West Virginia Society for Healthcare Engineering

03/08/2026

Want to get a professional certification or take a course to improve your Healthcare Engineering career? Can help!

03/08/2026

Have you always wanted to know more about the FGI Guidelines, FGI University can help. This is a Great Resource for Training, Webinars, Podcasts, and Course on how to use the Guidelines including the Changes to the 2026 Version. Go to

02/04/2026

https://youtu.be/HugplLYOOZM?si=oLVBE_eRq8HtTx8r

Great story from one of our members, please take a second to watch, it is American Heart Month!

As part of our new Heart Healthy Hunting campaign in West Virginia, we are sharing stories from hunters and their families who were impacted by heart disease...

02/04/2026

Some insight into WV Infection Prevention!

We’re excited to launch a new feature designed to help our members get to know the faces behind APIC-WV’s leadership. Throughout the year, we’ll be spotlighting those who serve our chapter — sharing their professional journeys, personal stories, and what inspires them in infection prevention.

🌟 Meet Rachel Hatfield MSN-Ed, RN, CMSRN, CIC, 2025 APIC-WV Membership Secretary🌟

Please join us in celebrating Rachel and we look forward to her continued work in championing our infection prevention community! 👏

Also Happy Birthday Rachel!! 🎉🎂

01/25/2026

Very important information with the impending storm and extra low temperatures!

🚨 Fire Sprinkler System Winter Storm Reminder for Business Owners, Property Managers, and Fire Departments 🚨

With the impending winter storm bringing extreme low temperatures and potentially significant ice accumulation, there is a high potential for widespread power outages caused by ice on trees and power lines. When power is lost, many commercial buildings may also lose heat. When building heat is lost in these conditions, fire sprinkler systems become at risk of freezing and rupturing, leaving buildings without their primary fire protection system.

Important Reminder:

If a fire sprinkler system becomes inoperable for any reason, including freezing, rupture, or loss of water supply, a fire watch must be instituted immediately and remain in effect until the system is restored to operable condition in accordance with the West Virginia State Fire Code and its adopted NFPA standards.

Fire watch requirements include:

✔ Continuous monitoring of affected areas by a dedicated fire watch person or persons
✔ Proper documentation
✔ Proper notifications and reporting
✔ Emergency repairs initiated as soon as practically possible

The Office of the West Virginia State Fire Marshal provides step by step guidance on how to properly implement fire watch procedures.

Visit 👉 firemarshal.wv.gov/divisions/fire-life-safety-inspections to access:

• A two page instruction sheet explaining
– When fire watch is required
– How fire watch must be conducted
– How it must be reported

• An official Fire Watch Log Sheet

If a building is occupied or in use and the fire sprinkler system becomes impaired for any reason, a fire watch is required and repairs must be started as soon as practically possible.

The Fire Marshals Association of West Virginia is issuing this reminder due to the expected winter storm conditions that could result in ice related power loss, frozen sprinkler systems, and increased fire risk.

This reminder is about public safety and protecting the people inside these buildings while fire protection systems are impaired due to severe winter weather.

01/24/2026

Congratulations, everyone meet your New APIC Board!

Meet APIC West Virginia’s 2026 Board of Directors!

12/31/2025

Want to give a shout-out to Joseph Smith, the First WVSHE member to get his certification through . Joe is a Building Automation technician at WVU Medicine’s Ruby Memorial Campus. He is the second person in the state to receive the certification! Big congratulations Joe!

12/26/2025

Great educational opportunity and great networking!

📅 SAVE THE DATE

The FMAWV Spring Conference is heading to Barboursville, West Virginia on April 13–14, 2026.

We are excited to bring fire marshals, building officials, industry partners, and public safety professionals together for two days of education, collaboration, and connection.

📌 More details coming soon, including educational sessions, registration information, lodging details, and our planned Monday evening social.

Mark your calendar now and stay tuned. We will be sharing updates as they become available.

12/26/2025

Happy Holidays from !!!

10/31/2025

Quality healthcare tucked away in Buckhannon!

10/28/2025

A few members at the Fall conference, learning about Life Safety! Great class by Virtual Fire Academy and Pete Cutrer!

10/22/2025

Great post about OHFLAC’s very own, Mr. P.J. Cooper!

🌟Employee Spotlight: PJ Cooper🌟

Meet PJ Cooper, a dedicated member of our Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC) Division who's been making an impact in West Virginia's healthcare facilities for more than 30 years!💪🏗

PJ's career journey began in mine engineering at WVIT. He later pivoted to HVAC and construction, mastering both commercial and residential projects. In 1994, he joined the West Virginia Rehabilitation Hospital - and by 2004, found his true professional home at the Office of Inspector General in our OHFLAC Division. 🏥✨

🧩What PJ loves most: Solving complex building concerns and collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure safe, well-designed facilities that serve West Virginians statewide.

Fun Fact: PJ's an outdoorsman at heart - he loves hunting, fishing, hiking, and even ran a half marathon!🎣🥾🌲

Growing up in Cooper Hollow, Winifrede, West Virginia, PJ has carried his small-town values into every part of his career - reliability, teamwork, and a deep commitment to service. 🌄

As he looks ahead, PJ is excited to continue contributing the design and construction of new and renovated healthcare facilities across West Virginia, ensuring the safety and quality of care for generations to come.💙💛🏥

Thank you, PJ, for your dedication, expertise, and heart for service!👏