The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has provided free, read-only access to their fire codes and standards to the public for the past 10 years. The codes are easy to access – and here’s how you can do it:
Step 1
Simply navigate to the Free Access to NFPA Codes and Standards page, then click on the link to View the Full List. You will be asked to register before the site will grant you access, but the registration process is simple, straightforward, and quick.
Step 2
After registration, you will be given a menu with the full list of NFPA codes. When you find the code you need from the list and select it, the system will take you to a page containing all the document information associated with the relevant section of the code. In the middle of subheadings, you will find a link to “View the document online (read only).”
Note to the wise: be sure to select the year of the fire code enforced by your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The latest version of the fire code will be the first to pop up for viewing, but the latest version may not be enforced in your district. If you need to change the edition of the fire code, you may do so by toggling the Edition to Display Tab at top.
Step 3
After you select the “View the document online” link and agree to the terms and conditions, you will be taken to the access page. Read through the instructions on how to use the NFPA reader, and click on the OPEN NFPA (chapter x) at top.
The Extra Step for Apple Users
If you use an Apple, then you might have a more difficult time accessing the NFPA Reader. The NFPA Reader does not work with the latest version of JAVA, so you need to perform a little trick on your browser to make it work. Navigate to this Apple Support Page and follow the instructions. Then return to the NFPA site and reload the Fire Code.
Since 1896, it has been NFPA’s mission to save lives and protect property. Providing access to NFPA codes online is just one way that the organization helps to ensure that this important life and property saving information is available to more people around the world than ever before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBFGjvYOBIM
By Jeff Harrington, CEO and Founder of Harrington Group, Inc.