QUINCY, MA — The state of Missouri recently adopted the latest editions of NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, and NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, two key elements of the Comprehensive Consensus Codes™ (C3) set developed by NFPA and other leading code developers.

Missouri's Division of Weights and Measures made the decision to adopt the 1999 edition of NFPA 54 and the 2001 edition of NFPA 58, effective immediately. Both codes are used throughout the world and are sources for safety requirements.

NFPA 54 provides requirements for the safe installation and testing of gas piping and gas appliances in residential, commercial, and industrial applications, and the new edition includes updates on the latest regulations. NFPA 54 addresses air for combustion and ventilation of gas appliances, clearance to combustibles, and venting of gas appliances.

NFPA 58 provides requirements for the safe installation of liquefied petroleum gas storage facilities, and for safe use of LP gas. The updated edition introduces provisions that make liquefied petroleum gas installation more secure.

"I am very pleased that the state of Missouri has adopted the 1999 edition of NFPA 54 and the 2001 edition of NFPA 58," said Ron Hooker, director of Missouri's Division of Weights and Measures. "Missouri, like so many other states in the Midwest, relies heavily on propane and other fuel gases for consumers, small businesses, agriculture, and many other uses. Adopting the most recent edition of these NFPA codes allows Missouri to tap into the best science and technological advancements available to ensure the safe installation, storage, and transportation of fuel gases in our state."

Fundamental to the development of NFPA 54, NFPA 58, and all other NFPA codes is full and open discussion. No single interest group may dominate NFPA's code development process, which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The C3 set is said to offer state and local governments the opportunity to select a full set of ANSI-accredited codes. This set is being developed through a partnership involving NFPA, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

For more information about the C3 set, go to www.c3codeset.org.

Publication date: 08/12/2002