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Take a big-picture approach to fire safety!

NFPA 550 describes the purpose, structure, and application of the NFPA Fire Safety Concepts Tree. This systems-based methodology examines the interrelation of fire safety features and their effect on achieving specific fire safety goals and objectives. It identifies tools to help fire safety practitioners (e.g. designers, engineers, code officials) communicate fire safety and fire protection concepts so they can develop effective strategies and solutions.

Use the Fire Safety Concepts Tree in conjunction with the application of fire protection engineering principles to:

• Assist with the analysis of codes or standards
• Facilitate the development of performance-based designs
• Provide an overall structure with which to analyze the potential impact of fire safety strategies
• Identify gaps and areas of redundancy in fire protection strategies as an aid in making fire safety decisions