As part of our custom fire protection training services we can tailor training seminars to meet your organizations needs. The following is a sampling of available training topics:
NICET Exam Review Course – Automatic Sprinkler System Layout
This course is designed to assist the student in preparation for NICET testing. It will include a look at test taking strategies, tools for organizing reference material, and a review all general and special work elements for the specialty area and certification level of the course. The seminar makes extensive use of practice questions simulating actual test conditions. The student should bring all applicable NFPA standards, scientific calculator, and writing materials.
Residential Fire Sprinklers 101
This seminar will educate participants on the NFPA 13D and IRC P2904 requirements for designing and installing fire sprinklers in one and two family homes, including manufactured homes. Participants will learn about how IRC P2904 applies to multipurpose residential sprinkler systems and have a chapter-by-chapter discussion on the NFPA 13D standard to gain an understanding of water supply requirements, system layout options, system component requirements and installation tips and best practices for residential fire sprinkler systems.
Hydraulic Calculations
Seminar designed to teach attendees to prepare manual hydraulic calculations for fire sprinkler systems. Knowledge of basic algebra is helpful and a calculator with basic scientific functions is needed. Specific areas to be addressed include: the theory of hydraulics; design criteria; evaluating water supplies; the relationships of flow, pressure & orifice size; friction loss; how to select remote area; perform calculations for “tree systems.” This seminar will benefit designers (NICET), Estimators, Plan Reviewers or anyone wanting to understand basic fire sprinkler hydraulics.
Seismic Design
Due to changes in building codes, many areas of the country are now being classified into higher seismic zones. This seminar has been designed to provide a complete review of the seismic requirements and layout techniques found in NFPA 13. The discussion will include both the 1996 and 1999 editions. Topics will include separation assemblies, couplings, clearances, sway bracing, available hanger components and fasteners. Attendees will participate in numerous exercises that include actual layout and component sizing calculations. Since specific issues vary geographically from region to region, it is important that estimators and designers understand all of the requirements to ensure that components are properly located and sized. It is intended for those who have little or no experience with seismic layout.
NFPA 13 Installation of Automatic Sprinkler Systems
This seminar includes a chapter-by-chapter discussion of all 26 chapters in the NFPA 13 standard. Participants will have an extensive review of design, installation and plan review requirements for all types of fire sprinkler systems, underground fire service mains, earthquake bracing, and hydraulic calculations. Major changes from the previous edition will be highlighted. Subjects also covered include an overview of requirements for Storage Occupancies including ESFR and the new Control Mode Specific Application (CMSA) sprinkler classification as well as Residential Sprinklers, Hydraulic Calculation Requirements and Earthquake Brace Calculations for sprinkler systems. The seminar will benefit AHJ’s, Contractors, Building Owners or Managers, Engineers, Insurance Representatives, and Inspectors.
NFPA 13 – Sprinkler Head Spacing & Installation
Ever wonder how to design systems for atriums, large open spaces, mechanical rooms full of ductwork and process piping? How about high tech fab rooms with exposed ceilings? Technology in the construction industry continues to introduce new materials and construction techniques and with it comes new challenges for providing adequate automatic sprinkler system coverage and installation. NFPA 13 contains the majority of the rules and requirements for providing proper coverage, however, as long as there are architects with imaginations, there will be buildings with spaces and areas that will force sprinkler designers to make judgments that are not found in the text of NFPA 13. It requires decisions that are sound in principle and practice. This seminar is designed to focus on these gray areas. This includes the spacing and obstruction sections as well as other important sections within NFPA 13. In depth discussions include several real life situations and actual designs and solutions. Recommended for third year designers or estimators, or NICET II certified.
NFPA 13 – Storage Occupancies
This seminar includes a complete review of the design and installation requirements for Storage Occupancy use groups, including definition of terms, design approaches with the wide variety of protection options including Control Mode Standard Sprinklers, Large Drop, ESFR and Special Application Storage Occupancy sprinklers. This seminar will benefit Designers, Contractors, Architects, Code Officials, Plan Checkers, and Inspectors. This lecture-based presentation incorporates group activities and problem solving for a workshop atmosphere and hands-on learning experience. Participants should bring a calculator, a highlighter and a copy of NFPA 13.
NFPA 14 – Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
This seminar is designed to provide an overview of the standard as well as specific chapter-by-chapter discussion highlighting the specific requirements for the design and installation of standpipe systems and related components. Participants will gain a greater understanding of the organization and layout of NFPA 14 and how standpipes are utilized in fire fighting techniques. Estimators, engineers, designers, field personnel, inspectors, and plan reviewers will all benefit from this information packed seminar. Participants should bring copies of NFPA 13 and 14 along with a scientific calculator.
NFPA 20 – Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire Protection
This seminar covers the design, installation, and maintenance of fire pumps. Participants learn to evaluate water supplies for the need of a fire pump, determine the size and capacity, and to select the proper driver. A review of required components including valves, controllers, jockey pumps and fuel supplies is conducted. Acceptance testing, maintenance/service requirements, and standards reporting procedures are also discussed.
NFPA 25 – Standard for the Inspection, Testing & Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
This seminar provides a comprehensive review of the 2008 edition of NFPA 25. Attendees will learn the scope of the standard, the owner’s responsibilities, requirements for record keeping, as well as the liabilities associated with performing this work on a contracted basis. The changes to the standard will be highlighted along with the ongoing interpretations of how to apply the requirements of the standard. Attendees will participate in an in depth discussion regarding the inspection and testing of wet and dry sprinkler systems, standpipe and hose systems, fire pumps, and the associated valves used in these systems. Attendees will leave the seminar with a greater understanding on how to apply the requirements for all water-based systems. The seminar will benefit AHJ’s, Contractors, Building Owners or Managers, Engineers, Insurance Representatives, and Inspectors.
NFPA 25 – You Want Me To Do What?!?
“The fire marshal in my area wants sprinkler spacing deficiencies reported on my inspection reports.” Sound familiar? NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied standards in use today. This seminar discusses the challenges facing contractors where NFPA 25 is the adopted standard, but state and local AHJs request or mandate inspections and/or tests that are not aligned with the requirements of the standard. Seminar participants will learn strategies used by others to minimize the liability and to mitigate the conflicts that result when dealing with these “out of scope” requests. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect yourself and your company by increasing your skill in helping your AHJ properly apply NFPA 25.
Plan Review for Fire Sprinkler Systems
This introductory seminar has been designed to lead attendees through the process of reviewing fire sprinkler shop drawings including hydraulic calculations. Using the 2002 edition of NFPA 13 as a guide, the participants will systematically learn how to apply the basic guidelines that were written decades ago to the reality of 21st century construction and building techniques using actual plans and calculations from current projects. We will review such topics as how to identify construction types, hazard classifications, sprinkler spacing and locations, valve arrangements, sprinkler exemptions and other system installation requirements. These topics as well as a complete overview of all the issues surrounding the hydraulic calculation process will be discussed. Also included will be discussions about water supply, occupancy classifications, density selection, remote area sizing and locations and reading calculations. Plan Reviewers, Fire Inspectors, Insurance Representatives, Architects & Engineers will all find this to be a very beneficial source for information and learning.
Performance Based Design and the Fire Protection Contractor
Performance Based Design is no longer a term that applies to special issues and out of scope or special circumstances. More and more, qualified engineers are turning to testing and modeling for the development of design criteria. Fire protection design is being influenced by this method of engineering and fire protection contractors can have an important role in this process. Fire modeling, full scale testing, and fire department negotiations all play a part. We will discuss the basics, as well as review several designs incorporating Performance Based Design and how fire sprinklers influence the overall life safety goals of a project. Estimators, project managers, and designers will all benefit from this valuable information.
Design/Build Construction and Fire Sprinklers Going Green
The way of construction has turned towards D/B construction and going “green” is right along with it. Everywhere you turn today, “green” is the buzzword. Construction projects are becoming complex with more than the traditional A/E, GC, and subcontractors involved. The D/B concept has rapidly become the process of choice by most major developers, general contractors, and government entities and with it comes a new way to design, build, and manage a project. Come and learn more about how these changes affect fire sprinkler contractors and how fire protection contractors can be more involved in these markets. Owners, estimating/sales groups, and project managers will all benefit from this information.
Partnering With Your AHJ
Many things contribute to a successful project. One of the most volatile can be the relationship with the plan reviewers, inspectors, and other public officials upon whom the contractor depends for the timely completion and profitability of projects. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your company performance and bottom line by hearing first hand from some of the most respected AHJs in the country on what turns them on and off, and what you can do to facilitate a strong working partnership with your local officials.
Project Management
Project Management has become one of the fastest growing positions in the construction industry. No longer are General Contractors the only ones who have such a position in their organization. In fact, almost every contractor on a job site today has someone who is designated with this title. Fire Protection Contractors are no different. Finding qualified people for this extremely demanding position is difficult, therefore, many have turned to within their organizations to recruit and promote individuals to perform in this capacity. It is very common in today’s construction environment to find key personnel such as designers and field superintendents, in these project management roles as well. Most of them have had to learn the hard way until now. This program will introduce attendees to the world of project management. This presentation includes an overview of project management and more specifically the procedures and forms intended to be utilized in organizing and managing projects, limiting liability and providing a systematic, team spirited approach to problem solving. This seminar is introductory and is intended for Owners, Project Managers, Superintendents, Operational People, Key Foreman and Accounting Managers.