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 Building safety is an issue of upmost importance to families and communities as the U.S. tackles outdated facilities, fire safety concerns, active shooters, and other emergency situations.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.