NFPA

NFPA stands for the National Fire Protection Association, a nonprofit organization based in the United States that develops and publishes codes and standards to reduce the risk of fire and related hazards. Founded in 1896 by 13 fire protection organizations, NFPA is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, with a global membership and activity in education, research, and standardization.

NFPA codes and standards cover a broad range of topics, including life safety, fire prevention, electrical safety, building construction, hazardous materials, emergency communications, and wildfire risk mitigation. The best-known standards include NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 13 Installation of sprinkler systems, NFPA 25 Inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 70E for electrical safety in the workplace, and NFPA 1 Fire Code. These standards are widely adopted by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and referenced in laws, regulations, and procurement specifications, though adoption is voluntary until enacted.

Standards are developed through a consensus-based process by technical committees made up of professionals from industry, fire service, government, labor, and academia. The process includes public input, multiple rounds of ballots, and periodic revisions on three-year cycles. NFPA also maintains resources such as the NFPA Journal and the Fire Protection Handbook and offers training and certification programs for safety professionals, including the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).

Global use: NFPA codes are used by organizations around the world and influence international safety practices, sometimes collaboratively with other standardization bodies. The organization continues to update codes to reflect new technologies, materials, and risks.