International Code Council Creates Ad Hoc Committee on Building Safety and Security

The International Code Council Board of Directors has established an ad hoc committee to explore and assess building safety and security. Building safety is an issue of importance to our families and communities as we tackle outdated facilities, fire safety concerns, active shooters and other emergency situations.

The design, layout and building features in new and existing buildings can have an impact on both safety and security. Building safety and security touches a myriad of code regulations as well as considerations which go beyond code compliance. The committee will consist of a broad cross section of experts from the building industry, building owners and facility managers; the education sector and security fields; code officials; engineers; architects; standards developing organizations, such as the National Fire Protection Association; and the federal government. Several organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and UL, have already expressed interest in participating. ICC Board Directors Mike Boso, Kris Bridges and Shirley Ellis will be active committee participants, and Angie Wiese, P.E., CBO, will chair the effort. In addition to studying the issues, the ICC committee will determine best practices and investigate the need for additional guidelines.

“After discussions with our partners and members, we have moved to launch this new initiative,” says ICC Board President Jay Elbettar, P.E., CBO, LEED AP, CASp. “The committee’s goal is to provide tools to guide local and state leaders as they work to keep all building occupants, including children and teachers in schools, safe from intruders and other life-safety hazards.”

“Our members and our stakeholders are searching for solutions to address the growing need for building safety and security,” says ICC Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “This committee was created to enhance activities already ongoing at other standards development organizations in the building industry in order to solve some complicated issues. Together we will continue to improve the construction of safe, sustainable and resilient buildings for our families and communities.”

“Safety and security in buildings is of the utmost importance to our children, our coworkers and our communities,” states ICC Board Director and Committee Chair Angie Wiese, PE, CBO. “I look forward to working with the design community, building managers, school districts, and local and state leaders to develop the tools we need to keep us safe in emergency situations.”

All interested parties are encouraged to participate. View the call for committee members and draft committee scope.