NFPA fast-tracks a new standard on active-shooter response

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is fast-tracking the development of a new standard to address active-shooter events and other hostile events.

The organization states that NFPA 3000, Standard for Preparedness and Response to Active Shooter and/or Hostile Events is being developed as a provisional standard, which means it would be available for use as early as April 2018. As part of the standards process, NFPA 3000 is now open for input until Feb. 23.

This is only the second time the 121-year-old organization has granted provisional status to one of its standards. NFPA adds that “Provisional standards are developed when there is a serious life-safety concern that warrants an abbreviated standards development process. The typical standards cadence is condensed so that a standard can be issued in a shorter time period in the interest of the public.”

The standard’s aim is to establish preparedness, response and recovery benchmarks with a focus on integrated protocol, and civilian and responder safety. It provides guidance for organizing, managing and sustaining an active preparedness-and-response program to reduce the risks, effects and impact of hostile events.

The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) is part of the committee working to develop the new standard. Anyone who has reviewed the standard and has questions, concerns or comments can contact ASHE Deputy Executive Director Chad Beebe, AIA, FASHE, at cbeebe@aha.org.