International Code Council partners with NSF International to demonstrate code compliance

Key plumbing standards are just a click away thanks to a new agreement between the International Code Council and NSF International. The two organizations are providing electronic access to 18 NSF/ANSI standards referenced in the International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Residential Code (IRC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

"The agreement between ICC and NSF underscores our commitment to public health and safety," said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. "This is the beginning of a collaborative effort between both organizations to support the plumbing and HVAC industries."

"ICC members demonstrate their thoroughness and commitment to public health protection during the product approval process by seeking the technical information found in NSF standards," said NSF Vice President of Water Systems Bob Ferguson. "Working together, we will provide inspectors and code officials the accurate information they need to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. We are two organizations with a similar mission—we help the world live safer."

The IPC currently references nine NSF/ANSI drinking water product and food equipment standards. Together, the 2006 IPC, IRC and UPC will be completely served by a total of 18 NSF/ANSI referenced standards. The standards can be purchased individually or as a complete set in PDF format from the International Code Council's electronic code website, eCodes.biz. The complete set is also available as a CD-ROM.

"A safe plumbing or mechanical system requires more than skill," said newly-named International Code Council Executive Director of Plumbing and Mechanical Programs Jay Peters. "Easy access to crucial information is important for those in the industries that manufacture, engineer, install and inspect these critical systems. This type of cooperation with NSF is one step closer to ICC's mission of insuring the public's safety and health."

The 18 NSF/ANSI standards referenced in the IPC, IRC and UPC include standards such as Drinking Water System Components (NSF/ANSI 61), Plastic Piping System Components (NSF/ANSI 14), Commercial Warewashing Equipment (NSF/ANSI 3), Automatic Ice Making Equipment (NSF/ANSI 12), Manual Food and Beverage Dispensing Equipment (NSF/ANSI 18) and Plastic System Components for Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles (NSF/ANSI 24).

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.

NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water, air and consumer goods. Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, Ltd., organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education. For more information, visit www.nsf.org.

EDITORS' NOTE: A photo is available here.