June 29, 2005 — The U.S. Commerce Departments National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) called on the organizations that develop building and fire safety codes, standards and practicesand the state and local agencies that adopt themto make specific changes to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants and first responders, according to NIST.
The recommendations result from the agencys investigation of the fires and collapses of New York Citys World Trade Center (WTC) towers following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Based on the findings of the most detailed examination of a building failure ever conducted, NIST is making 30 recommendations.
The recommendations are divided into eight categories: increased structural integrity, enhanced fire resistance of structures, new methods for fire-resistance design of structures, active fire protection, improved building evacuation, improved emergency response, improved procedures and practices, and education and training.
For the report, visit the NIST Web site.
