Self Storage Association Lobbies Against Facility Sprinkler Mandate

The Self Storage Association (SSA) recently stopped an effort by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to add a sprinkler mandate to its Life Safety Code, known as NFPA 101. The measure would have retroactively required the installation of sprinklers in any self-storage facility 75 feet or more above grade, according to a Feb. 17 newsletter to SSA members.

“This mandate would have added tens of thousands of dollars in costs to the affected facilities, with no appreciable safety benefit,” SSA officials said. “Thanks to our code consultant, SSA defeated this proposal in committee.”

The Life Safety Code is published as a set of advisory guidelines to “minimize the effects of fire and related hazards” related to building construction, protection and occupancy features in new and existing structures, according to the NFPA website. It’s adopted by “many local and state governments,” SSA officials said.

Founded in 1896, the NFPA is dedicated to "eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards." In addition to codes and standards, it offers public education, outreach and advocacy, research, training, and other services. It's a global, self-funded nonprofit.

The SSA represents about 22,000 U.S. and international member-affiliated self-storage facilities, according to its website. It’s allied with several state and international self-storage associations and has about 6,000 members.

Sources:
SSA Magazine Weekly 2/17/20, Self Storage Association Stops Costly New Sprinkler Mandate
National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 101