Why is an understanding of the impact of “Authorities Having Jurisdiction” valuable?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

Guidance by codes and standards provided by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association promotes everyday safety. Maintaining buildings, venues, and equipment in a safe manner helps “to save lives and reduce loss with information . . .” NFPA Overview. This is information that has been extensively studied and debated to provide consensus agreement for users, nationally and in global settings.

Importantly, these documents are used and interpreted every day by many individuals and organizations with enforcement responsibilities. These could be government code officials, industry safety officers, and insurance inspectors. They would be the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” – the AHJ. They interpret and enforce requirements of the standards and codes.

Insurance inspectors are tasked with identifying hazards and determining if various operational procedures are carried out according to standard. This helps keep lives and property safer.

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes. It does not represent NFPA’s official position on the items discussed.

Apartment basement at the time of insurance inspection.                       After insurance inspection and
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