The AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) plays an essential role in your fire code and safety inspection services. They’re responsible for certifying that fire and life safety systems in your building are current to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) codes standards.
Many of us do not even know what “Authority Having Jurisdiction” means and who they are. Continue reading this article, and we’ll give you the information you’ll need to identify who your AHJ is.
Understand the NFPA Standards and Codes
It is vital to know and understand what an AHJ is. According to the NFPA 701 codes and standards, an authority having jurisdiction means “an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.” AHJ is an official responsible for enforcing, interpreting, and implementing the code.
The development process of codes and standards in the United States can be confusing.
Your AHJ requirements will differ depending on your building’s location since there is no federal government code, unlike other countries. Your AHJ codes can vary depending on which code your jurisdiction is adopting.
Know the Requirements of Your AHJ(Authority Having Jurisdiction)
Being aware of your authority having jurisdiction’s role is beneficial for you.
Your AHJ will give you requirements based on your building or property type. Its primary purpose is to evaluate the entire condition of life, fire, and electric safety performance on your property and to ensure that the current expectations are met.
Noted in NFPA 701 annexes that: “where public safety is primary, the AHJ may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statuary authority.”
Your insurance company may also be an authority having jurisdiction if your property is insured.
The most common people to take the AHJ role, according to NFPA, is the designated agent and property owner. For government installations, the AHJ role is assumed by the department official.
The Building Operating Management & Facility Maintenance Decisions (BOMFMD) magazine listed which AHJ sectors specific buildings/property belong.
- Private sector: third party certification/accreditation organizations, insurance company
- Local government: fire department, building department
- State government: state health department, state fire marshal
- Federal government: Medicaid Services and Centers for Medicare
When Working with the Authority Having Jurisdiction: Compliance is Key!
NFPA requires Fire inspections primarily where public safety is at possible risk – your Authority Having Jurisdiction is there to confirm this.
The main purpose is not to burden you, but their responsibility is to confirm that your building is safe. The changes your AHJ expects you to make will benefit you as an owner and ensure the safety of the whole community.
The modifications you’ve applied will also benefit the responders during an emergency. The responders will assume that your life safety systems are updated. If you fail to comply with the instructions of your AHJ, it can compromise the first responder’s operation. Besides disservice to safety, potential legal consequences may occur.
Know Your AHJ and Keep Them Close
As a building or property owner, your AHJ is your ally. Treat your AHJ seriously and treat them well as they perform inspections. Practicing honesty and transparency is vital in keeping a good relationship with your AHJ since safety is at stake.
Document Inspections/Correspondences and Follow Up
Another way to keep a good relationship with your AHJ is to ensure that everything is documented. Take notes in the inspection process because it is beneficial if you’re both on the same page. Be present and don’t hesitate to ask questions.