by Michael O'Brian on March 11, 2011
What’s “Right” and What’s “Wrong”?
A special guest post by Jon Nisja
Editor’s note: the opinions and views expressed in this article are the those of the author; they do not represent the opinions and/or views of this association or the author’s employer.
I am starting my 29th year in fire code enforcement. I started doing fire prevention inspections in late- 1982. Like many careers, after a while you begin to look back and reflect on things you have seen happen and where you perceive that things are heading.
For the record I wish to categorically state that I strongly believe in fire codes and fire code inspections. I feel it necessary to make this statement as you may be tempted to think otherwise as you read this article. I am certain that a few of my fire code enforcement counterparts will consider some of my comments to be blasphemous.
It is my sincere belief that fire codes have saved thousands and potentially hundreds of thousands of lives over the years. This is evidenced by the reduction in annual fire deaths from 12,000-plus to under 4,000 in the past three decades at the same time that the population has almost doubled in this country.
While we [click to continue…]
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 March 21, 2008
In our area we have struggled with contractors working on fire extinguishers and fire protection equipment. Their role is the servicing requirements for fire extinguishers of wet-chemical suppression systems. Recently a contractor enters a business and states he is with the City (Name of the company is City Fire) and is there to test the fire suppression equipment. During the inspection he tags some extinguisher and then gives them an invoice. This scenerio has played out by the same person, same company, in many different areas.
As inspectors, authority, or officials we struggle with our role when these things happen. If our jurisdiction has licensing requirements then we can refuse future licenses. An odd example was a person posing as an inspector selling “required postings.” This person came through town, scammed many businesses and kept going south along I75. From our local standpoint we had to find out the scope of the scam and make sure our clients understand what went on. How can you help your community from preventing this scene or if it does happen what can you do:
- Educate your public as to their requirements with the maintenance of systems, extinguishers, or other service companies. I don’t expect a normal business to have copies of NFPA 25 or NFPA 10 (although you can provide a link on your department’s web-page to the free standards). An inspector must share the expectations of the service company and what they should produce or do at the time of inspection to the business owner.
- Build relationships up with our clients (citizens) so they can call and ask questions of inspectors at any time. I hand out a business card at every interaction or point them to our web-page. Make sure your inspectors know its okay to meet the business owner and contractor on site when there are questions.
- Build up your local peer network so you can communicate when scams are going on. We have a large network of local email addresses that we can send quick notes to each other on these types of items.
- File formal complaints with local or state regulatory agencies that are responsible for licensing of contractors. Make sure you are doing due process and investigate complaints, while providing complete documentation.
We rely on contractors to work with business owners and provide services to systems, so that, they are in working order at the time of a fire. If a bad egg is creating problems it may have adverse effects on our enforcement or the companies who are doing it right.
What is your experience with this situation?
What has worked in limiting this scenario?
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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