Questions and Answers
Building codes are a reasonably new type of regulation.
False
Define Codes.
Collection of regulations, ordinances, and other statutory requirements put together by various organizations.
Define Building Codes.
Minimum requirements for baseline safety, health, and general welfare.
Federal buildings, such as VA hospitals and military office buildings, are typically not subject to state and local building codes.
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If two code jurisdictions are using the same building code, such as the IBC, the requirements will be the same, which will make designing easier.
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Many states have developed a custom building code using the International Building Code as the model.
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The NFPA National Electrical Code is the most widely used electrical code.
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Standards have no legal standing on their own.
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Codes and standards set minimum criteria; when designing a project, stricter requirements can be followed.
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If it is decided that performance codes will be used on a project, the entire project must be designed using performance codes.
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The life safety code is organized by the Common Code Format.
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Code requirements for indoor air quality (IAQ) were first introduced by the sustainability codes and standards.
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The ICC performance code for buildings and facilities (ICCPC) can be used as performance parameters if the IBC is the applicable building code.
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It is uncommon for a jurisdiction to adopt both a building code and the LSC.
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You will find regulations concerning firestopping, glazing, or plumbing in the building code, but not the LSC.
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Sustainability requirements address the choice of materials, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems but DON'T regulate the construction process.
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Standards developed by federal agencies and private standard organizations become applicable when published.
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ANSI and NFPA develop standards that pertain to the building industry as well as other industries.
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Name three fire events in the US that have triggered the development of codes and/or code requirements.
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The most widely used building code in the US is the?
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Which energy standard is required by the Energy Policy Act?
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The life safety code is different from the international building code because it organizes most of its chapters by?
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Often a building code is used in conjunction with the NPFA 101, which is also known as the?
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Which state developed the first sustainability code?
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Which standards organization is recognized worldwide for its logo (or mark), which is attached to all products it approves?
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A ________ code sets out a precise requirement, explaining exactly what must be done to be acceptable.
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A _______ code provides an objective but not the specifics of how to achieve it.
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What is a Prescriptive code?
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What is a Performance code?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical part of using performance codes?
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When should you use a fire code in conjunction with a building code on a project?
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Which of the following is NOT a federal regulation?
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Study Notes
Building Codes Overview
- Building codes are established regulations ensuring safety, health, and general welfare in construction.
- A collection of codes includes regulations, ordinances, and statutory requirements set by various organizations.
- The International Building Code (IBC) is the most widely adopted building code in the U.S.
Code Jurisdictions and Standardization
- Federal buildings, including VA hospitals and military offices, are generally exempt from local building codes.
- Jurisdictions using the same building code simplify design processes for architects and engineers.
- Many states have customized building codes based on the IBC for local applicability.
Key Codes and Regulations
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Electrical Code is the prevailing electrical code.
- Life Safety Code (LSC) offers specific fire safety regulations and is typically used alongside building codes.
- Codes and standards set minimum safety criteria, allowing for stricter requirements during project design.
Performance and Prescriptive Codes
- Prescriptive codes articulate precise requirements and measurements necessary for compliance.
- Performance codes provide general objectives and criteria without detailing specific implementation methods.
- If performance codes are chosen for a project, the entire design must conform to these codes.
Air Quality and Sustainability Standards
- Initial indoor air quality (IAQ) standards were not first established by sustainability codes.
- Sustainability codes regulate material selection and systems design, but not necessarily the construction process.
- California is recognized as the first state to implement a sustainability code.
Historical Context of Building Regulations
- Significant fire events in U.S. history, such as the Chicago Fire (1871), Beverly Hills Supper Club fire (1977), and Station Nightclub fire (2003), were pivotal in the development of new codes.
Standards Organizations and Regulations
- The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a globally recognized organization known for its product approval marks.
- ANSI and NFPA develop standards impacting multiple industries but are not limited to the building sector.
- The Energy Policy Act mandates compliance with ASHRAE/IES 90.1 energy standards.
Miscellaneous Information
- It is rare for jurisdictions to adopt both a building code and the Life Safety Code (LSC).
- Specific codes, like firestopping and plumbing, are included in building codes but not in the LSC context.
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Description
Test your knowledge on building codes and regulations with this Unit 1 exam. The quiz covers definitions, historical context, and key concepts related to building safety and health. Prepare to review essential information and ensure your understanding of this important topic.
