Did you know that the material in the annex sections of NFPA standards are only recommendations and are not requirements? They simply provide guidelines, examples and explanations for the main portions of the standards.

The opening paragraph to each annex section in every NFPA standard reads “This annex is not a part of the requirements of this NFPA document but is included for informational purposes only.” Although there are some variations in wording between sections and standards, the overall message is the same — the information in the Annex sections is intended to be helpful, but departments do not have to follow it in order to comply with the standard.

Of specific concern to many departments is Annex D of NFPA 1901, 1906 and 1911, which recommends any apparatus “that is over 25 years old should be replaced.” Although that is certainly a good recommendation, it is not a requirement. Departments need to evaluate the performance, operating costs and safety of older apparatus to determine whether an apparatus should remain in service, be upgraded or be replaced.

This feature offers a variety of short tips and facts about apparatus specifications, maintenance and testing. Look for it every month. Submissions of 150 words or less are welcome from our readers, subject to editing. Send them to Senior Editor Chris Cavette at cavettes@ix.netcom.com