Bleacher standard offers added measure of safety during spectator events

Everyone has sat in bleachers or grandstands during a sporting event, parade or other activity. An updated standard for the design, construction, installation and inspection of free-standing seating is now available. The 2007 edition of the International Code Council Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands, approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an American National Standard, includes comprehensive provisions for builders, architects, building officials and inspectors. It facilitates the design, construction and installation of safe and reliable seating. The International Code Council Consensus Committee on Bleacher Safety developed the standard.

"ICC initiated the development of this standard to address bleacher safety after the issue was highlighted when two U.S. congressmen petitioned the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop such regulations," said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. "Spectators will be safer as bleachers are built to this standard."

Approved for reference in the 2007 Supplement to the International Codes, the Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands is available for purchase on-line.

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.