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AFSA releases residential fire sprinkler system installation guideTo assist its members and the industry in training their employees on the rapid growing home fire sprinkler market, the nation’s leading fire sprinkler authority, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) announces the release of its new fire sprinkler fitter correspondence training program Residential Fire Sprinkler System Installation. “This course is intended for all contactors whether currently installing residential systems and in need of a training curriculum or for those contractors seeking to enter the lucrative market of residential fire protection. The residential training curriculum will provide our membership with the tools they need to comprehensively train fitters on NFPA 13D residential fire sprinkler system installations,” says Tom McKinnon, co-chair of AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education Committee. AFSA’s new residential correspondence course teaches installers the techniques for residential fire sprinkler system installation according to NFPA13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. “AFSA’s Apprenticeship & Education committee is always working to fill the needs of our membership. As the potential for work grew in the residential market, more companies began looking to expand by adding this division to their companies. With the huge interest in residential sprinkler installation, this committee knew it was time to develop a tool to help train those who do this work. This tool is a must for any company that does residential work,” says Marlene Garrett, AFSA director of education programs and meetings. The course, which was created by leading industry professionals to address the growing need for manpower in this rapidly growing segment of the market, is the product of planning, input and review based on successful practices developed by experienced contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers. Although many contractors are accustomed to protecting large structures from fire based on NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, many communities are beginning to take action to protect their private residences from fire, and while the same basic principles apply, residential systems vary considerably from their larger commercial counterparts. “There are significant differences between residential and commercial installations, but until now there has not been a training guide specifically written for residential sprinkler fitters. Residential sprinkler installation is growing dramatically. This new AFSA training guide meets an important need in providing training for new residential sprinkler installers so that they learn to do this important work the right way using the best installation practices in the industry,” says Steve Muncy, president of AFSA. The book, whose Spanish language version is due out later this year, is divided into five modules. Each module includes a series of lessons that cover a particular topic within the scope of that module. Some of the topics addressed in this new book are: basic safety, basic construction math, metric conversion processes, system overview, piping system configurations, residential sprinkler system design criteria, residential sprinkler types, sprinkler system types, sprinkler system components, hydraulic calculations, special applications, electrolysis, plans, water supplies, tool types, threaded pipe, CPVC, copper, sprinkler installation, special systems, multi-purpose systems, typical sprinkler system water supply, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), and air/water interface structures. Paired with its newly developed training DVD, available in the fall, AFSA’s new training guide provides fire sprinkler contractors with the tools they need to quickly–yet effectively–train their employees on residential fire sprinkler systems installation. Test materials are provided to allow student testing on a periodic basis. Tests are then taken online or paper tests are forwarded to AFSA’s headquarters for grading, and the company is notified of each student’s test score. Special Introductory Offer How to Order |