2010 AFSA Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools Announced

DALLAS - The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) announces the 2010 schedule for both its traditional Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School as well as its new System Layout School for Residential One- & Two-Family Dwellings.

Four 2010 Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning Schools have been scheduled for February 22 - March 5, April 19-30, July 12-23, and October 11-22; in addition, three sessions of AFSA's new System Layout School for Residential One- & Two-Family Dwellings will be held March 22-26, June 21-25, and August 23-27, 2010.

Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School
Designed to train a beginner to be productive immediately upon returning to work, AFSA's Beginning Fire Sprinkler System Planning School teaches the essential elements of system layout in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. It is geared toward those with no experience or those who need assistance with design.

The school, held at AFSA's training center in Dallas, presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Students receive two full weeks of instruction: 60 percent is study and review of NFPA 13 (2007 edition) and 40 percent is preparation of fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings and hydraulic calculations. Students learn by actually planning and drawing sprinkler systems while studying and applying NFPA 13 (2007 edition).

Attendees are given the tools to accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications; determine the proper and economical planning of fire sprinkler system layout and installation methods; know the importance of sprinkler specifications, types of pipe, hangers, fittings, flow tests, etc.; learn to develop shop drawings from start to finish; learn to coordinate with other trades such as plumbing, mechanical, structural and electrical; perform manual hydraulic calculations, preparing the student for an easier decision-making process when using a computer to perform hydraulics; and prepare shop drawings in class for projects with different applications.

Utilizing the Economic Relief Program, AFSA members receive a 20 percent discount off their registration and may apply their AFSA Bucks towards the cost of enrollment. Registration is $1600 for non-members and $1100 for AFSA members ($880 with the 20% discount). Enrollment is only open to AFSA contractor members until 6 weeks prior to each session, and registrations may only be made in writing.

System Layout School for Residential One- & Two-Family Dwellings
This five-day class will provide basic training in the layout and calculation of a residential fire sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two- Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, and P2904 of the International Residential Code (IRC). The class will discuss the stand alone, multipurpose, and the flow-through system types. The topics covered during the class will be: how to determine water supply, material selection, the requirements of NFPA 13D and the IRC.

AFSA's System Layout School for Residential One- & Two-Family Dwellings will include fire sprinkler system layout and hydraulic calculation exercises. This class is geared towards those with limited experience who need assistance with design and those wanting to refresh their experience. Upon completion of this class, the student should understand the basics of residential layout and how to apply NFPA 13D and P2904 of IRC.

Registration is $1150 for non-members and $750 for AFSA members ($600 with the 20 percent Economic Relief Program members-only discount).

Sell Out Risk is High
With a maximum enrollment of 15 students per school, space fills quickly, so early registration is highly encouraged. AFSA Bucks can be applied towards registration for these classes. Download registration forms for either school from the training section on AFSA's Web site, www.firesprinkler.org. For additional details, contact April Campbell at [email protected] or call 214/349-5965 ext. 132.