COURTESY AHC NEWSLETTER
As reported in the July AHC newsletter, the National Fire Protection Association has revised the fire code known as NFPA 150 to include requirements for fire sprinklers in all medium Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and horse facilities this year. The revised code would require any horse operation not currently covered under NFPA Chapter 12 Category 2 on CAFO properties with other livestock (a medium beef CAFO is defined as housing 300 or more cattle) to install sprinkler systems in their barn.
AHC attended the NFPA Technical Meeting with other animal agriculture stakeholders in June and submitted a motion to reject the proposed revision requiring sprinklers in animal housing on CAFO properties. The debate was robust and had significant support from many NFPA members.
Unfortunately, the motion was rejected by a narrow margin upon voting and the revision requiring sprinklers was adopted.
In late August, animal agriculture stakeholders submitted an appeal of the Technical Meeting vote as a final attempt to strike it from the revised code until more research is available on effectively using sprinklers in various livestock husbandry situations. The appeal was held in person in Quincy, MA.
Sprinklers have not yet been well-researched when used in different agricultural settings. Husbandry practices, housing methods, and simple things like bedding vary greatly between species. On a broader scale, local climate plays a key role in the functionality and efficacy of sprinklers.
Many agricultural facilities are unable to install sprinkler systems due to water access and availability and a lack of access to equipment inspectors. Installation is expensive and often unobtainable for many family-owned operations.
In mid-September, stakeholders were notified that the appeal was denied. It is unclear when states may start adopting the new NFPA 150 code, but it likely would not be until mid-late 2025. As of this newsletter, nine states currently have adopted NFPA 150 Chapter 12.
AHC encourages all members to check in with their state and municipal fire codes to understand what their local regulations require.
Need a refresher on what a CAFO is? Watch the video below:
