Ramtech publishes 2026 construction fire safety whitepaper
Iain Hoey
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Ramtech whitepaper revisits NFPA 241
Ramtech has relaunched its construction fire safety whitepaper with a 2026 edition focused on NFPA 241 gaps, expected code changes and the use of wireless systems on US projects.
Ramtech said the refreshed paper is titled Closing the Gaps in Construction Fire Safety and follows its earlier whitepaper No Site Left Behind: The Modern Fire and Life Safety Solutions for Construction.
The paper says fragmented adoption across states, reliance on older editions and a minimum code mindset continue to weaken site fire safety.
It gives early insight into expected areas of change in the forthcoming NFPA 241 2026 revision, including guidance for mass timber construction, tighter site security requirements, clearer Fire Prevention Program Manager responsibilities and stronger links with other NFPA and International Fire Code standards.
James Pecz, Ramtech’s North America lead and member of the NFPA 72/241 Temporary Fire Alarm Task Group, said: “Across the U.S., adoption of NFPA 241 is still highly inconsistent.
“My work on the NFPA 72/241 Temporary Fire Alarm Task Group has highlighted how reliance on older editions or minimum-code compliance leaves sites exposed, especially as projects become larger and more complex.
“Wireless detection and notification systems can bridge these gaps, helping contractors meet best-practice standards while protecting people, assets, and schedules.”
Project examples and US office opening
The report includes project insight from Barton Malow, Space Age Electronics and Ramtech, alongside case material from large developments in Detroit and California.
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.
“Coordinated wireless detection and notification systems turn complex safety plans into action, giving workers confidence they’ll be alerted immediately in an emergency, while helping teams respond faster and keep projects moving efficiently.”
The report says Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) are increasingly recognising wireless fire detection and notification systems as a practical way to address compliance gaps when permanent systems are not yet operational.
On the $1 billion Hudson’s Detroit development, project safety professional Anna Kahl said: “On a project of this size, evacuation planning can’t rely on assumptions.
“Noise, height, changing access routes, and limited visibility are the norm, not the exception.
“A coordinated alarm system that reached all workers at the same time was vital – it kept our team safe and gave us confidence in every drill.”
A case study in the whitepaper also describes the deployment of more than 350 wireless devices on a $1.3 billion resort development in California.
The relaunch follows the official opening of Ramtech’s dedicated US office in Charlotte, North Carolina, in October.