Featured Articles

… About Apprenticeship In 2008, the Department of Labor, Employment, & Training Administration (ETA) revised the Labor Standards for the Registration of Apprenticeship Programs. Revisions to these standards are uncommon, but this time the ETA got it mostly right. The revisions were intended to promote quality control of training programs, …

The Right Fit for Fire Protection Over the last 100 years, the methods to store water for fire protection have evolved and become more sophisticated, resulting in superior fire suppression. Modern tanks that store water used for fire protection are very specific and are governed by NFPA 22, Standard for …

National Campus Fire Safety Month brings together schools and communities to teach college students about fire safety. This September, the initiative turns 13. Every September, education programs are held across the country to teach students about their role in fire safety – how to choose fire-safe housing, whether it is on- or off-campus; how to prevent a …

It is an easy enough phrase to repeat; our thoughts and prayers go out to… In the aftermath of many disasters, there is an armada of people who want to express this sentiment. And, for the record, it is entirely appropriate. For sure, our thoughts and prayers should go out …

Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries As the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) celebrates its 36th anniversary, we recognize those members who are also celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. These member companies have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership. Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in May and …

Informal Interpretations Help Douse Disagreements The informal interpretations featured in this issue of Sprinkler Age address NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, P.E. and Senior Manager of Fire Protection Engineering …

Look to the Next Generation When Recruiting Millennials are taking over the United States, and if you have seen the stereotypes that exist about our generation, this might make you a bit uneasy – but try to not judge us by our generational labels. The Millennials follow Generation X, born …

Running the Criteria Gauntlet The first time I was presented with someone in need of an estimate to protect a paint booth was many years ago. I looked to others in the office for guidance, but I seemed to mostly get answers that involved “I think,” “I’m pretty sure,” or …

Creative Ideas Help Foster Awareness and Acceptance In 2015, a Maryland delegate introduced legislation to weaken the statewide requirement to fire sprinkler Maryland’s new homes. Knowing this technology can significantly reduce fire deaths and injuries at home, the fire service there immediately cringed. Word of the bill spread, as did …

Spotlight: Susan Schierwagen, Vice President for Coupling & Fire Suppression Systems at Victaulic Friday, June 23, 2017 is International Women in Engineering Day, a day that according to the Women’s Engineering Society “focuses attention on the amazing careers in engineering and technical roles for girls, and allows us to celebrate …