Keeping up with code change proposals and the code cycle can be an overwhelming task. I want to make it easier for you. I am involved in the codes and standards for three specific industries: security, aviation, and technology. At the beginning of every month I will send out an update on what's happening, and what's next. You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.
Security Codes and Standards
NFPA 730, Guide for Premises Security - Related News
Keeping up with code change proposals and the code cycle can be an overwhelming task. I want to make it easier for you. I am involved in the codes and standards for three specific industries: security, aviation, and technology. At the beginning of every month I will send out an update on what's happening, and what's next.
You can subscribe to get this update in your email by clicking here.
I love books, especially code books. I love getting that new code book in the mail, I love holding it in my hand and flipping through its pages, and I love to look over and see it on my physical bookshelf. The reality of books, though, is that they are heavy, bulky, take up space, you can lose track of your notes and highlights, and you can not take your full bookshelf with you wherever you go. With online codes and standards platforms this is possible. These platforms allow the user to easily bookmark, save, and annotate important sections. These platforms provide instant access to every code and standard that the user may need. And these platforms make those code sections, and your notes, easy to share with collaborators and clients.
The NFPA and ICC each have their own online platforms. A third option, UpCodes, brings all of these together into one place. Below is a brief review and general information on each of these platforms.
The free view of NFPA codes and standards only provides a read-only file that cannot be marked, shared, or printed. NFPA LiNK, provides the user with full access to the codes and standard. The user can quickly and easily search, bookmark, annotate, and share code sections. This NFPA LiNK interface is visually appealing (it looks like books on a shelf) and user friendly. This program provides access to all NFPA codes and standards and multiple versions of each. This platform offers a feature that none of the others offer, that is offline access. At $9.99 per month, it is the most affordable of the online platforms.
The free view of ICC codes only provides a read-only file that cannot be marked, shared, or printed. ICC Digital Codes Premium, provides access to the full library of ICC codes, standards, commentary, study guides, and other documents. This subscription also provides access to the documents that are published under the ICC family of companies, such as from, IAEI, SEAOC, Wiley. Also available are standards from ASHRAE, ANSI, FEMA, RESNET, and others. This platform lets the user search and access codes and standards by state, collection, or publisher. This is the least user friendly and visually appealing of the platforms. It is also the most expensive.
UpCodes, overall, is the best product and investment. It provides access to codes and standards across a wide range of publishers and organizations including: NFPA, ICC, ANSI, IAPMO, ASHRAE, OSHA, and more. These can be searched by publisher or by jurisdiction. UpCodes contains only the codes and standards that have been adopted into law by a government agency and, therefore, fall under public domain use. The free version of UpCodes allows the user to view, link to, copy, and print code sections. Premium features provide for bookmarking, notes, projects that can be created, saved, and shared with collaborators, illustrative diagrams and commentary, code calculators, and robust search functions. UpCodes provides access to multiple code families and publishers, with links to references within the documents. This platform is user friendly, and easy to navigate and visually appealing.
If your work requires codes and standards use and research, you have to get on-board with these online platforms. They increase efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance accuracy. If you primarily deal in the ICC family of codes then perhaps the ICC Digital Codes Premium would be your best option. For jurisdictional code officials, consultants, architects, and those who work across jurisdictions, UpCodes may be your best option. For those who use NFPA specific documents within their industry, such as the fire departments, manufacturers, or occupancy specific functions, and NFPA LiNK subscription may be the best option. Or, perhaps, a combination of one or all of these platforms is what will serve you, the user, best!
I am just returning home and getting back into the swing of things. I spent last week in Louisville, Kentucky serving on the International Fire Code (IFC) Development Committee. One of the main benefits of committee involvement is the opportunity to understand why code changes are being proposed, the history behind these code changes, and the potential impacts that the current and proposed changes may have. It is the committee's responsibility to hear each proposal and decide to approve the proposal as submitted, approve the proposal with a modification, or disapprove the proposed code change. This cycle the committee heard more than 400 proposals. Of these, nearly 200 were moved for disapproval. Proposals can be disapproved for a variety of reasons. However, examining my notes from the hearings, there are 6 primary reasons that a code change proposals was disapproved. 1. Proponent is not available to speak on the proposal.
A code change proposal submitter or proponent is not required to be present. The purpose of the code change proposal should be clear and evident based on the proponents required 'reason statement'. However, if their are questions regarding the proposal, or something is not understood, it is helpful if there is someone available to answer the committee's questions or concerns. Statements and responses made by the proponents (or opponents) are instrumental in influencing the committees decision on these proposed code changes.
2. Poor code language.
The specific wording of code change proposals plays a critical role in its approval or disapproval. Proposals that are disapproved for 'poor code language' includes wording that falls into one of these categories:
Open to misinterpretation
Not able to be enforced
Uses terminology that is not in the code, not clearly defined, or that conflicts with other terms in the code or referenced standards
The wording is confusing to read, hard to understand, or illogical
The wrong code or standard is referenced
The intent is not understood
The proposed code change is being added to the wrong section of the code.
3. Lack of reliable data and/or facts to substantiate reasoning.
A good code change proposal will be accompanied by hard facts and historical evidence as to its need. The facts and data should also show how the code change proposal, if approved, will result in the improvements intended. Those code change proposals that are arbitrarily submitted, and lack sufficient data, are most likely to be disapproved.
4. Effects of the code change would be too broad.
The proposal, though creating a fix in one area, may create a problem in several other areas. Those proposals that apply to a large variety of occupancies, industries, processes, or materials may be disapproved, as the effects are so far reaching that the negative or positive consequences cannot be readily distinguished. Successful proposals are structured to effect only the intended concern. If the proposal is intended to be broad, multiple proposals targeted at each concern should be submitted.
5. Violates requirements and provisions outlined in CP #28-05.
This is the ICC Council Policy on code development. Of importance to those submitting code change proposals are the sections that outline specific requirements regarding how code change proposals are to be submitted, and the section that describes what types of codes and standards can be referenced. As a submitter, be sure that you understand these council policies, and that your proposal does not violate these requirements.
6. New technology that has not been vetted.
With the rapidity of change and technology development that is currently happening in our world, it is impossible to be fully knowledgeable on all things. New technologies, techniques, and processes, may require and benefit from specific code inclusions. Committee members may not be aware of, or may be seeing, the technology for the first time in your proposal. If the technology is not understood, the effects of the code change proposal cannot be realized. Education should be critical component of the submitter's reason statement and testimony. A strategy that involves educational outreach in advance of the committee hearings should be considered.
When submitting code changes, or recovering from a 'disapproval', review your written proposal, and presentation strategy for these 6 items. Use this as a checklist to help you write a winning code change proposal!
The model code organizations, International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), each require special inspections for fire firestopping of penentrations and joints. These inspections are required to be conducted to ensure that the proper firestopping system has been utilized and installed properly.
Where is the requirement stated?
NFPA 1, Chapter 12, section 3 states that inspections must be conducted to ensure quality assurance for penetrations and joints.
NFPA requires inspections of penetrations and joints, “In new buildings three stories or greater in height…” Additionally, fire-resistance rated assemblies in high-rise builidngs are to be visually inspected every 5 years.
The International Building Code, requires these inspections in all high-rise buildings (75’ high and over), and all buildings assigned a Risk Category of III and IV. Buildings within these risk categories are those structures that “represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure,” or those “designated as essential facilities”. A complete list of these structures can be found in IBC 1604.5.
What inspection criteria is required?
These inspections will be conducted based on the following ASTM standards:
ASTM E2174, Standard Practice for On-site Inspection of Installed Fire Stops
ASTM E2393, Standard Practice for On-site Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Joint Systems and Perimeter Fire Barriers
You have won the bid, the contracts are signed, the job is yours. However, this is just the beginning. Looking ahead, you know the road to achieving your CO (certificate of occupancy) is long, you hope it will not be treacherous. Achieving the CO is the main goal. It is the light at the end of your tunnel, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Just getting there is not enough. Getting there on-time and in budget makes all the difference between success and failure.
But, right now you are stuck in the building department equivalent of purgatory, permitting and review. Most building/fire plan review departments allow up to 10 days for the review to happen (this is quick by many standards). If your submittal is correct in all points and meets all federal, state, and local code requirements, then your plan will most likely be approved (taking up only the 10 days ou have allotted for this activity). But, lack of required information, or failure to comply with local ordinances and AHJ requirements will keep your plans locked up and you paying for and submitting endless revisions and resubmittals.
Here are the top 12 reasons why your plans will be disapproved (in no particular order):
Incomplete, missing, or incorrect listing of code references and editions used.
Lack of sprinkler/alarm calculations (hydraulic/battery).
Insufficient remoteness of exits.
Lack of compliance with egress requirements.
Point of service (for fire systems) not clearly shown.
Incorrect spacing of fire sprinkler heads.
Incorrect spacing/installation of fire alarm devices.
Incorrect or missing door rating in fire-rated assemblies.
Incorrect locking devices on doors.
No detail of fire-rated walls.
Missing or incorrect stair details.
Missing fire penetration protective details.
To ensure a smooth travel into and out of permitting here are a few things to consider, and some steps to take.
Remember that every state adopts different codes (ICC, NFPA), and different editions (2014 may be the latest, but the state your working in has only adopted the 2009 edition).
Each jurisdiction may have its own, more stringent, ordinances.
Consult with the AHJ (building and fire) to determine what codes are currently being utilized, what local changes are in effect, and what that particular code official wants to see. This 1 hour, to-the-point meeting, could save you days of resubmittals, as well as, help to establish rapport with the building official, and increase his knowledge of your intended product. He will now be someone that is in your corner, a partner on your project, rather than someone who is trying to figure out what you are doing, and not getting the clear answers he needs from your plans.
Consult the applicable codes and standards, as they often include a list of required documents for plan submittal:
NFPA 13:23 - Fire Sprinkler Plans and Calculations
NFPA 72:7 - Fire Alarm Minimum Required Documentation
Consider the use of a third-party review. These plan review/code experts will do all the leg work to ensure that your plans are to code and everything is ready for submittal. Since they are a neutral party, they will be willing to offer advice and alternative code provisions for the structure that you envision.
I hope these quick tips will keep your next project moving through the process so you can come in on time and under budget!
Aviation facilities can fall into a variety of categories including, terminal buildings, hangars, storage, and/or manufacturing. Navigating the varied fire code requirements can be a monumental task. Included here is an exhaustive index of aircraft facility related fire codes and standards. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Bookmark this post for use as a quick reference guide to all aviation related codes and standards. If you ever have any questions or concerns related to fire and life safety code concerns of these facilities, feel free to contact me anytime
Early aircraft firefighting vehicle, on display at McCarran International Airport
Fire Engineering magazine recently published an article entitled, Should Healthcare Fire Safety Backtrack on 60 Years of Improvement. This article clearly outlines where healthcare fire safety started, what it has evolved to, and the decreases in fire safety that are currently being proposed.
An organization involved in preventing these changes, is the Patient Fire Safety Coalition. I would encourage you to visit their site for more information and to get involved. You can also contact them directly at, info@patientfiresafety.org.
