The process of creating the 2022 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, is winding down. Public inputs, public comments, technical committee meetings and discussions, and the voting process have been completed. Overall, the AFSA technical services staff is satisfied with the results. However, there is …
Read More »Chair’s Message
On this page, you will see a picture of myself from back in 1990 when we had just celebrated our ninth year as an association. Hard to believe I look exactly the same today as I did back then (just kidding), but what I have lost since then I have …
Read More »NICET Certification
Program Development and Maintenance Process The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) develops certification programs that recognize individuals who meet industry-established standards of job knowledge and work experience. The success of these programs is based on the expertise of the industry professionals who work together to define the …
Read More »Construction Starts to Recover in 2021
Dodge Data & Analytics Predicts a Slow and Uneven Recovery Throughout the Year Dodge Data & Analytics has released its 2021 Dodge Construction Outlook, a mainstay in construction industry forecasting and business planning. The report predicts that total U.S. construction starts will increase 4 percent in 2021, to $771 billion. …
Read More »Top Tech of 2020
Sprinkler Age Highlights New Innovative Products Innovation, resilience, creativity—among other things—are just some of the things 2020 has taught us. It hasn’t been easy for everyone, but among all the challenges, there have also been many things worth celebrating. In an industry like fire protection, which is laser-focused on saving …
Read More »Contractor Performance
2020 Data Study Since March 2020, the fire protection contracting industry has been reeling from the impacts of COVID-19. In the early days of the pandemic, when cities and states issued closure orders, the uncertainty was terrifying. The fear made us all question the future of our business—how should we …
Read More »Spotlight on Sprinkler System Freeze Protection
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), a Dallas-based international trade association representing the fire sprinkler industry, empathizes with the people affected and the hardships presented by this unprecedented winter storm and freeze.The majority of fire sprinkler systems are installed with water-filled pipes, which must be protected from freezing and are …
Read More »M/S Council Elects 2021 Members
Representatives Work on Behalf of Associates The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Manufacturers/Suppliers (M/S) Council elected its 2021 officers in August 2020 and were proud to announce them during their annual meeting in September 2020, which was held via Zoom. Chris Stason of Victaulic Company in Temecula, California, will continue …
Read More »ABC Forecasts Recession Threats, Bright Spots
Recovery Shape Forms a “W” Associated Builders and Contractors’ Chief Economist Anirban Basu forecasts a recession threat for the construction sector next year, but has illuminated some potential economic bright spots, such as e-commerce and Class B office space, according to a 2021 economic outlook published in Construction Executive magazine. …
Read More »Cautious Optimism for 2021
Industry Members Share Predictions for the New Year The year 2020 was one of ups and downs: COVID-19 landed on U.S. soil, and a pending recession hovering was countered by stimulus packages and vaccines. With most businesses shutting down in the early stages of the pandemic, it was a welcome …
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