You may wear PPE certified to NFPA standards, or undertake work regulated by NFPA codes everyday. But what is NFPA and what are NFPA standards?
NFPA is short for the National Fire Protection Association, a nonprofit organization committed to reducing injury, death, and other loss stemming from fire, electrical, and related hazards. NFPA:
In fact, according to NFPA, “virtually every building process, service, design, and installation is affected” by the organization’s codes and standards – which are available for free online access.
Code Development and Maintenance
NFPA codes are consensus-based and developed through a process that it is open to the public. This means that anyone can participate in the NFPA code development process.
Each code/standard is updated every three to five years, in twice-annual revision cycles. Generally, the process includes time for public input, which is used to draft a standard or revision. Once the draft is available, time is allowed for public comment on the proposed revision. Public input is then reviewed by a technical committee, which votes on revisions and ultimately issues the official revision.
Spotlight on Key NFPA Standards
Generally, compliance with NFPA standards is voluntary – consensus-driven best practices to follow with the goal of protecting life and property. However, in some cases, Federal or state Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) agencies have incorporated NFPA standards into their regulations – making compliance with these NFPA standards mandatory. This is the case with several key NFPA standards governing the use of arc-rated and/or flame resistant clothing:
For information on other standards, test methods, and the relationship between them, visit our FR Safety Library and tune into our guide to industry hazards or frequently asked questions. Have a question you’d like us to answer? Contact us at MarketingInfo@TyndaleUSA.com.