Podcasts about nfpa

A fire scene looks like a puzzle, but it's a puzzle where the pieces melt, burn, and get hauled away before anyone can measure them. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I sit down with Professor Vincent Brannigan to ask a questions - does a fire investigation truly use the scientific method, or are we doing something else and calling it science?Vincent brings a rare mix of experience as a fire protection engineer, a lawyer who has seen cases up close, and a historian of science who cares deeply about how we justify knowledge in court. We talk about the World Trade Center collapse, what made investigation so difficult, and how code and design assumptions (like fireproofing priorities and sprinklers) shape outcomes long before any investigator arrives. From there, we get precise about language: what a hypothesis is, what makes a scientific hypothesis testable, why a theory is not a casual idea, and why “proof” is the wrong word in most scientific and forensic contexts.Then we take the discussion into the context of NFPA 921 directly. We explore why much of forensic fire reasoning is abductive inference (the Sherlock Holmes style of “best explanation”), why that can be useful, and why it becomes dangerous when it's presented as if it carries the repeatability of lab science. We dig into witness statements, models and simulations, experiments that actually help, and the uncomfortable gap between “possible,” “probable,” and “true” when the courtroom demands answers.If you care about fire investigation, forensic fire science, expert testimony, and how fire engineering knowledge becomes evidence or a foundation of  new code recommendations, this conversation will sharpen how you think and how you write. ----The Fire Science Show is produced by the Fire Science Media in collaboration with OFR Consultants. Thank you to the podcast sponsor for their continuous support towards our mission.

In this audio-only version of a popular past article, Editor-in-Chief and EC&M On Air host Ellen Parson features Part 7 of this online article series on NFPA 70E terms by Mark Lamendola. He covers what the standard means by the term "exposed" and how electricians can ensure their installations meet this requirement. 

Twenty-five years ago this month, nearly 350 New York City firefighters died during the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. For the next 10 months, FDNY members spent countless hours searching for victims and clearing wreckage from Ground Zero and related sites. Many of those workers have since come down with various respiratory diseases, cancers, and other ailments as a result of their work. But among all this loss, tragedy, and sacrifice, there is also a tremendous success story here. Just a month after the attacks, FDNY stood up what would become the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program to monitor and treat its exposed members. The program has been nothing short of miraculous at diagnosing and treating diseases stemming from 9/11. In fact, by many metrics, FDNY members exposed at Ground Zero have better health outcomes than the general population.  Today on the podcast, we talk with Dr. David Prezant, the chief medical officer at FDNY, about this remarkable program. We discuss how the program works, what its success says about routine health monitoring and early treatment, and we reflect on the enduring impact that 9/11 has had on firefighter PPE and overall firefighter health and wellness. Links:  Read the new NFPA Journal feature about the many enduring legacies of September 11 View NFPA's new 9/11 archive, "NFPA and the World Trade Center: 25 Years Later"  Learn more about the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Visit Asset Panda, our sponsor for this episode of the NFPA Podcast  

The annual NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) convention is coming up September 24-27 in Bloomington, Minnesota, adjacent to the Mall of America just outside Minneapolis. Our guests on this episode are Lori Wagner, president of the NFPA, and Patty Meagher, who is chairing the NFPA convention. Both are paralegal professionals with more than 30 years of experience each. The NFPA is a national organization dedicated to helping paralegals drive their careers through educational programs, continuing education certification, and networking events. This year's convention will focus on paralegal resilience and how the profession has evolved over the past six years. The convention features 38 speakers (including our host, Tony Sipp, who will unpack how AI is changing the profession). At the convention, sessions will share the trends that are reshaping the profession, not only as AI takes over the more routine tasks, but how successful paralegals are becoming vital components of the legal practice, unleashing their critical thinking skills to team with attorneys and build their firms' profitability and driving results.  This is an exciting time to be in the paralegal profession as states expand the role of paralegals as paraprofessionals in a bid to expand access to legal services to all. NFPA is dedicated to collaborating with all paralegal organizations, and the annual convention is an excellent opportunity to network with fellow professionals and gain insights and learn new skills.  Mentioned in This Episode: NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) Annual Convention, Sep. 24-27 NFPA website Meet Minneapolis Copilot National Paralegal Day, NALA “Minnesota Judges Form Band Called Reasonable Doubts,” KMSP TV NALA, The Paralegal Association  NALA Conference & Expo 2027

Three-quarters of Americans say they do not want a data center built near their home. That is the finding of an August 2026 Heatmap News and Embold Research poll of more than 2,000 registered voters, up from roughly 43 percent opposed just a year earlier, in August 2025. Opposition has climbed almost every time it has been measured since.David Senter is watching that shift from the ground. A fourth-generation Texas farmer and president of the American Agriculture Movement (AAM), he has spent close to fifty years advocating for family farmers and ranchers. On this week's For Humanity, he tells John Sherman what has changed: wells running dry, land bought with no public hearing, and a question few of these towns have had to answer before: what happens if one of these buildings catches fire?The 60-second version* AAM says it passed a unanimous resolution in January opposing data centers on farm and ranch land. No public copy of the resolution text was locatable to verify the exact wording, so this is Senter's account, not an independently confirmed document.* A University of Texas at Austin study found data centers could consume between 3 and 9 percent of the state's total water supply by 2040, concentrated in regions that already depend on a declining aquifer.* Two fire codes, NFPA 855 and UL 9540, require lithium-ion battery systems to be separated from other structures with dedicated spacing and enclosures. Senter says he has not seen a data center built that way in the rural areas he tracks.* A named Texas rancher has testified to state lawmakers about a project's expected water draw and his concerns for his herd. Independent scientific evidence linking data centers to livestock health outcomes broadly does not yet exist, according to a recent fact-check.* National opposition to local data centers has climbed from about 43 percent a year ago to 75 percent today.The water math over farm countryWest Texas sits on part of the Ogallala Aquifer, a fossil water source that recharges far slower than it is being drawn down, and farmers there have relied on it for irrigation and livestock for decades. Senter describes wells, streams, and ponds already drying up in areas where data centers have moved in, and says operators are often not required to report how much groundwater they use.A University of Texas at Austin research report found that, depending on growth and cooling technology, data centers could account for 3 to 9 percent of Texas's total water consumption by 2040. Individual hyperscale campuses can draw up to five million gallons a day, comparable to a small city. Five proposed or under-construction projects sit directly on or near the Ogallala, and in April 2026, more than 500 residents protested one of them near San Angelo. Tom Green County commissioners have since passed their own resolution calling for stricter state regulation of high-volume water use. This local, unanimous vote mirrors what Senter describes AAM doing nationally.“That's a critical stage,” Senter says of the aquifer. “A lot of areas used to be irrigated farmland. There's no water there left now.”Sources for this section: UT Austin water use findings, via HighPlainsPundit - Newsweek: data centers proposed over the Ogallala Aquifer - Water Information Program: water and energyA fire nobody has fought yet.The part of the conversation that lingers longest is not about water. It is about what a rural volunteer fire department would actually do if one of these buildings caught fire.Senter says he has a friend who is a fire chief near Matador, Texas, where a large data center is under construction in open ranch country. His account of the chief's plan: “they just have to sit and watch it burn,” because the department has neither the water supply nor the specialized equipment for a large-scale fire involving thousands of lithium-ion battery cells.That gap is not hypothetical. New York City's own struggle with lithium-ion battery fires, mostly from e-bikes, gives a sense of scale: at least 30 deaths and more than 800 fires since 2022, with a full-time, professionally equipped fire department. Two national codes, NFPA 855 and UL 9540, exist to reduce this risk by requiring battery storage to be spaced and separated from other structures, with exact distances set project by project. Senter says that separation is not what he sees built. “I'm not aware of any of the data centers having a segregated fireproof building for the batteries,” he says. “It's cheaper just to do it like they're doing it.”A Central Texas fire department has already gone on record with the same worry about a data center proposed in its district, which suggests Senter's concern is not isolated to the sites he happens to know personally.Sources for this section: NFPA 855 overview, Mayfield Renewables - Lithium-ion battery fires in NYC: 30 deaths, 800 fires, AEE Law, citing NFPA Journal - Data center plans spark concern for Central Texas fire department, KXX.VThe fight that is actually workingNot every claim in this space is settled, and it is worth being precise about which ones are. In Bell County, Texas, rancher Alton Fowler has testified before the Texas House Committee on Natural Resources against a $700 million data center project five miles from his farm, citing an estimated 2.5 million gallons of daily water use and low-frequency noise he says affects his cattle and goats. That testimony is on the public record. Separately, viral claims that data centers have caused cattle stillbirths near other Texas sites remain, per an independent fact-check, anecdotal: real concern from real farmers, without the veterinary data to establish cause and effect. Senter's own account, that livestock near a new site “get as far away from that data center as they can,” sits in the same category: a firsthand observation, not a study.What is measurable is the shift in public opinion, from roughly even a year ago to 75 percent opposed today, and the growing list of counties passing their own resolutions. Senter frames it as one of the only issues left that pulls in voters who agree on almost nothing else. “When you unite people from both sides of the aisle,” he says, “politicians have not seen that in quite a long time.”Sources for this section: Temple rancher testimony, KWTX - Livestock stillbirth claims fact-check - Heatmap News: 75% of Americans now oppose local data center developmentThe takeawayData centers are the physical infrastructure underneath everything else this show covers. The wells, the fire codes, and the county commission meetings are what AI's buildout looks like at ground level, well before a model release makes headlines. Senter is not an AI safety researcher, and says as much. But the pattern he describes, well-funded interests moving fast in places with the least oversight, is the one this show tracks in the labs too. Whether the guardrails show up at the county line or in a training run, the question stays the same: who gets to decide, and who finds out after the fact.Full source listPrimary data and research* Heatmap News / Embold Research poll on data center opposition, August 2026* University of Texas at Austin, Texas data center water use findings, via HighPlainsPundit* NFPA Journal lithium-ion battery fire data, via AEE LawReporting* Newsweek: data centers proposed over the Ogallala Aquifer* KWTX: Temple rancher opposes Bell County data center* KXXV: data center plans spark concern for Central Texas fire department* Water Information Program: water and energy* Mayfield Renewables: NFPA 855 overview* Factually.co: livestock stillbirth claims fact-check This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theairisknetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens continue their NFPA 921 series with a breakdown of Chapter 7: Building Systems. They discuss how building design, construction methods, materials, concealed spaces, passive fire protection, and structural components can influence fire development, spread, and collapse. The conversation covers balloon-frame and platform-frame construction, lightweight wood trusses, fire barriers, steel protection methods including intumescent coatings, and the importance of comparing original plans with as-built conditions. They also explore heating systems, fuel types, flame sensors, rollout switches, and why fire-damaged equipment should be properly documented and preserved rather than operated at the scene. Along the way, Scott and Chasity share real-world fire service and investigation experiences and highlight practical resources such as NIST for continued fire investigation training and research.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, give us 5 stars, hit the follow button, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocusfire_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

Grant Lobdell is back on the show at a moment when the whole industry is paying attention. The fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, Massachusetts put a hard question in front of every contractor: how do recalled sprinkler heads stay in buildings for decades, and whose job is it to catch them? Grant runs the lab side of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, now an NFPA Global Solutions company, and his answer starts with an honest observation: contractors handle the routine work well. It's the tests that come due 20 or 50 years after install that fall to the wayside. Dyne's whole stance is that the easier the test is to do, the more likely it gets done. From there the conversation goes inside NFPA 25. Grant walks through how testing intervals actually get set and why they keep changing edition to edition: dry sprinklers moving from 10 to 15 to 20 years as failure-rate data came in, quick response intervals stretching as the technology proved itself. The committee isn't trying to make life difficult. The intervals are a data-driven decision, and the data keeps moving. Then the hard part. Recalled O-ring sprinklers are not specifically called out in the standard today. As Grant puts it, if you hand him an O-ring sprinkler and it passes the test, it technically meets the standard, even though the failure rate says otherwise. He expects that to be a hot button in the next revision cycle. The codes, as the saying goes, are written in blood. The back half is a live walkthrough: how Inspect Point structures sprinkler head data down to the individual head, tracks the right test frequency for whatever NFPA 25 edition each building is on, projects what's coming due across every building in a portfolio, and submits heads to Dyne for testing in a couple of clicks. Grant's team sends a kit, you fill the box, and the lab report lands in your inbox.

In this Fluid Power Forum episode, host Eric Lanke interviews Trevor Combs, global technical manager for off-highway at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, about preventing external hydraulic leakage in linear rod applications using a system-level approach emphasized in NFPA's whitepaper "Preventing Leaks in Fluid Power Systems."   Combs explains how leakage is driven by interactions among the counter surface (rod substrate, coating, and surface finish), the hydraulic fluid (viscosity index, temperature range, cleanliness/contamination control, lubrication), and the seal system (geometry, materials, and multiple components like primary/secondary seals, wear rings, and wipers). He discusses balancing lubrication film versus leak prevention across extension and retraction strokes, key variables such as pressure, speed, duty cycle, and surface roughness beyond Ra, and innovations including back-pumping seals, pressure-relief buffer seals with integrated check valves, and venting wipers.   Future focus areas include surface treatments, moving away from chrome, PFAS-free materials, compatibility with sustainable fluids, and predictive maintenance using customer data.   Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.   Read the full whitepaper at the NFPA Technology Reports website.   Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.   Connect with our guest, Trevor Combs, at trevor.combs@trelleborg.com.   Learn more about Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, here.   Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.   #FluidPowerForum #Seals #SurfaceFinishes #Engineering #FluidPowerTechnology

My brother Nick Ledin steps in as special guest host, and I'm a little jealous as he got to sit down with Keith Stakes himself. Nick has spent years digging into civilian rescue data as a contributor to the Firefighter Rescue Survey, helping bring real-world data from thousands of reported rescues into the conversation about search and what that information can teach us about the job.Keith has been right in the middle of research that continues to shape our understanding of the modern fireground. Keith is a Principal Research Engineer with UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute and a fire protection engineer whose work focuses on fire service tactics, firefighter safety, and fireground operations.Put these two together and buckle up. Listen in as they dig into NFPA 1700, the data surrounding search and rescue, and how research and real-world rescue data have impacted the fire service.There is SO much information packed into this one.Episode 368 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:  Snap-tite Hose   -   FireStation Furniture   -   and UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

El Sistema de Detección y Alarma de Incendios: El Cerebro de la Seguridad ActivaEn el diseño y la gestión de edificaciones, los sistemas de detección y alarma de incendios representan el verdadero sistema nervioso de la protección activa. Su propósito fundamental no es solo alertar sobre un siniestro, sino advertir condiciones anormales, convocar el auxilio de los equipos de respuesta y controlar de manera integrada otros subsistemas para priorizar la evacuación segura y salvaguardar la vida humana.Bajo el marco del Reglamento Nacional de Edificaciones y la Norma A.130, el diseño, instalación y mantenimiento de estas redes de seguridad deben cumplir con rigurosos criterios de ingeniería y estándares internacionales como el NFPA 72.A continuación, se detallan los pilares técnicos e indispensables para asegurar su operatividad:Para garantizar que el sistema nunca deje de funcionar en el momento crítico, la normativa exige que cuente con dos fuentes independientes de suministro de energía (de acuerdo al Código Eléctrico Nacional). Además, todos los circuitos, cableados y equipos deben estar protegidos de posibles daños causados por corrientes inducidas.La disposición de dispositivos de detección automáticos (humo o calor) no es genérica; debe basarse en un análisis detallado del entorno que contemple:La forma, la superficie y la altura del techo.La configuración del área y el contenido a proteger.Las características de combustión de los materiales presentes.La ventilación, el movimiento del aire y las condiciones medioambientales.Los pulsadores manuales permiten a cualquier ocupante activar la alarma y deben ser de fácil acceso y libres de obstrucciones. Su instalación exige cumplir tres reglas de oro:Deben instalarse obligatoriamente en el ingreso a cada una de las salidas de evacuación de cada piso.La distancia máxima de recorrido horizontal en el mismo nivel hasta una estación manual no debe superar los 60 metros.Deben montarse en pared a una altura no menor de 1.10 m ni mayor a 1.40 m.Uno de los aspectos más avanzados de la ingeniería de seguridad es la capacidad del sistema de detección para automatizar y controlar de manera interconectada otros componentes de la edificación. Esto incluye el control y monitoreo de:La activación automática de los sistemas de presurización de escaleras y de administración de humos.La liberación automática de las puertas de evacuación y el control o desactivación de ascensores para uso de bomberos.El monitoreo de válvulas, bombas contra incendio y el arranque de sistemas de extinción de agua.Señales acústicas y ópticas: Los dispositivos acústicos deben ser audibles en la totalidad del local. Cuando las características de los ocupantes de la edificación lo requieran, la alarma sonora debe complementarse con señales ópticas (estroboscópicas).Monitoreo y reporte continuo: El sistema debe reportar de manera constante a un centro de control o lugar con personal entrenado las 24 horas del día, o bien reportar vía telefónica a un punto que cumpla con estas características de recepción continua.La ingeniería de seguridad no consiste únicamente en distribuir detectores; se trata de diseñar un ecosistema integrado que actúe en milisegundos cuando la vida humana está en juego. Diseñar bajo la Norma A.130 es asumir el compromiso de dar a los ocupantes el recurso más valioso ante una emergencia: el tiempo.#IngenieríaContraIncendios #NormaA130 #RNE #NFPA72 #SeguridadEdificatoria #SeguridadDeVidas #ProtecciónActiva

We all know that lithium-ion batteries can overheat, ignite, and sometimes even cause explosions when damaged—now imagine those batteries in robots built to smash each other apart. That's the reality for the safety team of the long-running television series BattleBots. Today on the podcast, we chat with the founder and the safety manager of BattleBots to discuss how the show's engineering team blends cutting-edge design standards, inspections, arena containment, and rapid-response safety systems to manage extreme risks—delivering maximum destruction while keeping fans, teams, and staff protected. The interview was recorded live at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. Links:  Watch episodes and clips of BattleBots in action Read more about the forthcoming NFPA 800, Battery Safety Code 

Host Eric Lanke commemorates the 10-year anniversary of NFPA's Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, where university teams simulate, design, build, test, and race hydraulics- and pneumatics-powered vehicles, judged on efficiency, speed/acceleration, regenerative braking, and sustained performance; the program hit a record 32 participating universities.   Guests Dr. Jake Swanson (Minnesota State University, Mankato), Dr. Brian Steward (Iowa State University), and longtime technical liaison Ernie Parker (recently retired from Hennepin Technical College) discuss how the competition's resources and industry mentoring support student learning, how the challenge has scaled to multiple sites and improved rules over time, and common hurdles such as design, component sizing, ordering and time management, and limited hands-on shop skills. They share memorable competition moments and advise new teams to start early, ask mentors for help, and plan extra time for debugging, emphasizing workforce development and pathways into the fluid power industry. To get involved, contact Mary Pluta, at mpluta@nfpa.com. Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.   Connect with Ernie Parker, at ernieparker1@msn.com.   Connect with Dr. Brian Steward, at bsteward@iastate.edu.   Connect with Dr. Jake Swanson, at jacob.swanson@mnsu.edu.   Learn more about the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, Hennepin Technical College, Iowa State University, and Minnesota State University, Mankato.   Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.   #FluidPowerForum #WorkforceDevelopment #VehicleChallenge #Engineering #Education

Join Mike Miller and Ryan Jackson, a nationally recognized code panelist and educator, for a focused review of the 2026 NEC revisions. Ryan provides an informed perspective on the decision‑making behind recent changes and offers a forward‑looking view on emerging influences, including AI, NFPA direction, and broader industry developments. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, recorded live at the IAAI International Training Conference in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Brazilian fire-safety professionals Colonel Paiva and Rogerio Lin to discuss the transformation of fire investigation in Brazil. Paiva shares how international training, IAAI certifications, NFPA guidance, and his commitment to accurate and thorough investigations helped expand formal fire investigation programs from only a few of Brazil's 27 state fire departments to approximately 16. The conversation explores the differences between the Brazilian and United States fire-service and legal systems, the challenges of applying international certifications across different governmental structures, and the work underway to create Brazilian fire-investigation standards that reflect the country's construction practices, language, culture, and regulatory system. Roger explains how passive fire protection, compartmentation, fire-resistant construction, material performance, and fire investigation work together to identify failures and improve future building safety. The guests also discuss emerging risks involving electric vehicles and thermal runaway, the need for standardized national fire data, cooperation between fire departments and law enforcement, and the role passion and persistence play in creating lasting change within the profession. The episode also includes updates from ITL Solutions and CleanSpace Respirators, information about the IAAI Evidence Collection Technician practical examination at the CCAI Conference, upcoming California Fire Investigator 1A, 1B, and 1C courses, and additional fire-investigation training opportunities across the country.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, give us 5 stars, hit the follow button, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocusfire_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

Rush-hour gridlock, a leaking saddle tank, and a stranger in civilian clothes telling the tow operator “don't touch it” sounds like a movie scene. It was real, and it's the moment that pushed Perry Beatty from traditional towing into hazmat spill response, environmental cleanup, and training that now helps recovery operators work faster and safer.We talk through what changed in the late 80s and early 90s as OSHA, EPA, and DOT guidelines tightened up around spills at controlled and uncontrolled sites. Perry breaks down why towing companies get stuck waiting at major truck wrecks, how certification removes that bottleneck, and why OSHA expects two trained technicians on a cleanup no matter what product hits the ground. We also cover what “responsible responder” really means: you answer to the officials on scene, you document the work, and you leave the property in the condition it was before the crash.From there, we get practical. We dig into the equipment and PPE that matter, how emergency management agencies and fire hazmat teams fit into large releases, and why cargo tank awareness is its own skill set. Perry shares hands-on training built around DOT-406, DOT-407, and DOT-412 tankers, plus the safety reality behind NFPA and API guidance on loaded fuel tanker uprighting and static spark risks. We also explore FlowStop tools designed to control leaks and protect storm drains when seconds count.Subscribe, share this with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers and recovery teams can find the show.

Why do so many firefighters criticize the NFPA and IAFF? Is it really about unnecessary regulations, or is there more to the story?In Episode 169 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, and Adam dive into one of the most debated topics in the fire service. Sparked by hundreds of comments on social media, they discuss firefighter safety standards, turnout gear, apparatus requirements, union involvement, and why so many firefighters have strong opinions about the organizations that help shape the profession.The conversation also explores leadership in the fire service, why chiefs often receive criticism, and the importance of understanding the "why" behind policies before writing them off.Whether you agree or disagree, this episode is all about having an honest conversation that challenges assumptions and encourages firefighters to think deeper.In this episode:

Fluid Power Forum host Eric Lanke interviews Paul Michael, director of the Fluid Power Institute at Milwaukee School of Engineering, about NFPA's whitepaper "Preventing Leaks in Fluid Power Systems." Michael shares his background in lubricant formulation and hydraulic testing and describes MSOE's hands-on fluid power education. The discussion explains why leak prevention is critical to hydraulics because pressurized fluid stresses connectors, hoses, tubes, and seals, affecting reputation and sustainability.   A committee of about 25 contributors developed the report and conducted a voice-of-the-customer survey, with 75% reporting leakage problems tied to customer satisfaction, downtime, and warranty costs. Adapters and connectors were cited as the largest component-related leakage source, with 31 causes identified across design, installation, mounting, selection, and material compatibility. Michael emphasizes application-driven design to minimize maintenance, the importance of standards (including SAE hose and performance tests), and avoiding tapered pipe threads in favor of modern straight-thread and O-ring sealing approaches.   Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.   Read the full whitepaper at the NFPA Technology Reports website.   Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.   Connect with our guest, Paul Michael, at michael@msoe.edu.   Learn more about MSOE, at www.msoe.edu.   Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.   #Hydraulics #Sealing #LeakPrevention #Innovation #NFPAWhitepaper

Jim Pauley, NFPA's president and CEO, has done a lot in his 12 years at the helm of the organization. From the launch of NFPA LiNK and NFPA Global Solutions to the creation of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, Pauley's tenure has been transformative. But that tenure is coming to an end. Pauley's last day at NFPA is July 31, at which time Ross Ashley will become the 8th president in NFPA history.  But before Pauley heads off into retirement, he sat down with Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of Outreach and Advocacy, for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges and accomplishments over the last 12 years, the biggest threats and opportunities facing NFPA and the safety community, and why the fight for safety needs to continue. The interview was recorded live in June at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.  Links: Read an in-depth feature profile about the career and accomplishments of NFPA President Jim Pauley in the Summer issue of NFPA Journal

Send us Fan MailClear visibility after knockdown is one of the most dangerous comfort signals on the fireground. When the smoke thins, it's easy to believe the hazard is over and to start treating overhaul like “cleanup” instead of an exposure-heavy operation. We challenge that belief head-on, because this illusion has helped put far too many firefighters on a slow path from the scene to an oncology ward years later.We walk through what's actually in that clear-looking air: carbon monoxide that binds to hemoglobin and quietly starves your body, hydrogen cyanide that blocks oxygen use at the cellular level, and a wider mix of VOCs and carcinogens like benzene, formaldehyde, and PAHs that can off-gas from charred contents while crews open walls and ceilings. We also connect the dots to symptoms firefighters normalize, from headaches and dizziness to airway injury and cardiac strain, then zoom out to the long-game reality of elevated cancer risk and why PM2.5 and other fine particulates matter even when you can't see or smell them.Then we shift from the fireground to city hall. We make the policy and financial case for strict SCBA and PPE enforcement backed by municipal leadership, including why presumptive cancer laws, workers' compensation exposure, civil liability, and NFPA 1500 expectations change the stakes for every community. If you're a firefighter, officer, or local official who wants fewer preventable illnesses and a healthier workforce, this conversation gives you the language and the rationale to push for non-negotiable standards. Subscribe, share this with your crew or council, and leave a review with one question you want answered about overhaul air and SCBA use. Support the showContact AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast - Email us at podcast@afso21.comAs always, keep supporting your local fire and emergency services, stay safe, and keep on listening!

Do you know what an electrically safe work condition entails based on the definition found in NFPA 70E and how to properly apply it to electrical job sites? In this episode of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson reads an audio-only version of a popular past article, originally published online in February 2026 by Mark Lamendola as part of a series on key NFPA 70E terms all electricians should know. 

Everybody in fire protection, and everywhere else for that matter, is wondering how artificial intelligence will impact their lives, their jobs, and society in general. On this episode, we will explore some of the ways that AI is already having a meaningful impact on fire protection engineering, and then engineer and industry observer Joe Meyer will engage in some informed speculation about what we will see next and how the industry might evolve and change as a result.   This episode was recorded live in late June at 2026 NFPA Conference and Expo in Las Vegas.  Links: Learn more about Joe Meyer Check out NFPA Journal's coverage on AI and fire protection, the AI-centric data center boom, as well as NFPA's new AI tool CASI

Send us Fan MailSmell smoke in a big city and a career crew is at your door in minutes. In huge stretches of rural America, that same 911 call wakes up volunteers who have to drive to the station, wait for enough people to safely staff a truck, and then head your way, often with the clock already working against them.We break down the quiet crisis hitting the volunteer fire service: fewer responders, more calls, and turnout times that keep stretching while modern homes can reach flashover in three to five minutes. We walk through the real math behind recruitment and retention, from the rural brain drain and aging rosters to commuter lifestyles and employers who can't spare workers mid-shift. We also dig into the training burden shaped by NFPA and OSHA standards, where a new volunteer may face hundreds of hours before they can fully participate, plus the ongoing admin load that can feel like a second job with no paycheck.Then we follow the money. When departments run fish fries to buy diesel, replace turnout gear, or fund an $800,000 to $1 million pumper, the system is no longer just strained, it's structurally broken. We talk grants like AFG and SAFER, why they can be hard to win without dedicated grant writers, and what happens when the apparatus gets older and less safe. Finally, we look at the human cost of modern response: EMS-heavy call volume, intimate small-town trauma, rising mental health risk, and the cancer exposure reality that too many people still underestimate.If you care about rural public safety, listen, share this with someone in your community, and then take action: meet your local volunteers, show up at public meetings, and push leaders to fund fire protection like the essential service it is. DISCLAIMERThe views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast and its hosts. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed by guests are their own alone and unless otherwise stated, do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official policies of any organization, institution, or employer they may be associated with or employed by.  Support the showContact AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast - Email us at podcast@afso21.comAs always, keep supporting your local fire and emergency services, stay safe, and keep on listening!

This episode we talk about the 2026 National Electrical Code and the major changes in Article 300 from the 2023 NEC to the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code. Listen as Paul breaks down some of the changes, renumbering, and subtle changes that all electricians need to be aware of as they venture into the last published edition of the National Electrical Code.Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visits https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

This episode we talk about the 2026 National Electrical Code and the major changes in Article 300 from the 2023 NEC to the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code. Listen as Paul breaks down some of the changes, renumbering, and subtle changes that all electricians need to be aware of as they venture into the last published edition of the National Electrical Code.Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC then visits https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.

Drew brings two of Inspect Point's own onto the show this time: John Ryan, a senior solution engineer who came up through the product and engineering side, and Jimmy Snowden, who leads the support team and spent years as a technician and inspection manager before joining the company. If you've caught their monthly customer session, "Coffee with Jimmy and John," this is the same back and forth, now for the industry at large. The heart of the conversation is data. Everybody is talking about AI, but Jimmy and John make the case that the payoff depends on what you capture and how. Plenty of companies record building data. The advantage shows up when you capture clean, standardized data at the system and asset level: manufacturers, model numbers, recalls, test dates, how an asset has performed over time. Lock that in and you can ask real questions, like how many buildings had an extinguisher that wasn't inspected last year, and start making projections instead of digging through PDFs and spreadsheets that were never built to be searched. From there they get into the new features built on that system and asset model: fully custom question sets, components and attributes you can take as granular as you want, barcoding down to an individual cylinder or valve, fire pump curves, and the AI agents on the way. The back half turns to codes and compliance. John talks through healthcare and the Joint Commission's January 2026 change that simplified fire-safety documentation, and why a transition everyone braced for went off quietly. Jimmy walks through the 2026 edition of NFPA 25, including a residential sprinkler head testing gap he spotted and ran past CASI, NFPA LiNK's AI assistant. And he closes with a sharp theory on why NFPA 25 is the most complex standard in the trade: a sprinkler system is full of water, and water can destroy property the same way fire can, so you're protecting against both. Join Drew, John, and Jimmy for a real look at where fire protection data, AI, and the codes are all heading. Topics covered: "Coffee with Jimmy and John" and how it started Why no two fire protection companies do the job the same way How fire protection differs from other trades: each system, its own code Why system and asset data, not just building data, is what makes AI useful Custom question sets, components, attributes, and barcoding everything Putting AI to work: prompts, projections, and agents on the way Healthcare and the Joint Commission's January 2026 change Inside the 2026 edition of NFPA 25 and a residential head testing gap Why NFPA 25 is so complex: protecting against fire and water   0:00 What's in this episode1:44 Getting John and Jimmy on the mic2:16 Meet John Ryan3:33 Meet Jimmy Snowden4:27 Favorite systems: dry systems and valves5:32 "Coffee with Jimmy and John," their monthly customer session10:13 No two fire protection companies are alike11:07 Why fire protection is different: each system, its own code14:13 The real AI unlock is system and asset data15:28 New features: custom question sets, components, and barcoding17:48 Putting AI to work: prompts, projections, and agents23:50 Healthcare and the Joint Commission24:24 The January 2026 change that simplified documentation31:16 Inside the 2026 edition of NFPA 2532:12 The residential head testing gap (and asking CASI)34:22 Why NFPA 25 is so complex: fire and water36:15 Wrap-up  

Host Eric Lanke interviews Barun Acharya, system engineering manager for electrification at Parker Hannifin, about energy efficiency gains from electrified hydraulics and insights tied to NFPA's white paper and a CONEXPO technology conference. Acharya describes how emissions rules, noise limits, and ESG mandates are driving electrification, and outlines key challenges including unclear duty cycles (addressed via energy mapping), power-density mismatch between hydraulic and electric actuators, complex system integration (CAN, software, EMC, operator feel), and revealed hydraulic noise once diesel is removed.   He explains that traditional inefficiency is largely the engine–pump coupling, while smart hybrid architectures use batteries to buffer transients and run engines near optimal BSFC. He details a hybrid backhoe case with engine downsizing and indoor electric operation, enabled by sensors, data, and machine-learning use for duty-cycle classification, predictive maintenance, and operator coaching. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.   Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.   Connect with our guest, Barun Acharya, at bacharya@parker.com.   Learn more about the company at www.parker.com.   Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.   #FluidPowerForum #EnergyEfficiency #HybridArchitecture #Electrification

Send us Fan MailThis episode features National Fire Sprinkler Association President Shane Ray, Assistant Chief Scott Williams, Blue Card Program Director Josh Blum, and John Vance.We break down why today's mega warehouses and cold storage facilities create fireground problems that residential tactics cannot solve, especially when fires start on the roof or exterior and burn inward. We share field-proven steps that keep firefighters alive by supporting sprinkler systems, slowing the pace, and managing the incident like a strategic operation instead of a quick interior push. • why “big box” and “mega warehouse” are different hazards • how roof and exterior fires drive bad sprinkler narratives • the Ohio case study where training and patience prevent firefighter losses • building the “big four” before entry: FDC supply, attack team, roof report, on-deck crew • why sprinkler-controlled fires are not compatible with routine ventilation • reading the riser plate, fire pump, and alarm panel to measure fire growth • requesting sprinkler and alarm contractors plus the water utility early • what NFPA 13E and NFPA 1700 change in SOPs, preplans, and training • why codes, owners, and access decisions shape outcomes long before dispatch Links shared / talked about by Shane Ray:NFPA Warehouse Fires Report: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/warehouse-structure-firesNFPA Challenges In Storage facilities: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/fire-protection-research-foundation/projects-and-reports/identifying-challenges-to-fire-service-response-in-storage-facilitiesIndiana Fire In Large Distribution Center: https://www.firehero.org/2026/01/14/plainfield-fire-territory-warehouse-fire/The Blue Card Big Box Bulletin: https://conta.cc/3QpvT8uOrder the 3rd Edition of Fire Command here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com/products/new-fire-command-3rd-editionFor Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts: https://www.waldorf.edu/blue-card/For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.comSign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/BuckslipShop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.comShare this podcast with your friends, and don't forget to like and subscribe

Battery energy storage fire safety is one of the most urgent permitting challenges facing solar and storage developers in 2026. Mike Nicholas, Energy Storage Specialist and Fire Consultant at Hiller Companies, brings a rare perspective: he built Kern County's entire BESS permitting program from scratch in 2019, when no national standards existed, and now travels the country helping developers, EPCs, and fire departments get these projects to yes.Kern County has the highest concentration of renewable energy and battery storage in California, including the largest active battery storage project in the world at roughly 3.2 GWh. Mike developed a 32-page submission guideline that standardized the permitting process and became a model other jurisdictions are now replicating. After retiring as a fire captain and assistant fire marshal in 2024, he joined Hiller, which represented about 85% of the battery storage clients that went through Kern County permitting. He now works with the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and American Clean Power to build reference documents and videos for fire safety standardization.Here is what you will learn in this conversation about battery energy storage fire safety:Find out why the Moss Landing disaster changed everything. A fire inside an enclosed former power plant building destroyed an estimated 240 megawatts. An outdoor containerized failure, under current standards, would be contained to the enclosure of origin, a fraction of 1% of that loss. You'll understand why the industry is moving hard toward outdoor containerized deployments.Learn what UL 9540A and the new large-scale fire testing (LSFT) requirement in NFPA 855 (2026) actually require, and why they matter to first responders. You'll hear why the test forces a fully populated unit into a worst-case thermal runaway with suppression disabled, and what it means for containing a fire within the enclosure of origin.Understand what a complete Hazard Mitigation Analysis must include. Find out why a generic OEM document will not pass, and what site-specific elements, from failure modes analysis to emergency response plans for construction, commissioning, and decommissioning, are required under NFPA 855.You'll hear Mike's step-by-step account of what should happen from the moment a fire alarm sounds to the moment the incident command is established. Learn why gas meters, IR cameras, and a fire alarm annunciator panel at the static water tank are critical tools for first responders who may be 15 to 20 minutes from the battery yard inside the site.Find out what developers and EPCs get wrong in permitting. Mike explains why early engagement with the fire department, before land use approval, is not optional, and why hiring a registered design professional who knows NFPA 855 is the difference between hitting your financing deadline and chasing it.With BESS developers racing to lock in safe harbor and stay ahead of tightening FEOC and material-assistance thresholds, permitting delays and moratoria are a real threat to project timelines. Mike describes a shift already happening in California: under General Order 167-C, the California Public Utilities Commission now requires ESS operators to file emergency response plans and produce annual testing and maintenance reports, and Kern County has introduced an annual operational permit tied to emergency contact updates. These requirements are likely to spread nationally.Connect with Mike Nicholas Hiller Companies: https://hillerfire.com/ Support the showConnect with Tim  Clean Power Hour  Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email:  CleanPowerHour@gmail.comCorporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems.  Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Shawn Mahoney of NFPA's Technical Services team joins Drew for his fourth time on The Fire Protection Podcast, and this one covers a lot of ground before landing on a problem the industry keeps stepping over: construction-site fires. You've seen the headlines. A light wood-frame building goes up mid-construction, and the whole thing is gone, like the Denver complex that took a 238-unit building with it, or the South Park fire in North Carolina that killed two workers. Shawn's point is blunt: we already have the standard to prevent this. It's NFPA 241, the Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, and it's been around since 1930. It's referenced by NFPA 1, NFPA 101, the IBC, and the IFC. "The biggest issue is people just aren't using it," Shawn says. The code isn't broken. Enforcement is. Drew and Shawn dig into why adoption is so piecemeal, what real enforcement looks like (Boston shuts a site down if the fire prevention program manager isn't there), the legislative push after the North Carolina fire, and what the Fire Prevention Program Manager actually has to do day to day. Before that, they preview the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, including Drew's Tuesday session on AI and fire protection, how AI has reshaped the codes world through NFPA LiNK, CASI, and the new Notebooks feature, and why data centers and small nuclear reactors are creating fire-protection problems in towns that have never seen anything like them. Join Drew for Episode 96 for a real conversation about why the standards we already have only matter if someone enforces them. Topics covered: Inside the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas AI in fire protection: NFPA LiNK, CASI, and NFPA Insights LiNK Notebooks for codes, checklists, and impairment permits Data centers and small nuclear reactors as emerging fire risks Light wood-frame construction fires and why they're catastrophic NFPA 241 and the enforcement gap The Fire Prevention Program Manager role   Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:27 – Inside the NFPA Conference & Expo 05:35 – AI in Fire Protection 07:46 – Data Centers & Small Nuclear Reactors 09:13 – NFPA LiNK, CASI & NFPA Insights 12:00 – LiNK Notebooks 15:21 – NFPA 241: A Standard Since 1930 16:50 – Why Wood-Frame Construction Fires Are Catastrophic 19:07 – Referenced Everywhere, Enforced Almost Nowhere 20:36 – How Boston Enforces 241 25:54 – The Fire Prevention Program Manager Role 28:33 – Educational Videos & NFPA's YouTube Channels 30:23 – Conclusion

In this Fluid Power Forum episode, NFPA host Eric Lanke shares a recorded NFPA webinar on advancing technologies for controls, IoT, and data—featuring Scanreco Director of Sales Andy Gray.   Gray explains how Scanreco's professional radio remote controls serve OEMs and system integrators for mobile and industrial machinery in harsh environments, translating operator intent into hydraulic actuator motion from simple on/off to highly proportional control to improve safety, precision, and productivity. Discussion covers operating at safer distances, integrating camera feedback and Human Machine Interface, HMI, information onto remotes, and the growing role of assisted operation and autonomy across applications like agriculture, forklifts, drilling, demolition, forestry, and fire equipment.   Gray describes field research with operators, integration via CAN and software tools, OEM preference for open integration ecosystems, and progress to unify remote control, advanced displays, and onboard computing amid trends of digitalization, electrification, automation, and usability. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.   Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.   Connect with our guest, Andy Gray, at andy.gray@scanreco.com.   Learn more about the company at www.scanreco.com.   Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.   #FluidPowerForum #Controls #Safety #Autonomy #CID

Over the last decade or so, community risk reduction (CRR) has gone from a novelty to perhaps the biggest buzz term in the safety industry. And while more CRR is a great thing, its surging popularity has also caused some safety departments to rush out CRR programs before taking time to analyze their data to understand the what, whys, and hows of their plan. Without data and careful planning, departments might be spending time, money, and precious staff hours on efforts where the impact is dubious or unknown. To help us sort out the good CRR from the bad, we are joined by Fire Chief Landon Churchill, a passionate and experienced CRR leader. We chat about what effective CRR looks like, what it doesn't look like, how even the best of intentions can go sideways, and the key elements fire departments need to ensure that their efforts have the greatest impact. LINKS: Visit NFPA's CRR homepage to see tips, tools, resources.  Learn more about NFPA 1300, Standard for Community Risk Assessement and Community Risk Reduction Plan Development. To sign up for NFPA's monthly CRR Kitchen Table, email crr@nfpa.org

Levi Rock got laid off for three weeks when COVID hit, and it changed how he thought about job security. In 2020 he started Red Seal Fire Protection in Windsor, Ontario, and grew it to 17 employees in five years by keeping it simple: show up when you say you will, turn reports and deficiency quotes around within 48 hours, and get out of the way so customers never have to think about their fire protection. In this episode, Levi joins Drew Slocum to talk about building a service-first fire protection business. They cover the recurring-revenue membership model behind it, why he says no to most new-installation work, how Red Seal uses social media to educate property managers and recruit fitters, and how Inspect Point replaced their PDF forms with consistent, faster reporting. They also get into the gap between NFPA 25 and the Ontario Fire Code, why contractors and AHJs need to communicate more, and why human expertise still beats generic AI on fire code. Episode #95. The Fire Protection Podcast, powered by Inspect Point.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:31 Welcome and why Levi's on the show 02:56 From sprinkler fitter to founder during COVID 07:50 The edge: speed, communication, 48-hour turnarounds 11:30 Moving off PDF forms to Inspect Point 13:35 Capturing asset data to power AI tools 15:42 The membership model and predictable budgets 20:02 Marketing fire protection and recruiting techs 23:32 The AI content problem and fire code accuracy 25:54 The fire protection education gap and training AHJs 28:34 NFPA 25 vs the Ontario Fire Code (and ULC 536/537) 33:11 Training the next generation 34:13 What's next for Red Seal 37:19 Wrap-up

Send us Fan MailTurnout gear is supposed to be the last line of defense, so what happens when the fabric itself contains PFAS forever chemicals that were never clearly disclosed? This week, we pulled a crucial interview from our archives with Dr. Graham Peasley, the researcher who tested dozens of firefighter turnout gear sets and found fluorine consistent with PFAS treatments across manufacturers, enough that his lab changed how they handled the samples. We talk about what that discovery means for firefighters who wear the gear, touch it daily, and store it around the station and sometimes at home. We also slow down and make the numbers make sense. Parts per trillion versus parts per billion is not a trivia question when PFOA and PFOS have documented links to cancers and immune impacts at very low levels. We address the online pushback and the consultant op-ed culture head-on: how to evaluate sources, what “trace” really implies, and why uncertainty about skin absorption is not the same as safety. Along the way we cover real exposure pathways, from hand transfer to station dust, and how AFFF firefighting foam fits into the broader PFAS story. Then we get practical. We share straightforward steps departments can take now: keep gear at work, wash and decon consistently, rethink storage locations, and treat labeling and ingredient disclosure like essential safety information. We also dig into the hard end-of-life problem: landfilling vs high-temperature incineration, and why repurposing old gear into bags or blankets can create new risks. If you care about firefighter health, PFAS exposure, and fluorine-free turnout gear that still meets NFPA performance needs, this conversation gives you a clear place to start. Subscribe, share this with your crew, and leave a review so more firefighters can find it. What policy change would you implement first at your station?DISCLAIMERThe views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast and its hosts. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed by guests are their own alone and unless otherwise stated, do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official policies of any organization, institution, or employer they may be associated with or employed by.  Support the showContact AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast - Email us at podcast@afso21.comAs always, keep supporting your local fire and emergency services, stay safe, and keep on listening!

As National Electrical Safety Month winds down, we are taking stock of some of the biggest electrical safety trends, hazards, and challenges facing both electrical workers and the public. Today on the podcast, Corey Hannahs, NFPA's electrical technical lead, has a wide-ranging conversation with Jennifer Lefevre, the executive director of Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), the organization behind National Electrical Safety Month. They chat about ESFI's safety outreach efforts, what electrical trends and hazards they are keeping an eye on, and why workers, educators, and the general public all have a key role to play in reducing electrical deaths and injuries.  LINKS: 
 Learn more about Electrical Safety Foundation International and National Electrical Safety Month  Read the latest NFPA news, blogs, and information about electrical safety at home and at work   Episode Art: Getty

This episode of the Fire Sprinkler Podcast is my conversation with Sean Tracey from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition of Canada. Sean is a retired Canadian Forces Fire Marshal, and was the first ever appointed regional director for NFPA. We discuss the recent Home Fire Sprinkler Week, how people can get more involved in sprinkler awareness, and how he has championed sprinklers for over 25 years! Enjoy!

Ray Fremont Jr., president of General Air Products, joins Drew to talk about the air supply side of dry pipe sprinkler systems. General Air Products has been building air compressors for fire sprinkler systems since the 1960s, and the Fremont family has been in the compressed air business since the 1930s. Ray covers how dry system air supply has changed over the last century: plant air compressors and schedule 40 pipe, the shift to thin-wall steel, nitrogen generators, and a newer vapor corrosion inhibitor technology called Vapor Pipe Shield that creates a molecular barrier on the inside of the pipe. They also dig into some real problems: most dry systems leak well beyond what NFPA 25 allows, jurisdictions are a decade behind on code adoption, and air compressor maintenance still gets skipped. Ray previews a new digital monitoring device that tracks compressor cycling and flags system issues before they turn into failures. It's the kind of predictive data the sprinkler side has never had.

Eric Lanke hosts Philippe Reynolds, director of Poclain Hydraulics' Electromobility program, in an NFPA Fluid Power Forum episode tied to the NFPA whitepaper "Energy Efficiency Gains from Electrified Hydraulics." Reynolds explains Poclain's shift from component supplier to system partner integrating hydraulics, electric drives, power electronics, sensors, and software into mechatronic solutions, including electric drive units like the eWheel for compact equipment. He outlines electrification challenges—system complexity, energy and thermal management, architecture selection (battery electric, hybrid electrohydraulic with energy recovery, and series hybrid for heavier machines), and the need for decentralized power-on-demand designs to boost efficiency. The discussion highlights duty-cycle-based sizing, liquid cooling to control operating conditions, lessons adapted from automotive and other industries, and the growing importance of functional safety, compliance, plug-and-play integration, and supplier–OEM partnerships. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.   Be sure to check out the full report here.   Connect with our host, Eric Lanke, at elanke@nfpa.com.   Connect with our guest, Philippe Reynolds, at philippe.reynolds@poclain.com.   Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.   #FluidPowerForum #EnergyEfficiency #Electrification #SystemArchitectures

Send us Fan MailFire calls may have built the modern fire service, but EMS calls now define it and that demands a different kind of leader. We walk through why the EMS Officer 1 is not a “nice to have” title, but a practical response to how fire based EMS really operates today, where medical responses can make up 80% of the workload and outcomes depend on more than individual clinical skill.We break down what an EMS Officer 1 owns day to day: clinical oversight, crew support, and system performance. That includes standards and professional expectations tied to NFPA 450 and NFPA 1021, plus the real work behind the paperwork like coaching leadership, emotionally intelligent debriefs after high impact calls, and building a culture where critical thinking thrives. We also dig into clinical quality improvement done the right way, using data to spot trends and fix training, equipment, or workflow problems before they become patient harm.The conversation goes beyond medicine into the areas that can make or break public trust: HIPAA compliance, consent law, end of life ethics, and the organizational risk that follows a bad decision on a chaotic night shift. We also talk about the EMS Officer 1 as the first responder to the responders, watching for burnout and PTSD, advocating for peer support, and protecting the workforce. Add in financial stewardship, supply and medication logistics, smarter unit placement, hospital partnerships, scene safety, and the coming growth of community paramedicine and mobile integrated health care, and the case becomes clear.If your department still promotes based mostly on seniority, this will challenge you to rethink what competence means in clinical leadership. Subscribe for more, share this with an EMS leader in your circle, and leave a review with your take: what's the hardest part of building strong EMS leadership where you work?DISCLAIMERThe views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast and its hosts. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed by guests are their own alone and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, or official policies of any organization, institution, or employer they may be associated with or employed by.  Support the showContact AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast - Email us at podcast@afso21.comAs always, keep supporting your local fire and emergency services, stay safe, and keep on listening!

Big news is coming from Electrical Code Academy, Inc.In this episode, Paul Abernathy shares the recent agreement between Electrical Code Academy, Inc. and EC&M Magazine, where Paul will be contributing six articles annually, along with twelve videos and twelve podcast episodes each year focused on key issues affecting the electrical industry.The content will cover important developments in the 2026 National Electrical Code, but it will also go deeper into one of the most important relationships in the field: the interaction between electrical inspectors and electricians.Paul will discuss how inspectors and electricians often approach the NEC from different perspectives, why interpretation can sometimes lead to disagreement, and why professionalism, communication, and mutual respect are essential for every project to succeed. Whether you are an electrician, inspector, contractor, engineer, AHJ, or code professional, this episode sets the stage for a powerful new series designed to bring clarity, practical insight, and real-world experience to the NEC conversation.With nearly four decades in the electrical industry, including experience as a master electrician, electrical inspector, electrical supervisor, plan review professional, and NEC Code-Making Panel member, Paul brings a unique perspective to both sides of the inspection process.This new collaboration with EC&M Magazine is about more than articles, videos, and podcasts. It is about helping the industry better understand the NEC, improve communication in the field, and build stronger working relationships between electricians and inspectors.Topics include:The new EC&M Magazine collaborationThe upcoming 2026 National Electrical CodeCommon challenges in NEC interpretationThe relationship between electricians and inspectorsWhy respectful disagreement mattersHow better communication leads to safer, smoother projectsWhat listeners can expect from the upcoming article, video, and podcast seriesWhether you are preparing for the next code cycle, working in the field, performing inspections, designing electrical systems, or training the next generation of electricians, this episode is one you do not want to miss.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/master-the-nec-podcast--1083733/support.Struggling with the National Electrical Code? Discover the real difference at Electrical Code Academy, Inc.—where you'll learn from the nation's most down-to-earth NEC expert who genuinely cares about your success. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just the best NEC training you'll actually remember.Visit https://FastTraxSystem.com to learn more.

In the United States, when someone calls 911 the call is routed to an operator at a public safety answering point, or PSAP. But news outlets across the country are finding that local PSAPs are struggling, and that 911 callers are waiting longer to get help. Today on the podcast, we speak to a researcher who just surveyed dozens of PSAPs to find out how well they are able to meet the call answering and processing times required by NFPA standards. The results were eye-opening. This episode first aired in June, 2023. Then, on a new Code Corner, with construction season about to ramp up, engineer Shawn Mahoney talks about the role of the fire prevention program manager on construction sites. LINKS: Read the 2023 NFPA Journal feature story, "Please Hold," about the challenges facing America's 911 dispatch system. Read the Fire Protection Research Foundation report on 911 dispatch call centers See the latest on NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations   Episode Image: Lauren Sauceda answers an emergency 911 call while working at her desk at the Harris County Emergency 9-1-1 Dispatch Center in Houston. Michael Paulsen/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images.

Send us Fan MailNFPA 1750 is here, and it's an earthquake for the fire service. Are you prepared for the radical transparency it demands, or are you still relying on "tribal knowledge" that's about to put your department on the wrong side of a legal liability claim?In this explosive episode of The Weekend Wrap-up, host Kevin Ferrara pulls no punches, breaking down why NFPA 1750, the unified standard replacing 1201, 1710, 1720, and 1730, has officially ended the era of "we've always done it this way."The Gut-Punch: Learn why this standard is a "cold, hard mirror" that doesn't just show your wins, but exposes systemic neglect, administrative failures, and the cultural weaknesses many departments have hidden behind the "hero" narrative for decades.The Four Critical Tasks: Discover the deadly math of the Effective Response Force and how running a fewer than four-person crew in a high-risk zone is statistically incapable of meeting operational requirements, turning a safety issue into an economic drain on your city.Meet the Data Diplomat: Municipal officials are asking, "Prove it." Find out how the new species of fire leader is using Gap Analysis and cost-avoidance models to translate risk into the language of the budget hawk, ensuring survival for the next twenty years.This isn't a suggestion; it's the new standard of care. Are you documented, or are you exposed?  Support the showContact AFSO21's Weekend Wrap-up Podcast - Email us at podcast@afso21.comAs always, keep supporting your local fire and emergency services, stay safe, and keep on listening!

In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Ariadna Bernal about her journey after a gas explosion left her with burns over 90% of her body. Ariadna describes her early days, starting with treatment in Mexico and then continuing her care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in California. She also shares how important her mom was, always staying by her side through everything. ❤️Together, they explore the emotional and mental side of recovery, including the moment Ariadna first connected with another burn survivor and realized she wasn't alone. That connection became a turning point, inspiring her to give back through peer support. Ariadna explains how community, empathy, and shared experiences helped her heal in ways that medical care alone could not.Now a dedicated Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, Ariadna is actively involved in the Spanish Phoenix SOAR program, helping expand access and connection for Spanish-speaking survivors and families. She is also studying Psychology, hoping to work in a clinical setting, ideally at Shriners, to support children and teens after burn injuries. Her story shows how connection can turn pain into purpose.

Send us Fan MailLive from IAAI ITC 2026 in St. Louis, Scott Kuhlman and Chasity Owens sit down with Dr. Greg Gorbett to talk fire investigation, research-based tools, and the future of the profession. The conversation covers the U.S. NRC Fire Dynamics Tools spreadsheets, heat release rate calculations, flashover correlations, and how investigators can use empirical data in defensible origin and cause work. Greg also discusses his recent election to the IAAI Board of Directors, the need for advanced training, competency testing, proficiency exams, NFPA 1321, and the growing importance of standardized processes in fire investigation. The episode also explores digital image analysis, line of demarcation interpretation, uncertainty in conclusions, courtroom confidence, and why “forensic honesty” matters when presenting fire investigation findings.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed the episode, give us 5 stars, hit the follow button, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere you are listening in from. Follow us on social media!Instagram: @infocusfire_podcastLinkedIn: INFOCUS podcastFacebook: INFOCUS podcastTikTok: @infocus_podcast

Dr. Roger Reiswig, Industry Liaison at Johnson Controls, joins Drew for a conversation spanning nearly 40 years of fire alarm industry experience. Roger started as a Simplex technician in 1986 and now represents JCI across NFPA, UL, FM, and international organizations including the European Alarm Association (Uralarm). Topics include how countries outside the US often adopt NFPA codes faster than US states, the differences between European EN standards and NFPA/UL requirements, Europe's mandatory smoke detector replacement cycles, the new 40-foot ceiling allowance for smoke detectors in NFPA 72, remote and automated inspection technology and its UL listing challenges, how UL and NFPA standards push each other forward, the birth of NFPA 3 and NFPA 4 for integrated testing (now showing up in building codes), Canada's ULC certification model, and the history of carbon monoxide detection moving from NFPA 720 into NFPA 72.   Timestamps: 0:00 - Cold open 0:27 - Episode intro 1:36 - Drew and Roger connect 2:14 - Global adoption of NFPA codes 3:39 - How aggressively other countries adopt new editions 5:03 - Why US states are slow to adopt 7:51 - Roger's career: Simplex technician to JCI liaison 10:15 - European standards (EN) vs NFPA 11:39 - Europe's smoke detector replacement requirements 14:15 - Smoke detector placement at 40-foot ceilings 17:08 - Remote and automated inspection technology 20:34 - UL listing challenges for remote testing 23:45 - Mass notification: UL 864 to UL 2572 24:34 - The 2010 NFPA 72 scope change 26:00 - NFPA 3 and NFPA 4 for integrated testing 29:49 - Canada's ULC standards vs US 32:13 - Carbon monoxide detection in NFPA 72 36:52 - How CO detectors are tested 39:11 - Wrap-up   Learn more about Inspect Point: https://www.inspectpoint.com Request a demo: https://www.inspectpoint.com/get-a-demo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspect-point YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspectpoint

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Rob Baughman of Ironsmith Fire to break down one of the most overlooked — yet critical — aspects of running a business: fire protection and safety compliance. From sprinkler systems and fire pumps to inspections and NFPA regulations, fire protection is more complex than many business owners realize — and missing key requirements can lead to costly surprises, failed inspections, or even serious safety risks.   In this conversation, we cover: • What fire protection really includes beyond alarms and sprinklers • Key requirements for commercial buildings and business owners • What to look for before buying or leasing a property • How building use changes can impact fire code compliance • What annual inspections actually involve — and why they matter • Common mistakes business owners make when it comes to fire safety   Rob also shares insights on building trust in a relationship-driven industry, growing a service-based business, and balancing the technical side of work with creativity and personal passions. Whether you're a business owner, property manager, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance to help you protect your building, your team, and your investment. To learn more, visit ironsmithfire.com or connect with Rob Baughman online.

This episode is powerful because it addresses a question posed via the Let's Ask Paul Portal at https://FastTraxSystem.com. Today's questions are about using a 15A Receptacle on a 20A Commercial Branch Circuit and a classic Transformers Question.Of course, we will also chat about anything, so come on and listen. We are excited to announce that we have passed 2,000,000 unique downloads this year. Thank you to everyone for your support and for keeping the podcast alive while I have been taking care of my wife and family.Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the leading electrical educator in the country, discusses electrical code, electrical trade, and electrical business-related topics to help electricians maximize their knowledge and industry investment.If you are looking to learn more about the National Electrical Code, for electrical exam preparation, or to better your knowledge of the NEC, then visit https://fasttraxsystem.com for all the electrical code training you will ever need by the leading electrical educator in the country with the best NEC learning program on the planet.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/electrify-electrician-podcast--4131858/support.

299 - The Short-Term Rental Safety Mistakes That Could Destroy Your Business Your short-term rental could be one overlooked hazard away from a lawsuit, a tragedy, or the end of your investing career — and you probably don't even know it. In this eye-opening episode of REIGN, the Real Estate Investor Growth Network, host Jen Josey sits down with Justin Ford, Director of Safety and Certification Programs at Breezeway, to expose the hidden dangers that most STR hosts completely ignore. With nearly 30 years in the short-term rental industry, Justin reveals why over 80% of incidents have nothing to do with fire — and everything to do with what happens in the first hour your guest arrives. Justin shares the real story behind how a rusty hammock and a near-fatal injury launched the short-term rental industry's first-ever safety checklist, now used in 72 languages worldwide. From grill fires and appliance maintenance to pool drownings and fire pit hazards, this conversation is packed with practical, no-fluff guidance that every STR host and property manager needs. You'll learn why childproofing your rental could actually increase your liability, how documentation in platforms like Breezeway can protect you in court, and why safety is quickly becoming the most powerful marketing tool in the short-term rental space. Whether you own one cabin in the woods or manage hundreds of vacation rentals, this episode is your wake-up call. Regulations are tightening in markets like the Smoky Mountains, Palm Springs, and Maui — and the investors who get ahead of safety standards now will be worth significantly more when those rules hit their market. If you want to protect your guests, protect your assets, and build a rental business that actually lasts, this conversation is non-negotiable. 5 Powerful Takeaways Slips, trips, and falls cause over 80% of STR incidents — most happen within the first hour of arrival, meaning your walkway, lighting, and entry approach could be your biggest liability right now Fire extinguishers under the sink are a code-compliant mistake — Justin explains exactly where extinguishers should be mounted and why the placement most hosts use could cost them everything in an emergency Childproofing your rental actually increases your legal exposure — discover the counterintuitive reason why Justin warns hosts to never install outlet covers or attempt to make their property childproof Safety is your most underutilized marketing advantage — a survey found that 62% of people who have never stayed in an Airbnb cite safety as the reason, meaning hosts who lead with safety standards can convert a brand-new audience of guests Regulatory changes are coming to your market — STR safety codes already hitting Gatlinburg, Palm Springs, and New Orleans will eventually reach every market, and the investors who upgrade now will have properties worth tens of thousands more when compliance becomes mandatory About the Guest Justin Ford is the Director of Safety and Certification Programs at Breezeway and one of the most recognized voices in short-term rental safety globally. With nearly 30 years of experience in the vacation rental industry, Justin developed the STR industry's first safety checklist in 2014 — a resource now available in 72 languages and used by hosts and property managers around the world. A former U.S. Coast Guard serviceman and 15-year volunteer firefighter, Justin brings real-world emergency experience to an industry that desperately needs it. He has trained thousands of professionals across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and beyond, and currently serves on committees for the International Residential Code and the NFPA to help write safety standards specifically for short-term rentals. Justin's approach is practical, direct, and deeply human — because for him, safety is personal. Resources and Websites Mentioned Email Justin Ford directly for free access to his safety course: safety@breezeway.io Breezeway (safety checklist software and certification platform): https://www.breezeway.io Consumer Reports smoke alarm ratings (free): https://www.consumerreports.org REIGN Mastermind community: https://www.reignmastermind.com Jen Josey's website: https://www.therealjenjosey.com 00:00 Show Intro and Warning 00:52 Creative Financing with Bad Credit 04:01 Meet Justin Ford 06:54 Justin's STR Origin Story 08:23 Why Safety Matters 09:54 The Hammock Incident 11:22 Fire Extinguishers and Alarms 13:38 Toddlers and Guest Assumptions 16:58 Top Risk Slips and Falls 19:32 Grill Fire Prevention 25:05 Appliance Maintenance Hazards 26:38 Safety Without Overwhelm 27:11 Smoke And CO Alarms 28:17 HOA Liability Boundaries 30:09 New STR Safety Regulations 32:46 Market Safety As Amenity 34:55 Common Host Safety Mistakes 36:49 Checklists And Documentation 40:09 Fire Pit Safety Rules 43:23 BADASS Rapid Fire 49:49 Safety First Industry Vision 51:00 Where To Find Justin 52:05 Podcast Wrap Up  

Let us know what you think of this episode with a text!Scott and Shaun sit down with retired firefighter John Sullivan to break down the unique mix of camaraderie and rivalry within the public safety family—one that's grown tighter than ever as expanding responsibilities and shrinking staffing levels force those on the job to rely on each other like never before.John Sullivan's Bio:John, a dedicated family man alongside his wife Terese, is a career fire service professional and communications expert. He began as a volunteer firefighter in 1995, became a paramedic in 1998, and joined the Addison Fire Protection District in 2000, rising to Battalion Chief in 2024.Over his career, he served as a Fire Inspector, CPR instructor, dive team member, and key advisor on regional communications systems, while contributing to apparatus planning and serving on an NFPA committee. His service earned multiple honors, including Addison Merit Awards and Run of the Year 2024.John retired in December 2025 after 25 years with Addison and continues consulting in the fire service. He has also worked with A Beep, LLC since 1996 and was promoted to Chief Business Officer in 2026.Email: 3copstalk@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.3copstalk.comYoutube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFWKMerhChCE6_s5yFqc4awFacebook: 3 Cops Talk | FacebookInstagram: https://instagram.com/3copstalk?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=