International Code Council, SFPE collaborate on Performance Guide

The International Code Council and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) have developed the Code Official's Guide to Performance-Based Design Review to assist code officials and others who review performance-based fire protection designs. Unlike other guides on performance-based fire protection design, which are written for an engineering audience, this guide is intended for use by people with experience in building and fire codes, but who may not possess a detailed knowledge of fire protection engineering or performance-based design.

The Code Official's Guide to Performance-Based Design Review provides methods to identify design fire scenarios, evaluate the use of engineering models and methods, review design documents, and manage changes to the building design. It will help code officials on those occasions when performance-based design, which is based on outcome rather than prescription, is the best choice - especially when reviewing plans for a cutting edge architectural design, or inspecting a newly constructed building made from technologically advanced materials.

"Performance-based codes promote architectural creativity and the use of new materials," said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer James Lee Witt. "The International Code Council is pleased that its work with SFPE results in a tool that helps code officials and contributes to public safety."

The guide is the work of the SFPE Task Group on Performance-Based Design Review, a 19-member, volunteer committee representing jurisdictions, fire departments, engineers, risk management representatives and International Code Council staff.

"Because design documentation and references can be technologically complex, access to fire protection engineering expertise is helpful to code officials when they review performance-based designs." stated Kathleen Almand, SFPE Executive Director. "This guide provides a valuable tool for code officials to better understand the performance-based fire protection engineering design process."

To purchase a copy of the Code Official's Guide to Performance-Based Design Review, click here or call 1-800-423-6587. Price: $37 (ICC members), $49 (nonmembers). Guides may also be purchased through www.sfpe.org or (301) 718-2910.

Organized in 1950, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers is the professional society for engineers involved in the multifaceted field of fire protection engineering. The purposes of the Society are to advance the science and practice of fire protection engineering, to maintain a high ethical standing among its members, and to foster fire protection engineering education. Its include engineers in private practice, in industry, and in local, regional and national government. Chapters of the Society are located worldwide, including in Canada, France, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the United States. To learn more about SFPE, please visit our website at www.sfpe.org.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.