The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is considering the development of a comprehensive standard to address battery hazards.
This proposed standard, NFPA 800, Battery Safety Code, aims to provide uniform, minimum requirements for fire, electrical, life safety, and property protection from battery hazards.
As reported by NFPA, the increased use of batteries in various applications has led to a rise in fire incidents.
Existing standards such as NFPA 855, which addresses stationary energy storage systems, do not fully cover the broad range of battery safety issues.
The NFPA intends to reference existing related standards and develop new requirements where gaps are identified.
The new standard is expected to address hazards throughout the battery lifecycle, from raw materials and production to storage, use, and disposal.
NFPA is calling for comments from interested organizations and individuals to determine the level of support for this initiative.
They are particularly interested in feedback on the need for standards to address known battery hazards, ensure safety, and minimize loss and damage from battery technologies.
Comments can be submitted via email to stds_admin@nfpa.org by July 12, 2024.
In addition to seeking comments, NFPA is looking for potential candidates to join a Technical Committee if the Standards Council approves the project.
Interested parties can apply online at NFPA.org, where additional information about the proposed standards development is available.
The NFPA 855 standard, first released in 2019, provides minimum requirements to mitigate risks associated with stationary energy storage systems.
However, the scope of NFPA 855 has expanded due to the evolving battery industry, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to battery safety.
This gap in guidance affects local authorities who rely on these standards to determine applicable codes and ensure community safety.
The proposed NFPA 800 aims to bridge this gap by offering additional requirements to support local authorities and address battery hazards more effectively.
By developing this new standard, NFPA hopes to create a safer environment for everyone as the use of battery technologies continues to grow.
The proposed NFPA 800 standard will focus on hazards associated with battery technologies throughout their lifecycle.
This includes fire, explosion, and other dangerous conditions from the production of raw materials to the end of life of batteries.
The intent is to create comprehensive safety measures that address each stage of a battery’s life, ensuring greater protection and risk mitigation.
By referencing existing standards and identifying new requirements, NFPA aims to develop a robust framework for battery safety.
The NFPA’s initiative to develop a comprehensive battery safety standard is a proactive response to the increasing use of batteries in various applications and the associated rise in fire incidents.
By seeking public comments and involving stakeholders in the development process, NFPA ensures that the new standard will be well-rounded and address the concerns of all interested parties.
The proposed NFPA 800 standard is set to fill the existing gaps in battery safety regulations, providing a uniform approach to mitigate risks throughout the battery lifecycle.
This development is crucial as it supports local authorities in implementing effective safety measures and contributes to a safer environment for all.
The inclusion of requirements from raw material production to end-of-life disposal highlights the thoroughness of this initiative.
As battery technologies continue to advance, having a comprehensive safety standard will be essential in preventing incidents and protecting lives and property.
