When it comes to Arizona fire code vs. NFPA standards, each jurisdiction adopts its own edition of the IFC, and it may incorporate NFPA standards as well.
Local fire codes (coming from the IFC) are mandatory, while NFPA standards are typically voluntary.
Did you know that there are over 300 NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes and standards?
This can be intimidating for business owners who want to make sure they’re completely compliant with fire codes.
After all, you don’t want to suffer legal consequences, which can really hurt business.
But in addition to NFPA standards, there are also state and local fire codes.
So which must you follow, and how can you ensure that you’re compliant?
What Fire Code Does Arizona Use?
The state of Arizona doesn’t use a single statewide code.
Instead, fire code adoption happens at the local jurisdiction level, so each city or county chooses its own edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) to adopt.
The IFC is updated every three years, and at the time of writing, it was last updated in 2024.
Typically, when jurisdictions choose which edition of the IFC to adopt, they often put in their own amendments.
For example, major cities like Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson use versions of the IFC, sometimes alongside NFPA standards (more on this later).
Since there’s so much variation in fire code adoption between jurisdictions, it’s important to verify the specific IFC edition and amendments enforced by your local fire department.
If you have multiple businesses operating across different cities, then you must check in each location for specific rules.
Who Is Required To Follow NFPA?
In Arizona, businesses must follow NFPA standards when they’re incorporated into the local fire code.
This is often through the IFC, which references NFPA documents for:
- Alarm systems
- Electrical work
- Sprinklers
- Hazardous materials
There are also certain industries that must frequently meet specific NFPA standards since there are federal regulations, accreditation requirements, or insurer mandates.
They are:
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Utilities
- Data centers
For example, if you have a fire alarm or sprinkler system in your business, then you have to comply with NFPA 72 or NFPA 13.
And even if it’s not legally required, you should still follow NFPA standards since they’re nationally recognized best practices for fire safety and risk reduction.
Arizona Fire Code vs. NFPA Standards
Now that you understand more about Arizona fire codes and NFPA standards, you might want to delve deeper.
Here’s a fire safety standards comparison.
What Is the Difference Between NFPA and IFC?
The NFPA develops voluntary consensus standards, and these outline the best practices for:
- Fire prevention
- Life safety
- Building protection
As expected, these standards are widely used across the US.
You’ll often see them referenced in contracts, insurance requirements, and industry guidelines.
The IFC is a legally enforceable model fire code that’s published by the ICC.
Both states and local jurisdictions can adopt the IFC as their official fire code.
This is used as regulatory compliance for businesses, as the IFC serves as the legal fire code.
This is because it outlines enforceable fire inspection requirements, as well as Arizona business fire regulations, like:
- Building features
- Emergency planning
- Fire protection systems
- Hazard controls
One key difference between the two is that the NFPA provides technical standards, while the IFC establishes broad and enforceable requirements.
So in practice, many jurisdictions may use the IFC as the law and then reference specific NFPA standards for technical compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Golden Rule of Fire Safety?
The golden rule of fire safety is to get out quickly and stay out.
It emphasizes the importance of protecting human life, which should always be the top priority during a fire.
Once a fire starts, conditions can worsen quickly, so reentry is extremely dangerous due to:
- Spreading smoke
- Dropped visibility
- Toxic gases
So you should never waste time collecting your items or even attempting to fight the fire if it’s spreading beyond control.
Instead, everyone should immediately follow the evacuation plan.
After using the nearest exit, call emergency services when safely outside the building.
For businesses, this golden rule directly ties into required emergency action plans under both local fire codes and OSHA regulations.
What’s the Difference Between OSHA and NFPA?
OSHA is a federal agency, and it creates and enforces regulations that are designed to protect workers from safety and health hazards.
Its rules are mandatory, so if you don’t follow them, consequences include citations, fines, or legal action.
On the other hand, NFPA is a private organization, and it produces consensus standards for fire safety, electrical safety, and emergency preparedness.
These aren’t automatically law, but they can be when adopted by states, municipalities, etc.
Do note that OSHA often references NFPA standards in its regulations.
What Are the Three Rules That Companies Follow in Terms of Fire Safety?
The three rules that companies follow in terms of fire safety are:
- Prevention: Focuses on minimizing fire risks, such as controlling electrical hazards, ensuring proper storage of flammables, and maintaining clear exits.
- Protection: Involves installing and maintaining systems (like sprinklers, fire alarms, and extinguishers) in accordance with NFPA standards and local fire codes.
- Preparedness: Ensures employees know how to respond through fire drills, evacuation plans, and emergency communication procedures.
Follow the Right NFPA Standards
By now, you should know that NFPA standards aren’t always mandatory. Instead, there are local fire codes you need to follow, which should be an edition of the IFC with some local amendments.
In addition, your jurisdiction may require businesses to follow some NFPA codes.
Understandably, it can be a real headache to keep up with everything on your own.
So while you can check with local authorities to ensure that you’re compliant, you can also enlist the help of professionals.
That way, compliance and safety are much simpler, and you can worry about other more important things.
Would you like help with regulatory compliance for businesses?
Then contact us today.
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