Which NFPA standard is often referenced for airport firefighter guidelines?

The NFPA 409 standard is specifically tailored for aircraft hangars, making it highly relevant to airport firefighting operations. This standard provides regulations and guidelines that address safety considerations, fire protection systems, and other critical elements unique to aircraft hangars and related structures at airports.

Since aircraft hangars are essential for the storage, maintenance, and operation of aircraft, following NFPA 409 ensures that firefighters are trained to handle emergencies that may arise in these specialized environments. Understanding the layout, potential hazards, and necessary firefighting techniques outlined in this standard is vital for effective response and safety at an airport.

In contrast, the other NFPA standards mentioned serve different purposes: NFPA 101 focuses on overall life safety in buildings, NFPA 13 provides guidelines for sprinkler system installation across various types of structures, and NFPA 72 is dedicated to fire alarm and signaling systems. While these standards are important in their own right, they do not specifically address the unique circumstances and challenges faced by airport firefighters and are thus not as applicable in this context.