ON THE BURNER

The U.S. has its first comprehensive set of national model construction codes. The 2000 International Building Code issued early in 2000 completed a series of coordinated model construction codes issued by the International Code Council (ICC). The council was established six years ago to create a single, consistent code and is made up of three code organizations from different regions of the U.S.

A spokesperson says that the model building code will make it easier for engineers and other construction professionals to work in different parts of the country. She also says that the International Code series incorporates varied geographical factors like provisions for seismic engineering, wind loads, hurricanes, snow loads, etc. Visit www.icbo.org

In March, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the U.S. announced it would be developing its own National Building Code. The NFPA Standards Council was to initiate a project for finding agreement on the code provisions at its April 2000 meeting.

The NFPA Building Code will be issued in 2002. It will be part of the Consensus Codes set, which includes the National Electrical Code.

Canadian Standards International (CSA) and the International Code Council (ICC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will move them closer to having a coordinated set of model codes and standards. According to a release, the two organizations will “cooperate and mutually support one another’s efforts and provide resources directed at attaining [their] shared goal.”