(thing) by Utopian_hermit_monk Sun Mar 23 2003 at 0:13:51
“To create a market for the widespread acceptance of competently installed automatic fire sprinkler systems in both new and existing construction, from homes to high-rise.” – NFSA Mission Statement

National Fire Sprinkler Association is dedicated to educating and informing the public of the vital role sprinkler systems play in fire protection]. The Association supports and encourages responsible workmanship through its member firms.

The Association provides the following:

  1. Consultation on Local Fire and Building Code changes.
  2. Consultation on Fire Sprinkler Code Review Questions.
  3. Provide a listing of area fire and building code amendments.
  4. Directories of member contractors and venders.
  5. Provide liaison with Sprinkler Contractors during review and construction.
  6. Provide Fire Sprinkler Training to Fire Officials in State Fire Marshal Certification Classes.
  7. Sponsor/Coordinate Basic and Advanced Fire Sprinkler Training classes Provide liaison with NFSA Building/Engineers officials on Technical Code Questions.
  8. Provide Public Education Materials for Fire and Public Officials.
  9. Provide Two Fire Sprinkler Demonstration Trailers through the States Fire Inspectors and the States Fire Inspectors Association.
  10. Provide training classes from the National Fire Sprinkler Association.

History

On the 22nd of November 1905, three specialty contractors met in St. Louis, Missouri, to organize the National Automatic Sprinkler Contractors Association. These forefathers of the NFSA were John Moore of General Fire Extinguishing Company, W.G. Allen of Niagara Sprinkler Company, and George M. Myers of Standard Fire Extinguishing Company.

The minutes recording the following as the main purpose of the NASCA:

“To promote and improve the methods of fire protection, the discussion and consideration of all such matters as may be of general interest to the welfare, progress, and building up of the automatic sprinkler equipment business including all rules and regulations which have been, or may hereafter be, promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association and for the purpose of carrying out and obeying such rules and regulations as may be adopted and required by such association. And also to discuss and adopt such rules and regulations as will give to the public the best service possible. Also to adopt such measures as will produce the best and most satisfactory equipment and give to the public the highest standard of fire protection that can be afforded by such systems. And further to take all necessary steps towards ascertaining and carrying out the laws of the country, that in any way affect the automatic sprinkler equipment business. And to adopt all other lawful measures that may be deemed necessary and proper to promote and protect the best interests of the Association.”

This was followed by a meeting at 4:00p.m. on the 6th of May 1914, within the Congress Hotel, Chicago. The National Automatic Sprinkler Contractors Association changed its name to the National Automatic Sprinkler Association. As the NASA grew committees were formed to work jointly with the Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association. In 1944 “and Fire Control” was added to the existing name of the NASA. They formed the fact Finding Committee (now the Engineering and Standards Committee), in 1947. In 1952 they hired Raymond J. Casey was the Association’s Executive Director and he remained in this position for 26 years. In 1972 the National Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Control Association reorganized to form two councils: The Contractors council and Manufacturers council. 1981, the American Fire Sprinkler Association was formed after a debate (on July 22, 1981 in Colorado) over a recommendation by the Contractors Council for the NASFC to develop sprinkler fitter training curriculum for open shop contractors. Finally, in 1983 the NASFC changed to its present name of the National Fire Sprinkler Association

Even today, sprinkler contractors are recognized as unique specialty contractors, apart from plumbers and steam fitters, whose primary purpose is the competent installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. – John A. Viniello, President, NFSA

Recap of name changes:

  • 1905 – the National Automatic Sprinkler Contractors Association
  • May 6th, 1914 – National Automatic Sprinkler Association
  • 1947 – National Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Control
  • July 22, 1981 – The American Fire Sprinkler Association is formed out of the existing NASFC.
  • 1983 – National Fire Sprinkler Association


    • http://www.nfsa.org

    http://www.mfri.org/sps/spsnfsasfy03.html

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