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Explain the Life Safety Code

The Life Safety Code refers to a building code published every three years by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Life Safety Code sets minimum standards for construction and building features to protect people from fire.

  1. Features

    • The Life Safety Code establishes requirements for fire exits, sprinkler systems, flammable liquid and gas storage, firewalls and fire alarms. It does not address general fire prevention addressed in existing building code or property damage prevention.

    Misconceptions

    • The Life Safety Code is not law, but many states and jurisdictions adopt parts of the code into law. Contact your state fire marshal to find out whether the Life Safety Code is law in your area.

    Cost

    • As of 2010, purchasing the 2009 edition of the Life Safety Code costs $85 from the NFPA website. NFPA members receive a discount.

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