What type of documents are NFPA standards classified as?

NFPA standards are classified as consensus documents because they are developed through a collaborative process that gathers input from a wide range of stakeholders, including industry experts, professionals, and organizations interested in fire safety. This collaborative approach ensures that the standards reflect the best practices and current knowledge in the field, thus achieving a level of agreement among those involved.

The consensus process is designed to facilitate cooperation and prevent arbitrary or unilateral decisions, which enhances the credibility and acceptance of the standards within the fire service and related industries. Consensus documents are not legally binding; they are guidelines that professionals are encouraged to follow, but adherence can vary based on regulations or organizational policies at the local level. This distinguishes them from legally binding documents, which must be followed under law, and from technical manuals or operational guidelines, which may be more specific to individual organizations or projects.