Introduction to Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems - 8hr Course - Online - April 30, 2025

Format: Live Virtual Classroom Online Training

Date: April 30, 2025 (8:00am-5:00pm Pacific)

Location: Online through GoToWebinar (access link will be emailed following registration, computer or compatible mobile device with Internet connection required)

Registration: If you are a Washington State resident you may register at no charge through Washington State Fire Marshal's Office. Students not in Washington State may register online through Fire Smarts with the applicable registration fee.

Course Description: This course introduces the attendees to water and non-water based fire suppression systems, which are used as an option to standard sprinkler systems or where sprinkler systems are ineffective with the hazard. These systems include Water-Mist (NFPA 750), Clean Agents (NFPA 2001), High Expansion Foam (NFPA 11), and CO₂ (NFPA 12). Participants will receive an overview of how the systems work, the appropriate hazards, basic design criteria, and the advantages and disadvantages for each type of system.

Ralph Bless, P.E., SET, CFPS

Ralph Bless has more than 40 years’ experience in fire protection including a broad range of water based and special hazard system design, code consulting and fire protection engineering services. He has provided services to government, hospitality, warehouse/distribution center, retail, convenience, multi-unit development, multifamily housing, industrial, restaurant, and medical accounts. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in six states, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, Level IV NICET senior fire sprinkler layout technician and holds four additional NICET certifications, as well as ten state licenses. Ralph chairs the NFPA technical committee for Record Storage, NFPA 232, and serves on the NFPA technical committees for Building Systems and Special Occupancies (NFPA 1 – Fire Code); Installation (NFPA 13); Correlating (NFPA 13); Water Spray Systems (NFPA 15); and Remote Inspections (NFPA 915).

Continuing Education (see details under Certificate section below)

- International Code Council - ICC Approved for 0.8 CEU's

- NICET Continuing Professional Development

- Pennsylvania UCC Approved Continuing Education Provider

- Texas Commission on Fire Protection Continuing Education

Certificate of Completion:

• Each participant registered, completing the sign-in sheet and attending the full training session will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate will include the participants name, training subject, date, number of training hours completed and the Fire Smarts name, address and phone number.
• Certificates will comply with International Code Council (ICC) CEU requirements for ICC approved training courses. Fire Smarts is an approved training provider of the ICC. ICC CEU’s are assigned based on 0.1 CEU per training contact hour.
• Certificates can be used as supporting documentation for CPD points required for NICET certification. This applies to the “Additional Education” section of NICET Policy #30 on Continuing Professional Development that allows for CPD points for education to advance, broaden and enhance technical knowledge and job skills.
• Certificates can be used as supporting documentation for credit hours required for re-certification as part of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) program. Continuing education credit is determined as one credit per training contact hour.
• Certificates can be used as supporting documentation for continuing education (CE) hours for Texas Commission on Fire Protection certifications. Fire Smarts is a continuing education source under "Nationally Recognized Training Providers”. Continuing education hours are determined as one CE hour per training contact hour.

Live Online Training

This training course is presented in a live online virtual classroom format using a directing and discussion style of teaching. A clear and detailed presentation of the content is given with the aid of PowerPoint presentation slides. Participant questions are encouraged to facilitate understanding and practical application exercises will be given where applicable to the content.