The National Fire Academy will pilot two new courses for its curricula in 2007. The two courses, Fire and Life Safety Plans Review (P 132) and Fire Protection for the Built Environment (P135), will be offered Aug. 26-31, 2007, and Sept. 16-21, 2007, respectively.

Fire and Life Safety Plans Review will assist students in verifying that construction documents comply with applicable building and fire codes for fire protection and life safety requirements. Subjects addressed in the course will include site plan reviews for emergency apparatus access, water supply and hydrants for fire protection; review of architectural drawings for construction requirements, means of egress for life safety and fire-resistive compartmentalization; evaluation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning; evaluation of exit illumination and emergency power supplies; and assessment of the need for built in fire protection systems and smoke control/management systems.

Selection criteria for Fire and Life Safety Plans Review includes individuals who are, or expect to be, responsible for verifying code compliance of construction documents from a fire protection standpoint. Those who have taken Plans Review for Inspectors (R102 or N102) will not be admitted to this course.

Fire Protection for the Built Environment is designed to assist students in understanding the underlying life safety and fire protection concepts from which modern building/fire code regulations are derived. It will emphasize essential life-safety and fire protection concepts so the student will be able to analyze hazardous conditions, interpret requirements found in building/fire codes and standards, and develop rational compliance strategies based on their evaluation of the circumstances.

Topics covered by Fire Protection for the Built Environment will include the legal and administrative aspects of fire and life-safety controls; fire suppression and control concepts; characteristics of materials that contribute to fire, heat and smoke; hazardous materials and control concepts; storage systems; egress design concepts; building construction methods and services; hazardous operations; water supply systems; and technological applications for fire protection.

The NFA encourages local jurisdictions to submit applications of both their fire and building plans examiners to attend either course together if both meet the selection criteria. Priority selection will be given for up to five pairs of such officials per course offering. Applications must be submitted together and be approved and signed by the head of the sponsoring organization, with a cover letter indicating that they are applying as a team.

Those who attend pilot classes are expected to participate in a critical review of the course material and offer their comments to improve the course. Those who wish to apply should download and complete Form 75-5 and mail the application to: NETC Office of Admissions, Building I, Room 216, 16825 South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, Md., 21727 or fax it to 301-447-1441.

Students attending pilot courses remain eligible for annual stipends to attend the National Fire Academy. Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31 to be considered.