Citation

Baldassarra CF. J. Appl. Fire Sci. 2005; 14(1): 47-51.

Affiliation

Schirmer Engineering Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015-4997

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Baywood Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Over the past three decades, there has been a dramatic shift in the way people use public and commercial spaces. Greater emphasis has been placed on large, multifunctional buildings that can serve a wide variety of needs in a community. That demand - coupled with technological advances in everything from lighting to fire suppression, systems - has virtually "reinvented" the way many buildings are constructed. As a result of changes in building practices, many cities, counties, and states across the nation are gradually moving from prescriptive fire safety codes to recognizing performance-based codes that allow for a greater degree of design innovation. But who will ensure that the fire safety provision in these new codes are properly and uniformly interpreted and enforced? And who will assure that best practices are accurately and safely adhered to? In most cases, fire marshals at all levels of government are charged with that responsibility. But what ensures they are qualified for the task? And how will these authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) prepare themselves to handle the rapidly-changing environment?

Language: en