Cost-effective E-learning for professionals

NFPA Journal, Nov/Dec 2003 by Nicholson, John

NFPA'S ONLINE LEARNING center, which provides the training you require in a convenient, cost-effective manner, has expanded its offerings to include four eight-course certificate programs: automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm fundamentals, electrical installations in hazardous locations, and fire and life safety in health care occupancies. If you're an entry-mid-level designer, installer, enforcer, inspector, safety supervisor, or educator, you'll benefit from these programs.

The new automatic sprinkler systems course covers such topics as planned sprinkler system impairments, special sprinkler systems, and an introduction to automatic sprinklers.

The basic fire alarm program covers system functions, power supplies, basic circuit design, and an introduction to initiating devices, while the advanced program covers specialized fire detectors and supervisory initiating devices.

In the flammable liquids courses, topics will include handling flammable liquids, flammable liquids and portable containers, and flammable liquids in storage rooms. Other certificate courses offered online include advanced topics in fire alarms and handling flammable liquids.

Recognized experts prepared each self-paced, 30-minute course as a series of interactive lessons that will keep you involved and facilitate learning. Case studies and quizzes measure your progress and proficiency.

Select individual courses at just $35 per course or choose an entire certificate program for $196. When you complete all of the courses in a program, you'll earn 0.4 CEUs and a certificate. To try a demo course or to register, log on to www.nfpalearn.org.

Certification programs

NFPA has added new certifications to its professional development offerings. In January, we launched the Certified Building Inspector and Certified Building Plans Examiner Programs. In June, we followed with the Certified Fire Inspector II Program. And in August, we launched the Certified Residential and Certified Master Electrical Inspector Programs. We've also begun preliminary needs-assessment work on a Certified Building Official Program.

To review all of NFPA's certification programs now offered, visit www.nfpa.org/certification.>Safety Conference and Exposition

The 2004 NFPA World Safety Conference and Exposition® (WSCE) is scheduled to take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, from May 23 to 26. The theme for the conference is "Building a Safer World."

Conference tracks will include sessions devoted to business continuity, detection and suppression, the National Electrical Code® (NEC®), firefighting and emergency response, life safety, leadership, research, and safety and security.

In addition, we've planned two new pavilions. The NEC Pavilion will feature products and services for design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment, while the security Pavilion will feature the latest in security products and systems to help protect people, premises, and property.

NEC users

The necforum: the NEC Users Symposium & Exposition will offer dynamic NEC-related educational sessions with the added bonus of the new NEC Pavilion. This year it will be held in conjunction with the WSCE, giving symposium attendees the added benefit of full access to the exposition, including the keynote speeches and the opening general sessions.

The NEC Users Symposium emphasizes the electrical code, electrical safety, emerging issues, and design and maintenance.

Educational sessions will address the requirements of NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces; improving electrical safety programs; industry trends; best practices; new equipment; electrical design choices; and electrical issues related to life safety.

Copyright National Fire Protection Association Nov/Dec 2003

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