BOCA International is opposing the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 1 standard because, BOCA officials say, it does not reference a companion building code, it conflicts with existing building codes, and it confuses the code enforcement process. BOCA has published a position paper titled, "Model Fire Code or NFPA 1? You DO Have a Choice!" in which it states that because NFPA 1 does not reference a companion building code, it is often incompatible with and conflicts with all existing building codes.
To achieve fire safety, and reduce enforcement and compliance costs, BOCA recommends adopting compatible building and fire codes, such as the BOCA National Building and Fire Prevention Codes or the International Building and Fire Codes, which is being developed for the year 2000.
BOCA also faults NFPA's voting procedures. While BOCA codes go through public hearings and revisions, and BOCA governmental members vote on proposed code changes, NFPA codes are voted on by a 13-member council, after members offer an advisory vote only. BOCA says that the requirements of any code should be decided through code hearings and adoption processes that allow widespread participation.
For a free copy of BOCA's brochure, call 800-214-4321, ext. 371.
