What is NFPA?
What is NFPA?
One of the most well-known agencies that governs fire codes and standards is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA oversees more than 300 industry-recognized fire safety standards. It is a nonprofit that’s been around since 1896 with a mission to eliminate fire-related injuries, deaths, and property and economic losses. NFPA codes and standards are designed to minimize the likelihood and impact of fires and fire-related risks. More than 260 technical committees administer NFPA standards around the world. Codes are generally legal requirements at the state, local, or industry level, whereas standards are considered best practices.
What are NFPA standards?
Of the 300 fire codes and standards NFPA oversees, the core is the Fire Code, known as NFPA 1, dating back to the 1800s. The code became the baseline for other fire industry best practices. The Fire Code is generally updated every few years; the most current edition is from 2021.
The nearly 750-page document references some key NFPA codes and addresses important topics such as inspections, fire investigations, fire protection systems, fire safety education, fire department operations, fire hazards, permit requirements, and other regulations and controls. The code’s purpose is to suggest minimum requirements for fire safety, life safety, and property protection against hazards, explosions, and other dangerous conditions. It has several goals and objectives covering safety from fire, safety for building use, safety from hazardous materials, property protections, and public welfare.
While there is relevance and importance for all of the NFPA codes, these are most commonly referenced:
NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 12: Standards of Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
Standard for Sprinkler System Installation
NFPA 20: Standards for Stationary Pump and Fire Protection Systems
NFPA 25: Standards for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Protections
NFPA 70: The National Electric Code
NFPA 70E: The Standard for Electric Safety in the Workplace
NFPA 72: National Code for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems
NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
NFPA 921: A Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code
The NFPA has an online code finder to simplify searches for which codes are applicable around the world. In the U.S., the database is broken down by states and includes statewide, as well as some key metropolitan, standards and codes.
You can find a full list of NFPA codes and details here.
What are UL-C Standards?
Similar to NFPA, in Canada, UL-C Standards provide guidance for fire protection and fire safety to help reduce fire risks, improve protection, and better understand fire protection standards. The Standards Council of Canada accredits UL-C Standards, which includes more than 1,500 standards. In the United States, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredits UL Standards as well. UL Standards are designed to assess products; test components, materials, systems, and performance; and evaluate environmentally sustainable products, renewable energies, food and water products, recycling systems, and other innovative technologies.
The standards cover everything from fire-resistant products, systems, and designs to fire safety code authorities and fire alarms to fire suppression systems and fire doors to flammability testing, fire ratings, and more.
For more information about ULC Standards, visit UL’s website.