Episode Summary:
In one of the most powerful and timely episodes of The Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum sits down with Grant Lobdell, President of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, to unpack critical issues in sprinkler testing, NFPA compliance, and the changing landscape of fire protection technology.
The conversation begins with Dyne’s recent acquisition by NFPA Global Solutions, the new for-profit arm of NFPA focused on sustaining its life safety mission for the next century. Grant explains how this move positions Dyne to deliver greater value to contractors, engineers, and building owners through testing, accreditation, and innovation.
Drew and Grant then discuss the Fall River, Massachusetts, nursing home fire. In this tragic event, recalled O-ring sprinkler heads failed to activate, resulting in multiple fatalities in a fully sprinklered building. Together, they explore how NFPA 25 inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) requirements should have prevented such an outcome, and why many systems still fall through the cracks.
The episode also highlights a new collaboration between Inspect Point and Dyne Fire Protection Labs, aimed at automating the sprinkler testing process. By integrating Dyne’s laboratory testing capabilities directly into Inspect Point’s fire inspection software, contractors can now track sprinkler head test intervals, receive automated alerts, and send samples for testing with a single click—improving compliance, safety, and accountability.
Later, the discussion turns to foam testing and the industry’s ongoing transition from AFFF to fluorine-free foams (SFFF). Grant shares Dyne’s insights on how this shift impacts system performance, environmental compliance, and testing requirements under NFPA 11.
This episode is a must-listen for fire protection contractors, AHJs, engineers, and building owners committed to improving system reliability, maintaining compliance, and understanding the real-world impact of fire testing and maintenance.