Building Code Basics: Fire, Based on the 2009 International Fire Code

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Building Code Basics: Fire, Based on the 2009 International Fire Code

Building Code Basics: Fire, Based on the 2009 International Fire Code is designed to explore the proper application and use of the 2009 International Fire Code, by offering detailed guidance of the basic provisions found in the Code. It is divided into six sections, including firefighter's response to buildings, fire department access to roadways, firefighter protection systems, sprinkler systems, hazards in buildings and communities, compressed gasses, combustible liquids, basic requirements for storage and use for hazardous materials, and much more.

List Price $39.95
Website Price $37.95

Author: Scott Stookey
Format: Softcover
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 260

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Description

Comprehensive coverage and strong, clear connections between building- and fire-related concepts and the International Fire Code requirements that govern them form the cornerstone of this valuable resource. Building Code Basics: Fire, Based on the 2009 International Fire Code is designed to explore the proper application and use of the 2009 International Fire Code, by offering detailed guidance of the basic provisions found in the Code.

It begins with a section of prerequisite reading, explaining occupancy classifications, what they are, and how they should be applied. This is critical in establishing a foundational knowledge that you can build upon as you progress through subsequent content.

The book is then divided into six logically organized sections, and covers important topics as they pertain to the 2009 International Fire Code, including firefighter's response to buildings, fire department access to roadways, firefighter protection systems, sprinkler systems, hazards in buildings and communities, compressed gasses, combustible liquids, basic requirements for storage and use for hazardous materials, and much more.

Straightforward and easy-to-read, it is an indispensable tool for fire inspectors, code officials, fire marshals, design and construction professionals, and firefighters alike.

Features:

Offers completely updated content that reflects the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code.
Facilitates understanding of each 2009 International Fire Code requirement with plentiful, detailed, full-color illustrations and drawings.
Reinforces key concepts with end-of-section summaries that highlight the most critical information.
Draws powerful connections between the content and specific Fire Code requirements with a "Code Basics Summary" section at the end of each chapter, which offers a snapshot of the 2009 International Fire Code requirements that were covered.
Clarifies key terminology as it applies to the code with a detailed glossary of code and construction terms.
Facilitates comprehension of code applications with detailed, real-world examples of methods for determining code compliance.

From the Preface
Fire code enforcement is an important public safety function because unwanted fires kill and injure thousands annually. Unwanted fires have a monetary impact on communities because fires remove businesses from the tax rolls while the damaged building is rebuilt and reconstructed. Statistics confirm that over 40% of the businesses that experience a fire never reopen because they lose their customer base. Of concern to any community is the accidental release of hazardous materials because of their potential for fire, explosion, or causing injury due to incapacitation by the chemical's constituent. All of these incidents require a response by the fire department, which places fire fighters in danger, especially when an interior rescue and fire attack is required. Given the broad scope of hazards in society, the job of enforcing the fire code is challenging. This is especially true when dealing with hazardous materials, high-piled combustible storage, and combustible dust-producing operations.

Building Code Basics: Fire, Based on the 2009 International Fire Code was developed to address the need for an illustrated text explaining the basics of the fire code. It is intended to provide an understanding of the proper application of the code to the most commonly encountered hazards found in many communities and cities. The text is presented and organized in a user-friendly manner with an emphasis on technical accuracy and clear non-code language. The content is directed to fire service professionals, code officials, designers and others in the building construction industry.

The content of Building Code Basics: Fire is organized to correspond to the arrangement of the 2009 IFC. It commences with a review of the legal aspects associated with the adoption and enforcement of the fire code provisions including permitting, right of entry, and inspector liability. It progresses through common hazards that can be found in any occupancy, site and building features that must be addressed with any new construction, fire and life safety systems and features, special processes and uses, and it concludes with a review of the most commonly encountered hazardous materials. This format is useful to readers because it pulls together related information from the various sections of the IFC into one convenient location while providing a familiar frame of reference to those with any code enforcement experience. The arrangement of the book is formatted to follow the steps of new building construction or renovation as well as areas of focus during any fire inspection. This format and arrangement offers the reader a means to understanding why fire code enforcement is an important public safety function and why it is so important to the safety of emergency responders.

Anyone involved in the design, construction, or inspection of buildings or industrial processes and hazards will benefit from this book. Beginning and experienced fire inspectors, plans examiners, contractors, engineers, architects, environmental/health and safety professionals, and students in fire science, fire protection, and building inspection technology curriculum or related fields of study and work will gain a fundamental understanding and practical application of the frequently used provisions of the 2009 edition of the International Fire Code.

Reasonable and correct application of the code provisions is enhanced by a basic understanding of the fire code development process, the scope, intent, and correlation of the family of the International Codes, and the proper administration of those codes. This fundamental information is provided in the opening chapters of this manuscript. The book also explains the interaction of the fire code with other local and state regulations. Because the content is focused on the fire code, the book includes prerequisite reading which is important in understanding the International Building Code occupancy classification system, how buildings are assigned occupancy classifications, and how these classifications are used in the application of the fire code.

This book does not intend to cover all provisions of the International Fire Code or all of the accepted materials and methods for the construction of fire protection systems, features, or the storage and handling of combustible and hazardous materials. Focusing in some detail on the most common hazards that are found in nearly every community affords an opportunity to fully understand the basics without exploring every variable and alternative. This is not to say that information not covered is any less important or valid. This book is best used as a companion to the International Fire Code and appropriate National Fire Protection Association standards, which should be referenced for more complete information.

Building Code Basics: Fire features full-color illustrations and photographs to assist the reader in visualizing the application of the code requirements. Practical examples, simplified tables, and highlights of particularly useful information also aid in understanding the provisions and determining code compliance. References to the applicable 2009 International Fire Code sections are cited to assist readers in locating the corresponding code language and related topics in the code.

About the Author
Scott Stookey is a Senior Technical Staff member with the International Code Council. Scott previously was the Fire Protection Engineer for the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department's Special Hazard Unit and was an Engineering Associate with the Austin (TX) Fire Department Hazardous Materials Engineering section. He is a graduate of the Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology program at Oklahoma State University and has over 20 years of experience in the areas of regulatory compliance and emergency response.

Table of Contents
Preface. About the International Fire Code. Acknowledgements. About the Author. Prerequisite Reading - Occupancy Classification. Part 1: Code Administration and Enforcement. Chapter 1: Introduction to Building and Fire Codes. Code Development. The Building and Fire Codes: Scope. International Fire Code. Chapter 2: Legal Aspects, Permits and Inspections. Code Adoption. Authority. Permits. Inspections. Board of Appeals. Part 2: General Safety Requirements. Chapter 3: General Precautions Against Fire. Combustible Materials. Ignition Sources. Open Flames. Vacant Premises. Indoor Displays. Chapter 4: Emergency Planning and Preparedness. Emergency Forces Notification. Public Assemblies and Events. Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans. Emergency Evacuation Drills. Employee Training and Response. Part 3: Site and Building Services. Chapter 5: Fire Service Features. Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Access to Buildings. Hazards to Firefighters. Fire Protection Water Supplies. Emergency Responder Radio Coverage. Chapter 6: Building Systems. Fuel Fired Appliances. Emergency and Standby Power Systems. Elevator Recall and Maintenance. Commercial Kitchen Hoods. Chapter 7: Interior Finish and Decorative Materials. Purpose of the Requirements. Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish and Trim. Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses. Part 4: Fire/Life Safety Systems and Features. Chapter 8: Requirements for All Fire Protection Systems. When are Fire Protection Systems Required? Construction Documents and Acceptance Testing. Inspection, Testing and Maintenance. Fire Protection System Impairment. Fire Protection System Monitoring. Chapter 9: Automatic Sprinkler Systems. Level of Exit Discharge and Fire Area. Design and Installation Standards. Types of Automatic Sprinkler Systems. Occupancies Requiring Automatic Sprinkler Protection. Fire Department Connection. Chapter 10: Fire Alarm and Detection Systems. Design and Installation Standards. Fundamental Components. Occupancies Requiring Fire Alarm and Detection Systems. Chapter 11: Means of Egress. Definitions. Occupant Load. Egress Width. Exit Access and Exit Travel Distance. Exit Signs and Means of Egress Illumination. Means of Egress Maintenance. Part 5: Special Processes and Building Uses. Chapter 12: Flammable Finishes. Types of Flammable Finishing Processes. Spray Booth and Spray Room Construction. Mechanical Ventilation. Illumination. Interlocks. Fire Protection. Chapter 13: Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages. Applicable Requirements by Fuel. Dispensing Operations and Devices - All Fuels. Flammable and Combustible Liquid Motor-Fuels Dispensing. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Dispensing. Chapter 14: High-Piled Combustible Storage. What Is High-Piled Combustible Storage? Commodity Classification. High-Piled Combustible Storage Areas. Storage Methods. Aisles. Chapter 15: Other Special Processes and Uses. Combustible Dust Producing Operations. Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition. Welding and Other Hot Work. Part 6: Hazardous Materials. Chapter 16: General Requirements for Hazardous Materials. Material Classification. Hazardous Materials Reporting. Storage and Use. Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area. Control Areas. Hazard Identification Signs. Separation of Incompatible Materials. Chapter 17: Compressed Gases. Cylinders, Containers, and Tanks. Pressure Relief Devices. Markings. Security. Valve Protection. Separation from Hazardous Conditions. Exhausted Enclosures and Gas Cabinets. Leaks, Damage, or Corrosion. Chapter 18: Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Classification of Liquids. Containers, Portable Tanks, and Stationary Tanks. Design and Construction of Storage Tanks. Storage Tank Openings. Glossary. Index.