NFPA 730 is the Guide for Premises Security. This guide is not considered a “standard” or a “code”. This guide provides criteria for the selection of a security program to reduce security vulnerabilities but really doesn’t address the actual security system installation methods.

NFPA 730 includes requirements for security planning, including the prioritization of risks identified in the security vulnerability assessments (SVA) and the frequency of when to review and update the SVA. This guide also includes guidance on the following:

• Security Planning
• Administrative Controls
• Security Perimeters
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

NFPA 730 also provides additional considerations to be factored into the design of the following occupancies:

• Educational Facilities, Colleges, and Universities
• Health Care
• Lodging
• Multi-Dwelling Unit Buildings
• Restaurants
• Shopping Centers and malls
• Retail establishments
• Office buildings
• Industrial facilities

Each NFPA publication has a specific scope and purpose. It is critical to understand the scope and purpose of an NFPA publication in order to know if the publication even applies to the system being installed.

Below is a sample of NFPA 730. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 730 text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to the latest edition of NFPA 730.

1.1 Scope. This guide describes construction, protection, occupancy features, and practices intended to reduce security vulnerabilities to life and property.

1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this guide is to provide criteria for the selection of a security program to reduce security vulnerabilities.

1.3 Application. The application of this guide is based on the risk considerations determined in Chapter 5.