http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-PageLatest NFPA Today posts from NFPA blogsMon, 06 Nov 2023 05:56:09 -0500{300CF9CE-6087-44E6-A702-175A5CFC1B4F}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/10/05/Hot-Work-Safety-Solutions-from-NFPANFPA Senior Chemical Engineer Matthew Barker also contributed to this blog.   Hot work continues to be one of the most significant industrial hazards facing the world. But with the help of longstanding and recently updated resources from NFPA®, the fire and life safety risks associated with hot work can be significantly reduced.   What is hot work?   Hot work refers to any process that involves open flames, sparks, or heat-producing tools and equipment. This can include activities such as welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding, and other similar processes that generate heat and sparks. Hot work processes have the potential to ignite flammable materials, gas, or vapors in the surrounding environment, leading to fires or explosions if proper precautions are not taken.   Alarming data   Between 2017 and 2021, fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated average of 3,396 structure fires involving hot work each year, according to the latest data from NFPA. These fires caused an estimated yearly average of 19 civilian deaths and 120 civilian injuries.Statistics on hot work–related injuries and deaths to workers paint an even grimmer picture. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 500,000 workers are injured in welding accidents alone each year, and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has found that hot work is one of the most common causes of worker death among incidents that it investigates.   SOURCE: NFPA Research   This year alone, there have been multiple incidents involving hot work, some fatal. In April 2023, two people were injured in Missouri when a metal drum they were cutting into exploded. A month prior, a firefighter in Buffalo, New York, was killed in a four-alarm fire where there was a partial building collapse due to a fire that started from workers handling torches in the area. Internationally,  a fire that was started by welding sparks left 29 people dead in Bejing in April.   What are the associated hot work fire hazards? When you are performing hot work, there is potential to bring together the three parts of the fire triangle: oxygen, fuel, and an ignition source. There is oxygen present in all spaces where workers perform hot work — the air we breathe is made of 21 percent oxygen under normal conditions. Special consideration should be given around sources of pure oxygen, such as oxygen tanks, which could elevate the oxygen concentration in the air, increase the potential for materials to ignite, and greatly contribute to the intensity of any fires that start. Potential fuel sources include all materials which could be ignited, such as construction materials, insulation, roofing materials, ignitable (flammable and combustible) liquids, gases, paint, cleaning solvents, as well as simple combustibles in the area like rags, paper, wood, dust, cardboard, and furnishings. Another fuel source that is often overlooked is the item that hot work is performed on. If not monitored properly, the hot work could create enough heat to ignite that item. Lastly, the ignition source is as simple as the hot work itself. This can occur through direct application with flames or sparks from welding, cutting, and burning. Ignition can also occur through indirect application where heat is radiated through the air or conducted through metal surfaces to fuel sources nearby. What are methods to minimize fire hazards? An effective process to minimize fire hazards includes three simple steps: recognize, evaluate, and control. The first step is to recognize the type of hot work that is to be performed and potential fuel hazards that might be present in the work area. The second step is to evaluate what hazards are present and the likelihood of the fuel and ignition sources coming together based on the type of hot work. Finally, the third step is to control the hazards by taking appropriate steps to eliminate or minimize the fire risk. Furthermore, all hot work should be properly permitted before it is started. The act of competing a proper hot work permit form will ensure that the recognize, evaluate, and control steps are followed and formally documented.   Solutions from NFPA   NFPA offers hot work safety resources in the form of both codes and standards and online training.   Nearly 60 years ago, NFPA released the first edition of its hot work standard, NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work. OSHA values the benchmarks set by the standard so much that they incorporated it into general industry regulations for welding, cutting, and brazing (29 CFR 1910.252). The standard is also referenced in other notable NFPA documents such as NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations. NFPA 51B provides guidelines for conducting hot work safely, including measures to prevent the ignition of combustible materials, and proper qualifications for personnel performing hot work, fire watch and appropriate use of fire-resistant materials and equipment, along with training and qualifications for personnel performing hot work, fire watch, and appropriate use of fire-resistant materials and equipment.   Recently, NFPA updated the Hot Work Safety Certificate Online Training (also available in Spanish). The training provides attendees with in-depth knowledge of identifying and reducing hot work hazards, and is ideal not only for individuals who will be performing hot work, but also those issuing hot work permits and anyone responsible for fire safety on a site where hot work will be performed.     Simply put, hot work fires can result in avoidable death, injury, and property loss. Hot work introduces an ignition source where one would not normally be, increasing the potential for a fire. Therefore, the top safety recommendation is to determine whether there is an alternative to hot work. By avoiding hot work, the risk of an unintended fire is minimized. However, the reality for most industry sectors is that hot work is necessary and unavoidable to complete many construction and repair projects. So, to ensure that hot work is performed safely, all parties involved need to understand the governing requirements, associated hot work hazards, and methods to minimize fire hazards through completing a training such as the Hot Work Safety Certificate Online Training. When everyone follows safe hot work practices, the chance of a deadly hot work fire is drastically reduced.  Thu, 05 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/tech-blog-images/hot-work-blog-hed.ashx{029316F1-5F60-4C1A-8804-CF440EC80460}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/10/04/Second-Draft-of-NFPA-1970-Is-PostedIn my continuing effort to keep interested parties apprised of the latest standards activity related to firefighting gear and conversations about the presence of PFAS, the second draft of the upcoming edition of NFPA 1970, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel and Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) has been posted online. The second draft is now available for submission of NITMAMs through November 1, 2023. (See below for explanation of a NITMAM.)   Updating my previous blog, the Technical Committee responsible for NFPA 1970 removed the xenon arc light test from the standard, not just as a stand-alone test method as proposed in the first draft of NFPA 1970, but also from the proposed multi-conditioning procedure (9.1.21). Additionally, the Committee substantively changed the multi-conditioning procedure, which they described as intended to replicate the wear and tear a typical outer shell may experience (9.1.21).   The Second Draft Report also incorporates other proposed changes the Committee made after the First Draft, including (but not limited to) the following:   ·       Added explanatory material for the definition of PFAS; explaining that the measurement of PFAS in the standard is performed to report the total levels of PFAS in protective clothing materials and measuring levels of specific PFAS chemicals against restricted substance levels. (A.3.3.133) ·       Added specific testing requirements to verify a manufacturer’s “PFAS-FREE” gear claim. (6.5.11) ·       Added a requirement to make reported test results available as part of the user information. (6.5.12, 8.14.3, & Table 8.21(a)) ·       Revised the procedure and application for contamination removal efficiency testing, which was introduced in the First Draft. (9.9.3) ·       Updated a list of restricted substances (Sections 8.21 & 9.10) ·       Added a more extensive listing of requirements for per- and polyfluorinated compounds, including tests for total fluorine and total extractable organic fluorine. (Sections 8.21 & 9.10) ·       Added a new test method for liquid barrier performance, as measured by impact penetration and hydrostatic penetration, to protect against bloodborne pathogens. (Section 9.11) ·       Deleted the tests for liquid repellency and for leaching of material substances. (Sections 9.76 and 9.77 in the First Draft)   The deadline to file a NITMAM is November 1, 2023.   The Second Draft Report is posted and will be open for Notice of Intent To Make a Motion (NITMAM) until November 1, 2023. A NITMAM is a proposed amending motion for NFPA Membership consideration and debate at the NFPA Technical Meeting. These motions are attempts to amend the Committee’s recommended text published in the Second Draft. The NFPA Technical Meeting provides an opportunity for the NFPA Membership to propose amendments the Technical Committee Reports (i.e., the Committee’s work) on each proposed new or revised Standard. If certified by the Motions Committee and introduced at the Technical Meeting as a Certified Amending Motion, the NITMAM can provide an additional opportunity for discussion and debate at the Technical Meeting, which takes place at the NFPA Conference & Expo® each June.   A NITMAM may be filed by anyone not satisfied with the work of the Committee and who meets the requirements of 4.5.3.5(c) or 4.5.3.6 of the Regulations. For more information on NITMAM please visit this webpage.  Please see NFPA Technical Meeting for additional information on the topic.  Depending on the results of the NITMAM process and the Technical Meeting, NFPA 1970 will proceed to the NFPA Standards Council for potential issuance in late 2023 if no NITMAMs are submitted and certified or in late summer of 2024 if NFPA 1970 has Certified Amending Motions under consideration at the NFPA Technical Meeting in June of 2024.   Throughout the process to update NFPA 1970, the latest information can be found at nfpa.org/1970next.Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/NFPA1970-800x400.ashx{5F3C511F-3928-4745-A14C-767B6E0774D3}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/09/20/FPRF-to-Host-Free-Webinar-on-Firefighter-PPE-CleaningThe Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of NFPA®, will host a free webinar on September 28, 2023, titled “Fire Service PPE Cleaning Validation.” Firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) is exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals, biological pathogens, and other hazardous substances and contaminants. Those contaminants soil firefighter PPE and other fire service gear. Cross-contaminated equipment and gear are suspected of adversely influencing immediate and long-term firefighter health and wellness. To lessen the risk of these exposures, PPE and other gear are being cleaned more frequently. NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, address general cleaning procedures, but more science is needed to support, clarify, and enhance those procedures. Major research efforts are addressing the question of “How clean is clean?” In late 2015, FPRF initiated PPE cleaning validation research through a 3-year assistance to firefighters grant (AFG) for developing comprehensive procedures to evaluate cleaning in removing both chemical and biological contaminants that ensure optimum contaminant removal from firefighter PPE. As part of this larger effort, FPRF is leading a unique research team partnership that also includes International Personnel Protection, Inc. (IPP, Inc.) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This research established validated cleaning procedures focused on PPE textile garments that are traditionally cleaned in commercial laundering extractors that led to the implementation of gear cleaning and sanitization verification procedures adopted as part of NFPA 1851. A second phase effort was undertaken in late 2018 to establish a validated and scientifically based cleaning methodology for the primary spectrum of potentially contaminated fire service PPE, including turnout clothing and equipment not addressed by previous work such as helmets, gloves, footwear, and SCBA. The research in this project has expanded the available knowledge on fireground contamination, particularly to where it is likely to be found at the highest concentrations and how effectively it can be removed from the range of different firefighter PPE. The findings from this work show that different protective clothing and equipment items being of distinctive designs and comprised of dissimilar materials show varying affinities for becoming contaminated and in being able to be decontaminated. A third phase effort is now ongoing that augments the prior two phases of research to establish and communicate comprehensive best practices the fire service can apply to effectively clean and sanitize firefighter PPE. The principal aim for this new effort is to comprehensively identify the most effective and practical decontamination approaches for each element of the firefighter ensemble to create simple, easy-to-implement tools that fire departments can use to assess PPE contamination from individual structural fires and the effectiveness of their internal cleaning procedures. This webinar will provide an update of findings from this multi-year research effort. Jeffrey Stull, International Personnel Protection, Inc., and Crystal Forester, NIOSH NPPTL, are the presenters of this webinar. Webinar registration is free and required to attend live; register for this webinar using the direct link here, or by visiting nfpa.org/webinars, where you can also watch archived FPRF webinars on demand. The Fire Protection Research Foundation acknowledges the support from the FPRF 2023 Webinar Series Sponsors: ·       AXA XL Risk Consulting ·       Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. ·       Telgian Engineering and Consulting ·       The Zurich Services Corporation ·       Worcester Polytechnic Institute Fire Protection Engineering Program   To learn more about this project, visit nfpa.org/ppecleaning.Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/ppe-webinar-hed.ashx{40835744-F288-4426-AB5E-C6D1663F0EB7}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/09/11/As-populations-grow-and-new-hazards-emerge-an-understanding-of-global-trends-and-researchSEPTEMBER 6, 2023 UPDATE: The fire that broke out in a ramshackle five-story apartment building in Johannesburg, South Africa, on August 31 killed at least 73 people, including many who were homeless. The fire underscores global concerns about fire and life safety, particularly among developing nations and areas where housing pressures create additional risks for the poorest and most vulnerable populations. The conditions in which the Johannesburg occupants were living directly contributed to the large loss of life, reinforcing the need for established building codes and provisions that work to effectively protect people and property. This blog, which I originally wrote almost two years ago, touches on this and associated issues. Additionally, the NFPA Journal article “Ultra Urban,” published in the Winter 2021 edition, speaks to a wide range of fire and life safety concerns that have emerged as populations increasingly move to more urban settings. The following blog was originally published October 8, 2021. More people living on the planet creates pressure, on so many levels, in society. Fire and life safety is one of those pressures. Some fire safety challenges are directly related to the increase in population and urbanization, while others stem from our desire to mitigate the impact of having more humans on the planet. Population  growth overall has precipitated an upward shift in the number of people living in urban areas. In fact, the UN estimates that the world’s population living in urban settlements will increase to 60 percent by 2030 with one in every three people opting to reside in cities that have at least half a million inhabitants. Furthermore, it is projected that 2.5 billion will be added to the world’s urban population by 2050, with almost 90 percent of this growth happening in Asia and Africa. The magnitude of this population growth puts enormous pressure on our built environment and has already spurred the construction of more tall buildings and denser cities. As population grows, it is important that we mitigate the impact we have on our planet by ensuring that current and future development is done in a sustainable way. This shift has resulted in significant changes to our built environment in recent decades, and has ushered in new products, alternative energy sources, unique energy storage solutions, and the use of more lightweight materials with higher levels of insulation. The need for sustainability and energy efficiency is clear but unfortunately prioritizing the impact on our fire and life safety in the process is less so. We continue to see solutions developed with sustainability and/or energy efficiency in mind but fire and life safety components for these technologies are not being adequately explored. Need some examples? Just think about the dramatic fires we have seen running up the facades of high-rise buildings in the last decade. Or explosions in modern energy storage systems. How about the car fires that are challenging parking garage structures? And don’t forget the fires caused or complicated by the integration of photovoltaic panels on our buildings. While fire and life safety should always be at the forefront, we must also choose solutions that are sustainable for the long haul. When identifying and implementing new fire protection solutions, it is most critical to avoid any “substitution regret”. Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) are an example of a solution, which had been used as dominant Class B firefighting foams for decades, and eventually were found to have an adverse environmental impact due to its chemical composition. Today, replacements foams and agents are tested and studied for its effectiveness to satisfy the immediate needs, as well as the long-term safety of all involved. To complicate matters further,  life safety challenges are often most prominent in areas where income levels are lower. So, with rapid growth in cities, it is inevitable that there will be insufficient affordable housing thus prompting larger numbers of people to live in informal settlements where housing may not comply with planning, building, and safety regulations. It is tempting to dismiss this as a systemic issue in low- and middle-income countries but the fact is that low income areas exists in all countries, including the United States, and are often where the fire problem is the most significant. If we want to eliminate the fire problem, we simply cannot ignore its impact in low-income areas. Reading all this, one can easily get discouraged and think that we will never be able to eliminate the fire problem. But do not despair, because researchers have been working on all the issues mentioned above and more, so that we can continue to come up with solutions that will help us to improve safety.Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Blog-Post-Attachments/NFPA-Today/Global_800x400.ashx{5026D3A3-D153-4350-B342-9DC7D0CCEB9A}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/09/07/Is-Your-Community-Ready-to-Respond-to-a-Severe-Weather-Event-or-EmergencyWhile the warmer months of the year signal a time when we can indulge in vacations, beach days, and outdoor activities, the summer and fall are also when hurricanes, thunderstorms, wildfires, and other potential natural disasters make their impressive mark across many areas of the United States, often disrupting the rhythm of our daily lives. According to weather reports, the Atlantic hurricane “season” has already witnessed more hurricanes than is normal for this time of year. Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall last week as a Category 3 storm, caused significant damage across parts of the southeastern United States, most notably in Florida’s Gulf Coast, and parts of Georgia, and South Carolina. Hurricane Lee is expected to gain strength as it travels toward the Caribbean and Bahamas at the end of the week. Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories are in effect across the southern states, prompting red flag warnings and the potential for more extreme fire behavior. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is pointing to the possibility of significant wildland fire potential for August and September in the northwest and midsection of the country. Hurricane season began June 1 and ends in late November, but according to the National Weather Service, most storms peak in mid-September and October. And it’s not just hurricanes or wildfires that make the news; the Plains and Great Lakes regions often start their battle with freezing conditions and snowfall during the fall months, too. Ready, a national public service campaign, has earmarked September as National Preparedness Month and urges those of us tasked with protecting people and property from fire, electrical, and related hazards, to work together, help educate, and empower the public to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies before they become tragedies. The theme for this year’s campaign, “Take Control in 1, 2, 3” focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically those who live in communities that are disproportionally impacted by all-hazard events impacting many areas of the country. NFPA has a wealth of information to help guide building owners and facility managers, first responders, health care facility managers, electrical professionals, and public educators, as they prepare ahead of weather events in their area and work closely with communities to develop emergency plans. These resources are free and can be easily shared. For facility managers and business owners: Hurricanes can cause significant damage to chemical facilities, potentially leading to environmental and safety hazards. A recent blog post highlights resources for facility managers. For answers to bigger emergency planning challenges and questions, NFPA 1600®, Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management, is a vital guide for the development, implementation, assessment, and maintenance of disaster/emergency management and continuity of operations programs. Business owners can also utilize the NFPA Emergency Preparedness Checklist, which helps people identify where to focus their emergency preparedness efforts. With the peak of hurricane and wildfire seasons upon us, government agencies and aid organizations may need to shelter potentially thousands of storm and fire evacuees. A recent episode of the NFPA Podcast, Disaster Planning During a Pandemic, introduces two emergency management experts who share lessons learned from responding to past incidents during the pandemic, including several new strategies that will likely remain in place long after the pandemic is over. For first responders: First responders face many hazards when working with vehicles that have been submerged in water, particularly with hybrid or electrical vehicles. The Submerged Hybrid/Electrical Vehicle Bulletin from NFPA breaks down the safety issues to help keep first responders safe when working in flooded areas. A free toolkit is also available for first responders, which provides the information and resources needed to help local residents prepare ahead of weather events. For electrical professionals: Electrical professionals are often tasked with equipment maintenance for electrical, electronic, and communication systems and equipment found in multifamily residential complexes, industrial plants, and commercial buildings to prevent equipment failures and worker injuries. The NFPA Natural Disaster Electrical Equipment Checklist builds off recommendations in Chapter 32 of the 2019 edition of NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, and provides a useful framework for recovering electrical equipment and systems after a disaster. For health care providers: New criteria require health care providers to have extensive plans in place for numerous types of events including hurricanes as part of an emergency preparedness rule passed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in November 2017. Requirements for emergency and backup power supplies as well as consideration of other logistical needs for long-duration events are an important part of the rule. Find information that can help medical providers with their emergency preparedness needs. In September 2019, an NFPA white paper was introduced to help health care facilities meet the requirements of the CMS emergency preparedness rule. For the public: A fact sheet and related information provide residents and businesses with easy wildfire risk reduction steps they can do around their homes and buildings to make them safer from wildfire and blowing embers. An escape plan activity sheet helps families prepare and practice an escape plan in case of a fire in the home. An emergency supplies kit checklist provides a list of items a family may need in case of an evacuation due to an emergency weather event. A tip sheet provides the facts and steps homeowners can take to safely use portable generators in the event homes lose power after a storm. With so much severe weather happening across the country, the time to start preparing communities is now. Make Preparedness Month the jump start you need to put plans in place. For these and other related information sources, visit the NFPA emergency preparedness webpage.Thu, 07 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Blog-Post-Attachments/NFPA-Today/Stormy-sky.ashx{0D44CBAA-1E4E-4FE3-A2E1-98FA54886C59}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/09/05/Preparing-Chemical-Facilities-for-Hurricane-SeasonRecently, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued a call to chemical facilities to prepare for a harsh hurricane season based on an “above average” outlook on hurricane activity from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This year, NOAA has stated that there’s a 30 percent chance of an above-average-intensity hurricane season. NOAA’s predictions also estimate a range of 12 to 17 total named storms this season. NOAA gave its predictions a 70 percent confidence rating.  Just last week, Hurricane Idalia collided with the Gulf Coast of Florida, where the storm is estimated to have caused $12 to $20 billion in damage and lost economic activity, according to CBS News. Chemical facilities pose a special risk Hurricanes can cause significant damage to chemical facilities, in particular, and potentially lead to environmental and safety hazards. Chemical plants are complex facilities that often handle hazardous materials and if not properly managed during a hurricane can pose serious risks to the people working at the facility and nearby communities. There have been many fire and explosion incidents over the years due to lack of preparedness during hurricanes. One, for example, was the Arkema, Inc. chemical plant fire in Texas in 2017, during which a hurricane disabled the facility’s refrigeration system and water flooded the equipment and caused the stored chemicals to burn. Another incident occurred at Bio-Lab’s Lake Charles facility in Louisiana in 2020 after water from a hurricane came into contact with chemicals stored inside the facility, causing a chemical reaction which initiated a fire. NFPA offers solutions There are plans that can be put into place that cover what can be done to reduce the possible impact of hurricane damage causing fire or explosions. One of the plans that can be used is NFPA 1660, Standard for Emergency, Continuity, and Crisis Management: Preparedness, Response and Recovery, which provides guidelines for creating, implementing, assessing, and maintaining effective disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs. It covers a wide range of topics related to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, as well as continuity planning to ensure the continued operation of organizations in the face of disruptions.    RELATED: Read a blog about bringing electrical systems back online after major storms   NFPA 1660 emphasizes a comprehensive approach to emergency management and continuity planning, encompassing various aspects such as risk assessments, planning, communication, training, and ongoing improvement. More specifically, NFPA 1660 addresses hurricanes in multiple chapters in Annex A, along with multiple chapters advising incident pre-planning processes. Preparation for natural disasters often goes beyond evacuating the plant and may even require additional isolation and containment measures. Some facilities may be required to have an emergency action plan from NFPA 1, Fire Code, or NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Those plans should address hazards that are normally outside of the scope of the Code to the extent practicable. Other NFPA codes and standards that address hurricanes are NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, NFPA 1250, Recommend Practice in Fire and Emergency Service Organization Risk Management, and NFPA 59A, Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas, just to name a few. Utilizing any of the NFPA codes and standards that address hurricane hazards can help to create a framework for developing emergency management and business continuity plans. Overall, the interaction between hurricanes and chemical plants underscores the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plans. These plans should be regularly reviewed, updated, and tested to ensure that the facilities can effectively manage the risks associated with hurricanes and minimize their potential impact on both human safety and the environment.Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/tech-blog-images/ich-hurricanes-hed.ashx{9CA795A7-840C-4536-A27A-BE14EE2F9098}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/08/30/An-Overview-of-the-CFPSThe Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS®) is a world-renowned program from NFPA® that recognizes individuals who demonstrate wide-ranging skills and knowledge of fire protection. The program is set to undergo changes soon. This blog reviews what the CFPS credential signifies, its value to the fire protection community, upcoming changes, and why individuals might want to take the exam before the end of the year. What Is CFPS? The way in which we protect people and property from fire is complex and takes many different forms. Individuals who have earned the prestigious designation of Certified Fire Protection Specialist understand this in ways that many others within the fire protection field are unable to. Fire protection includes the following aspects: ·       Measures to stop fire before it starts ·       Public education to inform people of the risks and safety measures that can aid in prevention ·       Fire detection methods to know when a fire has started ·       Suppression systems to try to suppress or extinguish a fire ·       Building construction measures to limit the spread of fire and smoke ·       Fire department setup and structure to respond to fires and other emergencies All of these approaches are used to protect a huge variety of materials, equipment, processes, and facilities that all pose unique hazards and challenges. Together, all of the factors listed above form a comprehensive fire protection strategy. Many different stakeholders contribute to that strategy and are often responsible for only one aspect or component of that strategy. In many cases, the different people working on providing key components of fire protection have very little insight into what the other people are doing. This is not inherently wrong and can often be managed well enough through a construction or renovation project, but when issues arise and hard questions are asked, those who understand—and can communicate how interconnected the different fire protection components are—will be able to find a solution or reach a resolution more efficiently. What Value Does CFPS Hold? The skills and knowledge required to attain the CFPS credential add value to the individual, the company they work for, the clients they serve, potential future employers, and the people they are working to protect. Understanding the full picture of fire protection and how one aspect or component plays into the complete fire protection strategy allows for better problem solving when unique situations arise, improves communication between all stakeholders, including authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and can help avoid costly mistakes. Individuals with this certification can demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge to provide this value on projects that they are involved in. What Changes Are Coming? The CFPS exam will be updated in January 2024, and at that point, the body of knowledge will change to the 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook® (which just came out this year, read more about that here). Additionally, there will be changes made to the CFPS exam blueprint, which lays the foundation for the exam. To ensure its accuracy and relevance, subject matter experts from our Certification Advisory Group (CAG) have been working on updating the job task analysis, and that process is nearly complete. Following that update is a validation survey that aims to gather feedback and input from CFPS-certified professionals to ensure the blueprint accurately represents the skills and knowledge required in the field. The survey allows professionals to share their insights and experiences, which helps validate the relevance and effectiveness of the exam blueprint. By taking these steps, we strive to create an exam blueprint that is truly representative of the skills and knowledge required in today’s dynamic fire protection landscape. This means that starting in January 2024, the body of knowledge will be changing from the 20th edition to the 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook. The breakdown of topic areas and the types of questions will also be revised from the current exam to reflect the most current topics and challenges in the field. Why Should Someone Consider Taking the CFPS Exam Before the End of the Year? The upcoming changes to the CFPS program are positive and exciting, and the new 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook reflects the latest and greatest in technology and safety practices.  If you’ve been considering taking the CFPS exam and have done preparation or are intimately familiar with the content in the 20th edition of the Fire Protection Handbook, or you need to retake the exam, consider taking the exam in 2023 before the updates and changes take effect. Get all the details you need to apply now.Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/tech-blog-images/cfps-blog-hed.ashx{7C3E9A72-F28F-4583-B932-29D616558151}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/08/28/An-Overview-of-Direct-and-Indirect-Exposure-Electricity-FatalitiesThere are two ways to contact energized electrical parts or equipment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) database, and those are direct or indirect. Direct exposure to electricity includes contact directly from the power source to the person, such as touching a live wire or getting caught up in an arc-flash. Indirect exposure typically occurs when an object is unintentionally electrified. Indirect exposure to electricity includes when a ladder being carried contacts a power line, when contact is made to an enclosure that is energized, or when electricity is transmitted through a wet surface. Exposure to electricity has been associated with 1,653 fatalities since 2011, according to the BLS. Of those fatalities, 858 were reported to be due to direct contact while 688 were reported as due to indirect contact. The following chart shows the total fatalities associated with each type as well as the voltage associated with those fatalities since 2011. SOURCE: BLS It may seem odd that the number of fatalities for greater than 220 volts is the same for both contact types. However, you may remember from reading last month’s blog that powerlines and transformers account for over half of all electrical fatalities. Many of those fatalities are attributed to contact through a conductive component, such as a ladder, boom truck, or dump trunk. It is probable that these account for many of the indirect exposures above 220 volts. Perhaps employers should evaluate how their electrical safety program addresses risks and tasks when any employee is around a powerline.   RELATED: Download the Key Components of an Electrical Safety Program fact sheet   The direct exposure fatalities for both voltage ranges are troubling since employers are required by Federal Law and NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, to protect employees from known electrical hazards. Electric shock has been recognized as a hazard for over 100 years and arc-flash has been for over 40 years. It is uncommon to have electrical hazards exposed during normal operation of equipment or with equipment that is properly maintained. Making direct contact with an exposed, energized part typically occurs when an employee is knowingly exposed to an industry recognized electrical hazard. Direct exposure fatalities below 220 volts could be due to the perception that household voltages are not as dangerous as over 220 volts and, therefore, an ESWC is not necessary. Lower voltage fatalities could be due to complacency since these voltages are commonly encountered. An employee performing a task near a powerline is as knowingly exposed to a hazard as an employee performing energized work in a panelboard. Whether it is justified or not, the exposure could be due to an assigned task. It could be due to an employee not being trained to recognize electrical hazards for the task assigned to them. It could be due to exposed hazards in equipment that has not been properly maintained. If your electrical safety program does not address what is required by NFPA 70E, every employee could be routinely exposed to electrical hazards since nothing is being done to ensure that they are not.   Fatalities due to indirect exposure to 220 volts and less are substantially fewer than for direct exposure. A lot of equipment in this voltage range is consumer type products. Manufacturers of this equipment often use product standards to evaluate the equipment for safety. These products typically undergo third-party listing due to the risk associated with the consumer use. Often, there are no exposed conductors or parts to make indirect contact with at these lower voltages, which are commonly referred to as household voltages. Although, it is often assumed that direct contact is the focus of NFPA 70E, both contact methods are addressed. Proper application of the conditions of normal operation, approach boundaries, and Section 130.8 could decrease the number of indirect contact fatalities. Establishing an electrically safe work condition, justifying energized work, and using personal protective equipment could decrease the number of direct contact fatalities. Make sure your electrical safety program addresses preventing all possible exposures to electricity from any piece of electrical equipment wherever your employee works.Mon, 28 Aug 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/tech-blog-images/chris-blog-aug-23-hed.ashx{946C6128-E041-4621-B429-3810A3C3BB7C}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/08/12/Maui-wildfire-one-of-deadliest-in-US-history*Since this blog was first published, the death toll has continued to climb. As of August 25, the reported number of deaths is 115.   According to NFPA research, this week’s Lahaina Fire death toll, now at 80 people, is among the top ten deadliest wildfires on record since 1871.   “Through a deadly combination of human and natural causes, we now see unprecedented wildfires in every corner of the globe and in communities that were previously not viewed as high risk,” said NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley. “This painful and tragic reality was on full display in Maui as wind driven fires overwhelmed the small island.”   Pauley’s statements are reinforced in additional facts from NFPA research including that four of the deadliest wildfires in the U.S., including this one, have occurred since 2017.   He continued, “While voluntary actions to mitigate property have proved successful to an extent, the sheer volume of communities at risk requires changes to where we build, how we build, and what we do to existing properties through stronger policies to create a built environment better able to withstand such massive devastation.”   Today there are nearly 45 million homes in the wildland/urban interface (WUI). According to the National Interagency Fire Center, some 71.8 million properties in the U.S. are at some level of risk from wildfire. Each year some of the largest-loss fires occur in the WUI.   In the past five years, wildfires have destroyed nearly 63,000 structures in the U.S., the majority of which were homes. Record high temperatures, serious drought conditions, and high winds from severe weather events such as thunder and lightning storms have been blamed for the recent increase in wildfire activity in Canada, Europe, and in high-risk areas across the U.S. Officials predict more wildfires will erupt in the coming months due to continued dry heat and increased storm activity, prompting residents to look for information on what they can do to reduce their risk before a wildfire.   In a media advisory this week, NFPA provided resources for media and the public on various aspects for the wildfire problem.   Additional information, resources, and articles: Outthink Wildfire™, a comprehensive strategy that lays out five key policy changes that need to be made at the federal, state, and local levels and if followed, will end the destruction of communities by wildfire over the next 30 years. Firewise USA® recognition program that empowers residents to work collaboratively in reducing wildfire risks. Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Fact Sheet Home Ignition Zone Checklist Wildfire Preparedness Tips NFPA/IBHS Wildfire Research Fact Sheet Series Blog: Clearing the Five-Foot Zone Around Your Home is Critical to Safety from Wildfires NFPA Journal, May 2023 Wildfire Column: Inflection Point   For additional resources and information, and to learn more about how to keep families safe and reduce homeowners’ risk for wildfire damage, please visit NFPA’s wildfire  webpage.   For those seeking information on federal disaster assistance, please visit FEMA.  Sat, 12 Aug 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/Deadliest-WF1.ashx{498181A2-E0FA-480C-AA18-59F8BBF82D64}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/08/07/Get-Ready-for-Fire-Prevention-Week-with-NFPALorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Accumsan in nisl nisi scelerisque eu ultrices vitae auctor eu. Tincidunt augue interdum velit euismod in pellentesque massa placerat duis. Nec ultrices dui sapien eget mi proin. Nisl nunc mi ipsum faucibus vitae aliquet nec. Erat velit scelerisque in dictum non consectetur a erat. Netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Velit laoreet id donec ultrices tincidunt arcu. Aliquet nibh praesent tristique magna sit amet. Vel pretium lectus quam id leo in vitae. Cursus sit amet dictum sit amet. Ornare massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan in. Quam lacus suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem ipsum dolor. Aliquam nulla facilisi cras fermentum. Senectus et netus et malesuada. Arcu non odio euismod lacinia at quis risus. Hac habitasse platea dictumst quisque. Lorem sed risus ultricies tristique nulla aliquet enim tortor. Amet cursus sit amet dictum sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Vitae ultricies leo integer malesuada nunc vel risus commodo viverra. Volutpat ac tincidunt vitae semper. Ultricies leo integer malesuada nunc vel risus. Mauris vitae ultricies leo integer malesuada. Libero volutpat sed cras ornare arcu dui. Eget est lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/800x400.ashx{0A86AD30-1ECA-4DA1-B18D-1BCBE24E866D}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/07/28/CPSC-Forum-Focuses-on-Lithium-Ion-Battery-E-Mobility-SafetyAddressing the stark reality of hazards related to a rapidly growing e-mobility industry, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hosted a forum yesterday to spotlight growing concerns surrounding lithium-ion battery safety, especially fires occurring in e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices. In 2019, 13 injuries in New York City were caused by fires linked to e-mobility devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. By 2022, that number had risen to 147, a tally expected to be eclipsed this year with 87 injuries already logged in 2023. Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, whose testimony kicked off the forum, said that “lithium-ion batteries are now a top cause of fatal fires in New York,” killing 13 residents this year so far. Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy, was a key voice at CPSC forum, along with elected leaders and representatives from manufacturer associations, voluntary standards organizations, and consumer groups. In her comments to the Commission, Carli acknowledged the increasing challenges of fire and electrical hazards in our rapidly evolving, technology-reliant communities and urged a comprehensive approach to deal with this emerging fire threat. She said the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem offers a framework to address this multi-dimensional challenge, specifically focusing on four crucial areas: The regulatory environment The use and enforcement of current codes and standards Trained and equipped first responders, and A well-informed public There was broad agreement among panelists for more robust regulations to address the safety of e-mobility devices, including mandatory safety standards, enforcement of existing rules, and closing loopholes that allow dangerous, untested batteries and devices to be imported into the U.S. Carli stressed that storage guidelines, requiring tested batteries and components, and restrictions on device quantities in buildings can all improve safety She noted that NFPA 1®, Fire Code, has been updated with criteria for protecting areas where such devices are stored, charged, or used. Several panelists spoke strikingly about the explosive characteristics of lithium-ion battery fires, which one industry panelist said was analogous to a gasoline fire. FDNY Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn compared the fires to those started by incendiary devices. “These fires are large from the start,” he said. Carli emphasized that first responder preparedness for lithium-ion battery fires is crucial for their safety and must be prioritized. She cited last fall's symposium titled "Lithium-Ion Batteries: Challenges for the Fire Service," co-sponsored by NFPA, FDNY Foundation, and U.L., as a significant resource to provide guidance for the fire service. Several panelists promoted the role of the public in improving safety. While easily determining the safety of lithium-ion batteries can be difficult in e-mobility devices, individuals can prevent potentially catastrophic fires by educating themselves about the potential hazards of lithium-ion batteries and the correct usage and maintenance of related devices. Carli commended the efforts of Commissioner Kavanaugh and FDNY for their proactive and aggressive approach to public safety education. She also highlighted NFPA's efforts and those of other safety organizations that have created resources providing essential safety information for consumers and emergency responders. The CPSC forum provided a window on the complexity of this issue but also highlighted the sense of urgency to take action, which was best summed up by CPSC Commissioner Mary Boyle, who said in her closing statement: “Hearing from the stakeholders is an incredibly important part of the regulatory process and I think today’s hearing provided really useful and helpful information. I feel encouraged, like my colleagues, that there is broad consensus that we need to act and act quickly." For more safety information and resources, visit our lithium-ion battery safety page.Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/Panel-2-LC_1.ashx{4553F3F6-D534-4AA5-BAC4-9D22C4C3FE28}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/07/26/A-Better-Understanding-of-NFPA-70E-Part-III--The-Electrical-Components-Causing-FatalitiesLast month’s blog revealed the top four locations for exposure to electricity fatalities to be a home, an industrial facility, a construction site, and a street. The next thing being investigated is which electrical components are the major cause of those fatalities. Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) database is being used to assist employers in decreasing these workplace fatalities. The following chart shows the top four components attributed to these fatalities since 2011.   Source: BLS Powerline fatalities average 79 per year. The percent of all electrical fatalities due to powerlines, transformers and converters has consistently been 53% (average of 54% since 1992.) Enough information is available from the last 30 years for employers to find ways to prevent these fatalities. Investigation reports show that accidental contact or human error are major factors in these fatalities. A May 1998 NIOSH report (Worker Deaths by Electrocution) listed frequent causes of death as boomed vehicle or conductive equipment contact with an energized powerline. These same two contact methods are causing fatalities twenty-five years later. These fatalities could be one reason why streets are ranked fourth in location of all electric fatalities. Instilling awareness in employees and providing the training required by NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® could aid in deceasing these fatalities. Decreasing these fatalities appears to the be the simplest way to substantially improve electrical safety in the workplace whether the work task being conducted is covered under NFPA 70E or not. Building wiring fatalities average 21 per year. There was a sudden drop in these fatalities in 2010 after several decades of being flat at an average of 24% of all electrical fatalities. Unfortunately, these fatalities have leveled off at 16% of all electrical fatalities since that decrease. Investigating what occurred in the workplace prior to 2010 could provide employers with the knowledge necessary to further decrease these fatalities. BLS data reveals that these fatalities are equally associated with both in-house and contract employees. Proper installation and maintenance of the building wiring plays a role in preventing these fatalities, as does properly establishing an electrically safe work condition when interacting with building wiring. Power cord fatalities average 14 per year. Power cords, electrical cords, and extension cords account for 10% of all electrical fatalities. Every employee interacts with cord-connected equipment daily. Fatalities due to cord use are typically associated with damage, misuse, and improper storage. Compared to the other components on the chart, this is perhaps the easiest to remove from the fatality list. Both NFPA 70E and OSHA standards require inspection of cords prior to use. From fatality investigation reports, inspection of a cord prior to energizing it, as well as training how to properly inspect a cord then tag and isolate damaged cords, can prevent these fatalities. Switchboard fatalities average 11 per year. The percentage of switchboard, switch and fuse fatalities was nearly level (3.8% of all electrical fatalities) for decades prior to 2000. It is disheartening that these fatalities began to trend upwards to an average of 7% of since the end of the 20st century. Of the four discussed components, this is likely where NFPA 70E is mostly associated. These components are where NFPA 70E and an electrically safe work condition can be applied to reduce the number of fatalities. Proper installation and maintenance of electrical systems and components, awareness of electric hazards, inspection of portable equipment and cords, and establishing an electrically safe work condition can help employers minimize exposure to electrical hazards. A well-established electrical safety program along with proper training is crucial in lowering the number of electrical fatalities. Electricity has been relied on since the last decades of the 19th century. Surely something can be done to prevent these fatalities now that we have entered the third decade of the 21st century.Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Blog-Post-Attachments/NFPA-Today/Owl.ashx{1D32F2A1-F78F-4635-9BEF-00D593E66202}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/07/26/Code-Compliant-Electrical-Installation-the-Key-to-Swimmer-Safety-and-a-Secure-Electrical-SystemNow that summer has arrived, many of us will be taking advantage of the nice weather to jump into swimming pools to cool off. But what many people don’t realize, there’s a lot to keeping us safe from electrical hazards in these wet environments. Much of this depends on the initial electrical installation. Something that is often overlooked after the pool has been installed and inspected, is maintenance of the pool and associated pool equipment. As we all know, Father Time is not always kind to electrical installations, which may require re-inspections for safety. With the changes that occurred in the 2020 National Electrical Code® (NEC®) the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is permitted to periodically inspect and test pools. If municipalities so choose, they can implement a procedure to periodically inspect and test pools, associated pool equipment, and the equipotential bonding after the initial installation inspection to help ensure reliability and continued safety. A code compliant electrical installation for a pool, completed by a licensed qualified electrician, is vital to the overall performance of the electrical system and the swimmer’s ability to cool off safely. The conductive pool shell, a reconstructed conductive pool shell, perimeter surfaces, metal forming shell for underwater luminaires, ladder cups, diving board bracket, the pool water, and other metal surfaces are where the equipotential bonding system is found. This equipotential bonding system surrounds the pool with connections to a #8 AWG solid copper conductor. This solid copper conductor is terminated to all the above points then routed underground or within the concrete, back to the pool pump motor and terminated on the grounding lug located on pump motor. The 2023 NEC, in Section 680.26(B)(6)(a) requires sufficient length in the equipotential bonding conductor for future pump replacement. Best practice would be to provide enough additional conductor to terminate it anywhere on the motor in the event the lug is not in the same location. These connections are crucial to equalizing the electrical potential of all conductive surfaces, ladders, diving boards, underwater luminaries, and water that are all found with pools. Because pools are subject to corrosion and use corrosive chemicals, terminations, many of which are underground or within concrete, must be listed and labeled for the environment they are being installed in.  People often think that once a pool is installed, all they need to do is add chemicals to the water and clean the pool. This myth is where problems arise as maintenance and periodic inspection and testing of the pool equipment is a very important part of the overall electrical safety of the pool. Maintenance requirements for public pools, fountains, and similar installations, excluding one- and two-family dwellings, can be found in NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, chapter 34. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) need to be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, which is typically monthly. Also, as a part of periodic maintenance procedures found in section 34.3 of NFPA 70B, the grounding connections should be checked for corrosion, loose connections, or rust, all of these can inhibit the functioning of the equipotential bond, which could result in an electrical shock or an electric shock drowning (ESD). If corrosion is visible on any terminations, those points should be cleaned and or replaced by a qualified person as these connections are crucial to the safety of the people who use the pool. Pool pump motors do not last forever and therefore must be replaced, which requires the disconnection and reconnection of the equipotential bonding conductor from the motor. As previously mentioned, additional slack in the solid copper conductor is required at the motor location for motor replacement because consideration was taken for bonding lug location. When a state chooses to incorporate by reference the 2023 NEC, which makes it enforceable by an AHJ, Section 680.4 permits the periodic inspection and testing by the AHJ of the pool system. This may help encourage the maintenance and repair of the pool system and equipotential bond. Maintenance on pools, associated pool equipment, and the equipotential bonding system is no different than maintaining a car by getting the oil changed. It is not difficult to do; the 2023 NEC along with NFPA 70B provide this direction and are instrumental in helping prevent a fun day at the pool from turning into a tragedy. NFPA 70 the National Electrical Code® (NEC®), and NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, is available in NFPA LiNK®, the association’s information delivery platform with NFPA codes and standards, supplementary content, and visual aids for building, electrical, and life safety professionals and practitioners. Learn more at nfpa.org/LiNK. Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Blog-Post-Attachments/NFPA-Today/PoolShellBonding-copy.ashx{496A14A7-8A45-400D-8617-F5414921BD49}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/07/12/Fire-Protection-Research-Foundation-will-host-a-free-webinar-on-Smoke-Detector-SpacingThe Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF), the research affiliate of NFPA, will host a webinar on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, on “Smoke Detector Spacing on High Ceilings Spaces.” NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, does not address spacing consideration for smoke detection based on ceiling heights. However, there is a table that allows for reduction of spacing for heat detection. There has been confusion in design and code enforcement on what to do when smoke detectors are installed on ceilings higher than 10 ft. A previous literature review and gap analysis study on smoke detectors in high ceiling spaces was published by the Fire Protection Research Foundation in 2017. The outcomes of this study indicated that there was limited context and significant knowledge gaps that preclude the formulation of scientifically justified prescriptive requirements regarding smoke detector spacing relative to ceiling height. This study outlined a path forward to better characterize smoke detector spacing in high ceilings, such as by establishing a performance metric for smoke detectors that can be applied to high ceilings. The fire protection industry needs additional information on the impact of ceiling height and detector spacing on smoke detection performance. Mishuk Datta, Lead Engineer at Jensen Hughes, Inc., will discuss considerations for smoke detection based on ceiling heights and necessary areas of additional knowledge. Webinar registration is free and required to attend live; register for this webinar, or by visiting www.nfpa.org/webinars and watch on-demand archived FPRF webinars. This webinar is supported by the FPRF 2023 Webinar Series Sponsors: AXA XL Risk Consulting Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. Telgian Engineering and Consulting The Zurich Services Corporation Worcester Polytechnic Institute Fire Protection Engineering Program Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Blog-Post-Attachments/NFPA-Today/lobby.ashx{8429190F-73AA-4A26-B5BE-A4492A9ABF66}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/28/NFPA-Adds-Resources-to-Help-Establish-Electrical-Safety-in-the-WorkplaceElectrical safety was at the forefront of conversations at last week’s NFPA Conference & Expo® in Las Vegas, Nevada. There were great sessions on topics such as preventing electrical fatalities and meeting OSHA’s electrical safety requirements in the workplace. We also heard an extremely moving presentation from electrical arc flash survivor Brandon Schroeder on how a devastating arc flash incident changed his life, as well as the lives of his wife and children.   RELATED: Read more about how electrical safety was featured at C&E While the passion around electrical safety was shared by both electrical session speakers and attendees, we all left with one takeaway as well: We must all continue to grow and share our knowledge with others in order to move the needle on electrical safety in a positive direction.   As an initial effort, NFPA® has recently taken a couple of steps to share more information around electrical safety with those who are interested. Having a well-designed, functional, and usable electrical safety program (ESP) is a key component for keeping the workplace free of electrical safety incidents. NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, requires that all employers implement and document an overall ESP that directs activity appropriate to the risk associated with electrical hazards. While ESPs should be tailored to the individual needs of the specific company and the risks associated with their line of business, there are some key components that NFPA 70E requires to be addressed and considered, including: ·      Awareness and safety planning ·      Principles ·      Procedures ·      Lockout/tagout ·      Inspections and equipment condition ·      ESP evaluation   Recently, NFPA put together a free, downloadable fact sheet that discusses these key ESP components more in depth and also provides information on safety program controls. This includes information on training qualified persons, as well as identifying and eliminating electrical hazards.   In addition to the new ESP fact sheet, NFPA has also opened registration for a webinar on Tuesday, July 11, titled “How to Enhance Workplace Electrical Safety at Your Company.” This free webinar will provide more insight on how to positively impact electrical safety within your facility or on the jobsite. Daniel Majano, with Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), will be sharing the latest electrical fatality data and discussing what the numbers tell us and how we can look to improve them. Attendees will also hear the story of arc flash survivor Don Johnson and his wife, Kelly, about how Don thinking, “I know what I am doing, this isn’t going to happen to me” as an electrical professional resulted in a two-month coma, two years of rehabilitation and recovery, and “putting everybody’s life on hold.” Lastly, Ryan Grimes, senior engineering manager at Toyota North America, will share how Toyota has focused on electrical safety and the steps the company continually takes in order to achieve optimal results.   I will be one of the presenters of the webinar as well, and we will highlight the critical concept of the Electrical Cycle of Safety, which stresses the importance of using NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, and NFPA 70E® in conjunction with one another in order to produce the best possible results in workplace electrical safety.   For management and employees alike, continually growing knowledge around electrical safety is one of the best ways of actually achieving it. Even those knowledgeable in the area, such as electrical safety trainers, must remain up to date on changes of requirements and safe work practices for mitigating electrical safety hazards. By taking just one hour of your valuable time to attend this webinar, we hope to help you, your company, and your employees create a safer work environment. I look forward to seeing you there!     Visit the Electrical Safety Solutions for the Workplace webpage from NFPA to see more ways in which NFPA can help you to achieve electrical safety ion the workplace.Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/tech-blog-images/70e-webinar-blog-hed.ashx{7C3F916D-C5FE-4FD9-82E4-FCE4ED0DCF9A}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/23/Women-in-STEM-session-covers-broad-range-of-issuesFor the past several years, NFPA has hosted a Women in STEM session at the NFPA Conference & Expo, highlighting the professional accomplishments, learnings, and successes of women in the world of fire and life safety. With a focus on diversity in the fire protection industry, this year’s Women in STEM event, A Glimpse into the Impact of Climate Change, SMART Buildings, and Modern Workplace Challenges, was held on Wednesday, June 20, addressing the impact of climate change on fire protection projects and emerging technologies in fire protection and life safety for SMART buildings, along with changes in workplace culture in a post-pandemic world. TED-style talks were presented by three featured speakers, followed by an open, engaging panel discussion moderated by Shelby Hall, fire analysis research manager at NFPA. The event kicked off with Dr. Virginia Charter from Oklahoma State University, who spoke to changes in global climate change patterns over the long term and their impact on fire protection, highlighting that available water supply clearly present serious implications for effectively fighting fires in the future. According to Dr. Charter, the water stress projection for the U.S. in 2040 is “medium to high,” representing the midpoint of the range, while there’s potential for significant concern in Spain, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, and countries in the middle east. To reinforce this point, she showed two images of the Hoover Damn side by side, one in 2001 and another in 2018; the draught’s impact on available water is sizeable. Dr. Charter was clear to point out that it’s not that there won’t be any water in years to come, but if there is no available water to draw upon, what happens when fire breaks out? This issue prompts questions around codes and standards as well. For example, the first question in designing a fire sprinkler system is, “What is the water supply?” If the answer is that it’s insufficient, how can sprinkler systems be designed to adequately protect people and property? With these concerns in mind, Dr. Charter says we need to find ways to mitigate water security issues. As of now, there appears to be more questions than answers. Next, Dr. Nalini Venkatasubramanian with University of California Irvine covered the evolution of technology in fire protection and life safety systems installed in SMART buildings, and the tremendous improvements that technology has made on all our systems, including their interoperability and ability to generate more current information. In particular, she discussed her work on the E-knox Space Box study, which involved the development of open platforms for fire situational awareness (SA), featuring a range of new technologies and tools (i.e., semantic web, IoT) that provide dynamic SA at the fire site. She explained that a traditional “knox box” remove barriers to entry, so that information is available and accessible as a fire engine approaches the scene. As an integration platform, the knox box combines existing and live information to create and maintain a common operating picture for fire personnel, with whom they maintain a close collaboration. Dr. Venkatasubramanian noted, however, that while capturing critical data strengthens the ability to mitigate crises, it does come with resource challenges, such as limited bandwidth and high deployment costs. She also pointed out that there are new opportunities and trends for mixing building data with individual centric data, with examples of this already in play, such as drone-assisted monitoring for high-rise fires and WUI communities that conduct wildfire monitoring and fire-tracking. Last but certainly not least, Chris Dubay, chief engineer and VP of engineering at NFPA, discussed changes in workplace culture in our post-pandemic world, focusing on what’s happened since the pandemic struck, why diversity matters, and how to lead in today’s working environment. Dubay said that the way we work has shifted and accelerated since the pandemic hit – when it did, we all reconfigured how we work. Employees supported organizations and organizations supported their employees and it worked. Now we’ve seen that many employees prefer working from home and some organizations are pushing back. Dubay believes that leaders should help find a balance between implementing in-office connections while supporting the flexibility that working remotely offers. But Dubay said he believes something bigger happened that fundamentally changed how we operate as a society and COVID accelerated that change. Every minute of every day is booked, often down to the minute. We’ve trained ourselves to be consumed at all times, and we have accepted and even set for ourselves an expectation that we are and will always be available.        At the core, Dubay said, if we as leaders are not willing to understand the new landscape and personally adjust – and adjust how we lead and support our teams - we won’t need to worry about diversity or leadership because quite simply we won’t be leading. On that note, when it comes to diversity, if we only focus on numbers, maybe we can be diverse on paper, but it doesn’t ensure that we have a truly inclusive environment. Dubay said he believes that diversity starts and is driven by recruiting and promoting with inclusivity of all ethnicities, cultures, and genders. “Recruit the best people you can and don’t settle, invest in the team professionally and emotionally. Set clear expectations of performance, hold people accountable, retain exceptional people, and let them be amazing,” said Dubay. Dubay added that if people on our teams are different from us, they will work differently, they will be motivated differently – by focusing on the outcomes versus the rules we can use that energy to focus on knowing the person and who they are and what they are facing. When people are known by us, the outcomes will be better, the team will be stronger and more impactful. Agreement will not always come as easy, but we need to embrace and encourage that tension and process. Dubay also spoke to knowing your team to better understand what is important to each of them as a person and as a team member.  Our true self’s fundamentally shape what we value and how we see the world around us. It shapes how we operate, interact, and respond to each other.  Do we assume positive intentions, or do we assume malice?  Dubay said that leaders need to be the first to share as much as we can of ourselves and jump off the edge a bit – this builds trust and openness – then ask and provide opportunities for team members to bring their full self to the team. “When we know our team members and they feel known, we can better adjust to meet their needs and expectations – which will allow them to perform at their best,” said Dubay.Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/STEM.ashx{A1FAA277-B611-4151-857F-C5666A14B109}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/22/NFPA-Technical-MeetingBelow are the results of NFPA's Technical Meeting in Las Vegas, which took place on June 22. NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems   14-17 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 28 failed. 14-18 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 35 failed. 14-10 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 36 passed. NFPA 14 was passed with 1 amending motion. NFPA 14 COMPLETED. NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals  45-1 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 5 failed. NFPA 45 was passed with 0 amending motions. NFPA 45 COMPLETED. NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code 58-5/58-6/58-7 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 16 passed. NFPA 58 was passed with 1 amending motion. NFPA 58 COMPLETED. NFPA 140, Standard on Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Soundstages, Approved Production Facilities, and Production Locations  140-1 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 1 failed. NFPA 140 was passed with 0 amending motions. NFPA 140 COMPLETED. NFPA 260, Standard Methods of Tests and Classification System for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of Upholstered Furniture 260-24 Motion to Accept an Identifiable Part of Public Comment No. 9 removed from the agenda as no representation present. NFPA 260 COMPLETED. NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth  286-14/286-15/286-16 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1 failed. NFPA 286 was passed with 0 amending motions. NFPA 286 COMPLETED. NFPA 505, Fire Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Conversions, Maintenance, and Operations 505-1 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 4 passed. NFPA 505 was passed with 1 amending motion. NFPA 505 COMPLETED. NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing 4-1 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 2 passed. NFPA 4 was passed with 1 amending motion. NFPA 4 COMPLETED. NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages 30A-30 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 34 passed. 30A-5 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions was withdrawn. 30A-24 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions removed from agenda according to the Regulations as 30A-30 passed. 30A-8 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions removed from agenda according to the Regulations as 30A-30 passed. 30A-13 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No.8 and any related portions of First Revisions was withdrawn. 30A-15 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions removed from agenda according to the Regulations as 30A-30 passed. 30A-22 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions removed from agenda according to the Regulations as 30A-30 passed. 30A-23 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions was withdrawn. 30A-10 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions was withdrawn. 30A-14 Motion to Reject an Identifiable Part of Second Revision No. 8 and any related portions of First Revisions removed from agenda according to the Regulationsas 30A-30 passed. NFPA 30A was passed with 1 amending motion. NFPA 30A COMPLETED. NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code 99-11 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1071 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-12 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1073 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-13 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1074 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-14 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1075 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-15 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1076 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-16 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1077 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-17 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1054 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-18 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1079 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-19 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1080 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-21 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1081 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-22 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1082 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-23 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1083 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-24 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1084 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-25 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1085 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-26 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1086 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-27 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1088 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-28 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1089 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-29 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1090 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-30 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1091 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-31 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1092 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-32 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1093 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-33 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1094 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-34 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1095 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-35 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1096 removed from the agenda as no representation present.  99-36 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1097 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-37 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1099 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-38 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1102 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-40 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1055 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-41 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1118 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-42 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1119 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-44 Motion to Reject Second Revision No. 1109 removed from the agenda as no representation present. 99-47 Motion to Accept an Identifiable Part of Public Comment No. 103 failed. NFPA 99 was passed with 0 amending motions. NFPA 99 COMPLETED. NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® 101-6 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 51 failed. 101-11 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 55 failed. 101-7 Motion to Accept an Identifiable Part of Public Comment No. 55 failed. 101-8 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 52 failed. 101-12 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 56 failed. 101-9 Motion to Accept an Identifiable Part of Public Comment No. 56 failed. 101-10 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 53 passed. NFPA 101 was passed with 1 amending motions. NFPA 101 COMPLETED. NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code® 5000-1 Motion to Accept Public Comment No. 32 failed. 5000-2 Motion to Accept an Identifiable Part of Public Comment No. 30 was not pursed. NFPA 5000® was passed with 0 amending motions. NFPA 5000® COMPLETED.  Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/Tech-Meeting.ashx{5C7978CE-0404-46B9-A56C-352EF8417C8F}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/21/Progress-and-Lessons-Learned-Using-NFPA-3000-in-AugustaIn 2018, Augusta, Georgia, became the first community to implement NFPA 3000®, Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program, to address mass casualty event mitigation, planning, response, and recovery. During a Tuesday session at the NFPA Conference & Expo®, NFPA 3000: Active Response in the Community, five panelists who have since played a critical role in bringing NFPA 3000 to life in Augusta came together to discuss lessons learned, and how they’ve reached across societal sectors, response disciplines, and geographic boundaries to create a safer community. RELATED: Learn more about the origins of Augusta’s journey to implement NFPA 3000 John Ryan, a retired chief officer from the U.S. Department of Defense Fire & Emergency Services and current emergency manager at Augusta University (AU), moderated the discussion. In his opening remarks, he said that the United States is experiencing a public health crisis, and that the frequency of active shooter incidents continues to climb. “It’s not a matter of if one is going to happen, it’s when,” said Ryan. “And we’re going in the wrong direction.” The NFPA Journal article Strength in Numbers, which was recently published in the Summer 2023 issue, reinforces this point, showing that the number of mass shootings in the U.S. has increased from 273 in 2014 to 646 in 2022, with a high of 690 in 2021. This year, as of mid-April, there have been nearly 150 mass shootings across the country, according to. The Gun Violence Archive. Ryan also reinforced that planned recovery in the aftermath of a hostile event is everybody’s challenge. But it’s also everyone’s responsibility to ensure that the needed response measures are in place. Joe Webber, director of emergency management at AU and AU Health, believes relationships are key. “If I had to boil it down to one word that creates success, it’s relationships,” said Webber. “Having connection to the organizations and partners needed to thrive is critical to safety. We’re all operating independently a lot of times. Having those relationships that transcend industries really lends itself to building consensus.” Webber went on to say that when everyone with respective lanes of responsibility recognizes what they have the potential to accomplish, the result is a safer community. “All of us realize that each of us isn’t as smart as all of us working together to accomplish something good,” he said.   Natasha Roman, who serves as a risk mitigation advisor to Augusta and works at the Department of Homeland Security/Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said that communities need to shift from being reactive to proactive. “We often see that changes occur after a crisis occurs,” said Roman. Becoming more proactive includes assessing the capabilities of the community, understanding who knows whom, and how first responders operate. Webber recommends conducting risk-based assessments to better understand and address existing vulnerabilities. “Do first responders know what’s needed to respond to these types of risks? Do they know of infrastructure changes in the community? These are the types of questions you need to ask,” said Roman. “Part of proactivity is understanding the landscape and what’s at risk,” she added, noting that communities need to look at human resources carefully to make sure first responders are adequately trained and prepared to respond to incidents. Amado Baez, an academic physician/public health scientist who serves as the American College of Emergency Physicians representative to the NFPA 3000 ASHER technical committee, reinforced that active shooter incidents represent a public health problem in the U.S. unlike in any other country. He also discussed the challenges of effectively preparing for and responding to active shooter incidents, noting that healthcare facilities need to do a better job at making better integrations and breaking silos. “We need to learn from past mistakes,” he said. Brian Ozden, a supervisory senior resident agent with the FBI, expressed his enthusiasm for NFPA 3000, light-heartedly commenting that he felt like he a salesman for the standard, reinforcing the value of communities’ ability to adjust NFPA 3000 based on their specific needs. As the panel presentation concluded, Ryan noted the progress that’s been made over time. “There’s more societal awareness and acceptance of NFPA 3000 now than there was in 2018,” he said. “Five years into the process, you likely won’t get the pushback that you did then, but you need to be persistent in using the standard to build your program.”Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/ce-3000-blog-hed.ashx{60C1AA28-6041-47F7-9629-ECFCDA2B1D39}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/21/E-Bike-Fires-Discussed-at-NFPA-ConferenceElectric bicycles and electric scooters—commonly known as e-bikes and e-scooters—are more popular now than ever. These micromobility devices give thousands of riders in metropolitan areas around the world a lower-cost and environmentally friendly way of getting around. But the presence of lithium-ion batteries in these devices introduces the risk of fires and explosions. Most notably, we’ve seen this issue rise to the forefront in New York City where e-bike and e-scooter fires are occurring weekly.   On Tuesday morning, a fire in an e-bike repair shop in Chinatown killed four people and left two others critically injured, according to the New York Times. “It is very clear that this was caused by lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes,” New York City Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said at a news conference.   One day before this tragic incident, at one of the first education sessions of the 2023 NFPA Conference & Expo®, a panel of experts moderated by NFPA Technical Services Engineer Brian O’Connor discussed how lithium-ion batteries present a unique hazard to first responders, designers, and the public; where this new technology fits into the future of fire protection and fire prevention; and what is being done now to help advance safety. EDUCATING THE PUBLIC One of the key points raised during the discussion was the need for more diverse and nuanced messaging to help educate consumers about this growing hazard. “It’s a huge challenge,” said panel member Steve Kerber of the UL Fire Safety Research Institute. “What we’re seeing is people trying to modify these batteries to make the bikes faster or to go for longer periods of time without charging. They’re often using people not qualified to do maintenance on these bikes or they themselves don’t know how to fix them, and this creates a very dangerous situation. Public education is important.” RELATED: Read “Full Throttle,” an August 2022 NFPA Journal article about the rise in the popularity of e-bikes and the fire risks they pose “There is a level of expectation of safety of these devices on the part of consumers,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy, who also served as a panel member during the Monday morning session. “If people buy something new, they expect it to be safe. But we know that is not always the case. A more expensive device does not necessarily mean it is safer.”   “ If people buy something new, they expect it to be safe. But we know that is not always the case.   “What I’m observing is a socio-economic issue,” added Nick Petrakis, an engineer with the Energy Storage Response Group, who joined Carli and Kerber on the stage. “Many people, like delivery workers for instance, rely on e-bikes for their livelihoods, taking advantage of this low-cost means of transportation to get them to their jobs that help support their family. But these people are the hardest to reach when it comes to safety messaging.” The panel then discussed how to socialize this information when traditional means are not the most effective direction. “These are real issues that need to be solved in simple terms,” Petrakis said, “and we need to meet people where they are.” Providing messaging that is digestible and easy to understand is the best way forward, he said. Carli agreed, saying it is going to require some new ways of thinking and delivering information. Ideas such as video messaging and partnering with more non-traditional community and local organizations are just a few of the ways to reach these audiences. She then pointed to the grassroots efforts of NFPA public safety educators in communities and research from UL that has helped inform the association’s safety messaging. BATTERY REGULATION & RESOURCES   As the session began to wind down, the panel touched on research and the use of data, which they say will be able to inform the decisions we make in the future, as well as the role regulations or stricter requirements can play in reducing fire incidents. Kerber pointed to the research UL is involved in which came about from hazmat discussions with the FDNY and their work with sprinklers. “The good news is this is where codes and standards can play a big role,” Kerber said. “Without requirements and only suggestions for safety, manufacturers don’t feel the need to follow the rules. Having stricter guidelines can lead to a more quality product and less incidents. While it’s slow, it does appear that more people seem to be following this trend of safety first.” Last fall, NFPA cosponsored a symposium with the FDNY Foundation and UL in New York titled “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Challenges for the Fire Service.” The symposium focused on the concerns fire officials have about the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that are powering many of today’s electrical vehicles, in addition to smartphones, smoke alarms, toys, and power tools. In response, NFPA created a new webpage and tip sheet that provide important safety information for public educators, building and store owners, the fire service, and electricians on the hazards of lithium-ion batteries, most notably around why e-bikes and e-scooters catch fire, what some jurisdictions are doing to better regulate that risk, and what people can do to stay safe if they use, store, or charge e-bikes or e-scooters, and other products that use lithium-ion batteries. You can find this information and more at nfpa.org/ebikes. If you’re a member of the fire service, you’ll also want to check out our informative NFPA Podcast series, and in particular, a recent podcast devoted to the topic of e-bike and e-scooter safety. Host Angelo Verzoni interviews an FDNY chief about New York’s experience over the last few years with micromobility devices and digs deeper into the subject, talking to a technical advisor at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Looking for additional information about lithium-ion battery safety? A new NFPA webpage, nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety, brings together several existing resources including code information, educational materials, and talking points that can help promote safer use of lithium-ion batteries across a wide range of applications from cellphones to vehicles to energy storage systems. Whether you’re a consumer, member of the fire service, or other fire safety industry professional, find the resources you can share to help educate your community. Stay tuned to this page over the next few weeks as new resources including a toolkit and instructive Q&A section will be added. With the topic of lithium-ion battery safety at the forefront of today’s news, you can stay on top of the very latest in research, safe practices, and trainings when you attend this week’s Conference & Expo. On Tuesday, Chargepoint experts Kevin Cheong and Gary Eldridge discussed Rapid Charging a Li-Ion Battery Without Killing the Electrical Grid. Later today, David Paoletta from the BSI Group will provide an overview of how lithium-ion battery research and development laboratories, together with EV auto service shops and other companies, are integrating high-voltage lithium-ion batteries into their products and managing the shock, arc flash, and fire hazards presented by the technology. Check out the full schedule by visiting our website or Conference app.Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/ce-ebike-blog-hed-2.ashx{2E5177AA-046A-4C7A-923E-28DABD6EF64E}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/20/US-Civilian-Fire-Death-Rates-Present-Concerning-TrendsThe United States has made remarkable progress in fire safety since 1980, witnessing a decrease in both fires and fire-related deaths. This positive trend can be attributed to various factors, including improved building codes, enhanced fire suppression systems, increased awareness, and better fire prevention strategies. To gain deeper insights into recent trends, NFPA® recently released the report Fire Loss in the United States During 2021, which highlights fire incidents and deaths in recent years. Its findings highlight the increase in reported fire incidents and related fatalities as well as the importance of promoting fire prevention, education, and preparedness efforts. It also sheds light on the disconcerting increase in the rate of injuries and deaths in reported home fires since 1980. As NFPA Fire Analysis Research Manager Shelby Hall and NFPA Director of Research Birgitte Messerschmidt discussed during the NFPA C&E session Civilian Fire Death Rate Trends from 1980 - 2021, the findings call for urgent attention and emphasize the need for enhanced fire safety measures. According to the report, the rate of injury and death in reported home fires is higher now than it was in 1980. While improvements have been made in fire prevention and safety measures, the data reveals that these efforts have not been sufficient to control the rising casualties. The estimate of total fires in 2021 was 55% lower than in 1980, while fire death and injury estimates were 42% and 44% lower, respectively, over the same period. In 2021, local fire departments, including departments protecting towns, townships, cities, and counties, responded to an estimated 1,353,500 fires in the U.S. These fires caused an estimated 3,800 civilian deaths, 14,700 civilian injuries, and $15.9 billion in direct property damage. Meanwhile, direct property damage decreased by 30 percent compared to the property damage in 2020. “Tackling this alarming trend requires a concerted effort involving education, regulatory measures, technological advancements, and community engagement,” said Messerschmidt. “Understanding the underlying causes and developing comprehensive solutions is paramount to reducing these incidents and protecting lives.”Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/brooklyn-fire-ce-blog-hed.ashx{4468FD9D-71F4-4AF8-86C7-45EEC84A2167}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/20/ESS-Sessions-at-NFPA-ConferenceWith the growing prevalence of energy storage systems (ESS), fire departments have responded to an increasing number of associated incidents, presenting new challenges for firefighters. At Responding to Residential ESS Incidents: Tactical Considerations, an educational session on Monday morning at the NFPA Conference & Expo® (C&E), Sean DeCrane, IAFF Health and Safety Operational Services; Adam Barowy, UL Solutions; and Alex Schraiber, UL Solutions, provided an overview of two research projects that establish size-up and tactical considerations for responding to residential ESS failures. DeCrane, who served as the primary presenter, reinforced that first responders need to be adequately prepared to respond to incidents now and in the future as these technologies continue to advance and change. “There are no hard and fast rules for doing this,” DeCrane said. “We need to give firefighters the best information that can be provided so that we can help them make informed decisions that enable them to protect themselves and their crews.” An NFPA Journal article, “ESS Prep,” by Angelo Verzoni highlights improved ESS training and regulation as keys to a safe coexistence with this evolving and complex hazard. In addition, a series of ESS educational sessions hosted at C&E are addressing ESS and lithium-ion batteries from various angles. Today’s Energy Storage Systems and Microgrid Resiliency session covers what constitutes a smart grid and how it can help achieve electrical system resiliency in small-, medium-, and large-scale applications. Attendees will hear how energy management systems are finding more use in business today and how NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, can help manage and control electrical loads. ESS Lifecycle Considerations: From Pre-Planning to Decommissioning, also held today, features a diverse group of experts discussing the roles, responsibilities, and considerations for ESS projects over their lifecycle, from the preplanning phase to design, installation, and operation to decommissioning (with and without failure). This panel discussion offers perspectives from manufacturers, AHJs, FPEs/consultants, developer/installer/maintainers, and insurance and fire service. These are just a few of the many lithium-ion and ESS presentations hosted at C&E this week, reflecting the many risks they present in today’s world. To learn more about ESS, visit nfpa.org/ESS.Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/ess-ce-blog-hed.ashx{72B51524-F70C-4966-95CE-CFDFDEB68285}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/20/Electrical-Safety-an-Important-Focus-at-NFPA-ConferenceFor professionals who use the NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, and NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, on a regular basis, you know the importance both play when it comes to the installation of safe electrical systems and the safety of workers. But did you know that NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, also plays a key role in creating a safe working environment? That was the focus of an early morning session today at the NFPA Conference & Expo® here in Las Vegas. David Weszely and Jay Smith of the SEAM Group, a global leader in energized asset performance, said while changes to the latest edition of 70E are few, 70B is “new,” as it recently transitioned from a recommended practice to a standard, meaning it can now be both utilized and enforced in facilities. According to Weszely, “As a standard, it means that the condition of maintenance for electrical equipment is recognized as a hazard. That’s important. If equipment is not maintained, you’re going to have equipment failure and people are going to get hurt. You start to see how everything is connected.” NFPA commonly refers to the grouping of the NEC, 70E, and 70B, as “the cycle of safety.” NFPA senior electrical content specialist, Corey Hannahs, explains it this way in a blog: “While each piece of the cycle covers a specific area, they must be used in unison in order to provide the safest electrical system possible, being installed in the safest manner. NFPA 70B deals with electrical equipment maintenance, NFPA 70 stipulates the installation rules that are necessary for a proper installation, and NFPA 70E provides the safe work practices necessary to ensure that the installation and maintenance is done safely by the individuals performing the work. When the three are used simultaneously, and correctly, they provide for a complete electrical safety cycle. When one or more pieces are missing, it leaves the door open for catastrophic accidents—even death.” During the hour-long session, Smith and Weszely touched on several topics related to workplace safety, including regulations set forth by OSHA, arc flash assessments, preventive maintenance, infrared inspections, and lockout/tagout procedures. Both Weszely and Smith maintain that it takes everyone working together to create a safe working environment. Whether you’re a technician, operations leader, maintenance or safety professional, the health and safety of workers is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of your role. And training, they say, is the key to getting us all there. While this particular session has now ended, the discussions around electrical safety are continuing. At this year’s Conference & Expo, we’ve put together an informative lineup of sessions and events that delve into a wide range of topics related to electrical safety. This morning, Brandon Schroeder’s powerful session, “Believe in Safety: An Arc Flash Survivor’s Perspective” held the audience captive. Brandon has been a regular guest at our Conference. His personal story of surviving an arc flash explosion while on the job in 2011 is one that all electrical professionals should hear. With passion for the importance of investing in and believing in safety, Brandon started his own company dedicated to sharing the message of electrical workplace safety to hundreds of professionals and organizations across the country every year. As electrical professionals, working safely allows you to return home unharmed after every shift. It’s up to everyone to apply the knowledge we’ve learned to our everyday tasks and to share this knowledge with others. At 2 p.m. PT today in Lagoon GH, join colleagues to learn more about OSHA’s electrical safety requirements in the workplace. If you manage a team, this session will explain how your company can help provide an electrical risk-free workplace for everyone involved in a project. Looking to network with other electrical safety specialists? You’ll want to visit the Electrical Safety Pavilion located on the Expo floor adjacent to the Service Center area. Here you can meet with industry colleagues, check out products, and talk to other companies interested in electrical safety. But the conversation doesn’t finish at C&E. On July 11, join NFPA for a special “How to Enhance Workplace Electrical Safety at Your Company” webinar that will take a closer look at the latest statistics on electrical injuries and deaths in the workplace, and include a discussion about why investing both time and money into safety training for employees is critical. Following the one-hour webinar, which starts at 1 p.m. EST, participants can take advantage of the number of NFPA resources and free information available. Register now and join us for this important conversation.   With so much at stake, it’s important that electrical professionals get the information, training, and resources they need to do their job well and with safety top of mind. Visit the C&E website or your NFPA C&E app to find more electrical safety-related sessions and events tailored for both your professional and individual needs. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/ele-ce-blog-hed.ashx{AB657291-87AD-4050-A638-D03555686699}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/20/Electrical-Fatalities-by-Work-LocationInvestigating several aspects of electrical fatalities can help employers move toward further decreasing them. The first thing being investigated in this series is where these fatalities occur. It is common for all employees to interact with electrical equipment during their workday, but it should be uncommon for an employee to be exposed to electrical hazards. However, fatalities have occurred at most work locations. The chart below shows the percentage of electrical fatalities by the workplace location, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Unlike other BLS categories, there should not be much overlap when it comes to the location of a fatality, but there is some. I did not separate them out. I could not find a BLS definition of home as a workplace, but I expect that it includes trades that go to a home to conduct work (HVAC, plumbing, roofing, painting, groundskeeping, etc.) as well as a person working from home. Surprisingly, a home accounts for the most fatalities due to exposure to electricity (32%). An industrial facility is second at 29%. Even though the number of employees working from home increased from 19% in 2019 to 39% in 2020, this does not appear to have skewed the numbers. For example, home as a workplace accounted for 28% of workplace exposure to electricity fatalities in 2011. Home improvement, remodeling, repair, and landscaping businesses are often underregulated. In addition, small companies may be exempt from some OSHA regulations. These could be contributing factors for these home fatalities. These fatalities might also be due to many trades incorrectly considering a home to not be a workplace covered by NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, or considering household voltage to not be an electrical hazard. RELATED: Register for a July 11 webinar from NFPA® on enhancing electrical safety in the workplace With all construction occupations accounting for 48% of electrical fatalities, I expected residential (10%) and non-residential construction sites (12%)—road construction being an example of another type of construction site—to account for the most fatalities on this chart. Combined, these two account for 22% of all electrical fatalities which makes them third for fatalities. The fourth location, streets and highways, was also unexpected. The fatalities (11%) are on par with non-residential construction sites (12%). Public buildings account for 9% of fatalities. Factories and farms are both slightly over 7% of electrical fatalities. Less than 1% of these fatalities occurred in office buildings. I don’t post these blogs just provide you something to read. These blogs are so that you can adjust the way you think and work. Make sure that you are aware of the electrical hazards when working at any location. Take the steps required in NFPA 70E and your company’s electrical safety program to protect yourself from becoming a fatality. Do not let your guard down if you work at a home for any reason. That nearly one-third of exposure to electricity fatalities occur while working at a home is probably as big of a surprise to you as it was to me.Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/Posts/tech-blog-images/70e-june-23-blog-hed.ashx{FC4A7678-4C03-422E-891B-B4B66E39CB9A}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/20/New-Fire-Protection-Handbook-Highlighted-at-NFPA-ConferenceAs you may have heard, NFPA has released the 21st edition of its flagship publication, the Fire Protection Handbook (FPH). It’s been 15 years since NFPA has released a new edition and the response has been positively overwhelming. Dubbed the most comprehensive, one-of-a-kind guide for fire and life safety students and professionals, the guide features content reflecting the very latest fire protection and fire safety information, research and data, emerging technologies, and safety practices. Since 1896, the FPH (previously called the Handbook of the Underwriter’s Bureau of New England) has been supporting practitioners as they advance in their careers, providing them with the answers they need to their fire protection questions. If you want to learn more about the handbook or are thinking about purchasing this latest edition for yourself or your office, library, or department, you won’t want to miss a special NFPA Conference & Expo® session happening today (Tuesday) at 11 a.m. in Oceanside D. During the session, Kristin Bigda, NFPA publications strategy director, and Jonathan Hart, NFPA technical lead for Engineering Technical Services, will take your questions and talk about how the world of fire protection has changed in the nearly two decades since the last edition of the FPH was published, and how this evolution is reflected in the many chapters of the 21st edition of the handbook. Interested in real world application? They’ll also provide examples of how the FPH is helping professionals everywhere grow their confidence and understanding of fire safety practices in our ever-changing workplace environment. Did you know that the handbook also forms the required body of knowledge for candidates pursuing the NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) exam? The CFPS is internationally recognized as the gold standard in certification for fire protection professionals to demonstrate their proficiency in fire safety, protection, prevention, and suppression technologies. Effective January 2024, the CFPS certification exam will be based on the new edition of the Fire Protection Handbook, but until then, the exam will continue to be based on the 20th edition of the handbook. Please note that if you’re a fire protection professional who wishes to certify before the updated exam is launched, you can schedule to take the exam before January. For more information about the CFPS certification and the upcoming exam updates, visit nfpa.org/cfps. For those of you who have ordered a copy of the handbook to be delivered here at the Conference, don’t forget to pick it up at the NFPA Marketplace, right outside the Expo Hall in the Shoreline Foyer. A special offer is available for participants here at the Conference. If you buy now, you’ll get 10 percent off the Fire Protection Handbook (NFPA members receive an additional 10 percent discount). And while you’re in the Marketplace, take a moment to check out all the great NFPA merchandise and view some of the other NFPA publications of interest to you. We look forward to seeing you there!Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/fph-blog-hed.ashx{66931C22-005D-4704-8A2A-7589D59372A9}http://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2023/06/20/NFPA-General-Session-Spotlights-Embracing-Digital-Transformation-for-Enhanced-SafetyIn an inspiring speech at the General Session of the annual NFPA Conference and Expo® in Las Vegas, NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley called for embracing digital transformation and evolving safety measures to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.    Speaking to a diverse audience from all 50 states and more than 60 countries, Pauley discussed the profound impact of digital transformation on everyday activities and emphasized the necessity of adapting to these changes to create value for users, improve efficiency, and achieve better outcomes. He highlighted the statistics, revealing that digital transformation initiatives are expected to attract $2.3 trillion in spending this year, with 90% of executives believing it will fundamentally alter their industries.    Pauley also stressed the need for advanced safety measures alongside new technologies, specifically mentioning lithium-ion batteries powering an array of devices and large-scale energy storage systems worldwide. He drew attention to tragic incidents and pointed to NFPA's role in mitigating these risks through the development of standards, training professionals, and conducting research.   The CEO also spotlighted the persistent threats of home fires and wildfires. He reported an upward trend in home fire deaths over the last decade, with approximately 75% of fire deaths occurring in homes. He argued for the implementation of working smoke alarms and sprinklers, mentioning the NFPA Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem's role in facilitating this. Pauley also touched upon the association's Outthink Wildfire initiative, which encourages stronger policy action in wildfire-prone regions.   Turning to NFPA's own journey in digital transformation, Pauley detailed the evolution of the association's flagship digital platform, NFPA LiNK. The platform, housing nearly 1500 of NFPA's codes and standards in multiple languages, provides real-time, easy access to safety regulations and has expanded considerably since its inception. It supports companies, government entities, and individuals alike in their pursuit of digital transformation.   Pauley also spoke about NFPA's digital push in its training and certification programs, mentioning the availability of over 300 online courses and introducing an augmented reality learning experience for wildfire mitigation. NFPA's online electric vehicle training program has now reached over three hundred thousand first responders.   Lastly, the CEO announced a revamped NFPA website, set to provide a seamless, intuitive user experience with enhanced search capabilities and an integrated translation platform when it goes live later this summer. He urged attendees to provide feedback on the new site at the NFPA booth at the Expo. In closing, Pauley underscored NFPA's resolve to tackle the fire, life, and electrical safety challenges of our times, highlighting the community's integral role in this journey. He ended his address with an inclusive call to action: "It’s a Big World. Let’s Protect it Together." Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 Zhttp://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Images/Blog-Images/2023-Conference/Jim-Pauley-on-Stage.ashx