The soon-to-be-published 2010 edition of NFPA 72 includes revised and expanded provisions affecting a broader audience than ever before. NFPA’s staff liaison for the code walks us through some of the highlights.

In June, NFPA members at the Technical Meeting in Chicago voted to adopt the 2010 edition of NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® . The new version of the code has taken giant steps in scope and content, changes that will undoubtedly expand the interest base of the code more than any previous edition.

Its creation has also underscored the need to develop further guidance and criteria for visible and audible emergency messaging strategies to address the wide range of situations that emergency communications systems are expected to handle.

Although there will always be future problems to solve, both new and experienced users of the 2010 edition of NFPA 72 will benefit from the extensive efforts of all those who took part in its development. Here are a few critical areas that will be affected by the newly expanded NFPA 72.

(Exerpted from the NFPA Journal, September/October '09 - By Lee F. Richardson)

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Due primarily to the increased frequency of CO related poisonings in Maine over the past five years the 124th Maine Legislature passed "An Act To Protect Maine Residents from Home Fires and Carbon Monoxide." The portions of the law mandating installation and maintenance of CO detectors are entirely new while those dealing with smoke detectors are changes to an existing statute.

Read the full document here.

The AFAA-NE has submitted a second proposal to the BBRS following Tuesday's public hearing. Click the link below to view the document.

 AFAA-NE BBRS Proposal 780 CMR 53 ( 2009-08-12 16:34:43)

The AFAA-NE has responded to the MA Board of Building Regulations' proposal to require dual ionization and photoelectric detection throughout the Commonwealth.

On August 11, 2009, the BBRS will meet to discuss a proposed change to 780 CMR 902, which would modify the definition of Smoke Detector by requiring dual-technology (photo + ion) smoke detection in virtually all occupancies that are subject to Building Code requirements.  The proposed change is intended to correlate with the recently adopted 527 CMR 32 requirements for photo + ion in 1-5 family dwellings built or substantially renovated prior to 1975.  However, the AFAA-NE position is that the impact of a wholesale change in the Building Code will greatly exceed to intent of the 527 CMR.

Below are copies of AFAA's correspondence.  All Members and interested parties are encouraged to share their concerns with the BBRS and Department of Fire Services on this important issue.

 AFAA-NE Letter to BBRS-August 2009

 AFAA-NE 9.02.1 Amendment Proposal

 AFAA-NE 907.2.10 Amendment Proposal