The only change in this section can be found in 90.5(C) which addresses explanatory material.
(A) Mandatory Rules
No change
(B) Permissive Rules
No change
(C) Explanatory Material
The change here in (C) addresses providing information associated with referenced documents found in informational notes and in Annex A. The debate over the years has been whether to provide the revision year or other edition signifier of the referenced document. Some have argued that the reference document edition signifier is important as the referenced material may be modified or even deleted and should be reviewed to assure applicability of each edition of the Code. Others argue and present examples of where the referenced document edition number or revision signifier is not relevant as it is a general industry reference. Identifying a specific direction in this regard is difficult and in recognition of this, the new language makes the inclusion of a publication date for the referenced document optional. It provides guidance that when a date is not included, the reference is to be considered as the latest edition of that document.
The new language accepted by the Code Making Panel states:
“Unless the standard reference includes a date, the reference is to be considered as the latest edition of the standard.”
Section 3.3.6.2 of “Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards” is titled “Reference to Other NFPA Standards or Other Publications”. This section is related to this discussion in that it requires “When a reference is made in a technical committee report to an NFPA standard or a publication prepared by another organization, such a reference shall contain the sponsor, title, date, or edition, and preferably the specific parts of the NFPA standard or other publication to which reference is made. Technical committees shall include such references only after review of such NFPA standards or publications, satisfying themselves that the references are adequate and appropriate.”
(D) Informative Annexes
No change