Presentation: Join Vernon Champlin and Andrew Taggart, PE from Jensen Hughes for a case study and discussion of the design, construction, and commissioning of the most advanced cannabis processing facility in Colorado. This presentation will examine code compliant design for cannabis processing, high-piled biomass storage, combustible dust, CO2 and hydrocarbon extraction, winterization, crystallization, and distillation of CBD. Integrated solutions were applied to this project that provide layered safeguards via sprinklers, fire alarm, hazardous materials management, electrical safety, gas detection, and emergency ventilation. This presentation will challenge even the most experienced fire professional as considerations will be discussed that strike a fine balance between hazard analysis, engineering controls, public safety, and effective emergency operations.
This presentation will feature the following learning objectives:
- Appreciate the hazards associated with cannabis production and storage.
- Recognize the design and coordination challenges associated with hazardous materials related projects.
- Understand how risk analysis and management tools may be used to assist with comprehending the interaction between multiple building safety systems and emergency response.
- Recognize the shortcomings of the prescriptive fire and building code requirements applicable to cannabis facilities.
Guest Presenter:
Vernon Champlin, Jensen Hughes
Vernon Champlin, MPA/EFO/FM, is a Senior Consultant with Jensen Hughes. Mr. Champlin’s fire service career spans two decades in both operational and prevention capacities from firefighter to Chief Officer, and Fire Marshal. Mr. Champlin’s real world field experience contributes significantly to his basis of design and application of codes and standards to achieve an effective, yet realistic compliance strategy. In addition, he has worked extensively with design professionals, architects, engineers, contractors, and all levels of government involving urban, suburban, and rural development and construction projects. Mr. Champlin has presented both nationally and internationally on topics of fire suppression, fire protection, life-safety and wildland fire protection.
Andrew Taggart, PE, Jensen Hughes
Andrew J. Taggart, PE, is a Senior Fire Protection Engineer – Manager with 14 years’ experience. Mr. Taggart’s experience includes fire protection engineering, project management and technical oversight responsibilities for projects involving, fire and life safety code consulting; fire protection system analysis and design; storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids, and other hazardous materials; development of alternate compliance means for existing facilities and unique operations; fire hazards and risk-based analysis; emergency response; construction management; and fire protection system commissioning. Mr. Taggart’s work experience includes projects in a variety of sectors with a focus on the industrial, manufacturing, and oil & gas sectors.
