Most commercial and multi-family residential buildings in Fairfax County constructed in the last 40 years are equipped with many types of fire protection systems and equipment (e.g., fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps). These systems have proven to be reliable in early detection, notification, and suppression of fire, and their dependable service protects many thousands of citizens and billions of dollars in property. Fire protection systems work automatically in case of fire and in most instances, they activate long before the arrival of fire apparatus. Consequently, firefighting strategies are often dependent upon the proper operation of these systems.
After reviewing the fire alarm and sprinkler systems training that was available to firefighters and fire prevention personnel, it was determined that additional training was needed to identify the readiness of these systems and to properly manage these systems during emergency and non-emergency events. This prompted the Office of the Fire Marshal to begin planning for a training laboratory to incorporate working fire alarm and sprinkler systems like those found throughout Fairfax County. To our good fortune, fire alarm and sprinkler companies agreed to donate and install several systems.
In the early planning stages, it was determined there were approximately 3,500 career and volunteer firefighters in Northern Virginia who could benefit from this type of "hands on" training facility. Upon hearing of the developing Fire Alarm & Sprinkler Systems Training (FASST) Lab, nearby fire departments voiced their support and began planning their participation in the training.
As the industry experts, it was important to work with the fire protection system trade unions and other aligned industries to assist with the development of the FASST Lab. Most of their employees and apprentice-level trainees learned their trade through years of hands-on work. Unfortunately, their formal evaluations were often limited to "chalkboard & written tests" that lacked interaction with real systems and components. These aligned industries showed interest in using this facility to test their employees' skills during national certification tests and since opening, the fire protection industry has used the lab for evaluations and training.
Another group of potential trainees was the commercial property managers who, in most cases, had little knowledge about the fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems at their properties. It was believed that if provided with an increased knowledge of their systems in their buildings, they would understand the importance of inspecting, testing, and maintaining these systems and receive priority when making budget management decisions. Therefore, the planning also focused on developing and offering training and education to our community property managers who could also earn valuable CEUs for their professional certifications.
Training could be offered to building maintenance managers/personnel for the same reasons. The more knowledge that maintenance personnel had of their systems, the better their systems would be maintained. Further, it was planned to offer some classes in other languages such as Spanish, as English is a second language for many building maintenance personnel working within Fairfax County.
After extensive planning, the first FASST Lab was constructed in an 850 square foot mobile classroom trailer. The Lab opened in 2008 with enough room to educate 24 students. The total amount that Fairfax County expended to transform a classroom trailer into the first FASST Lab training facility was $2,706.92. Other funds were provided by state and federal grants. The complete value of donated systems approached $400,000. With the systems, it was possible to replicate about 99% of all the different types of systems found in Fairfax County.
With the help of the fire protection industry, the current FASST Lab moved and was expanded as part of the construction of the new Public Safety Headquarters. Industry volunteers moved with the existing equipment and donated additional equipment and new systems to keep up with the ever-evolving fire protection industry. The new 2,500 square foot FASST Lab opened in 2017 and accommodates 50 students.
The different fire protection systems in the FASST Lab provide opportunities to train fire service personnel, fire protection industry personnel, building engineers, property managers, and owners in a realistic environment. It is a “win-win” training opportunity that will help ensure that fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems will work correctly, if needed. When fire protection systems work correctly, citizens and firefighters will be safer and businesses will experience fewer property losses, thereby assuring the continued economic advancement of our community.