What Code Organizations Exist?

MeyerFire University | LS001.04

By Aaron Johnson

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LS001 SERIES

1. What is a building code?
2. How are codes & standards developed?
3. What is a model code?
4. What code organizations exist?
5. What is the applicable code for my project?
6. What codes apply to an existing building under normal operations?
7. What codes apply to an existing building undergoing renovation?
8. Why does code compliance matter?
9. How is the IBC Organized? Tips & Tricks
10. What is a standard?
11. What are the applicable standards for my project?
12. Prescriptive vs performance-based standard?

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TRANSCRIPT

What code organizations exist? 

PRIMARY BODIES

The primary code making bodies for the fire protection, life safety, and building construction fields are the NFPA and the ICC. 

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)

The National Fire Protection Association produces over 300 codes and standards including NFPA 1 which is the fire code, the 101 Life Safety Code, and 5000, which is the building construction and safety code. 

INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL (ICC)

The ICC, International Code Council, produces a collection of codes referred to as the I-codes. These would include the IBC International building code, the IRC International residential code, and the IFC International fire code among others.

IAPMO

If you are actively involved in the plumbing and mechanical Fields then you may also utilize codes from IAPMO, which is the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical officials. IAPMO publishes the uniform plumbing code, uniform Mechanical Code, as well as the uniform solar hydronics and geothermal code. 

EXTENSIVE CODE LIST

These are the main code organizations. However, if you look in the referenced documents section of any NFPA document, always chapter 2, or look at chapter 35 of the international building code, you will see an alphabet soup of referenced documents.  Though there is an extensive list, we will review some of the main code organization that you will see over and over again. 

ANSI

ANSI -  is the American National Standards Institute. They facilitate and accredit other code making organizations and processes. For example, NFPA and ICC are ANSI accredited organizations. Their code making process follows ANSI guidelines, to ensure that code development is equitable and fair.  

ANSI overseas standards and conformity assessment activities in the United States. Their mission is to enhance the global competitiveness of US businesses and the US Quality of Life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and Conformity assessment systems and safeguarding their integrity.  You can find out more at ANSI. Org. 

ASME

ASME - is the American Society of mechanical engineers. They promote the art, science, and practice of multidisciplinary engineering and Allied Sciences around the globe. The asme is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill Development across all engineering disciplines while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. Their codes and standards, programs, Publications, and educational offerings provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge in a safer world. You can find out more at asme.org.  

ASTM

ASTM - is the American Society for testing materials International. They are the globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. More than 12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance health and safety, strengthen Market access and trade, and build consumer confidence. ASTM standards are referenced more than any other document within NFPA 13, standard for the installation of sprinkler systems.  The definition of terms and guidance of these ASTM documents play an important role in determining where and when fire sprinklers are required. Find out more about the american society for testing and materials at astm.org 

ASHRAE

ASHRAE -  is the American Society of heating, refrigerating, and air conditioning engineers. The mission of ashrae is to serve Humanity by advancing the Arts and Sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, Refrigeration and their Allied fields. Their vision is to create a healthy and sustainable built environment for all. You can find out more about ASHRAE and what they do at ashrae. Org. 

FACTORY MUTUAL (FM)

FM Data sheets are frequently referenced throughout NFPA standards. These data sheets are developed and produced by FM Global. FM Global is dedicated to mitigating risk in the environments where we live and work. Their collection of property loss prevention data sheets provide further guidance and direction for building and designing fire protection systems and safe buildings. More information and these data sheets can be accessed at FM global.com.

ISO

ISO - is the international organization for standardization. They are an independent, non-governmental, international organization that brings together experts to share knowledge of, and develop, voluntary, consensus-based, Market relevant, International standards that support Innovation and provide solutions to Global challenges. ISO standards can be thought of as a formula to describe the best way of doing something; it could be making a product, managing a process, delivering a service, or supplying materials. The ISO standards cover a wide range of activities. More information and their documents can be viewed at iso.org. 

UL

UL - is  Underwriters Laboratories. They have a mission of working together for a safer world and empowering trust by exploring safety, security, and sustainability in new markets and Technologies. UL is an independent testing laboratory which tests a wide range of products for safety and quality. Where NFPA or the ICC require a product to be listed by an independent testing agency, typically that agency will be UL. Products that have been tested and approved by UL will bear the UL marking. More information about Underwriters Laboratories and their documents can be found at UL.org. 

SUMMARY

There are many codes and standards organizations throughout our world. We regularly work within many of their referenced documents. However, all of these start with the two main code making bodies for the United States - the NFPA and the ICC.

I’m Aaron Johnson, and this is Meyer Fire University.