Symposium Sessions

The ASSE Virtual Symposium is comprised of 90 minute webcast sessions which run March 1-2. And while the sessions run live during those two days, remember, ALL sessions are recorded. So if you can’t make your favorite session, don’t worry! You can catch the recording whenever it’s most convenient.

Opening Keynote Session - The NFPA Life Safety Code®-History, Development and Application

  • Description: In this opening session of the ASSE Virtual Symposium the NFPA's own Robert Solomon will talk about how, on the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the founding of ASSE, that this tragic event also prompted the NFPA into action in regards to occupant safety. He will then discuss how the Life Safety Code had application and impact on several historical fires and events including the Collinwood School fire, Cocoanut Grove nightclub, Our Lady of Angels school, Beverly Hills Supper Club, and MGM Hotel fire among others.
  • Mr. Solomon will then talk about the modern era of the Life Safety Code and show how the code and NFPA committees have responded to more recent events such as elevator evacuation ideas following the 9-11 attacks, The Station nightclub and the Nashville and Hartford Nursing home fires among others.
  • Speaker: Robert Solomon, Manager of the NFPA's Building Fire Protection and Life Safety Group

Symposium Sessions

What Every Safety Professional Needs to Know About Automatic Sprinklers

  • Description: In this session, you'll get an introduction to automatic sprinkler systems. We'll also discuss the different types of systems, different types of sprinklers, and sprinkler system design requirements, as well as how to manage additions and changes to your facilities.
  • Speaker: Jacob Epstein, Associate Consultant, Aon Risk Solutions, Global Risk Consulting, Fire Protection Engineering

The Fire Prevention Plan: Another Type of Hazard Analysis

  • Description: Fire hazards should be included as part of any hazard analysis. This session will explore the importance of developing a fire prevention plan using basic hazard analysis as part of a comprehensive EHS management system. OSHA standards interpretations, the OSHA Fire Safety Advisor, NFPA Standards, FM Global Technical Data Sheets, and best practices will be used to drive the discussion around planning elements such as ignition control, housekeeping, written programs, and training.
  • Speaker: Gabriel F. Miehl, CSP, CFPS, GE Transportation, Erie, PA Speaker: Gabe Miehl

Predictive Maintenance Integration for Electrical Distribution Safety & Reliability

  • Description: Safety professionals can proactively enhance the safety and reliability of their electrical systems by using predictive maintenance (PdM) technologies. The potential and support for safety programs is unleashed once this condition monitoring data is centralized and users have access to a dashboard of analysis tools highlighting safety, reliability and ROI information.
  • Speaker: Dale Smith, CMRP, SMRP, AMP, Roof Asset Management

Hazard Recognition

  • Description: Even in organizations that effectively manage safety and health, hazards can be overlooked by employees and supervisors in the field that could lead to fires and explosions.  The employee performing the task is the last line of defense from injury and illness.  Before a job or task is started, there are several tools useful to the employee to identify both unsafe conditions and unsafe practices.  Using pictures, we’ll practice the Final Safety Check, the Ten Second Drill, Out of View Observations, Looking for Differences, Pre Use Equipment Inspections and What If.
  • Speaker: David Coble, CSP, President, CTJ Safety Associates

Is Your Sprinkler System Giving you a False Sense of Security?

  • Description: While the other session on sprinklers deals with the technical aspects, this one focuses on the important management issues.  The main focus of this topic is to explain what is needed to implement an effective inspection, testing, and maintenance program for your water based fire protections systems in accordance with NFPA 25. Procedures for carrying out drain tests, waterflow tests, fire pump tests will be described, and numerous photos will support the presentation.
  • Speaker: Walter S. Beattie, CSP, CFPS, CSHM, Senior Consulting Engineer - Insurance Services with AXA MATRIX Risk Consultants

Assessing and Managing Combustible Dust Risks

  • Description: This session will discuss methods for determining and managing combustible dust risks, including:  sampling strategies; overview of voluntary standards; administrative controls including training needs, and; control methodologies.
  • Speaker: Ron Allen. Mr. Allen’s professional safety career began 37 years ago when he was appointed as Administrator, Technical Services for ASSE.  Plant, division, group and corporate EHS leadership positions followed with FMC Corporation, Monsanto Company, Emerson Electric, Eaton Corporation, and Imperial Sugar Company before recently entering private practice.  He joined Imperial Sugar in March 2009 as Senior Director, Environmental, Health, Safety, Quality & Food Safety a little more than a year after the company experienced a tragic combustible dust explosion that claimed the lives of 14 employees.  He recently departed Imperial Sugar following the company’s successful settlement negotiations with OSHA.  He also served as an adjunct professor at Des Moines Area Community College. Mr. Allen earned an M.S. in Safety Management from West Virginia University and is a Professional Member of ASSE.  He is a Certified Safety Professional, Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Professional Environmental Auditor, and a registered Environmental Management Systems auditor. 

Combustion Safety

  • Speaker: Bryan Baesel, Senior Account Engineer, CEC Combustion Services Group
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