American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), a nonprofit, international association representing merit shop fire sprinkler contractors, has been a positive force in the industry to promote user education of the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) codes and standards. The industry’s landscape of education is consistently advancing, and as they lean into a digitally focused future, AFSA thought it pertinent to ensure their training and education models could withstand the evolution of the codes and standards industry. NFPA codes and standards In 2024, 70 percent of skilled workers are eager to embrace tools, such as digital codes and standards platforms, and 46 percent identified tech consolidation as a crucial skill and a way to increase communication methods, according to a 2023 survey on the state of skilled trades. AFSA was looking for a more modern approach to working with codes and standards. AFSA was looking for a more modern approach to working with codes and standards “Digital transformation is coming. This is where the industry is trending towards, so now is the key time to jump on board," said Josh Mcdonald, Technical Services Manager at AFSA. By implementing NFPA LiNK®, a subscription-based application that delivers digital NFPA codes and standards, AFSA was able to help increase hiring and retention, improve training, and streamline workflows across teams. From Bookshelves To Digital Devices AFSA began transitioning from paper-based and electronic PDF copies of NFPA codes and standards to NFPA LiNK in 2021, soon after NFPA launched the platform. The motivation for early adoption was a keen understanding that a more digitally connected world was bound to integrate into the fire and life safety world sooner than later, and they knew they would need to be ahead of the curve. Diving headfirst into a digitally focused landscape to make education easier and more accessible is part of the organization’s goal to prevent fire devastation. From Generation Z to Baby Boomers, all AFSA trainees undergo a digitally focused program From Generation Z to Baby Boomers, all AFSA trainees undergo a digitally focused program. Tracking codes and standards changes using multiple editions is a task that doesn’t lend itself to advanced collaboration, especially as the fire and life safety industry transitions to a digital future. The AFSA technical services team, tasked with staying on top of the latest codes and standards updates and requirements, currently uses NFPA LiNK for codes and standards clarifications, bookmarking and sharing, and responding to other members directly in the application on questions and/or technical reviews. With NFPA LiNK, the technical services team can access and quickly search for several editions of standards, identify the latest updates between editions with interactive change indicators, and create and organize notes into shareable collections for other team members. Latest updates to NFPA codes and standards NFPA LiNK to check the latest updates to NFPA codes and standards to inform and drive keynote ends The AFSA education team, in charge of their members’ employee learning and development, also uses NFPA LiNK to optimize training programs by leveraging the platform to answer questions from trainees and students within their programs. For example, they use NFPA LiNK to review the latest updates to NFPA codes and standards to inform and drive key message points for employee training. As the fire and life safety industry continues to move at a faster pace than ever before, prioritizing education and awareness of codes and standards changes is vital to employee learning and development. New equipment, renovations, and technology can be difficult to manage in an industry as highly regulated as fire and life safety. Determined to stay up to date on the latest, the education team uses digital tools, like NFPA LiNK, to ensure that what they’re teaching can quickly change with industry updates. Increased productivity, streamlined workflows Since implementing NFPA LiNK, AFSA has reaped the benefits of receiving instant access to NFPA codes and standards on any device. Not only does this lower the barrier to entry for accessing codes and standards in real-time, but it also increases efficiency and promotes collaboration with teammates no matter where they’re located. “There are two programs that are perpetually open on my computer: email and NFPA LiNK. Transitioning to a digital codes and standards platform has been a game changer thanks to immediate and searchable access to different editions of the standards, not to mention being able to link directly to the requirements when asked, ‘Where in the standard does it say this?’” – Veronica Westfall, technical development specialist at AFSA. AFSA’s vision is to be a relentless force for a world free from the devastation caused by fires in commercial and residential structures. To ensure its vision is realized, the organization works in partnership with NFPA and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition to promote user education regarding NFPA codes and standards for the protection of lives and property.

VSC Fire & Security, Inc. (VSC) of Ashland, Va., has acquired United Piping, Inc. of Mississippi. Effective March 31, 2024, this partnership expands VSC’s presence in the state and gives customers of both companies additional service offerings, increased standardization of services, and an enhanced network of support staff. Shared vision “The team at United Piping is at the top of their market, and we look forward to giving them the tools and support so that they can continue to excel while exploring new opportunities,” said Tommy Clements, President of VSC Fire & Security, Inc. Tommy Clements adds, “With the United Piping acquisition, we continue to attract people with a shared vision of what great companies look like and how they act.” Value and service United Piping employees can also expect a broader network for support, alongside additional training advancement United Piping employees can also expect a broader network for support, alongside additional training advancement and growth opportunities. “This isn't just a business transaction; it's a joining of forces, a strengthening of bonds within our industry,” said Jeff Riddle, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager at VSC Fire & Security, Inc. Jeff Riddle adds, “Together, we're poised to deliver even greater value and service to our clients and communities. I'm incredibly excited about this next chapter in our journey.” Opportunities in the sprinkler industry This partnership was instigated through mutual involvement in the American Fire Sprinkler Association and was a natural move for both parties, but not one without serious consideration.  “United Piping has been a pioneer in the Mississippi fire sprinkler industry for more than 50 years and the decision of how to handle the next chapter came with great responsibility,” said Greg Goza, President of United Piping, Inc. The right fit Greg Goza adds, “Through this process, we’ve seen the VSC team's professionalism and personalism, which showed us this is the right fit. United Piping has always been a family; VSC will allow us to keep that family and provide greater resources to do our jobs more efficiently and better serve our customers.”

The growth and development of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) continue apace; having recently gone through a rebranding initiative one of the final steps was to install new signage at the Association’s registered office. In 2020, the ASFP moved its secretariat and management services to be under the provision of the British Coatings Federation (BCF) at their Coventry-based facility, Spectra House. This move has seen the ASFP’s professionalism and resources grow significantly with the guidance and support of the BCF. Most challenging years ASFP Business Manager Mike Ward comments: “The installation of the new signage rounds off what has been one of the most challenging years. Moving the ASFP during the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit transition was interesting.” The installation of the new signage rounds off what has been one of the most challenging years" “However, recruiting new team members, developing new systems including a CRM, website, and YouTube channel, plus initiating the creation of new training courses and learning platforms would not have been possible without the excellent support of BCF. Each Association is impressive in its own right; however, I think both respective management teams would agree we have all benefited from shared ideas and practices, and we are all the stronger for it.” Meeting and hospitability facilities BCF Office Manager Nadine Saxon says: “It’s been an exciting first 16 months since being appointed as the ASFP’s secretariat provider. In supporting the ASFP’s growth and increase in headcount, it’s been really important for us to be able to share in the great facilities and office space here at the BCF. With the return of more face-to-face meetings and training it’s a significant step in the ASFP’s progression to have a home to welcome members and visitors alike.” “The arrangement for both organisations has been a huge success with us both benefitting from pooling our shared expertise. We are really looking forward to the continued success of our partnership.” Members of both associations are encouraged to use the meeting and hospitability facilities at Spectra House, not only because of their central location and value for money, but also because it offers the team an additional chance to meet members and talk about important issues.