GAFSED News

K-GUARD Class-K Fire Extinguisher Safety Notice

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:34:43 GMT

Restoring Portable Fire Extinguishers on DoD Installations

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:09:01 GMT

In Memorium: Michael Laderoute (1952-2025)

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:51:20 GMT

NAFED is sad to share the news of the passing of an industry giant, Michael (Mike) Laderoute on February 6, 2025, after a serious accident while riding his electric scooter. His wife of 50 years, Barbara (Timmins), their two adult children, Jeffrey (45) and Kelly (47), and his son-in-law, James Longmire, were all by his side during his final moments.

Mike was very involved in several state and national organizations in the fire safety industry, including NAFED. He was a fixture at the conferences, whether teaching sessions or working a booth at the expo. He was frequently sought out for his knowledge and expertise, loved to educate, and was a genial presence. In 2006, NAFED awarded Mike with a Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions and outstanding service to the fire protection industry.

Beyond NAFED, Mike's influence reached far and wide. Before retiring in 2024, he had been in fire protection for five decades, working for various manufacturers, serving on committees for the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and acting as a code consultant for the Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association (FEMA). He even held a US Patent for a fire extinguisher nozzle design. His achievements were many.

His family will hold a celebration of life during the summer, and in the meantime would love to hear your cherished memories.

You can do so, and read the full obituary, here .

NOTICE OF ENFORCEMENT DISCRETION REGARDING CYLINDERS THAT HAVE EXCEEDED THEIR PERIODIC REQUALIFICATION TEST DATE

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:27:36 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) understands that due to the flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Helene, many members of the medical and industrial gas industry may be experiencing difficulty in obtaining cylinders due to the increased demand for these gases or a disruption in the normal business model for cylinder exchange and testing facilities.

Work performed out of state on Portable Fire Extinguishers

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:53:04 GMT

lithium-ion batteries

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:45:49 GMT

As the prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in our daily environment continues to increase, so does the need for a fire protection solution. To capitalize on this growing market, several companies have introduced fire extinguishers to the marketplace that claim to address the multiple hazards associated with lithium-ion thermal runaway/fire events. However, there is no testing standard for these types of hazards, and many of these products present limitations which, among other things, may be hazardous to the first responder.

As an example, one fire extinguisher is advertised to have a 1A rating. This small, water-based product will not meet most existing code requirements for commercial, industrial, and government facility applications. Due to their size, some of these fire extinguishers have a short range, potentially putting the user in harm’s way. Additionally, lithium-ion battery thermal runaway/fire events often present multiple hazards which may include Class A, B, C, and even D fire classifications. Pairing an appropriately classified extinguisher with the potential hazard is important. For instance, using a fire extinguisher without a Class C rating on electrically energized hazards may cause an electric shock to the first responder.

Finally, some promote that their fire extinguishers meet the NTA 8133 Dutch technical agreement (commonly known as the “Dutch Standard”), which is a standard that neither the NFPA nor UL recognize. The NFPA 10 technical committee evaluated many public comments related to lithium-ion thermal runaway/fire events and has yet to develop a standard due to the challenges associated with this type of hazard. Amerex remains committed to working with third-party nationally recognized test laboratories and other industry experts to develop standards and solutions for lithium-ion battery hazards, and we will continue to test and develop various fire suppression agents. Read further detail about fire extinguishers and the risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires here .

Ben Pitts
Vice President — Sales and Marketing
Amerex-Fire.com

NFPA 96 2017 Edition

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:03:21 GMT

NFPA 96 2017 Edition , the currently adopted edition which does not change in the latest edition published by NFPA, requires that at minimum there be an audible OR visible indicator to show that the system has activated. In 10.6.2 it requires that IF the building has a fire alarm system the activation of the extinguishing system shall activate the building fire alarm system.

If an AHJ is requiring both an audible and visible indicator such as a horn strobe to activate upon extinguishing system activation when the building doesn’t already have a fire alarm system they are exceeding the minimum requirements stated above and can only do so if they have specifically required this through adoption of a local ordinance. The system’s manual “flag” or “indicating button” if visible in the space as provided by a manufacturer is sufficient to meet NFPA 96 if there is no fire alarm in the building. Please let me know if you have any questions and ask your membership to contact our office any time they encounter an AHJ that is applying this incorrectly. They can email me or Chief Gantt.

10.6 System Annunciation.

10.6.1

Upon activation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system, an audible alarm or visual indicator shall be provided to show that the system has activated.

10.6.2

Where a fire alarm signaling system is serving the occupancy where the extinguishing system is located, the activation of the automatic fire-extinguishing system shall activate the fire alarm signaling system.

Sincerely,

Craig D. Landolt CFCO
State Fire Marshal

Office of Commissioner John F. King
Two Martin Luther King Jr Drive SE
Suite 920 West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
C: 470-270-6499
clandolt@oci.ga.gov

The Dalton Fire Department is warning residents of a recent scam circling the community.

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:54:39 GMT

Jordan Rudzinski | Aug 17, 2023 Updated Aug 21, 2023

REMINDER: The Dalton Fire Department does not use third-party companies to perform fire safety inspections or any other services on behalf of the DFD. Earlier this year we told you about a fire extingusiher service company from out of town has been contacting local businesses in our area and using pushy sales tactics to suggest that they are offering fire inspections at the direction of the DFD but this is *not* the case. If you or your business are contacted by such a company, do not have the inspection done and please contact DFD Fire Marshal Matt Daniel at 706-529-7486 so we can investigate. If your business has fire extinguishers that need to be checked we recommend contacting a local fire extinguisher company. Anyone conducting fire inspections for the Dalton Fire Department will be easily identifiable personnel in a DFD uniform.

T he department reminds that they do not use third-party companies to perform fire safety inspections or any other services on behalf of the DFD.

The department says earlier this year they warned about a fire extinguisher service company from out of town contacting local businesses in the area and using pushy sales tactics to suggest that they are offering fire inspections at the direction of the DFD but this is *not* the case.

If you or your business are contacted by such a company, do not have the inspection done and please contact The Dalton Fore Department's Fire Marshal Matt Daniel at 706-529-7486 so we can investigate.

If your business has fire extinguishers that need to be checked, the department recommends contacting a local fire extinguisher company.

They also say anyone conducting fire inspections for the Dalton Fire Department will be easily identifiable personnel in a DFD uniform.

Update: ANSUL CLEANGUARD Fire Extinguisher DOT Requirements

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 18:47:25 GMT

Dear Member:

This Special Report updates a communication from back in March 2023. On May 23, 2023, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a revision to Special Permit (SP) DOT-SP 21502 for transportation of ANSUL CLEANGUARD fire extinguishers. The revision is the result of a DOT PHMSA editorial review of the Special Permit with intent to provide additional clarity.

Johnson Controls International (JCI) reached out to NAFED requesting assistance with broader dissemination of this important information to fire equipment distributors (FEDs). In addition to the first revision of DOT-SP 21502, ANSUL Bulletin No. 2023062 was issued to authorized ANSUL distributors on June 19, 2023. The bulletin provides the additional clarity sought on compliance to the updated SP along with a FAQ that speaks to cylinder requalification and hydrostatic test intervals for CLEANGUARD fire extinguishers.

We've included copies of DOT-SP 21502(r1) and ANSUL Bulletin No. 2023062. Download the documents here.

Should you require additional technical support please contact the manufacturer’s technical support desk for hand portables/wheeled units/stationary units at 1-800-862-6785 or ansul.us.techsupport.portables@tycoint.com .

ANSUL and CLEANGUARD are registered trademarks of JCI/Tyco Fire Products LP or its affiliates.

Elimination of CO2 Cartridges for use in Restaurant Systems

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 18:39:15 GMT

DATE: April 24, 2023

TO: Authorized ANSUL® Restaurant System Distributors and OEMs

FROM: Product Management, Restaurant Systems

SUBJECT: Elimination of CO2 Cartridges for use in Restaurant Systems

As part of our improved delivery initiatives, we are continuing to review all components offered for sale.

To assist with production efficiency and reduced lead times we will be discontinuing the offering of CO2 cartridges for use in restaurant systems, effective May 1st, 2023. The impacted part numbers are listed below with the applicable Nitrogen Cartridge replacement.

CO2 cartridges existing in field installations and distributor inventory may still be used until they are no longer able to meet testing and certification requirements.

All existing and new orders placed by April 28th 2023 will be fulfilled as product becomes available.

Should you have questions pertaining to this bulletin please contact your Territory Sales Manager or Technical Services at the below listed number.

Reminder: The Norb Makowka Award

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 18:08:57 GMT

Nominations for the new Norb Makowka Award are due April 8.

This year, NAFED is introducing The Norb Makowka Award. This annual award honors a technician in the fire protection industry who has put their energy and time into embracing codes and standards, working towards improving their knowledge and understanding in the fire protection industry, and investing time improving our industry through organizations, committees, and related associations.

Norb Makowka was a longtime Technical Director of NAFED who sadly passed away in 2022. This new award is a tribute to the energy Norb put into improving and enriching the fire protection industry for 49 years.

Norb was a driving force in the fire protection industry and devoted his career to improving and enhancing the codes and standards in our industry every day. Norb served as a highly qualified leader to our members and was the go-to guy for your DOT, NFPA, and product questions and concerns. He gave the association and its members thirty years of his service, working diligently on NFPA technical committees, developing the certification program, processing certification renewals, keeping an eye on local and federal regulations, developing, and administering training programs, and keeping everyone on top of changes to codes and standards at the conferences. There was never a question or concern from a member that Norb could not answer.

We hope that this award will encourage technicians to follow Norb’s example. If you know a promising candidate, please send an application today nominating a true technical leader from your organization. Please see the form for further requirements.

Download the nomination form »

Send forms to diane.pein@afpnj.com or fax (908) 769-1424.

Foam Extinguisher Agent and Recharge Disposal

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:18:30 GMT

Dear NAFED member:

The intent of this special report is to address the disposal of pre-mixed foam solutions utilized in foam extinguishers.

Fluorinated Class B firefighting foam has played an important role in the protection of flammable and combustible liquid risks over many decades. The ability of foam to rapidly extinguish flammable or combustible liquid spill or in-depth fires by separating the vapor from the fuel has effectively led to reduced property loss, lives saved, and minimized pollution that can result from the uncontrolled burning of flammable or combustible liquid fuels.

Yet, increased worldwide environmental awareness on the use of fluorinated Class B foam has focused on the potential adverse environmental impact of the foam solution discharge. Of primary concern is persistence in the environment, biodegradability in water and soil, toxicity levels, treatability in waste-water treatment plants, and mobility.

NFPA Requirements

NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (2022 ed.) details the General Requirements (Chapter 4), Selection of Portable Fire Extinguishers (Chapter 5), and Inspection, Maintenance, and Recharging (Chapter 7), and Hydrostatic Testing (Chapter 8) of foam fire extinguishers both Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and Film-Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP) types.

Foam Ag ent Disposal

When disposing of existing premixed agent in liquid charge-type foam extinguishers or unused foam agent charges it is recommended that you consult the manufacturer’s service manual or manufacturer’s instructions for guidance. If no specific guidance/information is provided, contact the manufacturer directly.

Please be aware many states and/or provinces have existing laws, rules, and/or regulations pertaining to the disposal of PFAS substances. Please consult your local resource(s) as appropriate.

The family of compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in consumer and industrial manufacturing are persistent in the environment and are comprised of over 6,000 compounds. The most widely known compounds in this group are perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFAS registered waste disposal firms are versed in the nomenclature, analysis methods, and treatment of these compounds. These companies can guide customers through the process of testing, treatment, and final deposition and destruction of their specific materials and media. Noted below is a short list of firms in alphabetical order.

Alert on PST Cylinder, LLC / DOT SP Permit Renewal

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:59:42 GMT

Dear Member:

Back on October 19, 2022, an alert pertaining to the expiration of PST Cylinders, LLC DOT SP-9791 certification was issued.

We received notice from G3 Industries Inc., parent company of PST, that DOT SP-9791 has been renewed. The new expiration date is November 30, 2026. Attached is a copy of the approved permit renewal for SP-9791 for your records/file.

Regards,
Dave P.

Alert on Expired DOT Permit

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:04:42 GMT

Dear Member:

It has been brought to NAFED’s attention that the DOT Special Permit (SP-9791) issued in the name of PST Cylinders expired September 30, 2022. Please note PST Cylinders, LLC, is now under the ownership of G3 Industries in Kronenwetter, Wisconsin. ( G3 Industries - Pressed Steel Tanks )

This information is being communicated to you to act accordingly, including notifying your customers, as appropriate, who may use this cylinder. SP-9791 authorized the manufacture, mark, sale, and use of a non-DOT specification cylinder conforming in part with the DOT-3AA specification, for use in the transportation of certain nonflammable, non-liquified compressed gases in commerce.

As with any permit expiration, search of the DOT PHMSA website (Special Permits) did not yield a renewed permit. Therefore, NAFED has contacted the manufacturer to obtain permit renewal status and will provide communication updates accordingly.

In accordance with federal regulations, no person may use or apply this special permit, including display of its number, when the special permit has expired or is otherwise no longer in effect.

Please contact me at 312.461.9600 if you have further questions.

Regards,
Dave P.

With your help, we open and staffed a new school!

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 22:01:16 GMT

GAFSED wins 3rd place!

Last October, we raised $145,000 at our Charity Clay Shoot because of your generous support! Well we got some really exciting news to share.

Jim Dunn, the Director of Refugio Brazil, who spoke at the Clay Shoot last year let us know that they were able to open a 4th school in Brazil! They were also able to hire a Brazilian staff member to help with all the programming so even more children can benefit from these schools. There are over 700 children being supported by these schools!

Thank you for your support and for making this possible. Below are some photos of the children you have supported.

THANK YOU!

Presentation of check from GAFSED to the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation in Augusta

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:11:42 GMT

Tracy Williams is the Administrative Manager for GAFSED. Please contact her should you have questions or need assistance for membership or training at 770-355-0774 or e-mail admin@gafsed.com

GAFSED Presents Plaque of Appreciation to Sherrie Clark

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 19:06:01 GMT

Daniel Laughlin and Cliff Bennett attended Sherrie Clark’s retirement ceremony to express our thanks for her tireless work she has done for the fire safety industry.

The Plaque Reads…

Sherrie Clark

In sincere appreciation for your hard work and dedication to our industry, companies, and the people of GAFSED

You have made our industry and the state of Georgia a better place to live and work.

Groundbreaking of the George M. Lanier Fire Protection Laboratory

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:14:49 GMT

Merrill Franklin represented GAFSED at the groundbreaking of the George M. Lanier Fire Protection Laboratory Groundbreaking Ceremony . The groundbreaking ceremony of the George M. Lanier Fire Protection Laboratory was held on Monday, April 21, 2014. This facility will be 2,400 square feet of state-of-the-art firefighting training. Training programs, which will include fully functional fire protection equipment, will provide Georgia Fire Service students with the opportunity to view, touch, and operate real fire protection systems.

Associate Member of the Year; Bobby Aggee AMEREX Corporation

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:54:49 GMT

The GAFSED Board chose Bobby Agee with the Amerex Corporation, as the 2013 Associate Member of the Year. Bobby was very active in GAFSED in 2013 often traveling from his home in Virginia to attend a GAFSED Quarterly Board meeting ‘s and lend support to our association. The Board thanks Bobby and Amerex for their involvement and support in making 2013 a Successful year.