Monthly Technical Articles
Explore our collection of articles written by engineers, for engineers. Categorized based on the COPE approach to assessing risk within a facility, the archives below contain essential information for the development of engineers in our field.
Changes to the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
As the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states, "NFPA 13 is the industry benchmark for design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. NFPA 13 addresses sprinkler system...
Legislative Review An Overview of Codes, Standards and Regulations in CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, MA, MI, MS, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA and TX
In their December 2018 issue, Sprinkler Age magazine featured its Annual Legislative Review for the United States and Canada. This summary of legislation and codes offers an overview of regulations...
Large-Loss Commercial Fires in 2017
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports annually on large-loss fires and explosions that occurred in the United States the year before. Those fires are defined as events that result...
Antifreeze Solution in Fire Sprinkler Systems
A wet fire-sprinkler system must be protected from freezing when any portion of it is located in spaces with temperatures that cannot reliably be maintained at or above 40┬░F. Water-filled pipes must...
Hazardous Classified Electrical Areas for Flammable Liquids
The National Electric Code (NEC) or NFPA 70 defines hazardous locations as those areas where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust,...
The Dangers of Plastic Composite Panels
Plastic-based composite panels have been, and continue to be, a highly desirable construction material. They are energy efficient, cost effective and lightweight. But the panels are often made of...
Evolving Standards for Energy Storage Systems
The increases in the number and size of energy storage systems (ESS) has brought with it a growing potential for fire hazards. While numerous technologies can be used in an ESS, batteries are the...
Protection Risks in Food Factories & Refrigerated Warehouses
The large numbers of food factories and warehouses worldwide will continue to climb in the coming years. These food facilities have similarities in their construction that may put them at increased...
Cyber Attacks on Industrial Control Systems
Since the influence of technology has been greatly increasing, machines have been implemented into industrial processes to aid the manufacturing of a product. This is due to the rise in demand for...
Arc Flash Hazards and Risk Assessment
The 2018 update of NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, was released late last year. It is meant to eliminate unacceptable risk associated with the use of electricity in the...
The Risk-Based Approach of NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code
The 1961 Hartford Hospital fire sparked changes in hospital safety procedures and building codes that remain in place more than five decades later. On the afternoon of December 8th, a fire broke out...
Large-Loss Commercial Fires in 2016
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports annually on large-loss fires and explosions that occurred in the United States the year before. Those fires are defined as events that result...