Significant changes to the 2018 I-Codes

The 2018 Significant Changes guides are available for the International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. This valuable series can help any code user save time by zeroing in on the most critical changes in the 2018 International Codes (I-Codes). The Code Council’s technical experts provide summaries, analysis and graphics for these changes making them clear and easy to understand.

2018 International Building Code

A modification to Section 407.5.4 (required egress from Smoke Compartments) states that in Group I-2 occupancies, any smoke compartment that does not have an exit from the compartment must now provide direct access to a minimum of two adjacent smoke compartments.

In protect-in-place uses, such as hospitals and nursing homes, it is necessary to provide multiple smoke compartments to allow for movement of patients during fires and other emergency events. Previously, the only limiting requirement for a means of egress system from a smoke compartment was that the egress path could not return through the compartment of origin. An additional condition now indicates that any smoke compartment not having an exit must provide direct access to a minimum of two adjacent compartments.

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2018 International Fire Code

A modification to Section 903.3.3 (Sprinkler Obstructions) now directs the user to the sprinkler design standard to address sprinkler obstructions. The change provides guidance to refer to the applicable sprinkler standard when dealing with obstructions to sprinkler water discharge. The previous language “installed with due regard to obstructions” was vague and provided no guidance.

This revision sends the code user to the specific design standard regarding sprinkler obstructions. The intent of Section 903.3.3 has not changed. It is to have the sprinklers installed so that obstructions are minimized and the water spray can adequately protect the hazard.

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2018 International Residential Code

A modification to Section R308.4.4 (Glazing in Guards and Railings) states that unless laminated glass is used, structural glass baluster panels in guards now require an attached top rail or handrail. Because of the increased probability of impact, glazing used in guards always requires safety glazing. In addition, a safety factor of 4 applies to glazing used in handrail assemblies and guards in accordance with Table R301.5.

With this change, structural glass baluster panels require an attached top rail or handrail as an additional safety feature in case the glass should fail. The intent is that the top rail would remain in place to prevent a fall should the glass give way. To ensure that the rail remains in place, the code requires it to be supported by at least three structural baluster panels or otherwise held in place to resist the prescribed loads in case of failure of the glazing.

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2018 International Mechanical Code

An addition to Section 602.2.1.8 (Pipe and Duct Insulation within Plenums) states that a new section specifically addresses duct and pipe insulation in plenums.

Although materials were covered in general in Section 602.2.1, there was no subsection to specifically address duct and pipe insulation installed on the exterior of ducts and pipes located within plenums. It must be verified with the manufacturer of the insulation product whether the insulation complies with the flame spread and smoke development limits of the code.

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