New Safety Codes: Fire sprinklers now required in nightclubs, nursing homes, and 1-2 family dwellings

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Council has developed new national building safety codes that require fire sprinklers in nightclubs, nursing homes, and new construction of 1-2 family dwellings.

The provision that mandates fire sprinklers in nightclubs was partially spurred by the Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that resulted in 100 deaths back in February 2003. Specifically, the provision is generally applicable to new construction nightclubs and like facilities with capacity over 50 and existing nightclubs and like facilities with capacity over 100.

Automobile injuries can be financially devastating to the private or public employers who pay them. One way to reduce claims is to implement, and adhere to, a Fleet Safety Program.

Similarly in 2003, nursing home fires in Hartford and Nashville prompted the health care industry and NFPA to advocate increased fire protection, spurring the provision for fire sprinklers in existing nursing homes. Now both new and existing nursing homes are required to have fire sprinklers.

Lastly, the NFPA put forth provisions for fire sprinklers in 1-2 family dwellings. James M. Shannon, NFPA president, says, "The code provision for sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings is a milestone in fire protection… It is a significant step in reducing the rate of fire death and injury in the place where people are at most risk for fire - their own homes."

Not everyone is on board with the provisions. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) appealed the mandatory sprinkler requirements in 1-2 family dwellings, but was denied in a written decision dated August 10, 2005.

Going into effect August 18, the provisions apply to the 2006 editions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code.

Provided by: HRTutor.com and The Human Equation Email this article New Safety Codes: Fire sprinklers now required in nightclubs, nursing homes, and 1-2 family dwellings By: Ariana Bianchi
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Council has developed new national building safety codes that require fire sprinklers in nightclubs, nursing homes, and new construction of 1-2 family dwellings. The provision that mandates fire sprinklers in nightclubs was partially spurred by the Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island that resulted in 100 deaths back in February 2003. Specifically, the provision is generally applicable to new construction nightclubs and like facilities with capacity over 50 and existing nightclubs and like facilities with capacity over 100. *Automobile injuries can be financially devastating to the private or public employers who pay them. One way to reduce claims is to implement, and adhere to, a Fleet Safety Program.* Similarly in 2003, nursing home fires in Hartford and Nashville prompted the health care industry and NFPA to advocate increased fire protection, spurring the provision for fire sprinklers in existing nursing homes. Now both new and existing nursing homes are required to have fire sprinklers. Lastly, the NFPA put forth provisions for fire sprinklers in 1-2 family dwellings. James M. Shannon, NFPA president, says, "The code provision for sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings is a milestone in fire protection… It is a significant step in reducing the rate of fire death and injury in the place where people are at most risk for fire - their own homes." Not everyone is on board with the provisions. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) appealed the mandatory sprinkler requirements in 1-2 family dwellings, but was denied in a written decision dated August 10, 2005. Going into effect August 18, the provisions apply to the 2006 editions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code.
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