Florida Building Commission

Building (Fire) Technical Advisory Committee

with

Fire Code Advisory Council (FCAC)

Meeting Minutes

May 29, 2012

                  

Meeting Location:  Via Teleconference and Webinar

Codes and Standards Office

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

 

TAC/FCAC Members and Objectives

TAC Members Present: Jonathon D. Hamrick

TAC Members Via Teleconference: Peter Schwab,  Joe Belcher, Jeffery Gross, Hamid Bahadori, Brad Schiffer, Kevin Carrier (for Tony Apfelbeck), James Schock

TAC Members not Present: Joe Holland, Dale Greiner

 

FCAC Members Present: John Walker, Claudio Grande, Larry Schneider, Steve Bassett, Charles Raiken, Jack Glenn, Travis Oaks, Edward Riley, Jack Villagomez, Tom Deckert,

FCAC Members Via Teleconference: Jack Glenn, Jack Villagomez, Tom Deckert

FCAC Members not Present: John Walker, Claudio Grande, Larry Schneider, Travis Oaks, James Urso

 

Staff Present: Mo Madani, Jim Richmond, Ken Cureton, Leslie Anderson-Adams, Jim Hammers

Facilitator: Jeff Blair

Ø Objective 1: Review and approve the May 29, 2012 Building (Fire) TAC Meeting Agenda

Ø Objective 2: Review and make recommendations to the Commission regarding potential conflicts between the proposed 2013 Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code and to consider other business for the Commission. 

 

Meeting Minutes

Objective

Discussion of objectives included the following: 

1)

 

2:00 P.M. Welcome and Opening, Roll Call.  A quorum was present.

Jeff Blair, facilitator, provided a brief overview of teleconferencing etiquette to alleviate some of the phone issues experienced in the past.

Motion and second to approve May 29, 2012 Building (Fire) TAC Meeting Agenda; unanimous approval vote.

2)

Review and make recommendations to the Commission regarding potential conflicts between the proposed 2013 Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

Staff Overview

Mo Madani briefed the Committee members on the scope of the BCIC L.L.C. work product, which was a correlation study review to provide a comprehensives comparison of the changes to the 2012 NFPA 101 and 2012 IBC for the purpose of determining potential conflicts and necessary changes to both the proposed 2013 Florida Fire Prevention Code and 2013 Florida Building Code. Mr. Madani stated that an issue that is pertinent to this study is a clear definition of the term “conflict” as it applies to the Code. It was previously established by the Joint TAC that for the purpose of the study, that a conflict was defined as “a construction specification such as a dimension in one code that would prevent compliance with another code”.

 

Code Comparison Summary Presentation

Medard Kopczynski with BCIC L.L.C. conducted a brief PowerPoint presentation on the Code Comparison Changes 2012 IBC to 2012 NFPA 101, a copy of which is included in the Meeting Agenda. The presentation summarized the BCIC L.L.C. Code Comparison Study work product, which addressed F.S. 553.72 and 553.73 content as related to conflicts with adopted codes, proposed code amendment issues, and “Glitch Code” criteria.

Mr. Kopczynski also presented information on the definition of “conflict” as related to the Code Comparison Study, the purpose of the Study and scope of the Study project. The results of final Study Reports were formatted in five (5) matrices, covering:

-          The changes to the 2012 IBC compared to the 2012 NFPA 101

-          The changes to the 2012 NFPA 101 compared to the 2012 IBC

-          Life Safety Modifications of the FBC-Building compared to the changes to the 2012 IBC compared to the 2012 NFPA 101

-          Life Safety Modifications of the FBC-Mechanical and Existing Building compared to the changes to the 2012 IBC compared to the 2012 NFPA 101, and

-          Referenced Standards in the 2012 NFPA 101 compared to the 2012 FBC

copies of which are included in the Meeting Agenda

The conclusion of the Study determined that there no conflicts with the 2012 IBC and 2012 NFPA 101, but there are differences in the codes that emanate from the different cultures that produce the codes and how they are to be used. The current Florida Life Safety Code Modifications were made to change the codes to coordinate them, but these modifications do not meet the present definition of a conflict and as such should be eliminated.

 

TAC / FCAC Discussion

-          James Schock questioned whether or not conflicts such as dimensional changes indicated within the code was carried forward, and if so, how would they be addressed. Mr. Kopczynski indicated that if they did, they did not constitute a “conflict” by definition, and the more stringent requirement should prevail.

-          Brad Schiffer asked if there are plans to change the code to resolve any differences. Mr. Madani indicated that only issues meeting the definition of “conflicts” will be addressed, but in differences that are an exception to the conflict definition, the more stringent requirement should prevail. He also indicated that any correlation will need to be made by the code change process.

-          Brad Schiffer asked what happens if one code specifically addresses an issue and another code does not. Mr. Madani indicated that either a code amendment must be proposed, or a clarification must be obtained from the authority having jurisdection.

-          Jack Glenn asked whether or not the proposed code amendments that were previously submitted will be addressed. Mr. Madani indicated that all previous amendment proposals will be expired.

-          James Schock suggested that a clear definition of what constitutes a “Conflict” be added to the Code.

-          Joe Belcher asked what Code requirements are applicable to occupancies such as Assembly when different codes indicated different requirements.  Mr. Kopczynski indicated that the more stringent requirements should be assumed.

-          Jack Glenn asked if Group “D” occupancy is being removed from the FBC. Mr. Madani indicated that Group “D” occupancy is covered under “Daycare” in the IBC base code.

-          Jack Glenn asked if there was any intention on producing a document between the 2010 and 2013 Florida Specific amendments. Mr. Madani indicated that a supplement to the 2013 code will be produced.

-          Mo Madani asked how the Referenced Standards will be addressed between the Code versions. Jack Glenn suggested that a comparison and update study be performed.

-          Mo Madani posed the question to the TAC and FCAC whether or not we need to continue this effort of comparison in each code cycle until there is a demonstrated need or conflict.

 

TAC / FCAC Action:

As a recommendation to the FBC, the TAC provides for the following findings:

 

(1)   Based on BCIC L.L.C comparison study, the TAC finds that there is no conflicts currently exist within the codes that meet the established definition of “conflict.”

(2)   Correlation of referenced standards is not necessary. 

(3)    No need to perform similar study for future code update.

 

The motion was carried unanimously by both the TAC and FCAC.

3)

Actions Needed by the Commission:

Affirm TAC/FCAC’s Action:

(a)  Based on BCIC L.L.C comparison study, the TAC finds that there is no conflicts currently exist within the codes that meet the established definition of “conflict.”

(b)  Correlation of referenced standards is not necessary. 

(c)  There is no need to perform similar study for future code update.

 

4)

Adjourn:  3:00 P.M.

 

Staff Contacts: Kenneth H. Cureton, Planning Analyst ken.cureton@dbpr.state.fl.us (850) 921-2282 or Mo Madani, Manager mo.madani@dbpr.state.fl.us

 

Teleconference Process and Etiquette URL: (attached)

 

Note: This document is available to any person requiring materials in alternate format upon request.  Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 or call 850-487-1824.