The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has joined other major fire service groups in opposing the efforts in some jurisdictions to reduce the numberof required exit stairwells and permit a single means of egress in multifamily buildings up to six stories. Current model codes require at least two means of egress in residential occupancies above three stories. Several states have used—or are in the process of using—legislation to supersede the model safety codes, thus placing occupants and firefighters at greater risk of injury and death. “The practice of a jurisdiction opting out of a portion of a code is not just a matter of choice, it’s a decision that nullifies the whole process—and endangers the public and those who are responsible for responding to fires and other life safety hazards,” said Victor Stagnaro, NFFF’s CEO. “Codes are created with multiple factors in mind as part of a larger system to protect the public. When legislators opt out of one portion of the code, it affects other systems in an occupancy and endangers everyone who works, lives, and otherwise occupies the affected building. This should raise concern about the potential risks.” The NFFF urges state legislatures to reject efforts to circumvent the model code process and strongly supports that the established egress requirements be maintained. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eFqDKfyG #firehero
Let’s go fire service! Get involved in the code process. Talk to your state and local leaders.
What will be the consequences when the one available means of egress is blocked ?
Well said. 🔥Safety first!
Chairman at Delaware Fire Sprinkler Coalition
4dCEO Stagnaro's statement regarding the opting out of portions of a code is just as applicable to the editing or removal of the residential fire sprinkler requirement found in the IRC. So many problems for the general public and firefighters would be addressed if not solved if the residential fire sprinkler requirement was left intact in all communities.