Lightning Protection and NFPA 780 – Swing and a Miss!
Misapplication of NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems to BDA systems results in enormous, unjustifiable cost.
Posted on April 5, 2021
Currently, NFPA 1221 [Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems] specifies using NFPA 780 [Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems]. While well-intended, it’s like using a bazooka to kill a fly. The new 1225 standard (due in 2022) will seek to correct this error. But jurisdictions enforcing this requirement today are needlessly driving up BDA system costs to dizzying heights, a practice that must stop.
From the Chief’s Corner: Listen with Intent to Understand
Posted on April 5, 2021
At the Coalition we talk a lot about communication. For example, just look at a couple of terms we use almost daily, (ERCES) Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System and Communications when you need it most.
For many of us, communication is really the single most important skill in this journey we call life. Along that journey, we learn how to express the art of communication through reading, writing, and of course speaking. But there is one attribute in the art of communication that is often a little less refined, and that my friend is listening.
Big Stakes for Building Owners and Industry – Weigh In!
Posted on April 5, 2021
The Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) BDA Committee held a virtual meeting on Monday, March 29th, where they presented the latest proposed updates to their BORA rules and guidelines pertaining to BDA’s. Industry must provide feedback to avert expensive overreach in the areas of lightning protection and conduit requirements.
John Foley, Managing Director of Safer Buildings Coalition, is Appointed to the Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) Advisory Council
Posted on April 5, 2021
SBC is pleased to announce that John Foley has been appointed to the Advisory Council at the Center for Campus Fire Safety. CCFS is the voice of over 4000 campus fire & life safety officials nationwide. They are a non-profit, membership based, organization devoted to reducing the loss of life from fire at our nation's campuses.
Member Spotlight: VoltServer Posted on April 5, 2021
SBC interviewed Luke Getto, from VoltServer and here is some interesting information about what the company has to offer.
Q: What is Voltserver? A: VoltServer is the leading provider of intelligent, premise-based power distribution solutions leveraging Digital Electricity™ from centralized source to distributed endpoint loads to enable customer’s essential applications. VoltServer’s patented and proven Digital Electricity™ (DE) solutions deliver cost-effective, high-reliability power where and when you need.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Honors America’s Firefighters, Assists their Families, and Prevents Deaths and Injuries
Posted on April 5, 2021
The Safer Buildings Coalition continues its spotlight on noble causes with its Forces for Good Spotlight on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
The NFFF was created by the U.S. Congress in 1992. Executive Director Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki says, “The Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of firefighters who die in the line of duty, assisting their families, and delivering educational programs promoting the prevention of avoidable line-of-duty deaths and injuries.”
The Safer Buildings Coalition continues to grow. We now have more than 140 members organizations across several categories. We value each and every member, and it's our pleasure to introduce you to a few of the latest additions to our member base: Kenny Chen, Professional Engineer, Fire Controls, Inc., New River Community and Technical College, RK Squared, LLC, RedTop Group, LLC, and Virginia Tech.
Safer Buildings Coalition Issues “No Noise” Call to Action and Position Paper
Posted on April 5, 2021
On Thursday, March 4, 2021, the No Noise Task Force held a Radio System Manager Roundtable session. The roundtable group discussed the key objectives of the task force and the desired outcomes which include:
Evaluate, refine and affirm the principles for safe and effective in-building communications
Emerge with actionable recommendations, processes, standards, or other guidance that will lead and assist all stakeholders toward an ideal public safety communications environment.
Update March 2021 - SBC NICET Certification Program and In-Building Reference and Study Guide
Posted on April 5, 2021
The NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications Certification Program, and the accompanying Reference and Study Guide, are making great progress!
Certification Program
NICET is currently in the question writing phase for certification tests for the Design and Tech I certifications. These should be completed by May. Work on Tech II and Tech III exams should begin shortly, with tests available early 3rd quarter.
House proposes $15 billion for NG911 funding in new infrastructure bill
Posted on April 5, 2021
House Democrats have proposed a massive infrastructure bill that would provide $15 billion in federal funds to pay for 911 centers nationwide to be upgraded to IP-based, next-generation-911 (NG911) technology. While all public-safety organizations support the notion of NG911 funding, there are some disagreements within the community about some language in the legislation.
We’re continually striving to provide members with a slew of benefits that include webinars, training videos, news feeds, video library, member showcase, directory listings, and many other member-only content. We have a great FAQ page that answers some basic membership questions such as how to login to your member portal and how to manage your organizational profile to ensure you’re taking advantage of your full member benefits. What’s nice about this page is that it includes quick video clips that SHOW you how to get noticed both within the member community as well as our external marketing efforts.
Please watch this month's video updates from the Chairs of the Safer Buildings Coalition’s five Work Groups on their group’s activities, achievements and needs.
Click on the links or images to watch the video messages below:
Smaller, Lower Cost Public Safety Repeater is Ideal for Small-to-Mid Sized Buildings.
BURBANK, Calif., March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced RF Technologies, Inc. (ADRF), the largest pure-play Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Emergency Radio Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) provider, today announced the commercial availability of its PSR-78-8527 0.5W Public Safety 700/800 MHz digital repeater. Its compact form factor and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) make the latest addition to the PSR Series ideal for improving first responder radio communication in small to mid-sized buildings.
WEBINAR REWIND: Tech Talk: BDA Uplink Squelch and Channelized AGC with Comba Telecom
On March 23, 2021, Matt Lunny of SBC Member organization Comba Telecom, does a fast but deep dive into the topics of Uplink Squelch and Channelized AGC as used on in-building public safety BDAs.
NOTE:
Current members and newsletter subscribers: simply login to the member portal to watch!
New to SBC? You can register for an account at the SBC Sign-On screen.
Want to Know Who Can Perform In-Building Public Safety Work?
The purpose of the Safer Buildings Coalition Member Showcase is to provide visibility to the organizations who have demonstrated this commitment through Safer Buildings Coalition participation in this specialized community of practice.
