NFPA is the “National Fire Protection Association”. Established in 1896, they are the authority on Fire, Electrical, and Building safety. Their goal is to reduce the burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life.
The NFPA conducts extensive research and then develops and publishes Codes and Standards intended to promote safety in the workplace. Virtually every facility maintenance process has a NFPA Standard to use as a guideline. NFPA regulations have become the “Industry Standard”, and are considered mandatory for most service related functions.
In the Power Generation Industry, NFPA 70E provides for safe electrical practices. It outlines procedures to evaluate hazards and protect against shock, arc flash. This code identifies the intent and limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE). It clearly establishes Lockout/Tagout procedures as well as requirements for energizing and de-energizing power circuits.
Also for the Emergency Power business is the NFPA 110. This standard specifically covers performance requirements for emergency and standby power systems that provide an alternate source of power to buildings and facilities. Installation, maintenance, operation, and testing requirements are encompassed by this code.
There are other codes that are applicable the Standby Power systems, too. NFPA 99 is the standard for Health Care Facilities. The codes within this standard also cover the performance, maintenance, and testing of electrical equipment.
The NFPA also provides Safety Training. Seminars are conducted on a regular basis and contain self assessment and problem solving exercises. Training Seminars are concluded with an exam, to insure participant understanding of course content.
Even with this brief overview of NFPA you can easily see they are a leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source on minimizing the possibility and effects of fire and other risks.
Mike Hilger
Service Operations Manager
GEN-TECH