Jack’s code corner April 2024: NFPA 4
Do you perform Fire and Life Safety inspections, testing, and maintenance in facilities that are either classified as high-rise buildings or have smoke control systems installed? If so, you may need to begin preparing your end customer for the required NFPA 4 Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety Testing. The intent of an NFPA 4 inspection […]
Jack’s code corner: What’s it like being on multiple NFPA standards committees?
For this month’s Code Corner, Jack answered some questions about his experience as an NFPA Standards committee member. Q: Jack, can you tell us about your connection with the NFPA and what it means to you?Jack Coffelt: My journey began after transitioning from the Navy into the civilian sector, working in fire life safety. I still […]
Jack’s code corner: NFPA standard updates-how it works
NFPA Standard Updates – How it Works Ever wonder how NFPA creates and maintains the Standards Process? Here’s a quick synopsis of how it works, with notes on how you can engage in the process! We’ll start with an existing standard. It will have a “Revision Cycle” generally every 3-5 years, some are longer intervals […]
Jack’s code corner: Guest post from top Myers about the value of information in fire insurance claims
Guest post by Top Myers, of Risk Suppression Partners ServiceTrade can help reduce a contractor’s Liability Exposure. But before I talk about how let me give you some background information that will show you why. Over 30 years I have been involved in insuring liability for fire and life safety contractors nationally. Risk Suppression Partners […]
Jack’s code corner: NFPA 25 – 2017 change in evaluation of fire pump test results
In the 2017 edition of NFPA 25, Chapter 8 (Fire Pumps), there was a significant change from the previous editions of the evaluation of Fire Pump Test Results. In the 2014 and previous editions, the Pump Evaluation (pass/fail) was determined at the 100% flow rate with a degradation of no more than 95 percent. In […]
Jack’s code corner: NFPA 2001- highlighted 2022 edition updates
As with several other NFPA documents, the Technical Committee for the Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems (NFPA 2001) completed a structural revision and added several new chapters during the 2022 revision cycle. System design requirements for total flooding have moved to a new standalone chapter. Information on the toxicological and physiological effects of […]
NFPA 915 the standard for remote inspections and tests
Have you ever wondered: “Could I perform a Fire Life Safety Inspection with a drone or video camera?” The NFPA Standards Council has discussed this very concept and has recently accepted the NFPA 915 Technical Committee’s recommendation to publish the Standard for Remote Inspections and Tests.The NFPA officially released NFPA 915 on May 13, 2023. […]
A detailed introduction to national fire protection association (NFPA) guidelines
Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a rich history of promoting public safety through published NFPA guidelines that include codes & standards developed to minimize the possibility of fire and other risks. A self-funded, worldwide organization, the NFPA’s guidelines and safety standards are designed to help eliminate death, injury, and property […]
NFPA 13 2019 8.3.1.2.1 actuator supervision
Have you ever walked into a Pre-Action Sprinkler System or Deluge Valve Sprinkler room and observed the “actuator” hanging loosely by, not connected to its proper valve actuator? This is a serious impairment of the system, as it will NOT operate upon detection as intended. Fear not, the NFPA 13 Technical Committee recognized that this […]
NFPA 72 2023 edition
NFPA 72 requires differential pressure testing of duct detector sampling tubes. While not often enforced nor fully understood, your team should be equipped to know how to do it when called upon. Where to find it: NFPA 72 2023 edition, table 14.4.3.2.17.7(e). Test duct smoke detectors that use sampling tubes to ensure that they will […]