Vermont has updated its statewide adoption of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code to the 2006 edition of the codes. The adoption became effective on June 15.

The Uniform Fire Code provides requirements necessary to establish a reasonable level of fire safety and property protection from hazards created by fire and explosion. Its primary purposes are to address basic fire prevention requirements and to reference or extract the fire prevention and protection aspects of many other NFPA codes and standards.

“Setting statewide minimum requirements for life safety is an essential step in offering the best protection for the people of Vermont,” said John Wood, director of the Office of the Fire Marshal & Fire Academy. “Firefighters and building officials can now utilize updated life-saving information and training that will assist them in performing their duties well.”

The code sets minimum building design, construction, operation, and maintenance requirements necessary to protect building occupants from dangers caused by fire, smoke, and toxic fumes. It also provides prompt escape requirements for new and existing buildings. The Life Safety Code is used in every U.S. state and is adopted statewide in 40 states.

Vermont has participated in training and is scheduled for future instructions through programs developed by NFPA and offered to states that have adopted NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, as well as other major NFPA codes and standards. These trainings, provided by NFPA technical experts, cover the codes’ requirements and the numerous ways they can be utilized and enforced.