The Adoption and Use of NFPA 855 in States and Local Communities

To: State and Local Building Officials, Fire Marshals, and other Local Authorities
From: The Fire Suppression Systems Association

The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) is a membership organization composed of manufacturers, installers, and professionals engaged in the application of fire suppression systems and other fire extinguishing technologies. The FSSA is very concerned with the severity of fires and explosions occurring in battery energy storage systems (BESS) using new battery technologies. Our members have collectively witnessed severe disruptions due to fires originating in these systems. 

We have poured over the case studies and been witness to the barrage of fire tests involving BESS. It is our observation that new battery technologies present a unique fire challenge to the public in the United States and worldwide. First responders and fire departments are beginning to realize the fire challenge that widespread use of new battery technologies in buildings, dedicated BESS structures, and electric mobile vehicles has created in our communities.

While our Association supports the use of new and alternative energy technologies, our primary concern is good fire protection practice and protecting the public. BESS systems represent an infrequent but severe source of fires. We are currently involved in the code making process to establish fire safety standards for these evolving technologies.  National Fire Protection Association - Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems (NFPA 855) sets forth guidance to help control the dangers of fire due to BESS systems. To protect the public, we wish to urge local authorities to immediately adopt the most recent version of NFPA 855 (2020 edition), Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems.   

The technology of BESS systems is advancing at a rapid rate. Fire research is yielding helpful information faster than updated versions of the standard can be released. Tentative interim amendments (TIAs) to the standard attempt to capture the latest knowledge between regular update cycles. Enforcement of the most recent version of NFPA 855 including all TIAs will allow communities to benefit from the most recent fire protection research and techniques for BESS.

Again, we urge adoption of NFPA 855 (2020 edition) and all TIAs. As the 2023 edition (currently in process) and future editions are published, we urge immediate adoption of the current edition of the standard.  Continued use of older editions may needlessly put the public at risk.

We urge state and local officials to immediately adopt NFPA 855 and enforce it vigorously.

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Comments on "The Adoption and Use of NFPA 855 in States and Local Communities"

Comments 0-5 of 2

Paul Hayes - Wednesday, October 19, 2022
1003388141

The NFPA 855 2023 editions was issued in October 2022 and is available for immediate adoption.

Paul Hayes - Wednesday, October 19, 2022
1003388141

The NFPA 855 2023 editions was issued in October 2022 and is available for immediate adoption.

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