Key changes in the 2018 Edition of NFPA 101 “Life Safety Code”

The NFPA 101 “Life Safety Code” (2018 Edition) has recently been released by NFPA.  Below are some of key changes to this code:

• New requirements for hazardous materials protection that goes beyond fire-related hazards
• New occupant load factors for business uses
• New requirements for risk analyses for mass notification systems
• A new reference to NFPA 4, Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing
• Animal housing facilities added as special structures
• Added requirements for carbon monoxide detection in new assembly occupancies and new residential board and care occupancies
• Added criteria for door locking to prevent unwanted entry in educational, day care, and business occupancies
• A new mandatory sprinkler requirement for all but very small new educational occupancies
• New provisions that permit health care and ambulatory health care smoke compartments up to 40,000 sqft (3,720 sqm) in area
• Added requirements for bathtub and shower grab bars
• Added requirements for attic protection requirements that impact certain new hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings
• A new reference to NFPA 99,  Health Care Facilities Code, for medical gases in business occupancies
• A new annex that offers guidance on several NFPA hazardous materials standards

The updated code is available to review online at www.nfpa.org/101 and a free webinar is also available exclusively for NFPA members to view online.

If you need more information or training on the revised NFPA 101 “Life Safety Code” please contact us.