Building Codes and Fire Sprinklers

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at fire codes in America and specifically at Chicago's fire code. The paper first outlines how recent events have sparked new pieces of legislation geared towards protecting the occupants of commercial high rises. The paper also explains the dangers inherent in high rises not having a sophisticated sprinkler system. In addition, the paper examines auxiliary legislation that aids property owners to keep up-to-date with the new requirements.

From the Paper:

"The building codes for commercial high rises finally appear to be catching up to the dangers that high rise fires present - both to the occupants and to the general public within the vicinity of these blazes. For instance, thanks in part to the relentless efforts of the National Fire Protection Association, there is a growing realization that having sprinklers installed in high rise facilities greatly reduces the likelihood of loss of life while diminishing the total loss of property. Further, ordinances and building sprinkler requirements in both the United States and Canada have led to a dramatic increase in the number of sprinklers sold throughout North America."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Fire Sprinkler Association. "Chicago Mayor Presents Fire Codes Proposal." AFSA News Archive: 2003. American Fire Sprinkler Association. 8 May 2007 <http://www.sprinklernet.net/pastnews/2003/2003archives.html>
• CCIM Institute. "Life Safety Laws: Sprinklers in High-Rise Buildings." Jan. 2005. CCIM Institute. 8 May 2007 <http://www.ccim.com/members/govaffairs/pdf/Life_Safety_Laws.pdf>
• Fleming, Russell P. "High-Rise Sprinkler Retrofit." NFPA Journal. Mar/Apr. 2005. LookSmart, Ltd. 8 May 2007 <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3737/is_200503/ai_n13602038>

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