1. Building and Fire Codes
Chapter 4
Building and Fire Codes

2. Objectives Explain the history and basis for building and fire codes.
Explain the differences between fire and building codes.
Identify other construction codes and standards that have an impact on the fire service.

3. Objectives
Identify important fire protection features of building and fire codes.
Identify construction-related provisions of fire codes.

4. History of Building Codes
Based on local experience until the late 1800s
National Association of Fire Engineers
Eight fire protection concerns
Insurance industry
National Building Code in 1906
Courtesy of New York City Fire Museum.

5. Model Codes Complete regulatory documents
Early model codes developed regionally
National Building Code
Uniform Building Code
Standard Building Code
International Code Council’s (ICC’s) International Building Code

6. Legacy Codes
Older regionally adopted codes
No longer produced

7. Fire Codes and Standards
Building codes
Regulate the construction of a building
Not applied retroactively
Usually updated every 3 years
Rely on standards

8. Fire Codes and Standards
Regulate the use of the building after it is built
Apply to structures and conditions within structures
Usually updated every 3 years

9. Fire Codes and Standards
Test standards
American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-119, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials

10. Fire Codes and Standards
Test standards (con’t)
ASTM E-84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
ASTM E 84 testing - Image provided by Marcelo M. Hirschler - GBH International –
Mill Valley CA

11. Types of Construction International Building Code NFPA 5000
Hybrid buildings

12. Types of Construction

13. Occupancy Classifications
Building codes
More restrictive on institutional and hazardous material uses
Occupancy classification
Relates hazards to specific regulations

14. International Building Code Occupancy Types
A-1 through A-4
B and E
F-1 and F-2
H-1 through H-5

15. NFPA 5000 Occupancy Types Assembly Occupancy Business Occupancy
Board and Care Occupancy
Day-Care Occupancy
Detention and Correctional Occupancy
Educational Occupancy

16. NFPA 5000 Occupancy Types Health Care Occupancy High Hazard Contents
Industrial Occupancy
Mercantile Occupancy
Residential Occupancy
Storage Occupancy

17. Area and Height Building codes regulate the size and height
Based on construction classification and occupancy type.

18. Area and Height Modifications can be made to the height/area ratios.
Allowable area and heights in Table 4-3 have been criticized.
Values in the tables have increased over the years, without much input from the fire service.

19. Table 4-3

20. Table 4-3

21. Table 4-3

22. Special Hazards Atria structures High-rise structures
Large open space within a structure connecting two or more floors
High-rise structures

23. Egress Requirements set by building and fire codes Components
The exit access
The exit
The exit discharge
Occupant load
Reprinted with permission from NFPA 101®-2012, Life Safety Code® Handbook,
Copyright © 2011, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. This reprinted
material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced
subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.

24. Egress Number of exit paths/doors Safe path of travel Limitations
Door hardware
Sleeping rooms in “R” occupancies
Fixed burglar bars
© Robert Elias/ShutterStock, Inc.

25. Fire Protection Systems
Regulated by building codes
Covered in Features of Fire Protection chapter
© Ryan DeBerardinis/ShutterStock, Inc.

26. Disabled Occupants Model building codes Area of refuge
Courtesy of Glenn Corbett.

27. Elevators Electric cable Hydraulic piston
Power controls on the top floor
Hydraulic piston
Power controls on the first floor

28. Elevators Phase I operation Phase II operation Elevators are recalled
Fire fighter selects an elevator to access the upper floors

29. Elevators Post-9/11 changes Occupant evacuation elevators
Illuminated usage signs
Protection against water penetration
Two-way communication system
Recall from fire command center

30. Elevators Post-9/11 changes (cont’d) Fire service access elevators
Illuminated hoistways
Minimum 150-square foot lobby
Class I hose outlet in stairwell

31. Elevators Elevator door restrictors
Know how to open each type of restrictor found in your area.
Metal bars
Elevator keys

32. Building Construction and the Fire Codes
Construction-type provisions in fire code
Fire apparatus access roads
Smoke management fans
Flammable liquid storage rooms
Fire fighter communication provision
Complete emergency responder radio coverage
Existing buildings

33. Code Implications Participate in code development For your safety
For the safety of others

34. Summary
There have been fires and subsequent fire protection regulations almost as long as there have been towns and cities in the United States.
In addition to building codes, the International Code Council (ICC) and NFPA prepare fire codes.

35. Summary
The difference between a building code and a fire code is fairly straightforward.
While much of the fire code deals with the ongoing maintenance of building code mandated fire-resistive assemblies and fire protection systems, some specific construction type provisions are included as well.

36. Summary
For fire fighters, it is important to establish a close relationship with the local code officials.
Fire fighters are encouraged to participate in the code development process, at both the local and national levels.