Is NFPA an approved third party for materials?

The assertion that NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is not an approved third party for materials is correct because NFPA primarily serves as a standards development organization that creates and publishes codes and standards related to fire prevention and safety. While NFPA does provide guidance on the materials and systems used in fire protection, it does not serve the role of an approval agency that certifies products for compliance with standards.

Instead, third-party approval is typically carried out by organizations specifically designated for product testing and certification, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the International Code Council (ICC). These organizations evaluate materials and systems to ensure they meet specific safety and performance criteria defined by NFPA standards and other relevant codes. Thus, while NFPA contributes significantly to the field of fire protection, its role does not include approving materials as a testing and certification body.