National Fire Protection Association Blog

NFPA Journal unveils its subjective list of top education sessions taking place at NFPA's Conference and Expo

The team at NFPA Journal recently combed through the list of more than 150 education sessions occurring at NFPA's Conference & Expo in Chicago. Wittling down a selection this sizable is never an easy task, especially since the topics seem to be as intriguing as in years past.

Always up to the challenge, we've compiled our favorites into a Journal feature. Curious about an NFPA guide getting play in courtrooms across the U.S.? Want the latest information on the intended adoption of NFPA 101^®, Life Safety Code^®, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services? Interested in discovering how NFPA is safeguarding Hollywood?   

Read our slightly subjective roundup in the May/June issue of Journal, and don't forget to check out the entire list of education sessions taking place in June. 

NFPA Journal explains the new standards-development process

Rest in peace, ROPs and ROCs. Your day is over.In fact, NFPA’s entire standards-development process has been re-engineered to not only take advantage of online technology, but also to make it easier for the public to participate in the process. It will make life a little easier for those who use the codes and standards in their daily activities, too. And to safeguard the integrity of the documents while allowing the easiest possible access, NFPA is addressing important intellectual property and copyright issues related to its codes and standards, as well. For more information on these changes, read my article "Code  Process 2.0" in the latest issue of NFPA Journal. 

NFPA members: Join our live NFPA Insider discussion on Thursday, May 23

NFPA members only! Register today for the next NFPA Insider presentation being held on May 23 at 2pm (EST). 

NFPA President Jim Shannon will give his first word as always. In this episode's 'Up to Code' segment, Carolyn Cronin from NFPA Codes and Standards Administration discusses the latest codes and standards information and activities. In the NFPA Journal Live piece, NFPA Principal Fire Protection Engineer Matt Klaus discusses key changes to the 2014 edition of NFPA 25. And, lots more! Here's a preview:

 

NFPA INSIDER is a live, bi-monthly online session that features expanded news and content from the latest issue of NFPA Journal® and other NFPA sources. Not an NFPA member? Join today.

NFPA Journal: The 2014 edition of NFPA 25 features an assortment of major changes

Water-based fire protection systems may have an excellent performance record, but regular wear and tear can decrease the reliability of these systems. Provisions addressing this concern are found within NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The 2014 edition of the standard effectively expands on these ITM measures, says Matt Klaus, NFPA's senior fire protection engineer, in the latest issue of NFPA Journal.

For instance, the new edition includes ITM provisions for pump-related inspections; fuel supply testing for diesel-driven fire pumps; and an expansion of the standard's scope to include water-mist systems. For Klaus' overview on these and other changes to NFPA 25, read his feature story in the May/June issue of Journal, and watch the following video:

NFPA Journal explains two systems of hazard labeling

For years, NFPA 704, Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response, has provided guidance for labeling physical and chemical hazards. The labels, designed to help determine an appropriate response in the event of an emergency, are readily recognized and easily understood. Last year, however, OSHA adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) that, like NFPA 704, provides a standardized approach to classifying and labeling hazardous chemicals. But the GHS guidelines differ from those of NFPA 704. While OSHA allows the NFPA 704 system to remain in workplaces as long as employees understand and can use both systems, concerns have arisen over the possibility for confusion between the two. In his article "Working Together" in the latest issue of NFPA Journal, Guy Colonna describes how NFPA and OSHA are working to avert possible problems.

NFPA Journal examines the top proposed changes to the 2014 NEC

NFPA's electrical experts helped NFPA Journal staff comb through the 3,500 proposals and 1,600 comments submitted for the 2014 edition of NFPA 70 ^®, National Electrical Code^®. The outcome was a recent Journal article highlighting the top proposed changes to the code that is already generating a healthy buzz. 

For instance, the expanded use of arc-fault circuit interruptors, devices designed to detect electrical arcing and de-energize a circuit before a fire occurs, has prompted a healthy debate among safety advocates and the National Association of Home Builders. Safety concerns surrounding green technology has led to proposals to increase the NEC's voltage threshold. Even electrial safeguards at recreational vehicle parks have initiated some serious discussions.

Learn more about these issues in the latest issue of NFPA Journal. And mark your calendar: NEC topics receiving a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion will be discussed at NFPA's Conference & Expo, June 13, in Chicago.

Work in Progress: America Burning at 40 - We need data!!

This is the second in a series of posts about the 40^th anniversary of America Burning and the related NFPA Journal article. The National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control was frustrated by how little was known about the causes and circumstances of fires. In the very first chapter, the Commission recommended “that a national fire data system be established to provide a continuing review and analysis of the entire fire problem. USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), the source of detailed information in most of NFPA’s statistical analyses, was the result.

The country also needed a better understanding of fire behavior and fire department productivity. This led to NIST’s Center for Fire Research and fire.gov – “Better firefighting through research.”

We still have data needs. Currently, NFPA is entering the public comment phase for the second draft of the proposed NFPA 950: Standard for Data Development and Exchange for the Fire Service and seeking input or proposals for the proposed NFPA 951: Guide to Building and Utilizing Digital Information.

What kinds of data or information do you use or need about fire? Where or how do you get it? What are the obstacles? How could we get better data?

 

 

Global retailers take landmark action after deadly Bangladesh building collapse

The New York Times reports that several apparel companies with a stake in Bangladesh's garment industry have agreed to help pay for fire safety and building improvements following the Rana Plaza factory complex collapse last month that killed more than 1,100 people.

Swedish retailer H&M, PVH (parent company of Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Izod), and others endorsed a safety plan this week that would develop factory inspections with public accountability as well as mandatory repairs and renovations. "Fire and building safety are extremely important issues for us, and we put a lot of effort and resources within this area," Helena Helmersson, H&M's head of sustainability told the Times. "With this commitment we can influence even more in this issue." More than four million people work in Bangladesh's 5,000 factories, states the article.

Read the full story, and keep abreast of NFPA's international efforts by checking out the latest issue of NFPA Journal.

NFPA Journal tells what it takes to keep the country's tallest building safe

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower,is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, with 4.5 million square feet (418,063 square meters) of floor space. Roughly 25,000 people pass through the building daily. That’s why building management teams up with the Chicago Fire Department to conduct an annual drill to test and fine-tune emergency-response procedures. NFPA Journal asked Michael Schroeder, director of business continuity and life safety for the company that manages the building, and Anthony VanBuskirk, a retired fire department deputy district chief, to recount their experiences with a recent drill. To see what it takes to make it happen, read the pair's article "Drill Team" in the latest issue of NFPA Journal. 

Work in Progress: America Burning at 40

Since I started working with the fire service in 1986, I have heard one refrain over and over: “They talked about that in America Burning.”  On May 4, 1974, the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control transmitted their findings to President Richard Nixon. In my article in ths month's NFPA Journal, I looked at the changes resulting from just a few of the 90 recommendations.  The Commissioners felt that fire protection was primarily a local responsibility, but that local fire departments needed a federal agency that could represent their interests and help ensure that they received the latest and best information on how to do their work more safely and effectively.  Their recommendations led to the formation of the US Fire Administration (USFA), and within USFA, the National Fire Academy (NFA). You can read reflections about the America Burning Anniversary posted by USFA Administrator Chief Ernest Mitchell.

What has it meant to the fire service to have the USFA and NFA?  What do you think the Commissioners would recommend for these bodies today? Let’s take advantage of the web tools the Commission did not have to start a national conversation.  NFPA is making some companion videos to start the ball rolling.  Listen to David Lucht, the first Deputy Administrator of the USFA, describe the early years at USFA. 

 

This is the first of a series of posts related to America Burning.  Check back for more on this topic.