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For More Information: Proposal to NFPA 285 Fails Sniff Test, But Passes Committee VoteFalls Church, Va., June 8, 2017 — The EIFS Industry Members Association is disappointed by the recent action taken during the NFPA Conference in Boston, that subsequently alters the NFPA Standard 285 test. On June 7, members of NFPA voted in favor of a revision at the NFPA Technical Meeting that would effectively change the multi-story fire test for exterior walls. The proposed amendment seemingly now requires a new configuration for the test that includes a new joint (horizontal) about 4 feet above the window opening with another joint extending perpendicular from that joint upward. "While a proposal that helps to better address the health and safety of a building and its occupants would've been understandable, this proposal did nothing of the kind" said David Johnston, executive director of the EIFS Industry Members Association. "Following this approval, our membership is left scratching their heads at the lack of data or reason that drove this change." The EIFS Industry Members Association and others spent the last several weeks discussing the proposed language with members of the NFPA Fire Safety Committee. Even after the amendment was approved, there are several questions and concerns that still exist:
With several unanswered questions remaining, and the fact that this decision will not make the current building stock safer, the EIFS Industry Members Association and others will be appealing the NFPA Technical Committee's recent decision. Founded in 1981, the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) is a national non-profit technical trade association comprised of leading manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and applicators involved in the exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) industry. For additional information please visit www.EIMA.com. |
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