1 of 27

Fire Inspection and �Code Enforcement

8th Edition�Inspector I

​

​

Chapter 2 — Codes, Standards, �and Permits

​

2 of 27

�Learning Objective 1

​

​

Identify appropriate resources for finding current and applicable codes and standards.

2–1

3 of 27

Inspectors must know the difference between codes and standards.

2–2

4 of 27

Building and fire codes or standards have two types of classifications.

2–3

Prescriptive-based

    • Also called specification-based
    • Describes types of materials
    • Describes assembly requirements

Performance-based

    • Provides acceptable performance levels for materials
    • No assembly requirements
    • Give designers greater freedom

5 of 27

Inspectors need to be familiar with prescriptive/model code organizations.

2–4

International Code Council® (ICC®)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®)

United States

Canadian Commission of Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC)

Canada

6 of 27

Be aware of the pros and cons of performance-based design.

2–5

Allows for flexible fire protection design solutions

Requires significant technical expertise to inspect

7 of 27

Be familiar with model codes and standards referenced in local codes.

2–6

Locally adopted code

ICC® International Building Code

NFPA® 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

8 of 27

Some structures may be required to meet several kinds of codes.

2–7

Hospital

NFPA® Life Safety Code ®

Locally adopted fire codes

Federal codes and regulations

9 of 27

Know how to apply codes to new and existing structures.

2–8

Original construction

Amended code

Building remodel

Regulation by current code

10 of 27

NOTE

Unless inspectors are specifically given authority, they cannot apply current building code requirements to existing structures.

2–9

11 of 27

Monitor code provisions enacted at all levels of government.

2–10

Inspector

Know local structures

Develop working relationships

Monitor licenses

Monitor permits

Conduct occupancy surveys

Monitor electrical applications

12 of 27

Know the current adopted editions of codes and standards in the jurisdiction.

2–11

13 of 27

NOTE

An Inspector I should understand the concept of codes while an Inspector II should know how to evaluate the performance of materials and practices designed to meet the intent of the code requirement.

2–12

14 of 27

Inspectors need to recognize the importance of standards.

2–13

Consistency

Design

Practice

Materials

Guidance

Building construction

Fire and life safety

Hazardous processes

15 of 27

Know the most prominent U.S. standards-developing organizations.

2–14

    • National Fire Protection Association®

NFPA®

    • American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM International

    • Underwriters Laboratories

UL

    • American National Standards Institute

ANSI

16 of 27

Know the prominent Canadian standards-developing organizations.

2–15

    • Standards Council of Canada

SCC

    • Canadian Standards Association

CSA

    • Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

ULC

    • Canadian General Standards Board

CGSB

    • Bureau de normalisation du Quebec

BNQ

17 of 27

REVIEW QUESTION

​

​

What are the differences between a code and a standard?

2–16

​

18 of 27

�Learning Objective 2

​

​

Explain complaint procedures.

2–17

19 of 27

Know the SOPs for receiving and processing complaints.

2–18

Resolve

Investigate

Record

20 of 27

Inspectors must know what to do upon finding a violation.

2–19

Initiate corrective action

Verify corrections

Notify complainant

Update records

21 of 27

REVIEW QUESTION

​

​

What steps are included in the complaint process?

2–20

​

22 of 27

�Learning Objective 3

​

​

Describe the role of an Inspector I in the permitting process.

2–21

23 of 27

Know the various uses and reasons for permits and licenses.

2–22

Specific events

Continuing operations

To enable inspections

To ensure safety

To ensure compliance

24 of 27

Inspectors should know the two types of International Fire Code® permits.

2–23

    • Hazmat handling
    • Open burning
    • Large-area tents

Operational

    • Equipment installation
    • Equipment alteration
    • Equipment repair

Construction

25 of 27

REVIEW QUESTION

​

​

What must an Inspector I know about permits?

2–24

​

26 of 27

�Summary

  • Locally adopted codes and standards provide the legal basis for the tasks that an inspector performs.
  • Originally developed through a consensus process, codes and standards are not mandatory until they are adopted by the AHJ.

2–25

27 of 27

�Summary

  • Once adopted, they can be modified to meet local needs.
  • An inspector should be familiar with the code adoption and modification process, the appeals process, and the original consensus process.
  • The inspector must also be familiar with the permitting process.

2–26