NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

The 'National Fire Protection Association' (established 1896) is an independent, voluntary-membership, nonprofit (tax-exempt) organization. Incorporated in 1930 under laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, NFPA’s mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA’s international headquarters is located in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. A board of directors has general charge of the affairs of the Association.

NFPA Activities Overview

NFPA activities generally fall into two broad, interrelated areas
— technical and educational. The Association’s technical activities
include research and code and standard development, while its educational
efforts seek to reach people of all ages from all regions with
instruction in safety from fire, electrical, and other hazards.

NFPA Vision and Mission

'Vision:' "NFPA is the premier source worldwide for the development and dissemination of knowledge about fire and life safety."
'Mission:' "Our mission 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."

Codes and Standards

A major focus of the Association is the development, publication,
and dissemination of timely consensus codes and standards. Adoption,
use, and enforcement of these documents serve to minimize the
possibility and effects of fire and other hazards in all aspects of contemporary
activity. NFPA codes and standards are developed by about
250 committees, each of which represents a balance of affected interests.
Approximately 7000 people serve on these committees on an
unpaid basis. The NFPA Standards Council administers the committees
and their work on nearly 300 documents addressing topics of
importance to the built environment.
The consensus process by which NFPA codes and standards are developed
is based on the premise that safety is every person’s business.
Numerous opportunities exist throughout this process to allow both
proponents and opponents of all technical subjects to be freely and
fairly heard. Once the documents complete the development process
and are issued, they are published and made available as model documents
for voluntary use.
All NFPA consensus codes and standards are developed under the
procedures of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
ANSI criteria assure procedural fairness, openness, due process, and
input and decision making from all affected parties. NFPA’s consensus
documents fall under four broad categories: Building Construction
and Life Safety, Electrical Engineering, Fire Protection Applications
and Chemical Engineering, and Public Fire Protection.

Building and Life Safety Codes

The Building and Life Safety Codes Department is responsible for
codes and standards that have broad application to the built environment.
Life safety and building code criteria, manufactured housing,
building construction and fire test protocols are among the subjects
under the purview of the department. Field service, training, and
liaison with external organizations, coupled with support on building
loss investigations, are provided on numerous levels.

Electrical Engineering

The Electrical Engineering Division is responsible for the areas of
electrical and fire alarm systems and equipment. An advisory committee
provides guidance for NFPA activity on the adoption and use
of the National Electrical Code® and related documents. In partnership
with the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, the
staff participates in managing a certification program for electrical
inspectors.

Fire Protection Applications and Chemical Engineering

The Fire Protection Applications and Chemical Engineering Division
is responsible for the areas of fire protection systems and equipment,
special hazards and occupancies, and chemical and hazardous
material storage and handling. Three advisory committees provide
guidance for NFPA activity in the areas of flammable liquids, gases,
and marine field service. Through the Marine Chemist Qualification
Board, the Association administers the NFPA Certificated Marine
Chemist Program.

Public Fire Protection

The Public Fire Protection Division is responsible for more than
85 NFPA fire and emergency service codes and standards. Division
personnel also manage the Regional Fire Code Development Committees.
Division staff members also manage the Firewise project. Division
personnel support NFPA investigations of fire and emergency
incidents, provide liaison between NFPA and other fire service organizations,
and present lectures at seminars throughout North America
and in other areas of the world.

Additional Activities and Services Provided by the NFPA

'Fire Investigations'
NFPA conducts investigations of incidents of technical interest to the
Association and its constituents, conveying important lessons from
the incidents to NFPA technical committees and technical programs,
as well as to the broader fire community. NFPA fire investigators,
working in the United States and internationally, regularly coordinate
their activities with state and provincial fire marshals, metropolitan
fire chiefs, building code groups, and federal agencies. The report summaries are available through the NFPA web site.
'International Operations '
NFPA has established offices in the Asia/Pacific region (Australia),
Canada, China, Mexico, and Europe. The Association undertakes
the translation of key codes and standards and works in varied collaborative
relationships with its counterparts around the world. NFPA’s
International Operations division publishes a bilingual Spanish/Portuguese
magazine, NFPA Journal Latinoamericano, and serves as the
executive secretary of NFPA’s Latin American membership section.
NFPA has begun the creation of a Chapter system throughout Latin
America that is being pioneered in Mexico, Argentina, the Dominican
Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Venezuela.
' Library: Charles S. Morgan Technical Library'
The Charles S. Morgan Technical Library maintains one of the largest
collections of information relevant to fire research today, holding
vital data on the topics of fire prevention, fire safety, and fire service.
The library’s comprehensive collection includes more than 15,000
books and technical reports; 370 periodicals; films and videocassettes;
and NFPA archives dating from the Association’s founding in
1896. Code history documentation and research, as well as copies of
past NFPA codes, are available from the library for a fee.
' Public Education'
The Public Education Division provides the technical foundation for
NFPA’s fire and life safety education messages and outreach strategies
for the general public, fire departments, and other educators.
Recognized for our expertise in developing and delivering succinct
messages for safe behaviors, the division activities encompass Webbased
and community–based programs.
NFPA’s community-based programs, Risk Watch: Unintentional Injuries and Risk Watch®: Natural Disasters are designed to be delivered
using a grassroots coalition. The coalition brings representatives from
fire, law enforcement, allied health, and education together, working
toward the goal of a “Risk Watch Safe Community.” This multi-agency
system supports schools and classroom teachers who implement
NFPA educational programs.
Educational information for the fire service, teachers, families, and
children is provided on several NFPA Web sites managed by the division.
The sites include those dedicated to Fire Prevention Week, Risk Watch,and Sparky the Fire Dog.
Fire and life safety information is updated and new
activities added regularly on all the sites. The Internet provides the Public
Education Division with the opportunity to provide timely information
to our customers.
Educational messages based on NFPA codes and standards are developed
and incorporated in materials for consumer use. A committee
of fire and burn experts convenes annually to discuss, modify, or
recommend research for messages.
'Center for High-Risk Outreach'
The Center was created to address the needs of people at the greatest
risk from fires and burns: young children, older adults, people
with disabilities, and people in low-income communities. The Center
looks for emerging issues that relate to factors that cause people
to be at higher risk of fire death and injury and works to provide
solutions through engineering, enforcement, and education. These
activities include providing technical assistance and training to facilitate
the delivery and continuity of NFPA programs designed for those
at highest risk at the local, state, provincial, national, and international
levels; identifying and educating specific individuals and agencies
about populations at high risk; and working to obtain legislative
and/or administrative support of NFPA initiatives that increase safety
levels among those groups. Among the programs that the Center has
developed for high-risk populations are the Learn Not to Burn Preschool Program for young children ages three to five, and Remembering When a Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults. The center
has also adapted these programs for Spanish-language speakers and
First Nations populations.
'Fire Prevention Week'
As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for more than
80 years, NFPA selects the theme for the national commemoration
and works to increase public awareness about the dangers of fire and
how to prevent it. According to the National Archives and Records
Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week
is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
To support local fire departments, a special Web site, firepreventionweek.
org, provides statistics, media materials, activities, lesson plans
and more.
The history of FPW has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire, which
occurred on October 9, 1871. This tragic conflagration killed more
than 250 people, left 100,000 people homeless, and destroyed more
than 17,000 structures. The Fire Marshals Association of North America
[now the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA)] sponsored
the first National Fire Prevention Day on the 40th anniversary
of the Great Chicago Fire. In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued
the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Every year since
1925, the President of the United States has signed a proclamation
pronouncing the Sunday-through-Saturday period in which October
9 occurs a week of national observance.
'Regional Operations'
NFPA has strategically located regional offices in the United States
to work with members and other constituents locally on building,
electrical, and fire safety issues and to assist jurisdictions in the adoption
of NFPA codes and standards. NFPA regional offices are located
in Quincy, MA; Rehoboth Beach, DE; Louisville, KY; Tallahassee, FL;
Denver, CO; Long Beach, CA; and Toms River, NJ.

Administrative Group Activities

Administrative departments within NFPA provide the organization
with a full range of administrative services, including legal, finance
and accounting, building, and information services. The following
departments provide a variety of additional services that support
NFPA and its mission.
'Government Affairs'
The Association works with the United States Congress and federal
agencies through its Washington, DC office to promote the adoption
and use of NFPA codes and standards and to encourage a uniform
national approach to promoting safety in the built environment,
combating fire, and enhancing the public’s knowledge regarding
matters of safety.
An active government affairs role is central to the Association’s
work, as NFPA codes and standards are widely used as a basis of legislation
and regulation at all levels of government in the United States and
internationally. Examples of NFPA codes that have received worldwide
recognition include the Life Safety Code®, the National Electrical Code®,
the National Fuel Gas Code, and the Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management
and Business Continuity Programs. Many NFPA codes are referenced
by federal government agencies such as the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Medicaid Services, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The documents are also used by insurance authorities for risk
evaluation and premium rating and as references in designs and specifications.
'Human Resources'
NFPA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer offering
its employees competitive salary and benefits packages. NFPA’s work
is carried out by a staff of 198 professional and 111 support personnel,
located primarily in the Quincy, MA headquarters and in the
Avon, MA distribution center. NFPA personnel work in support of
NFPA’s mission through varied programmatic activities.
'Meeting Services'
NFPA’s conferences serve as educational and networking opportunities
for Association members and others interested in benefiting
from information on the latest fire, electrical, and building safety
techniques and technologies. Several major conferences are hosted
by NFPA annually.
The NFPA World Safety Conference & Exposition® draws an average
attendance of 5,000 people each June. The conference includes educational
sessions and one of the largest expositions of fire protection
and safety products in North America. It also features a technical
committee report session, offering members an opportunity to vote
on NFPA codes and standards actions, and offering the public the
opportunity to voice their opinions on those actions.
The Americas Fire & Security Expo is an educational event serving
the fire safety industry in Latin America, the Caribbean Basin,
and the Southeastern United States. The show draws thousands of
attendees each year.
'Public Affairs'
NFPA’s corporate communications program is carried out by the
Public Affairs Division. Through public awareness campaigns, news
releases, feature articles, and media interviews, NFPA’s spokespeople
communicate the Association’s mission, technical and educational activities,
and life-saving messages to diverse audiences. NFPA is recognized
by the electronic and print media as the leading authoritative
source of technical information, research, prevention, and safety advice
on fire and other hazards. The Division personnel regularly seek
out international, national, and local media outlets to offer timely
data, advice, and information as story possibilities.
'Research Foundation'
The Foundation collaborates with research organizations throughout
the world, investigating new technologies and documenting the
performance of fire- and building-related products. The Foundation
also convenes research advisory councils and symposia throughout
the year to benchmark and communicate the state of the art in areas
such as suppression, detection, and other aspects of fire safety.

Business Group Activities

NFPA supports the accomplishment of its mission through varied
business activities. These serve to fund the complex codes and standards
development process, research, public education outreach,
and public advocacy activities central to NFPA’s mission.
'Certification Programs:'
NFPA offers certification programs designed to document the minimum
competency of and offer professional recognition to those individuals
within the specified field of practice. Based on NFPA codes,
standards, handbooks, and technical publications, the programs
include Certified Fire Protection Specialist,Certified Fire Inspector I and II, Certified Fire Plan Examiner, Certified Building Inspector and Certified Building Plans Examiner. Information for each of the
programs is available through the NFPA Homepage.
'Member Publications:'
The NFPA Journal® NFPA Journal, NFPA’s official membership magazine, covers
major fire protection and suppression topics. A bimonthly publication
also available online, the Journal carries special NFPA statistical
studies on various fire safety topics; articles on advances in fire protection,
public education, and codes and standards development;
and Association information of interest to NFPA members.
The NFPA Journal® Buyers’ Guide is produced in print and online,
and provides the contact information necessary to obtain the products
and services of the leading fire protection and fire service equipment
manufacturers.
NFPA Update, e-mailed monthly, is an exclusive NFPA member benefit.
NFPA Update covers safety-related news and contains links that
provide instant access to additional information on NFPA’s Web site.
'Membership'
Over 79,000 individuals comprise NFPA’s voluntary membership. The
majority of members reside in the United States; overall, members
represent 120 nations. In the most recent year, membership percentages
by professional fields were as follows: architects, engineers, and
contractors (19.3%); fire service (18.8%); industrial firms (16.6%);
health care and educational facilities (10.3%); federal, state, and
local governments (8.6%); electrical services (5.4%); offices, retail,
lodging, and restaurants (5.2%); insurance (2.6%); utilities (1.7%);
and other fields not classified above (11.5%).
There are 16 industry-specific sections within NFPA’s membership,
providing the opportunity for field concentration and exchange of
ideas. The sections are: Architects, Engineers, and Building Officials;
Aviation; Building Fire Safety Systems; Education; Electrical; International
Fire Marshals Association (IFMA); Fire Science and Technology
Educators; Fire Service; Health Care; Industrial Fire Protection; Latin
American; Lodging Industry; Metropolitan Fire Chiefs; Rail Transportation
Systems; Research; and Wildland Fire Management.
'NFPA Web Sites'
The Association’s Web properties, led by NFPA Online, www.nfpa.org,
serve NFPA members and the general public. Through its diverse Web
capabilities, the Association provides original content to researchers,
policy-makers, educators and trainers, the media, allied organizations,
and other audiences. All users encounter fresh NFPA data, online review review
of key codes and standards, timely public advocacy positions and
advice, and other useful information. Members also enjoy access to
valuable member-only materials.
Educational Web sites: A Web site dedicated to NFPA’s childhood
injury prevention program, [www.riskwatch.org Risk Watch®], is useful
for children, parents, teachers, community advocates, and others. The
Risk Watch®: Natural Disasters program helps prevent injuries and
initiates a level of comfort for children in any disaster. As the official
sponsor of [www.firepreventionweek.org Fire Prevention Week] , NFPA hosts a Web site dedicated to
this national safety commemoration, www.firepreventionweek.org
that is the source of free educational materials for the fire service and
general public. Another specialized NFPA Web site designed for children
is www.sparky.org, which features educational information from
the Association’s safety mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog®.
NFPA’s online catalog: The [http;//www.nfpacatalog.org NFPA Catalog]provides a direct way for customers to purchase NFPA codes, standards,
and companion products; professional development opportunities;
and membership on demand. Nationwide ordering of products is
also available by calling toll-free +1 800-344-3555 from 8:30 a.m. to 8
p.m. EST, or by calling +1 617-770-3000.
'Professional Development'
NFPA offers a wide variety of professional development opportunities
addressing the latest fire and safety requirements and best practices.
To help its customers stay current, NFPA presents seminars, videos,
on-line learning, and special topic conferences.
NFPA seminars support the most widely used NFPA codes and
standards and can be customized to meet the unique needs of the
customer. NFPA also collaborates with other organizations and individuals
to enhance the learner’s experience with specific topics and
expertise. On-line learning can be accessed through the Professional
Development section of NFPA’s Web site. Five certificate programs
are available that enable students to earn CEUs. Programs address
topics of interest to fire safety professionals and facilities complying
with OSHA requirements, and are related to the most widely used
NFPA standards.
'Technical Publications'
The Association’s technical and general-interest publications cover
the public safety spectrum. In addition to codes and standards, they
include handbooks, technical/reference books, fire service publications,
textbooks, pocket guides, and training manuals. Nearly 300
codes and standards are available as single copies. The single codes
and standards are available in print form and in PDF form. The PDF
version of the codes and standards can be purchased and downloaded
directly from the Internet at www.nfpacatalog.org. The National
Fire Codes® (NFC®), the complete set of all NFPA codes and
standards, are also available as part of a 16-volume softbound set, or
as part of a loose-leaf print or electronic subscription service. The
electronic NFC subscription can be purchased on CD-ROM or as an
online subscription.
'Video Programs'
The Association is also a major distributor of video programs designed
to serve the training and information needs of the fire service, business,
industry, education, and health care. NFPA films consistently receive
top honors at film festivals throughout the country. NFPA videos
are available on a broad range of topics, suitable for school-based education;
workplace safety and hazard awareness training; emergency
responder training; and Code application. NFPA’s newest productions
include the NEC Expert® Series (updated for the 2005 code), Sparky®
Says: Join My Fire Safety Club, and Fire’s Fury, a powerful educational
video showing the speed of fire growth in a home.

NFPA Sections

Architects, Engineers, and Building Officials

The Architects and Building Officials Section was organized at the
1979 NFPA Annual Meeting.
Section membership is open to all NFPA members who are Registered
Architects and Registered Professional Engineers, principally
engaged in building design, and their designated employees, and Building Officials engaged in the administration of building codes
and regulations. Affiliate membership is open to all NFPA members
who have interest in the building design and construction code regulation
process.
The objectives of NFPA Architects, Engineers, and Building Officials
Section are to:
''(a) Encourage a greater understanding of the many aspects of safety to life and property from fire, structural collapse, and natural perils such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods,among architects and engineers responsible for designing buildings, and building officials who administer and enforce legal regulations applying thereto''
''(b) Create opportunities with an environment in which mutual understanding and cooperation among architects, engineers, and building officials may be developed and enhanced''
''(c) Create opportunities for leaders to emerge and attain recognition by their peers through elective office and to provide direction and vision for this sectionThis section is active and sees an important role for itself in the ongoing development of NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®, as the members constitute major stakeholders in the design, permitting, and construction inspection and control process.''

Building Fire Safety Systems

The Building Fire Safety Systems Section shall be open to those
NFPA members professionally involved in design, approval, manufacture,
distribution, installation, maintenance, and certification of
alarm, detection, suppression, security, and smoke control systems.
The section shall also be open to users, owners, and those responsible
for training on such systems. The purpose of the section shall
be as follows:
''(a) Promote fire safety in structures''
''(b) Provide for the coordination of fire and life safety equipment
and systems in buildings''
''(c) Provide a forum for technology transfer on fire protection equipment''
''(d) Provide for a forum on education and training related to fire protection equipment''
''(e) Provide for joint meetings on this type of equipment with other member sections''
''(f) Provide for enhanced communications among NFPA members''

Aviation

The Aviation Section was authorized by the NFPA Board of Directors
on June 17, 1980. Membership in the Aviation Section is contingent
upon membership in NFPA. Membership shall be open to any
member of NFPA who is engaged in the design of aircraft or airport
facilities, in the operation of aircraft or airport facilities, or in the protection
against or prevention of loss or injury as applied to aircraft or
airport facilities. Included specifically are design engineers of aircraft,
airport facilities, or fire protection equipment; operators of airport
facilities; pilots; airport fire service and fire marshal personnel; and
others who have an interest in the objectives of the section.
The purposes of the section shall be as follows:
''(a) Encourage a greater understanding of the many aspects of safety to life and property from fire as applied to aircraft and airport facilities''
''(b) Create an environment in which mutual understanding and cooperation among the many professional disciplines may be enhanced''
''(c) Create opportunities for leaders to emerge and to attain recognition by their peers through elective office''

Education

The Education Section was authorized by the NFPA Board of Directors
on May 17, 1981, and held its first official meeting on May 19,
1981, at the NFPA Annual Meeting.
Membership in the Education Section is open to any NFPA member
who holds responsibility for education in an organization or community
or who shares a sincere interest in fire safety education. This
membership may include, but is not limited to, persons in the fire
service, business, industry, school systems and institutions, insurance
companies, burn treatment centers, the public information service,
and manufacturers or producers of equipment or training aids that
have a direct impact toward the purposes of the Education Section.
The objectives of the section as set forth in its constitution are as follows:
''(a) Unite for professional benefit those members of NFPA who share a sincere interest in fire and life safety education as a means of protecting life and property''
''(b) Facilitate the reduction of fire and burn deaths and injuries through information dissemination, education, and communication''
''(c) Facilitate the reduction of fire losses to property through information dissemination, education, and communication''
''(d) Provide an atmosphere for information and resource exchange among individuals and among organizations involved in fire and life safety education as a means of protecting life and property''
''(e) Impact upon the consensus standards process of NFPA to ensure that education requirements and recommendations are reflected in codes and standards''
''(f) Promote cooperation among private enterprise, nonprofit organizations, associations, and government agencies with an interest in fire and life safety education at the national, state, and local levels''
''(g) Disseminate state-of-the-art materials concerning fire and life safety education to the membership through a newsletter and/or other means''
''(h) Provide for the education community, at each location where the section may meet, exposure to fire and life safety resources and programs''

Electrical

In 1948 the NFPA Board of Directors authorized an Electrical Section
of NFPA. The section provides particular opportunity for section
members to become informed and to contribute to the development
of NFPA electrical and fire alarm standards. For this purpose,
it sponsors open meetings where proposals for revisions or additions
to these standards may be discussed. Bulletins and reports on matters
affecting the work of NFPA technical committees in this field are
made available to members of the section through the executive secretary
as the need indicates.
Activities, programs, and procedures of the NFPA Electrical Section
shall be in accordance with the Regulations Governing NFPA
Sections. Membership in the section is open to any member of the
Association who qualifies in accordance with the following specifications.
Each member of the section must be a member of NFPA
who is licensed or certified to provide electrical services or fire
alarm services, or whose primary responsibility includes one of the
following:
''(a) Engineering, manufacturing, testing, selling, regulating, certifying, or servicing of electrical or fire alarm products or electrical or fire alarm services''
''(b) Designing, constructing, installing, testing, inspecting, maintaining, or approving electrical or fire alarm installations''
''(c) Performing or teaching others to perform the electrical or fire alarm services noted in (a) or (b)''
Membership in the Electrical Section is also open to any individual
member of NFPA not meeting the preceding requirements, provided
that person satisfies the requirements for membership on an NEC
code-making panel or NFAC committees as judged by the Executive
Committee of the section.
To become a member of the Electrical Section, it is necessary to
file a section membership application form with NFPA. (Forms are
available on request.)
The executive secretary of the section keeps a record of the membership,
notifies its members of section meetings and nominees for
section office, and keeps members of the section informed on matters
of interest to them.
The chair of the section reports to the annual meeting of the section
on the work of that committee and may take such other steps
considered desirable to keep the section informed.

Fire Science and Technology Educators

The Fire Science and Technology Educators Section was authorized
by the NFPA Board of Directors on June 22, 1976, and organized on
November 15, 1976.
Membership in the Fire Science and Technology Educators Section
is contingent upon membership in NFPA and shall be limited to
full and adjunct faculty, instructors, and administrators at institutions
of higher education, and such other persons as the Executive Board
determines to be in the interest of the section.
Objectives of the section as set forth in its constitution are as follows:
''(a) Advance professionalism in the field of fire protection, encouraging educational goals at institutions of higher education''
''(b) Hold periodic meetings for the purpose of discussing problems and exchanging information of concern to the membership''
''(c) Develop qualification guidelines for fire science and technology educators at institutions of higher education''
''(d) Study, develop, and assess curriculum, teaching materials, and educational methods''
''(e) Develop and disseminate information such as:''
''(1) Directories of educational institutions, meetings, and courses in fire science and technology''
''(2) Technical advances in fire science''
''(f) Stimulate and participate in research and development in furtherance of the objective of NFPA''
''(g) Undertake such other projects as may be authorized in the interest of the section and NFPA''

Fire Service

The Fire Service Section was authorized by the NFPA Board of Directors
on December 12, 1972, and inaugurated in 1973.
Membership in the Fire Service Section shall be contingent upon
membership in NFPA and shall be open to any member of NFPA
who:
''(a) Is an active or retired member of a fire department providing public fire prevention, life safety education, emergency medical services, and fire suppression services to a state, county, province, municipality, or organized fire district''
''(b) Is an active or retired member of a fire department providing fire prevention, life safety education, emergency medical services, and fire suppression services to airfields, industrial complexes, and military bases''
''(c) Is principally engaged in the training and education of fire department members including municipal, governmental, and industrial''
''(d) Is a fire apparatus and equipment manufacturer and a vendor dealing in fire department equipment or services.''
The objectives of the section as set forth in its constitution are as
follows:
''(a) Unite for mutual professional benefit those members of NFPA who are members of the fire service''
''(b) Advance the interests of the profession in the field of fire protection, prevention, life safety education, and suppression''
''(c) Stimulate awareness of the need for continually improving programs in management, training, and education within the profession''
''(d) Encourage and assist its members in conducting meetings, conferences, seminars, and such other forums as may be practicable for the exchange of information and the encouragement of professionalism within the service''
''(e) Encourage participation by its members on the technical committees of the association consistent with NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects''
''(f) Advance and encourage the development of improved fire suppression equipment, apparatus, and all related facilities''
''(g) Encourage public authorities to specify and purchase fire protection equipment that meets appropriate performance standards''
''(h) Bring to the attention of its members such matters of legislation and regulations as would be of interest''
''(i) Promote cooperation within the fire service and between the fire service and other fire protection practitioners''
''(j) Promote community life safety education and awareness''
''(k) Promote cultural diversity within the fire service''
''(l) Promote interaction among other NFPA sections by sponsoring joint educational venues at NFPA meetings''

Health Care

The Health Care Section is comprised of individuals with a focus on
the protection of patients, visitors, staff, property, and the environment
from fire, disaster, and related safety issues within health care
settings.
Section membership is open to individual members of NFPA and
delegated representatives of organizational members of NFPA who
meet one of the following requirements:
''(a) Is a member of a health care facility, organization, or association staff''
''(b) Is licensed or certified to perform, performs, or teaches others to perform medical services''
''(c) Is directly involved in engineering, manufacturing, testing, selling, regulating, or servicing medical products, devices, or services''
''(d) Is involved in designing, constructing, testing, inspecting, maintaining, regulating, licensing, or certifying a medical facility or facilities''
''(e) Otherwise, is an individual member of NFPA who can show reasonable involvement with the objectives of the section''
Membership eligibility is determined by the Executive Board of
the section or the executive secretary of the section under the direction
of the Executive Board. Any individual member of NFPA not
meeting the requirements may be a member of the section provided
a reasonable involvement with the objectives of the section can be
demonstrated to the Executive Board.The objectives of the Health Care Section are to provide to NFPA members having a professional involvement in the provision of
health care facilities and services increased opportunities:
''(a) For exchange of information and experience in fire safety, fire prevention, and related matters''
''(b) To develop their understanding of fire prevention and control methods appropriate to the health care industry''
''(c) To encourage and facilitate contributions to assist in the development and applications of NFPA codes and standards prepared by authorized committees of the Association''

Industrial Fire Protection'

The Industrial Fire Protection Section of NFPA was authorized by
NFPA Board of Directors on June 21, 1965, and organized on October
1, 1965. Section membership, which is contingent upon membership
in NFPA, is open to any employee of an industrial, institutional,
or commercial entity who on a full-time or part-time basis is actively
engaged in the formulation, administration, or implementation of
policies and procedures designed to provide fire protection for his
employer’s facilities. Affiliate membership is available to individuals
with an interest in the goals and objectives of the section. There are
no dues or fees other than NFPA membership dues required of section
members.
The objectives of the section as set forth in its constitution are as
follows:
''(a) Unite for mutual professional benefit those employees of industrial and certain other properties engaged full-time or part-time in fire protection, prevention, or suppression''
''(b) Act as a central agency for the exchange of information among its members''
''(c) Advance the interests of industry in the field of fire protection, prevention, and suppression''
''(d) Stimulate awareness, throughout industry, of the need for continually improving industrial fire programs''
''(e) Encourage participation by its members on the technical committees of the Association consistent with NFPA Committee Projects''
''(f) Prepare for publication by Association such educational materials as may be most practicable and suitable for broadening the understanding of industrial managements and their employees''
''(g) Advance and encourage the development of improved fire protection equipment, devices, and methods by pooling experience and correlating the recommendations of its members''
''(h) Encourage industry to specify and purchase fire protection equipment on the basis of

International Fire Marshals Association

Organized in 1906, the International Fire Marshals Association
(IFMA), formerly the Fire Marshals Association of North America,
was reorganized in 1927 as the Fire Marshals’ Section of NFPA.
The mission of IFMA is to assist in the preservation of life and
property by advocating, promoting, and providing leadership in the
prevention and mitigation of fire, explosion, and other related hazardous
conditions.
The goals and objectives of IFMA are as follows:
''(a) Unite for mutual benefit those officials engaged primarily in the prevention of fire, the investigation of fires, and/or public fire and life safety education''
''(b) Provide educational and professional development opportunities through technological, certification, and prevention programs''
''(c) Provide a resource service to the members''
''(d) Actively market and promote a positive, dynamic, and proactive profile''
''(e) Actively participate in the codes- and standards-making process at the international, national, state, and local levels''
''(f) Monitor fire safety issues at the international, national, state, and local levels''
''(g) Develop mechanisms for Chapters to participate in the Association''
''(h) Monitor and support research and development of solutions to fire protection and fire prevention problems.''
Membership in IFMA is contingent upon membership in NFPA
and is open to individuals who meet the following membership requirements:
MEMBER: A fire official who has been lawfully appointed and authorized
by the authority having jurisdiction and charged with the
statutory responsibilities and duties for fire prevention accomplished
through enforcement of fire laws and regulations, property inspections,
public fire safety education, or investigation of the cause and
origin of fires is eligible for membership.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER: A member of NFPA who does not qualify for
member status as outlined above. Associate members shall not hold
an elective office or vote in the affairs of the Association.
AFFILIATE MEMBER: An affiliate member of NFPA who is interested
in the stated mission and objectives of IFMA. Affiliate members shall
not hold an elected office or vote in the affairs of the Association.
Membership applications are available on request.

Latin American

NFPA has established the Latin American Membership Section
to improve the technical levels of fire protection throughout Latin
America.
Section meetings will be conducted with simultaneous translation
of Spanish and English. Membership in the Latin American Section
is not restricted by location or language, and membership is open
to anyone interested in promoting a higher degree of fire safety in
Latin American countries.

Lodging Industry

The Lodging Industry Section was authorized by the NFPA Board of
Directors on December 4, 1987, and held its organizational meeting
at the NFPA Annual Meeting on May 18, 1988.
Membership in the Lodging Industry Section shall be contingent
upon membership in NFPA and is open to any member or designated
representative or organizational member employed in the lodging
industry or related industries, who is professionally involved in life
safety or fire-related activities.
The object of this section is to bring together professionals who
are professionally involved in the lodging industry or related industries
and in their role in pursuing the mission of NFPA.
The section will sponsor meetings, forums, and other activities of
interest and service to all NFPA members, members of the section,
or others.
Associate membership is open to any NFPA member having an interest
in the lodging industry. Associate members enjoy all the benefits
of regular members but do not have voting privileges.

Metropolitan Fire Chiefs

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Committee was organized in 1965.
In October 1996, it was established as a section of NFPA.
The mission of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Section (Metro
Chiefs Section) is to focus on major issues that impact fire departments
serving large jurisdictions in the United States and
abroad. As an informed advisory body, the Metro Chiefs Section
shall support, serve, and provide input to the staff and members
of NFPA.
The Metro Chiefs Section is limited to fire chiefs having a minimum
staffing strength of 400 fully paid, career fire fighters. The chief
must also be a member of NFPA and the IAFC.

Rail Transportation Systems

The Rail Transportation Systems Section, formerly the NFPA Railroad
Section, was authorized by the NFPA Board of Directors in
January 1944. The section was discontinued in June 1952 and reestablished
as an NFPA section in January 1963. The section has two
grades of membership: members and affiliate members. Both grades
are contingent on membership in NFPA or on being designated as a
representative of an organization member of NFPA. A member must
be either an officer or full-time employee in the rail transportation
industry or of an association or organization sponsored and supported
by the rail transportation industry. An affiliate member is one
who, while not meeting the requirements of member grade, has an
interest in fire protection in the rail transportation industry.
The objectives of this section, through the interchange of ideas
and experiences, shall be as follows:
''(a) Promote interest in and improvement of the methods of fire protection''
''(b) Promote proper safeguards and guidelines relative to the handling of hazardous materials in rail transportation The section holds its meetings and special events in conjunction with the NFPA Annual Meeting.''

Research

Authorized in 1987 and organized in 1988, the Research Section of
NFPA brings together persons involved in or interested in research
related to fire safety, fire science, fire codes and standards, fire protection,
and the like. Its principal activity is the facilitation of communication
between researcher and research user, including what
users need, what researchers have available, and what general strategies
will lead to increased use of valid research.
This section was established to serve the interests of its membership
in research on fire-related issues by the following:
''(a) Facilitating communication between those who conduct fire research and those who use the results of such research''
''(b) Facilitating communication by fire safety and fire protection practitioners of their needs that may be addressed by research''
''(c) Facilitating communication by researchers of the applicability of their research to the mission of NFPA and other fire research user needs''
''(d) Facilitating technology transfer to the consensus codes and standards process and other fire safety and fire protection decision-making processes''
''(e) Identifying methods by which fire research can be more systematically applied to fire safety and fire protection decisions, including the codes and standards process''
''(f) Facilitating communication among researchers on better ways to serve user needs and to plan and support research to serve those needs''

Wildland Fire Management

The Wildland Fire Management Section was formed in 1988. The
objective of the section is to bring together those NFPA members
involved in all aspects of wildland fire management, from volunteer
fire fighter to incident commander. Membership in the section is
open to all individuals professionally involved in wildland fire management
at all levels.
The section was established to serve the interests of its members
by the following:
''(a) Bringing together for mutual professional and technical benefit those individuals involved in wildland fire management, the wildland/urban interface, and other related activities''
''(b) Promoting the exchange of information among its members''
''(c) Advancing the interests of wildland fire management''
''(d) Conducting or sponsoring its members to hold meetings, conferences, seminars, and such other forums as may be appropriate for the exchange of information and the encouragement of professionalism among those responsible for planning, implementing, and operating wildland fire management and other related activities.''
''(e) Encouraging participation by its members on the technical committee and in the code-development process of the Association''
''(f) Promoting cooperation among the Wildland Fire Management Section, wildland fire agencies of other nations, and federal, state, and local fire protection organizations''
The Wildland Fire Management Section will be a catalyst in the
exploration of emerging issues in wildland fire management and in
the search for effective fire management models and tools in settings
from the wildland/urban interface to wilderness areas.

External links

★ NFPA online

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