There are currently more than 200 companies developing air taxis and electric vertical take-off and lift aircraft for the urban air mobility space. Robots pick, package, and ship our online orders. Specific to fire protection we have new revolutionary fire extinguisher designs, electronically activated fire sprinkler heads, artificial intelligence for fire and building codes and standards, fire protection systems that don’t require any type of agent, specialized tools to move the industry forward. We are rapidly moving into a real future only seen in sci-fi movies, and closing in on a “Jetson’s like” existence.
The innovative fire protection solutions for these emerging technologies will be driven by the codes and standards that regulate them. As an innovative entrepreneur, manufacturer, or developer you understand your product and the unique problem that it solves. You know your fire protection solution is better than what already exists. Even though this is true, without a code or standard that permits the use and implementation of the solution, it will not be approved for use by local fire code officials, or the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). This brief guide, Affecting Change Through Codes and Standards, will:
Provide an introduction to code making bodies
Outline the code development process
Reveal how to avoid a denied code change proposal
Demonstrate a plan for monitoring and tracking these codes and standards
It's all about building relationships, strengthening relationships, and maintaining relationships. Most importantly, as in any relationship, it's letting people know who you are, what you represent, and that you want to have a relationship with them. The industry affairs team is responsible for connecting you and your solution with all of the necessary stakeholders. This is primarily accomplished through the vehicle of communication.
Communication with stakeholders must be clear, concise, and adaptable. This communication must be effective in creating and working through compromise, competing interests, and conflict. The industry affairs leader must serve the role of “futurist”, having the ability to look ahead and respond accordingly.This communication component plays three important roles in industry affairs - awareness, education, implementation.
Awareness - this is your introduction to the relationship. It identifies the problem and your unique solution.
Education - the relationship is becoming more intimate. This encompasses training and conversations that go in-depth on the solution so that stakeholders have a strong grasp on the concept.
Implementation - these are those deep relational bonds, a marriage even, or complete immersion. All the stakeholders are on board, both parties in the relationship are operating from the same position, and are all headed in the same direction.
There is no field in which this is more critical, than in fire protection codes and standards. Building and fire code change cycles occur every three to five years, and are a consensus based process. As such, this means that the technology, your innovative fire protection solution, will outpace the codes and standards that will regulate it. Having an industry affairs leader on your team ensures that you are equipped with the most current and correct information, enabling you to create and implement plans and directions for your fire protection solution or technology. Me and my team specialize in working with clients who present innovative solutions to fire protection challenges.
What my team can do for you and your organization?
Identify issues, develop positions, and gather industry intelligence
Quickly and accurately show the benefits or consequence of regulatory proposals
Provide consistent, coherent, and proactive communication in support of your solutions and technology
Understand how to address and respond to regulatory issues
How can we accomplish this?
Monitor codes, standards, and industry developments
Represent your interests at meetings and committees (NFPA, ICC, other as necessary)
Draft and submit code change proposals
Coordinate with other internal divisions and external interests
Ensure a rapid and accurate response to all inquiries
Provide regular updates on all industry activities
Examples of our work
Emerging technology. Work to bring stakeholders together, analyze risks and code compliance gaps, and draft and develop fire protection requirements for these industries (eVTOL, Hyperloop, and robotic systems).
Aviation industry. Work to educate on alternative means and methods for hangar fire protection, develop codes and standards to support these methods, and work collaboratively to gain compliance through a performance-based design process.
Passive fire protection industry. Work to raise awareness of what they do, and what the current code requirements are. Educate code officials, architects, and engineers, on code compliance and proper use of the particular solution. Draft and implement new code change proposals.
Fire suppression industry. Work to educate users, installers, and code officials on products, services, and code compliant installations and maintenance. Represent companies and services on committees and to external stakeholders.
In the fire service, we have advanced certifications and credentialing for almost every niche within the industry. There is the beginning required certifications of, EMT and firefighter. Progressing on to advanced level training of paramedic or officer level certifications. Then there is specialty training on truck operations, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and ARFF. Beyond these, at the highest levels there is credentialing through organizations such as the Center for Public Safety Excellence. The world of aviation firefighting is no different. In this niche industry we have the basic ARFF certification, we have ARFF specific officer certifications, and specialty training programs. We have credentialing as an A.M.F. through the ARFFWG and AAAE. The ARFF training and educational path is further clarified through the ARFF Professional Development Framework Manual.
When it comes to the area of fire prevention, especially in aviation, there is no established path or further specialized training. The same requirements for a fire inspector for the municipal structural department is all that is required for the airport and ARFF department. However, the environment, challenges, hazards, systems, processes, and code applications can be very different. Fire prevention in the ARFF environment is a specialized field and should require an advanced (or additional) level of training to ensure basic competence and understanding of the hazards and code applications that will apply.
The program is divided into two credentials -- Aviation Fire Inspector (AFI), and the Aviation Fire Prevention Officer (AFPO). The point-of-entry for this program is certification (State/IFSAC/ICC/ProBoard) as a Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector II, and three years of experience in fire prevention or ARFF.
The first level of credentialing is the Aviation Fire Inspector (AFI).
AFI credential program prerequisites:
Certified as Fire Inspector I/II (State/IFSAC/ICC/ProBoard)
Three years of experience in fire prevention or ARFF
The process for becoming a credentialed AFI is as follows:
Submit application
Application is reviewed and approved
Candidate must register for and attend the 24 hour ‘Aviation Fire Inspector Course’
Pass the class final exam with at least an 75%
Credential awarded
The next level of credentialing is the Aviation Fire Prevention Officer (AFPO) credential. This credential is designed for the highest ranking fire prevention official, with program management and leadership responsibilities.
AFPO credential program prerequisites:
Successful completion of AFI credential.
Minimum of Fire Officer 1 certification (Fire Officer 2 recommended)
Minimum of 5 years experience in ARFF and/or fire prevention.
The process for becoming a credentialed AFPO is as follows:
Submit application
Application is reviewed and approved
Completion of 24 hour ‘Aviation Fire Prevention Officer Course’
Pass the class final exam with at least an 75%
Completion and presentation of an applied research paper (management, case study, proposal, project)
What are your thoughts? Is it time for a credentialing program? Do you see a need for this type of training, credentialing process? I am looking for your feedback. Please comment below, or contact me directly at, thecodecoach@gmail.com.
I entered the fire service when I was twenty-two years old. I had no idea what I was getting into. It seemed like a good career choice. And it has been! From my earliest days in the fire academy I knew I wanted to pursue two specific niches - ARFF (aircraft rescue firefighting) and Fire Prevention. The last sixteen years have given me many opportunities to accomplish much in these fields. With this professional career and growth came personal development. A passion I picked up and actively pursue is involvement in codes and standards. As technology develops and the speed of implementation increases, it has become increasingly difficult to manage code requirements that keep pace with advances in fire protection and emerging technology. This has created a need within the fire protection industry.
For the past several years, I have worked with various clients to help them close the gap between their technology and the code requirements. I was doing this as a “side-hustle” along with my responsibilities at the fire department. However, as demand has increased for these services, and the market is demanding that this space be filled, I have made the decision to resign from the fire department and pursue this effort (my passion) with my full focus.
I work with companies, individuals, and organizations that are making the world a better place through innovative fire protection technologies. I do this by raising awareness of the fire problem, providing education on the unique solution, and fully implementing the fire protection solution. This is achieved through content creation, training curriculum and program delivery, and codes and standards development.
If you have an innovative fire protection product or service, or a new application for an existing fire protection solution, then we need to be working together!
