NFPA Wants Input on Emergency Responders' Use of Robotics
The organization's Standards Council has received a request to begin developing an ANSI standard on operational protocol and professional qualifications for operators of robotics, including drones, used in emergency responder applications.
The National Fire Protection Association announced that its Standards Council has received a request to begin developing an ANSI accredited standard on operational protocol and professional qualifications for operators of emergency responder robotics, including unmanned aerial systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other robotics used in emergency responder applications, so it is seeking comments about this. The comment deadline is June 17.
There are no known standards that establish protocol for the operation of robotics, including drones, by emergency services personnel, nor for professional qualifications for UAS operators in emergency services applications, according to NFPA's announcement.
Visit this page to submit comments.
The announcement said NFPA seeks input on these questions:
1. Do you, or your organization, support NFPA developing a standard on UAS operation protocols and UAV operator professional qualifications?
2. Reason(s) for supporting or opposing this proposed project? (Please provide in detail)
If the council approves the request, the expectation is that a new NFPA Technical Committee will be established to provide expertise and a balance of interested stakeholders specific to applicable technologies and operations, so NFPA wants to hear from stakeholders interested in participating on the committee to develop the proposed project; they should complete and submit an online committee members application.