Code of Massachusetts Regulations 527 CMR - BOARD OF FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS
The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) in Massachusetts is responsible for promulgating the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, codified as 527 CMR 1.00. This code integrates the 2021 edition of NFPA 1 – Fire Code with specific Massachusetts amendments to address local fire safety needs.(mass.gov, mass.gov)
🔥 Overview of 527 CMR 1.00
Title: Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code
Effective Date: May 12, 2023
Regulatory Authority: MGL c. 22D § 4; MGL c. 148, §§ 9, 9A, 10, 13, 25A, 25C, 25D, 26C, 26F1/2, 28, 28B, 35, 39A, 40, 46, and 58
Enforcement: Department of Fire Services(mass.gov, mass.gov)
The code applies to all occupancies and activities within Massachusetts, setting standards for fire prevention, protection systems, and life safety. It is enforced by local fire departments and the Department of Fire Services.
📘 Accessing the Code
Online Access: The full text of 527 CMR 1.00 is available for free online.
Download PDF: You can download the current version (May 12, 2023) as a PDF here: (mass.gov)
Purchase Print Copies: Hard copies can be purchased through the Massachusetts State Bookstore: (sec.state.ma.us)(mass.gov, mass.gov)
🔄 Recent Amendments
The 2023 revisions to 527 CMR 1.00 introduced several updates:
Chapter 1 – Administration: Updated permit requirements for explosives and black powder.
Chapter 16 – Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations: Now references the 2022 edition of NFPA 241, enhancing fire safety during construction activities.
Chapter 26 – Laboratories: Aligns with the 2019 edition of NFPA 45, focusing on fire safety in laboratory settings.
Chapter 28 – Commercial Boat Storage: Introduces guidelines for the safe storage of boats, including battery storage and fire prevention measures.
Chapter 29 – Parking Structures: Addresses fire safety considerations in parking structures, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles.
Chapter 52 – Energy Storage Systems: Adopts the 2020 edition of NFPA 855, including requirements for hazard mitigation and thermal runaway testing.
Chapter 55 – Flammable Gas Systems: References NFPA 56, outlining procedures for cleaning and purging flammable gas piping systems.
Chapter 65 – Blasting: Modifies pre-blasting survey requirements to streamline the permitting process. (f-t.com)
🧭 Understanding the Code Structure
The code is organized into chapters that cover various aspects of fire safety:
Chapter 1: Administration
Chapter 2: Definitions
Chapter 3: General Requirements
Chapter 4: Fire Prevention
Chapter 5: Fire Protection Systems
Chapter 6: Means of Egress
Chapter 7: Occupancy Requirements
Chapter 8: Hazardous Materials
Chapter 9: Construction Requirements
Chapter 10: Special Occupancies
Chapter 11: Special Conditions
Chapter 12: Electrical Code (Amendments)
Chapter 13: Fire Department Access and Water Supply
Chapter 14: Public Assembly
Chapter 15: Fire Department Operations
Chapter 16: Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations
Chapter 17: Fire Safety During Construction
Chapter 18: Fire Safety During Demolition
Chapter 19: Fire Safety During Renovation
Chapter 20: Fire Safety During Occupancy
Chapter 21: Fire Safety During Emergency Operations
Chapter 22: Fire Safety During Recovery Operations
Chapter 23: Fire Safety During Post-Incident Operations
Chapter 24: Fire Safety During Training Operations
Chapter 25: Fire Safety During Public Education Operations
Chapter 26: Laboratories
Chapter 27: High-Rise Buildings
Chapter 28: Commercial Boat Storage
Chapter 29: Parking Structures
Chapter 30: Energy Storage Systems
Chapter 31: Flammable Gas Systems
Chapter 32: Blasting(f-t.com, massfpam.org, mass.gov, mass.gov, coderedconsultants.com, mass.gov)
🧾 Additional Resources
NFPA 1 – Fire Code (2021 Edition): The base code referenced in 527 CMR 1.00. It can be accessed for free online through the National Fire Protection Association's website. (mass.gov)
Advisory Memos and Errata: The Department of Fire Services provides advisory memos and errata to clarify and update code provisions. (mass.gov)(mass.gov)
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