January 9, 2009—New requirements in the 2009 International Fire Code (IFC) are designed to provide added protection to building occupants and emergency responders. For example, two safety features result from the lessons learned from the 9/11 tragedy: one will ensure the seamless coverage of emergency radios inside and outside buildings while a second requires special markings for emergency exits and stairwells.
The IFC addresses all aspects of fire safety in new and existing buildings and is coordinated with the entire family of International Codes. Improved safety benefits of the 2009 IFC include:
- All nonsprinklered hospitals, nursing homes, and other Group I-2 occupancies, including existing buildings, require automatic sprinkler protection.
- All new high-rise buildings require luminous exit pathway markings inside of building stair shafts.
- Emergency responder radio coverage is required inside buildings.
- The requirements for fire alarm and detection systems have been extensively revised and correlated to NFPA 72.
- All requirements for existing buildings have been compiled into a new chapter.
The IFC, developed and published by the International Code Council, is adopted at the state or local level in 42 states and Washington, DC. The IFC addresses conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, explosion, handling or use of hazardous materials, and building use and occupancy. Topics include fire department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and hazardous materials storage and use.
To pre-purchase the 2009 International Fire Code, visit the ICC Store Web page.
