NFPA 1620-2020 PDF Download

Standard for Pre-Incident Planning, as described in NFPA 1620-2020, provides essential guidance and knowledge necessary for effective emergency planning. The standard emphasizes the importance of being prepared for a wide range of potential hazards faced by emergency response personnel and agencies, including natural disasters and health epidemics. By having a well-conceived plan in place, response speed and effectiveness can be increased, and safe and efficient evacuations can be carried out.

NFPA 1620 covers the entire pre-planning process, addressing various topics, such as physical and site considerations, occupancy considerations, water supplies, fire protection systems, incident operations, and plan maintenance. It also includes case histories, information specific to different occupancy classifications, and sample forms for pre-incident planning. The 2020 edition of the standard incorporates substantial revisions to reflect the latest knowledge and best practices in the field.

Key changes in the latest edition include the relocation of specialized requirements for hazardous materials, buildings under construction, and mass gathering events to a revised chapter, improved guidance regarding transportation and references to relevant NFPA standards, revised chapters on incident operations and pre-incident plan maintenance, removal of conflicting and duplicative requirements, and clarification of the role of an on-site emergency representative.

NFPA 1620 serves as a valuable resource for fire services, facilities managers, city planners, administrators, and individuals concerned with public safety. It equips them to safeguard occupants, response personnel, property, and the environment in the event of a destructive incident. The standard's recommendations and guidelines ensure that emergency response plans are comprehensive and up-to-date, enabling effective decision-making during structural fires and other related incidents.