What does NFPA stand for?

NFPA stands for the National Fire Protection Association. It is a trade association that is based in the United States, but has international members as well. This association creates standards and codes that are used by businesses, local governments, and other organizations to help improve fire safety. NFPA was first formed in 1896 by insurance firms who were looking to standardize fire sprinkler systems, which were an emerging technology at the time. Today, the NFPA has over 50,000 members, 9000 volunteers, and 250 technical committees.

Establishing Codes and Standards

The codes and standards that are established by the NFPA cover a variety of different subjects. All of them are related largely to how a facility can help to reduce the risk of fires, explosions, or other related hazards from occurring. Some of the most significant codes and standards are:

• NFPA 30 – NFPA 30 offers information on flammable and combustible liquids.
• NFPA 70 – NFPA 70 is the National Electric Code, which covers topics related to electrical systems.
• NFPA 70B – NFPA 70B specifically offers recommended practices for the maintenance for electrical equipment.
• NFPA 70E – NFPA 70E sets standards for electrical safety within the workplace.
• NFPA 72 – NFPA 72 covers all the national fire alarm and signaling codes.
• NFPA 77 – NFPA 77 outlines the recommended practices for issues related to static electricity.
• NFPA 704 – NFPA 704 is the standard for the identification of the hazards related to materials, and the relevant emergency responses.
• NFPA 921 – NFPA 921 is a guide designed for investigating fires and explosions.

There are many other codes and standards that have been developed by the NFPA. The association is always looking for new opportunities for ways that they can help companies improve their fire safety. The standards that the NFPA has created over the years have been so effective that many of them have become mandatory processes from organizations like OSHA.

Additional NFPA facts:

• NFPA stands for National Fire Protection Association, a U.S.-based international nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Fire_Protection_Association
• The NFPA publishes more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. The codes and standards are administered by more than 250 technical committees consisting of approximately 9,000 volunteers. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Fire_Protection_Association
• The NFPA also provides education, training, advocacy, and research on fire and electrical safety topics. The NFPA sponsors Fire Prevention Week every October, which is the longest-running public health observance in the United States. Source: https://www.nfpa.org/
• The NFPA 704 standard system for the identification of the hazards of materials for emergency response uses a diamond-shaped sign with four colored sections: blue for health hazard, red for flammability, yellow for instability, and white for special hazards. Each section has a number from 0 to 4 indicating the severity of the hazard. Source: https://www.safeopedia.com/definition/94/national-fire-protection-association-nfpa
• The NFPA 170 standard for fire safety and emergency symbols defines fire safety, emergency, and other related safety symbols for use in signage, diagrams, and plans. The symbols are intended to help communicate vital information to emergency responders and the public. Source: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/1/7/0/nfpa-170