Creating the Tools of the Trade
Most everyone has heard the phrase, “necessity is the mother of invention.” This phrase often makes one
think of someone who is stuck and ingeniously figures a way out or invents something new. But then too,
people just think of better ways to do things. Consider how much the world has changed in your lifetime.
Change is moving so fast, we hardly remember something that was new a few years ago is now obsolete.
• The fire protection industry is moving just as fast with many innovations.
• New and Improved Products designed for quicker and easier installation including: Installation Ready
Couplings, 90’s & Tee’s, Improved Sprinkler heads, Flexible Drops, Dry Flexible Connections, Pre-
Assembled Valves, Easy to install Hangers/Attachments, PEX tubing, along with new tools designed to
reduce strain and speed up productivity.
• Automatic Welders and streamlined fabrication processes have helped to improve shop production.
• Improved computers, software programs and processes designed to improve accuracy and speed up
productivity on ever increasingly complex projects. On the Special Hazard side, we have an
improvement in the Notifier software that allows us to program the dialer and the panel together
instead of separately.
• BIM Technologies, including BIM 360 for I-Pads in the field are now commonplace and required.
• Trimble, GPS and GPR technology to pinpoint objects on a job site.
That being said, some of the greatest improvements have come from within Fire Engineering itself. For
example, Fire Engineering has pioneered an Estimating Program, which allows us to more accurately
estimate jobs and make on the spot modifications, as deemed necessary by our clients, never seen before.
Job Progress Reporting (JPR) has also revolutionized our ability to quantify actual labor costs, when
reported accurately, by all involved. This tool alone is used, by the company, to help manage and control
future profits on jobs. Furthermore, many contracts require breakdowns of labor hours and productivity
levels. Both these tools give us the ability to compete in the market place and manage complex projects
more efficiently, which improves our profitability and provides job security for everyone at Fire
Engineering.
What do you think the next two decades will produce? Who knows? But one can be sure, our industry
will be constantly changing for the better. Some innovations will come from our colleagues and suppliers
in the industry, but I believe the best improvements will continue to come from talented individuals and
groups of people within Fire Engineering itself.
By: Craig Atkinson
FIRELINE
Fire Engineering Co., Inc.
6/5/2017
Volume 13-17
The US Government requires contractors to pay Davis Bacon pay rates and fringe benefits on their
construction projects. These Davis Bacon rates started during the Great Depression, in 1930, when the
government wanted to make sure adequate wages were paid on their projects. The Davis Bacon laws are
still in effect today. Most often Davis Bacon pay rates are higher than your own personal wage rate, but
sometimes it is lower. But either way, Fire Engineering pays the higher of the two wages to you.
The fringe benefit rate required under Davis Bacon is most often the higher than your own fringe benefits.
The difference between the David Bacon fringe benefit and your regular benefit is paid directly to you. As
an example, if the fringe benefit is $16.00 per hour, and your regular benefits are $8.50 per hour, you will be
paid the difference of $7.50 per hour on your paycheck. ($16.00-$8.50=$7.50 per hour will be added to your
check).
Some like Nevada, require a specific pay rate for their own state projects. These rates are called “State
Prevailing Wages,” and do not include fringe benefits. Most often state prevailing wages are lower than
your current rate of pay, but either way, Fire Engineering pays the higher of the two wages to you.
SUMMER IS UPON US
As we gladly welcome the arrival of summer and its warmer months, we must remember the
hazards that come with them. Heat related illnesses walk hand in hand with the beautiful
weather. Our bodies can produce as much as two to three gallons of sweat as it tries to cool itself
down. We must counter this attack by replenishing the body with equal amounts of water. Do
not wait until thirst drives you looking for water, thirst is a poor indicator of how much fluid is
needed. Five to seven ounces of water should be consumed every 15 to 20 minutes. Water is your
best defense against the heat.
There are times when water alone is not enough to solve the issues your body has from the heat.
Water can and will help dilute your body’s fluids. Salt is needed to keep your body’s fluid at
normal pH levels. Some people may be watching their salt intake and should consult their
physician before adding more salt to their diet. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade have
been designed to replenish your body with the electrolytes lost through sweat. Electrolytes like
sodium, potassium, and chloride are needed when you are sweating from heavy activities and
help your muscles continue to perform at high levels. Sometimes water is just not enough.
Many of us enjoy spending time in the sun, just remember to drink plenty of water.
COMPANY BBQ NEW EMPLOYEES
Washington Park Tricia Morgan – Reception John White - Field
July 29, 2017 Lisa Thurston - Design Brent Wright - Field
Arrive at 3:00 Tylor Parkin - Shop
Dinner at 5:00