Can storage height decide fire safety? NFPA 13 webinar sets out the answers
Iain Hoey
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NFPA 13 webinar scheduled for September 2025
Telgian has announced that it will host a webinar on high pile stock requirements for sprinkler design under NFPA 13.
According to Telgian, the online course will take place on 11 September 2025 between 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm Eastern Time.
The organisation said the session will be presented by Ralph E. Bless, Jr., Executive Vice President of Innovation & Excellence at Telgian Engineering & Consulting.
It added that a recording will be available on demand for those who register but cannot attend the live presentation.
Telgian explained that the event will be delivered through the GoToWebinar platform and is accessible from a computer or compatible mobile device with an internet connection.
Focus of the webinar content
Telgian reported that the session will address how increased demand for warehouses and changes in space usage influence fire protection system design.
The organisation stated that storage occupancies remain one of the most complex scenarios for sprinkler layout and specification.
It explained that the course will review the main decision points when selecting an approved sprinkler design for a given storage application.
The provider noted that participants will be introduced to three core considerations: what commodities are stored, how they are arranged, and how high they are stacked.
Telgian added that examples will be used to show how these questions impact system design choices under NFPA 13.
Learning outcomes for participants
The organisation said attendees will learn how to classify different storage commodities and apply design approaches tailored to those categories.
It reported that participants will also be guided through the broader design process for storage occupancies.
Telgian added that the webinar will provide an overview of how NFPA 13 establishes the framework for fire sprinkler system installation.
The company noted that the course aims to strengthen understanding of the relationship between commodity classification, storage height, and sprinkler performance.
It confirmed that the structure of the webinar will include a one-hour presentation followed by a Q&A session.
Instructor experience and credentials
Telgian explained that the session will be led by Ralph E. Bless, Jr., who has four decades of experience in fire protection engineering.
It stated that he is a licensed Professional Engineer in six US states, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, and a senior-level NICET-certified sprinkler layout technician.
The organisation reported that he also holds Level III NICET certification in inspection and testing of water-based systems, alongside several other technical credentials.
Telgian added that Ralph serves on six NFPA committees, including the NFPA 1 Fire Code and NFPA 15 Water Spray Systems.
It confirmed that he also chairs the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Installation Criteria Committee, as well as technical committees for NFPA 232 Record Storage and NFPA 915 Remote Inspections.
Registration and access details
According to Telgian, registration is open through the Fire Smarts website.
It explained that participants who register will receive an access link via email before the session.
The organisation added that registered participants who cannot attend live will be able to view the recorded webinar afterwards.
Telgian confirmed that no specialist software is required beyond internet access and a compatible device.
It stated that the format is designed to allow broad accessibility for those working in fire protection or related fields.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The course is intended to provide sector professionals with applied knowledge of NFPA 13, which governs sprinkler system installation.
For engineers and consultants, the content offers guidance on interpreting and applying design options for challenging storage occupancies.
For facility managers, the session outlines how storage practices influence system requirements and compliance with NFPA standards.
For regulators and inspectors, the training highlights the decision points used to evaluate sprinkler adequacy in warehouses and other storage environments.
Webinar reviews NFPA 13 high pile stock sprinkler design: Summary
Telgian has announced a webinar on high pile stock requirements for sprinkler design under NFPA 13.
The course will take place online on 11 September 2025 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Time.
The session will be delivered through GoToWebinar and a recording will be available for registrants.
The instructor will be Ralph E. Bless, Jr., Executive Vice President of Innovation & Excellence at Telgian Engineering & Consulting.
The webinar will review key questions that influence sprinkler system design for storage applications.
Topics include commodity classification, storage method, and storage height.
Attendees will be introduced to NFPA 13 design options for storage occupancies.
The course will provide an overview of the design process for sprinkler systems in warehouse settings.
Ralph Bless has 40 years of fire protection experience and holds multiple professional licences and certifications.
He serves on six NFPA committees and chairs the NFPA 13 Sprinkler System Installation Criteria Committee.
Registration is available through the Fire Smarts website.
An access link will be sent to registered participants before the event.
Those who cannot attend live will be able to watch the recording after the session.
The webinar is intended for engineers, consultants, facility managers, and regulators.
It aims to clarify decision points in storage-related fire protection design.
NFPA 13 remains the governing standard for sprinkler installation in storage occupancies.