Rita Neiderheiser

About Rita Neiderheiser

I’ve been a UA Local Union 669 Sprinkler Fitter since 1978. My work has included all phases of installation, maintenance, project management, and inspection and testing, as well as safety, training, advocacy, representing sprinkler fitters, and providing expertise for our codes and standards. I worked as a Technical Advisor for UA Local Union 669 Sprinkler Fitters from February 2009 until October 2024. My work was focused on fire sprinkler codes and standards, public awareness and acceptance of fire protection systems, water safety and fire sprinkler systems, and certification and licensure of fire sprinkler installers and inspectors. I was instrumental in helping bring about certification for fire sprinkler installers in both Denver and Colorado. I’ve worked on the NICET Practice Analysis Working Group to update the certification program for Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems. Before my retirement from UA Local 669 in October 2024, I was the Chairperson for the ASSE Technical Committee. I was also a member of the following boards and committees: UA Local Union 669 JATC; Advisory Board for the Colorado Division of Fire Safety; the Backflow Prevention Education Council of Colorado; the NFPA 14 Technical Committee; NFPA 75 Technical Committee; NFPA 150 Technical Committee; the ASSE Committee; the ASSE Committee; and the ASSE Cross Connection Control Technical Committee.I\'ve been a UA-Certified Instructor since 2007 (when I completed the UA Instructor Certification Program) and a UA Master OSHA Instructor since 2008. I was the instructor for my local in Denver, while continuing to work as a journeyperson, from 2003 to 2009. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree at the Labor College in May 2010.My certifications include: Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST); NICET – Inspection & Testing and NICET – Design & Layout; ICC Fire Inspector ll; ASSE Backflow Tester, Repairer, Fire Sprinkler System Tester, and Surveyor; and UA Star.

Experience

1. Ua Master Osha Instructor

   United Association

   Aug 2008 — Present

Education

• Washtenaw Community College

  Associate's Degree

• National Labor College

  Bachelor's Degree

Skills

• Sprinkler
• Inspection
• Nfpa
• Nicet Certification Level Iii, Automatic Sprinkler System Layout
• Backflow Prevention
• Nicet Certification Level Iii, Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems
• Nicet
• Fire Safety
• Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Fire Protection