NIST's Recommendations Following the Federal
Building and Fire Investigation of the World Trade Center Disaster

Status of the Recommendations

Recommendation 1. NIST recommends that: (1) progressive collapse be prevented in buildings through the development and nationwide adoption of consensus standards and code provisions, along with the tools and guidelines needed for their use in practice; and (2) a standard methodology be developed—supported by analytical design tools and practical design.

Affected Standards: ASCE-7, AISC Specifications, and ACI 318. These standards and other relevant committees should draw on expertise from ASCE/SFPE 29 for issues concerning progressive collapse under fire conditions. Model Building Codes: The consensus standards should be adopted in model building codes (i.e., the International Building Code and NFPA 5000) by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. State and local jurisdictions should adopt and enforce the improved model building codes and national standards based on all 30 WTC recommendations. The codes and standards may vary from the WTC recommendations, but satisfy their intent.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-TRB submitted an IBC change proposal concerning Disproportionate Collapse (S59-07/08) for the 2007/2008 code cycle.

ICC:  The ICC received two proposals concerning Disproportionate Collapse for the 2007/2008 code cycle.  ICC AHC-TRB submitted proposal S59-07/08 and the Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity submitted proposal S101-07/08 on Structural Integrity.  S101-07/08 was accepted as modified and S59-07/08 was withdrawn at the Final Action Hearing in September 2008.

The ICC has also received a proposal (G108-07/08) from the Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity for a new provision addressing buildings requiring risk assessment.  This proposal would require a risk assessment and acceptable mitigation of risks for buildings more than 420 ft. in height with an occupant load greater than 5,000, buildings with an occupant load greater than 10,000 and buildings determined to be at higher than normal risk.  This proposal was not accepted at the Final Action Hearing in September 2008.

The Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity:  The Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity submitted a code change proposal on Structural Integrity S101-07/08 for the 2007/2008 code cycle.  The Committee has also submitted a proposal (G108-07/08) for a new provision addressing buildings requiring risk assessment.

ASCE: ASCE has formed a technical committee that has met twice (May 2006; May 2007); NIST staff members participate on the committee.

NIST:  Multi-year NIST project to support the development of performance criteria, prediction tools, and practical guidance for prevention of progressive collapse.  NIST has conducted studies of the robustness of steel moment frame connections and composite floor systems.  NIST has provided to AISC TC 3, Loads, Analysis, & Systems, the NIST report on Comparison of Existing Design Standards on Progressive Collapse for consideration.

NIST's position on risk assessment for buildings with substantial hazard is to define the scope of risks relevant to the building code to be considered, provide the framework of the technical methodology to be used, delete reference to "higher than normal risk," and provide an acceptable approval process for the adopting authority.

NFPA:  NFPA is considering a proposal requiring risk assessment for certain events (terrorist attack) (5000-ROC-300).  This is an annex note proposed to suggest risk assessment be prepared for buildings greater than 420 feet in height or that have more than 10,000 occupants.  Assessment should be based on general principals and should evaluate anticipated performance of the building under some extreme load or extreme event.  This proposal will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. 

Research Outcomes:  (NIST) Best Practices Guideline published February 2007.

Code Outcomes:  (IBC) Provide minimum structural integrity for framed and bearing wall structures through continuity and tie-force requirements for buildings over 75 ft. in height that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the even of failure (e.g., buildings with occupant loads exceeding 5,000) and essential facilities, such as hospitals.)  This code change is intended to enhance overall structural integrity but is not intended to prevent progressive collapse in structures.

Recommendation 2. NIST recommends that nationally accepted performance standards be developed for: (1) conducting wind tunnel testing of prototype structures based on sound technical methods that result in repeatable and reproducible results among testing laboratories; and (2) estimating wind loads and their effects on tall buildings for use in design, based on wind tunnel testing data and directional wind speed data.

Affected National Standard: ASCE-7. Model Building Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS: The ICC CTC submitted an IBC change proposal, Determination of Wind Loads and Wind Tunnel Testing (S81-07/08), to reference the new ASCE standard, ASCE/SEI 49.

ASCE:  The ASCE Committee developing the new standard, ASCE/SEI 49, is working to resolve comments received during the second ballot of the new standard.

ICC:  Proposal S81-07/08 was withdrawn at the Final Action Hearing in September 2008 since the ASCE/SEI 49 Standard has not been issued by ASCE pending final revision based on public comments received.

NFPA:  Recommended that expert groups such as ASCE, NCSEA or a combination of the two work towards development of a guideline document.  Once available, NFPA 5000 would consider referencing such a guidance document.  NFPA will consider making this a formal recommendation to ASCE or NCSEA via the NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC). 

NIST:  Multi-year NIST project to support the development of prediction methodologies for wind loads estimation in next-generation standards.  NIST has submitted three change proposals for consideration by the ASCE 7 wind committee.  These proposals include: revisions to the peak gust wind speeds at 10 m over open terrain for hurricanes; interfacing correctly directional extreme wind climatological and directional aerodynamics information, and to account for uncertainties in dynamic parameters (damping, natural frequencies, modal shapes) to assure adequate safety margins for tall buildings; and, a change to address the risk of failure in regions prone to both extreme winds and seismic events.

Research Outcomes:  (NIST) NIST has made available on its website (www.nist.gov/wind) software for applying database assisted design techniques to high-rise buildings.   NIST has also made available through the website a large aerodynamic database for rigid low rise buildings.

Recommendation 3. NIST recommends that an appropriate criterion be developed and implemented to enhance the performance of tall buildings by limiting how much they sway under lateral load design conditions (e.g., winds and earthquakes).

Affected National Standards: ASCE-7, AISC Specifications, and ACI 318. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  Not directly an IBC issue but rather an AISC, ACI, ASCE 7 issue.  NIBS committee wrote to ASCE staff and ASCE 7 chair encouraging that the issue be addressed in the near-term and that the committee be involved in that process. 

NIST:  Consulted with major design firms and reviewed designs of 36 buildings to tabulate range of drift ratios found in common practice.  NIST is working with ASCE Committee on Design of Steel Building Structures to address Practices related to Design of Steel Buildings under Wind Loads.

NFPA:  Recommended that expert groups such as ASCE, NCSEA or a combination of the two work towards development of a guideline document.  Once available, NFPA 5000 would consider referencing such a guidance document.  Current drift limit criteria for seismic design as well as serviceability issues should be considered when any changes are suggested by ASCE/NCSEA.  NFPA will consider making this a formal recommendation to ASCE or NCSEA via the NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC). 

Recommendation 4. NIST recommends evaluating, and where needed improving, the technical basis for determining appropriate construction classification and fire rating requirements (especially for tall buildings)—and making related code changes now as much as possible—by explicitly considering factors including:

• timely access by emergency responders and full evacuation of occupants, or the time required for burnout without partial collapse;
• the extent to which redundancy in active fire protection (sprinkler and standpipe, fire alarm, and smoke management) systems should be credited for occupant life safety ;
• the need for redundancy in fire protection systems that are critical to structural integrity;
• the ability of the structure and local floor systems to withstand a maximum credible fire scenario without collapse, recognizing that sprinklers could be compromised, not operational, or non-existent;
• compartmentation requirements (e.g., 12,000 ft2 (27)) to protect the structure, including fire rated doors and automatic enclosures, and limiting air supply (e.g., thermally resistant window assemblies) to retard fire spread in buildings with large, open floor plans;
• the effect of spaces containing unusually large fuel concentrations for the expected occupancy of the building; and
• the extent to which fire control systems, including suppression by automatic or manual means, should be credited as part of the prevention of fire spread.

Model Building Codes: A comprehensive review of current construction classification and fire rating requirements and the establishment of a uniform set of revised thresholds with a firm technical basis that considers the factors identified above should be undertaken.

NIBS: The ICC AHC-TRB submitted an IBC change proposal, Survival of a Building Contents Fire (G51-07/08).

ICC:  The ICC has received two proposals (G51-07/08 and G52-07/08) that address survival of a building contents fire for consideration during the 2007/2008 code cycle.  These proposals were not approved at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a categorization process for high rise buildings.  HRBSAC is also working to determine what enhanced or redundant features may be necessary based on this resultant categorization process.  NFPA committees will also be closely reviewing the WTC 7 report as it relates to Bullet Item 6.

Article 708 of the 2008 National Electrical Code addresses critical operations power supply.  The article can be applied to any critical systems.

NIST:  NIST's position is to consider independent failure of active and passive fire protection systems, delete minimum prescriptive rating requirement, require approval by AHJ, ensure consistent definition of local collapse and structural frame.  NIST will partner with DHS to develop design guidance to achieve this objective, including specific and detailed guidance for defining design fire scenarios for analysis.

Code Outcomes:  (IBC) Increased by one hour the fire-resistance rating of structural components and assemblies in buildings 420 feet and higher.  This change was approved and included in the 2004 supplement to the IBC and later in the 2006 IBC (section 403.3.1, Item 1).

National Electrical Code:  Article 708 of the 2008 National Electrical Code addresses critical operations power supply.  The article can be applied to any critical systems.

Recommendation 5. NIST recommends that the technical basis for the century-old standard for fire resistance testing of components, assemblies, and systems be improved through a national effort. Necessary guidance also should be developed for extrapolating the results of tested assemblies to prototypical building systems. A key step in fulfilling this recommendation is to establish a capability for studying and testing the components, assemblies, and systems under realistic fire and load conditions.

Affected National and International Standards: ASTM E 119, NFPA 251, UL 263, and ISO 834. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The NIBS Building Code Experts will support efforts to change ASTM E119 and related Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. 

NIST:  Developed and submitted recommendations for changes to the E119 standard to ASTM E05.  ASTM E05 is considering these changes.  NIST plans to submit detailed proposals in pre-standard language for consideration by E05 before the committee’s December 2008 meeting. 

ASTM: International Subcommittee E05.11 on Fire Resistance began addressing this recommendation concerning changes to ASTM standard E 119 in December 2005.  Numerous revisions have been proposed, most significantly changes in the measurement of heat flux, which are in the balloting process.

E05 has held a series of workshops on plate and directional flame thermometers as they relate to the NIST recommendations and balloting actions are anticipated in the near future.

NFPA:  The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) of the NFPA is working along side the ASTM E05 process to complete a literature review and to begin an evaluation process. 

Recommendation 6. NIST recommends the development of criteria, test methods, and standards: (1) for the in-service performance of sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM, also commonly referred to as fireproofing or insulation) used to protect structural components; and (2) to ensure that these materials, as-installed, conform to conditions in tests used to establish the fire resistance rating of components, assemblies, and systems.

Affected Standards: AIA MasterSpec and AWCI Standard 12 for field inspection and conformance criteria; ASTM standards for SFRM performance criteria and test methods. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. (See Recommendation 10 for more on this issue.)

ICC:  The ICC has received two proposals that address spray applied fire-resistive materials.  G68-07/08 seeks to clarify the language used in the provision adopted in the 2007 supplement that addresses the building heights at which higher bond strength material is required.  The second proposal (G69-07/08) seeks to delete the provision adopted in the 2007 supplement requiring higher bond strength fireproofing in tall buildings.

Proposal G68-07/08 was approved as submitted, clarifying the language used in the provision adopted in the 2007 supplement to the IBC.  This provision requires an increase in bond strength of spray-applied fire resistive materials (fireproofing) by a factor of three over prior requirements in buildings 75 ft. to 420 ft. in height and by a factor of seven over prior requirements in buildings more than 420 ft. in height.  The increased fireproofing bond strength is required to be "installed throughout the building."  Proposal G69-07/08 was not accepted at the Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  Technical Committees are expected to review proposals that will mandate conformance with field inspection/quality control issues from groups like AWCI and FCIA. 

ASTM:  Standard E2584-07 "Standard Practice for Thermal Conductivity of Materials Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter," was approved by ASTM Committee E37 in September 2007.

International Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings is addressing this recommendation and other related SFRM recommendations.

NIST:  NIST, in partnership with private industry, is developing a new field test method to assess adhesion.  Two standards are currently in development:  one based on a peel test and a the second based on a blister test.  NIST has been in discussions with ASTM E06 regarding the development of these two proposals. 

Code Outcomes:  (IBC)  Increased bond strength for fireproofing (nearly three times greater than currently required for buildings 75-420 feet in height and seven times greater for buildings more than 420 feet in height).  The increased fireproofing bond strength is required to be "installed throughout the building."

Field installation requirements for fireproofing to ensure that:

• installation complies with the manufacturer's instructions;
• the substrates (surfaces being fireproofed) are clean and free of any condition that prevents adhesion;
• testing is conducted to demonstrate that required adhesion is maintained for primed, painted or encapsulated steel surfaces; and
• the finished condition of the installed fireproofing, upon complete drying or curing, does not exhibit cracks, voids, spalls, delamination or any exposure of the substrate.

Special field inspections of fireproofing to ensure that its as-installed thickness, density and bond strength meet specified requirements, and that a bonding agent is applied when the bond strength is less than required due to the effect of a primed, painted or encapsulated steel surface. The inspections are to be performed after the rough installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and ceiling systems.

Standards Outcome:  (ASTM) ASTM E2584-07 "Standard Practice for Thermal Conductivity of Materials Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter," was been approved by ASTM Committee E37 in September 2007. 

Recommendation 7. NIST recommends the adoption and use of the “structural frame” approach to fire resistance ratings.

Model Building Codes:  This approach is currently required by the International Building Code (IBC), one of the model codes, and was incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code.  This requirement ensures consistency in the fire protection provided to all of the structural elements that contribute to overall structural stability. State and local jurisdictions should adopt and enforce this requirement.

Codes Outcome:  (IBC)  Explicit adoption of the "structural frame" approach to fire resistance ratings that requires all members of the primary structural frame to have the higher fire resistance rating commonly required for columns. The primary structural frame includes the columns, other structural members including the girders, beams, trusses, and spandrels having direct connections to the columns, and bracing members designed to carry gravity loads.  The definition of the primary structural frame was broadened to include bracing members essential to vertical stability (e.g., floor systems or cross bracing) whether or not they carry gravity loads.

(NFPA): The structural frame approach is mandated in the 2006 edition of NFPA 5000.

Recommendation 8. NIST recommends that the fire resistance of structures be enhanced by requiring a performance objective that uncontrolled building fires result in burnout without partial or global (total) collapse.

Model Building Codes: This recommendation should be included into the national model codes as an objective and adopted as an integral part of fire resistance design for structures. The issue of non-operational sprinklers could be addressed using the existing concept of Design Scenario 8 of NFPA 5000, where such compromise is assumed and the result is required to be acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Affected Standards: ASCE-7, AISC Specifications, ACI 318, and ASCE/SFPE 29.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-TRB has submitted an IBC change proposal (G51-07/08) addressing burnout without collapse in buildings over 420 feet in height for consideration in the 2007/2008 code development cycle.

ICC:  The ICC has received two proposals addressing burnout without collapse in buildings over 420 feet in height (G51-07/08 and G52-07/08).  These proposals will be considered during the 2007/2008 development cycle.  These proposals were not approved at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  NFPA is considering a proposed change to address design for local/global collapse due to fire (5000-ROC-68b).  When the Performance Based Design (PBD) provisions are utilized, this change establishes a design scenario that requires high rise buildings to be evaluated for performance under a fully developed fire event and the ability of the structure withstand that design event.  Building performance must resist both local and global collapse under the specified design fire.  This proposal will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008.

NIST:  Multi-year NIST project to support the development of performance objectives, criteria, evaluation methods, prediction tools, and practical guidance for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures.  NIST is working with AISC TC 8 Design for Fire Conditions to implement performance-based approach to steel design. 

NIST position is to consider independent failure of active and passive fire protection systems, delete minimum prescriptive rating requirement, require approval by AHS, ensure consistent definition of local collapse and structural frame.  NIST will partner with AHS to develop design guidance to achieve this objective, including specific and detailed guidance for defining design fire scenarios for analysis.

Recommendation 9. NIST recommends the development of: (1) performance-based standards and code provisions, as an alternative to current prescriptive design methods, to enable the design and retrofit of structures to resist real building fire conditions, including their ability to achieve the performance objective of burnout without structural or local floor collapse: and (2) the tools, guidelines, and test methods necessary to evaluate the fire performance of the structure as a whole system.

Affected National and International Standards: ASCE-7, AISC Specifications, ACI 318, and ASCE/SFPE 29 for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures; NFPA, SFPE, ASCE, and ISO TC92 SC4 for building-specific multi-compartment, multi-floor design basis fire scenarios; and ASTM, NFPA, UL, and ISO for new test methods. Model Building Codes: The performance standards should be adopted as an alternate method in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The NIBS Building Code Experts support the performance-based design concept and will bring together various interests to identify gaps with respect to evaluation tools and to develop a detailed action plan (with estimated costs) for filling those gaps.  Three national standards (ASCE/SFPE 29, ACI 216, and AISC Specifications) have incorporated first-generation performance-based methods, as an alternative to current prescriptive methods, to enable the design and retrofit of structures to resist building fires.  These methods are limited to standard (not real) fires.

ICC:  The ICC received proposal G45-07/08 which would allow the option to design buildings over 420 ft. in height using the ICC Performance Code, instead of the high-rise provisions of the International Building Code.  The required involvement of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) when using the ICC Performance Code will ensure adequate levels of safety consistent with the IBC.  This change will allow the performance-based NIST WTC Recommendations to be considered in an holistic manner.  This change does not require a fire resistance rating at least equal to that required by the current ASTM E119 standard.  This proposal was not approved at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  Technical Committees are likely to parse this recommendation to distinguish between local collapse and global collapse.  PBD options already in NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 address the possibility of non-functioning/available systems or features.  NFPA supports the adoption of more formal guidance to establish performance criteria and relevant guidelines or information.

ASTM:  Various committees in ASTM International have been addressing the issue of performance-based methods.

NIST:  NIST is working with AISI, AISC, and other industry groups to support the development of performance-based standards for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures.  Multi-year NIST project to support the development of performance objectives, criteria, evaluation methods, prediction tools, and practical guidance for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures.  NIST anticipates releasing a draft best practices guideline for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures in April 2008.

Recommendation 10. NIST recommends the development and evaluation of new fire-resistive coating materials, systems, and technologies with significantly enhanced performance and durability to provide protection following major events.

Affected Standards: Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of new structural fire resistance materials, systems, and technologies should be identified and eliminated in the AIA MasterSpec, AWCI Standard 12 and ASTM standards for field inspection, conformance criteria, and test methods. Model Building Codes: Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of new structural fire resistance materials, systems, and technologies should be eliminated from the model building codes.

NIST:  NIST has formed an industry consortium to develop the test methods, measure performance, and determine in-service performance criteria for fire protective coating materials.  NIST multi-year project to assess the performance of current spray-applied and intumescent fire protective materials and to support the development of new standards. NIST, in partnership with private industry, is developing a new field test method to assess adhesion.  Two standards are currently in development:  one based on a peel test and the second based on a blister test.  NIST has been in discussions with ASTM E06 regarding the development of these two proposals. 

Standards Outcome:  (ASTM) ASTM E2584-07 "Standard Practice for Thermal Conductivity of Materials Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter," was been approved by ASTM Committee E37 in September 2007.

Practice Outcome:  The slug calorimeter has been commercialized by Anter Corporation.

Recommendation 11. NIST recommends that the performance and suitability of advanced structural steel, reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, and other high-performance material systems be evaluated for use under conditions expected in building fires.

Affected Standards: AISC Specifications and ACI 318. Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of these advanced systems should be eliminated in ASTM E 119, NFPA 251, UL 263, ISO 834. Model Building Codes: Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of these advanced systems should be eliminated from the model building codes.

NIBS:  Not directly a code matter but NIBS Building Code Experts will develop a plan for looking at new materials and facilitating their testing and use.

NIST:  Project to determine the in-service performance properties of high temperature steels and compile property database.  NIST is helping to develop standard test methods for evaluating the performance of structural steel in fire conditions by working through ASTM task group WK16928.

NFPA:  Will forward the relevant information to the NFPA Fire Test Committee for further consideration. 

ASTM:  Has established a joint task group under subcommittees A01.13 (Mechanical and Chemical Testing and Processing Methods of Steel Products and Processes) and E28.10 (Mechanical Testing: Effect of Temperature and Stress Relaxation) to define fire resistant steels and develop a standard material test method for fire resistance of such steels.  That task group (WK16928) is charged with developing a standard test method. Over the past two years it has examined two candidate methods in detail, by conducting pre-standards research to establish the limitations of both methods. It plans to select a single method to standardize within the next six months.

The chairman of that committee is also a member of Committee E05 (Fire Standards), which ensures communication with many of the ultimate users of such a standard. 

Recommendation 12. NIST recommends that the performance and possibly the redundancy of active fire protection systems (sprinklers, standpipes/hoses, fire alarms, and smoke management systems) in buildings be enhanced to accommodate the greater risks associated with increasing building height and population, increased use of open spaces, high-risk building activities, fire department response limits, transient fuel loads, and higher threat profile.

Affected Standards: NFPA 13, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 72, NFPA 90A, NFPA 92A, NFPA 92B, and NFPA 101. Model Building Codes: The performance standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-TRB submitted an IBC change proposal addressing sprinkler system redundancy and isolation (G46-07/08) for consideration during the 2007/2008 code cycle. 

ICC:  the ICC received proposal G46-07/08 addressing redundancy of sprinkler system in buildings over 420 feet in height.  This proposal was approved at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a categorization process for high rise buildings. HRBSAC is working to determine what enhanced or redundant features may be necessary based on this any new high rise building categories.  There is a project within the Fire Protection Research Foundation to develop the Leadership in Life Safety Design (LLSD) approach, included in this is development of categorization for high-rise buildings.  This process will look at resource documents such as the CTBUH Building Enhancement Guidelines and apply a point scoring system for enhancements that go above minimum code mandated criteria. 

NIST:  Has formed a consortium with NEMA 3SB to develop active surveillance technologies to enhance the reliability of sprinkler systems.  The methods would form the basis for code change proposals.  NIST is collaborating with the fire alarm industry, through a consortium with NEMA, to develop new technologies and features for fire alarm systems that provide active surveillance and automated testing of fire safety systems and components keyed to primary modes of failure in order to provide maximum operational reliability. 

Code Outcome:  Requires greater reliability of sprinklers with a minimum of two water supply risers for each sprinkler zone in buildings over 420 ft. in height.  Each riser is required to supply sprinklers on alternate floors.  The sprinkler risers are to be placed in stair enclosures which are remotely located.

Recommendation 13. NIST recommends that fire alarm and communications systems in buildings be developed to provide continuous, reliable, and accurate information on the status of life safety conditions at a level of detail sufficient to manage the evacuation process in building fire emergencies; all communication and control paths in buildings need to be designed and installed to have the same resistance to failure and increased survivability above that specified in present standards.

Affected Standards: NFPA 1, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101. Model Building and Fire Codes: The performance standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers.

The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.

ICC:   The ICC received two proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08 and F86-07/08) for consideration at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.  F84-07/08 was accepted as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  F86-07/08 and G58-0708 were not approved.

NFPA:  The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate appropriate technologies when they are further developed.  The 2007 edition of NFPA 72 (available September 2006) has accepted proposals and comments to recognize exit marking audible notification appliances. 

NIST:  The Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice has asked NIST to develop specifications and protocols that will enable fire/emergency command stations in buildings to accept and interpret a larger quantity of more reliable information from the active fire protection (e.g., sprinklers, fire alarm, smoke management) systems for purposes of providing tactical decision aids to fireground commanders (#14) and for managing the evacuation process (#13).  

Recommendation 14. NIST recommends that control panels at fire/emergency command stations in buildings be adapted to accept and interpret a larger quantity of more reliable information from the active fire protection systems that provide tactical decision aids to fireground commanders, including water flow rates from pressure and flow measurement devices, and that standards for their performance be developed.

Affected Standards: NFPA 1, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101. Model Building and Fire Codes: The performance standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-TRB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers.

The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.

ICC:   The ICC received two proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08 and F86-07/08) for consideration at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.  F84-07/08 was accepted as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  F86-07/08 and G58-0708 were not approved.

NFPA:  The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate appropriate technologies when they are further developed. 

NIST:  The Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice has asked NIST to develop specifications and protocols that will enable fire/emergency command stations in buildings to accept and interpret a larger quantity of more reliable information from the active fire protection (e.g., sprinklers, fire alarm, smoke management) systems for purposes of providing tactical decision aids to fireground commanders (#14) and for managing the evacuation process (#13).  NIST has worked in partnership with NEMA SB30 to address these issues. 

NEMA:  New SB30 document, currently in committee review, provides specifications to enable fire/emergency command centers to accept and interpret larger quantities of data from active fire protection systems.  Document will be provided to NFPA 72 for consideration when approved by NEMA.

Code Outcome:  Requires an increase in the area of the Fire Command Center from 96 sq. ft. to 200 sq. ft. in buildings over 75 ft. in height.  The minimum dimension of the Fire Command Center is increased from 8 ft. to 10 ft.

Recommendation 15. NIST recommends that systems be developed and implemented for: (1) real-time off-site secure transmission of valuable information from fire alarm and other monitored building systems for use by emergency responders, at any location, to enhance situational awareness and response decisions and maintain safe and efficient operations; and (2) preservation of that information either off-site or in a black box that will survive a fire or other building failure for purposes of subsequent investigations and analysis. Standards for the performance of such systems should be developed, and their use should be required.

Affected Standards: NFPA 1, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101. Model Building and Fire Codes: The performance standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers.

The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.

ICC:   The ICC received two proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08 and F86-07/08) for consideration at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.  F84-07/08 was accepted as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  F86-07/08 and G58-0708 were not approved.

NFPA:  The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate appropriate technologies when they are further developed.  The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a process to have real time information from the emergency scene simulcast to a remote location. 

NIST:  NIST has worked in partnership with NEMA SB30 to develop specifications and protocols for off-site data transmission for use by emergency responders.

NEMA:  New SB30 document, currently in committee review, includes specifications for secure, off-site transmission of data for use by first responders.  The document will be provided to NFPA 72 for consideration once approved by NEMA.

Recommendation 16. NIST recommends that public agencies, non-profit organizations concerned with building and fire safety, and building owners and managers develop and carry out public education and training campaigns, jointly and on a nationwide scale, to improve building occupants’ preparedness for evacuation in case of building emergencies.

Affected Standard: ICC/ANSI A117-1. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. Affected Organizations: NFPA, NIBS, NCSBCS, BOMA, and CTBUH.

NIBS:  A NIBS/MMC committee expert has prepared a white paper for the committee on a state-of-the-art summary of research knowledge regarding public information campaigns for large general populations. This paper also identifies three other areas in need of similar exploration to provide the basis for a concerted effort. (see paper)

NFPA:  At present, NFPA Public Education materials do address building evacuation issues.  However, efforts are underway to establish an occupant response protocol that works to address other than ‘traditional’ building emergencies.  The NFPA Disability Access Review and Advisory Committee (DARAC) recommended that a guidance document for persons with disabilities be developed to address emergency procedures for persons with disabilities.  The guide is available on the NFPA website  The guide provides a list of systems, resources and options for employers and occupants to assist those with disabilities. 

ICC:  The ICC received one proposal (E3-07/08 ) that addresses fire safety and evacuation plans for consideration at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  This proposal would require fire safety and evacuation plans for all occupancies and buildings where required by the International Fire Code.  This proposal was not accepted at the Final Action Hearing.

Practice Outcome:  (NFPA):  Guidance document to address emergency procedures for persons with disabilities.  

Recommendation 17. NIST recommends that tall buildings be designed to accommodate timely full building evacuation of occupants when required in building-specific or large-scale emergencies such as widespread power outages, major earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes without sufficient advanced warning, fires, explosions, and terrorist attack. Building size, population, function, and iconic status should be taken into account in designing the egress system. Stairwell capacity and stair discharge door width should be adequate to accommodate counterflow due to emergency access by responders.

Affected Standards: NFPA 101, ASME A 17. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

The ICC received a proposal (E14-07/08) addressing the use of elevators as a means of egress during fires and other emergencies.  This proposal was accepted as modified at the Final Action Hearing in September 2008.

The ICC received a proposal, E19-07/08 requiring an increase of 50 percent in the width of exit stairways in new sprinklered buildings with floor areas exceeding 15,000 sq. ft.   Parts 1 and 2 were accepted as modified at the Final Action Hearing in September 2008.

NFPA:  NFPA is considering a proposal on occupant evacuation elevators (101-ROC-400a, 5000-ROC-306a).  The proposal would permit elevators to remain in service (prior to Phase 1 emergency recall) and to function as another system to assist with building evacuations or occupant relocation.  The proposal requires a package of various protection measures that are largely derived from the ASME A17 Task Group on the use of elevators for occupant egress.  The provision has been provided as a total package in new Annex Section E that is available for adoption by a government jurisdiction.  The requirement governs occupant information features; detection; alarm and communication; sprinklers; elevator installation; elevator machine room; power and control wiring; and the occupant evacuation shaft system. 

Another proposal being considered by NFPA addresses elevator lobby access door locking (101-ROP-85a, 5000-ROP-102g).  This proposal would establish criteria for the release of electronically locked elevator lobby exit access doors to prevent occupants from being stranded in an elevator lobby after elevators have been recalled.

A proposal on elevator inspection frequencies (101-ROP-193) is also being considered.  This proposal would require elevator inspection frequencies per ASTM A17.1.

NFPA is also considering a proposal on minimum width of exit passageways serving for horizontal transfers within an exit stair system (101-ROP-123, 5000-ROP-114.  This proposal would establish minimum width for exit passageways serving for horizontal transfer with an exit stair as two-thirds the width of the exit stair.

These proposals will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008.

NIST:  Multi-year NIST project to produce new data, on occupant evacuation in stairwells, including the counterflow of emergency responders, as input to evacuation prediction models and code provisions.  NIST has conducted evacuation modeling to support AHC-TRB's re-submittal of code change proposal. 

Code Outcomes:  (IBC) An additional exit stairway for buildings more than 420 feet in height.  The total width of any combination of remaining stairways with one stairway removed cannot be less than the total width previously required.  Scissor stairs are not considered to satisfy the additional stairway requirement.  A horizontal exit is not an acceptable alternative to an additional exit stairway.

Requires that the width of exit stairs in all (new) buildings be calculated on the basis that has traditionally been applied to unsprinklered buildings, which is 50 percent greater than what was permitted for sprinklered buildings.  This will result in wider exit stairs where the occupant load exceeds the minimum capacity provided by two 1100 mm (44 in) stairs.  For an office building, wider stairs will be required on floors with a gross area exceeding about 15,000 sq ft per stair (30,000 sq ft with the minimum of two 1100 mm stairs).

Permits use of elevators for occupant evacuation in fires and other emergencies for all buildings over 420 ft. in height.  All passenger elevators for general public use and other elevators used for self-evacuation must meet additional requirements to be used as occupant evacuation elevators, including requirements for electric power, protection of wiring and cables, automatic sprinkler system, water protection, emergency voice/alarm communication system, elevator lobbies, emergency signage, two-way communication system, design and installation and elevator system monitoring.

(NFPA)  The 2006 editions of NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 include requirements for 56 inch wide (minimum) stairs when an aggregate of 2000 occupants are expected to use a stair.

Recommendation 18. NIST recommends that egress systems be designed: (1) to maximize remoteness of egress components (i.e., stairs, elevators, exits) without negatively impacting the average travel distance; (2) to maintain their functional integrity and survivability under foreseeable building-specific or large-scale emergencies; and (3) with consistent layouts, standard signage, and guidance so that systems become intuitive and obvious to building occupants during evacuations.

Affected Standard: NFPA 101. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

The ICC AHC-TRB submitted proposal G61-07/08 to address remoteness of exit stair enclosures.  This proposal was approved as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

ICC:  The ICC received one proposal addressing the impact resistance of fire-resistance rated wall assemblies (G65-07/08).  The ICC has also received proposal E135-07/08 addressing the use of horizontal transfer corridors between vertical exit enclosures.  G65-07/08 was accepted as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.  E135-07/08 was not approved.

The ICC  received four proposals (F211-07/08, E147-07/08, E148-07/08, and E149-07/08) addressing exit path markings.  These proposals were accepted as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

The ICC AHC-TRB has submitted a proposal (E135-07/08) to reduce occupant confusion created by the use of horizontal transfer corridors between vertical exit enclosures.  This proposal was not approved at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  The NFPA is considering a proposal on exit stair path marking (101-ROC-84).  This proposal establishes a menu of provisions that can be mandated by the occupancy chapters to standardize on the installation of marking stripes for exit stair treads, landings, and handrails; perimeter demarcation; marking of obstacles, door frames, and door hardware; and placement of emergency exit symbols at exit doors. 

NFPA is also considering a proposal for pictograms in accordance with NFPA 170 (101-ROP-160, 5000-ROP-132c).  This proposal would permit the use of pictograms in accordance with NFPA 170 in lieu of exit signs where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.  

A proposal to prohibit remoteness measurement along corridor for high-rise buildings is also being considered (101-ROP-143a, 5000-ROP-128).  This proposal would prohibit determining exit remoteness in high-buildings by measuring along 1-hour rated corridors.  Instead, distance must be measured in a straight line between exits.

NFPA is also considering a proposal on remoteness applied to exit discharge (101-ROP-141a, 5000-ROP-126a).  This proposal would require that remoteness criteria be applied to exit discharges, and not only to exit accesses and exits.

NFPA is also considering a proposal for directional exit signs in horizontal components of exits (101-ROP-155, 5000-ROP-132).  The proposal would require directional exit signage within horizontal components of exit enclosures (such as “transfer corridors”) where continuation of egress path is not obvious.

These proposals will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008.

NIST:  Provided ACH-TRB with pressure-impulse data representative of a gas explosion to support resubmittal of the Structural Integrity Criteria for Stair Enclosures proposal. 

Code Outcomes:  (IBC) Luminous markings delineating the exit path (including vertical exit enclosures and passageways) in buildings over 75 feet in height to facilitate rapid egress and full building evacuation.

Requires the addition of luminescent markings for obstacles, exit doors, exit signs, and floor numbers in the exit path for buildings over 75 ft. in height.

Requires luminescent exit path markings in existing buildings greater than 75 ft. in height, with the exception of open, unenclosed stairs in historic buildings.

Requires exit stairway enclosures to be separated by a distance not less than 30 ft. or not less than on-fourth of the maximum building diagonal, whichever is less.  The distance shall be measured in a straight line (not along the walking path) between the nearest portions of the stairway enclosure.

Requires hardening of exit stairway and passageway enclosures and elevators shaft enclosures in buildings.  This requirement applies to all buildings over 420 ft. in height.  It also applies to buildings between 75 ft. and 420 ft. in height that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure (e.g., buildings with occupant loads exceeding 5,000 and essential facilities, such as hospitals.)  The hardening requirement is based on ASTM Standard 61629/C1629M-06 for gypsum and fiber-reinforced cement wall enclosures.  Concrete and masonry enclosures are deemed to satisfy this requirement.

(NFPA) The 2007 edition of NFPA 72 includes provisions to recognize exit marking audible notification appliances. 

Recommendation 19. NIST recommends that building owners, managers, and emergency responders develop a joint plan and take steps to ensure that accurate emergency information is communicated in a timely manner to enhance the situational awareness of building occupants and emergency responders affected by an event. This should be accomplished through better coordination of information among different emergency responder groups, efficient sharing of that information among building occupants and emergency responders, more robust design of emergency public address systems, improved emergency responder communication systems, and use of the Emergency Broadcast System (now known as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) and Community Emergency Alert Networks.

Affected Standard: NFPA 101 and/or a new standard. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard to the extent it is within the scope of building and fire codes. 

NIBS:  One of the NIBS/MMC building code experts has prepared a white paper for the committee on a state-of-the-art summary of research knowledge regarding public information campaigns for large general populations. This paper also identifies three other areas in need of similar exploration to provide the basis for a concerted effort.  (see paper)

NFPA:  NFPA is considering a proposal on situation awareness (101-ROC-22, 5000-ROC-66).  This proposal would add a provision that establishes situation awareness as a fundamental requirement.  It introduces the terminology to codify and correlate situation awareness as a concept that encompasses elements like fire alarm systems, communication systems, signs, and responses and information dissemination by trained staff.

NFPA is also considering a proposal on evacuation diagrams (101-ROP-164).  This proposal would establish a menu of provisions that can be mandated by the occupancy chapters to require evacuation diagrams that reflect the actual floor arrangement and exit location.  Another proposal addresses evacuation strategy (101-ROP-448a, 101-ROC-390).  This proposal would provide detailed advisory text on occupant evacuation strategies, extent of evacuation (none, partial, total) and extent of management with descriptions of managed and unmanaged sequences. 

These proposals will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008.

Code Outcome:  (NFPA) The 2007 edition of NFPA 72 recognizes exit marking audible notification appliances.  In addition, the new version recognizes criteria for mass notification systems that will formalize notification criteria for large building, campus and even urban areas.  

Recommendation 20. NIST recommends that the full range of current and next generation evacuation technologies should be evaluated for future use, including protected/hardened elevators, exterior escape devices, and stairwell descent devices, which may allow all occupants an equal opportunity for evacuation and facilitate emergency response access.

Affected Standards: NFPA 101, ASME A 17, ASTM E 06, ANSI A117.1. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NFPA:  NFPA is considering a proposal for supplemental evacuation equipment (101-ROC-401b, 5000-ROC-308b).  This proposal establishes a series of performance requirements to recognize (but does not mandate, nor give credit for) the use of certain devices that can be used as a last resort escape device.  These include controlled descent devices and platform rescue systems.  The provision has been provided as a total package in new Annex Section F that is available for adoption by a government jurisdiction.  Many of the regulations added to address this type of equipment relate to specific approval by the authority having jurisdiction and dictate extensive use of occupant instruction and direction cues.  Mechanical and installation specific details refer to ASTM E2513 and ASTM E2484.  This proposal will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. 

ASTM:  International Committee E06 on Building Performance has recently approved two standards on High-Rise Building External Evacuation Devices:
E-2484-06 Standard Specification for High-Rise External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices; and E-2513-07 Standard Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Platform Rescue Systems. 

Standards Outcomes:  (ASTM) ASTM E-2484-06 Standard Specification for High-Rise External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices.

ASTM E-2513-07 Standard Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Platform Rescue Systems.

Code Outcome:  (NFPA) The 2006 editions of NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 include requirements for the installation of stair descent devices for use by mobility impaired occupants in certain circumstances.

Recommendation 21. NIST recommends the installation of fire-protected and structurally hardened elevators to improve emergency response activities in tall buildings by providing timely emergency access to responders and allowing evacuation of mobility-impaired building occupants.

Affected Standards: ASME A 17, ANSI 117.1, NFPA 70, NFPA 101, NFPA 1221, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1561, NFPA 1620, and NFPA 1710. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

ASME:  A 17.1 task group, in partnership with the U.S. elevator industry and NIST, are working to develop specifications and operational protocols for protected elevators for fire service access and occupant egress.  This work is being widely followed adoption in model building codes. 

GSA:  Has agreed to install a prototype system in a federal building as a demonstration project.

NFPA: NFPA is considering a proposal on first responder use of elevators (5000-ROC-246).  This proposal provides criteria for first responder elevators in buildings greater than 120 feet in height.  Requires a package of various protection measures that are largely derived from the ASME A17 Task Group on Fire Fighter Use Elevators.  The provision has been provided as a total package in Chapter 54.  The requirements govern design of the special first responder use elevator lobby; requires standpipe hose connection; two-way communication system; system to monitor the elevator status; requires standby power; and mandates protection for the control and power wiring that serve the elevator.  The proposal will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008.   

Recommendation 22. NIST recommends the installation, inspection, and testing of emergency communications systems, radio communications, and associated operating protocols to ensure that the systems and protocols: (1) are effective for large-scale emergencies in buildings with challenging radio frequency propagation environments; and (2) can be used to identify, locate, and track emergency responders within indoor building environments and in the field.

Affected Standards: FCC, SAFECOM, NFPA Standards on Electronic Safety Equipment, NFPA 70, NFPA 297, and NFPA 1221. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The ICC Code Technology Committee submitted a proposal concerning fire department communications systems (F171-07/08).

ICC:  The ICC received two proposals for change concerning emergency communications:  Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (F87-07/08)and Emergency Responder Radio (G53-07/08).  These proposals were approved as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering that broader use of supplemental antennas and/or repeaters for tall building environments to improve the communication ability of the radio equipment be integrated into building design.  Such supplemental equipment may become a mandate via NFPA 72, NFPA 101, NFPA 5000 or some combination there-of.  In addition, NFPA would recommend that NIST joint project with IEEE be explored to embark on a research program to look into more robust emergency responder communication hardware and relevant software.   

Code Outcomes:  (IBC) Requires approved radio coverage in all buildings for emergency responders within the building based upon the exiting coverage level of public safety communication systems at the exterior of the building.  Existing buildings that do not have approved radio coverage within the building shall be equipped with such coverage within a time frame established by the adopting authority.  The code change specifies requirements for signal strength, system design (including signal booster requirements), installation requirements (including acceptance test procedure), and maintenance (including field testing and compliance.)

Requires an emergency responder radio communications system to be installed in buildings, replacing the typical hardwired communication system, to provide the required level of radio coverage throughout a building.  Amplifiers are required to handle the frequencies in operation by the local emergency responder agencies.

Recommendation 23. NIST recommends the establishment and implementation of detailed procedures and methods for gathering, processing, and delivering critical information through integration of relevant voice, video, graphical, and written data to enhance the situational awareness of all emergency responders. An information intelligence sector should be established to coordinate the effort for each incident.

Affected Standards: National Incident Management System (NIMS), NRP, SAFECOM, FCC, NFPA Standards on Electronic Safety Equipment, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1561, NFPA 1620, NFPA 1710, and NFPA 1221. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers.

The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.

ICC:   The ICC has received three proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08, F85-07/08, and F86-07/08) for consideration in the 2007/2008 code cycle.  The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.

NFPA:  The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate appropriate technologies when they are further developed. 

Recommendation 24. NIST recommends the establishment and implementation of codes and protocols for ensuring effective and uninterrupted operation of the command and control system for large-scale building emergencies.

Affected Standards: NIMS, NRP, SAFECOM, FCC, NFPA Standards on Electronic Safety Equipment, NFPA 1221, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1561, NFPA 1620, and NFPA 1710. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard.

NIBS:  The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers.

The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.

ICC:   The ICC has received three proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08, F85-07/08, and F86-07/08) for consideration in the 2007/2008 code cycle.  The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces.

NFPA:  The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering recommending expansion of the available frequencies that could be used by emergency responders be explored to reduce over use of limited spectrum by emergency responders.  In addition, exploratory research with related groups like IEEE should be undertaken by NIST to address this subject.   

Code Outcome:  Requires an increase in the area of the Fire Command Center from 96 sq. ft. to 200 sq. ft. in buildings over 75 ft. in height.  The minimum dimension of the Fire Command Center is increased from 8 ft. to 10 ft.

NIBS:  Jurisdictional standards of practice issue.  The potential for writing to the relevant groups developing model legislation for special authorities will be explored.

NIST:  Has shared with the NIBS Building Code Experts the statute (U.S. Code Title 40, Section 3312) containing the policy of the federal government with regard to code compliance.

Recommendation 26. NIST recommends that state and local jurisdictions adopt and aggressively enforce available provisions in building codes to ensure that egress and sprinkler requirements are met by existing buildings. Further, occupancy requirements should be modified where needed (such as when there are assembly use spaces within an office building) to meet the requirements in model building codes.

Codes: Provisions related to egress and sprinkler requirements in existing buildings are available in such codes as the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Fire Code, NFPA 1, NFPA 101, and ASME A 17.3. 

ICC:  The ICC  received four proposals (F211-07/08, E147-07/08, E148-07/08, and E149-07/08) addressing exit path markings.  These proposals were accepted as modified at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  NFPA 101 has always contained building safety requirements that are retroactive for myriad existing building types.  It requires improvements to the level of safety provided to the occupants by ignoring grandfathering concepts that are the hallmarks of other model codes.  An expansion of the NFPA 101 scope to cover other than fire type hazards or development of a separate document will be considered by NFPA. 

Code Outcomes:  (IBC) Luminous markings delineating the exit path (including vertical exit enclosures and passageways) in buildings over 75 feet in height to facilitate rapid egress and full building evacuation.

Requires the addition of luminescent markings for obstacles, exit doors, exit signs, and floor numbers in the exit path for buildings over 75 ft. in height.

Requires luminescent exit path markings in existing buildings greater than 75 ft. in height, with the exception of open, unenclosed stairs in historic buildings.

Recommendation 27. NIST recommends that building codes incorporate a provision that requires building owners to retain documents, including supporting calculations and test data, related to building design, construction, maintenance and modifications over the entire life of the building.  Means should be developed for offsite storage and maintenance of the documents. In addition, NIST recommends that relevant building information be made available in suitably designed hard copy or electronic format for use by emergency responders. Such information should be easily accessible by responders during emergencies.

Model Building Codes: Model building codes should incorporate this recommendation. State and local jurisdictions should adopt and enforce these requirements.

NIBS:  The NIBS/MMC committee concluded that problems exist because of ownership changes, the proprietary nature of some documents, determining what medium to use to save documentation, unreimbursable expense of maintaining information. It also was noted that only threat assessment documents need to be out of the public domain. The AHC-TRB submitted a code change proposal (F86-07/08) that includes provisions for giving responders needed information by requiring that it be available in the command centers.  This proposal was not approved at the September 2008 Final Action Hearing.

NFPA:  The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a recommendation that building inventory plans be provided to or readily available to the first responders. 

Recommendation 28. NIST recommends that the role of the “Design Professional in Responsible Charge” be clarified to ensure that: (1) all appropriate design professionals (including, e.g., the fire protection engineer) are part of the design team providing the standard of care when designing buildings employing innovative or unusual fire safety systems, and (2) all appropriate design professionals (including, e.g., the structural engineer and the fire protection engineer) are part of the design team providing the standard of care when designing the structure to resist fires, in buildings that employ innovative or unusual structural and fire safety systems.

Affected Standards: AIA Practice Guidelines. Model Building Codes: The IBC, which already defines the “Design Professional in Responsible Charge,” be clarified to address this recommendation. The NFPA 5000 should incorporate the “Design Professional in Responsible Charge” concept and address this recommendation.

NIBS:  Selected NIBS Building Code Experts have been assigned to review the issue with AIA and NIST.  The committee plans to examine whether working with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying would be helpful in implementing this recommendation.

NFPA:  NFPA 5000 utilizes the term Registered Design Professional -RDP.  Pending any clarifications that come out of the AIA-NIST effort, NFPA committees would be amenable to revisiting the use and description of this entity. 

Recommendation 29. NIST recommends that continuing education curricula be developed and programs be implemented for (1) training fire protection engineers and architects in structural engineering principles and design, and (2) training structural engineers, architects, fire protection engineers, and code enforcement officials in modern fire protection principles and technologies, including fire-resistance design of structures, and (3) training building regulatory and fire service personnel to upgrade their understanding and skills to conduct the review, inspection, and approval tasks for which they are responsible.

Affected Organizations: AIA, SFPE, ASCE, ASME, AISC, ACI, and state licensing boards. Model Building Codes: Detailed criteria and requirements should be incorporated into the model building codes under the topic “Design Professional in Responsible Charge.”

NIST:  NIST has worked with the National Fire Academy to develop training courses on "Introduction to Fire Dynamics and Fire Modeling" and "Performance Based Design".    Both these courses have been presented

to classes, including fire service officers, building inspectors, fire marshals, and fire inspectors.    BFRL staff have also made 8 hour presentations on "Fire Modeling for Fire Investigators" an Fire Modeling Tools for Engineers" for SFPE, Florida Fire Marshals, Texas Fire Marshals, NY Fire Marshals, and West Texas Fire Marshals.

In addition, NIST is working with the National Fire Academy to update a training module for Fire Prevention and a second training module for Fire Marshals.

Recommendation 30. NIST recommends that academic, professional short-course, and web-based training materials in the use of computational fire dynamics and thermostructural analysis tools be developed and delivered to strengthen the base of available technical capabilities and human resources.

Affected Organizations: AIA, SFPE, ASCE, ASME, AISC, and ACI, ICC, NFPA. 

NIST:  NIST initiated a Fire Dynamics and Fire Modeling Course for the New York City Fire Department which is taught at the FDNY Fire Training Academy and does include utilize WTC model outputs.   This was so

successful the first year, that it has been expanded to being offered to each new incoming training class for all NYC fire marshal trainees.