STV Associate and Senior Fire Protection and Plumbing Engineer Jen McHale, PE, LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP, was appointed to the Massachusetts Fire Safety Commission’s Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board.
In this role, McHale will conduct hearings for individuals seeking relief from fire department orders or requirements and leverage her expertise to provide informed opinions on variance requests. This opportunity aligns perfectly with her passion for fire protection, code interpretation and community involvement, allowing her to contribute to public safety on a broader scale.
“I look forward to experiencing the other side of the table and listening to and providing my guidance on peoples’ variance requests,” McHale added.
At STV, McHale plays a crucial role in safeguarding building occupants through meticulous design and by adhering to code compliance. From assessing existing conditions to developing comprehensive solutions for complex projects, McHale’s expertise is instrumental in creating secure environments prioritizing life safety.
In the field, one of McHale’s proudest achievements is her work for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Quincy Bus Maintenance Facility Project, which involved designing a facility for electric buses – a relatively uncharted territory with limited code updates. This project required extensive coordination with local fire departments and state building inspectors to reach agreements on the best design approach for a facility housing electric vehicles.
“I enjoyed learning about electric vehicles, studying the codes and working with the results of fire modeling to arrive at a design direction that we could present to project officials,” McHale said.
Another standout project McHale supported is the MBTA’s Green Line Light Rail Extension, where she designed plumbing and fire protection systems for seven train stations and a vehicle maintenance facility. The sheer scale and involvement of multiple entities, including city and state officials, contractors, owners and local communities, presented a unique learning opportunity. She navigated this intricate project with finesse, gaining invaluable experience in managing large-scale endeavors with diverse stakeholders.
