Update to Fire Code: NFPA 150 Proposed Revisions

Update to Fire Code: NFPA 150 Proposed Revisions 

This year the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has further revised the fire code known as NFPA 150 to include requirements for fire sprinklers in all medium CAFOs as well as horse facilities. This would essentially require any horse operation not currently covered under NFPA Chapter 12 Category 2 that exists on CAFO properties with other livestock (medium beef CAFOs consist of 300 or more cattle) to install sprinkler systems in their barn.  

In 2019 the National Fire Protection Association updated NFPA Code 150: Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities Codes to include “Chapter 12 Category 2: Horse Facilities”. The updated code requires fire sprinklers to be installed in all “horse facilities used for temporary or permanent housing for horses….where horses are housed for general board and care in a small commercial or professional facility greater than 5000 ft2.” 

States (and towns) adopt fire codes at will; however, language chosen comes directly from NFPA codes. Currently only 9 states have adopted NFPA 150 regulations concerning animal housing as code. 

Sprinklers have not yet been well researched when used in different agricultural settings. Husbandry practices, housing methods, and simple things like bedding use varies greatly between species. On a broader scale local climate plays a key role in the functionality and efficacy of sprinklers.  

Many agricultural facilities are unable to install sprinkler systems due to water access and availability issues, as well as lack of access to equipment inspectors. Installation comes at a great cost that is often unobtainable for many family-owned operations.  

AHC attended the NFPA Technical Meeting in June with other animal agriculture stakeholders and submitted a motion to reject the proposed revision requiring sprinklers in animal housing on CAFO properties. The debate was robust and had major support from many NFPA members. Unfortunately upon voting, the motion was rejected by a narrow margin and the revision requiring sprinklers passed. 

Animal agriculture stakeholders will now be submitting an appeal of the Technical Meeting vote in early August as a final attempt to have the requirement struck from the code until more research is available on how to effectively use sprinklers in various livestock husbandry situations. The appeal will be held in person in Quincy, MA on August 28, 2024.