One of the reasons that Kilo Lima was created is to start a Code community where knowledge can be exchanged. This exchange of knowledge is lacking in Canada. Authorities Having Jurisdiction may have multiple employees knowledgeable in Building Code who can exchange ideas and debate Code requirements among themselves, but these groups tend to be isolated and mostly self taught. There is a need for more communication among Code professionals (both Building Officials and non-Building Officials) and a need for more education. This education can be difficult to obtain. What options does a Code professional have?
1. Scour the internet for available training.
Large organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have regular training. Some of it is available online so that travel costs can be avoided. The International Code Council (ICC) also has a conference and some education opportunities.
The National Research Council (NRC), Alliance of Canadian Building Officials’ Associations (ACBOA), provincial Building Officials Associations, and sometimes the University of Dalhousie’s College of Continuing Education also sponsor education opportunities.
There is a need for more communication among Code professionals (both Building Officials and non-Building Officials) and a need for more education.
2. Hire a Code professional directly to teach a group of people.
This is an expensive option and one that may be out of reach for the average Code professional. However, for larger organizations willing to sponsor this training this is a great opportunity to obtain the exact education that is required for their organization. If they can find the appropriate professional to facilitate the seminar.
Listen to what other people’s opinions on Building Code requirements. Even when you don’t agree with their interpretation of a Code requirement, you may learn something valuable.
3. Attend Building Official conferences.
Most of the provincial Building Official Associations hold annual or semi-annual conferences with multiple training opportunities and these are available to Building Officials and non-Building Officials. Even though a participant may not be interested in every speaker or education opportunity during the conference, sometimes the most learning occurs during the social events while speaking to other Code professionals about the issues being faced.
4. Read.
Read whatever you can find. Start with the intent statements for the Building Code requirements that you are questioning. Review the User’s Guides for relevant information. Search the internet for Building Code Appeals and interpretations on the issues at hand. Read journals, such as the NFPA journal, to get an idea of where certain Code requirements originated and how they are being applied in other jurisdictions globally.
There are also a few blogs out there that may be of interest to Building Code users:
Meyer Fire – A blog to bring Fire Protection and NFPA discussion and daily questions to the masses. Joe Meyer not only has great cheatsheets and posts on NFPA 13 and 14, but also other very engaging articles – all served with a lot of personality. A must-subscribe.
The Building Code Blog – Chris Campbell practices and blogs about the International Building Code. This is not Canadian info, but a source of interesting discussion and insight about building code in general.
5. Listen.
There are a number of podcasts out there that cover various parts of the industry. Jim Burns will be telling us about those in an upcoming article.
6. Join a Code community like this one.
Ask questions, provide answers, participate. Listen to what other people’s opinions on Building Code requirements. Even when you don’t agree with their interpretation of a Code requirement, you may learn something valuable.
