Marine Fire Suppression....No Worries with A-Gas

The Marine fire protection industry seems to bring lots of unease. Lots of factors play into the safety and sustainability of the systems on many vessels. This was an interesting article Marine Fire Protection: An Ungoverned Space. 

At A-Gas Americas you never have to wonder about the quality of product being filled into your Clean Agent marine cylinders. Each tank is shipped with a Certificate of Analysis, providing you and your customer with peace of mind. Contact us today for a quote!

Spring Forward

Friendly reminder to SPRING FORWARD this weekend! 

As Always A-Gas Americas is looking to buy your used Halon 1301! 

24 Hour Platinum Recharge service will be available all weekend (since its available all day everyday!)

800-372-1301

Latest HARC Updates

Latest HARC Updates 3/1/2016

Click HERE to view latest updates.

Men injured when fire extinguisher exploded

Taking proper precautions when filling system bottles is always our top priority. Recharges to fire extinguishers and system bottles can be extremely dangerous. Always treat every tank as if it is fully charged and under high pressure. Our thoughts are with the injured men and we wish them a speedy recovery.

Click here for the original story.

Purchase Clean Agents and get Recharges with Rebecca!

Rebecca Magers has joined the A-Gas Americas Fire Protection team! She is here to help you with all of your Clean Agent needs. Bulk, Recharges, whatever you need, she is ready to assist you!

Welcome Rebecca and Brent!

Good Morning,

I am pleased to introduce the newest members of our Fire Protection team!  With the addition of Rebecca and Brent,  A-Gas Americas formerly RemTec International will continue to offer the best Total Solutions and Service available in the recycle, reclaim, and recharge industry.   Rebecca and Brent will be joining Eric, Deann, Tammy, Nick or myself to provide you with competitive quotes for our Platinum Recharge Servers or a quote to buy your Halon.  Give us a call at 800-372-1301 !!!

·         Rebecca Magers will be the new Sales manager. Rebecca has a vast background in sales and marketing, account management, business development, and customer service. Rebecca will be responsible managing the sales strategy for fire protection alternative agents and recharging business, looking for ways to grow the market to meet our overall growth targets. 

·         Brent Gase is joining us as an Assistant Buyer. Brent has previous experience in retail sales, and a background in Fire Protection Technology.

 

FFEDA Schedule of training for 2016

FFEDA Events & Training for 2016

FFEDA Members,  We hope you had a wonderful holiday and new year! Please see below for upcoming events with FFEDA:

2016 FFEDA Events Calendar March 19, 2016        FFEDA Board Meeting and Educational Seminar Florida State Fire College - Ocala, FL No hotel affiliated with this seminar -  all events at College June 23-25, 2016       FFEDA Annual Conference & Trade Show Marriott Orlando World Center 8701 World Center Drive - Orlando, FL 32821                                       August 20, 2016       FFEDA Board Meeting and Educational Seminar Naples Grande Beach Resort 475 Seagate Drive - Naples, FL 34103                                     November 5, 2016    FFEDA Board Meeting and Educational Seminar Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa 4000 Sandestin Blvd South - Miramar Beach, FL 32550

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from A-Gas Americas. As a Reminder We will be CLOSED for normal business on Thursday November 26th & Friday November 27th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We are available for Emergency recharges! If you have an Emergency and need immediate assistance please contact Terri on the Emergency Recharge Hotline 419-466-6238! Thank you and have a safe and blessed holiday!

Clean Agents- when to use them

Interesting article on Clean agents.

http://www.csemag.com/single-article/know-when-where-to-specify-a-clean-agent-system/c6eab3f57a41e7a720b65a138ec7645c.html

Marine industry is moving towards Novec over Halon

This article touches on the move for the Marine industry to stop relying on Halon for critical use.





http://www.marinelink.com/news/offshore-workboat-safety391130.aspx

Boeing warns of Battery Fires

Halon can't compete with lithium battery fires.

Read the article below

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Boeing-warns-airlines-against-flying-battery-6391418.php

Passing of Mel Getz

It is with great sadness we share this news....

  

 Shared by Rod Getz,  Getz Fire Equipment

  

It is with deep sadness, but with Joy to announce that my Father Melvin Getz passed away early last night (12:15 am, on 05/05/15). He had suffered so long and in the Hospital for over 6 weeks, it was a blessing for the Lord to take him home. He told the family 10 days ago that he was ready and wanting to go see Jesus and be in Heaven. The Angels took him there quietly and peaceful.

He loved our business and industry and will always be my "Mentor and Hero".

Visitation will be on Thursday at Davison-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home (2408 West Willow Knolls Dr., Peoria, IL 61614):

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Funeral will be @ Apostolic Christian Church on Friday @ 10:00 am

Thanks for all your prayers. God Bless!

Rod Getz

President/Owner

GETZ FIRE EQUIPMENT

Our thoughts are with our friends at Getz Fire Equipment during this difficult time. Mel was a trailblazer and an integral part in making our industry what it is today. 

Ozone layer, good news or bad news?

Interesting article. Click here for the original posting: http://www.dumb-out.net/antarctic-ozone-hole-good-news-bad-news/10598

The Antarctic Ozone Hole reached its largest extent for this year on September 11, according to data from both NASA and NOAA (the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency) at 9,300,00 square miles only slightly larger than last year’s peak.  The largest hole size was recorded in 2000 on September 9 and is part of a general decrease in the hole since then.

The size of the hole was slightly bigger than the land surface of North America.

Ozone is a variety of oxygen that cannot be used for respiration by any known living creature, and is in fact lethal in a high enough doze.  However it is good at blocking out the heat of the Sun.  Without the ozone layer the Earth would be too hot to live on.  It also shields against ultraviolet light, which in a too high dosage kills plants.

The Montreal Protocol was signed by the world’s nations in 1987 in response to the discovery of the hole and of the cause of the hole mainly chlorine-containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and bromine-containing halons, all produced during industrial activity.  Both CFCs and halons were very useful substances, in insulating fridges and putting out fires, and alternative have been used as much as possible since.  This is one clear way in showing that current global warming has been manmade.

So, surely a shrinking Antarctic Ozone Hole is good thing.  Well, perhaps.  It rather depends on the cause.  If this is due to the Montreal Protocol reducing CFC and halon use, then yes, it is.

But, then again it could be due to the effects of global warming from other sources or even local warming of Antarctica.

James Golinveaux becomes first Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient from Tyco

Tyco Senior Fellow wins fire suppression industry's top honor

James Golinveaux becomes first Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient from Tyco

Oct 24, 2014

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• The Parmelee Award was established by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) in 1983
• The award is named for Henry Parmelee, recognized as the inventor of the first commercially successful closed fire sprinkler
• Golinveaux has more than 32 years of experience in the fire protection industry
• Golinveaux has spent the majority of his career serving on various industry boards and councils
• When his nomination for the award came to the ASFA Board of Directors, it was accepted unanimously

James Golinveaux.

LANSDALE, PA — James Golinveaux, senior fellow of water suppression products at Tyco Fire Protection Products (Tyco) has been named the 2014 Henry S. Parmelee Award recipient.

The Parmelee Award was established by the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) in 1983 to recognize an outstanding individual who has dedicated him/herself to the professional advancement of the fire sprinkler industry. The award is named for Henry Parmelee, who is recognized as the inventor of the first commercially successful closed fire sprinkler.

With more than 32 years of experience in the fire protection industry, Golinveaux becomes the first Tyco employee to receive the award. Throughout his years of service, Golinveaux has made multiple advances in the industry, and holds 21 U.S. and 29 foreign patents in automatic sprinkler technologies. Additionally, he currently has 38 pending applications for foreign and U.S. patents.

“I was always interested in fire. My father was a firefighter and chief, so there were always NFPA [National Fire Protection Association] handbooks sitting around the house growing up,” said Golinveaux. “It’s a true honor to receive the Parmelee Award. I’m proud to work in an industry that helps make a difference in people’s lives every day.”

Dedication to the Industry

Golinveaux has spent the majority of his career serving on various industry boards and councils around the world. He is a member on the board of trustees for the Fire Protection Research Foundation, as well as the Factory Mutual Advisory, AFSA Technical Advisory Council and Manufacturers/Suppliers Council, National Fire Sprinkler Association, International Fire Sprinkler Association and the Fire Sprinkler Association of Brazil. He also represents Tyco on the North American Advisory Council to FM Global.

“James has been one of our premier individuals at Tyco for more than 23 years, and we’re thrilled that he has been recognized by the industry and his peers for his contributions in fire protection,” said Colleen Repplier, president of Tyco Fire Protection Products. “The past three decades of the fire suppression industry have been shaped by his influence. He is very deserving of the award.”

Golinveaux has been a member of NFPA and NFPA 13 Technical Committee for more than 20 years. He also serves as a technical committee member for NFPA 88a, Standard for Parking Structures; NFPA 101, Life Safety Code^®; and NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code^®. Golinveaux has also chaired the Storage Task Group for the last 15 years. Additionally, he is a subject matter expert contributing to the past two editions of NFPA Fire Protection Handbook and NFPA 13 Handbook, and sits on the NFPA Standards Council.

When his nomination for the award came to the ASFA Board of Directors, it was accepted unanimously.

For more information regarding James, his work and Tyco Fire Protection Products, visitwww.Tyco-Fire.com.

Original article: http://contractormag.com/fire-sprinklers/tyco-senior-fellow-wins-fire-suppression-industrys-top-honor

Retiring from the industry...

DALE KENT RETIRES FROM 3M

He had breakfast with Elvis. Twice!

He shared a room with baseball Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax when both were in the spring training camp of the Los Angeles Dodgers…

But in the long and exciting career of Dale Kent, he is perhaps best known for his influence and leadership in the fire suppression industry…

Although he recently retired from his position at 3M after a mere 51 years, Dale will long be remembered for his active participation in the FSSA during its recent period of significant growth. Dale started his 3M career in 1963 in Decatur, Alabama, his home state.   After obtaining his Chemical Engineering degree, Dale moved to Minnesota in 1977 where he continues to reside today.  Initially, he was responsible for developing UV resistance coating for 3M’s athletic surfacing, following which Dale took on the responsibility of training installers on a global basis.  In 1980, Dale joined the technical service group for 3M’s Light Water AFFF and subsequently served as technical manager and sales manager.  With 3M’s invention of 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid and the decision to commercialize that product in 2001, Dale joined the group as sales manager and held that position until his retirement. 

On behalf of 3M, Dale joined FSSA in 2002 and immediately volunteered to serve on several different committees.  In 2007, Dale was elected to the association’s board of directors.  Dale has served as secretary/treasurer, vice president and was ultimately elected as the president of FSSA in 2013.
Dale and his wife Jeannie reside in Fridley, Minnesota, and they have three children and five grandchildren. Together they have attended most of the FSSA Annual Forums where they have established life-long friendships.  Quick with a joke, or to work diplomatically to guide the Board through challenging discussions, Dale Kent has demonstrated a positive influence, both on the industry, as well as on those fortunate to serve with him! After 51 years on the job, the FSSA membership recognizes Dale Kent for his successful career, as well as for his numerous contributions to the association.



We would like to wish Dale a long and happy retirement. Congratulations on your amazing career!

NFPA Conference & EXPO 2014

NFPA Las Vegas, NV June 9-12

Register now for the premier event in fire and life safety, coming to Las Vegas this June!

Register now to attend NFPA Conference & Expo®

James Shannon announces that the 2014 NFPA Conference & Expo® is scheduled June 9-12, 2014 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Registration is open for Conference, Expo and the Association Technical Meeting. 

FFEDA offering Spring CE's

Continuing education is an important part of our industry.  Make sure you take every opportunity to expand your industry experience.  

FSSA ANNUNCIATOR

FSSA CALL FOR INSTALLER AND MANUFACTURER NOMINATIONS FSSA is accepting nominations for the following positions on the 2014-2015 Board of Directors:  Three (3) Installer Director Positions; One (1) Installer Division Chair and One (1) Vice Chair; Three (3) Manufacturer Division Directors Positions; One (1) Manufacturer Division Chair and One (1) Vice Chair.  Directors serve two-year terms; Division Chair & Vice Chair serve one-year terms. FSSA's Board of Directors requires a "Declaration Statement" which outlines what can be expected of all elected representatives. If you wish to be considered for nomination to the Board of Directors, please read and sign the Declaration Statement and email to Vince Mullhausen or fax to (410) 931-8111. The deadline for nomination recommendation is February 5, 2014. Installer Declaration Statement - please click here to view, print, read and sign the Statement. Manufacturer Declaration Statement - please click here to view, print, read and sign the Statement. Elections and committee appointments are scheduled for the Installers and Manufacturers Division Meeting, Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at the FSSA Annual Forum in San Diego. Questions on nominations can be referred to Crista LeGrand, FSSA Headquarters (410) 931-8100. ANNUAL FORUM HOTEL CUTOFF JANUARY 22nd Please note that the cutoff date to reserve a room under the FSSA room block for the Annual Forum is next Wednesday, January 22, 2014.  If you have not made a reservation with the hotel please do so ASAP.  Call 800-815-6397 and request the special Fire Suppression Systems Association room rate of $219/per night or reserve online by clicking here.  GOLF FEE REDUCED FOR FSSA GOLFERS The cost to play golf in the FSSA Annual Golf Tournament is now reduced to $135.00 per person.  This fee includes green fees, cart fees, practice balls, a box lunch and transportation to and from the course. The FSSA Annual Golf Tournament is being held at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course, which opened in 1957, and is rated as one of the best public golf courses in the nation.  Coronado is a best choice located just minutes from downtown San Diego and the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. The course measures 6,590 yards from the blue tees and is a par 72. Immaculate greens, wide inviting fairways and dramatic views coupled with incomparable weather, make Coronado a must-play for all golfers year round.  There are golf holes adjacent to San Diego Bay. By the way, several years ago, President Clinton spent time  in San Diego. He took in the California sun at the Coronado municipal golf course with his bodyguards in tow. Wearing a straw hat, black shirt and black shorts --  at least he was in black --- the president was seen getting out of a sand trap and then dropping a second ball on the green. He waved to the person with the video camera and lamented on his inability to score well. Then, he climbed into the golf cart, marked his card and drove to the next hole. He is reported to have scored his first ever below 80 round with a 79. To register for the Annual Forum or add golf to your existing registration please click here. NOTE:  For all those golfers who registered at the higher fee, you will receive a refund for the difference.  Thanks!! STUART WHITE PASSING FSSA sadly informs you of the recent passing of Stuart L. White, Jr. , age 84, of Stratford, CT,  husband of Lois Dunphy. White passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2014. He was born in Milford in 1929 and was the son of the late Stuart and Gladys Evans White. He was employed by The Stuart L. White Company of Milford for over 60 years serving as secretary, vice president and president. Stuart was active in the Bridgeport Safety Council and was the president in 1965. He was a member of America St. John’s Lodge No. 8 and served as Master of America Lodge No. 132 in 1967 as well as being a trustee for both lodges. He was a member of The First Congregation Church in Stratford and a former trustee. In addition to his wife Lois of 61 years, Stuart is survived by his son Charles R. White and his wife Patricia of Milford, two daughters Deborah Baker and her husband Gene of Goshen and Kimberly Sembiante and her husband David of Bethany; five grandchildren Gene Baker, Jr., Jennifer Baker, Charles R. White, Jr. and his wife Lauren, Sarah White DeChristoforo and her husband Ryan and Alexandra White; one great grandson Jackson Charles White and his lifelong special friend Robert S. Keane of Trumbull. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, January 8th in Milford, CT.  In lieu of flowers, Stuart White contributions may be made to The First Congregational Church, 2301 Main Street, Stratford CT 06615. VOLUNTERS NEEDED FOR NICET SPECIAL HAZARDS LEVEL III TEST SCORE SETTING WORKSHOP NICET has a few spaces available in the upcoming Special Hazards Level III test score-setting workshop on January 27 and 28 at NICET in Alexandria, VA. To set the passing score for the Level III exam, NICET will use a "modified Angoff" procedure.  This involves gathering a group of technicians; having them rate each of the exam questions in relation to the job knowledge expected of a baseline candidate for Level III certification; and analyzing the aggregated ratings to determine where to draw the line between pass and fail. The participating technicians must: Be certified in Special Hazards Systems Layout or Special Hazards Suppression Systems at Level III or Level IV and have at least one year of design experience Be currently performing special hazards technician work Not be involved in preparing or conducting formal training courses with the purpose of preparing individuals for NICET testing As a group, be reasonably representative of various types and sizes of companies, work objectives and environments, and geographic considerations The workshop is an opportunity to network with other special hazards technicians from around the country.  Participants will earn 4 CPD points toward NICET recertification for participating. Space is limited.  If you would like to attend, please submit a résumé or any questions to NICET Certification Program Development Manager, Mellissa Campbell. YOU'RE INVITED TO Suppression, Detection and Signaling Research and Applications Symposium SupDet 2014 March 4-7, 2014 University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, Florida Featuring 30 presentations and a special workshop “SMART Buildings and Fire Safety” Keep your knowledge at the leading edge through 30 presentations including: Latest in sprinkler and other suppression solutions including recent developments of environmentally friendly fire suppression agents, sprinkler protection of high hazard challenges, and oxygen reduction systems. Latest in detection and signaling research related to nuisance alarms, new fire test sensitivities, mass notification, computer modeling, and more. Free half-day workshop on “SMART Buildings and Fire Safety” is open to all attendees! (Wednesday, March 5) This workshop is a “bridge event” between the Suppression and Detection sessions which all SupDet registrants can attend. Exciting new possibilities for addressing unwanted fires are being realized, based on: (1) available data gathered from an increasingly sensor rich environment, (2) the comprehensive ability to analyze and process this data, and (3) new ways of delivering and using this data.  The smart buildings of tomorrow and their sensor rich environments offer great fire safety potential to building owners, occupants, emergency responders, and all other participants in our built environment.  The goal of this workshop is to establish a needs assessment for the use of systems in SMART buildings for fire safety. Register today for the full symposium, or choose either the Suppression Program or the Detection and Signaling Program. All registration options entitle you to attend the “SMART Buildings and Fire Safety” workshop on Wed., March 5. SupDet 2014 has been co-located with the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRC Conference), which is hosted by the Nicholson School of Communication at UCF and being held March 3-5. FSSA TRAINING PROGRAM The FSSA Training program is live!  If you reserved a spot at the forum invoices were emailed in May. For questions regarding the training program or to reserve your space, please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA HQ. FSSA, the FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION, is a not-for-profit trade association, drawing members internationally. FSSA is a unique blend of designer/installers, manufacturers and suppliers working together to share ideas and strategies for the benefit of the fire suppression systems industry. FSSA members are dedicated to the highest level of safety, reliability and effectiveness of special hazards fire suppression.   The mission of FSSA is to promote the use of, and be the leading recognized authority on, special hazard fire protection systems; employing existing and new technologies to safeguard people, high-value assets and the environment. Interested in passing along information on FSSA to prospective members? FSSA has printed cards proclaiming "WHY Join the FSSA" with information on member benefits. If you would like a stack of cards mailed to you so that you can distribute them to your colleagues, please contact FSSA Headquarters. Crista LeGrand, CAE, CMP - Executive Director Vince Mullhausen - Meetings & Member Services Donna Liberto - Financial Manager Jason Dumm - Financial Coordinator (contact Jason for all membership dues & meeting registration payments or invoicing) The complete archive of The Annunciator is available on the FSSA website. Click here to view.  Please contact Vince Mullhausen at FSSA Headquarters if you would like to have a colleague added to the mailing list. Copyright © 2013 Fire Suppression Systems Association. All rights reserved.

Bulk, Recharge, Refurbish!