Under NFPA 72, when is it permissible to remove sensitive information from record documents?

• A. Only after a court order.
• B. The owner designates a location where all records can be accessed by the authority having jurisdiction.
• C. Whenever the owner chooses to redact.
• D. After 5 years have passed.

Answer: (B)

NFPA 72 requires that record documents for a fire alarm system be accessible to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The owner has the ability to designate a specific location where all records can be accessed by the AHJ. This arrangement lets sensitive information be kept in that designated location while still ensuring the AHJ can review the complete records when needed. The key is ensuring the AHJ can inspect the full set of records; redacting or removing sensitive data elsewhere would only be acceptable if the designated access point allows the AHJ to review the full documentation. Court orders, arbitrary redaction by the owner, or a fixed time-based rule aren’t the triggers for allowing removal of sensitive information.