Page 35 - Green Builder May-June 2018 Issue

House of horrors.
Protecting people and
properties from disasters
like this are a top priority
for NFPA and its 50,000-
plus members.

CREDIT: PETER HILL/FLICKR

ROLE MODELS What do I get out of NFPA? Career enhancement

BY BOB CAPUTO, VICE PRESIDENT OF TRAINING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES,
FIRE & LIFE SAFETY AMERICA
’VE BEEN A MEMBER of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
since 1982, and I’ve always been amazed by the value I receive for
the minimal cost associated with membership and second, how many
I companies or individuals do not belong to NFPA or even one of their
other industry trade associations.
NFPA is the heart and soul of fire and life safety, electrical safety,
training, and codes and standards development in North America—and
more recently, throughout the world. These codes and standards drive the CREDIT: NFPA/KEN WILLIAMETTE
industry in which we make our living and grow our businesses. Incredibly,
NFPA codes and standards are consensus based, allowing all stakeholders
a say in the process and requirements, which is unique in the codes and
standards world. Beyond basics. NFPA’s training sessions are a vital way for FLSA’s
I had always hoped to serve on the NFPA 13 committee as a young 1,500 fire protection professionals to stay up to date on technology,
man and have had the privilege of doing so for more than 20 years. I am codes and standards, and achieve new certifications.
also on the NFPA 25, and have been a contributor to handbooks by both more than 1,500 fire protection professionals, including system
committees. This experience has been invaluable to me and to my company, designers for fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and special
because we’re “in on it” from the ground level. When we have challenges, hazard systems along with estimators, installers, inspection and testing
we’re able to contact staff and fellow committee members to resolve technicians and administrative support staff. Every member of our
problems while educating ourselves and the fire officials who may see team has electronic access to NFPA codes and standards, and they
the application of requirements in a different light. couldn’t do their jobs without them. We truly enjoy our partnership with
From a career development perspective, my membership and affiliation the NFPA because every step of our projects and customer services
with the NFPA has done as much to enhance my career as any other single rely on correct application of these codes and standards, as well as the
thing. There is no college or university in the world where one can learn as approval of our work product by local authorities having jurisdiction who
much as the practical application and experience one receives with NFPA are applying these same documents. Our membership in NFPA and our
membership through seminars, webinars and other educational opportunities. active participation in the code-making process are a driving force in our
Fire & Life Safety America, Inc. (https://flsamerica.com) employs success collectively and individually.

www.greenbuildermedia.com May/June 2018 GREEN BUILDER 33

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