October 15, 2003—The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has reached an agreement to translate one of its most important standards into French, opening the door to make NFPA codes and standards more widely available in Europe.
The licensing agreement allows the Centre National de Prevention et de Protection (CNPP), an insurance-industry organization that promulgates safety codes and standards throughout France, to translate NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems. CNPP will then sell the document to businesses and government agencies that wish to use it outside the United States.
Although NFPA standards have been translated and used around the world, this agreement is considered a major breakthrough because it involves an exclusive arrangement with an influential association in Europe.
Although Europeans have their own national and European codes for sprinklers, NFPA 13 is widely recognized and used by industry and insurance companies. Contractors, government agencies and other authorities have long awaited a translation into French.
“The availability of NFPA 13 in French will enhance fire safety in Europe,” said Cote. “It’s a highly advanced code, derived from sophisticated research and full-scale testing, through an open consensus process. As a result, sprinkler systems conforming to NFPA 13 have proven effectiveness and are practical to install.”
Soon, the two groups expect to reach similar agreements on translating NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection; NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems; and NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
For more information, contact NFPA.
