Building Safety Month Is Right around the Corner!
Feb. 20 Marks the 10th Anniversary of the Station Nightclub Fire
ICC Supports Legislation to Provide a Tax Incentive for Voluntary Installation of Automatic Fire Sprinklers
Energy Code Ambassadors Program Slated for Delaware; Deadline for Applications Is February 28
I-Codes Play Major Role in FEMA Building Codes Toolkit
ICC Code Development Contributor Named to 2013 AIA College of Fellows
ICC-ES Issues Report on Innovative Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Frame Steel Special Moment Frame Connection
Combined Lead Law/Performance Certifications for Plumbing Fittings Now Available through ICC-ES PMG
IAS Schedules Accreditation Committee Meeting for June
Niagara Frontier Building Officials Association — Annual Educational Conference
North Central Texas Permit Tech Chapter ICC — Two-Day Training
 
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Building Safety Month Is Right around the Corner!

Building Safety Month 2013 will be celebrated during the month of May to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create and maintain safe, sustainable and resilient homes and buildings in the United States and around the globe. The campaign reinforces the need for adoption of modern, model building codes, a strong and efficient system of code enforcement and a well-trained, professional workforce to maintain the system.

This year's theme is Building Safety Month: Code Officials Keep You Safe. Each week of Building Safety Month spotlights a specific area of building safety: Fire Safety and Awareness, May 6–12; Disaster Safety and Mitigation, May 13–19; Backyard and Pool Safety, May 20–26; and Energy and Green Building, May 27–31.

Campaign resources are being offered to assist you in promoting Building Safety Month, including a sample proclamation, template news release, kids activity books and stickers, posters, and brochures. The items will be available as free, downloadable tools on the website and printed campaign pieces will be available for purchase through the ICC Store.

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Feb. 20 Marks the 10th Anniversary of the Station Nightclub Fire

The Rhode Island Station Nightclub fire claimed 100 lives. Like the Iroquois Theatre fire, the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, the Cocoanut Grove fire, Our Lady of the Angels fire and other horrendous blazes, the Nightclub fire has resulted in changes to the I-Codes, federal legislation and new ways to control crowds.

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ICC Supports Legislation to Provide a Tax Incentive for
Voluntary Installation of Automatic Fire Sprinklers


The Code Council, along with several associations, is urging the U.S. Congress to reintroduce and pass the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act to make buildings safer. The call to action notes the recent Brazil tragedy and the Feb. 20, 10th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire.

On January 26, the world watched a great tragedy unfold as 235 people were killed in a nightclub fire in Santa Maria, Brazil. The U.S. fire service extends its deepest sympathies to the victims' families as they cope with this tragic loss. The deaths of these individuals is made all the more tragic due to the preventable nature of their deaths, and further highlights the long overdue need for Congress to take substantive steps to encourage safer buildings and prevent future tragedies like this from occurring in the United States.

The threat of fire spans all nations. The recent tragedy in Brazil immediately invokes memories of mass-fatality fires in the United States, such as the 2003 Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I., which killed 100 occupants. As in Brazil, a simple fire sprinkler system could have drastically improved survivability rates for victims of the Station nightclub fire. As the nation mourned their loss in 2003, it watched as members of Congress introduced the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act to assist property owners in retrofitting their properties with fire sprinklers. Ten years later, Congress has failed to pass the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act.

Since the Station nightclub fire and the original introduction of the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act, fires in the United States have killed nearly 30,000 people, injured almost 100,000, and caused countless billions of dollars in damage. The proven technology of fire sprinklers has continued to demonstrate increased survivability rates in fires of 86 percent and reduced damage rates by 69 percent. Every day, far too many people are dying preventable deaths in buildings that are not sprinklered.

The 10th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire, February 20, is fast approaching. Congress can honor the memory of the Station nightclub fire victims by reintroducing and passing the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act and helping property owners make their buildings safer. There will be another dangerous fire in a crowded building, the only question is whether the people inside will have a chance to escape. Congress must lead the way for safer buildings in the United States by passing the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act.
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Energy Code Ambassadors Program Slated for Delaware;
Deadline for Applications Is February 28

Through a joint partnership of the International Code Council and the Building Code Assistance Project (BCAP), applications are being accepted for an Energy Code Ambassadors Program (ECAP) in the state of Delaware. The ECAP is designed to recognize code officials who are leaders in energy code knowledge and enforcement, so that they may help other code officials learn about this emerging area of code enforcement. Energy Code Ambassadors are go-to resources for assistance in the proper application of energy codes in all building types.

Code officials who are selected as Ambassadors for Delaware will receive:

• Free training on the current energy code — one full day (including lunch), which will prepare you for taking an ICC energy certification test.
• One waived ICC test fee to become certified in one of the following: Commercial Energy Inspector, Commercial Plans Examiner, Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner, Commercial Energy Inspector with ASHRAE 90.1, or Commercial Energy Plans Examiner with ASHRAE 90.1.
• Recognition from ICC and BCAP.
• An official Energy Code Ambassador certificate accrediting your participation in ECAP.
• Possible partial travel reimbursement to the training session.

Ambassadors are expected to:

• Attend the entire one-day training and obtain one ICC energy certification test.
• Act as a spokesperson in support of current and future energy code updates.
• Be available and willing to answer questions, and to provide support to your peer energy code enforcement professionals, designers and construction industry professionals in Delaware.

ECAP programs have been successfully launched in the states of Utah, Nevada, Alabama, and Idaho, and up to 10 leaders will be chosen to become Energy Code Ambassadors in Delaware. Training will occur in late March with ICC certification this summer. To apply, submit the application and sponsorship letter (to be completed by your employer) by February 28 to Dave Karmol at dkarmol@iccsafe.org. For more information, please read the program guidelines or contact Maria Ellingson at mellingson@ase.org or (419) 724-4571.

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I-Codes Play Major Role in FEMA Building Codes Toolkit

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration (FIMA), Risk Reduction Division, Building Science Branch announced the newly developed Building Codes Toolkit— a central online page that will help property owners, engineers and design professionals, building codes officials, and the general public understand building codes, its value to occupant safety and community resilience, and the available tools and resources for a variety of audiences.

The Building Codes Toolkit for Property Owners contains guidance and tools on building codes for property owners, engineers and design professionals, building codes officials, and the general public. Materials referenced here are based on local best practices, close coordination and partnership, and input from local, regional, and national contributors and federal subject matter experts, industry partners, and existing FEMA standards and guidance:

Introduction to Building Codes Presentation | Building Codes Fact Sheet | Basic Project Planning Template
Checklist of Questions to Ask Your General Contractor | Basic Checklist to Acquire a Building Permit | Frequently Asked Questions
Instructional and Testimonial Videos | Glossary | Other Useful Resources

Announcing the toolkit FEMA says: For many years, FEMA and ICC have maintained and produced a huge portfolio of materials related to disaster resistant building codes, construction guidance and standards, technical training, and other informational resources for engineers, architects, code officials, and design professionals:

Building Codes Resources for Earthquakes | Building Codes Resources for Flood and Other Hazards | International Code Council I-Codes | Training | Events

Building codes and proper construction practices is one of the best strategies individuals, organizations and communities can adopt to ensure occupant safety, protection of local tax base, continuity of essential services and support more rapid recovery from disasters.

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ICC Code Development Contributor Named to 2013 AIA College of Fellows

The 2013 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated 122 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession.

Among the Fellows is Architect and Code Consultant A. Vernon Woodworth, FAIA, LEED AP, C.B.O., an active participant in ICC code development and a major contributor to the development of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

An extensively published and internationally recognized speaker and lecturer at professional symposiums and leading universities, Woodworth has more than 30 years of experience in architecture, code enforcement and code consulting in numerous project sectors. He is a licensed architect in the State of Massachusetts, works for AKF Engineers and is a member of the faculty at Boston Architectural College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from New College in Urban Design and a Masters degree from the Harvard Divinity School. He is a Certified Building Official by the International Code Council, a LEED Accredited Professional by the U.S. Green Building Council, and has served as a member of the drafting committee of the IgCC, as well as on two subsequent code amendment hearing panels. Woodworth is the 2012 President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (MA AIA) and currently serves with the Boston Society of Architects (BSA AIA).

Out of a total AIA membership of over 83,000, there are just over 3,100 distinguished with the honor of fellowship and honorary fellowship. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of membership in the AIA. The Fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.
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For decades, the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) has been the industry leader in performing technical evaluations for code compliance, providing regulators and construction professionals with clear evidence that products comply with codes and standards. Having completed hundreds of evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials, ICC-ES has a proven track record of excellence in product evaluations. This record extends to reports regarding sustainability under standards such as the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and other green rating systems.

ICC Evaluation Service Issues Report on Innovative Simpson Strong-Tie®
Strong Frame® Steel Special Moment Frame Connection

ICC-ES has issued ESR-2802 for the newly developed Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong Frame® steel special moment frame connection. The ICC-ES ESR gives specifiers, builders and code officials the confidence that this product's new approach to construction in seismic zones meets code requirements.

"This is an example of an innovative product becoming available in the building market," said ICC-ES President Shahin Moinian. "We are pleased that Simpson Strong-Tie chose ICC-ES to evaluate its new product for code compliance."

The Strong Frame steel special moment frame connection is designed to allow the patented Yield-Link™ Structural Fuse connection, rather than the steel beams and columns used in building construction, to absorb the damaging effects of an earthquake. With typical special moment frame connections, earthquakes can cause the steel beams and columns to be permanently deformed, having been stressed beyond the elastic region and into the plastic region. When steel is deformed into the plastic region, the deformations are permanent.

With the new, innovative Strong Frame special moment frame, the beams and columns are expected to remain nominally elastic, minimizing the need for difficult and costly repairs to beams and columns and allowing, instead, relatively easy and quick rehabilitation of the moment frame. The steel frames can be installed directly on concrete or masonry foundations or walls and are appropriate for retrofits as well as new construction.

"Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to introduce its latest innovative product, the Strong Frame special moment frame, to the industry," said Jeff Ellis, S.E., Code Report and Branch Engineering Manager for Simpson Strong-Tie. "Code provisions for typical special moment frames require lateral bracing of the beam at plastic hinges and along the beam length, bracing that is difficult if not impossible to install in light-frame construction due to minimum strength and stiffness requirements for the bracing. The Strong Frame special moment frame represents an evolutionary step forward by providing a pre-engineered special moment frame solution for light-frame construction, as well as other construction, that permits large load resistance and greater openings without requiring beam bracing. Additionally, the field-bolted connections only require snug tight bolts, eliminating field welding and minimizing inspections. Wood nailers are also pre-installed to facilitate installation.

Being innovative has its challenges, but ICC-ES worked with Simpson Strong-Tie to obtain confidence in the performance of the Strong Frame special moment frame through their review, including review of FEA and FEMA P795 analyses as well as observation of our full-scale testing," Ellis added. "We are excited to bring this versatile product to market."

ICC-ES ESR-2802, evaluated to the 2012, 2009 and 2006 International Building Code, explains in detail the structural design and prequalification limits, beam and column limitations, and requirements for the materials, bolting, beam-to-column connections, column-beam relationship, lateral bracing, continuity/stiffener plates and buckling restraint assemblies. The report also includes installation instructions and conditions of use. The information in the ESR clarifies the details that inspectors need when considering approval of the Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Frame special moment frame connection.

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Combined Lead Law/Performance Certifications for Plumbing Fittings Now Available through ICC-ES PMG: 2012 ASME Standard Removes Need to Conduct Separate Certifications

The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Listing Program will now list plumbing fittings (faucets, supply stops, etc.) to the requirements of ASME A112.18.1, NSF/ANSI 61, NSF/ANSI 372 and the lead plumbing laws all under the same certification report.

ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1-2012 has been revised to include low-lead requirements for plumbing fittings intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking, which were written separately under a variety of state laws throughout the United States as well as NSF/ANSI 372. This will eliminate the need for manufacturers to have separate certification reports to show compliance to the lead plumbing laws.

"ICC-ES PMG, which has always had the best interest of its clients in mind, now can certify products to the requirements of ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, NSF/ANSI 61, NSF/ANSI 372 and the lead laws all under one certification report," said Dawn LaFleur-Qualley, Sr. Program Manager. "This allows clients to save money and time while certifying their products to the requirements of the applicable codes and standards. Manufacturers who wish to take advantage of this opportunity who are already certified by other entities can forward their current data and information to ICC-ES PMG to receive a swift certification transfer."

For more information, please call ICC-ES at 1-800-423-6587, ext. 7643, or e-mail espmg@icc-es.org.

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In Other ICC-ES News
Learn More About the ICC-ES Building Product Listing Program
Earn CEUs—Attend the Free ICC-ES Webinar: Approving Innovative Building Products
Video: How to Read ICC-ES Evaluation Reports
Visit the ICC-ES Education Page
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The International Accreditation Service (IAS) provides objective evidence that an organization operates at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. IAS is a nonprofit, public-benefit corporation that has been providing accreditation services since 1975. IAS accredits a wide range of companies and organizations, including governmental entities, commercial businesses and professional associations. IAS accreditation programs are based on recognized national and international standards that ensure domestic and/or global acceptance of its accreditations.

IAS Schedules Accreditation Committee Meeting for June

The International Accreditation Service (IAS) has scheduled the next Accreditation Committee Meeting for June 7 at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles.

The Accreditation Committee is IAS's decision-making body that meets twice yearly in open public hearings and provides an opportunity for stakeholders, building officials and other interested parties to provide input and have a direct voice in IAS accreditation programs. Those interested in attending are given 60-days notice and full access, via the IAS website (www.iasonline.org), to all subjects on the committee's agenda under consideration. Participants are invited to submit written comments prior to the meeting or to make oral presentations during the meeting. Items on the agenda are heard in the order presented on the agenda. For further information, please contact IAS at (562) 364-8201, ext. 3309 or visit the IAS website.

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Niagara Frontier Building Officials Association — Annual Educational Conference

The Niagara Frontier Building Officials Association (NFBOA) held its Annual Educational conference in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Pictured left are the NFBOA Chapter officers and the Education Committee.
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North Central Texas Permit Tech Chapter ICC — Two-Day Training

The North Central Texas Permit Tech Chapter ICC will host two one-day training seminars ("Preparation for the ICC Permit Technician Certification" and "Earn CEU's For Existing Certification") April 11–12 at the Hyatt Place in Garland, Texas. The seminars are open to all interested in attending.

Thursday, April 11 | Welcome reception 7:30am–8:00am | Class 8:00am–5:00pm
Preparation for the ICC Permit Technician Certification (6 CEUs)

Certification Preparation
Interactive Basic Plan Review
Legal Aspects Review
Basic Code Enforcement & Zoning Code Review

Friday, April 12 | Class 8:00am–5:00pm
Earn CEU's For Existing Certification (6 CEUs)

Fire Suppression Systems 101
Outdoor Oasis
Violence in the Workplace
Permit Tech’s Tie It All Together

Meals: Continental breakfast provided both mornings. Lunch is on your own with many restaurants within walking distance. Chapter meeting will be held during the lunch hour on Thursday.

Registration Fees: Due by March 1. Late registration accepted based on availability. Registration form is available here.
NTCPTCICC Members pay $35 per day, or $50 for both days. Nonmembers pay $45 per day, or $70 for both days (Nonmembers may become Chapter members by filling out the Chapter membership application and submit applicable dues with the training registration to receive the member registration fee).

Location: Hyatt Place, 5101 North George Bush Highway (190), Garland, TX 75040.
Hyatt Place offers a room rate of $88 per night. Rate is available April 9–14. For reservations, contact the hotel at 972-414-3500 and ask for the NCTPTC group rate.
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Share Your Chapter News with Us

Have a recent meeting you'd like to share with your fellow Chapters? Did you start a new program, elect new officers, have a successful training session or recognize a fellow Chapter member? Let's show our Chapter pride by sharing all the great things chapters do throughout the year in the name of public safety. Send your photos, captions and Chapter news items to chapters@iccsafe.org. We'll see that they are published in an upcoming edition of ICC eNews.

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