BC Ch.4 Definitions

Building and Fire Codes Overview

• The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 led to the creation of the first national building code in 1906 by the insurance industry.
• The International Association of Fire Chiefs was established in 1873, initially known as the National Association of Fire Engineers (NAFE).
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is essential for developing standards like NFPA 13 for sprinkler systems and the National Electrical Code.

Key Organizations

• The Uniform Building Code was developed by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) for the West and Southwest U.S.
• The International Code Council (ICC) was established in 1994 to unify various regional building codes into a national system.

Building Codes vs. Fire Codes

• Building codes govern construction, focusing on safety, structural integrity, and materials.
• Fire codes regulate ongoing use and maintenance of buildings, enforcing safety standards after construction.

Significant Events Impacting Codes

• The Haunted Castle Fire at Great Adventure Park in 1984 spurred updates in fire alarm and sprinkler requirements in codes.

Code Updates

• Building and fire codes are typically updated every three years to remain relevant and effective.

Testing and Standards

• ASTM E119 is crucial for testing fire resistance ratings of building materials.
• NFPA 5000 model building code emphasizes safety and construction standards within a unified framework.
• ASTM E84 evaluates surface burning characteristics of interior finishes.

Construction Types

• Type I: Noncombustible materials with high fire resistance.
• Type II: Noncombustible exterior walls with combustible interiors.
• Type III: Combustible materials for interior structures, typically with noncombustible exteriors.
• Type IV: Heavy timber construction with noncombustible exteriors.
• Type V: Fully combustible construction with no fire-resistance requirements.

Occupancy Classifications

• Assembly (A): Buildings used for worship, entertainment, or dining.
• Educational (E): Buildings for educational purposes for children through 12th grade.
• Institutional (I-2): Hospitals and nursing homes requiring stringent fire measures.
• Business (B): Office buildings and educational facilities above the 12th grade.
• Mercantile (M): Buildings for the display and sale of goods.
• Utility and Miscellaneous (U): Includes barns and greenhouses.

Egress and Escape Mechanisms

• Maximum allowable travel distance to an exit in buildings without sprinklers is 200 feet.
• "Exit Access" defines the path leading to an exit within a building.
• Panic hardware must be installed on doors in high-occupancy settings like schools and hospitals for immediate egress.
• Areas of Refuge provide safe waiting spots for individuals with disabilities during emergencies.

Fire Protection Systems

• NFPA 13 governs sprinkler systems, enhancing fire safety.
• Horizontal Exits allow occupants to move between areas of a building without using stairs.

Emergency Requirements

• Exit signs and emergency lighting are mandated in buildings to facilitate safe egress during emergencies.
• Ensuring fire escapes meet current fire code standards is essential for safety.

Importance of Occupant Load

• The "Occupant Load" informs fire safety measures, influencing exit requirements and building design for safe evacuation.

Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 4, which focuses on building and fire codes. This quiz covers significant historical events and outcomes that shaped modern regulations. Challenge yourself with 40 multiple-choice questions that will enhance your understanding of these crucial safety standards.