by Michael O'Brian on June 5, 2010
International Code Council Looking for Nominations
Here’s the deal there are many unsung heros that fall under the area of Inspectors. So why not make sure they are nominated and honored.
Nominations are now being accepted for the ICC Awards to be presented at the 2010 ICC Annual Conference, scheduled for October 25–28 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
ICC Awards will be presented in several categories to honor individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and service to ICC and the building safety industry.
The deadline to submit nominations for this year’s ICC Awards is Tuesday, June 15, 2010. Awards must be received by close of business of the deadline date. Completed forms may be mailed or faxed, or the information may be submitted by email.
ICC Awards will be presented
Bobb y J. Fowler Award. Named in honor of [click to continue…]
by Michael O'Brian on February 18, 2008
The 2008 International Code Council (ICC) code forum runs from February 18, 2008 through March 1, 2008. The ICC has published a schedule of the various hearings. The hearings are broken down into two tracks which run simultaneously. The ICC provides a great service where you can watch the hearings live from your computer (equipped with an Internet connection).
The committee hearings are based on the proposed 2007/2008 code changes. The changes are broken down based on the proposed code the change will affect. Some of the codes have dual impact and may be found in one section in lieu of the proposed code. The hearings that are broadcast include many items. You will notice a moderator who runs each code change. The proposed change is assigned a number (letter abbreviation and number) which is then put for comment on the floor. Any member of the ICC can voice their comments to the committee. Once the comments are completed the moderator turns the change over to the code committee.
The code committee will then debate the issue and provide a vote. After the vote is complete the moderator will ask if the floor has any motions. The ICC members can ask for a floor vote. The floor vote does not have impact on the code change although it is reflected on the final action hearings (will take place in September 2008).
So why should you (the inspector) attend or tune into the event? This is a great chance to learn the “intent” behind the code. It provides technical justification when you look towards enforcing the future code. The process can seem overwhelming at first blush, just review the schedule and tune intothe code that you have a passion for. If you have time follow along in the proposed changes and watch the fun!
by Michael O'Brian on January 17, 2008
Special Blog post by:
Azarang (Ozzie) Mirkhah, P.E., EFO, CBO
On December 4, 2006, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) issued a “Member Alert” notifying their membership about the hazards associated with the light-weight construction in residential occupancies. In that Member Alert titled “Caution Urged with Composite Floors” it was stated:
“There have been several cases of firefighters falling through floors made of composite structural components and an even greater number of near-miss situations. This type of construction is being investigated as a contributing factor in a line-of-duty death. There is a proliferation of engineered floor systems in residential occupancies across the United States. Many newer residential occupancies incorporate lightweight, engineered wood or composite structural components, including trusses, wooden I-beams and lightweight flooring systems. In most cases, these systems are structurally sound and designed to support the appropriate loads under normal conditions; however, they are likely to fail very quickly under fire conditions.
These components and systems are most often found in situations where applicable codes do not require any rated fire resistance between floor levels. They have much less inherent fire resistance than conventional wood joist floor systems and conventional wood decking. Remember – many codes do not require any fire resistance in residential floors! In the several cases of firefighters falling through floors, those floors had been exposed to fire from below for relatively short periods.”
Then, on October 1, 2007, [click to continue…]
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