Expectations of Technical Committee members

Committee Application and Consideration for Appointment

• Appointment to an NFPA Committee by the Standards Council takes into consideration: qualifications of the applicant; balance of interests, by classification, currently on the committee; the current number of committee members appointed; and the ability of the applicant to attend (whether remotely or live) and participate in all committee meetings.
• NFPA association membership is not a requirement for being appointed as an NFPA Committee member.
• An applicant can apply for consideration as a ‘principal’ member (e.g. a designated representative of an organization, employer, or NFPA section) or as an ‘alternate’ to an applying or current member of the committee (e.g. meaning a second designated representative who can act in the absence/unavailability of the associated principal).  If applying as an alternate, the individual must be determined the same classification as the associated principal.
• NFPA encourages all principal applicants to also have an alternate apply. An alternate will ensure your voice is heard in the event of unforeseen circumstances where you may be unable to participate.
• Applicants representing an organization are preferred in that, as such, the individual brings the views of many to the committee. Organizations represented by NFPA committee members include ACC, AFAA, AGA, API, IAFC, IAFF, IEEE, IFMA, NAFED, NEMA, SPI among others.
• An application for NFPA Committee membership is completed online and submitted for action by the NFPA Standards Council. The Council meets three times annually during which time applications are considered for appointment.

Expectations of Committee Member

• Be familiar with the NFPA Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards and Guide for Conduct of Participants.
• Attend meetings (note:  committee members are responsible for expenses incurred to attend meetings live with the exception of members approved for Enforcer funding).
• Actively participate in the work of the committee (e.g., attend all meetings, participate in discussions, return all committee ballots, etc.).
• Ability to communicate via e-mail.
• Internet access and capabilities.
• Discuss matters under review and consideration by the committee in a professional manner.
• Consensus results from a balance of interests, not a unanimous result, therefore disagreement is natural and expected.
• Contribute to the development of the assigned Standard(s) that are revised every 3-5 years.
• Provide input on committee Standard(s) and the proposed revisions submitted for consideration, based upon knowledge, experience and interest.
• Return all ballots.
• Ideally each principal member has an appointed alternate to participate in the meeting or return ballots should the principal be unavailable.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 10 meeting days over a 5-year period (typically 1 to 3 days per meeting).
• Meetings may be held in person at various U.S. locations, conducted remotely via electronic meeting platforms, or a hybrid of both.   Determination of the meeting methodology is generally established by the complexity and number of issues for consideration by the committee.
• Location for live meetings takes into consideration of input by committee members, the Chair, and the Staff Liaison.
• Task group work, if any, can or may be accomplished via e-mail, conference calls, remote meeting platforms, as well as in-person.