The NFPA Podcast

The number of micro-distilleries in the U.S. has ballooned from just 500 in 2014, to more than 2,700 today, according to the American Craft Spirits Association. Like micro-breweries, these small-batch liquor production facilities are often tucked into urban spaces like strip malls, but unlike breweries, the beverages they produce are quite flammable. Today on the podcast, we are joined by an architect that specializes in micro-distillery design. He tells us more about how these distilleries operate, the associated hazards and fire protection considerations, and what AHJs should know (2:55).

Then, on a new Code Corner, NFPA Engineer Brian O'Connor goes into detail about considerations for the storage of alcohol and what guidance NFPA codes offer (37:02).

LINKS: Read a 2018 NFPA Journal feature story about the hazards and protection challenges of micro-distilleries.

Research has shown that doing wildfire mitigation work, like replacing wooden shingles or removing dead leaves from the gutters, drastically reduces the chances of your home becoming a heap of ash when a wildfire strikes. But how much does the public know about these potentially life-saving activities? Today on the podcast, we dig into a comprehensive new survey that asked residents in wildfire-prone areas what they know about mitigation, how motivated they are to act, and what obstacles stand in their way (2:04).

Then, on a new Code Corner, NFPA engineer Val Ziavras, talks about the NFPA codes that offer guidance on protecting life and property from wildfire, and details some of the concepts involved (35:55).

LINKS: Read the new report from the Fire Protection Research Foundation Visit NFPA's Outthink Wildfire Homepage See resources from NFPA about wildfire mitigation and how homes burn

Despite overwhelming proof that home fire sprinklers save lives, fewer than 10 percent of all new homes being built in the United States today are equipped with sprinklers, and most states refuse to mandate their use. However, fire marshals and others are finding creative ways to incentivize developers to include fire sprinklers in new housing projects, leading to thousands more protected homes. Today on the podcast, we talk to Thomas Poirier, a fire prevention officer and chair of the Massachusetts Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, about developer incentives and tradeoffs, and what tips he has for other advocates looking to increase the number of sprinklered homes in their communities (2:02).

Then, on a new Code Corner, Shawn Mahoney talks about the NFPA code guidance on water supply for fire sprinkler systems in one- and- two-family dwellings (23:33).

LINKS: Check out the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Get Resources, Stats, and Other Information from NFPA About Home Fire Sprinklers

Read an NFPA Journal Feature on Home Fire Sprinkler Incentives

Read a the recent NFPA report: "U.S. Experience With Sprinklers"

In March, NFPA announced the formation of a new for-profit corporation called NFPA Global Solutions, a venture unique from anything NFPA has undertaken in its history. On today's podcast, Jim Pauley, NFPA's president and CEO, joins us to explain the vision for NFPA Global Solutions, and why now was the right time for NFPA to branch out in this new direction (2:01).

Then, on a new Code Corner, NFPA engineer Shawn Mahoney gives you some valuable information about the code requirements for fire extinguisher inspections (23:41).

Links: Read the NFPA Journal feature on the creation and vision for NFPA Global Solutions

Visit the NFPA Global Solutions website

Electric Shock Drowning claims possibly dozens of lives each year, but most people have never heard of it. Our guest today, David Rifkin, is one of world's leading experts on this hazard and its causes. He explains what ESD is, how it occurs, and what communities, marina operators, and the public can do to lessen the risk of being electrocuted while swimming (1:49).

Then, on a new Code Corner, NFPA electrical expert Dean Austin talks about Electric Shock Drowning from a code perspective, and tells us what guidance is available for installers, maintenance workers, and marina owners (42:38).

LINKS:

Visit the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association website

See NFPA's Electric Shock Drowning resource page

We wrap up Electrical Safety Month with a powerful reminder for anyone doing hazardous work of why you can't afford to be complacent about safety. Veteran electrician Jason Brozen was at a routine job on an ordinary day, when a careless decision while installing a breaker led to an arc flash that changed his life forever. On today's podcast, Jason shares the story of his accident, and explains in his unique engaging way what others can learn from his mistakes (2:42).

Then, on a new Code Corner, NFPA electrical expert Corey Hannahs, talks about the role of human error in electrical safety and how we can try and eliminate it (59:02).

LINKS: Watch the full NFPA Webinar featuring Jason Brozen Check out the NFPA Faces of Fire Electrical campaign

In February 2023, Chief Brian Nardelli of the Brockton Fire Department in Massachusetts found himself at the helm of one of the most complex operations a chief can face: a hospital fire requiring a full evacuation. The eight-hour incident at Brockton Hospital involved a nasty electrical fire, 91 ambulances, 162 patients evacuated and transferred, 26 pieces of fire apparatus, and resulted in zero deaths and injuries. Chief Nardelli, the incident commander that day, joins the podcast to take us through the incident, including what worked, and lessons learned (2:50).

Then, on a new Code Corner, NFPA electrical expert Corey Hannahs, in honor of electrical safety month, talks about how electrical safety is achieved through the use of NFPA codes and standards (38:04).

Residential hoarding poses numerous dangers and fire risks for residents and firefighters, yet communities have struggled to find meaningful solutions. Today on the podcast, two of North America's most prominent hoarding researchers join us to talk about the causes and trendlines of hoarding (2:08), as well as the latest risk reduction strategies that communities are implementing to address it (16:27).

Then, on a new code corner, NFPA engineer Val Ziavras tells us about strategies in NFPA 1, Fire Code, for how communities can prevent fires in vacant buildings (43:49).

LINKSNFPA Hoarding Resources Centre for Collaborative Research on Hoarding Resources

In most years, more firefighters die by suicide than from accidents or injuries that happen in the line of duty, according to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance. It's well understood that PTSD is a huge contributor to the problem, but recently a new concept called moral injury has also become recognized as a significant factor. Today on the podcast, we discuss moral injury and firefighter suicide with Jeff Dill, a licensed clinician and former battalion chief who is the founder the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (3:15). We also talk about the many factors—good and bad—that play a role in the overall mental health of today's first responders.

Then, on a new Code Corner, Curt Floyd, the technical lead for responders at NFPA, discusses the new consolidated standard NFPA 1030 and the new guidance it gives on professional qualifications for first responder inspectors (36:00).

LINKS: Read the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance's white paper on moral injury.

Each year, accidental carbon monoxide poisonings cause at least 430 deaths in the U.S., and send more than 100,000 people to emergency rooms, according to the CDC. Studies have found that the number of accidental CO deaths has increased over the last decade.

Today on the podcast, we speak to Richard Roberts, a member of several NFPA committees on carbon monoxide, and an active participant in the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association. He dives into the science of how this deadly gas gets into people's homes, how CO affects the human body, how CO codes and standards are changing, and what people can do to better protect themselves (2:44).

Then, on a new Code Corner, NFPA engineer Shawn Mahoney talks about the requirements for integrated system testing for fire protection systems and why it's important (19:09)

Links:

Check out NFPA resources for carbon monoxide Learn more about the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association Check out The IFMA Podcast