By Bill Adams
Apparatus specifications (specs) published by fire departments, manufacturers, vendors, and consultants regularly refer to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, as they should. Some refer to a Class A pumper (Class A), which they shouldn't.
A few refer to the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which could result in a longer lasting financial impact on a community than using NFPA 1901 and Class A. Spec writers should understand the significance using each term may or may not have. There should be justifiable reasoning when references are included in a spec.
The intent of this article is not to split hairs over specification verbiage. The objective is to make purchasers aware that referencing the ISO and NFPA 1901 can have financial implications as well as operational consequences. Class A, on the other hand, is an ambiguous traditional term that has no formal definition. Its historical meaning is subject to multiple interpretations. Consequently, it doesn't belong in a specification.
The ISO's requirements have changed (for those jurisdictions that subscribe to them), and NFPA 1901's are about to. Spec writers should be cognizant of those changes.
ISO
According to the ISO's Web site, "ISO evaluates municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States." It analyzes efforts, grades them, and assigns a rating to them, which underwriters use to set insurance rates. The ISO states it is an "advisory organization" and "insurers may use our information, modify it, or not use it as they see fit." Compliance is voluntary. Noncompliance may detrimentally affect a community's rating and ultimately the cost of insurance within it.
One ISO tool used to grade fire protection is the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). It evaluates three major criteria: fire department, emergency communications, and water supply. There are substantial changes to the 2012 FSRS, including a new section designated "Community Risk Reduction." Fire departments should understand the grading system, what is expected of them, and how they will be evaluated. I only address ISO changes to ancillary equipment carried on apparatus herein. It is a very small part of the grading process.
NFPA 1901
NFPA 1901 is a minimum standard for fire apparatus. I describe it as an unenforceable nationally recognized safety standard. The fear of legal action resulting from noncompliance influences voluntary adherence by manufacturers and end users. NFPA 1901's newest revision is due in 2016. It is unlikely a manufacturer will deliver a noncompliant rig unless it receives a sign-off from the purchaser per NFPA 1901 Sentence 4.4.1.2. Whether fire departments actually equip and operate apparatus per NFPA 1901 after delivery is questionable. I pass no judgment on that important local decision. Refer to NFPA 1901 Section 4.21 regarding responsibility. Be mindful-the definition of responsibility can encompass accountability and liability.
The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or a political subdivision at a local or state level may have legislation mandating NFPA 1901 and ISO compliance. The fire department, or even a professional association representing department members, may have contractual agreements requiring similar compliance. Understanding ISO and NFPA criteria and concurrent changes will benefit all parties. Exercise caution. Changes in NFPA 1901 and ISO requirements may place a financial burden on a community. There are no NFPA or ISO police, but there are tort lawyers.
Class A Pumpers
There is no formal description for Class A pumpers. NFPA 1901 does not address them nor does the ISO. But, purchasing specifications reference them on a daily basis. What do purchasers expect when they specify one? Most manufactu