New Massachusetts Fire Code Adopted January 1, 2015 – 527 CMR

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August 27, 2014

As of January 1, 2015, the newest edition of 527 CMR, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, is in effect. All permits filed on or after January 1 will be required to comply with the new edition of the code. All permits filed prior to this date should be in compliance with the previous edition of 527 CMR.

Code Basis

The new fire safety code is largely based on the 2012 Edition of NFPA 1, the Uniform Fire Code, with Massachusetts Amendments. Link to Amendments

Code Organization

The MA Department of Fire Services has issued a guide, “Crosswalk,” that provides a cross reference between the sections of the previous fire code and the new Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. Link to Crosswalk The Massachusetts Electrical Code remains in 527 CMR Chapter 12.00.

Key Highlights

  1. Changes to the requirements for fire department access roads;
  2. Increased focus on the required maintenance of fire protection and life safety systems; and
  3. Modernization and expansion of code requirements for special hazards, including flammable and combustible liquids, pyrophoric gases, and oxidizers just to name a few.

More information about this change can be found at the following site: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/fire-prev/comprehensive-model-fire-code.html Concerned about how the new code will affect your existing facility or next project? Get in touch with us to find out what you need to know.

Application of any information provided, for any use, is at the reader’s risk and without liability to Code Red Consultants. Code Red Consultants does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained in this blog as applicable codes and standards change over time. The application, enforcement and interpretation of codes and standards may vary between Authorities Having Jurisdiction and for this reason, registered design professionals should be consulted to determine the appropriate application of codes and standards to a specific scope of work.