There is no way to predict what it might affect, because the standard does not yet exist. The Stds Council is seeking input as to whether such a standard should be developed. The text of the call for input follows:

New Project on Fire Investigation Units (FIUs)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Council is in receipt of a New Project Initiation Request for the development of an ANSI Accredited Standard addressing Fire Investigation Units (FIUs) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Fire and Explosion Investigation Subcommittee. The request defines an FIU as any public or private sector organizations performing fire and explosion investigations. This applies to any public agencies i.e. fire departments, law enforcement agencies involved in fire investigation, fire marshal offices, and private agencies such as consulting firms and insurance investigation units. The project as proposed will include individuals operating as part of a task force for specialized incidents, although the requester identifies that the proposed project is not intended to prescribe any requirements relating to the formation of a task force.

If the New Project Initiation is ultimately approved by the Standards Council, a new Technical Committee may be established and charged with the development of appropriate requirements related to Fire Investigation Units (FIUs). Activities within the scope of the Technical Committee are anticipated to focus minimum requirements for fire and explosion investigation relating to: Organization; • Facilities and equipment; • Compliance with safety procedures; • Training; • Certification and education; • Document retention; • Review and approvals of investigation reports; and • Processes/management systems.

NFPA is currently soliciting comments from interested organizations and individuals to gauge whether support exists for standards development addressing Fire Investigation Units (FIUs). The request comes in response to the NIST/OSAC initiative to develop and identify standards and guides that will support professional quality investigations within the forensic community, in this instance specifically on the topic of fire and explosion investigation. The requester proposes that such a project will link naturally to the existing NFPA 921 and 1033, which provide guidance on how to complete a fire or explosion investigation and the qualifications (job performance requirements) of the individual.

NFPA specifically seeks input on the following: 1. Are you, or your organization, in favor of the development of an NFPA Standard pertaining to Fire Investigation Unites (FIUs)? 2. Please state your reason(s) for supporting or opposing such standards development. 3. Are you or your organization interested in applying for membership on the Technical Committee if established by the Standards Council? If yes, please submit an application, in addition to your comments in support of the project, online at: Submit online application Note: Applications being accepted for purposes of documenting applicant interest in committee participation. Acceptance of applications by NFPA does not guaranty or imply the Standards Council will ultimately approve standards development activity on this subject matter. Please submit all comments, in support or opposition by October 13, 2017 to Fire Investigation Units (FIUs) standards development at: stds_admin@nfpa.org.