top 10 code questions of 2016

Flad Architects of 2 Flad Code Forum Notes : 15 December 2016

Flad Code Forum Notes 15 December 2016 1. Code Forums

a. Notes of past code forums are posted at : i. Flad Home Page / Resources / Codes / Forums / Year / Date of Forum.

b. This Code Forum will Discuss : Top 10 Code Questions of 2016 c. Additional information is contained in attached power point slides: PP-pages.

Top 10 Code Questions of 2016 – Refer to PP-01 through PP-115 2. Fire Extinguishers : PP-03 through PP-18

a. Q : How do we determine portable fire extinguisher quantities and placement? b. Process

i. Identify the (5) hazards (1) Ordinary, flammable liquids, energized electrical equipment, combustible metals,

combustible cooking media. ii. Determine the FE sizes

(1) Size of FE affects the maximum area that FE can serve. iii. Establish the FE quantity

(1) Determine maximum travel distance (75’ is typical). iv. Distribute FEs per the allowable travel distance

(1) Use a 75’ radius circle as a planning tool. (2) Consider public-access corridors vs. private-suite access.

3. FRTW - In Type I & II Construction : PP-19 through PP-27 a. Q : Are “shims” (blocking) in nonbearing, non-rated (0-hr) exterior walls and & “blocking

& nailboards” in 1-hr roof construction permitted to be non-treated (combustible) wood OR are they required to be fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW)?

b. Type I and Type II construction requires building elements to be of noncombustible materials. FRTW is NOT a noncombustible material.

c. (25) exceptions where combustible materials are allowed in Type I or II construction. i. FRTW : Nonbearing partitions (2 hrs or less), Nonbearing exterior walls (no rating),

and roof construction. ii. Blocking iii. Nailing or furring strips

d. A : Shims may be non-treated wood in exterior walls but FRTW in roof construction. 4. FRTW - In FRR Assemblies : PP-28 through PP-40

a. Q : Can fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) be used as blocking in fire-resistance rated (FRR) partitions, such as Fire Barriers (FB) and Shaft Enclosures (SE)?

b. While the IBC allows FRTW in nonbearing partitions (2 hrs or less), the testing agencies (e.g. UL) do not allow for combustible materials in tested assemblies. i. ANSI/UL 263 - Fire-Resistance Ratings

c. A : No. The addition of a combustible component (e.g. FRTW blocking) that is not listed as an approved, optional component VOIDS the tested assembly’s FRR.

5. Penetrations - Med Gas : PP-41 through PP-49 a. Q : What are the requirements for a membrane penetration of a 2-hour Fire Barrier (2FB)

by medical gas supply piping & body? b. A membrane penetration is a breach from one side. c. Penetrations of FBs shall comply with Section 714. d. Determine what the penetrating item is made of.

i. In this case, the med gas outlet body is brass which is non-ferrous. e. A : It depends on the material of the penetrating component.

Flad Architects of 2 Flad Code Forum Notes : 15 December 2016

i. Steel, ferrous or copper pipes, tubes or conduits are allowed. ii. Non-ferrous metals (including aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, tin, lead, and zinc)

pipes, tubes or conduits are NOT allowed UNLESS they are protected with a tested assembly and/or sleeve.

6. Fire Door Labels : PP-50 through PP-54 a. Q : Is there a code, standard, or regulation that prohibits painting over fire-rated door

and frame labels? b. Labels must be readily visible and convenient for identification by the AHJ. c. A : It depends E is the label still “legible” with the paint? If it is stamped, paint may not

change its legibility. 7. Curved Stairways : PP-55 through PP-64

a. Q : What is the minimum size of a monumental (e.g. curved) stairway? b. (3) Types of Stairways : Straight, Curved, & Spiral. c. Curved stairways’ inside radius must be at least 2X the minimum width or required

capacity. d. All stairways must be at least 44” wide although this may be reduced to 36” if the

occupant load (OL) it serves is less than 50. i. 44” Stairway = 22’-0” minimum diameter (minimum) ii. 36” Stairway = 18’-0” minimum diameter (minimum)

e. A : It depends E i. 44” minimum width w/a 88” inside diameter with an occupant load (OL) of 50 or

more. ii. 36” minimum width w/a 72” inside diameter with an occupant load (OL) of less than

50. 8. Door Swing Direction : PP-65 through PP-72

a. Q : What determines the direction of the door swing? b. Doors must swing in the direction of egress where serving a room or area with an

occupant load (OL) of 50 or more or a Group H occupancy (Hazardous). c. Evaluate the OL being served by all doors from the room or area all the way to the Exit. d. A : It depends E an occupant load (OL) of 50 or more occupants requires doors to

swing in direction of egress. 9. Signage : PP-73 through PP-98

a. Q : What are the requirements for code-required (ICC and Accessibility) signage? b. Signage requirements are per the IBC (where?) and the ADA (where? and how?).

10. Codes vs. Standards : PP-99 through PP-106 a. Q : What is the differences between adopted codes versus referenced standards? b. Standards are only applicable if specifically referenced by the section of the code with an

applicable component. i. Example : Escalator E opening shall be protected per NFPA 13.

11. AHJ Liability : PP-107 through PP-114 a. Q : A “potential” noncompliant condition was accepted by the AHJ a few years ago and

now the Owner wants to replicate this noncompliant condition elsewhere E can they? b. A : It depends E Does the Owner have a signed variance from the AHJ outlining the

details of this noncompliant acceptance? If not, no. c. The responsibility to design code compliant buildings solely rests with the Design Team

while the Owner is responsible in maintaining the building to be code compliant. d. The AHJ is only authorized to enforce and interpret the codes.

T:\twyatt\Code\Code Forums\2016 1215\2016 1215 Code Forum Notes.docx

F L A D C O D E F O R U M

Top 10

Code Questions of 2016

12/15/2016 Flad Code Forum 1

O U T L I N E

• Fire Protection Systems

– Fire Extinguishers

• Fire-Resistance Ratings

– Fire-Retardant-Treated

Wood (FRTW)

• In Type I & II Construction

• In FRR Assemblies

– Penetrations

– Fire Door Labels

• Means of Egress

– Curved Stairways

– Door Swing Direction

– Signage

• Scope & Administration

– Codes vs. Standards

– AHJ Liability


Fire Extinguishers


Fire Extinguishers

Q : How do we determine portable fire

extinguisher quantities and placement?


Fire Extinguishers

EXPLANATION

• Identify the hazards that are present.– Recognizing that even trace amounts of each

fire classification will determine the proper number of extinguishers required.

• Determine the size of the portable fire extinguisher(s).

• Establish the quantity of extinguishers needed by the maximum area coverage allowed.

• Distribute the portable fire extinguishers per the allowable travel distance to each fire extinguisher.


NFPA 10

Standard for

Portable Fire

Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers - Hazards

• Class A Fires– Ordinary combustibles : Wood,

paper, cloth, rubber, household rubbish, and some plastics

• Class B Fires– Flammable liquids : Oils, grease,

tar, lacquers, flammable gases, oil-based paints, and some plastics

• Class C Fires– Energized electrical equipment : Computers,

building wiring, circuit breakers, light fixtures, and appliances

– Carbon Dioxide (no residue) or Dry Chemical (residue)

• Class ABC Fires– Combination of A + B + C

– Dry Chemical : Monoammonium Phosphate (sticky residue)

• Class D Fires– Combustible metals : Magnesium, titanium,

zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium

– Dry powder extinguishing agent

• Class K Fires– Combustible cooking media : Vegetable or

animal fats and oils

– Wet or Dry Chemical Agent


Fire Extinguishers - Size

• Class A : 1 to 40

– “1-A” = 1.25 gallons of water/agent per “#”

• Class B & C : 1 to 640

– “#” = Square Feet the FE can cover

The larger the number, the larger the fire the extinguisher can be expected to extinguish.

• Class D & K : No numeric designation


Fire Extinguishers - Size by Area


Fire Extinguishers - Hazards

• Light Hazard– Rate of heat release : Low

– Combustible Furnishings : Normal

– Flammables : < 1 Gallon

• Ordinary Hazard– Rate of heat release : Moderate

– Combustible Furnishings : Moderate

– Flammables : > 1 Gallon but < 5 Gallons

• Extra Hazard– Rate of heat release : High

– Combustible Furnishings : High

– Flammables : > 5 Gallons


Fire Extinguishers - Area + TD


Fire Extinguishers - EXERCISE

• Flad (Madison) : Floor Area = 18,270 sf

– Hazards

• Class A Fires : Ordinary combustibles

– Light Hazard (LH) : Business Areas

– Ordinary Hazard (OH) : Storage

• Class C Fires : Energized electrical equipment

– Size & Quantity

• 20,000 sf = (2) 4-A (LH) or (4) 4-A (OH)

– Travel Distance

• 75’-0”



• Flad (Madison) : Floor Area = 18,270 sf



• Flad (Madison) : 1st Floor Area = 18,270 sf

– (3) FEs 5MB-5H + (1) FE in Server Room

• Capacity : 5 lbs. Agent : ABC


Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood


FRTW - In Type I & II Construction

Q : Are “shims” (blocking) in nonbearing, non-

rated (0-hr) exterior walls and & “blocking &

nailboards” in 1-hr roof construction permitted

to be non-treated (combustible) wood OR are

they required to be fire-retardant-treated wood

(FRTW)?



Type I and Type II construction

Building elements (“a fundamental component of

building construction”, see below) are of noncombustible materials :

Primary structural frame

Bearing walls (exterior & interior)

Nonbearing walls and partitions (exterior & interior)

Floor construction and associated secondary member

Roof construction and associated secondary members

except as permitted in Section 603



Noncombustible materials :

A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. Materials that are reported as passing ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, shall be considered noncombustible materials.



603.1 Allowable materials.

Combustible materials shall be permitted in

buildings of Type I or II construction in the

following applications and in accordance with

Sections 603.1.1 through 603.1.3 :

(25) exceptions




1. Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted in: 1.1. Nonbearing partitions where the required fire-resistance rating is 2 hours or less.

1.2. Nonbearing exterior walls where no fire rating is required.

1.3. Roof construction, including girders, trusses, framing and decking.

Exception: In buildings of Type IA construction exceeding two stories above grade plane, fire-retardant-treated wood is not permitted in roof construction when the vertical distance from the upper floor to the roof is less than 20 feet (6096 mm)

14. Blocking such as for handrails, millwork, cabinets and window and door frames.

18. Nailing or furring strips as permitted by Section 803.4



Q : Are “shims” (blocking) in nonbearing, non-

rated (0-hr) exterior walls and & “blocking &

nailboards” in 1-hr roof construction permitted

to be non-treated (combustible) wood OR are

they required to be fire-retardant-treated wood

(FRTW)?

A : Shims may be non-treated wood in exterior

walls but FRTW in roof construction.


2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (LSC)

• LSC defines combustible, limited-combustible,

noncombustible.

• LSC addresses combustible materials in Type I

and Type II construction per NFPA 220 (2012).

– These codes do not provide a list of exceptions for

the use of combustible materials as the IBC does

so there are a greater range of interpretations for

those building types (e.g. hospitals) that are

required to meet the NFPA codes.


Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood


FRTW - In FRR Assemblies

Q : Can fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) be

used as blocking in fire-resistance rated (FRR)

partitions, such as Fire Barriers (FB) and Shaft

Enclosures (SE)?




1. Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be

permitted in:

1.1. Nonbearing partitions where the required fire-

resistance rating is 2 hours or less.



A : Yes …



ANSI/UL 263 - Fire-Resistance Ratings




VI. Walls and Partitions

The ratings for walls and partitions apply when either face of the assembly is exposed to the fire unless indicated otherwise in a specific design. Flashing and corner details may vary from those described in a design provided structural equivalency is maintained and similar materials to those specified in the design are used for supports, fasteners and flashings. Where dynamic movement is specified in Joint Systems (XHBN) that utilizes either U400, V400 or W400 Series fire-resistance-rated wall and partition assemblies, the special features of the walls to accommodate dynamic movement are intended to be as specified in the individual designs under XHBN.

As stated in ANSI/UL 263, the test specimen is to be representative of the construction for which classification is desired as to materials, workmanship, and details such as dimensions of parts, and is to be built under conditions representative of those practically applied in building construction and operation.

Accordingly, wall and partition hourly ratings are applicable when walls are constructed in a true vertical position. Unless otherwise noted in an individual design, the performance of angled walls or walls constructed in the horizontal position has not been investigated.




VI. Walls and Partitions

The size of studs is minimum unless otherwise stated in the individual designs.

The spacing of studs is a maximum unless otherwise stated in the individual designs.

Spacing between parallel rows of studs are minimums unless otherwise stated in the individual designs.

Gypsum board thicknesses specified in specific designs are minimums. Greater thicknesses of gypsum board are permitted as long as the fastener length is increased to provide penetration into framing that is equal to or greater than that achieved with the specified gypsum board thickness and fasteners.

Additional layers of gypsum board are permitted to be added to any design.

Orientation, vertical or horizontal, of the application of gypsum board in walls and partitions is specifiedin the individual designs.


Flad Standard Partitions

1-Hour FRR Partition A3L = UL 465



UL 465

1. Floor and Ceiling Runners

2. Steel Studs

3. Batts and Blankets

4. Gypsum Board

5. Joint Tape and Compound

… and this tested partition includes (7) optional components :

6. Resilient Channels

7. Wall and Partition Facings and Accessories (sound damping GB)

8. Mineral and Fiber Board

9. Lead Batten Strips

10. Lead Discs or Tabs

11. Adhesive

12. Wall and Partition Facings and Accessories (thermo-acoustic membrane)



Q : Can fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) be used as blocking in fire-resistance rated (FRR) partitions, such as Fire Barriers (FB) and Shaft Enclosures (SE)?

A : Yes … NO

The addition of a combustible component (e.g. FRTW blocking) that is not listed as an approved, optional component VOIDS the tested assembly’s FRR.


Penetrations


Penetrations - Med Gas

Q : What are the requirements for a membrane

penetration of a 2-hour Fire Barrier (2FB) by

medical gas supply piping & body?



2015 IBC :



Q : What are the requirements for a membrane penetration of a 2-hour fire barrier (2FB) by medical gas supply piping & body?

A : It depends on the material of the penetrating component. – Steel, ferrous or copper pipes, tubes or conduits are

allowed.

– Non-ferrous metals (including aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, tin, lead, and zinc) pipes, tubes or conduits are NOT allowed UNLESS they are protected with a tested assembly and/or sleeve.


Fire Door Labels


Fire Door Labels

Q : Is there a code, standard, or regulation that

prohibits painting over fire-rated door and

frame labels?


Fire Door Labels

This issue is not covered by the Code but instead is per a referenced standard, NFPA 80 :

• 6.3.1.1* Only labeled door frames shall be used. – A.6.3.1.1 Door frames might carry a label stating the hourly rating. The rating

of the installed assembly should carry the rating of the door or the door frame, whichever is less.

• 4.2.1* Listed items shall be identified by a label.– A.4.2.1 Labels can be permitted to be of metal, paper, or plastics or can be

permitted to be stamped or diecast into the item. Labels should not be removed, defaced, or made illegible while the door is in service. If the label on an existing fire door has been removed or is no longer legible, it is acceptable to verify the rating of the fire door through other means acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction such as an inspection or certification service that provides acceptable documentation.

• 4.2.2 Labels shall be applied in locations that are readily visible and convenient for identification by the AHJ after installation of the assembly.


Fire Door Labels

UL states the following on this subject :

• The embossment of the information on the label must be bold enough that it will be easily visible once painted. UL permits and encourages painting of embossed labels so they will not corrode and become illegible once the frames are installed. As such, it has been felt that the painting of an embossed label will not affect the rating of the frame or the legitimacy of the UL label … Labels that do not feature raised embossment of the label information should not be painted, as the paint will obscure the information.


Fire Door Labels

Q : Is there a code, standard, or regulation that

prohibits painting over fire-rated door and

frame labels?

A : It depends … is the label still “legible” with

the paint? If it is stamped, paint may not

change its legibility.


Curved Stairways


Curved Stairways

Q : What is the minimum size of a monumental

(e.g. curved) stairway?


Curved Stairways

(3) Types of Stairways


Straight Curved Spiral

Curved Stairways


Spiral

Curved Stairways


Curved Stairways


<50 Occupants = 36” >50 Occupants = 44”

Curved Stairways

Q : What is the minimum size of a monumental

(e.g. curved) stairway?

A : It depends …

– 44” minimum width w/a 88” inside diameter with

an occupant load (OL) of 50 or more.

– 36” minimum width w/a 72” inside diameter with

an occupant load (OL) of less than 50.


Door Swing Direction



Q : What determines the direction of the door

swing?



Q : What determines the direction of the door

swing?

A : It depends … an occupant load (OL) of 50 or

more occupants requires doors to swing in

direction of egress.


Signage


Signage

Q : What are the requirements for code-

required (ICC and Accessibility) signage?


Signage (IBC 2015)

• Means of Egress – Exits

• Illuminated vs Tactile

• “Not An Exit”

– Doors• Access-Control

• Delayed-Egress

• Fire Doors

• Power-Operated

– Stair Identification• Roof

– Accessibility

– Areas of Refuge

– Emergency Evacuation

• Rooms or Spaces– Elevators

– Occupant Loads

– Fire Protection• Fire Pump Room

• Fire Dept Connection

• Fire Extinguishers

– Electrical Rooms

– Structural• Live Loads

– Hazardous Conditions• Hazardous Materials


Signage (2010 ADA - Where?)

216 Signs

216.2 Designations

Permanent rooms and spaces

216.3 Directional and

Informational Signs

216.4 Means of Egress

Exit Doors

Areas of Refuge

Directional Signs

216.5 Parking

216.6 Entrances

216.7 Elevators

216.8 Toilet Rooms and

Bathing Rooms

216.9 TTYs

216.10 Assistive Listening

Systems

216.11 Check-Out Aisles

216.12 Amusement Rides


Signage (2010 ADA - How?)

307 Protruding Objects

307.3 Post-Mounted Objects

703 Signs

703.2 Raised Characters

703.3 Braille

703.4 Installation Height and Location

703.5 Visual Characters

703.6 Pictograms

703.7 Symbols of Accessibility


Signage - Recourses


Signage (IBC 2015) - Means of Egress

• SECTION 1011 EXIT SIGNS

– 1011.1 Where required

– 1011.2 Floor-level exit signs in Group R-l

– 1011.3 Illumination

– 1011.4 Raised character and Braille exit signs

– 1011.5 Internally illuminated exit signs

– 1011.6 Externally illuminated exit signs

• Exits

– “NOT AN EXIT”• Required at locations occupants would likely mistaken a door or

passage as an Exit or an Exit Access.

• Doors

• 1002.9 Stair Identification Signs




• Exits

• Doors

– 1008.1.9.7 Delayed egress locks• 5. “PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS”

– 1008.1.9.8 Access-controlled egress doors• 3. “PUSH TO EXIT”

– Fire Doors• Optional : “FIRE DOOR KEEP CLOSED”

– Power-Operated Doors• “IN EMERGENCY PUSH TO OPEN”

– 1008.1.9.3 Locks and latches• 2.2 “THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING IS OCCUPIED”





• Exits

• Doors




• Areas of Refuge

– 1007.9 Signage

• “AREA OF REFUGE” or “EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED

RESCUE”

• Emergency Evacuation


Signage (IBC 2015) - Accessibility

1110 SIGNAGE

• 1110.1 Signs

• 1110.2 Directional signage

• 1110.3 Other signs

• 1110.4 Variable message signs



1110 SIGNAGE

• 1110.1 Signs

– Accessible parking spaces

– Accessible passenger loading zones

– Accessible rooms where multiple single-user toilet or bathing rooms are clustered

– Accessible entrances

– Accessible check-out aisles

– Family or assisted-use toilet and bathing room

– Accessible dressing, fitting and locker rooms

– Accessible areas of refuge

– Exterior areas for assisted rescue






1110 SIGNAGE

• 1110.1 Signs


– Inaccessible building entrances

– Inaccessible public toilets and bathing facilities

– Elevators not serving an accessible route

– At each separate-sex toilet and bathing room indicating the location of the nearest family or assisted-use toilet or bathing room

– At exits and exit stairways serving a required accessible space, but not providing an approved accessible means of egress





1110 SIGNAGE

• 1110.1 Signs


• 1110.3 Other signs– Each assembly area … availability of assistive listening systems.

– At each door to an area of refuge, an exterior area for assisted rescue, an egress stairway, exit passageway and exit discharge• 1007.10 Directional signage

– … location of the other means of egress

– At areas of refuge• 1007.9 Signage. “AREA OF REFUGE”

– At exterior areas for assisted rescue• 1007.9 Signage. “EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE”

– At two-way communication systems• 1007.8.2 Directions

– Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.

– Within interior exit stairways and ramps




1110 SIGNAGE

• 1110.1 Signs




– 1110.4.1 Transportation facilities

• E109.2.2.1 Raised character and Braille signs.

– Where signs are provided at entrances to stations identifying the station or the entrance, or both …

– 1110.4.2 Emergency shelters


Signage (IBC 2015) - Rooms or Spaces

• Public Restrooms

• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection

• Electrical Rooms

• Structural

• Hazardous Conditions



• Public Facilities

– 2902.4 Signage. • Required public facilities shall be designated by a legible sign for each sex.

Signs shall be readily visible and located near the entrance to each toilet facility.

– 2902.4.1 Directional signage• Directional signage indicating the route to the public facilities … located in a

corridor or aisle, at the entrance to the facilities for customers and visitors.

• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection


• Structural





• Elevators

– SECTION 3002 HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES• 3002.3 Emergency signs

– An approved pictorial sign … instructing occupants to use the exit stairways and not to use the elevators in case of fire …

– “IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT STAIRS”

– SECTION 3008 OCCUPANT EVACUATION ELEVATORS• 3008.7.5 Signage.

– An approved sign indicating elevators are suitable for occupant self-evacuation

– SECTION 1023.10 (IFC) ELEVATOR LOBBY IDENTIFICATION SIGNS• “ … any door with direct access to an elevator lobby shall be identified with signage ..”

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection


• Structural





• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

– 1004.3 Posting of occupant load. • Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy shall have the

occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or authorized agent.

• Fire Protection


• Structural





• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection– Fire Pump Room

• 903.2.6 Group I, 2.1. A hydraulic design information sign …

– 912 Fire Department Connection• 912.4 Signs “AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS or STANDPIPES or TEST CONNECTION

– Fire Extinguishers

– 905.7 Cabinets• Cabinets containing fire-fighting equipment such as standpipes, fire hoses, fire extinguishers or fire

department valve … Cabinets shall be identified … by a permanently attached sign …

– 907.4.2 Manual fire alarm boxes• 907.4.2.4 Signs “WHEN ALARM SOUNDS CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT.”


• Structural





• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection


– K111.7 Equipment and door labeling. • Doors into electrical control panel rooms shall be marked with a

plainly visible and legible sign stating ELECTRICAL ROOM or similar approved wording.

– NEC requires the verbiage “DANGER – HIGH VOLTAGE”

• Structural





• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection


• Structural

– Section 106 Floor And Roof Design Loads• 106.1 Live loads posted

– Where the live loads … exceed 50 psf, such design live loads shall be conspicuously posted …

– 1607.7.4 Forklifts and movable equipment.• Where a structure is intended to have forklifts or other movable equipment present …

total vehicle or equipment load and the individual wheel loads … shall be posted …

– 1607.7.5 Posting• … maximum weight of the vehicles allowed into or on a garage or other structure shall be

posted





• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection


• Structural


– 415.8.2 Flammable and combustible liquids. • 415.8.2.5 Leakage alarm

– “WARNING, WHEN ALARM SOUNDS, THE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE ROOM MAY BE HAZARDOUS”

– Appendix L : Earthquake Recording Instrumentation• “MAINTAIN CLEAR ACCESS TO THIS INSTRUMENT”




• Elevators

• Occupant Loads

• Fire Protection


• Structural



Signage (IBC 2015) - How

• 1003.3 Protruding objects.

– 1003.3.2 Post-mounted objects.

• Where a sign or other obstruction is mounted between

posts or pylons and the clear distance between the

posts or pylons is greater than 12 inches (305 mm), the

lowest edge of such sign or obstruction shall be 27

inches (686 mm) maximum or 80 inches (2032 mm)

minimum above the finished floor or ground.


Signage

Q : What are the requirements for code-

required (ICC and Accessibility) signage?

A : See previous slides.


Codes vs. Standards


Codes vs. Standards

Q : What is the differences between adopted

codes versus referenced standards?


Codes vs. Standards

The State of Georgia has adopted the following

codes :

NFPA 13 is a standard referenced by the ICC

codes and also the LSC.


Codes vs. Standards

In Georgia, vertical

openings are only

required to meet the

LSC (and not the ICC

codes) per this guide.


Codes vs. Standards

The 2012 LSC references NFPA 13 per the following applicable section :

Essentially, IF your Georgian project contains an escalator, the opening shall be protected per the requirements of NFPA 13.


Codes vs. Standards

NFPA 13 is NOT specifically adopted by the State of Georgia … it is only “adopted by reference” and is only applicable per the specific sections of the codes :


Codes vs. Standards


The ICC codes have specific chapters that identify all of the referenced standards :

AHJ Liability


AHJ Liability

Q : A “potential” noncompliant condition was

accepted by the AHJ a few years ago and now

the Owner wants to replicate this noncompliant

condition elsewhere … can they?


AHJ Liability

Q : A “potential” noncompliant condition was

accepted by the AHJ a few years ago and now

the Owner wants to replicate this noncompliant

condition elsewhere … can they?

A : It depends …

– Does the Owner have a signed variance from the

AHJ outlining the details of this noncompliant

acceptance?


AHJ Liability

A variance is a deviation from the set of rules a municipality applies to … a building code or municipal code.


AHJ Liability

The AHJ’s plan reviews and inspections during

construction are “not to be construed to be an

approval of a violation … of the code.”


AHJ Liability

“Okay, so the AHJ missed this during the initial

plan review and subsequent inspection for

occupancy … they can’t change their mind on

this at a later time, right?”


AHJ Liability

“Well … since the AHJ approved this, they would

be held liable if someone were to be injured or

killed because of this “noncompliant condition,

right?


AHJ Liability

Q : A “potential” noncompliant condition was accepted by the AHJ a few years ago and now the Owner wants to replicate this noncompliant condition elsewhere … can they?

A : No.

The responsibility to design code compliant buildings solely rests with the Design Team while the Owner is responsible in maintaining the building to be code compliant.

The AHJ is only authorized to enforce and interpret the codes.


F L A D C O D E F O R U M

T H A N K Y O U F O R

AT T E N D I N G
