Code Change Focus Areas

We are working with stakeholders to analyze various sections of building codes that impact Public Safety communications and to propose changes to the appropriate code governance bodies, the NFPA and the ICC. We will work through the governance processes to have these changes reviewed and adopted, and will also draft model ordinances consistent with these changes that AHJs may use now.

Code development is a continuous process in both model codes/standards organizations (the ICC and NFPA).   SBC will continue to be at the table to review and submit code change proposals in both arenas to ensure continuous improvement and technical relevance for all stakeholders involved with in- building emergency communications solutions.  We will remain active throughout all phases of the code development processes.

See our latest code development update here:  Crafting the Code | The Future of In-Building Public Safety Wireless Communications

Learn More About THE ICC AND NFPA

ICC - The International Code Council is a member-focused association. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes, such as the International Fire Code (IFC) which  is in use or adopted in 42 states, the District of Columbia, NYC, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Download the ICC Code Development Process here.

Discover more about the ICC and IFC here:  http://www.iccsafe.org

 

NFPA - Founded in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission.

Download the 2014 NFPA Standards Directory here.

Discover more about the NFPA here:  www.nfpa.org

Training and Education on Public Safety Communications

Safer Buildings is offering its "Public Safety In-Building Communications" course currently to a select group of stakeholders.  Students will gain an understanding of the public safety industry including regulatory and organizational entities who are drivers and decision makers;  engage in a detailed review of technologies used for Public Safety including best practices for implementing PS DAS (such as avoiding interference, etc.);  an understanding of emerging technologies for Public Safety including 911 and location-based services;  explore a summary of building code sections that impact in-building Public Safety communications; and learn the core concepts necessary to go forward to technical certification in various vendor products. 

Crafting The Code - The Future of In-building Public Safety Wireless Communications

Code Sections For Analysis And Proposed Changes:

510.4.2.3 24-hour battery.

510.4.2.4 (2) Batteries in NEMA 4 enclosures.

510.4.2.4 (3) Circuit survivability.

510.5.1 PIM, compliance and safety testing after build.

510.5.2 Minimum qualifications of personnel.

510.5.3 Acceptance Test Procedures.

510.5.4 FCC Compliance for Human Exposure.

510.6 Maintenance and design documentation.

510.6.4 (New Section) - As-Built System Documentation.

510.6.5 (New Section) – 24/7/365 Network Operations Center Monitoring.

510.6.6 (New Section)   New Section – As-Builts in GIS format.

We work closely with our Safer Buildings Coalition members to develop these code proposals in a collective effort to shape the future of in-building public safety wireless communications.