The New NFPA-13, 2002 edition has major revisions that display the new NFPA Manual of Style Formatting. Also, the Technical Committees did a good job of "fixing" some items, which needed fixing. The following are some helpful changes to look for:

If you are involved with Automotive Bumpers and Dashboards, and Group A plastics in portable racks, then NFPA-13, 2002 Edition, has new criteria that may prove helpful. Plastic automotive components and associated packaging material to be protected in accordance with Table 12.7.1.

The criteria are applicable to portable rack array that is tightly nested without flues spaces and without solid shelves. The maximum storage height is 25 feet tall in a 35 foot tall ceiling/building height. K25 ESFR sprinklers are used, and the criteria lists two design densities, which must be met.

Balconies, canopies, eaves, overhangs! When NFPA-13, 2002 does not define the meaning of a word, then it defaults to a standard dictionary. Prior to NFPA-13, 2002, this was a problem because Webster did not define a balcony as a roof or canopy. NFPA-13 2002 adds clarification to the appendix A.8.14.7.1 by stating balconies, decks, and similar projections are to be treated like exterior roofs and canopies. Also, important clarification on how to treat exterior exit corridors was provided in 8.14.7.3. This clarification has major ramifications for hotels, motels and apartment construction.

The big changes to the new NFPA-14 - 2002 Edition Standpipes, and it will be available soon. Look for the following significant changes: Two new chapters are included and the order of presentation has been changed. Definitions now have their own chapter. NOTE: Metric is the primary unit followed by standard units in parenthesis. Now, there are no dashes in section numbers, they are all periods. Chapter 3 and Chapter 5 have the most significant changes. Call us for more information.