APPA, the professional organization for educational facilities professionals, has organized a work group to track and monitor relevant National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire and electrical standards and codes.

The APPA Standards and Codes Council (ASCC) NFPA Standards and Codes Work Group will monitor the revision cycle of relevant standards, solicit input from APPA members and prepare proposed changes during public comment periods, and notify APPA members of pending changes to standards and codes.  Additionally, it will represent members and the educational facilities sector at NFPA workshops and hearings.

“The electrical and fire standards and codes have always been a top priority for campus facilities and environmental safety organizations,” said Brooks Baker III, APPA past president and ASCC chair.  “The open nature of a campus, the variety of uses across multiple facilities, and 24/7 occupation creates a unique set of parameters for campus facility and infrastructure professionals.  Our standards and codes council created this work group to ensure the needs of educational facilities are addressed in standards and codes.”

The ASCC NFPA Standards and Codes Work Group will monitor NFPA 70, the National Electric Code (NEC); NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code; NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code; NFPA 25, the Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems; NFPA 13, the Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems; and others.

The group will have its first Convener’s Meeting on November 13 to introduce interested stakeholders to the Work Group's activities and encourage comments and suggestions on the proposed work program.  Persons with responsibilities related to fire and life safety and NFPA, NEC, and IFC building and campus code compliance are encouraged to participate. To register for this event, visit the APPA web site and registration page at http://www.appa.org/ASCCNFPAWG/