Ain’t No April Fools Joke April 2, 2010
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Systems, FSSA.Tags: Data Centers, Fire Systems, FSSA
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To quote Jerry Garcia…”what a strange trip it’s been.”
Rarely have two events conspired on the same day to bring into sharp focus the reality of our electronic connectedness: Google Data Center Fire and Windstream Outage.
Both unfortunate situations point out just how vulnerable we are in the electronic age. Despite what I’m sure were days if not months of planning and double checking, the systems put in place to safeguard systems and facilities failed.
In the Google case, not only was the giant brought to its technical knees, it’s being financially tormented by its advertisers.
With the Windstream outage, emergency 9-1-1 centers in Nebraska as well as a UL-listed central alarm monitoring station were literally disconnected from their constituents. The impact to public safety wasn’t limited to just the Nebraska counties affected, but the numerous central station customers locate throughout the Midwest.
Readers of my blog know that I’m all about good reliable fire protection, however, as both cases point out – it can’t hurt to consider the true total cost of ownership when assessing fire protection options in a data center or the reliability/redundancy of monitored services.
Stupid Is As Stupid Does March 19, 2010
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Systems, FSSA.Tags: Fire Systems
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I’m learning the ropes with this Web 2.0 stuff.
I want to start adding video clips to my blog for illustrative purposes on a variety of subjects. So, I signed up for a You Tube account and am starting to upload some short clips that I’ll share in coming blogs.
However, whilst on You Tube, I came across this disaster of a clip supposedly showing how a clean agent system discharges.
For the love of God, PLEASE DO NOT try this at home, office or business. This is NOT the way to handle, store, or activate a clean agent system. This dude is very lucky the cylinder, hose, pipe and nozzle didn’t break loose and scatter across his shipping floor.
To my friends in the industry, let’s find this guy and encourage him to join our trade group, the Fire Suppression Systems Association, so he can learn how not to handle pressurized cylinders.
Technical Nirvana Achieved at FSSA Meeting February 23, 2010
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Systems, FSSA.1 comment so far
A technical nirvana of sorts was had during a presentation by FSSA’s Technical Committee Director, Dan Hubert. Dan spoke eloquently about the numerous technical publications available through the Association. Most of the 161 industry leaders in attendance had not had the opportunity before
this meeting to delve into the various manuals developed by the Technical Committee.
Starting with FSSA’s Inspection and Test Guide, Dan reviewed how this latest publication leads an inspector through the details of properly and professionally conducting a special hazards system inspection.
Time was also spent discussing other FSSA publications including:
- FSSA Pipe Design Handbook, which is referenced in several NFPA standards
- FSSA Cylinder Handling Guide
- FSSA CO2 Rate by Volume Calculation Guide
and one of the more recent publications, the FSSA Pressure Relief Vent Area Guide and Software Bundle. This is a “must have” for anyone working with Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems since now NFPA 2001 requires relief vent calculations to be provided on all project drawings.
Check out FSSA web-site at: www.fssa.net
The FSSA Annual Meeting continues through February 23rd.
FSSA Annual Meeting Set To Begin February 21, 2010
Posted by shawnpci in FSSA.Tags: Fire Systems, FSSA, NFPA
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The 28th Annual Meeting of the Fire Suppression Systems Association is set to begin today at the beautiful Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Over 150 industry leaders and guests are anticipated for the two and a half day meeting. An energetic agenda is planned for attendees with topics ranging from “Leveraging Technology for Increased Productivity” with Steve Turner, to panel discussion on Climate Change and Related Legislation featuring members of the FSSA’s Public Policy Committee.
Technical presentations consisting of changes to various NFPA Codes including 2001 and 72 will be given by FSSA technical director, Tom Wysocki and other FSSA technical committee members.
The Annual Meeting concludes on Tuesday, February 24.
Onward and Upward 