National Construction Safety 

National Construction Safety 

Act, PL 107 Act, PL 107

-231

National Construction Safety TeAdvisory CommitteeApril 29, 2003

Jack E. SnellDirector, Building and Fire Research Lab

snell@nist.gov
Legislative Authoritie

Structural Failures [P.L. 99-73, Sec. 7; 15 U.S.C. 281a]The National Institute of Standards and Technology, on its only after consultation with local authorities, may initiate ainvestigations to determine the causes of structural failureare used or occupied by the general public. No part of anfrom such investigation shall be submitted as evidence or action for damages arising out of any matter mentioned in 

Fire Prevention and Control Act [P.L. 93-498, Sec.16, (a), (3)]NIST conducts and supports research on all aspects of fire providing scientific and technical knowledge applicable to tcontrol of fires. The Act authorizes NIST to conduct “...opdemonstration projects and fire investigations in support of in this section.”
National Construction Safety Team Ac

National Construction Safety Team Ac

Issue: No one had the responsibility to derive lessons leAn “NTSB-like” body...

 Independent, objective, fact, not fault-finding

 Ability to collect, analyze, make public critical 

National Construction Safety Team Act:

 Introduced by Boehlert in House, Clinton in Se Signed into law October 1, 2002 Establish Federal Advisory Committee Applies to WTC investigation as well.

Tasks NIST Director to establish teams, develop report

 Launched within 48 hours

 Include at least one NIST employee
National Construction Safety Team 

National Construction Safety Team 

Purpose of Act:

“...to provide for the establishment of investigative 

to assess building performance and emergency rand evacuation procedures in the wake of any buthat has resulted in substantial loss of life or that potential for substantial loss of life.”

Purpose of Investigations:

“...to improve the safety and structural integrity o

United States.”
National Construction Safety Team 

National Construction Safety Team 

Team Duties:

1. Establish likely technical cause or causes of 2. Evaluate technical aspects of evacuation and 

response procedures;

3. Recommend as necessary, specific improvem

standards, codes and practices based on findingto the above;

4. Recommend any research or other appropriat

to improve the structural safety of buildings.
National Construction Safety Team 

National Construction Safety Team 

Composition of Teams:

 At least one employee of NIST Other experts

 May include private sector experts, experts from 

professional organizations, Federal, State or Local o

Functions of Teams:

Conduct investigations Disclosure of informationResource requirementsCoordination with search and rescue effortsRegular public briefingsCoordination with other authorities, e.g. Earthquake Invest

Procedures to be Published in 3 months:

(to be addressed at 3:15 pm by Dr. Hill)
National Construction Safety Team 

National Construction Safety Team 

Authorities:

 Entry and Inspection

• does not unnecessarily interfere with service

Owner/operator

• preserves evidence related to building failure

 Coordination (MOUs with other agencies with r

 Priority over other investigations except: NTSB Briefings, Hearings, Witnesses Subpoenas Additional powers ( procure, request, confer, a

compensate)

NIST Actions:

 Launch investigation teams Conduct, enable or encourage research recom Promote appropriate adoption of recommenda
NCST Advisory Committee NCST Advisory Committee

z Director appoints in consultation with Adminis

and heads of other appropriate agencies

z Functions...

• review procedures• evaluate activities of teams• assess implementation of recommendations• annual report to Congress
Advisory Committee Members Advisory Committee Members

z Dr. Charles Thornton, Co-Chairman, Thornton-Tomaz Dr. Robert Hanson, Professor Emeritus, University oz Mr. Philip DiNenno, President, Hughes Associates.z Dr. John Bryan, Professor Emeritus, University of Maz Professor Glenn Corbett, Associate Professor, John-z Dr. Kathleen Tierney, Professor, University of Delawz Mr. Paul Fitzgerald, Executive Vice President FM Gloz Mr. David Collins, President, The Preview Group.z Dr. Forman Williams, Professor, University of Califorz Dr. John Barsom, President, Barsom Consulting.
Thank You.

Questions?