CODE UPDATE
Significant Code Changes to the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code
(The information below is excerpted from the Significant Changes to the 2012 International Codes series.)
A modification has been made to Section 408.4, Sediment Traps. An illustration of a sediment trap is now included within the IFGC in order to clarify the intent of the provision.

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The Significant Changes to the 2012 International Codes series has been developed by the International Code Council and published by Cengage Learning to assist code officials, architects, engineers and other construction professionals transitioning from the 2009 to the 2012 editions of the International Codes. The series offers a comprehensive yet practical analysis of hundreds of the most critical changes from a very active code development cycle. Each color publication contains: revised code text; a summary of each change listed; in-depth change analysis; and a detailed photo, illustration or table for each change to deepen understanding. Coverage reflects provisions with special significance, including new and innovative design ideas and technologies, modern materials and methods of construction, and current approaches to safety and stability. Authored by ICC code experts, these useful tools are "must-have" guides to the many important changes in the 2012 International Codes.
CODE BASICS
Fire, Based on the 2009 International Fire Code
(The information below is excerpted from the 2009 Building Code Basics series.)
Any facility or building constructed in a jurisdiction that has adopted the IFC requires a fire protection system water supply capable of delivering the required fire flow for manual firefighting operations. When a municipal or private water supply system is the source for fire flow, a flow test is performed to demonstrate that the system is capable of satisfying the water supply needs.

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on this excerpt from the Building Code Basics: Fire, Based on the 2009 IFC.
The Building Code Basics series based on the 2009 International Building, Residential and Fire Codes and 2012 Building, Residential and Green Construction Codes explains requirements using non-code language to help you understand the material or explain it to others. Technically accurate and easy to understand, these are the perfect resources for builders, owners, students, plan reviewers, inspectors and permit technicians. Each book contains: 150-plus color diagrams and photos that help readers visualize correct code application; numerous real-world examples; content that pulls together related information from various code sections into one convenient location; and a glossary of code and construction terms to clarify key terminology as it applies to the code.
       
       
CODE Q&A
2009 International Building Code — Structural Provisions
(The information below is excerpted from the 2009 International Codes Q&A series.)
A question regarding designation of essential facilities is raised and discussed:

Q: In Table 1604.5, Occupancy Category IV includes "Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to: Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment facilities." Who has the authority to "designate" a building as essential?

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Get expert answers to hundreds of the most frequently asked real-world questions. The 2009 Q&A series will assist engineers, architects, inspectors, fire and building officials, and plans examiners with finding answers to common code questions that arise during design, plan review, construction and daily code enforcement. Features: many new questions and answers; detailed photos, tables and illustrations that provide a clear understanding of both the intent and meaning of the code text; the relevant code section printed before the question and answer for easy reference; and discussion on a wide variety of topics including: accessibility, fire resistive construction, means of egress, building planning, foundations, fire protection systems, hazardous materials, plumbing and mechanical systems, prescriptive compliance method, determination of substantial damage, and much more.