February 2000

University of Iowa to Sprinkler Residence Halls (2-1-00)

According to The Daily Iowan, within the next five years, seven of the University of Iowa's residence halls will be equipped with at least partial sprinkler systems. The university is implementing the plan voluntarily. Two campus dorms already have sprinkler systems. Two additional dorms are not included in the plan.

Sprinkler Legislation in Wisconsin, New Jersey (2-1-00)

According to the Badger Herald, the fatal fire at Seton Hall University fire has sparked renewed interest by the Wisconsin State Legislature in a bill requiring sprinklers in high-rise residence halls within the University of Wisconsin system. State Rep. Rob Kreibich, R-Eau Claire, has authored legislation mandating the University of Wisconsin System install automatic fire sprinkler systems in all residence halls taller than 60 feet. The bill passed out of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities in May 1999, but has remained in the Joint Finance Committee since then. Kreibich said it is necessary to take this bill up as soon as possible. The Seattle Times reports that New Jersey state legislators are preparing to introduce legislation requiring sprinklers in all dorms in the state. Another bill to provide state loans and grants to help pay for the installation is in the works. The paper also reports that Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, has said she plans to introduce legislation in Congress to require all of the nation's college dormitories, even those built before fire codes, to have sprinklers.

Don't Miss Foam Systems, Part 2 Seminar on February 25 - 1:00pm Eastern (2-3-00)

The next telephone seminar is scheduled for Friday, February 25 1:00pm Eastern. This will be on Foam Systems (Part 2 of 2). Foam System Part 2 is a continuation of our discussion on low expansion foam systems, well known for protecting flammable and combustible liquids. Part 1 was an introduction to foam systems whereas Part 2 will be system oriented. It will start with a discussion on the testing required for obtaining a listing on foam concentrates and listing restrictions, which typically are not identified in the NFPA standards. The remainder of time will be spent addressing equipment starting with proportioning - the different methods, their limitations, and required devices; followed by discharge devices, and completed with a discussion on the remaining foam system specific equipment.

Foam Systems, Part 1 Seminar - Huge Success! (2-3-00)

AFSA had yet another successful telephone seminar January 28. Over 200 listeners participated in this seminar on Foam Systems (Part 1 of 2). This seminar was an introduction to Foam Systems with a discussion on the benefits for other applications. Martin Workman with The Viking Corporation was the speaker and presented lots of valuable information. If you missed this seminar and would like to order the material and audio cassette, contact Marlene Garrett @ 214-349-5965.

Seton Hall Fire Prompts Dorms To Be Sprinklered (2-7-00)

ABC News Internet Ventures recently reported that Seton Hall University has announced that it will install sprinkler systems immediately in its two dormitories that lack them, including one where a recent blaze killed three students. The Star-Ledger of Newark reported Wednesday that investigators believe the fire was set. The newspaper said investigators believe the fire may have resulted from a feud between a group of students and non-students who were in the building the night of the blaze. It said they had not concluded whether the third-floor lounge fire was started as a prank or an attempt to harm someone. According to a January 31, 2000 report in The Chronicle, just a few days after the Seton Hall fire New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman said she would consider legislation requiring sprinklers in all dorms; a similar law already exists in Virginia. The Chronicle also reports that according to a survey of 57 colleges commissioned by Seton Hall immediately after the fire, an average of 43% of the respondents' dorms lack sprinkler systems. Sixty-seven percent of those polled had at least one dorm without sprinklers.

Carolinas Chapter Captures National Attention (2-7-00)

The Carolinas Chapter of AFSA recently captured national attention with a news release about automatic fire sprinkler systems. Their proactive efforts led to the release's publication on the Internet. It has also been sent to numerous newspapers. The release provides local and national statistics, commercial and residential information, and dispels some of the myths associated with sprinklers.

UL, FM Release Info on Central Glass Bulb Sprinklers (2-9-00)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has issued a press release indicating they are investigating field reports that certain "Model GB" series sprinklers manufactured by Central Sprinkler Co. may leak or require higher water pressure to activate. The models under investigation have "O-ring" water seals. Following on the heels of the UL press release, Factory Mutual Global indicates in a press statement that they too have "identified problems in some Central Sprinkler Model GB fire sprinklers including leakage and related encrustation and corrosion", but conclude that "if you don't see encrustation, corrosion or signs of leakage, the technical data collected so far seems to indicate there is little reason for immediate concern." AFSA recommends that all contractors study thoroughly the information contained in these press releases. You can read the press releases in their entirety at:

FM Press Release | UL Press Release | Central Response

Resolution to Investigate Sprinkler Systems (2-11-00)

According to news reports, two Pennsylvania Senators plan to introduce a resolution calling for the State of Pennsylvania to investigate the cost of installing sprinkler systems in public buildings, including apartments, dorms and classroom buildings. Sen. Mike Waugh and Sen. Lisa Boscola said they first considered the resolution after a fire in a high-rise apartment building in 1998, but their interest was renewed after three students died in the Jan. 19 fire at Seton Hall University. AFSA has contacted both lawmakers and expressed a willingness to assist.

2000 Version of The International Building Code Available in March (2-14-00)
The published version of the 2000 International Building Code should be available the first or second week of March. There has been a small delay its printing and shipment of this document to those of us who have ordered it earlier and had expected receiving it this month. The International Fire Code and the International Mechanical Codes are currently available.

Online Residential Contractor Database Grows to 351 Members (2-16-00)
AFSA is happy to report that the number of contractor members who install single-family residential systems is rapidly increasing. There are currently 351 contractor members listed in AFSA's ONLINE RESIDENTIAL DATABASE. If you are a member of AFSA and want to be included in the online database, please contact us and we'll add you to this growing list. email: Linda Dawson or (fax) 801-760-7885.

Task Group Formed to Clarify NFPA 13R (2-23-00)
If you are installing or designing NFPA 13R systems, what do you do in mixed occupancy buildings (ie retail on the first floor and residential on the second floor)? Just because the standard has criteria for outside the dwelling unit does not mean it applies to mixed occupancies. Because the current standard does not explicitly address this issue, AFSA questioned the NFPA technical committee. A task group has been formed by the committee. We should see this issued clarified in the next edition of NFPA 13R. Watch for the NFPA Report on Proposals to get an initial indication of any changes.

Dry Pipe Trip Test (2-25-00)
There is a criteria affecting dry pipe systems that you should be aware of if you are working in the northeast portion of the country that is under the jurisdiction of Building Officials and Code Administers (BOCA) model building code. Most of us are familiar with the requirements of the 1999 Edition of NFPA 13: Subsection 4-2.3 (Subsection 3-3.2 of the 1996 Edition) for which there is no set time limit on the delivery of water to the inspectors test connection for dry pipe systems that have system capacities less than 750 gallons. The NFPA 1996 Edition of the Automatic Sprinkler Systems Handbook comments that a delivery time of up to 3 minutes for the delivery of water to the inspectors test is acceptable for systems of less than 750 gallon capacity. This is not the case with the 1996 Edition BOCA Section 906.9.5,titled "Flow Test". BOCA requires that a dry pipe system deliver water to the inspector's test pipe in not more than 60 seconds. This requirement is for all dry pipe systems and is not limited by system size.

Beginning System Planning School Gets Face Lift (2-18-00)
As we head into the next century, AFSA's Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School has been updated and integrated with newer technology. Perhaps most important is the incorporation of the newest edition of NFPA 13. Instead of skipping through different standards (24, 231) students will now have available to them the 1999 edition of NFPA 13 and a classroom setting where they can learn how to design sprinkler systems based on the most modern rules and guidelines. Enhancing this are improvements to the physical settings of the classroom. There are also several new valves and sprinkler accessories that students can handle. Finally, we have updated our presentation media to PowerPoint. This allows for an integrated mutimedia presentation and allows the instructor better ease of access and a more fluid presentation.
You can still get registered for the March 20-31 class of the AFSA Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School. You must hurry though. There are only 4 seats available. If you register by February 20, you will be qualified to take advantage of the $200 deduction on your registration fee.