https://www.ashe.org/ en Fri, 22 May 2026 06:29:24 -0500 Wed, 20 May 26 14:26:24 -0500 https://www.ashe.org/education-events/continuous-compliance-solutions-fire-rated-barriers-reduce-lifecycle-risk-webinar <p>Fire-rated barriers are critical life-safety features in healthcare facilities, yet initial construction and maintaining their integrity over time remains a persistent challenge. While many firestop solutions are code-compliant at the time of installation, inevitably some are deficient from the start.  Frequent service changes, cable additions, and renovations can compromise barrier performance, often shifting compliance risks and costs from capital construction expenditures (CapEx) to ongoing operational expenditures (OpEx). This course explores fire-rated barrier design and construction strategies that support continuous compliance throughout a facility’s lifecycle. Attendees will examine how traditional field-applied firestop materials can become vulnerable to degradation, re-entry, and inconsistent maintenance, and how alternative fire-rated pathway devices, building joint gasketing systems, and cast-in solutions can help reduce long-term risk, labor, and disruption. Through a systems-based approach, the presentation highlights how selecting appropriate fire-rated barrier solutions during design and construction can improve inspection readiness, reduce maintenance demands, and support safer, more resilient healthcare environments, without sacrificing flexibility for future infrastructure changes.</p><p> </p><h3>Learning Objectives</h3><ul><li><strong>Explain the “Continuous compliance” concept for fire-rated barriers in healthcare facilities</strong>, illustrating why initial code compliance does not always ensure long-term performance.</li><li><strong>Identify common lifecycle risks associated with traditional firestop approaches during initial construction,</strong> including degradation, re-entry, and inconsistent maintenance over time.</li><li><strong>Evaluate the lifecycle implications of fire-rated barrier strategies,</strong> comparing field-applied materials with pathway devices, building joint gasketing systems, and cast-in solutions from a labor, inspection, and operational standpoint.</li><li><strong>Discuss how design and construction strategies influence lifecycle outcomes, </strong>including reducing liability and capital risk, improving construction efficiency, lowering operational expenditures through improved inspection readiness, and supporting safer, more resilient healthcare environments over time.<br> </li></ul><p> </p><h3>Instructor</h3><img data-entity-uuid="a6503d3e-b68c-43e7-a5f3-5315303c1a48" data-entity-type="file" src="https://www.ashe.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/John_Zalepka_headshot%20%281%29.jpg" width="212" height="222" class="align-left"><p><strong>John Zalepka</strong><br>Director of Training<br>Specified Technologies Inc.</p><p>John Zalepka is the Director of Training & Industry Engagements at Specified Technologies Inc., where he oversees the accreditation and delivery of continuing education programs, including the widely specified Firestop Instructional Training (FIT) and all accredited CE modules. As a former Territory Manager in New York City, he brings hands-on experience from the field into the classroom. John is also a professional speaker, a member of the National Speakers Association, an internationally recognized Distinguished Toastmaster, and the author of The Presenter's Playbook.<br> </p><h3> </h3> Wed, 20 May 2026 14:26:24 -0500 Fire and Life Safety https://www.ashe.org/data-request-concealed-fire-sprinklers <p>The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) is actively gathering data on concealed fire sprinklers to enhance safety protocols. Concealed sprinklers, defined in NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and referenced in NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, are designed with a cover plate to aesthetically blend into the ceiling, making them less obtrusive. However, this design necessitates periodic inspection to ensure functionality and prevent premature activation. In 2022, the NFPA 25 committee proposed a five-year inspection interval to align with other maintenance activities requiring similar equipment, optimizing resource utilization. </p><p>This initiative underscores the commitment to continuous improvement in safety measures, acknowledging the balance between thorough inspection processes and practical considerations of cost and effort for facility owners and inspectors. The technical committee's decision, despite some opposition, indicates a consensus on the importance of these inspections while also recognizing the need for a pragmatic approach to their implementation.</p><p>ASHE requests that you submit your data by <span><strong>April 15, 2025,</strong></span> so that we can help develop a practical method for ensuring concealed fire sprinklers remain functional. Please <a href="https://www.ashe.org/system/files/media/file/2024/07/Concealed_Sprinkler_Inspection_Form_July_2024.xlsx">download the Excel document</a> linked below, follow the steps on the Instructions tab and record your data in the Form tab. Once you have completed your inspection and recorded relevant data, please upload your form to this <a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d200746cc1ce401ab3eb8150e54909eb">Data Portal</a>.</p><p>If you have any questions about the project, please contact <a href="mailto:jim.peterkin@tlc-eng.com">Jim Peterkin</a>.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-small" href="https://www.ashe.org/system/files/media/file/2024/07/Concealed_Sprinkler_Inspection_Form_July_2024.xlsx" target="_blank" title="Data Portal" roll="button">Excel Document</a> <a class="btn btn-primary btn-small" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d200746cc1ce401ab3eb8150e54909eb" target="_blank" title="Data Portal" roll="button">Data Portal</a></p> Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:22:06 -0500 Fire and Life Safety