The
state of Delaware
has updated its statewide adoption of NFPA 1, Fire Code and NFPA 101, Life
Safety Code to the 2009 editions, and NFPA 70, National Electrical Code to the
2008 edition. The state has also updated several other NFPA codes and standards
to the latest version. All adoptions became effective on November 11,
2009.
“We
have learned from past experience that utilizing the most up-to-date versions
of fire and life safety codes and standards is an essential part of protecting
the people of Delaware from fire and other
hazards,” said Grover P. Ingle, Delaware
state fire marshal.
NFPA
1 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.
The
Life Safety 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 has been adopted statewide in 43 states.
Since
1911, NFPA has been the developer and publisher of the NFPA 70, National
Electrical Code. Setting the standard for safe electrical installations, NFPA
70, National Electrical Code is the most widely used code in the U.S. and the
world. It is adopted in nearly all U.S. states, many territories, and
several countries. The 2008 NEC is the 51st edition of the code.
Delaware has completed training on
NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 and is scheduled for future instruction through programs
developed by NFPA later this year, which are offered to states that have
adopted 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.
