Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
THREE COURSES ADDED TO CURRICULUM
Newly designed training courses have been developed to kick off the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) new year! With its popular educational webinars, training workshops, and maintenance programs, AFSA is a well-known training expert within the fire sprinkler industry. There are three new ITM courses, each having a few sessions throughout the year. Early bird pricing is also available for individuals who enroll early for a discount on regular registration costs. These courses target all experience levels of technicians, inspectors, Authority Having Jurisdictions (AHJs), and facility managers.
AFSA continues to propel forward by keeping all industry players first in mind. “A large part of the AFSA mission is to educate and train our industry,” says AFSA President Bob Caputo, CFPS. “While the original focus was on our sprinkler fitter apprenticeship program, AFSA has morphed into what we think resembles a community college more than a traditional trade association.”
BEGINNING ITM WORKSHOP
Become an expert on essential procedures and best practices for proper functioning and reliability of sprinkler systems based on NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. This workshop will provide further knowledge on codes, standards, and all parties involved in inspections and testing. In this training, participants will detect potential issues, conduct inspections and tests, complete routine maintenance tasks, and compare components of various water-based fire protection systems.
The Beginning ITM Workshop is offered on March 18-19, May 6-7, July 8-9, and Nov. 6-7. Upon course completion, participants earn 16 CPDs, 1.6 CEUs, and 16 contact hours.
INTERMEDIATE ITM WORKSHOP
This intermediate-level course will perform water flow tests on service mains and standpipes, collect and analyze results, and perfect participants’ knowledge in determining frequencies and procedures for inspection and testing. This training explores advanced topics such as component differentiation, sequence of operations, and specific considerations for deluge and preaction systems. Individuals will gain a deeper understanding of inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures through certification test-taking strategies, in-depth knowledge of 3- and 5-year ITM, and hands-on troubleshooting exercises.
The Intermediate ITM Workshop is offered on April 15-17, July 10-12, Aug. 21-23, and Nov. 13-15. Upon course completion, participants earn 24 CPDs, 2.4 CEUs, and 24 contact hours.
FIRE PUMP ITM WORKSHOP
Develop knowledge of fire pump installations and essential ITM processes. This workshop will discuss key differences between diesel- and electric-driven fire pumps and present various water flow tests. AFSA provides hands-on performances of no-flow and full-flow fire pump tests and educates on ITM requirements for water storage tanks. Participants will also interact with energy diffuser selection, data acquisition, supply graphing, and data interpretation to provide an understanding of stationary fire pumps.
The Fire Pump ITM Workshop is offered seven times this year: March 20-21, April 18-19, May 8-9, July 23-24, Aug. 19-20, Sept. 2-6, and Nov. 19-20. Upon course completion, participants earn 16 CPDs, 1.6 CEUs, and 16 contact hours.
ITM INSPECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
In addition to the new ITM courses, AFSA continues offering its popular ITM Inspector Development Program. This program is for those looking to grow their fire sprinkler business or for opportunities to advance their career. This 20-month program includes a portfolio of learning approaches, from hands-on field training and inspections to live web sessions, on-demand courses, on-the-job demonstrations, and in-class lectures. Industry experts teaching the courses provide their insight and mentorship to all students. AFSA also implements essential tips from start to finish of the program, including hiring recommendations, applicant screening tips, training record keeping, and candidate sample promissory notes.
This course is designed to help participants pass NICET Level I and II water-based inspection and certification exams in less than two years. AFSA ITM Program graduates achieve a 93 percent pass rate on NICET Level I and II exams, exceeding the 60-percent national average.
No prior experience is needed to enroll. The spring session has sold out, so registration for the fall session, which begins in October, is highly encouraged! Click here for more information and to register.
ENROLL FOR THE NEXT WORKSHOP
Training is essential for any industry, and proper training is indispensable. AFSA’s education and training programs ensure industry players are well-equipped to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. They are keeping professionals updated with industry codes, trends, and regulations.
“The new course offerings are concentrated on providing the most efficient training based on input from our members to help efficiently train staff with the added and unique benefit of hands-on training tailored to the topic,” comments AFSA’s Manager of Technical Services, Joshua McDonald, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM. “The hands-on training hooks new fire protection professionals, builds confidence in the fire protection workforce, hones the skills of the more experienced, sets you apart, and will be implemented in our already successful existing courses.”
Click here to learn more or enroll in the new courses. For any questions, email training@firesprinkler.org.
