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NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention

2020 NFPA 601 Standard - Current Edition
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  • Description

    Help ensure security service professionals have the knowledge and training to perform fire loss prevention duties to the highest standard.

    Facility security staff are positioned to play an integral role in mitigating risks and protecting people and property from fire and related hazards. NFPA® 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention, provides comprehensive requirements for determining and confirming the qualifications and readiness of personnel in these critical positions. The standard covers everything from the duties and fire protection functions of security officers to reporting and communications, selection and conduct, and training and site-specific knowledge.

    NFPA 601 applies to the following three categories of applicable fire loss prevention responsibilities:

    • Property protection, including intervals with no other personnel or representation of management on site
    • Controlling access and means of egress entering and inside of the protected property
    • Overseeing procedures for the organized execution of a broad range of security operations and functions

    NFPA 601, 2020 edition, features extensive revisions to bring the standard current with the latest industry information, trends, and technology.

    It is critical users and enforcers of NFPA 601 are up-to-date with modern security methods, terminology, and techniques for security services involved in fire loss prevention. Notable changes to the 2020 edition of the Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention include:

    • Addition of language to Chapter 3 to provide a definition for fire loss prevention plan that includes guidance for developing parameters for a site-specific plan
    • New guidance in Chapter 5 for security officers who observe hazardous areas remotely
    • Updated language in Chapter 5 to reflect flexibility for stakeholders when they are setting security rounds for special or exceptional hazards that may exist on a premises
    • New requirement for electronic access control gates to comply with applicable standards to provide direction and assure reliability
    • Inclusion that security officers must not report for duty under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances per the management's code of conduct
    • Clarification that management will provide applicants with the necessary skills, abilities, and information they need to protect their facilities from fire hazards
    • Expanded Section 6.6, General Conduct of Security Officers, to include language prohibiting the use of illegal drugs while on duty and to clarify what is and what is not allowed during a work shift
    • Added provision that in the event of an incident on the premises, security officers will not be allowed to release information to the public regarding the incident to protect stakeholders from potential erroneous multimedia dissemination
    • Amended Chapter 8 to feature language stating security officers be provided with the contact information of vendors and contractors providing emergency response services for the premises, so they can be contacted directly by security as needed

    Access the requirements and best practices for defining and verifying the competencies of security officers in the fundamentals of fire loss prevention.

    Fire, explosion, and related dangers are among the most significant risks to occupant and facility safety. Provide the most relevant resource for assisting in determining whether personnel are prepared to perform their duties proficiently with NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention, 2020 edition.

  • Table of Contents (2020 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 601 Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention, 2020 Edition

    Chapter 1 Administration
    1.1 Scope.
    1.2 Purpose.
    Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
    2.1 General.
    2.2 NFPA Publications.
    2.3 Other Publications.
    2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
    Chapter 3 Definitions
    3.1 General.
    3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
    3.3 General Definitions.
    Chapter 4 Management Responsibilities
    4.1 General Responsibilities.
    4.2 Procedures and Instructions.
    4.3 Succession to Supervisory Responsibility.
    4.4 Contract Security Service.
    4.5 Maintenance of Equipment.
    4.6 Identification.
    Chapter 5 Security Functions and Duties
    5.1 General.
    5.2 Other Duties of Security Officers.
    5.3 Patrol Service.
    5.4 Control of Pedestrian and Vehicular Movement.
    5.5 Fire Protection Function of Security.
    5.6 General Duty Requirements.
    5.7 Reports.
    Chapter 6 Selection and Conduct of Security Officers
    6.1 Character Investigation.
    6.2 Skills and Ability.
    6.3 Criminal Convictions.
    6.4 Contract Service.
    6.5 Medical Requirements.
    6.6 General Conduct of Security Officers.
    Chapter 7 Training and Education
    7.1 General.
    7.2 Site-Specific Knowledge.
    Chapter 8 Communications
    8.1 Communication Systems.
    8.2 Protective Signaling Systems.
    8.3 Security Tour Supervision Systems.
    8.4 Directory.
    Annex A Explanatory Material
    Annex B Informational References
  • Prior Editions

    2015 Edition

    Apply NFPA 601 to ensure personnel are qualified for the job.

    NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention provides requirements to assist management in defining the requirements, duties, and training of security personnel who perform fire loss prevention duties.

    Three categories of security services are covered:

    • Protection of the property
    • Access and egress control
    • Carrying out procedures for the orderly conduct of various operations at the property

    The Standard incorporates the most up-to-date:

    • Requirements relating to the duties of security officers
    • Requirements for fire protection functions
    • Reporting and communications requirements
    • Security officer selection and conduct requirements
    • Training and site specific knowledge requirements for security officers 

    Interested in other editions of NFPA 601? Use the drop down menu above to select the edition year you need.

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