ICC Creates Building Safety and Security Ad Hoc Committee
WASHINGTON — The International Code Council (ICC) board of directors established an ad hoc committee to comprehensively explore and assess building safety and security. Building safety is an issue of upmost importance to families and communities as the U.S. tackles outdated facilities, fire safety concerns, active shooters, and other emergency situations.
The design, layout, and building features in new and existing buildings can have an impact on both safety and security. Safety and security touches a myriad of code regulations as well as considerations which go beyond code compliance. The new committee will consist of a broad cross section of experts from the building industry, building owners, facility managers, the education sector and security fields, code officials, engineers, architects, standards developing organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association, and the federal government. Several organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and UL, have already expressed interest in participating. ICC Board Directors Mike Boso, Kris Bridges, and Shirley Ellis will be active committee participants and Angie Wiese, certified building official (CBO), will chair the effort. In addition to studying the issues thoroughly, the ICC committee will determine best practices and investigate the need for additional guidelines.
“After discussions with our partners and members, we have moved swiftly to launch this new initiative,” said ICC Board President Jay Elbettar. “The committee’s goal is to provide comprehensive, sound and valuable tools to guide local and state leaders as they work to keep all building occupants, including children and teachers in schools, safe from intruders and other life-safety hazards.”
“Our members and our stakeholders are searching for solutions to address the growing need for building safety and security,” said ICC CEO Dominic Sims. “This committee was created to enhance activities already ongoing at other standards development organizations in the building industry in order to solve some very complicated issues. Together we will continue to improve the construction of safe, sustainable and resilient buildings for our families and communities.”
“Safety and security in buildings is of the utmost importance to our children, our coworkers and our communities,” added Wiese. “I look forward to working closely with the design community, building managers, school districts, and local and state leaders to develop the tools we need to keep us safe in emergency situations.”
All interested parties are encouraged to participate. View the call for committee members. The deadline to submit an application is Sept. 10.
Publication date: 8/10/2018
Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!
Looking for quick answers on air conditioning, heating and refrigeration topics? Try Ask ACHR NEWS, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ACHR NEWS
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
