Washington Decides Code of Fire Safety
24 October 2008
After vigorous debate, the International Code Council (ICC) have voted on code change proposals for building safety and fire prevention, to be actioned in 2009.
The approved code changes will be included in the 2009 version of the international codes, used to guide construction in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.The following were among the changes approved:
• Fire sprinklers are required in all new one- and two-family residences beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
• Fire sprinklers are required in all new townhomes.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are required in homes with attached garages or fuel-fired equipment such as gas furnaces, gas stoves and gas water heaters.
• ANSI/APSP-7-06A, a new standard from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), brings the international codes in line with the Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007. It addresses suction entrapment avoidance in swimming pools, wading pools, spas, hot tubs and catch basins.
• For skyscrapers, in buildings greater than 420 feet in height, an additional stairwell is required to assist firefighter access to upper floors. The additional stairwell is not required if the building includes special elevators that can be used to evacuate occupants during an emergency.
Members did not approve the comprehensive energy package in EC-14 purporting a 30% increase in energy efficiency. However, the following energy-efficiency-related changes were approved:
• A requirement to install programmable thermostats in new homes and buildings with forced-air furnaces.
• High-efficiency light bulbs required in at least 50% of permanent lighting fixtures in new homes.
• Maximum fenestration u-factors are lowered in warmer climates to reduce the amount of heat loss or gain through windows and doors to lower energy costs during cooling periods.
• An increase in insulation R-values for walls, floors and basements in cold climates to achieve heating and cooling savings.
"We are exploring improvements in the areas of structural and fire safety alongside sustainable and energy-efficient building, all of which will have enormous impact on virtually every aspect of safety in the built environment," said Adolf Zubia, ICC president.
