Fire Protection Research Foundation

Request for proposals issued for Separation Distances in NFPA Codes and Standards research project

A Request for Proposals has been issued for the Separation Distances in NFPA Codes and Standards research project.  Proposals should be submitted to Kathleen Almand by June 14, 2013 , 5 pm EDT.

The goal of the project is to provide guidance to NFPA technical committees on methodologies to develop technically based separation/clearance distances for hazardous storage/processes. The focus of this study will be those storage and processes within the scope of NFPA 400 – Hazardous Materials Code.

Fore more information on the project or how to submit your proposal, please reveiw the project details on the website.

 

Advisory Panel Members Invited for New Foundation Project on Separation Distances

 

Separation distances are specified in many NFPA codes and standards and have been
developed over a number of years with varying technical basis. The Foundation
has initiated a project to revisit of the historical basis of selected requirements, and develop information and guidance which may inform a sound technical basis for adjusting these distances. 

 

We are seeking those with an interest and expertise in this field to serve on the project advisory panel, which will provide input, review and guidance to the project. If you have a background in hazard assessment, code enforcement related to hazardous materials and NFPA 400 or have other expertise to bring to the topic and are interested in serving, please respond to kalmand@nfpa.org

 

Foundation Track at the NFPA Conference Features Results of 20 Foundation Projects

JOin us at NFPA's Annual Conference in Chicago Jun 10-13 as we review the results of the Foundation's research over the past year.  20 presentations will feature recently completed projects on fire fighter tactics and PPE, suppression strategies for hazardous commodities including lithium ion batteries, evacuation strategies from tall buildings, and many other topics.  We are also sponsoring a look ahead at the issues likely to affect fire and electrical safety over the next five years.

Join us!

Sprinkler Protection Criteria for Consumer Fireworks Storage in Retail Facilities: Concept Test Plan issued by Foundation

In 1999, the scope of NFPA 1124 was expanded to include requirements for retail sale of consumer pyrotechnics and the Pyrotechnics Committee was charged with the development of a new chapter on permanent facilities (both fireworks only and mixed commodity facilities), and temporary stands, tents and other retail sales facilities. In 2007, the Foundation conducted a hazard assessment and gap analysis for the standard. An identified gap in information is sprinkler protection criteria for the storage of this commodity in retail facilities.

This new report presents the results of a field survey of stored consumer fireworks in retail facilities; a hazard assessment based on that survey and other information, and a research plan to evaluate required sprinkler protection design criteria.

The Fire Protection Research Foundation and NFPA will offer the 2011 Dust Symposium

 
The Fire Protection Research Foundation and NFPA will offer the 2011 Dust Symposium in Detroit from September 20 - 21, 2011.

Hear from the industry leaders and stay at the forefront of your field with education sessions covering dust explosion fundamentals, hazards assessments, hazard control, and more. Register now! 

• Hear from the CSB on recent combustible dust incident investigations
• Find out what inspectors look for during an inspection
• Learn about changes made to NFPA® combustible dust standards and plans to consolidate the combustible dust project
• Participate in breakout sessions focusing on best practices for conducting a process hazard analysis and implementing effective control measures for various industry segments.
• Sponsored networking reception

The Fire Protection Research Foundation is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to plan, manage and communicate research in support of the NFPA mission.

Report issued on first phase of Validation of Installation Methods for CSST Gas Piping to Mitigate Lightning Related Damage research project

Installation requirements in NFPA 54, the National Fuel Gas Code, and various manufacturers’ instructions address recommended bonding for CSST gas piping. However, a number of fires have been reported resulting from gas leaks from punctures in CSST Piping due to lightning events. The goal of this Phase I study was to carry out a literature review and gap analysis to inform a future research project designed to validate installation methods for CSST gas piping to mitigate damage due to lightning events.

Glovebox Fire Protection: A Literature Review issued by Research Foundation

The Fire Protection Research Foundation has issued a literature review on Glovebox Fire Protection.

NFPA 801, Standard for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials provides fire protection requirements for gloveboxes, which are sealed enclosures for handling certain hazardous materials.  Reports and publications in the literature have appeared over the last half a century, but these are not conveniently summarized in one location.  This study identifies and gathers the pertinent published literature addressing fire protection related concerns for gloveboxes.

The Glovebox Fire Protection study is available for download at no cost on the Foundation website.

Make plans to attend Dust Explosion Hazard and Control Symposium, Oct. 20-21, 2010, Kansas City, MO

Register today to attend the Fire Protection Research Foundations' symposium on the latest in dust explosionhazard control. Based on demand expressed at the successful event in 2009, the Foundation will again present this symposium highlighting updates in industry best practices for managing the dust explosion hazard. This year’s symposium will focus on the practical aspects of implementing good explosion mitigation practices and will include a keynote presentation from Imperial Sugar and a multi-industry panel presenting their latest best practices. Keynote speakers from OSHA and NASFM will describe federal and state legislative initiatives, and an update on the latest changes in NFPA standards will be presented. A one-day seminar on dust explosion hazard prevention and control will also be offered as an adjunct event.