Water-Based Fire Protection System Plan Review (P137) Pilot Course Scheduled at NFA

The United States Fire Administration (USFA), Department of Homeland Security, is recruiting students and instructor candidates to attend an on-campus pilot class for its new six-day off-campus or State enfranchised course Water-Based Fire Protection System Plan Review.

The course will enable students to perform a plan review to evaluate the suitability of the fire sprinkler, pump, and standpipe plans and calculations in accordance with nationally recognized standards for design and installation. Course content covers fire protection standards, plan reading, water supplies, building envelope features, fire protection hydraulics mathematics, fire pumps, sprinkler systems, and standpipe systems.

The pilot will be delivered at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland March 29 to April 3, 2009. Students will arrive Saturday March 28 and depart Saturday, April 4. Other than this pilot, there are no plans to offer this on campus at the National Fire Academy.

Pilots are highly participatory among the instructors, course developers, and students. Attendees are expected to contribute their ideas and expertise to improve course content and delivery.

Target Audience

The target audience for this course is the student who is responsible for the review and approval of plans for water-based fire protection systems in his/her jurisdiction.

Student Selection Criteria:

Individuals who have code enforcement responsibilities for the review and approval of plans for water-based fire protection systems in his/her jurisdiction.

Priority selection will be given to those applicants who express interest in and meet minimum qualifications to become course instructors. For minimum qualifications, please visit the USFA Web site.

Prerequisites:

Students should have completed the NFA course: Fire and Life Safety Plan Review or Plan Review for Inspectors, or, possess ICC or NFPA Plan Examiner certifications, or, have attended an American Fire Sprinkler Association/National Fire Sprinkler Association design school, and,
Completed Testing and Evaluation of Water Supplies for Fire Protection (Q218) at NFA Online and,
Two online prerequisite activities
- History of Automatic Sprinklers
- Use of Windows® Scientific Calculator

Material Requirements:

Students will be required to bring to class:

NFPA Standards 13, 14, and 20
Scientific calculator or access to the Windows® scientific calculator
Architect and engineering scale tools

How to Apply:

Students must complete a separate FEMA General Admissions Application (Form 75-5).

Completed applications for the pilot (P137) must be postmarked by December 31, 2008 to:

NETC Admissions Office
Building I, Room 216
16825 S. Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Completed course applications also may be faxed to the Admissions Office at (301) 447-1441.
Applicants should not make plans to attend the pilot course until notified in writing by the Admissions Office.
Stipends are available for eligible students to attend the pilot course. Attendance at the pilot course does not prevent an eligible student from obtaining another stipend within the same fiscal year.

Instructor Candidates:

Applicants who wish to be considered as potential instructors should submit a letter of interest and provide a summary of their interest and qualifications to become an instructor.

The letter should be addressed to:

Training Specialist James B. Anderson
NETC
16825 S. Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Minimum instructor qualifications can be found on the USFA Web site.