Maryland is keeping its codes current with the implementation of the 2009 editions of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 101, Life Safety Code and NFPA 1, Fire Code, and the 2008 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. The state has also brought several other NFPA codes and standards up to date with the most recent editions available. All adoptions became effective as of January 1, 2010.
“Maryland ’s implementation of the latest editions of NFPA 1, NFPA 101 and several other documents provides us with the tools necessary to continue providing the highest level of protection for the people of our state,” said William E. Barnard, Maryland state fire marshal.
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, sets guidelines to protect building occupants from the hazardous effects of fire, smoke, and toxic fumes through minimum requirements on building design, construction, operation, and maintenance. It also establishes the requirement of prompt escape routes for occupants in old and new buildings. Every state in the U.S. currently uses this code and it has been adopted for statewide use in 43 states.
NFPA 1 addresses basic fire prevention requirements and references or extracts the fire prevention and protection facets of many other NFPA codes and standards. It also supplies requirements that establish a reasonable level of property protection and fire safety from hazards created by fire and explosion.
The NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) has been developed and published by the NFPA since 1911, with the 51st edition released in 2008. The NEC continues to be the most widely used code for the built environment in the world, covering the standard for safe electrical installations. The code has been adopted in almost every state in the U.S., in many territories, and in several countries.
Maryland has completed training on NFPA 1 and NFPA 101. The state is scheduled to receive further instruction through programs developed by the NFPA, which are offered free to states that have adopted major NFPA codes and standards. NFPA technical experts administer the trainings, which cover the codes’ requirements and the numerous ways they can be utilized and enforced.
