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Fire Protection and Life Safety for Design and Construction Program
NIST’s Design & Construction Program sets forth requirements and associated roles and responsibilities related to fire protection and life safety for new construction and additions or alterations to existing buildings. The minimum fire and life safety requirements within the adopted codes and standards are wholly focused on the reduction or elimination of injuries and deaths related to fire. Property protection is a secondary benefit in some cases; however, it is not the focus or primary goal in most of the design standards referenced within this suborder.
The provisions of the Design & Construction program apply to all new construction and to additions and alterations of existing buildings involving modifications to one or more of the following:
- Fire Alarm System Components;
- Fire Suppression System Components;
- Fire-Rated Construction and Smoke Control Features;
- Means of Egress Components (e.g., exit access, travel paths, travel distances, exit doors, exit door hardware, stairs, landings, handrails, smokeproof enclosures, horizontal exits and associated fire compartments and barriers, ramps, exit passageways, areas of refuge, exit signs, and emergency lighting); and
- Occupant Loading or Use & Occupancy Classification.
Created December 8, 2016, Updated November 27, 2023