What are standards: The code defines the scoping requirements; whereas, the standards incorporate the technical installation requirements of the code as referenced. For example, the code determines that the fire suppression system shall comply with an NFPA standard called NFPA 13. The code also determines where the fire suppression shall be installed throughout the building which shall comply with the installation standard (i.e., how the system shall be designed hydraulically, size of piping required, location of fire sprinkler heads relative to obstructions of the structure, and etc). The most commonly used standard throughout the USA as required by the codes is NFPA's standard called the National Electric Code, NFPA 70. This standard is referenced by all the model codes and is enforced in every state for the electrical requirement. The federal government also makes laws which relate to building construction. These country-wide laws also reference various standards for installation requirements. For example, The Americans with Disability Acts (ADA) is one such law. This law is not a building code, but a civil rights law. The standard referenced by this law is the ADA Accessibility Guideline (ADAAG). The model codes reference the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard for accessibility requirements.
Standards Organizations and Resources:
CODE SOURCE PC
Americans With Disabilities Act Document Center
This is the most extensive ADA resource on the Internet produced by the Job Accommodation Network (if you know of a better site send us an e-mail). The complete standard is available at this web site. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law requiring building accessibility for people with disabilities. The standard that is reference in the ADA regulations is the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The standard is required for new construction for buildings under the control of private entities having public accommodations or commercial use except for religiously owned facilities, private clubs, residential (except transient use lodging facilities), and federal facilities. This standard is also required if the older Uniform Federal Accessibility Standard (UFAS) is not used for local and state governmental facilities. ADAAG is also adopted as a code requirement with or without amendments by various states (check with the state and local government for what accessible standard is adopted).
ADA Technical Assistance Centers
Home page for ADA Technical Assistance Program. This program provides technical assistance for ADA compliance funded by the federal government. There are ten regional Technical Assistance Centers offering assistance on ADA.
Department of Justice Home Page
This site provides electronic formats of ADA materials produced by DOJ, information about their technical assistance services, and information about their enforcement activities.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the producer of some 200+ fire safety and protection standards. The standards relate to fire suppression of many types, fire alarm and detection systems, life safety, electrical protection and safety, fire prevention, and fire safety as related to the use of equipment and construction materials/products. NFPA has many products and services dedicated to fire safety and protection. Some widely used standards are: NFPA 10 - Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 13 & 13R - Fire Sprinklers, NFPA 72 - Fire Alarms, & NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code. For members of NFPA, these products and services are offered at discount prices.
Factory Mutual is a property loss prevention service organization requiring F.M. Standards for property insurance including standards for which offers testing and listing of construction systems fire prevention / protection, and components in such areas as wind resistance design of roofing systems, fire resistance door labeling, fire resistance of building systems and components, and standards for product safety.
Factory Mutual tested and labeled materials and products can be a means of meeting the model code requirements. F.M. produces the F.M. Approval Guide. F.M. has property loss prevention resources and building standards that are adopted by various insurance companies. F.M. Library.
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (U.L.)
Underwriters Laboratories is an organization which offers testing and listing of construction systems and components such as fire resistance of building systems and components, wind uplift of roofing systems, electrical equipment and products, and fire resistance labeling of doors and windows.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) produces many standards adopted by the building code.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The various state's employment/labor agencies throughout the country makes reference to this federal Department of Labor standard for safety in employment. Building contractors must comply with these standards as adopted by the applicable state statues.
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