Which code sets the standards for fire safety in buildings?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes establish comprehensive standards and guidelines for fire safety in buildings. These codes are specifically designed to minimize the risk of fire, ensure safe practices, and provide guidelines for the installation and maintenance of fire protection systems. The NFPA codes, such as NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), are crucial because they address various aspects of fire safety, including prevention, occupancy safety, structure protection, and emergency readiness. By adhering to these codes, building owners and operators can effectively manage fire hazards and enhance the safety of occupants and property.

While the International Building Code (IBC) addresses overall building safety, including structural integrity and accessibility, it is the NFPA codes that focus explicitly on fire safety regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines are concerned more with workplace safety and health standards, not specific fire safety codes for building infrastructure. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulations set standards for various products and services but are not specifically tailored for fire safety in the way that NFPA codes are. This distinction is crucial in understanding the role of each governing body or code in ensuring fire safety within buildings.