Ch 04 Building and Fire Codes
- 1. 4 Building and Fire Codes
- 2. Objectives (1 of 2) Explain the history and basis for building codes Explain the differences between fire and building codes
- 3. Objectives (2 of 2) Identify other construction codes and standards that have an impact on the fire service Identify important fire protection features of building codes
- 4. History of Building Codes Based on local experience until the late 1800s National Association of Fire Engineers Eight fire protection concerns Insurance industry National Building Code in 1906
- 5. Model Codes Complete regulatory documents Early model codes developed regionally National Building Code Uniform Building Code Standard Building Code International Code Council’s (ICC’s) International Building Code
- 6. Legacy Codes Older regionally adopted codes No longer produced
- 7. Fire Codes and Standards (1 of 3) Building Codes Regulate the construction of a building Not applied retroactively Usually updated every three years Rely on standards
- 8. Fire Codes and Standards (2 of 3) Fire Codes Regulate the use of the building after it is built Applies to structures and conditions within structures Usually updated every three years
- 9. Fire Codes and Standards (3 of 3) Test standards American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-119; “Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials” ASTM E-84; “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials”
- 10. Types of Construction International Building Code National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000 Hybrid buildings
- 11. Occupancy Classifications Building codes More restrictive on institutional and hazardous material uses Occupancy classification Relates hazards to specific regulations
- 12. International Building Code Occupancy Types A-1 through A-4 B and E F-1 and F-2 H-1 through H-5
- 13. NFPA 5000 Occupancy Types (1 of 2) Assembly Occupancy Business Occupancy Board and Care Occupancy Day-Care Occupancy Detention and Correctional Occupancy Educational Occupancy
- 14. NFPA 5000 Occupancy Types (2 of 2) Health Care Occupancy High Hazard Contents Industrial Occupancy Mercantile Occupancy Residential Occupancy Storage Occupancy
- 15. Area and Height (1 of 3) Size and height determined by building codes Regulation based on construction classification and occupancy type
- 16. Area and Height (2 of 3) Changes can be made to the values in Table 4-2 Automatic sprinkler systems lessen other requirements
- 17. Area and Height (3 of 3) Fire fighter perceptions and concerns Increased size and height values without fire service input Original intent of the area and height limitations
- 18. Special Hazards Atria structures Large open space within a structure connecting two or more floors High-rise structures
- 19. Egress (1 of 2) Requirements set by building codes Components The exit access The exit The exit discharge Occupant load
- 20. Egress (2 of 2) Number of exit paths/doors Safe path of travel Door hardware Sleeping rooms in “R” occupancies
- 21. Fire Protection Systems Regulated by building codes Covered in detail in Chapter 5 of the book
- 22. Disabled Occupants Model building codes Area of refuge
- 23. Interior Finish Contribute to fire spread Steiner Tunnel Test Ratings
- 24. Elevators (1 of 3) Electric cable Power controls on the top floor Hydraulic piston Power controls on the first floor
- 25. Elevators (2 of 3) Phase I operation Elevators are recalled Phase II operation Fire fighter selects one elevators to access the upper floors
- 26. Elevators (3 of 3) Elevator door restrictors Know how to open each type of restrictor found in your area Metal bars Elevator keys
- 27. Code Implications Participate in code development For your safety The safety of others
- 28. Summary The ICC and NFPA Building codes Fire codes Code development process