Transcript title

Fire Codes and Ordinances

Credits

3

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

30

Lecture hours

30

Recommended preparation

FIRE 110 and FIRE 112.

Course Description

Introduces the International Fire and Building Code (IFC) and laws promulgated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal relating to fire safety and prevention. Provides the students with fundamental knowledge of the role of code enforcement in a comprehensive fire prevention program. This course is a FESHE Fire Prevention model curriculum.

Course learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are those of the National Fire Academy (NFA).

1. Explain the code enforcement system and the fire inspector’s role in that system.
2. Describe the codes and standards development and adoption process.
3. Describe the difference between prescriptive and performance based codes.
4. Describe the legal authority and limitations relevant to fire code inspections.
5. Describe the importance of thorough documentation.
6. Recognize ethical practices for the code enforcement officer.
7. Explain the application, and interrelationship of codes, standards, recommended practices and guides.
8. Describe the difference in how codes apply to new and existing structure.
9. Identify appropriate codes and their relationship to other requirements for the built environment.
10. Describe the political, business, and other interest that influence code enforcement process.
11. Identify the professional development process for code enforcement practitioners.

Content outline

• Introduction to building and fire codes, legal aspects, inspections, permits applications • General precautions against fire • Discuss the types of work completed • Occupancy classifications • Site access and means of egress • Water supply and fire flow • Inspection checklists • Inspection scenarios • Conducting the basic inspection • Present landmark fire projects

Required materials

This course requires students to purchase a textbook.