Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Free training is available to Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) during the American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 34th Annual Convention & Exhibition, AFSA in Phoenix: Rising to Excellence. To be held at the award-winning JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa October 10-13, AFSA’s convention draws over 1,100 participants from around the world. This is the nation’s largest gathering of fire sprinkler professionals, and offers unparalleled professional development opportunities. The AHJ seminars are part of 55 hours of technical and managerial seminars. Two free seminars are being presented especially for AHJs, Acceptance Inspections on Overhead Fire Sprinkler Systems (0.1 CEU) and Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review (0.4 CEUs).
Fire Sprinkler System Plan Review
Steven Scandaliato, C.F.P.S., S.E.T. & Ken Wagoner, C.F.P.E., C.F.P.S., S.E.T.
This seminar will be offered on Tuesday, October 13 from 7:00-11:00 a.m. Review of automatic fire sprinkler system plans can be complicated as the 2013 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has been expanded to provide more information than ever on fire sprinkler system design and installation. Preliminary information suggests that the 2016 edition will further expand the criteria for design and installation to be addressed on plans. The seminar will guide attendees in a discussion of the requirements for plans and calculations contained in Chapter 23, and will include an exercise in hands-on review of a fire sprinkler system plan, including the overall design concept, hydraulic calculations, and the underground supply system. Evaluation of decisions made on the part of the system designer dealing with hazard and commodity classification from Chapter 5, building construction type from Chapter 3, sprinkler positioning and spacing from Chapter 8, and materials selection will all be among the topics discussed as part of the review. This seminar will rely heavily on attendee participation and will generate a list of items requiring further clarification or revisions. A Q&A session will follow the completion of the plan review. Plan reviewers and field inspectors should find this seminar helpful, and will most likely find areas where their own review checklist may be modified or improved. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring the 2013 edition of NFPA 13.
Acceptance Inspections on Overhead Fire Sprinkler Systems
Tom Noble, C.F.P.S., C.E.T.
Offered on October 13 from 12:00-1:00 p.m., this seminar will cover the inspection requirements as set forth in Chapters 8 and 25 of NFPA 13 (2013 edition). It will cover the rough inspection and hydrostatic testing of wet, dry, preaction, and deluge fire sprinkler systems. Upon completion, participants should be able to apply the inspection requirements as described in NFPA 13 and identify the different types of construction as shown in the standard.
From 1:00-3:30 p.m. that same afternoon, AHJs may tour AFSA’s exhibit hall with a special, free pass. AFSA’s exhibition is the largest in the sprinkler industry, featuring top manufacturers and suppliers with the newest innovations in the industry. The hall also houses AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition and the practical exam portion of the contest will be held that afternoon, where seven apprentices install and test a mini fire sprinkler system.
Registration for AHJ seminars can be done in advance online at firesprinkler.org/convention/ahj. Registrations can also be done onsite at the convention at the AFSA registration desk. There is no charge for AHJs in uniform or with proper identification.
Register Now!
For those attending the full convention, the regular registration deadline is September 4, 2015. There is a late fee for those registering after that date. Hotel reservations at the special AFSA group rate of $234 per night plus tax must also be made by September 4. After this date, AFSA attendees will not be guaranteed the group rate. Group rates are available from October 7-16, 2015.
The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge conference complex will house all of this year’s seminars, exhibits, networking breakfasts and lunches, the opening general session, golf tournament, and transportation to offsite tours and awards party. This area is located just steps away from AFSA’s official room block.
Visit firesprinkler.org/convention/travel or call 480-293-5000 for room reservations and ask for the AFSA group rate. For more information on this year’s event, visit firesprinkler.org/convention.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t let your reservations be hijacked! In the past, several AFSA members have received calls from hotel reservation companies claiming to be representing AFSA and its convention. AFSA does not have any housing companies associated with its 2015 convention and exhibition. Reservations made at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa through a reservation company, such as Global Housing or Exhibitor Services, do not qualify for AFSA networking meals. While hotel resellers may contact you offering housing for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with AFSA or its show and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.
