BC Chapter

An understanding of automatic sprinkler requirements is fundamental to professional practice in fire protection engineering and code consultancy. References in building codes run significantly behind the current version of NFPA 13: the current reference in the Vancouver building bylaw is the 1999 version of the standard. The building code sets out the minimum standard but the ‘duty of care’ demands knowledge of the latest version and any changes that may affect fire and life safety. A number of legal decisions have supported this position.

 The presentation will provide an overview of recent changes in the standard and how these will impact professional practice now and into the future.

 Aleksandar Hoffman P.Eng is the Regional Manager of Viking Fire and a member of the NFPA 13 committee.

Date:  June 18, 2013
Time:  Registration and Reception 5:30pm
Location:  False Creek Yacht Club (1661 Granville Street)
Cost:  $25 Please bring cash or a cheque payable to BC Society of Fire Protection Engineers to cover the cost of dinner.
Registration Deadline:  June 14, 2013

Free parking is available in the Yacht Club parking lot.

Bob Heikkila, Vice president of SFPE BC and principal of CFT Engineering will be the panel moderator.

The presentation will review recent work by the Foundation to identify the emerging issues facing fire safety that are relevant to fire protection engineering. Recent projects to address those issues will be summarized, including work on lithium ion batteries and other storage protection challenges, data center detection, evacuation from tall buildings, and an overview of our fire service related research. An update on SFPE strategic initiatives will also be presented.

In response to recent fires in construction, Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) commissioned a study of fire risk in different types of construction. CFT Engineering were awarded the contract and completed their report early in 2012.

Brad Walton and his team will present the findings of their report which included case studies and consultation with various industry stakeholders including WorkSafe BC. The study will present the findings including recommendations and associated changes to the BC Fire and Building Codes.

Good and bad practice in the use of small and large scale fire testing and relevance to fire protection engineering.

 

In the last 50 years there have been significant product and fire testing developments. However, there is still much abuse of fire testing data by manufacturers and others. Test management is important to achieving an acceptable outcome.
 

Mike van Geyn will present his own perspective on the situation and his recent role in Indicative Fire Testing to help facilitate building and other authority approvals.  Mike van Geyn is the former manager of the Inertek Fire Laboratory and Principal in Fire Stance Professional Services.

Date:  November 27, 2012

Time:  Registration and Reception 5:30

Location:  False Creek Yacht Club (1661 Granville Street)

Cost:  $25 Please bring cash or a cheque payable to BC Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Registration Deadline:  November 23, 2012

Free parking is available in the Yacht Club parking lot.