| NFSA 2000 News Archives | ||||||||||||
January 2000 Top of Page
Jan 3, 2000- The California Department of Housing and Community Development has initiated a 45-day public notice and comment period for proposed regulations on sprinkler protection of manufactured housing. The proposed regulations govern the design and installation of sprinkler systems in one and two-unit manufactured housing, and supersede all local ordinances. The intent of the regulations is not to mandate sprinkler systems, but to allow housing manufacturers to use a single design to meet sprinkler system requirements anywhere within the state. The proposed changes require the use of the new 1999 edition of NFPA 13D, but with several changes, including requirements that all components be listed and a statewide allowance of combined plumbing and sprinkler systems. A public hearing has been scheduled for February 24, 2000 from 10 am to 2:30 pm in Room 183/185 at 1800 Third Street in Sacramento. Comments can be sent
to Rkeefe@hcd.ca.gov
Architects Demand a Single Code Jan 5, 2000 - The American Institute of Architects has released the findings and recommendations of its AIA Codes Task Force. The recommendations have been unanimously endorsed by the AIA Board of Directors, and call for the International Codes Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to resume discussion on the cooperative development of codes and standards. The AIA has long advocated
the development of a single set of codes for the United States, and established
the task force following the breakdown of negotiations between the ICC
and NFPA in 1999. Recently, the NFPA announced that it would work
toward the development of a comprehensive set of codes and standards in
cooperation with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical
Officials (IAPMO) and other potential partners.
NFSA Contract Imus, Mike and Mad Dog to Promote Fire Sprinklers Jan 7, 2000, Patterson, New York - Kicking off the New Year, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) has announced that it has entered into a one year contract with WFAN Sports Radio 66, a nationally syndicated program, to air a number of advertisements promoting the benefits of fire sprinkler systems. Regular listeners of WFAN,
66 on the AM dial, know that Imus’ morning show followed by Mike and Mad
Dog in the afternoon reach an audience of millions every day. To follow
is a broadcast schedule for the first two months of the campaign. Special
emphasis has been placed on Super Bowl week with a total of six “live reads”
scheduled during the Imus and Mike & Mad Dog shows.
America Burning to be Revisited Jan 11, 2000 - James L. Witt, Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has established a new panel on America Burning. Director Witt has asked the panel to provide him with insight into the future goals, evolution and activities of the fire services and prevention community, and recommendations on how the community's achievement of its goals can be supported and accelerated. The original America Burning report, prepared for the Nixon administration in 1973, included a recommendation that the "U. S. Fire Administration support the development of the necessary technology for improved automatic extinguishing systems that would find ready acceptance by Americans in all kinds of dwelling units." This recommendation led to the development of the residential sprinkler and the evolution of other types of fast response sprinklers. The report also recommended that the model building codes "specify …automatic extinguishing systems…for high-rise buildings and for low-rise buildings in which many people congregate" and that "total automatic sprinkler protection or other suitable automatic extinguishing systems be required in all facilities for the care and housing of the elderly." Those wishing to share their views on the future of the fire services and recommendations for improvement have been invited to register their comments by visiting their website at: www.fema.gov Comments will be accepted
until March 1, 2000.; The report of the panel is expected to be completed
in May of 2000.
Three Dead, Twenty Five Injured in University Dorm Fire Jan
19, 2000 - At 4:30 AM, three student were killed when a fire
started in a common area on the third floor of a six story dormitory at
Seton Hall University. It is known at this time that the dormitory was
not protected by a fire sprinkler system. NFSA Regional Operations is gathering
more information which will be posted as made available.
Sprinkler Law Mulled after Dorm Fire South Orange, N.J. Jan
21, 2000 - A day after a dorm fire
killed three college students, Gov. Christie Whitman said she would consider
legislation requiring sprinkler systems in all college dormitories.
Sprinklers weren't required when Boland Hall was built 48 years ago
at Seton Hall University, where a fire early Wednesday killed three
people and injured 62. Sprinklers have been required in dorms built
since 1984.
Seton Hall Update Jan 24, 2000- In follow-up to the fire at Seton Hall, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) has sent letters to local media including, television, radio and newsprint summarizing the value of fire sprinklers and the role they should play in the protection of those attending institutions of higher learning. To follow is the substance of a letter sent by NFSA President John Viniello to the media that was reprinted in this morning’s New YorkTimes: Unspeakable fire tragedies like the Seton all University dormitory fire will continue to scar the public consciousness unless fire sprinklers are installed in all structures. We need proactive, not reactive, legislation. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to the governors of all 50 states to enact legislation that will protect older buildings that are at risk from fire. Let’s act today before another tragedy occurs tomorrow. Fifty strokes of a pen could make that happen. Taking a cue from NFSA’s
lead, U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York has said she will
offer legislation to require sprinklers in older college and university
dormitories stating, “If they [Seton Hall] had a sprinkler system, they
wouldn’t have lost those lives.”
February 2000Top of Page Central GB Model Sprinklers Under Scrutiny Feb
7, 2000 - Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has issued a press release
stating that they are investigating the GB series of glass bulb sprinklers
manufactured by Central Sprinkler Corporation since 1988. The sprinklers
in question are models GB, GB-Alpha, GB-J, GB-QR, GB-EC, GB-RS, GB-20,
GB-20QR, GBR, GB-R1,
On the basis of tests of 90 sample sprinklers taken from the field, UL has noted that approximately 20 percent of the sprinklers did not operate at a minimum pressure of 7 psi, and a few did not operate even at a pressure of 60 psi. UL is suggesting sample testing of the GB sprinklers, and is offering to conduct such testing at no cost. Central
Sprinkler has released a statement indicating it is aware of the recent
tests and reports concerning the GB sprinklers by Underwriters Laboratories,
and is working with UL to address their inquiries. Central is also
conducting an independent evaluation and analysis. Central is suggesting
that any system containing GB
The
NFSA has noted that this level of scrutiny is not unexpected in the aftermath
of the Omega sprinkler recall in 1998-99, and that it can be viewed as
a commitment to full fire sprinkler reliability. According to NFSA
President John Viniello, "The NFSA is confident that the manufacturer will
work with UL to do whatever is necessary to ensure traditional outstanding
levels of fire sprinkler performance." UL
Website
Call to Action! Put Governors on Notice Feb 7, 2000, Patterson, New York – In a bulletin dated January 24, 2000, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) summarized events that followed in the wake of the Seton Hall dormitory fire that claimed the lives of three students. The summary included a sharp contrast drawn between the tragic fire in an unsprinklered dormitory at Seton Hall and a similar fire that occurred in a sprinklered dormitory at Cornell were no injuries were reported as well as one U.S. Representative’s vow to bring forth sprinkler legislation to protect older college and university student housing. At that time, NFSA had already drafted plans to launch a national initiative that would require the support of the entire fire sprinkler industry in order to be successful. To follow is a description of that initiative and the need for a “call to action” by the sprinkler industry. On February 1, 2000, NFSA President John Viniello sent a letter to each of the nation’s 50 governors. In the letter he describes the pain in the eyes of the parents he has met whom have lost a child to fire in unprotected university housing. He goes on to explain how a fire in Chapel Hill that claimed the lives of five students led to the adoption of wide-sweeping retroactive sprinkler requirements in North Carolina, but added that local reactive legislation only leaves the door open for yet another tragedy to occur elsewhere. Download
actual letter written to Governors
California Manufactured Housing Regulations Near Finalization The NFSA has received a report on the Public Hearing held on Thursday, February 24th, by the State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development. The purpose of the hearing was to consider proposed regulations covering the installation of fire sprinkler systems in manufactured housing. The proposed regulations would provide that where local AHJs require fire sprinklers in single-family dwellings, manufactured housing either constructed or shipped into the State of California will be required to have sprinklers installed in accordance with NFPA-13D, 1999 Edition. A significant development occurred during the hearing when Robert Keefe, HCD Codes/Standard Administrator, stated that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was in favor of the regulations and would not be submitting any opposition to the State’s intended action. It was also reported that the California Manufactured Housing Institute, representing the ten largest manufacturers in the State, had reached agreement with the HCD on the regulations and that they will be conducting meetings with sprinkler manufacturers to resolve any problems that might exist in compliance with the regulations. We are hopeful that final regulations will be adopted by July 1st. This is a major victory for the fire sprinkler industry and we are pleased that the NFSA’s efforts to support this action appear to be leading to a positive conclusion that will both strengthen the industry in the residential market and lead to increased protection for the lives and property of homeowners. We
will continue to follow developments and provide updates both on the website
and through our regional managers and their monthly reports.
U.S. SENATE CONSIDERING SPRINKLER LEGISLATION On February 24, 2000, Senators Edwards, Lautenberg and Torricelli introduced a Bill in the U.S. Senate that would provide funds for the installation of sprinkler systems in public and private college and university housing and dormitories. It also includes fraternity and sorority housing and dormitories. The Bill notes that between 1980 and 1997, each year there was an average of 1800 fires in these occupancies resulting in an annual average of 1 death, 69 injuries and more than $8M in property damage. In addition, only 28 percent of the buildings where fires occurred had fire sprinklers installed. The Bill would appropriate $100M each year from 2001 through 2005 to complete the retrofit. The Secretary of Education is authorized to award grants to individual States, colleges, universities, sororities or fraternities provided that the entity receiving the grant furnishes at least half the cost. You may read the full text of the Bill by clicking on the link below. View
Bill here Members
of the senate commitee
March 2000 Top of Page
March 1, 2000, Patterson, NY - It was announced at the NFSA Board Meeting last week that API Group, Inc. had acquired Security Fire Protection Company, Inc. headquartered in Memphis, TN. The management team of Security will remain in place after the acquisition and it is expected that the operations will continue under the same identity within API. As
further news becomes available, we will update this story. Our regional
managers will also have updates and will follow this in their monthly regional
reports.
www.NFSA.org BREAKS NEW GROUND On March 1, 2000, the NFSA, in partnership with BF Goodrich, presented its first commercial online seminar. The program was a training session on the use and correct installation procedures for its BlazeMaster® CPVC pipe. The seminar presented a few challenges to our technical staff since the instructor was located at the BF Goodrich offices. This required a remote feed to our servers and it also included an interactive test that the participants took and then submitted over the internet to BF Goodrich to be graded. Those passing the tests were awarded certification as BlazeMaster® installers. We were pleased that there were more than 70 separate locations signed up for the program and that many of these had multiple persons that became certified. Once again, the NFSA leads the way in providing innovative programs to strengthen the fire sprinkler industry. If you think there may be a way that our staff could present a program of this type for you or a similar type of presentation that could be directed to multiple sites and save your company meeting and travel costs, contact us at mckeefe@nfsa.org or call “JP” at (914) 878-4200, ext.22. March
6, 2000, Quincy, MA - In one of the most significant developments in
the fire sprinkler industry in years, the NFPA has announced it will issue
its own Building Code as part of its Consensus Codes set.
ANOTHER FRAT HOUSE FIRE TRAGEDY March 19, 2000 - It has been reported that three students died in a fire this morning. The fire occurred in a fraternity house located at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA. There is no information available at this time as to the existence of a fire sprinkler system. ARMON ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN March 22, 2000 - Armon, Inc., holding company for sprinkler contractors Fire Protection Industries, Inc.(FPI) Bensalem PA, F.E Moran Fire Protection and F.E. Moran Special Hazards Systems, Northbrook IL, has announced formation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Under the terms of the plan, approximately 42% of Armon's stock will be acquired and allocated to employees at absolutely no cost to recipients. March 24, 2000 - Another dorm fire was reported this morning at Boston College. There are no reported deaths but ten students and police officers are being treated for injuries. NFSA has confirmed that there were no sprinklers in the building. March 28, 2000 – The New Jersey Senate unanimously passed a bill yesterday calling for $90M in state loans to finance the installation of fire sprinklers in school dormitories. While the Assembly bill is still pending, this is a major victory in the NFSA’s efforts. Ken Lehn, former Area 2 Regional manager, and Sean Love of the Grinnell Company helped us on achieving passage of this bill. If the Senate version is approved, sprinklers will have to be installed within two years. The loans will be available to at least 30 schools and will extend to fraternity and sorority houses. STAFF CHANGES April 6, 2000, Patterson, NY - President John Viniello announced the resignation of Mac Fleming, Area 2 Regional Manager for personal reasons. Viniello noted "We will all miss Mac and the dedication and professionalism he devoted to his job." The staff of NFSA wish him well and will always remember and respect him as a true gentleman. President Viniello also announced that Area 1 Regional Manager Rich Skinner will cover Area 2 on an interim basis. He will be assisted by Ken Lehn, former Area 2 Regional Manager, who will work primarily on legislative initiatives and special projects. Welcome back Ken! On April 1st, Don Pamplin assumed the position of Regional Manager for the Pacific Northwest. Don joins the NFSA after serving as CASA Regional Manager for the Western area of Canada. Don was formerly the Vancouver, BC Fire Chief and we are extremely pleased to have him join the team. His contact information can be found in the Regional Manager section. April 20, 2000 - In a momentous move for the fire sprinkler industry, the PA State System of Higher Education has mandated 100% sprinkler coverage in the 147 dorms located at the 14 campuses it controls!!! The Board of Governors has established a program that could entail as much as $50 million to provided this protection for the 33,000 students living in these facilities. We hope this precedent will provide the incentive for other states to act. IBC to Expand Residential Sprinkler Requirements Sprinkler requirements for multi-family residential occupancies would become the norm under a proposal tentatively adopted on April 9, 2000 for the next (2001-02) edition of the International Building Code. Meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, the International Fire Code Committee voted to require sprinklers in all new residential occupancies. Under the rules of the International Code Council, the International Fire Code Committee controls sprinkler requirements in the International Building Code. The Building Code in turn applies to all residential occupancies except one and two-family dwellings and townhouses built as attached single-family dwellings. The proposal still must survive the challenge process and must be adopted by the combined ballot of voting members of the three model code organizations (BOCA, ICBO and SBCC) at their individual annual meetings in the fall of 2000. NFSA Director of Codes Gene Endthoff, who represented the fire sprinkler industry at the Birmingham meeting, was able to make a presentation on the economic advantages of installing sprinklers in residential occupancies. The International Fire Code Committee was convinced that the time had come to require sprinklers in residential occupancies, and the committee's decision was sustained by a floor vote of the assembly. May 2000 Top of Page New Jersey Nears Passage of Dormitory Sprinkler Legislation May 9, 2000 - The State Asembly Housing Committee yesterday unanimously passed a bill requiring N.J.'s 26 public colleges and universities to install fire sprinklers in their dorms within 5 years. Swift passage by both houses is expected. The bill provides for $90M in loans at 2% interest loans for fraternities and sororities and secondary boarding schools. API GROUP ACQUIRES UNITED STATES FIRE PROTECTION OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN AND ALLIANCE FIRE PROTECTION IN ILLINOIS May 10, 2000 - The NFSA has been advised that the API Group (Western States Fire Protection) has acquired United States Fire Protection of Illinois and Wisconsin as well as Alliance Fire Protection in Illinois. The management teams for all of the organizations involved will remain intact and continue to run their businesses. Gregg Huennekens, President of United States Fire Protection, commented, “This is a tremendous strategic move for both organizations for the long term. We are delighted with the acquisition and look forward to a long-term relationship with our management team and the API Group.” May
13, 2000 - A fire at an off-campus apartment house killed one student
and injured eight others. No information is available as to whether
fire sprinklers were installed.
NFPA MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 16, 2000 – Participants from 40 countries attended the opening session of the NFPA meeting in Denver. Just before the opening, NFPA President George Miller and FEMA Director James Witt signed a commitment to work together to develop, adopt and enforce NFPA codes and standards substantially equivalent to the National Earthquake Hazards Program and the National Flood Insurance Program. The attendees were addressed by outgoing Chair Chief Herman Brice, NFPA President Miller and Mr. Witt. In addition to thanking Chief Brice for his service to the association, President Miller restated the commitment to formulate a building code through the NFPA’s full, open consensus process despite the difficulties that arose when attempting to collaborate with the ICC on the project. He noted that the Standards Council had voted to approve establishment of a technical committee to work on the adoption of a NFPA Building Code at its Sunday meeting. NEW OFFICERS ELECTED Martin Reiss was elected Chair, Corrine Broderick first vice chair and George Ockuly second vice chair. Jan Gratton and Paul Fitzgerald were re-elected as secretary and treasurer. Five new Board members were elected: AWARDS The Harry C. Bigglestone
Award for communication was presented to Dr. James Milke of the University
of Maryland. The President’s award was bestowed on three fire safety
professionals from Michigan for their work in the adoption of the State’s
Fire Prevention Code. The Standards Medal was awarded to Robert Nelson
and the Paul C. Lamb Award was presented to retired West Virginia Fire
Marshall Walter Smittle III.
MESA FIRE SPRINKLER ORDINANCE PASSES Mesa, AZ - The Mesa City Council recently passed a fire sprinkler ordinance after a mandatory sprinkler ordinance was voted down N. J. BILL REQUIRING DORM SPRINKLERS MOVES CLOSER TO BECOMING LAW May 26, 2000 - The N.J. Assembly passed a bill that will require installation of fire sprinklers in every dorm room in N.J. colleges and universities within five years by a unanimous 74-0 vote yesterday. The law provides for a $90M fund for interest-free loans to 26 colleges and universities and 6 eligible high schools. Other institutions, fraternities and sororities will be eligible for loans at 2% interest. The legislation will now proceed to the Senate where it is expected to reach the floor for debate by June 8 and it is hoped it will pass and be forwarded to the Governor before the June 29th legislative summer adjournment. Governor
Whitman has expressed support for a four-year limit for the retrofit and
the sponsors of a Senate Bill have issued similar statements.
NFSA VICE-CHAIRMAN TESTIFIES ON SPRINKLER LEGISLATION May 31, 2000 - Aus Marburger, President of Fire Protection Industries, Inc. and Vice Chairman of NFSA's Board of Directors testified before the Pennsylvania legislature supporting House Bill 2458 that will require fire sprinklers in dormitories. In his testimony, Marburger noted, "Protecting the lives of the best and brightest of America’s future is public leadership; protecting against the loss of educational facilities is public responsibility." June 2000 Top of Page HARVEY IS ALL WET North Coventry, PA – A 15-year-old boy tossing a dime in the men’s athletic department of Boscov’s Department store set off a sprinkler head that caused $140,000 in damage to floors and merchandise according to police. The 15-year-old boy tossed the dime 20 to 30 feet in the air until it made contact with the glass tube designed to break and release water in the event of a fire. North Coventry Fire Marshall Comtois said, “It was a one in a million shot, maybe one in a billion.” The sprinkler triggered an alarm that went to the Norco Fire Company. When volunteers arrived the water was shut off quickly. Comtois said, “200 to 300 gallons were released." To add fuel to the non-fire, syndicated radio personality Paul Harvey went on air in his May 18 commentary to state "You know, there's an overhead sprinkler system in most department stores, up against the ceiling, each sprinkler is sheltered with a little glass cover. If heat cracks that glass, it releases all of the sprinklers in that store." As we in the sprinkler industry know, single sprinkler activation would not activate all sprinkler heads in the building. Harvey went on to state that the store was flooded with 300,00 gallons of water, when the fact was that only 200 to 300 gallons had been released according to Fire Marshall Comtois. NFSA President John Viniello, spoke to Comtois upon being informed of the situation and asked how Harvey could have come to this figure, Comtois replied, “I don’t know, I don’t think we have 300,000 gallons in the township.” Appalled at Harvey’s lack of investigation before his commentary, Viniello wrote Harvey and demanded a retraction. Viniello stated “to allow such a report to be aired is irresponsible and has the potential of causing great harm to our industry.” He went on to say, ”To portray fire sprinklers in such a light demonstrates a lack of appreciation for how these heat sensitive devices work, and their importance as a life-saving tool.” If you would like to voice your opinion about this matter, you may contact Mr. Harvey at:
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Harvey, Producers
View
President Viniello's letter to Mr. Harvey
IFSA Seeks Fire Sprinkler Promotion Grant Proposals The International Fire Sprinkler Association is soliciting grant proposals from organizations interested in promoting the use of automatic sprinklers and related fire suppression systems. The IFSA Board of Governors will be meeting on June 20, 2000 to award funds to associations, societies, or coalitions that seek to encourage the competent installation of these built-in fire protection systems in their specific regions of the world. In 1999, the IFSA awarded grants to two organizations based in the United Kingdom. The Residential Sprinkler Association has been working to demonstrate the effectiveness and economic feasibility of fire sprinkler protection for dwellings. The National Fire Sprinkler Network has been successful in its campaign to lower the threshold for which automatic suppression systems are required for large retail facilities. Grant
proposals for the period of July 1, 2000 – June 30, 2001 should include
information on the sponsoring organization, specific plans and goals, and
budgetary information. Proposals should be sent to the IFSA c/o P.O.
Box 1000, Patterson, New York, USA, Fax: 1-914-878-4215 or e-mail
to: ifsa@sprinklerworld.org.
VINIELLO REPEATS CALL FOR ACTION FOLLOWING FIRE DEATH AT MILLIKIN U. FRATERNITY HOUSE June 9, 2000, Patterson, NY – NFSA President John Viniello repeated his plea to Illinois Governor George Ryan to form a Student Housing Fire Safety Coalition following the death of a student at Millikin University in a fraternity house fire. Viniello reminded the Governor of his February 1, 2000 letter to all 50 governors calling for action on the installation of fire sprinklers in such buildings. MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR MOVES TO REQUIRE DORM SPRINKLERS June 9, 2000 - Governor Cellucci and Lieutenant Governor Swift have proposed legislation to require retrofit in all of the State’s public college and university dormitories. The measure would make $50 Million available to install automatic fire sprinklers over four years in buildings built prior to the effective date of current codes that require fire sprinklers in new construction. NICET TEST FOR INSPECTION AND TESTING OF WATER BASED SYSTEMS The Program Detail Manual (PDM) is posted on the NICET WebSite http://www.NICET.Org. The posting deadline for test cycle 3 is Saturday July 8! To test cycle 3, your applications must be received by NICET no later than July 19 (the extended date is for I&T only). If your first choice is not available, they will do everything they can to get you in, however please be certain to select a second choice by including a date and center for a fourth cycle exam. The PDM currently available for download lists the work elements (WEs) and certification requirements for Levels I and II only. Level III Field Test participants will receive complete PDMs. The PDM available on the WebSite will reflect any changes to the program after all Field Test Data is analyzed and the revisions made. All Level III related information will also be added at that time. NICET 888 – 476 – 4238 QUESTIONS
ABOUT TESTING?
WE NEED YOUR HELP A.S.A.P. ON SB 2100 FEMA Report Supports Sprinkler Installation The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released the Findings and Recommendations of the America Burning Commission it recommissioned in 1999. In his cover letter to FEMA, Commission Chair George K. Bernstein noted, “Sprinklers are acknowledged as the most effective tool in immediately suppressing fires, minimizing damage and saving lives.” The Commission listed the application and use of fire sprinkler technology as its second highest recommendation. They found that “The most effective loss prevention and reduction measure with respect to both life and property is the installation and maintenance of fire sprinklers.” Importantly, their recommendations state that no strategy should detract from the requirement for sprinklers and that smoke alarms should always be a second option. Fire
Sprinkler Finding
NJ Senate Passes Sprinkler Bill June 27, 2000, Trenton, NJ -The Senate unanimously passed a Bill providing for mandatory protection of college and university dorms with automatic fire sprinklers yesterday. The legislation contains provisions for $90 million in low interest loans to help finance the program that has a four year limitation. The Assembly will consider the Bill later this week. It has similar legislation pending with a five year limit but the leadership has indicated it will agree to the Senate limit. The
N.J. proposed state budget also authorizes the expenditure of $1 million
to assist in the installation of sprinklers in fraternity and sorority
houses.
July 2000 Top of Page PENNSYLVANIA OPENS HEARINGS ON DORM LEGISLATION July 21, 2000 - Hearings opened yesterday before the Pa. House Labor Relations Committee on a Bill that will require all existing college and university dorms to have fire sprinkler systems within five years and to have them in all new construction. The Bill sets up a loan fund of $100,000,000. Ken Lehn testified on behalf of the NFSA. Many of the comments made to the Committee focused on the omission of fraternity and sorority facilities from the coverage of the legislation. TREIBER APPOINTED TO NFSA POST July 14, 2000, Patterson, NY – NFSA President John Viniello today announced the appointment of Robert B. Treiber to the position of Regional Manager for the North Central States of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, effective August 1, 2000. Mr. Viniello said, “We are pleased to have Bob join the NFSA staff and we know that his vast experience will be immensely valuable in helping him serve our members in these states.” Mr. Treiber is former Vice Chair of the Code Committee of the Ohio Fire Chief’s Association and served as President of the Ohio Fire Official’s Association for the past three years. He is a member of the International Fire Marshal’s Section and Central Regional Fire Code Committee of the NFPA. In addition to these activities, Mr. Treiber has served as adjunct and part-time instructor at the University of Cincinnati and the Ohio Fire Academy. July 10, 2000, Patterson, NY - The NFSA is proud to announce that General Motors, the country's largest auto manufacturer, has requested its list of member contractors to be included in the GM database of preferred contractors. Richard Skinner, Regional Manager for Area 1, has begun a program to recognize those colleges in his Area that fully sprinkler dorms or Greek houses. Schools are given a Rest Assured plaque to display in each building that is fully protected. In addition, we supply the school with artwork that can be used in their publications so that students and parents are aware of the fire sprinkler protection. July 5, 2000 – Governor Christine Todd Whitman today signed into law a bill that will require all of New Jersey’s colleges, universities and boarding schools to fully sprinkler their dormitories within the next four years. At the signing ceremony, Gov. Whitman said, "The effectiveness of automatic sprinkler systems has been demonstrated for more than 100 years. By requiring their installation in all residential buildings on every New Jersey campus, we are ensuring that our students will have a safe place in which to live, study and learn." The legislation was spurred on by the tragic loss of life in a fire at Seton Hall University earlier this year and it establishes a $90 million fund for low interest loans to the affected schools to assist them in compliance. We sincerely hope that this breakthrough will be the precedent leading other states to adopt similar legislation and that we will see other initiatives that will require fraternities and sororities to install fire sprinkler systems in the properties that they own. REPORT ISSUED ON MILLIKIN U. DORM FIRE On June 9, 2000, NFSA President John Viniello wrote to the Illinois Governor urging him to act to require fire sprinklers in dormitories. The story can be found in the archives linked at the end of this column. July
13, 2000, Decatur, IL - The Decatur Fire Chief has issued a report
on the dorm fire that killed a Millikin University. He confirmed
that there were no sprinklers present.
NFSA INTRODUCES VEHICLE LEASE PROGRAM NFSA is pleased to announce a vehicle lease / purchase program available to its members through Wells Fargo Fleet Services / Allied Leasing Company. The program offers members the ability to lease or purchase cars and trucks at fleet discounted rates. Lease terms range from 12 to 60 months without mileage restrictions and both finance and open-end leases are available. For
complete details of the program, contact Scott McIntyre at Wells Fargo;
phone 800-708-3724, fax 952-927-0341 or emailmcintysh@wellsfargo.com.
NEW YORK CHAPTER GOLF OUTING The Annual Golf Outing will be held on August 17th at the Rogue's Roost Club in Syracuse. The $75 fee covers fees, refreshments, cart, lunch and dinner. If you can only make the dinner, the cost is $35. For info, contact Rich Skinner on ext. 16 at the NFSA. The proceeds will go towards a donation to the St. Thomas Moore Foundation and to fund seminars for code, building and fire officials. FLEMING APPOINTED TO NFPA CODE COMMITTEE July 19, 2000 - NFSA has been informed that Russell P. Fleming, P.E., Vice President of Engineering has been appointed principal member of the NFPA Building Code Technical Correlating Committee (TCC). Kenneth E. Isman, P.E., Assistant Vice President of Engineering has been appointed alternate. In addition, AFSA’s Roland Huggins, P.E., Director of Technical Services has also been appointed to the committee. NFSA
President John A. Viniello commented, “I am delighted that the Standards
Council saw the wisdom in having the sprinkler industry represented on
this very important committee.”
NFSA.ORG HONORED July
31, 2000 - The NFSA website has just been ranked in the top 3% of almost
800,000 sites ranked by WebsMostLinked, the Internet's leading site evaluation
company.
August 2000 Top of Page NEIL
CAHILL TO HEAD LABOR RELATIONS SULLIVAN RETIRING
Neil stated that he looked forward to assuming total responsibility for the Association’s Labor Relations, Apprenticeship and IP functions and added that he is looking forward to a series of meetings with contractor members over the next several months. These meetings are intended to familiarize himself with those Locals with which he has not yet dealt and also to determine areas in which the Association may better assist contractor members in their relations with the various sprinkler locals and determine how better to take advantage of the expanding sprinkler market. Rich
Sullivan, Senior Vice President, who has headed Labor Relations for more
than twenty-six years is planning to retire in May of 2001. Rich
will continue in his capacity as co-chairman of the various Taft-Hartley
& IP Funds and assist with the transition of the Labor responsibilities
to Neil.
RICHARD T. GROOS TO RECEIVE GOLDEN SPRINKLER AWARD August 3, 2000, Patterson, NY - The Awards Committee announced that the 13th Annual NFSA Golden Sprinkler Award will be presented to Richard T. Groos, Chairman of the Tyden Group for his outstanding contributions to the fire sprinkler industry. The presentation will be made during the opening ceremony of the NFSA's Annual Seminar in Aruba. UL LISTS 1/2 INCH POLYETHYLENE PIPE Wirsbo
Company of Apple Valley, MN has received a listing for their 1/2 inch Cross
Linked Polyethylene (PEX)
The
listing includes both the pipe, a ring to secure it to a fitting, a copper
manifold for up to 15 connections, a 4
The
Fall issue of NFSA's Sprinkler Quarterly will contain a detailed article
on this topic.
FLEMING NAMED PERSON OF THE YEAR The
August, 2000 issue of Fire Protection Contractor magazine contains a cover
story naming Russ Fleming,
NFSA
President John Viniello said, "We are proud to have Russ as a member of
the NFSA team heading our
September 2000Top of Page NFSA MEMBER JERRY MERKEL – A TRUE SAMARITAN Twenty
year NFSA member Jerry Merkel of United Sprinkler, Inc in Minnesota has
shown what it really means
Two
years ago, Rosemary John, a 16 year old girl living in Mwanza, Tanzania
received life threatening third
Jerry
and Dan spent countless hours and incurred expenses arranging for Rosemary’s
travel to the U.S., care
“Burn
injury treatment is part of the fire sprinkler industry’s service to humanity,”
said committee member
Tax
deductible contributions can be sent to Lions of Minnesota Charitable Foundation
(please note Rosemary
KELLY JOINS NFSA STAFF Patterson,
NY, September 15, 2000 - NFSA President John Viniello announced today
the appointment of Kevin
Kevin,
a graduate of the University of Maryland, joins the association with more
than seven years experience in
President
Viniello said, "The addition of Kevin to our engineering team brings it
to full strength and I am certain
NFPA PUBLISHES DRAFT BUILDING CODE September
8, 2000, Quincy, MA. - The NFPA has released a draft of NFPA 5000,
its proposed new building code.
NFPA will accept proposals for the 2002 edition of the code if they are received by 5 p.m. November 9, 2000. Standards Information Now Available As
we progress on website redesign to provide you with expanded information
resources, we have added recent
PERFORMANCE BASED DESIGN SURVEY NFSA
is conducting a survey on your opinions and experience with performance
based design for buildings and
October 2000 Top of Page SPRINKLER BILL GETS OVERWHELMING SUPPORT Harrisburg,
PA, Oct. 11, 2000 - The PA House passed HB 2458 which would require
the installation of fire
NFSA Chairman's Letter NFSA
Chairman Tom Groos of The Viking Corporation is sending a letter to all
members advising them that he
In
addition, his letter urges members to participate actively in the association
and seek out additional members
Minimum 0.04 Density for Residential Sprinklers Implemented Effective October 31, 2000, the minimum flow rate for all UL-listed residential sprinklers is to be based on a minimum design density of 0.04 gpm/ft2. This is the result of individual decisions by all manufacturers of listed low-flow residential sprinklers to move to the new minimum rather than undergo extensive follow-up distribution testing. As reported in the June/July issue of NFSA's Sprinkler Technotes, the NFPA Technical Committee on Residential Sprinklers decided in March of 2000 to pursue changes to the 2002 editions of NFPA 13D and 13R that will require a minimum flow relating to a design density of 0.05 gpm/ft2. Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual have likewise endorsed the 0.05 gpm/ft2 minimum, and the UL effective date will coincide with the release of the 2002 editions of NFPA 13D and 13R. This change to a 0.04 minimum is being viewed as an interim step. It primarily affects the listings of the low-flow sprinklers with orifices in the range of K-3. Underwriters Laboratories has issued a statement, dated November 3, 2000, intended to assist contractors with installations in progress utilizing low flow residential sprinklers. IBC PROPOSES SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL UNITS October
23, 2000 - The ICC membership, made up of code officials from the three
model code organizations,
It
will not apply to one and two family dwellings and townhouses covered under
the International Residential Code.
PA Issues Invitation to Qualify for Dorm Sprinkler Installation Due 11/17/00 The
State System of Higher Education is seeking to qualify contractors to install
fire sprinkler systems in the 14 state owned
Invitation to Qualify Announcement NFSA Employees Hard at Work on Halloween November 2000 Top of Page
The sorority recently held an open house that was attended by 15 fraternities and sororities and everyone in attendance was impressed that the fire sprinkler system did not detract at all from the beauty of the well-kept house. Kappa
Kappa Gamma has also started work on retrofitting its Stillwater campus
house and these two projects are certain to lead the way for other Greek
houses to provide the same safety for other Oklahoma University students.
Manufacturers Form New Industry Fund At the November 16, 2000 meeting of the NFSA Sprinkler Manufacturers Council, it was the unanimous agreement of the sprinkler manufacturers to form an Industry Fund to promote the lifesaving benefits of fire sprinkler technology. Funds will be collected and escrowed during 2001 and at the end of the year the manufacturers will determine how the funds will be expensed. Over the next several months the NFSA will be preparing recommendations on the use of these funds for review and approval by the sprinkler manufacturers. NFSA
President John A.Viniello commented, "Thanks to NFSA Chairman of the Board
Tom Groos and the statesmanlike thinking of all our manufacturers, a very
important first step has been taken in assembling a new mechanism for promoting
the fire sprinkler industry. Over the course of the coming year NFSA will
be soliciting suggestions from the fire sprinkler community so a business
plan can be assembled for review by the NFSA Sprinkler Manufacturers Council."
Stay tuned!!
Maryland Hotel Fire Results in 2 Deaths Nov 29, 2000 - Two hotel guests were found dead last night after a two-alarm fire broke out in the Howard Johnsons Inn in Bladensburg, MD. Within 15 minutes of being notified by NFSA President John Viniello of the tragic fire, NFSA long-time member Jay Livingston of Livingston Fire Protection was at the fire scene, indeed the fire floor, confirming that no sprinklers were installed in the 164-room hotel. While subsequent investigation revealed the deaths may have been homicides and the fire may be arson intended to conceal the crime, the owner would not be looking at the property loss incurred had there been fire sprinklers. Governor Appoints CA Fire Marshall
Mr.Tennant is presently Chief of the City of Pasedena FD and a 28 year career firefighter. He is a member of the Pasadena Fire Fighters Association, California Professional Fire Fighters, the National Fire Protection Association, and the International Association of Fire Fighters. December 2000 Top of Page Dec 6, 2000 - A small trash fire in the pre-dawn hours forced the evacuation of more than 600 Seton Hall students from Boland Hall yesterday just hours after a school celebration honored heroes of the tragic blaze that claimed three lives in the same dormitory less than a year ago. The fire broke out about 3:15 a.m. in a first-floor room where students empty their garbage and was extinguished almost immediately by sprinklers installed since the fatal blaze in January. No one was injured, but students were evacuated to a nearby cafeteria for three hours. FM and UL Issue Sprinkler ID Opinions Issued Dec 8, 2000 - The 1999 edition of NFPA 13 - Installation of Sprinkler Systems, contains an effective date of January 1, 2001 for implementation of a sprinkler model identification scheme by which all sprinklers must be marked with an alphabetic code identifying the manufacturer, and three or four numbers identifying each variation of orifice size or shape, deflector distribution, thermal sensitivity and pressure rating. Some authorities having jurisdiction have questioned whether this requires that all sprinklers installed after this date must include such a marking. Both
Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual have provided opinions that
while the new marking system must be applied to all sprinklers manufactured
after the effective date, it will not apply to listed sprinklers manufactured
prior to the effective date. These sprinklers can be maintained in
inventory and sold and installed at a later date without any violation
Frat House Fire Snuffed by Sprinklers Dec.11, 2000 - A fire in a UNC, Chapel Hill, frat house was extinguished by fire sprinklers before the FD arrived. The new system had been connected to the water supply only two days before. In
1996, five students died at this school in a frat house fire. That
incident resulted in Chief Dan Jones and a number of the affected parents
including Bonnie Woodruff leading an initiative that led to legislation
requiring fire sprinklers in such occupancies. Had it not been for
their efforts another tragedy might have occurred.
NFSA 2000 Seminar Rated a Roaring Success The nearly record 500 attendees of the National Fire Sprinkler Association 2000 Annual Seminar held in Aruba must still be singing its praises. After the opening that included awarding the Golden Sprinkler Award to Richard T. Groos and inducting John Eidson, Jerry Evans, William E. O’Neil and Carl J. Smith into the NFSA Hall of Fame, the members and non-members in attendance heard President John Viniello’s annual State of the Industry address and a number of technical presentations that gave them the latest information on the fire sprinkler industry. In addition, the program included Fire Marshal Jim Ford and Chief Dennis Compton of Scottsdale and Mesa, AZ, respectively who shared their experiences with the process of adopting successful fire sprinkler legislation. Also, presentations on the current and future state of the economy as well as a review of past and future trends in health care benefits were made by experts in their respective fields. On the sports side, more than 140 participated in the annual golf tournament. Through tough competition and an equally challenging trade wind, the team of Tony Aven, Ray Fremont and Neil Gregoire managed to take the top slot with a round of 64. In tennis, Michael Berkelhammer took first place in the men’s competition while Margaret Rasmussen finished in first place in the women’s competition. Perhaps the highlight of the annual meeting took place on Tuesday evening. The registrants, spouses and families all gathered on the beach for a sumptuous buffet dinner and dancing under the tropical stars. There was barely a moment that the dance floor was not totally filled and it seemed the celebration could have lasted through the night. In commenting on the success of the seminar, President John Viniello said, “It’s going to be difficult to quickly prepare an equivalent meeting for the Annual Trade Show and Seminar to be held in San Francisco on April 18-22, 2001 at the Fairmont Hotel. It’s a premier venue for our meeting and I am confident that our staff will meet the challenge of preparing and hosting the number one trade show in the fire sprinkler industry”. The Winter 2000 issue of the Sprinkler Quarterly will contain additional details of this year’s meeting and participation in next year’s Annual Seminar & Alternate Year Exhibition in San Francisco, California. President
Viniello’s State of the Industry Address
Fire in China Kills at Least 309 Dec. 26, 2000 - A four story commercial building in Luoyang, in the Henan province of China was the scene of a fire killing at least 309 people on Christmas night. It is reported that there were no fire sprinklers or fire alarms in the structure that burned for over three hours. This is another sad chapter in the history of this country that has been the site of a series of horrific fires. In just this past year, 74 were killed in a movie theater and in 1994 a theater was the scene of 385 fire deaths only a month after 233 died in a dance hall fire. It is hoped that the Chinese government will recognize the value that regulations requiring fire sprinklers could be in avoiding further disasters of this nature. Read
the Story (CNN)
NFSA Calls for China Legislative Action Patterson, NY, Dec. 27, 2000 - In the wake of the news relating the death of more than 300 people in a fire in Luoyang, China, NFSA President John Viniello called upon the China Fire Protection Association to pursue legislation requiring automatic fire sprinkler systems in all places of public assembly. His letter noted, "The continued risk of further fires of this nature must be brought to an end by immediate and decisive action by the Chinese government to protect the lives of its citizens". Mr. Viniello called upon the CFPA "to extend and support every effort to bring about legislation that will require the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in all places of public assembly such as hotels, nightclubs, theaters, nursing and hospital facilities and commercial business establishments". |