NFPA 13, 2016 Edition Added Tables Now that the 2016 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has been published and shipped, sprinkler contractors, layout technicians, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are reviewing the newly added Tables 9.3.5.12.2 (a) through (f ) with respect to the …
Read More »AHJ Perspective: Remembering the Small Print
Did you ever sign a document without reading the small print? Personally, I have always thought that the small print was designed to keep attorneys well funded, because the only time small print is important is when it is violated. The primary concern about your insurance policy or contract small …
Read More »International Fire Sprinkler Opportunity Update
The Outlook for 2016 In 2010 I authored an article for Sprinkler Age regarding international opportunities for American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) contractors. As you recall, at the beginning of 2010 we were in the midst of the economic crisis that is referred to as the “Great Recession.” I wrote …
Read More »Building Structure Versus Shared Support
Weighing the Differences For most sprinkler projects the building structure is of sufficient design and capacity to allow hanging of sprinkler components directly to the structure. Structural engineers take into account loads imposed on the structure by the sprinkler system and calculate them into the building design. Safety factors are …
Read More »Steady Growth and Recovery Continue
Economists, Contractors, Manufacturers and Suppliers Report on 2015 and Forecast 2016 After a year of finally seeing signs of recovery and growth in 2015, the construction and fire protection industries seem to be at the same pace or better for 2016. Dodge Data & Analytics forecasts that overall U.S. construction starts …
Read More »Need Help?
AFSA Has the Solution “I need help.” I think I say this to myself at least once a week. Early in my career I would just bang my head on the desk for a few hours; now I just pick up the phone. Being one of the young(er) professionals in …
Read More »Nominations Sought for Parmelee, Advocate Awards
Honoring Those Who Lead, Educate The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is accepting nominations for the prestigious Henry S. Parmelee and Fire Sprinkler Advocate of the Year awards. The awards are presented during AFSA’s Annual Convention & Exhibition and the recipients are featured in Sprinkler Age magazine. The Fire Sprinkler Advocate …
Read More »Generating Sprinkler Awareness
The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) two online scholarship contests – the High School Senior Contest and Second Chance Contest – have once again reached thousands with the message that automatic sprinkler systems save lives and property. During the past year 523,030 people visited the scholarship website to learn about …
Read More »Meehan Elected AFSA Chairman
Virginia Contractor Leads Members Into 2016 Michael F. Meehan, senior vice president and a co-owner of VSC Fire & Security, Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been elected Chairman of the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 2015- 2016 Board of Directors, leading the association into its 35th year serving the interests of …
Read More »AFSA Convention 2015 Show Sizzles
AFSA Convention in Phoenix Rises Above Expectations Reaching far beyond expectations, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) held its 34th Annual Convention & Exhibition in Phoenix centered around the theme of “AFSA in Phoenix: Rising to Excellence,” and that it did. This year, AFSA celebrated a year that has been especially …
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