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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an independent, voluntary-membership, nonprofit (tax-exempt) organization with the mission "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". 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 provide people of all ages from all regions with instruction in safety from fire, electrical, and many other hazards.

First established in 1896 by a group of stock fire insurance underwriters as a response to the increasing number of textile factory fires occuring at the time, the NFPA grew rapidly. Within 15 years of its inception, the Association was responsible for administering both the National Electric Code (NEC or NFPA 70) and what is now the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13), which have prevailed as two of the most popular and widely adopted codes and standards produced by the NFPA. The Association has since become an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited Standards Development Organization (SDO) and is somewhat unique in the global community of SDO's; the NFPA operates independantly of any national government, the codes and standards developed by the NFPA are collaboratively written by committees of volunteers drawn from the membership, and are not made directly into law. Instead, the NFPA uses a consensus based approach to develop model codes and standards voluntary adopted by individual municipalities, states, countries, insurers, and private companies - commonly refered to as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Brief NFPA History
The ongoing industrial revolution during the late 19th century introduced new technologies into new buildings, including electric power and fire sprinklers. The new health and safety challenges presented by developing technologies prompted the creation of a variety of different codes and standards detailing the methods for safe and proper installation of electric systems and fire sprinklers. By the end of 1895, there were five different nationally recognized electric codes and nine different sprinkler installation standards in the Boston, MA area alone. The confusion over which codes and standards to apply in a given situation motivated a group of insurance underwriters to meet with the purpose of developing a single international code for electrical installations, which became the National Electric Code in 1897.

A separate group met for a similar purpose regarding fire sprinklers with the additional goal of establishing an association responsible for the continuing administration of the standards, which became the National Fire Protection Association on November 6, 1896. Full NFPA memebership was initially restricted to stock fire insurance organizations, although associate members were rapidly acknowledged, numbering greater than 100 by 1902. The Association became international in 1903 with the addition of insurers from London, Sydney, and St. Petersburg, despite retaining its "National" title. The requirements for full membership were broadened in 1904, bringing a variety of other groups into the NFPA, such as the International Association of Fire Engineers, the National Electrical Contractors Association, the American Society of Mechancial Engineers, Factory Mutual Insurers and Labs, etc.

In 1911, the organization repsonsible for establishing the National Electric Code was dissolved, and responsibilities for administering the NEC were transfered to the Electrical Committee of the NFPA.

Codes and Standards
The NFPA codes and standards detail the circumstances and methods which will minimize the hazards present in buildings of almost any type.

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.

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 Regulations Governing Committee Projects (f) Prepare for publication by the 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 quality and performance (i) Bring to the attention of its members such matters of legislation and regulation as would be of obvious interest (j) Promote cooperation between industrial and public fire fighting forces (k) Help industry achieve its primary goal of profitable operation by stimulating awareness of the total cost of fire

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.