36th Annual FSSA Meeting Highlights Industry’s Best February 18, 2018
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Good Stuff to Share, NFPA 770, NICET, Uncategorized.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, data center, Data Centers, fire, fire alarm, fire alarm systems, fire protection, fire suppression, fire suppression systems, Fire Suppression Systems Association, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, hybrid systems, International Fire Code, NFPA, Protex Central, water mist systems
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Members gather for start of 36th Annual FSSA Meeting
The start of the Fire Suppression Systems Association’s 36th Annual meeting featured presentations by many of the industry’s best practitioners. Opening keynote speaker, Jim Smith, Jr gave an inspirational presentation on the value of not just going “to” the next level, but “beyond”. His message infused personal stories of triumph and failure as well as video selections and quotable quotes from a variety of sources on breaking down barriers to achieving one’s best. He further challenged the attendees by asking them to pair-up and share their greatest accomplishments, goals, barriers, and action plans with each other.
A new feature of this year’s Annual Meeting was the presentation of unique application solutions by four selected member installers. ASSI presented their solution and approach to protecting gloveboxes with high-air flows; BFPE showcased how they installed air-sampling detection throughout a famous alabaster-colored house in Washington, D.C.; Orr Protection highlighted the challenges of installing watermist in an unusual location under movable auditorium seats and Protectowire presented the application of their new fiber-optic based linear heat detector in a large aircraft service hanger.
The day’s presentations also included technical and NFPA updates from Technical Chair, Dan Hubert and Technical Director, Tom Wysocki.
The final presentation by BFPE highlighted their approach to acquiring and retaining the best help in a competitive employment market.
The FSSA’s Annual Meeting continues through Tuesday, February 20th.
36th FSSA Meeting Set To Begin In Rancho Mirage February 17, 2018
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Good Stuff to Share, NICET, Uncategorized.Tags: clean agent, clean agents, data center, Data Centers, dustexplosions, fire, fire alarm, fire alarm systems, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, NFPA, Protex Central, water mist systems
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The 36th annual meeting of the Fire Suppression Systems Association is set to begin with one of the larger groups in attendance in the association’s history. President Helen Lowery is poised to welcome members and guests at the Omni Resort Las Palamas in Rancho Mirage, California,
36th Annual Meeting set to begin with evening Welcome Reception and Dinner
The busy four-day agenda includes presentations ranging from an economic outlook and forecast from Dr. Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics to FSSA technical committee activities and from installer presentations on challenging applications to an all-new supplier Expo. And if that’s not enough, other presentations will offer updates on NFPA technical committee activities and insights on capitalizing on common system deficiencies.
The Fire Suppression Systems Association is a not-for-profit trade association, drawing members domestic and internationally and is comprised of a blend of designer/installers, manufacturers, consultants, academics, and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety, reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression.
Committee updates tout FSSA’s industry influence
FSSA is dedicated to promoting use of, and being the recognized leader on, special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. As a global reaching organization, they provide their members with support and guidance with many questions or issues that arise, with a strong united voice.
The 36th annual meeting continues through Tuesday, February 20th.
Largest Attendance of Industry Leaders Marks 35th FSSA Meeting February 19, 2017
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Good Stuff to Share, Mass Notification Systems, NICET, Uncategorized.Tags: clean agent, clean agents, data center, Data Centers, dustexplosions, fire, fire alarm, fire alarm systems, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, NFPA, Protex Central, water mist systems
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Members gather for opening FSSA session.
The 35th annual meeting of the Fire Suppression Systems Association opened today with the largest attendance in the association’s history. President Ray Aldridge welcomed members and guests at the Naples Beach Hotel and Resort in Naples, Florida.
The day’s agenda included presentations ranging from a rollicking presentation from the Philadelphia Philly’s Phillie Phanatic’s best friend (Tom Burgoyne) to FSSA technical committee activities and from overviews of the impact of changes to NFPA standards to understanding the dynamics of Lithium Ion batteries and the very real hazards they present with their increased use in every day life. Other sessions scheduled for the three-day event include The Role of a Fire Protection Engineer in Design of Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems; Oxygen Reducing Fire Protection Solutions; 10 Things Your Truck Dealer Won’t Tell You and Education Sessions on organizational and personal betterment and development.
The Fire Suppression Systems Association is a not-for-profit trade association, drawing members domestic and internationally and is comprised of a blend of designer/installers, manufacturers, consultants, academics, and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety, reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression.
Committee updates tout FSSA’s industry influence
FSSA is dedicated to promoting use of, and being the recognized leader on, special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. As a global reaching organization, they provide their members with support and guidance with many questions or issues that arise, with a strong united voice.
The annual meeting continues through Tuesday, February 21st.
Great Plains Fire Suppression Symposium To Highlight Industry Innovations August 31, 2016
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Iowa Alarm Association, NICET.Tags: clean agent, clean agents, Data Centers, fire, fire protection, fire suppression, fire suppression systems, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, hybrid systems, insurance underwriters, life safety, NFPA, nfpa standards council, Protex Central, water mist systems
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The Great Plains Fire Suppression Symposium set for September 13, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska will highlight industry innovations in NFPA standards, agent delivery systems, fire extinguishing technology and ATF-mandated considerations. Experts in all four subjects will present during the morning-long event.
NFPA 3 and NFPA 4 Requirements for Delivering Higher Stakeholder Confidence will be presented by Shane Clary, Ph.D. Vice President, Codes & Standards, Development;
Bay Alarm Co. and a member of both technical committees. He’ll provide background and insights on these important documents and outline key factors on how best to implement these requirements that bolster stakeholder confidence in all fire systems.
Innovations in Fire Suppression System Technologies provides an understanding from Tim Carman, P.E. Regional Sales Director; Janus Fire Systems on how maximizing agent delivery technologies are impacting fire suppression systems by using higher discharge pressures. Innovations like these are making fire suppression more affordable and accessible than ever.
Hybrid (Nitrogen-Water Mist) Fire Suppression Technology and the new NFPA 770 is a truly unique opportunity to learn directly from the patent holder, Robert Ballard, P.E. Fire Suppression Technology Manager with Victaulic, on how the advanced technology of hybrid fire suppression systems are addressing real-world applications. Plus an update on how the new NFPA 770 standard is being developed to address these systems.
Understanding ATF Regulations Affecting Fire Suppression Releasing Devices is crucial for anyone involved with such systems. Shane Mullen, Managing Director of Device Disposal and Consulting will highlight key requirements for safely handling and disposing of these devices.
The Symposium is a free half-day symposium dedicated to information and education for professionals involved with fire suppression as owners, consultants, specifiers, and end-users. Continuing Education attendance credit will be provided to each attendee. A buffet breakfast will also be provided.
Seating is limited, so reservations are required. Visit www.protexcentral.com to learn more and register today!
2nd FSSA Day Features Technical and Business Tracks February 22, 2016
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Good Stuff to Share, Mass Notification Systems, NICET, PSA, Uncategorized.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, Data Centers, fire, fire alarm, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, insurance underwriters, life safety, NFPA, Protex Central, water mist systems
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FSSA’s 34th meeting ls largest ever.
The second day of the Fire Suppression Systems Association’s 34th annual meeting was highlighted by separate technical and business tracks for attendees.
The business track featured understanding communication styles in business settings; planning for business transitions; and mitigating risk and loss in insurance and liability.
Technical sessions included wireless technology & fire suppression; learning of fires in mission critical facilities; and fire protection strategies in air containment aisles.
28 companies have supporedt the FSSA 34th annual meeting with sponsorships of speakers, presentations, breaks, dinners and receptions.
The meeting continues through Tuesday, February 23rd.
34th FSSA Meeting Boasts Largest Attendance Ever February 21, 2016
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Good Stuff to Share, NICET, Uncategorized.Tags: clean agent, clean agents, data center, Data Centers, dustexplosions, fire, fire alarm, fire alarm systems, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, NFPA, Protex Central, water mist systems
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Members gather for opening FSSA session.
The 34th annual meeting of the Fire Suppression Systems Association opened today with the largest attendance in the association’s history. President Tim Carman welcomed members and guests at the El Conquistador Resort outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The day’s busy agenda included presentations ranging from an economic outlook and forecast from Dr. Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics to FSSA technical committee activities and from overviews of the impact of NFPA’s recommended practice (NFPA 3) and standard (NFPA 4) to understanding agent design concentration on Class C fires greater than 480 volts. And if that wasn’t enough, others presentations involved stopping the employee turnover revolving door and appreciating that every face tells a story of experience and demeanor.
The Fire Suppression Systems Association is a not-for-profit trade association, drawing members domestic and internationally and is comprised of a blend of designer/installers, manufacturers, consultants, academics, and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety, reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression.
Committee updates tout FSSA’s industry influence
FSSA is dedicated to promoting use of, and being the recognized leader on, special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. As a global reaching organization, they provide their members with support and guidance with many questions or issues that arise, with a strong united voice.
The annual meeting continues through Tuesday, February 23rd.
Data Center Fire Protection Challenges Highlighted at FSSA February 23, 2015
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, NICET, Uncategorized.Tags: clean agent, clean agents, data center, Data Centers, fire, fire alarm, fire protection, fire suppression, fire suppression systems, Fire Suppression Systems Association, Fire Systems, FM Global, hot aisle cold aisle, insurance underwriters, life safety, NFPA, Protex Central, water mist systems
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FM Global, a recognized leader in loss prevention services worldwide, presented Challenges of Data Center Fire Protection to the delegates attending the Fire Suppression Systems Association’s 33rd Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Florida.
Robert Kasiski, a senior engineering specialist with FM Global, provided an engaging presentation of data center market statistics including total estimated worldwide data center floor space of over 286,000 square feet across over 509,000 centers. Additionally he noted that new technology and best-practices are increasing the need to be vigilant in providing proper fire protection coverage.
Kasiski noted that lithium ion batteries are becoming more prevalent in UPS rooms that support data centers. These alone present issues to assuring adequate protection from fire. Another emerging challenge deals with the myriad cables throughout a center that present one of the signle largest combustible loads. He noted that the practice of “retire-in-place” for legacy cables only compounds issues.
Noting that new server imersion technologies are being explored in data centers to mitigate cooling issues, Kasiski indiated this is an area of increasing research interest for his firm.
Several video clips of FM Global fire tests were shown involving cables, cable trays and other combustibles. The results of these tests were of great interest to the delegates.
The presentation concluded with Kasiski listing key issues going forward to be addressed not only by FM Global but the data center and fire protection communities including: understanding the consistency of change within a data center; identifying unrecognized hazards and accepting that current fire protection schemes may not meet the everchanging needs.
The Annual Meeting continues through Tuesday, February 24th.
Industry Gathers for 33rd Annual FSSA Meeting February 20, 2015
Posted by shawnpci in Change Leadership, Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, NICET, Uncategorized.Tags: alarm, Change Leadership, clean agent, clean agents, Data Centers, explosions, fire, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, life safety, NFPA, Protex Central
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Over 190 members of the fire suppression systems industry are gathering in Clearwater Beach, Florida to participate in the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Fire Suppression Systems Association at the Sandpearl Resort.
The three-day event will feature presentations from the Association’s Technical Committee Chair, Daniel Hubert, as well as the Association’s Technical Director, Tom Wysocki. Association president, Eric Burkland, will recap recent developments and improvments in the Association’s new on-line Training Program.
FSSA’s involvement with NFPA Code and Standards development will be highlighted by Derek Wester who provides oversight of the Association’s participation. Bill Eckholm, chair of FSSA’s Public Policy Comittee will report on recent committee activities.
The opening session’s Keynote Presentation will be by Geno Church, Chief Word of Mouth Inspiration Officer of Brains on Fire. His presentation, THE PASSION CONVERSATION, changes one’s perspective on marketing by explaining the three motivations for why people talk about businesses and causes.
Other topics of interest to be presented will include updates on NICET, challenges in data center fire protection, exposure limits of HF in museum and archive applications as well as innovations in industrial explosion protection.
As always, several networking events are planned throught the course of the event.
For more information about FSSA and its annual meeting, visit www.fssa.net.
The meeting runs through Tuesday, February 24th.
Industry To Gather for FSSA 31st Annual Forum February 22, 2013
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, fire, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, NFPA, Protex Central
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Over 170 industry leaders will gather for the 31st Fire Suppression Systems Association Annual Forum in Bonita Springs, Florida beginning Saturday, February 23rd through Tuesday, February 26, 2013. 
A variety of topics ranging from economic outlooks to environmental impact trends will engage the attendees. Mixed with industry networking opportunities and social events The 31st Annual Forum is shaping up to be another great meeting.
Onward and Upward will blog daily from the meeting site with observations and industry insights. Stay tuned!
To learn more about FSSA, visit www.fssa.net
Popular Clean and Green Demos Set for July 25th and 26th July 18, 2012
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, Data Centers, fire, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, hot aisle cold aisle, life safety, NFPA, Protex Central
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Protex Central’s popular Clean and Green Fire Suppression Demonstrations dates are set for Wednesday, July 25th in our Urbandale, Iowa offices and Thursday, July 26th in our newly relocated Omaha, Nebraska offices.
If you’ve never experienced a clean agent fire suppression event, here’s your chance.
You can learn more by visiting:
Onward and Upward 