Technical:NFPA Projects
Background
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the equivalent body in the USA to FPA Australia. NFPA produces a vast range of "Codes" similar to Australian Standards: in many instances, there is no equivalent Australian Standard.
In 2005, FPA Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NFPA to provide a framework for our two organisations to work cooperatively together to reduce the impact of fire through the development of codes and standards, industry guidance documents and publications, and through conducting educational events.
As part of this agreement, FPA Australia is able to localise NFPA Codes for use in Australia, by developing a companion document called a "Good Practice Guideline" to be made available to accompany the relevant Code.
Overview
FPA Australia has established the NFPA Projects Committee to manage the process of localising specific NFPA Codes. The committee administers the development process, including the establishment, appointment and administration of a Technical Correlating Committee for each Code being localised.
The committee determines which Codes should be localised on the basis of:
- A clear need has been identified
- There is no current Australian Standard covering the subject
- There is sufficient technical resource support to enable modification of the code for Australian conditions
Project drafts will provided for public comment on this site as they become available.
Complete Projects
The following Good Practice Guidelines have been completed:
- NFPA 415 - Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkways (2008 Edition)
To purchase a copy, call FPA Australia on 1300 731 922 or +61 (0) 3 9890 1544 or click here to visit the NFPA section of the Online Catalogue.
Current Projects
The following Good Practice Guidelines are currently being developed:
- NFPA 150 - Standard on Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities (2009 Edition)
- NFPA 409 - Standard on Aircraft Hangars (2004 Edition - currently under revision)
- NFPA 921 - Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (2008 Edition)
Future Projects
The following Good Practice Guidelines are being considered for development:
- NFPA 130 - Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems (2007 Edition)
- Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities
- NFPA 75 - Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment (2009 Edition)
- NFPA 76 - Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities (2009 Edition)
FPA Australia would like to hear from members and others in the industry who have particular interests in any of these and who would be willing to volunteer their time and expertise to the relevant Technical Correlating Committee. Click here to contact us.