Skip to main content

Log in links for this page

Submit Proposed Changes to the State Fire Code

The State Fire Code is revised every three years based on new editions of NFPA 1. The public is invited to submit proposed amendments to the fire code.

Contacts

Brian J. Ingram

Phone

Call Brian J. Ingram at 978-567-3301

Online

Email Brian J. Ingram at brian.j.ingram@mass.gov

Mary Ann Smith

Phone

Call Mary Ann Smith at 978-567-3713

Online

Email Mary Ann Smith at MaryAnn.E.Smith@mass.gov

The Details   of Submit Proposed Changes to the State Fire Code

What you need   for Submit Proposed Changes to the State Fire Code

The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations is currently reviewing the 2015 edition of NFPA 1. The public is invited to submit proposed amendments to the 2015 edition of NFPA 1 for the board to consider.

Visit our Massachusetts State Fire Code page for information on the current State Fire Code or how to access the editions of NFPA 1.

 

How to submit   Submit Proposed Changes to the State Fire Code

Download the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code Proposal Form, complete the form in its entirety, and submit your proposals by email to MaryAnn.E.Smith@mass.gov. in Word document format, as well as a signed PDF copy. 

Next steps   for Submit Proposed Changes to the State Fire Code

  1. Code Amendment Consideration

    Proposed amendments will be submitted to the appropriate code committee of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations for consideration.

    Upon submission, you will receive an email to notify you which code committee will review your proposal. The proposals will be discussed at monthly public meetings. Each code committee will hold a public input meeting, which will be advertised in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A, § 20. For more information on committee meetings, please visit us at The Department of Fire Services or Board of Fire Prevention Regulations. Meetings are published 7 days in advance.

    Code committee chairs will develop a first draft of the Massachusetts amendments to NFPA 1 (2015 edition) and present code committee actions/recommendations to the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations for final action. 

    Open DOCX file, 40.82 KB,  Code Change Proposal Form (English, DOCX 40.82 KB)

  2. Public Hearing

    Once the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations considers the code committee reports, they will vote on the amendment package and produce a draft code. There will be a public hearing scheduled on this draft code where the public will again have an opportunity to comment before a final vote is taken and the revised State Fire Code is promulgated. 

More info   for Submit Proposed Changes to the State Fire Code

Some of the major changes to the 2015 editions of NFPA 1 that are being considered are:

  • Chapter 1 – Administration

Changes proposed to Chapter 1 would be those necessary to incorporate permit requirements for Chapters 38 and 52.  The hazardous materials permit table, 1.12.8.50 should be revised for clarity and accuracy.  Additional minor changes may be needed to increase clarity and usability of the chapter.

  • Chapter 3 – Definitions

Additional definitions will need to be incorporated into Chapter 3 to account for the adoption of Chapters 38 and 52.  These definitions will be taken from the 2018 NFPA 1 language and not amended.

  • Chapter 10 – General Safety Requirements

Open burning provisions need to be revised.

  • Chapter 28 – Marinas, Boatyards, Marine Terminals, Piers, and Wharves

Fire department access to outdoor storage within boatyards and other similar marine storage facilities or fields needs to be discussed and language may be adopted to regulate maximum travel distances from fire department hydrant and vehicle access, and distances between concentrated storage areas. 

  • Chapter 38 – Marijuana Growing, Processing, or Extraction Facilities

The adoption of the entire Chapter 38 of the 2018 NFPA 1 document is recommended.  With the increase in the number of cannabis growing, processing, or extraction facilities within the Commonwealth, it is critical to provide a state-wide standard for the construction, maintenance, and operations.  The extraction process, in most cases, is subject to a hazardous process permit through Chapter 60.  Enforceable language regarding the minimum level of safety and providing separation of the extraction process from the remainder of the building is best served through the adoption of code language, rather than relying on local jurisdictions to provide uniformity throughout the state.

  • Chapter 41 – Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work

Training provisions and deadlines need to be revised to remove the one-year applicability.

  • Chapter 42 – Refueling

Mobile or valet refueling has become a niche market which requires regulation and oversight.  New provisions should be adopted to address this hazard and to create uniformity between jurisdictions since these mobile refueling systems are likely to cross jurisdictional boundaries.

  • Chapter 52 – Energy Storage Systems

With advances in technology for energy storage and battery systems, many jurisdictions have found that provisions are needed to ensure life safety, provide a standard for construction, set-backs, and pre-plan firefighting operations.  By adopting Chapter 52 from 2018 NFPA 1, regulations will tie in newer technologies and ensure that the specific risks and hazards of energy storage systems are appropriately addressed.

Contact   for Submit Proposed Changes to the State Fire Code

Address
1 State Road, Stow, MA 01775
Directions 
Phone
Call Brian J. Ingram at 978-567-3301
Online
Email Brian J. Ingram at brian.j.ingram@mass.gov
Fax
978-567-3199
Address
Department of Fire Services
1 State Rd., P.O. Box 1025, Stow, MA 01775
Directions 
Phone
Call Mary Ann Smith at 978-567-3713
Online
Email Mary Ann Smith at MaryAnn.E.Smith@mass.gov
Fax
978-567-3199

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback