The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has elected its 2015-2016 Board of Directors. Newly elected directors include Rod DiBona of Rapid Fire Protection in Rapid City, S.D. (Region 3) and Lyle Hall of Western Fire Protection in Poway, Calif. (At Large). DiBona will take over the Region 3 director position …
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The Impact of Group A Plastics One of the most critical variables necessary to define the right design basis for the protection of storage is the commodity classification. In evaluating an individual pallet load, Class III and IV commodities have pretty much always been allowed to have some Group A …
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Lessons Learned with Full-Scale Fire Tests on Mattresses There were many quips I heard my parents rattle off in response to the trouble I got myself into, but one of them recently came back to haunt me. And, now having kids of my own, I find myself saying it as …
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Unless you’ve been living off the grid these past few months, we have all seen the news reports related to the California wildfires, along with the horrific videos and photos related to the devastation they have caused. We’ve seen multiple stories and opinions on every television news outlet about the …
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AFSA’s 44-year history is a testament to the importance of having a mother ship to turn to for all the latest industry news. Our new podcast, “The K-Factor,” is a new way for everyone in the fire protection industry to feel connected and represented. Where do you turn for training …
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Association Welcomes Industry Expert DALLAS – The Board of Directors of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has announced the unanimous selection of Matthew (Matt) Klaus as the association’s executive vice president/chief operating officer (COO). Established in 1981, AFSA serves as North America’s largest fire sprinkler industry organization. Klaus’ tenure began on …
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DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL, MULTIGENERATIONAL COMPANY Today’s workforce is diverse both in background and age. For business leaders, knowing how to build an effective team of people who hail from different generations can contribute greatly to the success and profitability of a firm. Unfortunately, generational language and communication styles can sometimes …
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Happy New Year! 2025 will be an exciting and busy year as it kicks off the revision cycles for the 2028 editions of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, NFPA 13D, Standard for the …
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Jean and I recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. We met on the second day of our first year of college and exchanged vows three years later. Some of you know the story where I was late for our wedding because I got caught up at my part-time job and …
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THE K-FACTOR PODCAST DEBUTS When we first started The K-Factor Podcast, my co-hosts AFSA Director of Training & Operations Josh McDonald, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM; AFSA Technical Training Specialist Eric Andresen, WBITM; and I had one simple goal: to create a space where everyone in the fire protection industry could …
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Presenting at the International Fire Operations Conference and Expo in Saudi Arabia The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was founded in 1981 for the purpose of educating and training the U.S.-based merit shop fire sprinkler industry. As its current president, I had the honor of being invited to participate in …
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A good friend asked me the other day if I liked my position with AFSA. I thought about it for a minute or so before responding, “Absolutely, I’m living my dream job!” I started as an employee with AFSA in 2020. However, I started as a volunteer with AFSA in …
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APPRENTICES, INSPECTORS, FACILITY MANAGERS, AND DESIGNERSCAN ELEVATE THEIR SKILLS The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has released its 2025 course offerings and schedules. Are you looking to grow your fire sprinkler business or opportunities to advance your career? AFSA will have the right option for you! With its popular educational …
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Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association