Consensus Codes Set Development Continues to Move Forward

 Many of you may be aware that NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is well on its way to the development of a full set of codes for the built environment. That code set will be the only integrated set of codes to include NFPA 70, National Electrical CodeŽ (NEC), and it will be the nation’s first full set of codes created through a true consensus process.

 A key element of the code set being developed by NFPA and its partners (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Western Fire Chiefs’ Association) is NFPA 5000, Building Codeä. Great progress has been made on the NFPA building code. Consistent with NFPA’s commitment to getting input from all interested parties, hundreds of comments regarding the draft code were received in 2001 and the code will be available for a vote by all NFPA members in 2002. By September 2002, NFPA 5000 should be available for adoption to go along with statewide adoptions of the NEC.

 As a result of this effort, states and jurisdictions seeking a truly coordinated set of codes will have the opportunity to select one that was developed through true consensus – processes accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI has been the administrator and coordinator of the United States private sector voluntary standardization system for more than 80 years.

 And, for those of us who work in the electric industry, we should recognize that the same quality system that has resulted in the NEC would result in a full set of quality codes.