Overview of the 2000 International Fire Code

Development of the International Fire Code 7 (IFC 7) began in April 1997 with the first meeting of the IFC Prescriptive Drafting Committee and continued with monthly committee meetings through August 1997, culminating in the publication of the First Draft in October 1997.

The 2000 IFC is a new document; however, its provisions are not new.  The original Scoping Committee was charged with considering and incorporating the model code organizations' existing fire prevention codes.  The model fire prevention codes used in the drafting of the IFC often relied extensively on referenced standards for their regulation of equipment, occupancies, and processes.  The 2000 IFC contains in its text more detailed requirements that parallel the most typically referenced standards.

The provisions of the IFC are divided into four major topics: Administration and General Precautions (Chapters I through 5); Buildings and Equipment (Chapters 6 through 10); Processes and Occupancies (Chapters 11 through 27); and Hazardous Materials (Chapters 28 through 46).  Since, at times, both the International Fire Code and the International Building Code 7 (IBC 7) deal with the same subject matter, there is a correlation, wherever possible, in the chapter numbering scheme used in these codes.  The chapters in both documents contain identical requirements.  This format is designed to provide the user with an effective, efficient system for carrying out enforcement activities.

Part One of the IFC, which includes Chapters 1 through 5, introduces the code and establishes the ground rules for administering a code enforcement program.  These chapters outline the duties and powers of the code official and provide the authority to enforce the code.  The four functions commonly associated with an enforcement program -- inspecting, detecting, notifying, and reporting B are addressed.

Part One also establishes the meanings of key words and terms used in the code.  Because the code is a technical document, it is essential that the precise definition of every word or term be understood so the intended meaning of each statement/requirement is perfectly clear.  There is no room for either ambiguity or personal interpretation.

It further contains the general fire safety requirements for all buildings and structures.  The requirements in this chapter apply to all occupancies and include provisions that, when followed, will result in an increased level of fire safety in all structures.

Requirements also address the reporting of emergencies, the coordination with emergency response forces, emergency planning and the procedures for managing or responding to emergencies, and addresses issues needed by the fire department to successfully and safely extinguish a fire in a building

Part Two of the IFC, which includes Chapters 6 through 10, regulates critical features and systems of buildings.  In order to enhance the coordination of the IFC with the rest of the International Codes, the chapters in this section not only directly reference other applicable ICC codes, but also, in the case of Chapters 7 through 10, directly correlate with the IBC as to chapter number and subject matter.

Part Three of the IFC provides requirements for specific occupancies and processes.  A step-by-step approach is used in determining the code=s application to particular buildings and occupancies for enforcement activities.  This section complements the occupancy requirements of the IBC.

Parts One and Two identify the nature of the building or system involved and the use group classification.  Chapter 3 addresses General Precautions Against Fire; Chapter 5, Fire Protection Systems; and Chapter 6, Means of Egress.

This section is designed so that each chapter addresses specific requirements for only one specific use.  Therefore, the fire official needs to identify the chapter applicable to the building under consideration, based on the occupancy, materials or systems involved.  If, for example, aviation facilities are involved, Chapter 11 contains the requirements to be applied; if cleaning establishments are involved, Chapter 12 furnishes the appropriate requirements.  These requirements are driven by the unique hazards that are found in the respective facilities.  However, these requirements do not replace those requirements stated in Parts One and Two of the code.

This approach, which differs from the existing model fire prevention codes, is used because the IFC contains many more detailed requirements that parallel the referenced standards.  This Ahandbook@ approach brings the requirements into a single document, permitting the fire official to carry out inspection activities without having to carry numerous documents.

Part Four of the IFC includes Chapters 26 through 44, which regulate hazardous material provisions.  Chapter 26 provides general requirements for controlling hazardous materials.  The provisions of this chapter are companion provisions to Chapters 27 thorough 44, which deal specifically with given materials by providing certain controls applicable to any material deemed hazardous.  The IFC recognizes that fire fighters can be exposed to hazardous materials on the fire ground.  These 17 "haz-mat-related@ chapters are devoted to the safety of the fire-fighter.

Coordinated Codes

The International Code Council (ICC) identified the need for the family of International Codes to be not only comprehensive but also absolutely consistent and coordinated.  The coordination of the scope and content of the IBC and the IFC occurs in several ways.

The areas of concern over possible conflicts between codes occur where a subject is covered to any extent in both the IBC and the IFC.  As should be expected of a comprehensive, integrated family of codes, there are numerous subjects that are addressed in both codes.  In these cases, coordination is accomplished in one of two ways

Either the provisions are duplicated in both codes and are therefore technically identical, or the detailed provisions are incorporated in one of the codes and the other code incorporates the identical provisions by reference to the source code.

Continued coordination between the codes on these subjects will be assured because maintenance of the provisions is assigned to one committee and the opportunity for conflicting actions on proposed changes is eliminated.

Code Development Process

There are two processes used in this country for code development.  One is accreditation by ANSI as an oversight body.  Followed properly, it is legitimate and meets the test.  The second is the governmental consensus process, which controls undue influence over the process by parties with vested interests.

The ICC codes are maintained through a democratic public hearing, revision process, which provides all interested parties with the opportunity to both propose, and debate changes to code provisions.  Change proposals are either accepted or rejected by vote of the organization's governmental membership, which is comprised of practicing regulatory code officials employed by federal, state or local units of government from throughout the United States.  Thus, the International Codes are the result of a collective effort by these code officials using the benefit of their knowledge and experience with the sole intent to provide safe communities for their citizens.  At ICC code change hearings, governmental representatives have a sense of ownership in that they have a meaningful vote in the final determination of code content.

Unlike a "standard" development process, which may be dominated by special interests, ICC members have no conflict of interest with regard to code provisions and are beyond the influence of those representing industry or trade groups.  The only interest of ICC's voting members is the protection of public health, safety and welfare.  The objectivity of ICC's voting members B active code officials representing enforcement in all code areas B ensures that the public's interest and safety are served.

The ICC uses both the governmental consensus process and the ANSI consensus process; however, they are used at different times and for different purposes.  The ICC uses the governmental consensus process to develop codes, and the ANSI consensus process to develop standards.  This is an important distinction because the codes state when and where something is required, whereas a standard covers materials, design, installation and testing.  Each process has its place.

The current ICC process exceeds the minimum requirements for a consensus process in several important areas.  Ample opportunities are provided for materially impacted interests to observe, participate and voice their views on code development proposals.  However, we strongly believe that the path of accountability is best served through the governmental consensus process.  The same governmental consensus process also provides the framework of accountability when standards are adopted into the code documents.