representation, and advocacy. Some of the features of this edition include the following: • Revised by subject matter experts who sit on the code-making panels of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to reflect the 2019 edition of NFPA 13 as well as all other applicable codes and standards.

• Updated with hundreds of new images to represent the latest in tools, technology, and materials used in the sprinkler industry, with input and review by major manufacturers, including Johnson Controls, Inc.; Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.; Victaulic, The Viking Corporation, and more.

• Instructional material revised by leading educators and contractors in the sprinkler industry to reflect the most pertinent information and practical examples for sprinkler apprentices that can be applied immediately, both in the classroom and on the job.

• New shop drawings and 3D images from NICET-certified sprinkler system layout technicians to reflect actual project drawings.

For more information about AFSA's apprentice training and education programs, visit www.firesprinkler.org/education. n

CHAPTER NEWS ARIZONA

The 3rd Annual AZAFSA Charity Golf Tournament will be held at 500 Club Golf Course in Northwest Phoenix/Glendale on Friday, November 19, 2021. There will be a 7:00 a.m. check-in and 8:00 a.m. shotgun start with a four-person scramble. Free range balls, free breakfast, and a banquet and raffle will follow immediately after play at the 500 Club. Player submissions and payments are due by November 8. Sponsorship packages and opportunities are available. Email Danny Garcia at dgarcia1@winsupplyinc.com for further details on sponorships or to donate to the raffle. For more information on the event or the chapter, contact Chapter Executive Director Makenna Leathers via email at makenna.leathers@metrofireaz.com or visit azfiresprinkler.org.

ELIMINATE FLOODING FROM BROKEN AUXILIARY DRAINS

NEW MEXICO

In June the New Mexico Chapter elected a new officers. The newly elected officers are as follows: President Paul Chavez, Premier Fire Protection, LLC, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Vice President Jarod Towery, Perfection Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Secretary Nicole Herman de Espinoza, Kaufman Fire Protection, Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Treasurer Renee Nix, Santa Fe County Fire, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

VIRGINIA

The Virignia Chapter’s Annual Burn Survivors Golf Tournament will be held at the Williamsburg National Golf Club on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. With tournaments cancelled the past two years due to inclement weather and COVID-19, the chapter is excited to host the tournament this year and is moving full steam ahead. The golf tournament will benefit the Central Virginia Burn Camp 501(c)3 and the Old Dominion Firefighters Burn Foundation 501(c)3. The deadline for entry is September 17. Learn more and register at virginiaafsa.org. n

ASSOCIATION NEWS TEXAS (FSCATX) AFFILIATE

The 32nd Annual Scottish Rite Charity Golf Classic & Live Auction is now set for October 18, 2021, at the Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch. Registration will open in August through a third-party website called Birdease. To learn more visit fscatx.org. n

M5900 • Stops Flooding caused by Auxiliary Drain Breaks due to Freezing, Improper Maintenance, or Vandalism • For Dry and Pre-Action Systems

NEED MEMBERSHIP OR CHAPTER ASSISTANCE?

AFSA members or those interested in membership, finding a local chapter, or becoming involved in AFSA national can contact AFSA’s Membership Department for assistance: • Bruce Lecair, director of membership and chapter support (Western U.S.), blecair@firesprinkler.org; • Dominick Kasmauskas, regional director of membership and chapter support (Eastern U.S.), dgkasmauskas@firesprinkler.org; and • Meda Merritt, manager of membership and chapter relations, mmerritt@firesprinkler.org. n

• Compatible with Compressed Air and Nitrogen Systems • No Power Required • Automatically Resets after System Repair • Retrofit onto Existing Auxiliary Drains • Made in the USA

www.agfmfg.com SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 53

AFSA CHAPTERS ALABAMA

alfiresprinkler.org Hunter Brendle – Pres.

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

ARIZONA

Jason Williams – Chair.

480-421-8411 Makenna Leathers – Exec Dir. 804-222-1381

ARKANSAS

David Nabors– Chair.

501-225-4910 Coleman Farrar – Exec. Dir. 479-461-3863

CAROLINAS

afsacarolinaschapter.com Carl Jackson – Chair.

910-443-0626 John Turnage – Exec. Dir. 919-624-3456

CHESAPEAKE BAY

afsachesapeakechapter.org Jason Martin – Chair.

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

COLORADO

GREATER BAY AREA

afsacoloradochapter.org Roger Wallace – Chair.

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

afsa-gba.org Dave Karrick – Chair.

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

CONNECTICUT

GREATER KANSAS CITY

afsact.org Rick Russo, Jr. – Chair.

203-877-7983

Mark McKenzie – Chair.

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

DALLASFORT WORTH

afsadfwchapter.org CJ Bonczyk – Chair.

817-529-1693

ILLINOIS-INDIANA Sklyer Bilbo – Chair 217-342-2242 Mitch Bortner – Exec. Dir. 206-348-0078

FLORIDA

afsafl.org Suzanne Saults – Chair.

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

LOUISIANA

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

GEORGIA

georgiafiresprinkler.org Allen Cagle – Chair.

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

MICHIGAN

afsamichiganchapter.org Doug Irvine, Jr. – Chair.

616-784-1644

AFSA AFFILIATE MEMBERS

OKLAHOMA AFFILIATE

ofsa.info Tim Hollon – Pres.

918-851-2416

MINNESOTADAKOTAS

PATRIOT

Marc Huag – Chair.

701-232-7008 Derek Peterson, Vice Chair.

701-232-7008

NEW JERSEY

afsapatriot.org Chad Dubuc – Chair.

508-431-9938

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Thomas Bowlby, Jr. – Chair.

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

sacvalleyafsa.org Jordan Hopkins – Chair.

916-672-8415 Paulene Norwood – Exec. Dir. 916-296-0635

NEW MEXICO

SAN DIEGO

Paul Chavez – Chair.

505-898-9197 Jeriod Towery – Exec. Dir. 505-410-4007

Scott Uren – Chair.

858-722-1470 Rhonda Gudger – Exec. Dir. 951-326-4600

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND

SCHUYLKILL

afsamac.org Ben Young – Chair.

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

Ryan Gadhue – Chair.

802-865-3600

OHIO

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

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

SOUTH CAROLINA

scfsa.org Nikki Ray – Chair.

864-207-8545 Ashley McAdams – Exec. Dir. 864-561-4088

afsanw.org Josh Massingale – Chair.

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

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

socalafsa.com Terry Housholder – Chair.

714-632-8646 Jeff Bridges –Vice Chair.

941-413-0526

TENNESSEE

afsatennesseechapter.org Casey Milhorn – Chair.

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

UPSTATE NEW YORK afsaupstatenychapter.org Justin Petcosky – Chair 607-296-7969

UTAH ROCKY MOUNTAIN

afsautahchapter.org Mark Winder, Jr. – Chair.

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

VIRGINIA

virginiaafsa .com Bob Beckwith – Chair.

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

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 ng Upstate No w E 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

id

or

Fl

Texas (Affiliate)

Tennessee

Ohio

a

54 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

AFSA NEW MEMBERS CONTRACTORS 247 Fire Alarm Tech Santa Clara, CA

DESIGNERS

Akua First Fire Systems Saluda, VA

INDIVIDUALS Adam Lundy Conyers, GA

Assurance Fire Protection Denver, CO

Century Fire Protection Duluth, GA

Robert Gibson Saluda, VA

Automatic Fire Controls Mokena, IL

Fire Main Solutions, LLC Magnolia, TX

RETIRED

Bouma Fire, Inc. Sioux Falls, SD

Heritage Services, LLC Campbellsport, WI

California Fire Protection, Inc. Carmel, CA

Himanshu Upadhyaya Poway, CA

CDL Electric Pittsburg, KS

MeyerFire Ellisville, MO

Checkmark Services Co., LLC South Chesterfield, VA

Michelle Galbreath Los Lunas, NM

Facilities Compliance Fire Protection Berlin, CT

Precision Fire Protection Design, LLC Tarpon Springs, FL

Fire Engineering & Consulting, LLC Double Oak, TX

Southern Comfort Drafting and Design, LLC Rockwall, TX

Hamrick Fire Systems, LLC Hilliard, OH

Ubajay SA Ciudad De Buenos Aires, Argentina

Impact Fire Protection Bakersfield, CA Jedwards Fire Yucca Valley, CA Keystone Fire Protection Co. North Wales, PA Letterkenny Army Base DPW Chambersburg, PA

Greg Gordon Dallas, TX

ASSOCIATES BIOEX Fresno, CA Safe Signal Maryland Heights, MO

STUDENTS

Christopher Ray Bishop Waldorf, MD

AHJS Andrew Milliken, Stafford, VA Anthony Staniscia, Caldon East, Ontario, Canada Ashley Chervenak, Winter Park, FL Barbara Abramson, Bayside, NY Bari Snydeer, Winter Park, FL Benjamin Trendle, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Chris Dempwolf, York, PA Dearan Quigley, Enola, PA Dennis Dawson, Baltimore, MD John H. Travis, Columbia, SC John Kewell, Burlington, Ontario, Canada Jose Colin, Woodland, CA Jose Mauricio Rodrigues, Sao Bernardo Do Camp, Brazil Joshua Hall, Sacramento, CA Kassandra Pineda, Hialeah, FL Katie Render, Winchester, VA Kellie Martin, Kissimmee, FL Kerry Hammers, Titusville, FL Laura Ridenour, Melvindale, MI Marge Hong, P.E., Annapolis, MD Douglas E. Faber, Strasburg, VA Fernando Felix, Chula Vista, CA Marco Corcuera Reyes, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Minsoo Kim, Seoul, South Korea Richard Mercer, Syracuse, NY William Brent Napier, Spring Valley, CA Theresa Soderstrom, Modesto, CA Pete Metcalf, Veazie, ME Robert King, North York, Ontario, Canada Scott Cyr, Fort Fairfield, ME Sichel Young, Monterey, CA Skyler Schmidt, Lake Placid, NY Steve Berry, Raleigh, NC Tony Breuscher, Round Lake, IL Vince Giovannini, Thorold, Ontario, Canada William Longley, Jr., Cumberland Center, ME

Low Voltage Integrated Systems Vista, CA Marx Brothers Fire Los Angeles, CA Mass Code Compliance, LLC Pembroke, MA Monterey Fire Ext Monterey, CA Mountain Fire Protection Wilson, WY Neptune Fire Alarm Laguna Hills, CA Pannella Plan Deisgn & Review, LLC Doylestown, PA Proactive Fire Protection, LLC Milton, FL Rios Fire Protection, El Cajon, CA

NEED MEMBERSHIP OR CHAPTER ASSISTANCE?

AFSA members or those interested in membership, finding a local chapter, or becoming involved in AFSA national can contact AFSA’s Membership Department for assistance: • Bruce Lecair, director of membership and chapter support (Western U.S.), blecair@firesprinkler.org; • Dominick Kasmauskas, regional director of membership and chapter support (Eastern U.S.), dgkasmauskas@firesprinkler.org; and • Meda Merritt, manager of membership and chapter relations, mmerritt@firesprinkler.org. n SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 55

TECHNICAL CHALLENGES CAN YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE?

Each issue, AFSA’s Engineering & Technical Services Department presents technical challenges. Besides testing yourself and your coworkers, these exercises are excellent preparation for professional certification tests and also may count as continuing education hours.

Check with your certification organization to see if this exercise meets its criteria. For apprentice fitters, working these problems enforces lessons that should be learned through an apprenticeship program and explains how requirements from the standard are applied in the field.

To participate, carefully read and work the problems, and submit your answers online on the appropriate website by August 15, 2021: • firesprinkler.org/ahjchallenge • firesprinkler.org/designerchallenge • firesprinkler.org/fitterchallenge • firesprinkler.org/itmchallenge One winner will be pulled at random from each category from those who answer correctly to receive some industry swag! Answers will be

published on the Sprinkler Age blog, found at SprinklerAge.com, after the deadline. n

AHJ CHALLENGE

All questions based on the 2019 edition of NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.

1. When testing variable speed pumps in variable speed mode, how many points must be recorded during the acceptance test?

A. 3 B. 7 C. 4 D. 5 2. NFPA 20 requires emergency lighting in all pump rooms, and the lighting shall work continuously for a minimum of how many hours?

A. 8 B. 4 C. 2 D. 6 3. Self-regulating variable speed fire pumps are required to monitor the variable speed drive and provide a supervisory alarm

signal to the controller when one of the following conditions occur.

A. Sprinkler activation B. Overpressure C. Under pressure D. Low temperature 4. Location and access to the fire pump equipment is required to be preplanned with whom?

A. Owner B. Building Department C. Fire Department D. Water authority

DESIGNER CHALLENGE

The following questions are based on the 2019 edition of NFPA 20.

1. Which of the following terms describes a building where the system demand exceeds the pumping capacity of the fire department?

A. High-rise building B. Super high-rise building C. Very tall building D. High-demand building

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www.firesprinkler.org/fittertraining 56 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

2. What nominal size automatic relief valve is required to be installed on an electric drive fire pump with a rated capacity of 2,500 gpm?

A. 0.75 in.

B. 1 in.

C. 6 in.

D. 10 in.

3. What is the maximum number of variable speed pumps permitted to be installed in A series?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4 4. For a diesel engine drive, which of the following is used to determine the minimum size of the fuel tank?

A. 1 gal per hp B. 1 gal per hp, plus 5 percent for sump and expansion C. 1 gal per hp, plus 5 percent for sump, plus 5 percent for expansion D. Listed fuel supply rate times 8 hours

2. What shall be conducted following a fire pump flow test that resulted in the discharge of gravel?

A. Main Drain Test B. Dry Valve Trip Test C. Obstruction Investigation D. Fire Pump Flow Test 3. How shall a fire pump be started during a no-flow test?

A. Pushing the “start” button B. Pushing the “emergency” switch C. Automatically D. Other manual means

4. A complete written report of the fire pump test results shall be prepared for and retained by whom?

A. Owner B. Contractor C. Insurance Representative D. Authority Having Jurisdiction

FITTER CHALLENGE

The following questions are based on the 2019 edition of NFPA 20.

1. True or False: A ball valve shall be installed ahead of the pressure switch within the controller for a fire pump sensing line, for isolation/maintenance.

2. Yes or No: An existing circulation relief drain needs to be repaired. The client wants you to tie the repaired 3/4-in. relief drain into the packing box drain. Is this allowed?

3. True or False: The installation of PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) within the packing box drain is permitted when discharging to a floor drain.

4. Yes or No: The gate valve located 10 ft from the pump suction flange needs to be replaced.

The client would like it replaced with a butterfly valve that they have on hand. Is this allowed?

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ITM CHALLENGE

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

1. Lubricating oil filters shall be changed every year or at what other frequency?

A. 3,500 miles B. 7,000 miles C. 50 hours D. 25 hours

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SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 57

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS METRO CHIEFS 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

The Metropolitan “Metro” Fire Chiefs Association, a Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) held its 2021 annual meeting virtually on May 10, 2021. More than 85 Metro chiefs attended the meeting and elected the Association’s 2021-2022 officers and board members.

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs (Metro) Association brings together fire chiefs from large metropolitan fire departments to share information and focus on major issues effecting policy changes in the U.S. and abroad. Its members belong to the IAFC and NFPA and are the fire chiefs of jurisdictions with minimum staffing of 350 fully paid career fire fighters. For more information, contact Metro Executive Secretary Russ Sanders. Visit nfpa.org.

ABC WELCOMES NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has announced P. Bianca Domally has joined

the association as chief financial officer. In this role as CFO, Domally works alongside the association’s leadership to ensure ABC operates with purpose, vitality and relevancy in financial services in a way that is valued by ABC members, chapters and the overall construction industry. The new CFO will be a transformational leader in designing and deploying the financial framework for chapters and be their primary contact regarding nonprofit tax, accounting and related issues.

Domally is responsible for managing and directing the accounting, finance, facilities and risk management functions at ABC and its affiliated organizations, such as ABCPAC, the ABC Retirement and Savings Plan, the Construction Legal Rights Foundation, the Trimmer Construction Education Fund and ABC Services Corp.

Having served as a financial vice president, director, consultant and controller and other various leadership roles, Domally, a certified public accountant, brings to the association extensive financial understanding in the nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success in accounting, internal controls, financial reporting,

regulatory and tax compliance, financial analysis, risk management and internal/external auditing. Prior to her time with ABC, Domally held financial leadership roles at organizations including the National 4-H Council, American Petroleum Institute, American Chemistry Council, American Public Power Association, and KPMG. Visit abc.org.

NFPA COMPLETES BOARD OF DIRECTOR OFFICERS AND DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) completed the election of its current slate of directors, including one new member, during the organization’s virtual annual meeting. Amy Acton, a burn survivor, former burn nurse and nurse manager, and CEO of the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, is serving her second year of a two-year term as chair.

Acton became the second female chair of the NFPA Board in the organization’s 125-year history last year.

The affirmed slate of officers includes Russell Leavitt as first vice chair, R. David Paulison as sec-

Save BIG! Register Early.

September 18-21

REGULAR DEADLINE: 7/28 LATE DEADLINE: 9/16

Live in Person!

AT THE JW MARRIOTT SAN ANTONIO HILL COUNTRY RESORT & SPA www.firesprinkler.org/afsa40 58 SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021

ond vice chair, John Bonney as secretary, Donald Cook and Kwame Cooper as assistant secretaries, Roger Montembeault as treasurer, Michael Wallace as assistant treasurer, and Keith Williams as immediate past chair.

Raj Arora was elected as a new director on the NFPA board. Arora has more than 20 years’ experience working in all facets of fire protection. He is the CEO of Jensen Hughes—a safety, security, and risk-based engineering, and consulting firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, a role he has held since 2019. Before that, Arora served as the consultancy’s president of strategy and business development, leading the company’s software innovation, business development, marketing, communications, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions operations. His first professional role upon graduating college was at Tyco International, a firm he returned to (now Johnson Controls) five years prior to joining Jensen Hughes, where he ultimately rose to vice president and general manager of fire detection and special hazards products. Arora also spent 10 years as executive vice president of Arora Engineers and Arora Systems Group, overseeing profit and loss operations, quality assurance and control, and business development.

A University of Maryland graduate, Arora has been recognized with multiple awards during his years in the fire protection industry, including Johnson Controls’ Chairman’s Award for Accountability in 2016, the company’s highest employee honor. Arora has also been honored with the University of Maryland Clark School of Engineering’s Early Career Award, the Tyco CEO Award for Teamwork, ConsultingSpecifying Engineer magazine’s Top 40 under 40, and The Engineers Club of Philadelphia Young Engineer of the Year award in 2008.

Arora joins NFPA Board of Directors members Brion Callori, Reginald Freeman, William Fries, and Lou Paulson, who were elected to their second three-year terms. Visit nfpa.org.

WINDSOR, CONN. FIRE INSPECTOR NAMED 2021 FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that Lauri Volkert, fire inspector for the Windsor (Conn.) Fire Marshal’s Office, has been named the 2021 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year. Each year, the award is bestowed upon an individual who

works for a local fire department or fire marshal’s office in North America, consistently uses NFPA materials in creative, educational ways, and demonstrates excellence and innovation in reaching out to the community.

Over the past 12 years as a staff member of the Windsor Fire Marshal’s Office, Volkert has created partnerships with the town’s social and senior services division to reach its most vulnerable residents, using the NFPA Remembering When™ program to reach approximately 200 households, many of which are located in public housing communities.

She has also re-imagined and strengthened the town’s fire and life safety educational program, reaching 2,500 students in grades Pre-K through sixth grade through coordinated fire prevention programs in support of Fire Prevention Week each October. In addition, Volkert has established a strong social media presence across multiple platforms to communicate fire and life safety messages to broader audiences within the community.

The cumulative impact of Volkert’s efforts is reflected in a 50 percent reduction in structural fire calls to the Windsor Fire Department since 2015, along with a 15 percent decline in reported false alarms and a 27-percent drop in reported cooking fires for the same time period.

Additionally, Volkert played a major role in creating coordinated, effective internal and external communications during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding new ways to promote safety messages in the absence of traditional in-person programming. She has also been a participant of an NFPA Community Risk Assessment pilot program with plans to create a multi-disciplinary approach for future community risk reduction strategies.

As the recipient of the NFPA Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year award, Volkert will receive a $1,000 honorarium, compensated travel to NFPA Conference & Expo in Boston next June, and an engraved Sparky statue.

In addition, the Windsor Fire Marshal’s Office will receive a $1,000 donation to support their public education activities.

All nominations for the NFPA Fire and Life Safety Educator award are submitted to NFPA’s public education division, which reviews all submissions and selects the most qualified recipient. Visit nfpa.org. n

SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 59

PRODUCT NEWS NEW SPRINKCAD FOR REVIT® FABRICATION TOOL

Johnson Controls announces the immediate release of the new SprinkCAD for Revit® Fabrication Tool. In addition to providing 3D layout and calculation capabilities, the newly expanded suite of tools enables users to deliver a fabrication-ready design and stock list. With this new fabrication tool, fire protection professionals can take a valid, comprehensive design in Revit® directly into the SprinkCAD strategy-based fabrication environment.

Designers can map valves, sprinklers, pipes and pumps to known components within their parts database and get a full material list and fabrication report that can be saved, printed or exported to industry standard file formats. The new tool lets users: • Deliver fabrication-ready design and stock list, • Generate required Revit® families and insert them into the design model automatically, • Eliminate need for transition of design into the complex fabrication parts environment, • Map any Revit® sprinkler system design to desired pipes, sprinklers, valves, and other items for material summary and fabrication reports,

• Produce a material summary for the piping system directly from SprinkCAD for Revit®, and • Create fabrication reports and manage stock-listing by running SprinkSLIC from SprinkCAD. Visit sprinkcad.com/revit.

SERIES RFII-C ROYAL FLUSH II QUICK RESPONSE CONCEALED PENDENT SPRINKLER LAUNCHED

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The Double Deep™ Oiler System from Reed offers a 20-gauge steel bucket and steel drip pan/ chip tray plus a deep bucket at 81/2 in. (21.6 cm).

The turned aluminum, sturdy oil gun includes a 60-in. industrial-grade hose. OLBUCKT1 also includes a gallon of thread cutting oil. Reduce splashes and sloshes with optional OLGUARD splash guard. Metal guard, with magnetic feet, breaks up liquid motion to keep the oil in the bucket by interrupting centripetal force. For added

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protection during transit and weather situations, add the REED OLLID protective, clamping cover to further protect the oil and keep the mess to a minimum. OLGUARD and OLLID fit REED current and prior oil buckets. Visit reedmfgco.com.

Johnson Controls announces the expansion of its Tyco corridor sprinkler family with the launch of the Series RFII-C Royal Flush II Quick Response Concealed Pendent sprinkler, which joins the recently released EC-8C Light Hazard Quick ReRFII-C Sprinkler sponse sprinkler. These UL Listed sprinklers are specially designed for long, narrow spaces and offer a maximum coverage area of 28-ft by 10-ft (8.5 m by 3.1 m). Cost-effective and designed for quick, easy installation, these sprinklers are intended for use in NFPA-13 compliant automatic sprinkler systems.

The Series RFII-C sprinkler features a concealed design, allowing for uninterrupted aesthetics in hallways and corridors. To achieve this decorative look, the 3-mm bulb-type sprinkler features a flat cover plate which hides the unit. Aesthetics can be further enhanced with a variety of colors and finishes for the cover plates.

Each sprinkler is compatible with a cover plate and retainer assembly and a sprinkler and support cup assembly to allow easier system testing and servicing. The RFII-C also allows for a 1/2-in. (12.7 mm) of vertical adjustment to provide flexibility in the length of fixed piping for the sprinkler drops.

Ideal for areas with a finished ceiling, the EC8C 8.0 K-factor sprinkler offers an orifice optimized for a 0.1 gal/min/ft2 commercial light-hazard design density at pressures as low as 8.3 psi (0.6 bar).

There are two options for the EC-8C: the two-piece Style 30 recessed escutcheon, which provides up to 1/2-in. (12.7 mm) of total adjustment from the flush pendent position, or the Style 40, which provides 3/4-in. (19.05 mm) of vertical adjustment. This sprinkler also features corrosion-resistant coatings. Visit tycofp.com/corrdior. n

INDUSTRY NEWS VSC FIRE & SECURITY ACQUIRES AAA FIRE SAFETY

VSC Fire & Security, Inc. (VSC) announces the acquisition of AAA Fire Safety, a fire protection equipment supplier headquartered in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

“The acquisition of AAA Fire Safety is an important move in achieving our growth goals,” said Michael Meehan, president and CEO at VSC and AFSA Region 6 Director. “As we continue to seek out new opportunities, we are committed to investing in quality partners who mutually value delivering integrated, cutting-edge fire protection and safety services to our customers.”

Serving Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, AAA Fire Safety provides various types of fire protection and fire safety for both residential and commercial uses.

“Since starting AAA Fire Safety more than 20 years ago, I have had the privilege to watch it transform into a well-trusted fire safety and protection entity encompassing three states and offering premier service to our residential and commercial customers alike,” said Sam Campbell, owner of AAA Fire Safety. “I’m confident that VSC is the right team with the right vision to move our company forward and continue fueling our growth in this region and outward.”

AAA Fire Safety offers fire extinguishers, onsite recharges, monthly inspections, hydrostatic testing, fire extinguisher cabinets, installation and repair of emergency lighting, exit signs, retrofitting to LED, suppression systems, clean agent server rooms, dry chemical paint booth, high-value asset fire systems, hoods, inspections, safety and first aid, first responder and CPR training classes and safety supplies. AAA Fire Safety industry suppliers include Amerex, Kidde, Guardian and Ansul. Visit AAAFS.net.

WINSUPPLY ACQUIRES ALLEGHENY PIPE & SUPPLY

Winsupply Inc. has purchased the assets of Allegheny Pipe & Supply, a distributor of industrial pipe, valves and fittings located in Coraopolis, Penn., a borough located just west of Pittsburgh. The company is regarded as a prime distributor of carbon and stainless steel pipe, valves, fittings and related products with onsite cutting, grooving, and threading capabilities for the Pittsburgh area and beyond to the tri-

state region of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Third-generation owners Jim Morse, president of Allegheny Pipe & Supply, and his brother, Tom Morse, vice president, plan to re-invest in substantial ownership in the company with Winsupply Inc. as the majority owner. Jim Morse will remain president and Tom will be second in command. The location will continue to do business as Allegheny Pipe & Supply, with the legal name Winsupply Coraopolis PA Co. In the Winsupply business model, Winsupply is the majority owner of its companies, reflecting its shared-ownership business model in which local entrepreneurs have autonomy to decide how their company will best serve their customers, and to share in the financial risks and rewards of ownership. Visit winsupplyinc.com.

BULL MOOSE TUBE ANNOUNCES PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW HSS AND SPRINKLER PIPE MILL IN TEXAS Bull Moose Tube Company (“BMT”), a Caparo Bull Moose subsidiary, has announced plans to build a 350,000 ton per year HSS and Sprinkler pipe mill. The mill will be built on Steel Dynamics’ new Sinton, Texas flat-rolled campus.

Tom Modrowski, president and CEO of BMT stated: “BMT is excited to build in Sinton, Texas and partner with Steel Dynamics. The new mill will be transformational ranging in size from 4-in. to 14-in. square, 5-in. to 18-in. round, up to 80 ft in length, and thicknesses ranging from .187 in. to .750 in. It will expand our geographic footprint and allow us to better serve customers not only in the Southwest, West Coast, and Mexico markets, but across the entire business.” Modrowski continued: “Expanding our capacity, capabilities, and flexibility will increase BMT’s market share in large HSS sizes and ensure our continued and expanded leadership position in the sprinkler pipe market.”

Commenting on the investment in the new mill, Rt. Hon. The Lord Swraj Paul, Caparo chairman, stated: “The construction of this new plant is an excellent project for BMT, and is a tribute to my late son Angad who was born on this day. His energy and enthusiasm will never be forgotten in taking forward Caparo’s busi-

ness in North America. It also marks the start of what I am sure will be a long association with Steel Dynamics, where CEO Mark Millett and his team have done a tremendous job in establishing their state of-the-art facility. I look forward to the future growth and success of BMT at our new Texas location.”

BMT is partnering with SMS Group for the innovative design, automation, and implementation of the state-of-the-art mill. Company officials said they anticipate an early 2023 mill start-up. Visit bullmoosetube.com.

ASC ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS ACQUIRES TRENTON PIPE NIPPLE COMPANY, LLC

ASC Engineered Solutions, a producer and supplier of precision engineered pipe connections, valves, support solutions and related services, has acquired Trenton Pipe Nipple Company, LLC of Federalsburg, Maryland.

Trenton Pipe Nipple Company produces and supplies brass and stainless nipples, fittings, and pipe to industrial pipe, valve and fittings markets. In addition, the company’s custom fabrication capabilities will enable ASC Engineered Solutions to handle special customer requests for certain pipe nipples.

Visit asc-es.com.

NFPA ANNOUNCES THEME FOR FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2021

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 95 years, has announced “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2021, October 3-9.

From beeps to chirps, this year’s campaign works to better educate the public about the sounds smoke alarms make, what those sounds mean, and how to respond to them.

According to the latest NFPA “Smoke Alarms in the U.S.” report, working smoke alarms in the home reduce the risk of dying in a reported SPRINKLER AGE | JUL/AUG 2021 61

INDUSTRY NEWS CONT. fire by more than half. However, almost three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent); missing or non-functional power sources, including missing or disconnected batteries, dead batteries, and disconnected hardwired alarms or other AC power issues, are the most common factors when smoke alarms fail to operate.

Key messages for “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” include: • When a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide (CO) alarm sounds, respond immedi-

ately by exiting the home as quickly as possible.

• If your alarm begins to chirp, it may mean that the batteries are running low and need to be replaced. If the alarm continues to chirp after the batteries are replaced, or the alarm is more than 10 years old, it is time to replace the alarm.

• Test all smoke and CO alarms monthly. Press the test button to make sure the alarm is working.

• If there is someone in your household who is deaf or hard of hearing, install bed shak-

er and strobe light alarms that will alert that person to fire.

• Know the difference between the sound of a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm— three beeps for smoke alarms; four beeps for carbon monoxide alarms.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” helps people better understand the reasons smoke alarms may sound, and provides the know-how to effectively address them. The campaign also addresses special considerations for the deaf and hard of hearing, along with information about carbon monoxide alarms. Visit nfpa.org. n

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