May 10, 2006

Deadline is Approaching: NFPA 731 Proposals Due May 26

You have until May 26, 2006 to submit a proposal and make a difference in the revision of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 731, Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems.

NFPA 731 was approved last year, but is on a fast track for changes. Everyone – whether an NFPA member or not – has the opportunity to submit a proposed change to the current 731 language, including proposing entirely new words or an entirely new idea. You only have to be an NFPA member to vote on changes.

The NFPA Standards Committee is obligated to look at each properly submitted proposal. A proposal is an entirely new idea, but may include the addition or deletion of text. The committee will accept proposals regarding NFPA 731 until May 26, 2006. Following the review of the submitted proposals, NFPA will then consider comments until March 2, 2007. A comment is where you can specifically object to language or requirements in particular sections of the standard.

NBFAA will, of course, be submitting our proposals on behalf of all of our members, but it is important that each individual review the current language and make their opinions known. The key to successfully having an impact is following the NFPA guidelines and procedures; improperly submitted proposals will NOT be considered.

There are a couple of ways you can submit your proposals to NFPA.

1. First, you can go to the NFPA Web site www.NFPA.org and Submit your proposals and comments online.
2. If you would prefer to submit your comments and/or proposals the old-fashioned way, there are forms on the NFPA Web site (on the Submit your proposals and comments online page) that you can download and print out. You can then submit your comments via regular mail or fax.
3. Or you go here on the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org and download the form. A sample completed form is also available for downloading.

If you have questions about NFPA 731, please submit them to NBFAA at Communications@alarm.org or contact NBFAA’s NFPA representative George Bish at George.Bish@mastec.com or call 980-521-8051. We will continue to keep you informed of the progress on this important industry issue.

Remember you only have until May 26 to submit your proposal to NFPA.