ICC, IAPMO discuss combining plumbing, mechanical codes

Frank Hodge, President of the International Code Council (ICC) announced today that formal discussions with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) have begun to explore the joint development of new plumbing and mechanical codes for the nation.

"This is an opportunity for two of the preeminent public health and safety organizations to examine how we can best serve the public," said Hodge. "The technical expertise of our respective members, working together, will benefit every sector of our society."

"Although we still have a way to go, I believe our meeting has resulted in a much greater understanding of each other than we have ever had in the past," said Chris Salazar, President and CEO of IAPMO. "I am looking forward to future meetings to try and create a fusion of the plumbing and mechanical codes between the two organizations."

ICC and IAPMO representatives agree the talks between the two code development organizations have been very positive and hope to reach an agreement soon. Both organizations have expressed their commitment to pursue a single set of plumbing and mechanical codes and will reach out to affected stakeholders as the dialog moves forward.

"We have had several discussions via phone and in person working toward the development of one plumbing and one mechanical code for use throughout the United States," said Hodge. "There are a lot of details left to work out and each organization needs to be responsive to the needs of its members while exploring avenues to make this happen and ensure that the public's health and safety is first and foremost."

ICC is a membership association dedicated to helping people build a safer world by providing the highest quality codes, standards, products and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment. The ICC is the developer of the International Family of Codes, including the International Mechanical Code and International Plumbing Code. For more information, visit www.iccsafe.org.

IAPMO is an organization dedicated to the protection of the public's health and safety through the development and maintenance of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the Uniform Mechanical Code. IAPMO is a membership association serving industry, government, consumers and other parties within and outside the USA. Along with promulgating industrial education seminars and certification programs, IAPMO is a leading developer of standards, codes, product testing and certification with the goal of enhancing public safety and health. IAPMO is an ANAB accredited agency for ISO management systems registration. For more information, visit www.iapmo.org.