Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/31502
SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS MAY 2011 www.securitysystemsnews.com FIRE SYSTEMS INSTALLATION 21 Getting to know your AHJ builds understanding By Tess Nacelewicz VIENNA, Va.—Stopping by your AHJ’s office just to say “Hi” could help increase understanding when it comes time to determine whether a fire alarm meets code. That was one of the suggestions in a March Webinar entitled “estab- lishing an effective relationship with your local AHJ (authority having UTCFS Continued from page 20 Systems News: “Aligning our U.S. fire and security services businesses under the Chubb brand sup- ports our goal to be the No. 1 fire and security service provider in the U.S. Chubb is committed to providing a consistent high standard of service, profession- alism and quality, and the new brand provides a more seamless interface for our customers.” He said the single brand name “will help us build stronger brand recognition on a regional and national basis.” Flint also said the move would aid the company in hiring. He said UTC Fire & Security is now “better positioned to attract leading talent in the industry who have an interest in joining a large multi-national, which was a bit more challenging when having multiple brands.” He said centralizing the U.S. services businesses is part of UTC Fire & Security’s long-term global strategy. “Our fire and security service businesses in Canada, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Netherlands, France and Belgium have already been consolidated under the Chubb name,” Flint said. Chubb, founded in 1818, serves more than 1 million cus- tomers worldwide from more than 400 locations and has near- ly 10,000 technicians, according to UTC Fire & Security. Buckhout joined UTC in 2007 with 15 years of management and consulting experience, the company said. At UTC Fire & Security, he was president of the Systems & Fire Fighting business in the Europe-Middle East- Africa region and most recently served as president, Global Fire Products, the company said. “Scott’s significant expe- rience in Europe, coupled with his general manage- ment skills, and broad indus- try knowledge make him well qualified,” UTC CEO Louis Chenevert said in a statement. SSN Does Your Inspection Reporting System Deliver the Critical Data Your Customers Need? BuildingReports’ web-based inspection reporting system and unique bar code technology can deliver device specifi c reports for your customers with more detail than any other system! jurisdiction).” The Central Station Alarm Association, based here, spon- sored the session, presented by Tom Presnak, UL senior auditor, and Mike O’Brian, a Michigan fire marshal. The session noted that updates to standards, rapid improvements in technology and limited resources put pressure on not only installers, but on AHJs as well. The Webinar cov- ered ways installers can improve work- ing relationships with AHJs. Tips included getting to know an AHJ and making sure that techni- cians who interact with them are well trained and knowledgeable. Presnak pointed out that AHJ’s backgrounds vary widely. In a large city, he said, AHJ’s “may have no fire- fighting background, they’re strictly engineer types.” Some come from law enforce- ment, and “some are former alarm technicians, some sprinkler guys,” he said. Also, to cut spending, some municipalities have put fire marshals back on firefighting duty and had city building inspectors take over fire marshal’s duties. Presnak said. “So, from an alarm company’s standpoint, it’s really good to understand who you’re going to be dealing with, and what their background is. SSN *0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0* Trusted reporting data your customers need: • 3rd Party Verifi cation • Inventory & Warranty Report • Time/Date Inspected • Automated Product Recall Alerts • Service Authorizations • Discrepancy Reports • 24/7 Access • NFPA Embedded Codes & Standards 770.495.1993 sales@buildingreports.com www.BuildingReports.com inspection reporting solution The world’s most trusted