Report Highlights Gaps in Construction Fire Safety
New industry whitepaper outlines upcoming NFPA 241 code changes and the role of wireless detection in protecting complex jobsites.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Mar 25, 2026
A refreshed industry report has challenged the U.S. construction industry regarding outdated fire safety methods and the inconsistent application of NFPA 241.
Global wireless solutions firm Ramtech released the 2026 edition of its whitepaper, "Closing the Gaps in Construction Fire Safety," featuring insights from projects with contractors such as Barton Malow. The report examines how responsibility must shift as construction projects become larger and more complex.
A central focus of the paper is NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations. The report claims fragmented adoption across states and a "minimum code" mindset continue to undermine site safety.
James Pecz, Ramtech’s North America lead and member of the NFPA 72/241 Temporary Fire Alarm Task Group, said adoption of the standard remains inconsistent across the country.
"Reliance on older editions or minimum-code compliance leaves sites exposed, especially as projects become larger and more complex," Pecz said. "Wireless detection and notification systems can bridge these gaps."
The report provides early insight into expected changes in the forthcoming NFPA 241 2026 revision. Expected updates include enhanced guidance for mass timber construction, stricter site security requirements, and a clearer definition of Fire Prevention Program Manager (FPPM) responsibilities.
Kyle Jarvenpaa, vice president of business development at Space Age Electronics, said projects with hundreds of workers across dozens of floors present unique challenges.
"The real test isn’t just knowing the code—it’s making sure every worker hears the alarm, every floor is cleared, and safety teams have real-time visibility," Jarvenpaa said.
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are increasingly recognizing wireless fire detection as a practical way to bridge compliance gaps when permanent systems are not yet operational.
On the $1 billion Hudson’s Detroit development, project safety professional Anna Kahl said evacuation planning on large sites cannot rely on assumptions.
"A coordinated alarm system that reached all workers at the same time was vital," Kahl said.
The whitepaper also includes a case study on the deployment of more than 350 wireless devices at a $1.3 billion resort development in California.
The release of the report follows the October opening of Ramtech’s U.S. office in Charlotte, North Carolina.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.