At the United Association of Sprinkler Fitters, Local 696, we're responsible for protecting businesses, schools, homes, and, more importantly, precious lives, from the devastation of fire. It's no wonder we take our jobs so seriously.

Too many cut corners by not installing reliable automatic sprinkler systems. In the event of a fire, these shortcuts can lead to immeasurable damage. Statistics show that buildings with proper fire protection systems suffer twenty-four percent less damage and fire loss than unsprinklered properties.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 1983 to 1987, damage from hotel fires was seventy-eight percent less in building with sprinkler systems than those without. What's more, the water damage from automatic sprinkler systems is considerably less than from a fire department's hose stream because sprinkler systems require a minimal amount of water to operate. Oftentimes, a fire is brought under control by only three sprinkler heads, sometimes even fewer.

With so much riding on the skills of our Sprinkler Fitters, it is critical that our journeymen receive the best training available. In addition to a rigorous apprenticeship program, many UA Sprinkler Fitters choose to expand their skills by voluntarily participating in advanced training programs. Some even go on to become instructors through the United Association International Instructor Training Program.

The members of Sprinkler Fitters Local 696 are committed to providing quality installation, service and repair to the piping and fixtures used in sprinkler systems. They know that when human lives are at stake, there is no room for error and there might not be a second chance to get it done right. That's why the Sprinkler Fitters of Local 696 do the job right, the first time, every time.