Significant Changes in NFPA 72 2022

Significant Changes in NFPA 72 2022 

The applicable building and fire codes define when a fire alarm system is required to be installed and identifies the applicable edition of NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signalling Code. Once it is established that the fire alarm is required, NFPA 72 outlines how to design, install, test and maintain the system.

Chapter 3: Definitions

Why are definitions important in NFPA 72? To describe terminology used in the context of the code. In the next edition, expect the following new definitions: authorized personnel, one-way radio communications, two-way radio communications, constantly attended, control equipment, cybersecurity, emergency personnel, minimum hearing distance, observation, remote access, signalling system, supervised notification appliance control circuit and surge protective device.

Also, the term “energy storage systems” has been updated to “stored-energy emergency power supply systems” to be consistent with the reference standard NFPA 111: Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems.

Chapter 7: Documentation

How can a contractor know the performance level a circuit is intended to achieve? The 2022 edition will help clarify any potential uncertainty by requiring the design documents to indicate the pathway class and survivability level. Also, the record of completion and record of inspection and testing forms will incorporate minor revisions to reflect the term revision of stored-energy emergency power supply systems.

Chapter 10: Fundamentals

For many editions of NFPA 72, an automatic detector has been required at the

location of each control unit, notification appliance circuit power extender and supervising station transmitting equipment when the area is not continuously occupied. This has not changed; however, the next edition adds language that permits the detector to be eliminated where a risk analysis shows it is not required and where acceptable to the AHJ.

Have you ever seen nonfunctional equipment installed in buildings? The 2022 edition will require abandoned fire alarm equipment to be removed and be marked “not in service” while it remains installed.

The capacity of batteries will require an additional 5% capacity, changing from 20% safety margin to 25% to account for battery degradation over the life of a

battery. The installer will be required to label the battery with a replacement date that does not exceed four years from the date of installation. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, any rechargeable batteries used for secondary power will be required to be listed or recognized by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Chapter 11: Cybersecurity

Chapter 11 has been titled cybersecurity and references the associated Annex J to address cybersecurity guidance. Given the complex nature of the subject and the rapid rate at which this field is progressing, specific requirements have not been added in the enforceable body section of the code.

Chapter 12 and 24: Circuits and Pathways and Emergency

Communications Systems

The survivability requirements have undergone a major update this cycle. The task group has spent hours meeting to understand the history, potential failures, material installation requirements and revising the current requirement. Primarily institutional occupancies including health care facilities and high-rise building’s use relocation and partial evacuation strategies. These buildings can be constructed with no fire resistance or more than two hours. The fire alarm system must be able to evacuate occupants that are not notified during the initial alarm.

For a fire alarm cable system to be survivable from fire, the cable must be attached to a structure that can withstand a fire at least equal to the fire rating of the cable. With cable manufacturers introducing a one-hour fire rated cable, the 2022 edition added a pathway survivability level 4. For buildings with a fire resistance rating that is at least one-hour and less than two hours, the new level 4 pathway survivability would be allowed.

In buildings using relocation and partial evacuation, the fire alarm equipment is required to be located within a two-hour rated enclosure, but the communication between these rooms must be maintained during a fire. In a sprinklered building, the proposed language in the 2022 edition would allow cable in conduit if the redundant communications are separated by a floor assembly, a minimum of one-hour construction or at least one-third the maximum diagonal of the notification zone.

In a high-rise building where we typically evacuate the floor in alarm plus

the floor below and the floor above, the fire alarm equipment would be located within a two-hour rated room on every third floor. This equipment serves the notification appliances on the floor above and below this room. Nonrated fire alarm cable in conduit would be permitted for the communication between these rooms, however special attention must be made for the return or redundant communication pathway.

A short on a communication circuit is a common failure when the insulation melts, allowing the conductors to touch and prevent all communication from occurring between all devices on that circuit. Isolation devices detect a short circuit between conductors and open the circuit to allow communications to remain operational except for the segment between isolation devices where the short is present.

The requirements for area of refuge and elevator landing two-way communication systems also were updated to follow the same requirements for fire alarm systems using relocation and partial evacuation.

New survivability requirements for occupant evacuation elevators lobby two-way emergency communication system are now required. Occupant evacuation elevators are only permitted to be installed in sprinklered buildings therefore only one survivability level is permitted. In addition, the system must function so that a single open, ground fault or short circuit fault does not affect communication to any other lobby.

A new UL listing has been developed for control units for mass notification

systems and most fire alarm systems have now been cross listed to the new standard. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to permit UL 864 for new installations, the standard for control units and accessories for fire alarm systems to be used for mass notification system control units.

The requirements found in NFPA 72 Section 24.10 for rescue assistance have undergone a title change and major revision. These systems are required to be listed to the new UL 2525 standard. Rescue assistance systems would be required to operate for 24 hours under quiescent load followed by four hours with all remote call stations activated and master control stations annunciating calls. If these systems call an off-site location, a verbal message is provided to identify the building location before connecting to the remote call station. The master control station is required to display at least 8 unanswered calls that are prioritized.

Chapter 14: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

In today’s virtual world, the days of remote (off-site) programming of control equipment is coming. A requirement has been added clarify that when remote programming is undertaken, a qualified representative must be on-site at the protected premise to undertake the reacceptance testing following the site-specific software revision.

Chapter 17: Initiating Devices

Are initiating devices required to be supported independently of their attachment to circuit conductors? Yes, the 2022 of NFPA 72 edition adds this requirement back into the code after deletion during the last cycle. Also, remote alarm and supervisory indicators will be required to be labeled to identify their function as well as any equipment that is associated with the initiating device.

Chapter 18: Notification Appliances

NFPA 72 has long required that notifications appliances used for notifying occupants of nonfire events shall not have the word “fire” visible to the public. This requirement remains unchanged; however, flexibility has been added to the code in permitting field modifications to the marking as long as it is completed as per the manufacturer’s published instructions or a permanent sign is placed adjacent to the notification appliance to indicate multipurpose use of the appliance.

Chapter 21: Emergency Control Function Interfaces

A requirement to permit the installation of automatic fire detection in unsprinklered elevator hoistways for the activation of smoke relief equipment was added to align with ASME A17.1/CSA B44: Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The requirement also clarifies that the detection is to initiate elevator phase I emergency recall.

Chapter 23: Protected Premises Alarm and Signaling Systems

Similar to Chapter 14 requirements on remote programming, there are new requirements related to remote access to fire alarm or signaling systems. These outline stipulations for permitting remote access to complete testing, maintenance, diagnostics and software upgrades. With the exception of remote diagnostics, the other afore mentioned activities will require qualified personnel on-site.

Also, are there performance requirements related to the low-power radio (wireless) systems pathways ? Similar to wire pathways, performance requirements for designating these pathways as Class A or Class B have now been defined in Chapter 23.

Chapter 26: Supervising Station Alarm Systems

The remote programming requirements are rounded out in the next edition by identifying new requirements relative to remote programming of protected premises transmission technologies. A qualified person is required to be on-site at all times during remote programming. Also, notifications need to be made and a test plan in place as per the requirements outlined in Chapter 14.

Chapter 29: Single- and Multiple-Station Alarms and Household Signaling Systems

Regarding the placement of smoke alarms and smoke detectors near cooking appliances, smoke alarms or smoke detectors installed between 10 and 20 feet along a horizontal flow path from a stationary or fixed cooking appliance must have a transition period before the requirement for implementation of the latest technology. Before May 1, 2022, these alarms and detectors are required to be equipped with alarm silencing means, use photoelectric detection or be listed for resistance to cooking nuisance alarms.

Effective May 1, 2022, the smoke alarms and smoke detectors will be required to be listed for resistance to cooking nuisance alarms. Similarly, for smoke alarms and smoke detectors installed between 6 and 10 feet radially from the cooking appliance, a transition period applies. Before May 1, 2022, the devices must use photoelectric detection or be listed for resistance to cooking nuisance alarms and on/after May 1, 2022, must comply with the latter.

Annex I: Color Coded Tagging Program

A new annex has been added to provide recommendations for color-coded system status tagging programs in an effort to establish a level of consistency where these programs are required by local jurisdictions. The recommendations span tagging for installation, service, inspection and testing, deficiencies and impairments. As with all appendices, the material is not part of the enforceable code requirements (unless modified by local jurisdictions) but are included for informational purposes.

Guide to the use of Ladders and Step-ladders in Work at Height

Guide to the use of Ladders and Step-ladders in Work at Height 

Guide to assist in the use of Ladders and Step-ladders in compliance with the Work at Height during Camera, EM Lock, Detector, Strobe, Hooter and cabling etc installation at Site. The Work at Height Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place responsibilities on employers, and any person who controls the work of others.

If you are an employee or working under someone else’s control you should:

a) Report any safety hazard to them.

b) Use the equipment supplied properly, following any training and instructions.

1.    Employers responsibilities:

As an employer you should do all that is practicable to prevent anyone from falling. The regulations set out a simple structure for managing and selecting equipment for work at height.

Employers must:

• Avoid work at height where they can.

• Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height.

• Use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

• Take other additional suitable and sufficient measures to prevent a person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury including any additional training and instruction that may be required.

The regulations require the employer to ensure:

a) All work at height is properly planned and organised

b) All work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety

c) Those involved in work at height are trained and competent

d) A risk assessment is undertaken to ensure safe working

e) Equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected

f) The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled

g) The risks from falling objects are properly controlled.

2.    Planning

a) Ensure that no work is done at height if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do it other than at height.

b) Ensure that the work is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in as safe a way as is reasonably practicable.

c) Plan for emergencies and rescue.

d) Take account of the risk assessment carried out under regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

3.    Inspections

‘Inspection’ is defined by the regulations as ‘such visual or more rigorous inspection by a competent person as is appropriate for safety purposes’.

You should ensure (as far as is reasonably practicable to do so) that each individual place at which work is to be done at height is checked on every occasion before that place is used.

You should keep records of the formal periodic inspections until the next inspection has been carried out.

1.    Before starting

All employers should have procedures in place to ensure that ladders are only used where other safer means of access cannot reasonably be used.

Before site works begin:

• Identify all types of work where ladders are used;

Where work has to be done at height:

• Identify if other safer means of access can be used such as

    - tower scaffolds; or

    - powered access such as a cherry picker or a scissor lift.

• Identify the remaining short-duration work for which ladders can still be used.

2.    Carrying ladders and step-ladders

a) When carrying or handling ladders/step-ladders, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), e.g. gloves and safety footwear affording good grip should be considered.

b) Ensure you know how to get the ladder(s) on and off the vehicle safely.

c) Carry ladders/step-ladders in accordance with the correct manual handling procedures and ensure that there are enough people to carry the weight safely.

d) No other equipment should be carried at the same time as ladders/step-ladders.

e) Plan the route to the working area for the easiest/clearest access path. Seek assistance with any access through doorways, sensitive areas or with long / heavy ladders.

f) Carry ladder/step-ladder in a position that enables maximum visibility of the planned route.

g) Never carry ladder/step-ladder in extended/open state.

1.    Set-up of ladders

a) All ladders should be identifiable by a unique serial number and be inspected by a competent trained person at least every six months. Documented records of inspections should be maintained.

b) As well as the formal inspection by a trained competent person, ladders should be given a pre use visual check by the user before being brought into use each time.

c) Where defects are found, either at the formal inspection or pre-use check stage, the equipment in question should be isolated to stop other persons using it and reported to the person responsible for the repairs or replacement.

d) It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that nothing about the way that ladders are erected, or used, affects the safety of the user or any other person.

e) Ladders should be erected on firm level ground at an angle of four units up for every one unit the base is away from the wall. Ladders should only be erected and used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

f) Ensure that the ladder will not reach into an area where there are exposed live electrical conductors, or in an area where other hazards may exist. Safe working distances from overhead power lines can be obtained from the local supply generating authority.

g) The top of the ladder should rest against a solid surface and able to withstand the applied loads.

h) If the ladder is to be used to gain access to a working platform the top of the ladder should extend at least one metre beyond the working platform to ensure a firm hand hold whilst gaining access / egress.

i) Wherever possible, tie a ladder to prevent it from slipping. This can be at the top, the bottom or both. Preferably both stiles should be tied at the top. An eyebolt inserted into the wall of the building can be used to assist tying the ladder at the top. Never tie a ladder by its rungs only. Fixing devices using a rung and a stile may be employed.

j) Methods of securing the bottom of a ladder include, stabilising devices, sand bags, stopper mats, staking and tying, blocks or digging into a firm level base.

k) There should be at least a two rung overlap on extension ladders up to five metres in length and a three rung overlap on ladders over five metres.

l) Extension ladders should be raised and lowered from the base ensuring that the latching hooks are properly engaged.

m) In any area where people are likely to be passing through, ensure that a colleague stands near the foot of the ladder at all times unless guarding is erected. Appropriate men at work signage should be used.

1.    Use of ladders

a) Only use ladders for short duration work – a maximum of 30 minutes, depending upon the task you are doing.

b) Only use ladders for light work – carry no more than 10kg when climbing or working on a ladder.

c) Whenever possible when working from a ladder, try and maintain three points of contact with it at all times (e.g. both feet and one hand). Wherever practicable, when a particular task requires two hands to be used and is of short duration, the ladder should be secured, and the use of a safety harness or line should be considered.

d) Ladders should never be used near doors unless all reasonable precautions have been taken to protect the user, i.e. barriers, lock the door, a second person or leave the door open.

e) Position the ladder close enough to the task so as to facilitate safe working without the risk of over reaching.

f) When ascending/descending you should face the ladder with the hands in contact with the stiles. Hands should be kept free of tools or equipment when ascending / descending the ladder. If hand tools or power tools are to be used, the use of a tool belt and/or holster should be employed.

g) Where practicable, the use of a hoist line should be considered to raise equipment to the working position.

h) Only one rung at a time should be climbed on each step up or down the ladder.

i) Only one person should use the ladder at any one time.

2.    Set-up of step-ladders

a) All step-ladders should be identifiable by a unique serial number and be examined by a trained competent person at least once every six months. In addition the following checks should be carried out before use.

b) The steps should be checked for excessive damage to treads, sides, hinges and metal or rope stays.

c) All treads should be clean and free from contamination likely to cause slippage such as grease or oil etc.

d) Ensure that there are no splinters or rough edges. These could cause you to pull your hand back and lose balance.

e) If any defect is found that cannot be immediately rectified, remove the stepladder from use.

f) Always use steps of adequate height for the job. Never work higher than three treads from the top of the step-ladder unless the step ladder is designed so that a handrail or handhold is available above this level.

g) Never stand on the top platform or bucket area unless they are platform top steps provided with a suitable handrail above the platform.

h) Steps should always be opened to their full width.

i) Never leave articles on any tread of the steps.

j) Move the steps as necessary to maintain a comfortable and balanced position at all times. Do not over-reach.

k) Steps should never be placed near doors unless all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the door being opened and striking the steps. Post notices on the other side of the doorway or lock door.

l) In any area where people are likely to be passing through ensure that a colleague stands near the foot of the steps at all times unless guarding is erected. Appropriate men at work signage should be used.

m) Always ensure that the surface on which the steps are mounted is flat and free from stones and any other debris that would impair a good working foundation.

n) Avoid side-on working, face the task to make sure the step-ladder is more stable.

3.    Use of step-ladders

a) Only use step-ladders for short duration work – a maximum of 30 minutes depending upon the task you are doing.

b) Only use step-ladders for light work – carry no more than 10kg when climbing or working on a step-ladder.