CPD Lecture: Records Storage Fires and Sprinkler Protection and Large-Scale Fire Tests of Cartoned Paper Records in Multi-Level Catwalk Storage Systems

A CPD lecture was held on 10 June 2008 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University with 50 attendants concerning the discussion of significant fire incidents involving records storage facilities and the methodology and results of a large-scale fire test program involving cartoned paper records in multi-level catwalk storage systems that was conducted in 2007.

The invited speaker, Mr. Varn is a practicing attorney and partner with the Boston-based law firm of Sullivan & Worcester LLP with over 25 years of commercial litigation experience. He represents clients in a broad range of commercial and financial litigation, corporate investigations and crisis management, including investigations and claims and defenses arising out of large loss fires and other catastrophes, and also matters involving fire and life safety codes and standards. Mr. Varn has represented numerous clients in matters involving fire and life safety codes and standards promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association/NFPA International, and serves as a member of NFPA’s Committee on Record Protection that is responsible for NFPA 232, Standard for the Protection of Records. Larry is an active member of PRISM International, NFPA and the International Association of Arson Investigators (International and Massachusetts and United Kingdom chapters), an allied professional member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and an affiliate member of the National Fire Sprinkler Association, and speaks regularly to business and professional audiences on fire protection codes and issues.

Dr. N.K. Fong, Mr. Larry L. Varn, Prof. W.K. Chow     Invited speaker Mr. Larry L. Varn

Introduction by Dr. N.K. Fong                   Attended by 50 experts

Coffee break

BSE News CPD 10Jun08