NFPA 418-2021 PDF Download

NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports, is a crucial standard that provides fire protection and life safety requirements for heliports. It is a valuable resource for code officials and facility managers, particularly in hospitals where any modifications or additions could have a significant impact on the safety of patients, healthcare personnel, and aircraft personnel.

This standard is relied upon by the fire service for pre-incident planning and outlines provisions related to firefighting access points, egress routes, fixed fire protection systems, and aircraft refueling equipment. It sets forth minimum fire safety requirements for heliport operations, ensuring the protection of people and property.

The scope of NFPA 418 covers various types of heliports or helipads found in different settings such as hospitals, airports, offshore platforms, and tourist attractions. It addresses a wide range of facilities and equipment including fire alarm systems, foam protection systems, standpipe systems with water supply, general requirements for land-based facilities and egress systems, helicopter refueling equipment, fuel storage tanks, offshore heliports, portable fire extinguishers, rooftop hangars, and rooftop landing facilities.

The 2021 edition of NFPA 418 introduces several changes and additions. For instance, foam requirements have been modified, with the duration of foam discharge for hose line systems increased from 2 minutes to 10 minutes. Additionally, a new requirement allows for the use of manual firefighting equipment approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Furthermore, a new reserved chapter has been introduced for vertiports and vertistops, and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide input during the next revision cycle to help shape specific requirements for these facilities.