New NFPA Documents Focus on Premises Security

As the worldwide leader in consensus code development, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is pleased to announce the issuance of two new documents centered on improving security and life safety in the built environment.

The 2006 editions of NFPA 730, Guide for Premises Security and NFPA 731, Standard for the Installation of Electronic Security Systems, were developed to comprehensively address contemporary security matters. Organizations represented on the NFPA technical committee include the Security Industry Association, American Society for Industrial Security, Central Station Alarm Association, National Electrical Contractors Association, and the American Institute of Architects. The documents were issued by the NFPA Standards Council on July 29, 2005, and took effect Aug. 18, 2005. They have been accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

Long before the events of Sept. 11, 2001, NFPA formed its technical committee on premises security. Following the attacks on the World Trade Center, there was a heightened demand for enhanced security for people in public access facilities. The technical committee decided to develop two documents that address security. NFPA 730 addresses the application of security principles based on occupancy and NFPA 731 addresses the installation of security systems equipment.

At the core of NFPA 730 is the security vulnerability assessment, which provides a systematic and methodical process that examines an organization’s vulnerabilities.

NFPA 731 is similar in structure to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Also, the standard requires that the installation of all wiring, cable, and equipment be in accordance with NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code© (NEC).

This article was reprinted with permission from the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. For more information, visit (www.nfpa.org).