NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code.

NFPA 101 has a specific purpose and scope. It is critical to understand the purpose and scope of an NFPA publication in order to know if the publication even applies to the system being installed.

The purpose of NFPA 101 is to provide minimum requirements, with due regard to function, for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings and structures for safety to life from fire and similar emergencies.

NFPA 101 has specific requirements and allowances for security system components such as delayed egress door locking systems as well as horizontal sliding or vertical-rolling security grilles or door assemblies that are part of the required means of egress.

Below is a sample of NFPA 101. See the actual text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the latest edition of NFPA 101.

101 Scope.

1.1.2 Danger to Life from Fire. The Code addresses those construction, protection, and occupancy features necessary to minimize danger to life from the effects of fire, including smoke, heat, and toxic gases created during a fire.

1.1.3 Egress Facilities. The Code establishes minimum criteria for the design of egress facilities so as to allow prompt escape of occupants from buildings or, where desirable, into safe areas within buildings.

1.1.4 Other Fire-Related Considerations. The Code addresses other considerations that are essential to life safety in recognition of the fact that life safety is more than a matter of egress. The Code also addresses protective features and systems, building services, operating features, maintenance activities, and other provisions in recognition of the fact that achieving an acceptable degree of life safety depends on additional safeguards to provide adequate egress time or protection for people exposed to fire.

1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum requirements, with due regard to function, for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings and structures for safety to life from fire. Its provisions will also aid life safety in similar emergencies.

1.3 Application.

1.3.1 New and Existing Buildings and Structures. The Code shall apply to both new construction and existing buildings and existing structures.