Be Certain Everyone Reads
If you’re getting ready to open a new building or start the design of a new building, it can be the secret horror of every building owner! This horror can occur when you submit for a building permit two weeks before the facility is to open, the plan reviewer or building inspector hands you a list of code violations that need to be fixed before you can obtain your permit or worse the Certificate of Occupancy. Keep this nightmare at bay with these simple tips for life safety code compliance.
- Accessibility requirements for elevators, ramps, stairs, and doorway widths are common errors in new facilities and sometimes remodeled facilities that are very costly to fix after the building is completed.
- Make sure hallways are clear of obstructions before the final occupancy inspection. All construction material, boxes, furniture, equipment, carts, and other items should be disposed of or stored properly, not left in hallways blocking access to exits.
- Each type of facility (office, healthcare, school) has its own unique fire protection requirements as well as specific subcategories. Especially for adaptive reuse projects, make sure that the fire protection and life safety systems meet the requirements for the new use of the building.
- The exit door hardware is another item that is commonly not appropriate for the type of facility, leading to incorrect egress/access control and inappropriate locking or unlocking. Switching out the hardware after the final inspection will increase your costs considerably.
- Know building code defined terms… “Fire Wall,” “Fire Barrier,” “Smoke Barrier,” and “Fire Partition” are specific technical terms with different definitions in the International Building Code. Familiarize yourself with the terms before you speak to a code official.
- Know how to approach code officials. Be prepared and well researched with your questions related to the building or fire code including any previous administrative modifications, and make sure that the way you have applied the code is specific to the facility being designed or constructed.
- Research and know local codes and amendments. National and local Codes are constantly changing and local code amendments can have devastating effects on construction costs if they are discovered too late in the process. Meet with your local code officials early and often to make sure you are considering all applicable local regulations.
- Due to the complexity of these code items, soliciting the assistance of a building and fire code consultant familiar with all of the items can help minimize the horror of designing and construction of a building. The addition of such a consultant to the project team can save time and bring real value to the project.
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