Ch. 1 - About the Codes

Delia Tacheny

INT 324 - Building Codes

Reading: The Codes Guidebook for Interiors

Keywords:

• Codes
• NFPA
• ICC
• Standards

"The purpose of the codes that pertain to the built environment can be generally summed up to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its inhabitants" (Pg. 1).

As we venture into the world of Building Codes, it's important to understand what they are and where they came from:

Codes are collections of regulations, ordinances, and other statutory requirements put together by various organizations (Pg. 3). Their purpose? To protect us - humans, and the environment. 

The use of "codes" date back to the Code of Hammurabi and the Old Testament; the Great Fire of London in 1666 led them to require the use of fire-resistant materials and methods in London's rebuilding. It was fire -- a multitude of them that led to building codes (primarily fire related) in the United States. Overtime this increased concern for safety led to a variety of codes and code organizations in different regions. The primary organizations that came about and now encompass the majority of codes are the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the ICC (International Code Council).  

The ICC produces an entire set of codes known as the I-Codes (International Codes). The I-Codes are used throughout the US, as well as Jamaica, Honduras, and Afghanistan, and serve as a basis for codes in other countries as well. The I-Codes are organized according to the "Common Code Format" in which each chapter addresses certain aspects of a building and includes regulations for each occupancy type.   

The NFPA primarily develops standards (which are adopted by codes); however, they have developed multiple codes including the Life Safety Code (LSC)/ NFPA 101 and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Their series of codes are known as the Comprehensive Consensus Codes (C-3 Codes). They collaborate with other industry organizations as well. The C-3 Codes are organized according to the "Manual of Style" in which a few general chapters flank the beginning and end, yet all other chapters are divided by specific occupancy type. For example, if you are building a school, you can simply go to the chapter for occupancy type E, rather than sifting through the entire book.  

While most codes are updated every three years, every jurisdiction decides which version to adopt for their city/region/state, which may not necessarily be the latest version. When working on a project, it is important to know which code publication is being upheld in the location of the project. 

Building Codes in particular deal with a multitude of categories: structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety (egress), fire safety (detection, alarm and suppression), natural light and air, accessibility standards, and energy conservation. The most popularly adopted building code is the International Building Code (IBC) by the ICC. 

Besides building codes, there are also individually published fire codes, plumbing codes, mechanical codes, electrical codes, energy codes, sustainability codes, residential codes, and existing building codes. It is also important to be aware of ADA standards, and accessibility legislation (federal requirements). 

Prescriptive vs. Performance Codes:

While most codes are written in the prescriptive manner, some may be written in the performance manner, so what's the difference? Prescriptive means the code has precise requirements along with its primary objective. Performance means the code states a standard/ objective that must be achieved, but leaves the requirements open for creative solutions and problem-solving. 

These are some of the most important code topics when it comes to the Interior of a building:

• Use or Occupancy Classifications 
• 
  Special Use or Occupancy Requirements 
• Types of Construction
• Fire and Smoke Protection Features 
• Interior Finishes 
• Fire Protection Systems 
• Means of Egress 
• Accessibility 
• Interior Environment 
• Plumbing Systems

Thus far, we've primarily covered Codes which we defined above. However, another important term to understand are standards:

A standard is a document that provides requirements, specifications, a recommended practice, a test method, or a desired characteristic that must be met. A standard can apply to a material, product, assembly of materials, or a procedure. Standards are developed by trade associations, government agencies, and standards-writing organizations, and members of these groups are often allowed to vote on specific issues. The size of these groups ranges from a worldwide organization to a small trade association that develops one or two industry-related standards (Pg. 25).

While it would be a bore to go into depth about all the standards organizations, it's important to at least recognize some of the top names: 

• The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) - Does not develop standards; rather, they establish a method by which standards can be developed and defined, known as the American National Standard (ANS) consensus process. 
• NFPA
• ICC
• The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) - numerous ASTM committees review and manage the development of standards and the promotion of related technical knowledge received from over 30,000 members around the world. 
• The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF International) - a standards organization that focuses on food, water, indoor air, consumer products and the environment.
• The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) - a worldwide organization that sponsors research projects and develops standards for performance levels of HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) and refrigeration systems.
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL) - a standards developing organization and a testing agency that lists products. As one of the largest and oldest nationally recognized testing laboratories in the United States, it tests many products that could be used in an interior project such as building materials, electrical/lighting elements, fire suppression, life safety equipment, security equipment, furniture, and bedding.

*In an effort to globalize standard development and use, many of the US standards organizations have facilities located in or agreements with other countries. Examples include Underwriters Laboratories, NSF International, and ASTM International. In addition, one of the largest global standards-setting organizations outside of the United States is the ISO, which has representation in more than 157 countries. (Pg. 34)

Codes are beast of a topic, but hopefully this summary aids in helping readers understand the purpose of codes; where they come from; and how they work. It's eye-opening to see how much work and thought goes into ensuring the safety of us human beings as we go throughout our day, encountering the built environment. 

Source(s):

Kennon, Katherine E., and Sharon Koomen Harmon. “Chapter 1: About the Codes.” The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, 2022.