NFPA 72: Safeguarding Lives Through Evolving Fire Safety Standards
2 days ago
2 min read
The NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, is a cornerstone for fire safety, extending beyond traditional fire alarms to encompass a wide array of detection and signaling applications. Recent updates and ongoing discussions highlight its evolving role in addressing new technologies and emerging hazards, from cybersecurity to advanced gas detection and mass notification systems.
Evolving Scope of NFPA 72
NFPA 72's reach is expanding significantly. While primarily focused on fire alarm systems, the standard now addresses other critical safety aspects, including environmental changes and hazardous gas detection. Notably, requirements for Carbon Monoxide (CO) detection, previously in NFPA 720, are being integrated into NFPA 72. This consolidation aims to streamline regulations for various gas detection systems, such as those for ammonia, nitrogen, and oxygen.
Gas Detection: NFPA 72, Chapter 17, outlines requirements for gas detector selection, installation, and operation. An engineering evaluation, considering factors like room structure, occupancy, ventilation, and gas characteristics, is crucial for proper placement. Notification appliances for gas detection must be distinct from fire alarms, often using different colors or sounds.
Temperature Monitoring: The code also includes provisions for monitoring extreme temperatures to prevent fire sprinkler system freezing. This involves supervisory devices that signal temperature drops to 40°F (4.4°C) and their restoration.
Cybersecurity Integration
The 2022 edition of NFPA 72 introduces a new Chapter 11 on Cybersecurity, a significant and somewhat controversial addition. This reflects the increasing connectivity of fire alarm systems to external networks, which introduces vulnerabilities.
General Cybersecurity: The standard mandates cybersecurity where required by governing laws, codes, or when systems connect to external networks. Annex J provides guidelines, acknowledging that not every system requires extensive cybersecurity measures.
Manufacturer Responsibility: For household signaling systems, cybersecurity requirements are placed on manufacturers, ensuring control units and wirelessly connected devices maintain security standards. System or software updates must not diminish the control unit's cybersecurity.
Advanced Notification and Communication
NFPA 72 continues to refine requirements for notification appliances and communication methods to ensure effective and intelligible alerts.
Low-Frequency Sounders: The 2010 and 2013 editions of NFPA 72 mandated low-frequency (520 Hz) audible devices for commercial sleeping spaces, effective January 1, 2014. Studies show these tones are more effective at waking sleeping individuals, including those with hearing loss, making them crucial for hotels, dormitories, and assisted living facilities.
Mass Notification Intelligibility: For voice evacuation and mass notification systems, NFPA 72 requires a minimum Speech Transmission Index (STI) of 0.70 to ensure messages are intelligible. This involves identifying and mitigating sources of ambient noise, such as machinery or background music, and even considering sound masking systems that could impede message clarity.
Remote Supervision and Cellular Communications: The standard addresses alternatives to traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) for remote supervision, with cellular communications emerging as a reliable option. NFPA 72 provides guidance on achieving compliance with cellular technology, emphasizing redundancy and supervision. Emerging technologies like LTE-M and 5G, along with multi-carrier solutions, are enhancing reliability and security in fire alarm system communications.
Sources
NFPA 72 Requirements for Installing Gas Detection Systems on Fire Alarms, Security Sales & Integration.
Making Sense of NFPA 72’s New Cybersecurity Chapter, Security Sales & Integration.
Low Frequency Sounder | Security Info Watch, Security Info Watch.
Webinar Explores Remote Supervision Communications Beyond POTS, Security Sales & Integration.
Mass Notification: Intelligibility is NOT Optional, Commercial Integrator.
