Did you know that NFPA standards have legal weight? Although most NFPA standards are not laws, they are widely accepted industry standards with considerable legal standing. Failure to comply with them can potentially put fire departments and manufacturers in serious liability.

In cases involving damage, injury or death where the specifications, maintenance, or testing of fire apparatus and equipment are in question, courts often rely on the concept of a "reasonable and prudent person" to determine liability. That concept asks if a reasonable and prudent person would have complied with widely accepted industry standards, such as those published by NFPA. Unless there are other circumstances involved, the answer has generally been "yes," and the court has found the parties that did not comply to be liable.

For fire apparatus and equipment, some of the standards that apply include NFPA 1901 and 1906 (apparatus specifications), NFPA 1071 (qualifications of apparatus service personnel), NFPA 1915 (apparatus preventive maintenance), NFPA 1911 (pump testing), NFPA 1914 (aerial testing), NFPA 1932 (ground ladder maintenance and testing) and NFPA 1962 (hose maintenance and testing).

About This Feature

This new feature will offer a variety of short tips and facts about apparatus maintenance and testing. Look for it every month. Submissions of 150 words or less are welcome, subject to editing. Send them to Senior Editor Chris Cavette.