Program Notice: New NFA Online Tool to Help Water-Based Plan Review

Plan reviewers responsible for checking the hydraulic calculations on water-based fire protection systems now have a new tool at the United States Fire Administration's NFA Online, the National Fire Academy's Web site for distance and online learning.

Hydraulic Calculations for Water Based Fire Protection Systems Plan Review (Q137) is a self-study course that explains how to manipulate the Windows® basic and scientific calculators to verify the mathematical formulas for hydraulic calculations used in sprinkler, standpipe, and fire pump systems.

Developed as a prerequisite to the new National Fire Academy course Water Based Fire Protection Systems Plan Review (P137), the online component uses real world examples to explain how to use the calculators for area, friction loss, elevation pressure loss, and other mathematics found in the most commonly used water-based fire protection system design and installation standards. The course was opened to all NFA Online students to enhance their ability to review hydraulic calculations.

Hydraulic Calculations for Water Based Fire Protection Systems Plan Review consists of 15 modules, each of which teaches how to use the calculator to solve a different mathematical problem. There is a 15 question exam at the end of the course.

Water Based Fire Protection Systems Plan Review (P137) is scheduled for its first pilot March 29 - April 3 at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. A second pilot is tentatively scheduled for early summer in an off-campus location, and then the course will be offered through the National Fire Academy Enfranchisement Program.

Students can register for Q137 through NFA Online at www.nfaonline.dhs.gov.