I-Code Adoptions Soar in January
Thirty jurisdictions in 15 states adopted the International Codes (I-Codes) for the month of January alone, compared to the 40 jurisdictions that began using the I-Codes from May through early September of 2005. Implementation of the IBC began in 23 jurisdictions, 22 jurisdictions began enforcing the IRC, 19 jurisdictions began using the IMC and 15 implemented the IFC.
For more on the new code adoptions, click here. Has your jurisdiction adopted one or more of the I-Codes? Let ICC know by clicking here.

New 2006 I-Codes Arrive
Last week, a flood of new 2006 I-Codes arrived at the ICC Distribution Center in Lenexa, Kansas. Click here to order. New titles will continue to arrive through March.

Register for the 2006 Codes Forum
Learn about the changes in the 2006 I-Codes, prepare for the transition from the Uniform Codes to the I-Codes and understand accessibility requirements by attending the 2006 ICC Codes Forum, March 20-22, in Sacramento, California. Due to the 18-month code cycle, this year's Codes Forum is an all-education event and will not offer code hearings. Click here to attend.

ICC Opens Louisiana Field Office
Instrumental in drafting and passing legislation to adopt the I-Codes in Louisiana, Mark Roberts started Feb. 1 as ICC Regional Manager of State Government Relations for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. A former building official for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Roberts is an ICC Certified Building Official and Master Code Professional and holds several other professional certifications. He has played a major role in building successful coalitions between state and local governments and the construction industry.
To read more about ICC’s commitment to serving the Gulf States in the aftermath of the devastating hurricane season, click here.

New Committee Examines ICC Governance

	Wally Bailey

A broad-based committee to review ICC's form of governance has been approved by the Board of Directors. The Governance Review Ad Hoc Committee will examine the various approaches to governance for ICC and will submit both an interim report to membership at the Codes Forum in March, and a final report to the Board and the membership. An online forum will be available for members to participate and comment on the committee's report.
Questions or comments should be directed to ICC Vice President Wally Bailey who is chairing the committee and will be providing periodic reports to the Board. For more information, click here.

ICCF Offers Scholarships for Children
To support building and fire safety, raise public awareness and honor those essential to the formation of the ICC, its legacy organizations or chapters, the ICC Foundation (ICCF) Scholarship Program offers both sponsored and managed scholarships. Sponsored Scholarships for the children of ICC Governmental Members include the ICCF General Scholarship Fund, as well as the William J. Tangye, J.W. "Bill" Neese, C.D. Howard and Charlie O'Meilia Scholarships. Managed Scholarships include the Building Officials Association of South Carolina Scholarship and the Richard "Dick" Gecoma Scholarship.
Application forms will be available online. For details, click here.

New Resources Help Promote BSW
Two great new tools to help educate communities during Building Safety Week (BSW), May 7-13, are being included in this years' BSW Campaign Kit. A new Public Service Announcement (PSA) CD includes two broadcast-quality (AVI) format PSAs about building safety to give to local television or cable stations. For children, new rolls of badge-shaped stickers featuring the words “Junior Building Safety Inspector" are easy to pass out at the department counter or carry around to hand out.
Orders for BSW materials must be placed by April 15. To purchase these great resources, click here.

Institutes Improve Skills for Success
Code officials committed to exceptional public service attended the January Code Official Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, which focused on the legal aspects of code administration and improving communication, personnel management and financial management skills.
If you missed the January Institute, plan to attend the April 24-27 Code Official Institute in Portland, Oregon. Residential inspectors should mark their calendars to attend the Residential Inspection Institute March 13-17 in Austin, Texas. Architects, engineers and plan reviewers can come together March 21- 22 at the Design Professional Institute in Sacramento, California.
For more information on upcoming ICC institutes, click here.

GlobalOptions Sets Sights on JLWA

James Lee Witt

James Lee Witt Associates LLC (JLWA), founded by ICC CEO James Lee Witt, is being purchased by GlobalOptions Group, Inc., a domestic and international risk-management services company.
"Eventually, I will be required to devote 100 percent of my time to the new endeavor,” said Witt. “In the meantime, I will continue to serve as the CEO of ICC and will work with you, our members and stakeholders, over the coming months on a transition that takes into consideration your priorities and the well-being of ICC."
For more on the acquisition of JLWA, click here.

CSB Video Warns of Flammable Gas Dangers
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has released a Video Safety Bulletin: Explosion at ASCO - Dangers of Flammable Gas Accumulation, which warns acetylene gas producers to take special precautions in handling this potentially dangerous product. The video follows a year-long investigation into Acetylene Services Company (ASCO) explosion that killed three workers and injured a fourth on Jan. 25, 2005.
To view the video, click here.

Home Depot Gets Silent Defender Nod
The Home Depot will be honored, along with the Inter-American Development Bank and US Congressman Ted Stevens (R-AK) at the Silent Defender Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C., May 11. For more information about attending or being a sponsor at this event, click here.

Coalition Protects against Catastrophe

	James Lee Witt announces the ProtectingCalifornia.org coalition.

A coalition, co-chaired by ICC CEO James Lee Witt, recently announced its California affiliate, which has been organized to support efforts to better prepare and protect Americans for the consequences of a catastrophic earthquake, storm or other event.
ProtectingCalifornia.org will push to establish rebuilding funds to be used in the event of major catastrophes, lobby for better building codes, provide education for homeowners and improve existing plans for dealing with emergencies.

White Mountain Labs Gains Accreditation

IAS President Chuck Ramani discusses ISO 17025 Accreditation.

White Mountain Labs (WML) has received IAS testing laboratory accreditation. The lab performs electrostatic discharge testing using human body modeling, evaluating the survivability of electronic semiconductors and microchips.
“This is a rare opportunity to help benchmark our industry with respect to the ISO 17025 accreditation, enhance our credibility with clients and demonstrate our leadership in the industry,” states White Mountain Labs President Brenda McCaffrey. "This process has really opened doors to new business and significant opportunity for future growth."
For more on the IAS visit, click here.

UST Certification Helps Meet Federal Regulations
States can prepare for new federal requirements for underground storage tanks (UST) with ICC UST certification. The UST Compliance Act of 2005, recently signed by President Bush, requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop guidelines for UST operator training. Once established, state environmental protection departments will have to implement training programs to receive federal funds.
This law will have a significant impact on UST owners and operators. ICC has a National UST System Operator certification program in place that can be used by states implementing new requirements for UST operators. For more information on the program, click here.

NIST Plans WTC Code Proposals
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has hired the National Institute of Building Sciences to turn its World Trade Center (WTC) recommendations into code change proposals for ICC. NIST is urging the building and fire safety communities give "immediate and serious" consideration to implementing the recommendations.

Coastal Construction Flood Plain Inspection Exam
ICC’s new Coastal Construction-Flood Plain Inspector certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge required to perform coastal construction and flood-plain-specific inspections. This two-hour, 60-question exam tests knowledge in general construction provisions, special high-wind and load-path continuity, special flood-hazard areas, detached and attached accessory structures, and governmental regulations. There are seven references for the exam, including the 2003 IBC and IRC.
For more information, call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233) ext. 33806, or download the National Examination Bulletin.

PATH to Innovative Housing Begins in March
Highlighting the need for innovation in America's housing, and its role in promoting that innovation, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) is inviting all interested parties to a Showcase and Reception for March 7. Serving as an educational event for PATH's industrial partners, the reception will include sponsored exhibits by PATH’s Manufacturer Partners, displaying PATH Tech Sets, PATH's Partner Program and PATH's Concept Home Principles. Attendees are encouraged to include names of potential invitees who might benefit from this educational outreach offering. Invite lists with names and full contact information should be submitted by Feb. 3 to Jennifer Rivera at jnrivera@drintl.com.

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