National Construction Safety Team Act 

Annual Report 

Fiscal Year 2007 

Introduction 

In October 2002, the President signed into law the National Construction Safety Team 

(NCST) Act (P.L. 107-231), which authorized the Director of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish National Construction Safety Teams for 

deployment after events causing the failure of a building or buildings that result in 

substantial loss of life or that pose significant potential for substantial loss of life. 

The purpose of these investigations is to improve the safety and structural integrity of 

buildings in the United States. A team shall: 

(A) establish the likely technical cause or causes of the building failure; 

(B) evaluate the technical aspects of evacuation and emergency response procedures; 

(C) recommend as necessary, specific improvements to building standards, codes, and 

practices based on the findings made pursuant to subparagraphs (A) and (B); and, 

(D)recommend any research and other appropriate actions needed to improve the 

structural safety of buildings, and improve the evacuation and emergency 

response procedures, based on the findings and recommendations of the 

investigation. 

Under Section 10 of the NCST Act, NIST is to provide by February 15 of each year a 

report that includes: 

(1) a summary of the investigations conducted by Teams during the prior fiscal year; 

(2) a summary of recommendations made by Teams in reports issued under Section 8 

during the prior fiscal year and a description of the extent to which those 

recommendations have been implemented; and, 

(3) a description of the actions taken to improve building safety and structural 

integrity by the National Institute of Standards and Technology during the prior 

fiscal year in response to reports issued under Section 8. 

This report summarizes NIST’s activities under the NCST Act for Fiscal Year 2007. 

1
 
Investigations Conducted by Teams during Fiscal Year 2007 

No new investigations were undertaken during Fiscal Year 2007. NIST issued the final 

report on World Trade Center 1 and 2 in October 2005. The final report and the 42 

supporting project and technical topic reports are available on the NIST WTC web site, 

http://wtc.nist.gov. NIST’s analysis of the collapse of World Trade Center 7 continued 

during 2007. The analysis of WTC 7 benefited from the acquisition of shop drawings in 

the spring of 2007; however, as a result of its review of the drawings, NIST and its 

contractors found it necessary to revise the connection details in the analytical models to 

accurately reflect the connections used in the building. This revision to the models 

combined with unanticipated long run times for the analytical models due to their 

complexity have delayed the expected completion date for the investigation. NIST 

anticipates releasing the draft final report on the investigation of WTC 7 in the summer of 

2008. 

Recommendations Made by Teams and the Extent of Implementation 

NIST has conducted its building and fire safety investigation of the World Trade Center 

disaster of September 11, 2001, under the authority of the National Construction Safety 

Team Act (15 USC 7301 et seq.). The National Construction Safety Team’s final report 

is required by the Act to include recommendations that address (1) specific improvements 

to building standards, codes, and practices, (2) changes to, or the establishment of, 

evacuation and emergency response procedures, and (3) research and other appropriate 

actions needed to help prevent future building failures. 

As a part of its investigation of the World Trade Center disaster, NIST issued thirty 

recommendations that identified specific improvements in the way buildings are 

designed, constructed, maintained, and used in evacuation and emergency response 

procedures. Recommendations were made in eight areas: 

(1) Increased Structural Integrity 

(2) Enhanced Fire Endurance of Structures 

(3) New Methods for Fire Resistant Design of Structures 

(4) Improved Active Fire Protection 

(5) Improved Building Evacuation 

(6) Improved Emergency Response 

(7) Improved Procedures and Practices 

(8) Education and Training 

These recommendations are documented in Chapter 9 of NIST’s Final Report on the 

Collapse of the World Trade Center Towers (NIST NCSTAR 1, September 2005). In 

addition, NIST maintains a status of the implementation of these recommendations on the 

NIST WTC web site (http://wtc.nist.gov/recommendations/index.htm). The current 

status of the implementation of the recommendations from the World Trade Center 

investigation is shown in Appendix 1. 

2
 
NIST conducted its investigation of the February 20, 2003 Station Nightclub Fire under 

the authorities of the NCST Act. The final report on the investigation was issued in June 

2005 and included ten specific recommendations to improve building safety 

(http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/ncst/Station_recommendations_2.html). NIST tracks 

the status of the implementation of recommendations resulting from it investigation of the 

Station Nightclub Fire. The current status of the implementation of these 

recommendations is shown in Appendix 2. 

Actions Taken to Improve Building Safety and Structural Integrity 

NIST has undertaken a number of actions to improve the safety and structural integrity of 

buildings in response to the recommendations resulting from the World Trade Center 

Investigation. NIST contracted with the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) 

to assemble a group of code experts to review the recommendations resulting from the 

World Trade Center Investigation and develop proposals for code changes where 

appropriate. NIST technical experts provide technical support to the NIBS Code Experts 

Committee. 

The members of the NIBS Code Experts Committee submitted nineteen proposals for 

change to the International Code Council (ICC) in March of 2006 for consideration at the 

September 2006 Code Hearings. At the Final Action Hearing in May 2007, eight of the 

proposed changes were adopted for inclusion in the Supplement to the 2006 International 

Building Code (IBC). These changes include the following: 

•	 An additional exit stairway for buildings more than 420 feet in height. 

•	 A minimum of one fire service access elevator for buildings more than 120 feet in 

height. 

•	 Increased bond strength for fireproofing (nearly three times greater than currently 

required for buildings 75-420 feet in height and seven times greater for buildings 

more than 420 feet in height). 

•	 Field installation requirements for fireproofing to ensure that: 

o	 installation complies with the manufacturer's instructions; 

o	 the substrates (surfaces being fireproofed) are clean and free of any 

condition that prevents adhesion; 

o	 testing is conducted to demonstrate that required adhesion is maintained 

for primed, painted or encapsulated steel surfaces; and 

o	 the finished condition of the installed fireproofing, upon complete drying 

or curing, does not exhibit cracks, voids, spalls, delamination or any 

exposure of the substrate. 

•	 Special field inspections of fireproofing to ensure that its as-installed thickness, 

density and bond strength meet specified requirements, and that a bonding agent 

is applied when the bond strength is less than required due to the effect of a 

primed, painted or encapsulated steel surface. The inspections are to be performed 

after the rough installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and 

ceiling systems. 

3
 
•	 Increasing by one hour the fire-resistance rating of structural components and 

assemblies in buildings 420 feet and higher. (This change was approved in a prior 

edition of the code.) 

•	 Explicit adoption of the "structural frame" approach to fire resistance ratings that 

requires all members of the primary structural frame to have the higher fire 

resistance rating commonly required for columns. The primary structural frame 

includes the columns, other structural members including the girders, beams, 

trusses, and spandrels having direct connections to the columns, and bracing 

members designed to carry gravity loads. 

•	 Luminous markings delineating the exit path (including vertical exit enclosures 

and passageways) in buildings more than 75 feet in height to facilitate rapid 

egress and full building evacuation. 

In August 2007, a total of forty-seven proposals for changes were submitted to the ICC 

for consideration during the 2007/2008 code cycle. These proposals address the 

following areas: 

•	 Structural Collapse 

•	 Wind Tunnel Testing 

•	 Fire Command Center 

•	 Emergency Responder Communication 

•	 Fire Service Elevator/Fire Service Elevator Lobby 

•	 Exit Path Markings 

•	 Fire Rated Wall Impact Resistance/Exit Enclosure Impact Resistance/Exit and 

Elevator Enclosure Impact Resistance 

•	 Structural Frame 

•	 Sprinkler Redundancy 

•	 Burnout Without Collapse 

•	 Stairway Communication 

•	 Exit Remoteness 

•	 Additional Exit Stair 

•	 Sprayed Fire Resistive Materials 

•	 Buildings Requiring Risk Assessment 

•	 Evacuation Plans 

•	 Occupant Evacuation Elevators 

•	 Vertical Exit Continuity 

Several of the proposals submitted seek to modify or improve on the new provisions that 

were adopted into the Supplement to the 2006 IBC. A number of proposals submitted by 

the ICC’s Ad-Hoc Committee on Terrorism Resistant Buildings that were voted down in 

the last code cycle have been revised to address comments received and resubmitted for 

consideration during the current code cycle. The proposals for change submitted for 

consideration to the current code cycle also include a proposal on structural integrity 

developed by the Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity, a coalition of 

relevant industry groups. One proposal seeks to remove the provision for an additional 

exit stairway in buildings over 420 feet in height that was adopted into the Supplement to 

4
 
the 2006 IBC, while another seeks to add specially protected occupant evacuation 

elevators. These proposals will be considered initially during the ICC Code 

Development Hearings scheduled for February 2008. The Final Action Hearing for the 

07/08 code cycle is scheduled for September 2008. Proposals adopted during the 07/08 

code cycle will appear in the 2009 editions. Appendix 1 includes updated information on 

the status of implementation of the WTC Investigation Recommendations and the code 

change proposals. 

The NIBS Code Experts Committee is also working with the National Fire Protection 

Association (NFPA) to support proposals for change to the NFPA 5000 building code 

and the NFPA fire codes that respond to the recommendations of the WTC investigation. 

NIST technical experts are also working closely with several standards and industry 

organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, ASTM International, 

the National Council of Structural Engineering Associations, American Society of 

Mechanical Engineers and others to provide technical support as these bodies consider 

actions that respond to the WTC Investigation recommendations. 

NIST has ten active research projects under the Research and Development for the Safety 

of Threatened Buildings program that support research needs identified in the WTC 

Investigation recommendations. A detailed description of the Safety of Threatened 

Buildings Program and the component projects is available on the NIST Building and 

Fire Research Laboratory web site, http://www2.bfrl.nist.gov/projects/goalslist.asp. 

5
 
Appendix 1 

NIST's Recommendations Following the Federal 

Building and Fire Investigation of the World Trade Center Disast

Recommendation, Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) OutcomRecommendation 1. NIST recommends that: (1) progressive collapse be prevented in buildings through the development and nationwide adoption of consensus standards and code provisions, along with the tools and guidelines needed for their use in practice; and (2) a standard methodology be developed—supported by analytical design tools and practical design. Affected Standards: ASCE-7, AISC Specifications, and ACI 318. These standards and other relevant committees should draw on expertise from ASCE/SFPE 29 for issues concerning progressive collapse under fire conditions. Model Building Codes: The consensus standards 

NIBS: The ICC Ad-Hoc Committee-Terrorism Resistant Buildings (AHC-TRB) submitted an IBC change proposal concerning Disproportionate Collapse (S59-07/08) for the 2007/2008 code cycle. ICC: The ICC received two proposals concerning Disproportionate Collapse for the 2007/2008 code cycle. ICC AHC-TRB submitted proposal S59-07/08 and the AdHoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity submitted proposal S101-07/08 on Structural Integrity. The ICC has also received a proposal (G108-07/08) from 

the Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity for a new provision addressing buildings requiring risk assessment. The Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity: The Ad-Hoc Joint Industry Committee on Structural Integrity submitted a code change proposal on Structural Integrity S101-07/08 for the 2007/2008 code 

Research Best Pracpublished (NISTIR 

6
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomshould be adopted in model building codes (i.e., the International Building Code and NFPA 5000) by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. State and local jurisdictions should adopt and enforce the improved model building codes and national standards based on all 30 WTC Investigation recommendations. The codes and standards may vary from the WTC Investigation recommendations, but satisfy their intent. 

cycle. The Committee has also submitted a proposal (G108-07/08) for a new provision addressing buildings requiring risk assessment. ASCE: ASCE has formed a technical committee that has met twice (May 2006; May 2007); NIST staff members participate on the committee. NIST: Multi-year NIST project to support the development of performance criteria, prediction tools, and practical guidance for prevention of progressive collapse. NIST has conducted studies of the robustness of steel moment frame connections and composite floor systems. NIST has provided to AISC TC 3, Loads, Analysis, & Systems, the NIST report on Comparison of Existing Design Standards on Progressive Collapse for consideration. NFPA: NFPA is considering a proposal requiring risk assessment for certain events (terrorist attack) (5000-ROC-300). This is an annex note proposed to suggest risk assessment be prepared for buildings greater than 420 feet in height or that have more than 10,000 occupants. Assessment should be based on general principals and should evaluate anticipated performance of the building under some extreme load or extreme event. This proposal 

7
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. 

Recommendation 2. NIST recommends that nationally accepted performance standards be developed for: (1) conducting wind tunnel testing of prototype structures based on sound technical methods that result in repeatable and reproducible results among testing laboratories; and (2) estimating wind loads and their effects on tall buildings for use in design, based on wind tunnel testing data and directional wind speed data. Affected National Standard: ASCE7. Model Building Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

NIBS: The ICC Code Technology Committee (CTC) submitted an IBC change proposal, Determination of Wind Loads and Wind Tunnel Testing (S81-07/08), to reference the new ASCE standard, ASCE/SEI 49. ASCE: The ASCE Committee developing the new standard, ASCE/SEI 49, is working to resolve comments received during the second ballot of the new standard. NFPA: Recommended that expert groups such as ASCE, NCSEA or a combination of the two work towards development of a guideline document. Once available, NFPA 5000 would consider referencing such a guidance document. NFPA will consider making this a formal recommendation to ASCE or NCSEA via the NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC). NIST: Multi-year NIST project to support the development of prediction methodologies for wind loads estimation in next-generation standards. NIST has submitted three change proposals for consideration by the ASCE 7 wind committee. These proposals include: revisions to the peak gust wind speeds at 10 m over open 

Research NIST has website (software assisted dhigh-rise also madthe websiaerodynalow rise b

8
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

terrain for hurricanes; interfacing correctly directional extreme wind climatological and directional aerodynamics information, and to account for uncertainties in dynamic parameters (damping, natural frequencies, modal shapes) to assure adequate safety margins for tall buildings; and, a change to address the risk of failure in regions prone to both extreme winds and seismic events. 

Recommendation 3. NIST recommends that an appropriate criterion be developed and implemented to enhance the performance of tall buildings by limiting how much they sway under lateral load design conditions (e.g., winds and earthquakes). Affected National Standards: ASCE7, AISC Specifications, and ACI 318. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

NIBS: Not directly an IBC issue but rather an AISC, ACI, ASCE 7 issue. NIBS committee wrote to ASCE staff and ASCE 7 chair encouraging that the issue be addressed in the near-term and that the committee be involved in that process. NIST: Consulted with major design firms and reviewed designs of 36 buildings to tabulate range of drift ratios found in common practice. NIST is working with ASCE Committee on Design of Steel Building Structures to address Practices related to Design of Steel Buildings under Wind Loads. NFPA: Recommended that expert groups such as ASCE, NCSEA or a combination of the two work towards development of a guideline document. Once available, 

9
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

NFPA 5000 would consider referencing such a guidance document. Current drift limit criteria for seismic design as well as serviceability issues should be considered when any changes are suggested by ASCE/NCSEA. NFPA will consider making this a formal recommendation to ASCE or NCSEA via the NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC). 

Recommendation 4. NIST recommends evaluating, and where needed improving, the technical basis for determining appropriate construction classification and fire rating requirements (especially for tall buildings)—and making related code changes now as much as possible—by explicitly considering factors including: 

• timely access by emergency 

responders and full evacuation of occupants, or the time required for burnout without partial collapse; 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-TRB submitted an IBC change 

proposal, Survival of a Building Contents Fire (G51-07/08). ICC: The ICC has received two proposals (G51-07/08 and G52-07/08) that address survival of a building contents fire for consideration during the 2007/2008 code cycle. NFPA: The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a categorization process for high rise buildings. HRBSAC is also working to determine what enhanced or redundant features may be necessary based on this resultant categorization process. NFPA committees will also be closely reviewing the WTC 

Code OuIncreased resistance componebuildings This chanincluded supplemelater in th403.3.1, INational Article 70National addresses power su

10
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

• the extent to which 

redundancy in active fire protection (sprinkler and standpipe, fire alarm, and smoke management) systems should be credited for occupant life safety ; 

• the need for redundancy in 

fire protection systems that are critical to structural integrity; 

• the ability of the structure and 

local floor systems to withstand a maximum credible fire scenario without collapse, recognizing that sprinklers could be compromised, not operational, or non-existent; 

• compartmentation 

requirements (e.g., 12,000 ft2 (27)) to protect the structure, including fire rated doors and automatic enclosures, and limiting air supply (e.g., thermally resistant window 

7 report as it relates to Bullet Item 6. Article 708 of the 2008 National Electrical Code addresses critical operations power supply. The article can be applied to any critical systems. 

be appliesystems. 

11
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

assemblies) to retard fire spread in buildings with large, open floor plans; 

• the effect of spaces containing 

unusually large fuel concentrations for the expected occupancy of the building; and 

• the extent to which fire 

control systems, including suppression by automatic or manual means, should be credited as part of the prevention of fire spread. 

Model Building Codes: A comprehensive review of current construction classification and fire rating requirements and the establishment of a uniform set of revised thresholds with a firm technical basis that considers the factors identified above should be undertaken. 

12
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) OutcomRecommendation 5. NIST recommends that the technical basis for the century-old standard for fire resistance testing of components, assemblies, and systems be improved through a national effort. Necessary guidance also should be developed for extrapolating the results of tested assemblies to prototypical building systems. A key step in fulfilling this recommendation is to establish a capability for studying and testing the components, assemblies, and systems under realistic fire and load conditions. Affected National and International Standards: ASTM E 119, NFPA 251, UL 263, and ISO 834. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

NIBS: The NIBS Building Code Experts will support efforts to change ASTM E119 and related Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. NIST: Developed and submitted recommendations for changes to the E119 standard to ASTM E05. ASTM E05 is considering these changes. NIST plans to submit detailed proposals in pre-standard language for consideration by E05 before the committee’s December 2008 meeting. ASTM: International Subcommittee E05.11 on Fire Resistance began addressing this recommendation concerning changes to ASTM standard E 119 in December 2005. Numerous revisions have been proposed, most significantly changes in the measurement of heat flux, which are in the balloting process. E05 has held a series of workshops on plate and directional flame thermometers as they relate to the NIST recommendations and balloting actions are anticipated in the near future. NFPA: The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) of the NFPA is working along side the ASTM E05 process 

13
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

to complete a literature review and to begin an evaluation process. 

Recommendation 6. NIST recommends the development of criteria, test methods, and standards: (1) for the in-service performance of sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM, also commonly referred to as fireproofing or insulation) used to protect structural components; and (2) to ensure that these materials, asinstalled, conform to conditions in tests used to establish the fire resistance rating of components, assemblies, and systems. Affected Standards: AIA MasterSpec and AWCI Standard 12 for field inspection and conformance criteria; ASTM standards for SFRM performance criteria and test methods. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the 

ICC: The ICC has received two proposals that address spray applied fire-resistive materials. G68-07/08 seeks to clarify the language used in the provision adopted in the 2007 supplement that addresses the building heights at which higher bond strength material is required. The second proposal (G69-07/08) seeks to delete the provision adopted in the 2007 supplement requiring higher bond strength fireproofing in tall buildings. NFPA: Technical Committees are expected to review proposals that will mandate conformance with field inspection/quality control issues from groups like AWCI and FCIA. ASTM: Standard E2584-07 "Standard Practice for Thermal Conductivity of Materials Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter," was approved by ASTM Committee E37 in September 2007. International Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings is addressing this recommendation and other related SFRM recommendations. 

Code Ou(IBC) Incfor fireprtimes grerequired feet in hegreater fo420 feet iField instfor firepr

• in

win

• th

beclcoad

• te

dere

14
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomlatest edition of the standard. (See Recommendation 10 for more on this issue.) 

NIST: NIST, in partnership with private industry, is developing a new field test method to assess adhesion. Two standards are currently in development: one based on a peel test and the second based on a blister test. NIST has been in discussions with ASTM E06 regarding the development of these two proposals. 

mpast

• th

of ficocucrdeexsu

Special fifireproofas-installand bond specified that a bonwhen the than requof a primencapsulainspectioperformeinstallatio

15
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

electricaland ceilinStandard(ASTM) "Standard ConductiUsing a T(Slug) Caapproved Committ2007. 

Recommendation 7. NIST recommends the adoption and use of the “structural frame” approach to fire resistance ratings. Model Building Codes: This approach is currently required by the International Building Code (IBC), one of the model codes, and was incorporated into the 2006 edition of NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code. This requirement ensures consistency in the fire 

ICC: The ICC has received three proposals for modification to provisions that address the fire resistance of the structural frame. These proposals, FS113-07/08, FS114-07/08 and FS115-07/08 will be considered during the 2007/2008 code development cycle. These proposals seek to modify the provision that was adopted into the 2007 supplement to the IBC. 

Codes O(IBC) Ex"structurafire resistrequires aprimary shave the rating comcolumns. structural columns, members beams, tr

16
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomprotection provided to all of the structural elements that contribute to overall structural stability. State and local jurisdictions should adopt and enforce this requirement. 

having dithe colummembers gravity lo(NFPA): approach 2006 edit

Recommendation 8. NIST recommends that the fire resistance of structures be enhanced by requiring a performance objective that uncontrolled building fires result in burnout without partial or global (total) collapse. Model Building Codes: This recommendation should be included into the national model codes as an objective and adopted as an integral part of fire resistance design for structures. The issue of nonoperational sprinklers could be addressed using the existing concept of Design Scenario 8 of NFPA 5000, 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-TRB has submitted an IBC change proposal (G51-07/08) addressing burnout without collapse in buildings over 420 feet in height for consideration in the 2007/2008 code development cycle. ICC: The ICC has received two proposals addressing burnout without collapse in buildings over 420 feet in height (G51-07/08 and G52-07/08). These proposals will 

be considered during the 2007/2008 development cycle. NFPA: NFPA is considering a proposed change to address design for local/global collapse due to fire (5000-ROC-68b). When the Performance Based Design (PBD) provisions are utilized, this change establishes a design 

scenario that requires high rise buildings to be evaluated for performance under a fully developed fire event and the ability of the structure withstand that design event. 

17
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomwhere such compromise is assumed and the result is required to be acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Affected Standards: ASCE-7, AISC Specifications, ACI 318, and ASCE/SFPE 29. 

Building performance must resist both local and global collapse under the specified design fire. This proposal will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. NIST: Multi-year NIST project to support the development of performance objectives, criteria, evaluation methods, prediction tools, and practical guidance for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures. NIST is working with AISC TC 8 Design for Fire Conditions to implement performance-based approach to steel design. 

Recommendation 9. NIST NIBS: The NIBS Building Code Experts support the recommends the development of: (1) performance-based design concept and will bring together 

performance-based standards and various interests to identify gaps with respect to evaluation code provisions, as an alternative to tools and to develop a detailed action plan (with estimated current prescriptive design methods, costs) for filling those gaps. Three national standards to enable the design and retrofit of (ASCE/SFPE 29, ACI 216, and AISC Specifications) have structures to resist real building fire incorporated first-generation performance-based methods, 

conditions, including their ability to as an alternative to current prescriptive methods, to enable achieve the performance objective of the design and retrofit of structures to resist building fires. burnout without structural or local These methods are limited to standard (not real) fires. floor collapse: and (2) the tools, guidelines, and test methods NFPA: Technical Committees are likely to parse this necessary to evaluate the fire recommendation to distinguish between local collapse and 

18
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomperformance of the structure as a whole system. Affected National and International Standards: ASCE-7, AISC Specifications, ACI 318, and ASCE/SFPE 29 for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures; NFPA, SFPE, ASCE, and ISO TC92 SC4 for building-specific multicompartment, multi-floor design basis fire scenarios; and ASTM, NFPA, UL, and ISO for new test methods. Model Building Codes: The performance standards should be adopted as an alternate method in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

global collapse. PBD options already in NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 address the possibility of nonfunctioning/available systems or features. NFPA supports the adoption of more formal guidance to establish performance criteria and relevant guidelines or information. ASTM: Various committees in ASTM International have been addressing the issue of performance-based methods. NIST: NIST is working with AISI, AISC, and other industry groups to support the development of performance-based standards for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures. Multi-year NIST project to support the development of performance objectives, criteria, evaluation methods, prediction tools, and practical guidance for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures. NIST anticipates releasing a draft best practices guideline for fire resistance design and retrofit of structures in April 2008. 

Recommendation 10. NIST recommends the development and evaluation of new fire-resistive 

ASTM: Standard E2584-07 "Standard Practice for Thermal Conductivity of Materials Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter," was approved by ASTM 

Standard(ASTM) "Standard 

19
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomcoating materials, systems, and technologies with significantly enhanced performance and durability to provide protection following major events. Affected Standards: Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of new structural fire resistance materials, systems, and technologies should be identified and eliminated in the AIA MasterSpec, AWCI Standard 12 and ASTM standards for field inspection, conformance criteria, and test methods. Model Building Codes: Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of new structural fire resistance materials, systems, and technologies should be eliminated from the model building codes. 

Committee E37 in September 2007. NIST: NIST has formed an industry consortium to develop the test methods, measure performance, and determine in-service performance criteria for fire protective coating materials. NIST multi-year project to assess the performance of current spray-applied and intumescent fire protective materials and to support the development of new standards. NIST, in partnership with private industry, is developing a new field test method to assess adhesion. Two standards are currently in development: one based on a peel test and the second based on a blister test. NIST has been in discussions with ASTM E06 regarding the development of these two proposals. 

ConductiUsing a T(Slug) Caapproved Committ2007. 

Recommendation 11. NIST NIBS: Not directly a code matter but NIBS Building 

recommends that the performance Code Experts will develop a plan for looking at new and suitability of advanced structural materials and facilitating their testing and use. steel, reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, and other high-performance NIST: Project to determine the in-service performance 

20
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcommaterial systems be evaluated for use under conditions expected in building fires. Affected Standards: AISC Specifications and ACI 318. Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of these advanced systems should be eliminated in ASTM E 119, NFPA 251, UL 263, ISO 834. Model Building Codes: Technical barriers, if any, to the introduction of these advanced systems should be eliminated from the model building codes. 

properties of high temperature steels and compile property database. NIST is helping to develop standard test methods for evaluating the performance of structural steel in fire conditions by working through ASTM task group WK16928. NFPA: Will forward the relevant information to the NFPA Fire Test Committee for further consideration. ASTM: Has established a joint task group under subcommittees A01.13 (Mechanical and Chemical Testing and Processing Methods of Steel Products and Processes) and E28.10 (Mechanical Testing: Effect of Temperature and Stress Relaxation) to define fire resistant steels and develop a standard material test method for fire resistance of such steels. That task group (WK16928) is charged with developing a standard test method. Over the past two years it has examined two candidate methods in detail, by conducting pre-standards research to establish the limitations of both methods. It plans to select a single method to standardize within the next six months. The chairman of that committee is also a member of Committee E05 (Fire Standards), which ensures communication with many of the ultimate users of such a standard. 

21
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) OutcomRecommendation 12. NIST recommends that the performance and possibly the redundancy of active fire protection systems (sprinklers, standpipes/hoses, fire alarms, and smoke management systems) in buildings be enhanced to accommodate the greater risks associated with increasing building height and population, increased use of open spaces, high-risk building activities, fire department response limits, transient fuel loads, and higher threat profile. Affected Standards: NFPA 13, NFPA 14, NFPA 20, NFPA 72, NFPA 90A, NFPA 92A, NFPA 92B, and NFPA 101. Model Building Codes: The performance standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-TRB submitted an IBC change proposal addressing sprinkler system redundancy and isolation (G46-07/08) for consideration during the 2007/2008 code cycle. ICC: the ICC received proposal G46-07/08 addressing redundancy of sprinkler system in buildings over 420 feet in height. This proposal will be considered during the 2007/2008 code development cycle. NFPA: The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a categorization process for high rise buildings. HRBSAC is working to determine what enhanced or redundant features may be necessary based on this any new high rise building categories. There is a project within the Fire Protection Research Foundation to develop the Leadership in Life Safety Design (LLSD) approach, included in this is development of categorization for high-rise buildings. This process will look at resource documents such as the CTBUH Building Enhancement Guidelines and apply a point scoring system for enhancements that go above minimum code mandated criteria. NIST: Has formed a consortium with NEMA 3SB to develop active surveillance technologies to enhance the 

22
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

reliability of sprinkler systems. The methods would form the basis for code change proposals. NIST is collaborating with the fire alarm industry, through a consortium with NEMA, to develop new technologies and features for fire alarm systems that provide active surveillance and automated testing of fire safety systems and components keyed to primary modes of failure in order to provide maximum operational reliability. 

Recommendation 13. NIST recommends that fire alarm and communications systems in buildings be developed to provide continuous, reliable, and accurate information on the status of life safety conditions at a level of detail sufficient to manage the evacuation process in building fire emergencies; all communication and control paths in buildings need to be designed and installed to have the same resistance to failure and increased survivability above that specified in present standards. Affected Standards: NFPA 1, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101. Model Building 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers. The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. ICC: The ICC has received three proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08, F85-07/08, and F86-07/08) for consideration in the 2007/2008 code cycle. The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. NFPA: The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate 

23
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomand Fire Codes: The performance appropriate technologies when they are further developed. standards should be adopted in model The 2007 edition of NFPA 72 (available September 2006) building and fire codes by mandatory has accepted proposals and comments to recognize exit reference to, or incorporation of, the marking audible notification appliances. latest edition of the standard. 

NIST: The Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice has asked NIST to develop specifications and protocols that will enable fire/emergency command stations in buildings to accept and interpret a larger quantity of more reliable information from the active fire protection (e.g., sprinklers, fire alarm, smoke management) systems for purposes of providing tactical decision aids to fireground commanders (NIST WTC Investigation Recommendation #14) and for managing the evacuation process (NIST WTC Recommendation #13). 

Recommendation 14. NIST recommends that control panels at fire/emergency command stations in buildings be adapted to accept and interpret a larger quantity of more reliable information from the active fire protection systems that provide tactical decision aids to fireground commanders, including water flow rates from pressure and flow 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers. The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. ICC: The ICC has received three proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08, F85-07/08, and 

24
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcommeasurement devices, and that standards for their performance be developed. Affected Standards: NFPA 1, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101. Model Building and Fire Codes: The performance standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

F86-07/08) for consideration in the 2007/2008 code cycle. The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. NFPA: The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate appropriate technologies when they are further developed. NIST: The Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice has asked NIST to develop specifications and protocols that will enable fire/emergency command stations in buildings to accept and interpret a larger quantity of more reliable information from the active fire protection (e.g., sprinklers, fire alarm, smoke management) systems for purposes of providing tactical decision aids to fireground commanders (NIST WTC Investigation Recommendation #14) and for managing the evacuation process (NIST WTC Investigation Recommendation #13). NIST has worked in partnership with NEMA SB30 to address these issues. NEMA: New SB30 document, currently in committee review, provides specifications to enable fire/emergency command centers to accept and interpret larger quantities of data from active fire protection systems. Document 

25
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

will be provided to NFPA 72 for consideration when approved by NEMA. 

Recommendation 15. NIST recommends that systems be developed and implemented for: (1) real-time off-site secure transmission of valuable information from fire alarm and other monitored building systems for use by emergency responders, at any location, to enhance situational awareness and response decisions and maintain safe and efficient operations; and (2) preservation of that information either off-site or in a black box that will survive a fire or other building failure for purposes of subsequent investigations and analysis. Standards for the performance of such systems should be developed, and their use should be required. Affected Standards: NFPA 1, NFPA 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers. The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. ICC: The ICC has received three proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08, F85-07/08, and F86-07/08) for consideration in the 2007/2008 code cycle. The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. NFPA: The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate appropriate technologies when they are further developed. The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a process to have real time information from the emergency scene simulcast 

26
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom72, and NFPA 101. Model Building and Fire Codes: The performance standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

to a remote location. NIST: NIST has worked in partnership with NEMA SB30 to develop specifications and protocols for off-site data transmission for use by emergency responders. NEMA: New SB30 document, currently in committee review, includes specifications for secure, off-site transmission of data for use by first responders. The document will be provided to NFPA 72 for consideration once approved by NEMA. 

Recommendation 16. NIST NIBS: A NIBS/MMC committee expert has prepared a Practice O

recommends that public agencies, white paper for the committee on a state-of-the-art Emergennon-profit organizations concerned summary of research knowledge regarding public for Persowith building and fire safety, and information campaigns for large general populations. This (available building owners and managers paper also identifies three other areas in need of similar http://wwdevelop and carry out public exploration to provide the basis for a concerted effort. (see education and training campaigns, paper) jointly and on a nationwide scale, to improve building occupants’ NFPA: At present, NFPA Public Education materials do preparedness for evacuation in case of address building evacuation issues. However, efforts are 

27
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcombuilding emergencies. Affected Standard: ICC/ANSI A117-1. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. Affected Organizations: NFPA, NIBS, NCSBCS, BOMA, and CTBUH. 

underway to establish an occupant response protocol that works to address other than ‘traditional’ building emergencies. The NFPA Disability Access Review and Advisory Committee (DARAC) recommended that a guidance document for persons with disabilities be developed to address emergency procedures for persons with disabilities. The guide is available on the NFPA website. The guide provides a list of systems, resources and options for employers and occupants to assist those with disabilities. ICC: The ICC received two proposals (E3-07/08 and E4-

07/08) that address fire safety and evacuation plans. 

Recommendation 17. NIST ICC: The ICC has received two proposals addressing an Code Ou

recommends that tall buildings be additional stairway in buildings over 420 feet in height. additiona

designed to accommodate timely full G66-07/08 recommends a revision to the current buildings 

building evacuation of occupants provision. Proposal G67-07/08 seeks to remove the height. when required in building-specific or provision requiring an additional egress stair in buildings large-scale emergencies such as over 420 feet in height. (NFPA) widespread power outages, major NFPA 10earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes The ICC has received a proposal (E14-07/08) addressing include re

without sufficient advanced warning, the use of elevators as a means of egress during fires and inch wide 

fires, explosions, and terrorist attack. other emergencies. when an Building size, population, function, occupantand iconic status should be taken into NFPA: NFPA is considering a proposal on occupant a stair. 

28
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomaccount in designing the egress system. Stairwell capacity and stair discharge door width should be adequate to accommodate counterflow due to emergency access by responders. Affected Standards: NFPA 101, ASME A 17. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

evacuation elevators (101-ROC-400a, 5000-ROC-306a). The proposal would permit elevators to remain in service (prior to Phase 1 emergency recall) and to function as another system to assist with building evacuations or occupant relocation. The proposal requires a package of various protection measures that are largely derived from the ASME A17 Task Group on the use of elevators for occupant egress. The provision has been provided as a total package in new Annex Section E that is available for adoption by a government jurisdiction. The requirement governs occupant information features; detection; alarm and communication; sprinklers; elevator installation; elevator machine room; power and control wiring; and the occupant evacuation shaft system. Another proposal being considered by NFPA addresses elevator lobby access door locking (101-ROP-85a, 5000-ROP-102g). This proposal would establish criteria for the release of electronically locked elevator lobby exit access doors to prevent occupants from being stranded in an elevator lobby after elevators have been recalled. A proposal on elevator inspection frequencies (101-ROP193) is also being considered. This proposal would require elevator inspection frequencies per ASTM A17.1. 

29
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

NFPA is also considering a proposal on minimum width of exit passageways serving for horizontal transfers within an exit stair system (101-ROP-123, 5000-ROP-114. This proposal would establish minimum width for exit passageways serving for horizontal transfer with an exit stair as two-thirds the width of the exit stair. These proposals will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. NIST: Multi-year NIST project to produce new data, on occupant evacuation in stairwells, including the counterflow of emergency responders, as input to evacuation prediction models and code provisions. NIST has conducted evacuation modeling to support AHCTRB's re-submittal of code change proposal. 

Recommendation 18. NIST NIBS: The ICC AHC-TRB submitted a proposal (E84- Code Ou

recommends that egress systems be 07/08) to make exit path markings required in existing (IBC) Lu

designed: (1) to maximize remoteness buildings having occupied floors over 75 feet above the delineatin

of egress components (i.e., stairs, lowest level of fire department access. (includinelevators, exits) without negatively enclosureimpacting the average travel distance; The ICC AHC-TRB has also submitted proposal G61- in buildin(2) to maintain their functional 07/08 to address remoteness of exit stair enclosures. height to integrity and survivability under and full bforeseeable building-specific or large- ICC: The ICC received four proposals addressing the 

30
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomscale emergencies; and (3) with consistent layouts, standard signage, and guidance so that systems become intuitive and obvious to building occupants during evacuations. Affected Standard: NFPA 101. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

impact resistance of fire-resistance rated wall assemblies (FS7-07/08, G56-07/08, G57-07/08, and G65-07/08). The ICC has also received proposal E135-07/08 addressing the use of horizontal transfer corridors between vertical exit enclosures. These proposals will be considered during the 2007/2008 code development cycle. The ICC has received six proposals (F211-07/08, E145-07/08, E146-07/08, E147-07/08, E148-07/08, and E149-07/08) addressing exit path markings. The ICC AHC-TRB has submitted a proposal (E135-07/08) to reduce occupant confusion created by the use of horizontal transfer corridors between vertical exit enclosures. NFPA: The NFPA is considering a proposal on exit stair path marking (101-ROC-84). This proposal establishes a menu of provisions that can be mandated by the occupancy chapters to standardize on the installation of marking stripes for exit stair treads, landings, and handrails; perimeter demarcation; marking of obstacles, door frames, and door hardware; and placement of emergency exit symbols at exit doors. NFPA is also considering a proposal for pictograms in 

(NFPA) TNFPA 72 to recognaudible nappliance

31
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

accordance with NFPA 170 (101-ROP-160, 5000-ROP132c). This proposal would permit the use of pictograms in accordance with NFPA 170 in lieu of exit signs where approved by the authority having jurisdiction. A proposal to prohibit remoteness measurement along corridor for high-rise buildings is also being considered (101-ROP-143a, 5000-ROP-128). This proposal would prohibit determining exit remoteness in high-buildings by measuring along 1-hour rated corridors. Instead, distance must be measured in a straight line between exits. NFPA is also considering a proposal on remoteness applied to exit discharge (101-ROP-141a, 5000-ROP126a). This proposal would require that remoteness criteria be applied to exit discharges, and not only to exit accesses and exits. NFPA is also considering a proposal for directional exit signs in horizontal components of exits (101-ROP-155, 5000-ROP-132). The proposal would require directional exit signage within horizontal components of exit enclosures (such as “transfer corridors”) where continuation of egress path is not obvious. These proposals will be voted on during the NFPA Annual 

32
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

Meeting in June 2008. NIST: Provided AHC-TRB with pressure-impulse data representative of a gas explosion to support resubmittal of the Structural Integrity Criteria for Stair Enclosures proposal. 

Recommendation 19. NIST recommends that building owners, managers, and emergency responders develop a joint plan and take steps to ensure that accurate emergency information is communicated in a timely manner to enhance the situational awareness of building occupants and emergency responders affected by an event. This should be accomplished through better coordination of information among different emergency responder groups, efficient sharing of that information among building occupants and emergency responders, more robust design of emergency public address systems, improved emergency responder communication 

NIBS: One of the NIBS/MMC building code experts has prepared a white paper for the committee on a state-of-theart summary of research knowledge regarding public information campaigns for large general populations. This paper also identifies three other areas in need of similar exploration to provide the basis for a concerted effort. (see paper) NFPA: NFPA is considering a proposal on situation awareness (101-ROC-22, 5000-ROC-66). This proposal would add a provision that establishes situation awareness as a fundamental requirement. It introduces the terminology to codify and correlate situation awareness as a concept that encompasses elements like fire alarm systems, communication systems, signs, and responses and information dissemination by trained staff. NFPA is also considering a proposal on evacuation diagrams (101-ROP-164). This proposal would establish a 

Code Ou2007 editrecognizeaudible nappliancenew versfor mass that will criteria focampus a

33
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomsystems, and use of the Emergency Broadcast System (now known as the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) and Community Emergency Alert Networks. Affected Standard: NFPA 101 and/or a new standard. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standard should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard to the extent it is within the scope of building and fire codes. 

menu of provisions that can be mandated by the occupancy chapters to require evacuation diagrams that reflect the actual floor arrangement and exit location. Another proposal addresses evacuation strategy (101-ROP-448a, 101-ROC-390). This proposal would provide detailed advisory text on occupant evacuation strategies, extent of evacuation (none, partial, total) and extent of management with descriptions of managed and unmanaged sequences. These proposals will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. 

Recommendation 20. NIST recommends that the full range of current and next generation evacuation technologies should be evaluated for future use, including protected/hardened elevators, exterior escape devices, and stairwell descent devices, which may allow all occupants an equal opportunity for evacuation and facilitate emergency response access. 

NFPA: NFPA is considering a proposal for supplemental evacuation equipment (101-ROC-401b, 5000-ROC-308b). This proposal establishes a series of performance requirements to recognize (but does not mandate, nor give credit for) the use of certain devices that can be used as a last resort escape device. These include controlled descent devices and platform rescue systems. The provision has been provided as a total package in new Annex Section F that is available for adoption by a government jurisdiction. Many of the regulations added to address this type of equipment relate to specific approval by the authority 

Standard(ASTM) Standard High-RisControlleASTM ESpecificaBuilding Platform Code Ou

34
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) OutcomAffected Standards: NFPA 101, ASME A 17, ASTM E 06, ANSI A117.1. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

having jurisdiction and dictate extensive use of occupant instruction and direction cues. Mechanical and installation specific details refer to ASTM E2513 and ASTM E2484. This proposal will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. ASTM: International Committee E06 on Building Performance has recently approved two standards on High-Rise Building External Evacuation Devices: E-2484-06 Standard Specification for High-Rise External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices. E-2513-07 Standard Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Platform Rescue Systems. 

The 2006 101 and Nrequireminstallatiodevices fimpaired circumsta

Recommendation 21. NIST recommends the installation of fireprotected and structurally hardened elevators to improve emergency response activities in tall buildings by providing timely emergency access to responders and allowing evacuation of mobility-impaired building occupants. 

ICC: The ICC has received eight proposals that address fire service elevators: 

F95-07/08 Maintain fire service elevator lobbies free of 

storage and furnishings 

G60-07/08 Pressurization of hoistways, lobbies, and exit 

enclosures 

G193-07/08 Robust fire service elevators G194-07/08 Hoistway enclosure protection G195-07/08 Hoistway lighting G196-07/08 Lobby doorways 

Code Ouminimum access eleover 120 

35
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) OutcomAffected Standards: ASME A 17, ANSI 117.1, NFPA 70, NFPA 101, NFPA 1221, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1561, NFPA 1620, and NFPA 1710. Model Building and Fire Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building and fire codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

G197-07/08 Lobby size G198-07/08 Alternative machine room ventilation G199-07/08 Protection of wiring and cables G200-07/08 Protection from water 

ASME: A 17.1 task group, in partnership with the U.S. elevator industry and NIST, are working to develop specifications and operational protocols for protected elevators for fire service access and occupant egress. This work is being widely followed adoption in model building codes. GSA: Has agreed to install a prototype system in a federal building as a demonstration project. NFPA: NFPA is considering a proposal on first responder use of elevators (5000-ROC-246). This proposal provides criteria for first responder elevators in buildings greater than 120 feet in height. Requires a package of various protection measures that are largely derived from the ASME A17 Task Group on Fire Fighter Use Elevators. The provision has been provided as a total package in Chapter 54. The requirements govern design of the special first responder use elevator lobby; requires standpipe hose connection; two-way communication system; system to monitor the elevator status; requires 

36
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

standby power; and mandates protection for the control and power wiring that serve the elevator. The proposal will be voted on during the NFPA Annual Meeting in June 2008. 

Recommendation 22. NIST recommends the installation, inspection, and testing of emergency communications systems, radio communications, and associated operating protocols to ensure that the systems and protocols: (1) are effective for large-scale emergencies in buildings with challenging radio frequency propagation environments; and (2) can be used to identify, locate, and track emergency responders within indoor building environments and in the field. Affected Standards: FCC, SAFECOM, NFPA Standards on Electronic Safety Equipment, NFPA 70, NFPA 297, and NFPA 1221. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building 

NIBS: The ICC Code Technology Committee submitted a proposal concerning fire department communications systems (F171-07/08). ICC: The ICC received four proposals for change concerning emergency communications: Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (F87-07/08); fire Department Communication System (F171-07/08); Public Safety Radio Amplification Systems (F204-07/08); and Emergency Responder Radio (G53-07/08). NFPA: The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering that broader use of supplemental antennas and/or repeaters for tall building environments to improve the communication ability of the radio equipment be integrated into building design. Such supplemental equipment may become a mandate via NFPA 72, NFPA 101, NFPA 5000 or some combination there-of. In addition, NFPA would recommend that NIST joint project with IEEE be explored to embark on a research program to look into more robust emergency 

37
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomcodes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

responder communication hardware and relevant software. 

Recommendation 23. NIST recommends the establishment and implementation of detailed procedures and methods for gathering, processing, and delivering critical information through integration of relevant voice, video, graphical, and written data to enhance the situational awareness of all emergency responders. An information intelligence sector should be established to coordinate the effort for each incident. Affected Standards: National Incident Management System (NIMS), NRP, SAFECOM, FCC, NFPA Standards on Electronic Safety Equipment, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1561, NFPA 1620, NFPA 1710, and NFPA 1221. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers. The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. ICC: The ICC has received three proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08, F85-07/08, and F86-07/08) for consideration in the 2007/2008 code cycle. The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. NFPA: The NFPA 72 Committee will work to incorporate appropriate technologies when they are further developed. 

38
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcombuilding codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. Recommendation 24. NIST recommends the establishment and implementation of codes and protocols for ensuring effective and uninterrupted operation of the command and control system for large-scale building emergencies. Affected Standards: NIMS, NRP, SAFECOM, FCC, NFPA Standards on Electronic Safety Equipment, NFPA 1221, NFPA 1500, NFPA 1561, NFPA 1620, and NFPA 1710. Model Building Codes: The standards should be adopted in model building codes by mandatory reference to, or incorporation of, the latest edition of the standard. 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-RB submitted proposal F86-07/08 concerning emergency command centers. The ICC AHC-TRB also submitted proposal G58-07/08 which addressed communications and video monitoring systems for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. ICC: The ICC has received three proposals addressing emergency command centers (F84-07/08, F85-07/08, and F86-07/08) for consideration in the 2007/2008 code cycle. The ICC has also received proposal G58-07/08 addressing stairway communications and video monitoring for stairways, elevator hoistways, lobbies, and machinery spaces. NFPA: The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering recommending expansion of the available frequencies that could be used by emergency responders be explored to reduce over use 

39
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcom

of limited spectrum by emergency responders. In addition, exploratory research with related groups like IEEE should be work with NIST to address this subject. 

Recommendation 25. Nongovernmental and quasigovernmental entities that own or lease buildings and are not subject to building and fire safety code requirements of any governmental jurisdiction are nevertheless concerned about the safety of the building occupants and the responding emergency personnel. NIST recommends that such entities be encouraged to provide a level of safety that equals or exceeds the level of safety that would be provided by strict compliance with the code requirements of an appropriate governmental jurisdiction. To gain broad public confidence in the safety of such buildings, NIST further recommends that as designed and asbuilt safety be certified by a qualified third party, independent of the 

NIBS: Jurisdictional standards of practice issue. The potential for writing to the relevant groups developing model legislation for special authorities will be explored. NIST: Has provided the NIBS Building Code Experts the statute (U.S. Code Title 40, Section 3312) containing the policy of the federal government with regard to code compliance. 

40
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcombuilding owner(s). The process should not use self-approval for code enforcement in areas including interpretation of code provisions, design approval, product acceptance, certification of the final construction, and post-occupancy inspections over the life of the buildings. Recommendation 26. NIST recommends that state and local jurisdictions adopt and aggressively enforce available provisions in building codes to ensure that egress and sprinkler requirements are met by existing buildings. Further, occupancy requirements should be modified where needed (such as when there are assembly use spaces within an office building) to meet the requirements in model building codes. Codes: Provisions related to egress and sprinkler requirements in existing buildings are available in such codes 

NIBS: The ICC AHC-TRB submitted a proposal (E84-

07/08) to make exit path markings required in existing buildings having occupied floors over 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department access. NFPA: NFPA 101 has always contained building safety requirements that are retroactive for myriad existing building types. It requires improvements to the level of safety provided to the occupants by ignoring grandfathering concepts that are the hallmarks of other model codes. An expansion of the NFPA 101 scope to cover other than fire type hazards or development of a separate document will be considered by NFPA. 

41
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcomas the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Fire Code, NFPA 1, NFPA 101, and ASME A 17.3. Recommendation 27. NIST recommends that building codes incorporate a provision that requires building owners to retain documents, including supporting calculations and test data, related to building design, construction, maintenance and modifications over the entire life of the building. Means should be developed for offsite storage and maintenance of the documents. In addition, NIST recommends that relevant building information be made available in suitably designed hard copy or electronic format for use by emergency responders. Such information should be easily accessible by responders during emergencies. Model Building Codes: Model 

NIBS: The NIBS/MMC committee concluded that problems exist because of ownership changes, the proprietary nature of some documents, determining what medium to use to save documentation, unreimbursable expense of maintaining information. It also was noted that only threat assessment documents need to be out of the public domain. The AHC-TRB submitted a code change proposal (F86-07/08) that includes provisions for giving responders needed information by requiring that it be available in the command centers. NFPA: The NFPA High Rise Building Safety Advisory Committee (HRBSAC) is considering a recommendation that building inventory plans be provided to or readily available to the first responders. 

42
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcombuilding codes should incorporate this recommendation. State and local jurisdictions should adopt and enforce these requirements. Recommendation 28. NIST recommends that the role of the “Design Professional in Responsible Charge” be clarified to ensure that: (1) all appropriate design professionals (including, e.g., the fire protection engineer) are part of the design team providing the standard of care when designing buildings employing innovative or unusual fire safety systems, and (2) all appropriate design professionals (including, e.g., the structural engineer and the fire protection engineer) are part of the design team providing the standard of care when designing the structure to resist fires, in buildings that employ innovative or unusual structural and fire safety systems. Affected Standards: AIA Practice 

NIBS: Selected NIBS Building Code Experts have been assigned to review the issue with AIA and NIST. The committee plans to examine whether working with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying would be helpful in implementing this recommendation. NFPA: NFPA 5000 utilizes the term Registered Design Professional -RDP. Pending any clarifications that come out of the AIA-NIST effort, NFPA committees would be amenable to revisiting the use and description of this entity. 

43
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) OutcomGuidelines. Model Building Codes: The IBC, which already defines the “Design Professional in Responsible Charge,” be clarified to address this recommendation. The NFPA 5000 should incorporate the “Design Professional in Responsible Charge” concept and address this recommendation. Recommendation 29. NIST recommends that continuing education curricula be developed and programs be implemented for (1) training fire protection engineers and architects in structural engineering principles and design, and (2) training structural engineers, architects, fire protection engineers, and code enforcement officials in modern fire protection principles and technologies, including fire-resistance design of structures, and (3) training building regulatory and fire service 

NIST: NIST has worked with the National Fire Academy to develop training courses on "Introduction to Fire Dynamics and Fire Modeling" and "Performance Based Design". Both these courses have been presented to classes, including fire service officers, building inspectors, fire marshals, and fire inspectors. BFRL staff have also made presentations on "Fire Modeling for Fire Investigators" an Fire Modeling Tools for Engineers" for SFPE, Florida Fire Marshals, Texas Fire Marshals, NY Fire Marshals, and West Texas Fire Marshals. In addition, NIST is working with the National Fire Academy to update a training module for Fire Prevention and a second training module for Fire Marshals. 

44
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) Outcompersonnel to upgrade their understanding and skills to conduct the review, inspection, and approval tasks for which they are responsible. Affected Organizations: AIA, SFPE, ASCE, ASME, AISC, ACI, and state licensing boards. Model Building Codes: Detailed criteria and requirements should be incorporated into the model building codes under the topic “Design Professional in Responsible Charge.” Recommendation 30. NIST recommends that academic, professional short-course, and webbased training materials in the use of computational fire dynamics and thermostructural analysis tools be developed and delivered to strengthen the base of available technical capabilities and human resources. 

NIST: NIST initiated a Fire Dynamics and Fire Modeling Course for the New York City Fire Department which is taught at the FDNY Fire Training Academy and does utilize WTC Investigation model outputs. This was so successful the first year, that it has been expanded to being offered to each new incoming training class for all NYC fire marshal trainees. 

45
 
Recommendation, 

Affected Standards and Codes Status as of (February 6, 2008) OutcomAffected Organizations: AIA, SFPE, ASCE, ASME, AISC, and ACI, ICC, NFPA. 

46
 
Appendix 2
 

Summary of actions needed and/or taken regarding the recommendations from the NCST investigatio

nightclub fire 

Updated 1/25/2008 

NIST Recommendation Participating Parties Comments 

1. Adopt and enforce model codes 

• state and local 

jurisdictions 

• ICC and NFPA 

• Continuous education and training effort required to rais

benefits and importance of embracing recommendation. 

• NFPA TIA #742R required owner to maintain records o

(NFPA 101:12.7.1 and 101:13.7.1); adopted in 2006 edi

• RI adopted NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, and strengthened fi

enforcement power. 

47
 
NIST Recommendation Participating Parties Comments 

2. Strengthen requirement for sprinklers 

• state and local 

jurisdictions 

• NFPA and ICC 

• NFPA TIA #739R required existing nightclub facilities 

venues with occupant loads greater than 100 to be sprink101:13.3.5.1); adopted in 2006 edition. 

• NFPA TIA #743R required all new nightclub facilities a

venues to be sprinklered (NFPA 101:12.3.5.1); adopted 

• Continuous effort required to raise awareness of the ben

of embracing recommendation. 

• RI strengthened regulation requiring sprinklers based up

150 rather than 100, some exemptions. 

• Change to Section 903.2.1.2 of the 2006 IFC (F58-03/04 

Modified]) to tighten threshold for sprinklers in Group Aoccupancies, such as nightclubs, restaurants and banquemembership voted to require such occupancies to be sproccupant load exceeds 100 (rather than 300). 

48
 
NIST Recommendation Participating Parties Comments 

3. Strengthen restrictions on • state and local • ICC FS108-03/04 dealt with one small aspect of foam p

foam plastic finish materials jurisdictions 

• NFPA, ICC, 

ASTM, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 

• North American 

Fire Testing Laboratory Consortium (NAFTL) 

• building materials 

industry 

• NIST 

materials; additional revisions needed to be developed uprocedures. 

• NIST will work with standards committees (UL 94, AST

and NFPA 286) to develop ways to address recommendlong term effort due to the research needed to support chand fire codes and standards. 

• State and local jurisdictions can have immediate impact 

enforcing existing model codes. 

4. Strengthen restrictions on • state and local • NIST needs plans to work with NFPA 1126 to develop t

use of pyrotechnics jurisdictions 

• NFPA, ICC 

recommendation. This activity has not yet started. 

• RI strengthened restrictions to prohibit use of pyrotechn

assembly such as nightclubs and to strictly regulate their that can accommodate them safely. 

• State and local jurisdictions can have immediate impact 

enforcing existing model codes. 

49
 
NIST Recommendation Participating Parties Comments 

5. Increase factor of safety on • state and local • NFPA TIA #737R and NFPA TIA #740 restricted festiv

egress jurisdictions 

• NFPA, ICC 

• NIST 

existing facilities if occupant load is greater than 250 unevaluation in conducted (NFPA 101:12.2.5.4.1 and 101:in 2006 edition. 

• NFPA TIA# 738 required trained crowd managers for ex

assembly occupancies (NFPA 101:12.7.5 and 101:13.7.5edition. 

• NIST will work with NFPA 101, NFPA 5000, and IBC; 

effort required, which NIST is pursuing. 

• State and local jurisdictions can have immediate impact 

enforcing existing model codes. 

6. Conduct portable fire • fire protection • Workshop held at NIST with equipment manufacturers, extinguisher study equipment 

manufacturers 

• NFPA 

• NIST 

service, NFPA, ICC, and testing organizations to develo

and identify participants, to feed technical information in

committee. 

• Initiated NIST research project to develop performance 

fire extinguishers in fast growing nightclub fires. 

• RI now requires two 20 pound extinguishers in stage are

7. Adopt and practice • state and local • Continuous education and training effort required to rais

communication, response, jurisdictions benefits and importance of embracing recommendation 

command structures, and staffing guidelines already 

• NFPA, ICC established guidelines for communication, response, com

and staffing. 

established 

• No research nor code changes are required. 

50
 
NIST Recommendation Participating Parties Comments 

8. Conduct research to understand human behavior better in emergency situations 

• NIST and other 

federal agencies 

• universities 

• NIST has established research program. 

• Energized multi-agency effort is needed. • NIST-sponsored workshop titled Rethinking Egress, to d

design for safe egress and access, is scheduled for April

9. Conduct research to understand fire spread and suppression better 

• NIST and other 

federal agencies 

• building materials 

industry 

• Research is ongoing at NIST and elsewhere. 

• NIST projects underway on fire growth and spread on m

polyurethane foam flammability, and nanoadditive fire r

10. Conduct research to refine computer-aided decision tools 

• NIST and other 

federal agencies 

• universities 

• Research is ongoing at NIST and elsewhere. 

51