2014 NEC
NFPA Journal cover - March/April 2014
March / April 2014 Industrial + Storage Occupancies

In this issue we take a look at a new study on the importance of fire sprinklers in industrial occupancies, and the updates to NFPA 32, Dry Cleaning Plants. Our cover story examines the aftermath of a massive explosion at a Texas fertilizer facility.

FEATURES

In West's Wake

As federal agencies investigate a massive explosion that decimated a small town, Texas State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy spreads the word about chemical storage safety.

Cleaning Up the Dry Cleaning Standard

NFPA 32, Dry Cleaning Plants, gets an assortment of updates to keep pace with changes in the industry.

The Sprinkler Difference

A new study puts a dollar amount on the damage caused by sprinklered fires vs. non-sprinklered fires — and in industrial settings, those dollar differences can get very large.

In Compliance

IN COMPLIANCE - NFPA 72

Smoke detectors and fluorescent lighting fixtures.

In Compliance - NFPA 101

Fire alarms, evacuation, and industrial occupancies.

In Compliance - NEC

Energy codes, safety codes, and sustainability.

In Compliance - NFPA 13

Suppression systems for industrial occupancies.

Columns

First Responder

Why integrating new safety tactics into fire department cultures can be tough.

Outreach

The problem with six-year code cycles.

Research

Fire safety in high-rise buildings made of wood. Yes, wood.

Wildfire Watch

The best way to discover how residents connect with preparedness messages is to listen to them.

P.O.V.

First Word

Finding a balance between fire safety and environmental concern.

Perspectives

The chair of the Technical Committee on Fire Investigations, talks about the new edition of NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.

News + Analysis

In A Flash

California’s drought emergency could exacerbate the state’s upcoming wildfire season.

Firewatch

Grill ignites deck and spreads to interior of home.

Looking Back

A 1941 theater fire claimed the lives of 13 firefighters and injured 17.