Villagers
I'm Neil Marsh
Building Official and Fire Chief
Northern Saskatchewan
What is your current job role and building code experience?
Public safety professional in a Northern Saskatchewan community.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING SAFETY CODES PRACTITIONERS TODAY?
Vision – our communities, our buildings, our public engagement, our professional associations and our vocations as Codes officials can all be so much more. We need the collective courage to do new and better things, and to bring a much longer view to our work and our decisions.
Collaboration – We all work hard in our own spheres of influence, but we need more mutual support and cross-pollination of ideas. Especially in smaller communities, where people in positions of responsibility often find themselves quite isolated, a more robust network of peers is badly needed. Kilo Lima Code has a great vision to help fill that gap.
Unity – Too often, efforts to achieve compliance with codes and standards are hampered by obstacles in the way of effective cooperation between various governmental agencies. It is the most vulnerable members of society who suffer as a result. This is the real “red tape”.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE THE OFFICE?
“Nature, ecology and conservation, and helping people come to a more fulfilling understanding and relationship to the land. I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of being part of Junior Forest Wardens, an excellent program that helps introduce young people to these concepts.”
WHAT’S BEEN A PIVOTAL PROJECT FOR YOU?
In our province, adoption of residential sprinkler systems (NFPA 13D) has been slow. However, in our community we have seen many 13D systems installed in new houses, and I hope that this trend catches on everywhere.
Our fire department serves a large area (100km in any direction) with no mutual aid. We started a “fire first responders” pilot project with a remote village. Their role is to locate and assess the scene long before we get there, provide vital size-up information, and also carry out some other useful actions such as controlling traffic, providing a pilot vehicle, and developing a water supply. This is working out very well, and may be a model for others to follow.
HOW CAN BUILDING AND FIRE OFFICIALS CONTRIBUTE TO GLOBAL SOLUTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY?
Global solutions start with local actions. We as codes officials can have a tremendous influence on public perceptions and attitudes, regulations, and construction practices. We can be educators, advocates (and pains-in-asses when necessary), and we can constantly nudge our communities in positive directions. The good things we accomplish locally can catch on, and maybe even change the world.
So much of the loss, tragedy and destruction that we see as emergency responders is entirely preventable. Perhaps our most important role is in helping to improve the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of our society.