NFPA Online Conference Program On November 16 To Feature Industry Experts Discussing Systems, Storage, And Suppression

21 Oct 2021

Download PDF version

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will conduct a one-day Keeping You Informed: Systems, Storage, Suppression, and More educational program on Tuesday, November 16 as part of the organization’s year-long 125th Anniversary Conference Series.

The all-day online event will feature a total of 10 educational sessions and industry roundtable discussions featuring subject matter experts and can be viewed on the scheduled date or via on-demand anytime for up to a year. Attendees will also benefit from networking opportunities, live chat sessions, sponsor demonstrations, and more.

Learnings

There will be plenty to absorb and apply in the workplace including advances in data collection and analysis that are influencing inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM), as well as the latest on standpipes, hose systems, code-compliant fire alarms, storage, retrieval system protection, and more.

The day will wrap up with an interactive, live panel discussion on some of the key changes coming to the 2022 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

Lineup

The November 16 conference lineup includes:

NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems — An Interactive Evaluation of Inspection and Test Results — Terry Victor, senior manager of Industry Relations, Johnson Controls
Developing a Code-Compliant Fire Alarm ITM Program for Health Care — Jon Hart, technical lead, Fire Protection Engineering, NFPA, and Joshua Brackett, special projects manager, Baptist Health
NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm, and Signaling Code®, 2019: Test Your Knowledge — William Koffel, president, Koffel Associates, Inc.
The Importance of Water Supply Assessment in the Era of Aging Infrastructure — Jeff Brassel, consultant, Nationwide Insurance
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements and Frequencies: Findings Based on an ITM Data Analysis — Cory Anderson, Xaap area sales manager, North America; William Koffel, president, Koffel Associates, Inc.; Rodger Reiswig, fellow & VP, Industry Relations, Global, Johnson Controls; Terry Victor, senior manager, Industry Relations, Johnson Controls
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems New ESFR Sprinkler Obstruction Code Changes and Obstruction Analysis Tool — Garner Palenske, associate principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Holistic Protection Method of Top-Load Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems — Weston Baker, staff vice president, sr. engineering technical specialist, FM Global and Benjamin Ditch, sr. lead research engineer, FM Global
Elevator Fire Protection—Complying with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, and the Elevator Code — Liane Ozmun, senior fire protection engineer, FSB and Rodger Reiswig, fellow & VP, Industry Relations, Global, Johnson Controls
Practical Application of NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2019 edition — John Denhardt, vice president, Engineering and Technical Services, American Fire Sprinkler Association and Kevin Hall, fire protection engineer, American Fire Sprinkler Association
Industry Roundtable: NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (2022)—What to Expect in the New Edition — Panel consists of active NFPA technical committee members; an NFPA staff member will moderate

Credit Hours

Registrants can also earn CEUs by either tuning in on the event date to earn 5 credit hours (0.5 CEU) and earn an additional 5 credit hours on-demand later for a total of 10 credit hours (1.0 CEU) or opt to view all content on-demand, at their leisure, for a total of 10 credit hours (1.0 CEU).

Download PDF version Download PDF version

People mentioned in this article

Rodger Reiswig Johnson Controls

Jonathan Hart National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

John Denhardt American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)

Kevin Hall American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)

Weston Baker FM Global

Related companies
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)
FM Global
Johnson Controls

View all news from
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)
FM Global
Johnson Controls

In case you missed it

IoT’s Role In Fire Suppression

Technological advances in recent decades have considerably improved fire alert systems. Fire sprinkler systems are now installed at a rate of 40 million units per year and now, 96% of buildings covered by sprinkler systems are potentially able to control fires without additional aid. The next step is predictive fire alarm maintenance, better fire detection, and more effective fire fighting. These capabilities rely on assessing massive amounts of data in realtime to enable predictive maintenance of fire safety equipment, faster fire detection, better operational decisions and better risk assessments. The Internet of Things will be critical for these capabilities. Designing smart buildings The ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), sometimes called edge-computing, describes the connection of physical objects to the internet. It also describes the communication between regular, everyday objects online. Advances in cloud technology, data storage and transmission speed have made it viable to link up devices embedded with sensors to track how and when physical assets are used, and how the environment around these objects is interacting with them. 5G will make IoT even more commonplace as we design smart buildings and upgrade infrastructure IoT applications are becoming more widespread, spanning our roads, hospitals, car parks, high rise office buildings and residential flats. 5G will make IoT even more commonplace as we design smart buildings and upgrade existing infrastructure. Aggravating environmental factors The clearest application of this technology is in maintenance. Currently, building owners and engineers estimate how often their buildings or devices need servicing based on rudimentary predetermined schedules, random checks, or when breakages occur. By contrast, IoT driven data analysis enables predictive maintenance, in which individual devices can be measured on a case by case basis, based on their real time usage, condition and aggravating environmental factors. This can form part of an end-to-end solution connecting engineers, building owners and ultimately, firefighting teams with sophisticated data analytics for more effective fire suppression. IoT can be used for a range of purposes, from fire safety equipment monitoring and repair to fire detection and firefighting itself. IoT sensors can continuously monitor electrical systems and identify smokeless, invisible heat sources. IoT temperature sensors Sensors can also integrate with devices such as alarms, personal safety devices and fire suits Once an increase in temperature is detected, safety and inspection teams can be alerted immediately. IoT temperature sensors can be an important addition to traditional smoke detectors by detecting fires faster. IoT sensors and devices can not only monitor buildings to detect fires, they can also provide fire stations with enhanced computer-aided dispatch and improved situational awareness for firefighters and activate sprinklers. Sensors can also integrate with devices such as alarms, personal safety devices and fire suits. They can be used to track firefighters and help incident commanders coordinate individual firefighters in the field. Radio-frequency identification trackers, potentially embedded into firefighting suits, could reveal firefighters’ locations in real time. Wirelessly connected sensors can also provide information to emergency command centers and incident commanders, for better information sharing during a crisis. Offering preventative solutions IoT can also offer preventative solutions, delivering systems that record when a fire extinguisher is spent or missing, or a system that records when a fire door is left open. Updated in real time, these solutions have the power to warn of inadequate safety measures as they emerge. Fire suppression relies on quality, tracked maintenance. Enhanced, automated information sharing will be critical in dynamic or unpredictable situations Firefighting relies on responding quickly to changing circumstances. Enhanced, automated information sharing will be critical in dynamic or unpredictable situations, and this is what IoT ultimately enables. Yet the interpretation of data is as important as the sensors collecting it, as is the ability to translate complex information from different sources, to give engineers and firefighters the right information when they need it. Working the other way, a properly integrated system that allows building, maintenance and fire brigades to communicate, will help flag issues as they come up and get them resolved quickly. System installation costs Where we have implemented IoT solutions for elevators and escalators, engineers have cut the number of emergency repairs by a factor of three within a six month period, making maintenance less costly. Intelligent fire systems are expected to save their owners 30% of costs on maintenance, remedying false alarm call outs argued to cost in the region of £1bn. Furthermore, IoT installation need not be too expensive, certainly in the case of fire safety. Reduced system installation costs, with Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, network cables capable of carrying electrical power and data within a single line, can make installation easier. And remote monitoring through the Internet and the ability to transmit diagnostic information over the same lines can ensure that when service is needed, the technician will arrive with all the necessary equipment and data so that the repair can be completed more efficiently. Early warning systems Fire prevention must improve, and we must utilize the latest technology to do it The case for more affordable firefighting is overwhelming, particularly given the likelihood of more heatwaves. According to the National Fire Protection Association, local fire departments in the US responded to 1,338,500 fires last year. These fires resulted in $21.9 billion in property damage. Fire prevention must improve, and we must utilize the latest technology to do it. Already, IoT solutions are used in sewers to predict floods. They are also used in early warning systems to predict earthquakes, and they are used in climatology to predict storms. Better information has allowed a degree of mastery over the elements. As we take our next step, the role of IoT technology in preventing and suppressing fires is inevitable.

Safeguarding History: Fire Protection For Heritage Buildings

Losing any building to a fire is always a tragedy - but when there is a wealth of history or significance also at stake, the loss is irreplaceable. John Harrison, Sales and Marketing Director at Ramtech, discusses the fire protection challenges associated with heritage projects and how they can be safeguarded from the risk of fire thanks to innovative wireless fire safety technology. The world watched in great sadness and shock as flames engulfed Paris’ Notre Dame - one of the most famous and culturally significant buildings of our time. The twelfth-century Catholic treasure had been undergoing renovations at the time, although after a lengthy investigation, the cause of the fire was still fairly inconclusive. The blaze was a stark reminder that hundreds of years' worth of legacy can be turned to ashes and destroyed in mere minutes. World Heritage Sites Historic England describes the fire as ‘probably the most devastating of disasters’ for protected buildings. While heat and smoke are obviously detrimental, the water used to fight the fire can cause problems too, along with the impact of having a building exposed to the elements. Historic England’s research in 2019 indicates that there were over 1,000 incidents requiring Fire & Rescue attendance including: Listed buildings: Grade I listed buildings x 15, Grade II listed buildings x 47, Grade II listed buildings x 343. World Heritage Sites x 16. Conservation Areas and locally listed buildings x 554. Fire safety professionals If a fire did occur, being able to identify the source would limit devastating The problem is, heritage often comes hand-in-hand with ongoing refurbishment to keep the often aged structures in good condition so they do not fall into disrepair, and those extensive projects will always be wrought with challenges, particularly protecting against fire. In fact, the latest figures from the Home Office show that between April 2018 and March 2019, fire and rescue services attended 365 fires on construction sites in England – increasing from 333 in 2014/15. For site owners, their contractors, and fire safety professionals, preserving the safety of the site and those on it from fire risk during construction is extremely important. If a fire did occur, being able to identify the source would limit devastating, irreplaceable damage and ensure that those present on the site could be quickly located and evacuated. Fire alarm systems This is why fire alarm systems need to remain active day and night, so whether a site is occupied or not, there can be real-time insights given to enable sites to quickly react to potential disasters and mitigate risk by alerting the local fire brigade and other responsible building personnel immediately. Heritage projects have the added concern of protecting the building fabric from any unnecessary alterations On top of the practical fire safety concerns, heritage projects have the added concern of protecting the building fabric from any unnecessary alterations to maintain its historical value. So, choosing a fire protection system that does not rely on an external power source and will not impact the building fabric is another consideration. Dust proof detectors To monitor and locate fire risk during the construction phase, while the permanent solution is waiting to be installed, a temporary fire alarm system is essential. To support heritage buildings, Ramtech has wireless solutions that can be deployed no matter the size, location or timeframe that the temporary fire safety system is required for, For instance, when Great Scotland Yard and London contractor Galliard Homes needed to protect a Grade II-listed former metropolitan police headquarters undergoing a transformation into a luxury five-star hotel, it was important to have a system that could span across the vast Edwardian building, which was being extended (boasting 92,000 sq. ft. over seven stories). To protect the iconic structure Ramtech deployed a system of over 30 WES alarm call points and dust proof detectors. A GSM base station with text message alerts was also used to monitor the building for fire out-of-hours. Extensive internal alternations More than 60 WES alarm units were deployed across the site, to move with the flow of the project Similarly, the restoration of Bolton Albert Hall completed by contractor Willmott Dixon required extensive internal alternations while the building was still occupied by Bolton City Council, so a system of more than five WES alarm call points and heat detectors were deployed in the refurbishment areas. For projects that span long periods of time, such as the £30m renovation at Nottingham Castle by G.F Tomlinson – which lasted three years – or the six-year conversion project at Donaldson’s – a Grade A listed former school in the center of Edinburgh – by City & Country, having a system that can be scaled up or down quickly without the need for time-consuming wired installation is a must. Needing immediate notifications In Edinburgh, more than 60 WES alarm units were deployed across the site, to move with the flow of the project. Over at Nottingham Castle, protecting close to 1,000 years of history from the risk of fire during a significant refurbishment was an incredible undertaking. The castle trusted Ramtech’s WES alarm system and solution in place was strengthened by combining with Ramtech’s REACT platform. The fire protection industry can do its part to raise standards by promoting the innovations available to it A cloud-based solution that can raise alerts in real time, sent straight to mobiles via a handy app, REACT ensures those that need immediate notifications and detailed insights can receive them in the most efficient way. Other heritage projects that have featured WES systems include St George’s Hall in Bradford, Norwich Castle and The Fry Building at the University of Bristol. Wireless safety systems The possibilities for wireless safety systems are endless and ensure no heritage site ever needs to go without adequate protection. Heritage buildings are irreplaceable, like the lives of those working on site. To safeguard the future of heritage sites, fire safety must remain a priority. The fire protection industry can do its part to raise standards by promoting the innovations available to it. At Ramtech, we are dedicated and passionate about providing the best solution to protect them and our technology is designed to accomplish this. We believe that by harnessing wireless technology, the construction industry benefits - these systems can be completely tailored to meet the modern challenges of individual sites, while protecting their history for future generations to enjoy.

How Digital Construction Is Helping To Improve Fire Safety And Inspections

As recent news headlines have shown, the construction industry is still in need of major improvements to fire safety protocols and building standards. With new legislation on the horizon, it’s now imperative companies do all they can to guarantee end-user safety. So, how is digital construction helping to improve fire safety? Matt Ryan, UK Country Manager at PlanRadar, explains how some of the latest digital tools are helping to join the dots in safety inspection and compliance. High rise buildings Recent studies have uncovered a worryingly high number of fire safety issues within many of the existing structures – particularly for those living in high rise buildings. Only last month, the London Fire Brigade revealed that there are still more than 1,000 buildings in London that require residents to evacuate buildings in the event of a fire, rather than follow the standard advice to remain in their homes and await instructions from fire crews, due to issues such as flammable cladding. The construction industry is responding and significant progress around fire safety is being made A Grenfell campaign group has also urged Housing Secretary Michael Gove to take further action around fire safety, highlighting that many residents still remain unsafe. With some huge issues to overcome, the construction industry is responding and significant progress around fire safety is being made. At the head of these improvements are digital tools and technology, which mark a new phase in safety and compliance. Better working practice Following Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building regulations and fire safety back in May 2018, the government has proposed significant changes that will encourage better working practice – most notably the introduction of a new building safety regulator and new construction product regulator. Once implemented, the regulations will be a landmark step in a new, more rigorous framework for higher-risk buildings. For those that fail to meet the legal requirements, it’s promised that repercussions will be severe, with serious financial and legal ramifications to follow. It means that contractors, designers and building owners will have to legally demonstrate a building is safe, requiring regulator sign-off before projects can move forward. Whilst this may seem a daunting prospect, emerging tech and digital tools are streamlining this process, reducing the likelihood of mistakes from occurring. Tamperproof audit trail This approach not only puts end users at risk, but adds ambiguity in the event of an accident It’s no secret that the profitability of building projects relies heavily on specific timelines – after all time is money. Yet a rush to the finish line can coincide with a drop in standards, with areas such as fire safety falling by the way side. This approach not only puts end users at risk, but adds ambiguity in the event of an accident, muddying the waters around which contractor or subcontractor is responsible, exacerbated by an often inconsistent and unclear paper trail. However, with the introduction of technology such as platforms and apps, on-site workers are now being given the means to provide evidence that essential work has been carried out to the proper standards. With intuitive and easy-to-use design, often through a tablet or phone, individuals can quickly capture evidence of completed work, creating a digital, tamperproof audit trail, complete with dates and timestamps to match. Work rate efficiency Should this work ever be called into question, a digital timeline can be provided, be it from a large contractor or an individual tradesperson. Another huge benefit of construction tech is its ability to improve work rate efficiency. Digital replicas of worksheets and key forms, including EWS1 forms, can be uploaded, allowing information to be entered quickly and with greater accuracy by qualified experts while on-site. This approach ensures that audit trails are reliable and that a timeline of actions can be easily produced The laborious task of entering written information into word processing or spreadsheet programs, which can often result in human error when transcribing hand written notes, is removed, and reports can easily be generate without duplicating work. This approach ensures that audit trails are reliable and that a timeline of actions can be easily produced. Cloud-Based technology QSHE Managers can even update inspection sheets from the office, rolling out new fields for site teams to complete seamlessly across multiple sites at once. When new guidance is published, it’s possible to start the journey towards compliance the very next day. With the continuation of remote working, cloud-based technology is also giving site managers the freedom to access important documentation at the push of a button. Should project managers need up-to-the-minute safety inspection information, with the right permissions in place, it can easily be accessed, allowing for greater visibility when working over multiple sites. The added benefit of which, is improved information-sharing, in-line with Dame Judith Hackitt’s vision of the ‘Golden Thread of Information’. Modern working practices Capturing and recording this type of information will be crucial as fire safety standards advance Business performance and the role of ‘big data’ is now becoming integral to modern working practices. Companies want deeper insights and in-app tools are allowing organizations to harness ‘unstructured data’ – that is data that’s harder to quantify, such as emails, text messages and images. Capturing and recording this type of information will be crucial as fire safety standards advance. With the ability to now send in-app images and video, data capture must extend to all forms, not just traditional numbers on a spreadsheet. For in-team communication this also has huge benefits, providing visual proof and instant messaging, allowing everyone to remain informed, rather than running the risk of an email, which can be lost or deleted. Raising overall standards With the Fire Safety Act due to come into effect in 2022 or 2023, companies that can get a handle on fire safety and compliance are sure to futureproof their business. The era of digital is now taking hold in construction, raising overall standards and giving the sector the tools it so desperately needs to ensure that work is carried out to the highest of standards. For individuals, digital technology provides something much more; peace of mind. With the risk of being personally accountable in the result of compliance failures, there’s no better feeling than knowing work has been carried out to the best of abilities, and that end-users can once again feel safe in their homes and workplaces.