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Insights Category: Code Updates

The City of Providence has been expecting Construction Fire Safety Plans as part of their permit submission process for years. They have recognized that many disasters (fires, explosions and other mishaps resulting in injury or loss of life) have occurred during demolition and construction. The Rhode Island Fire Code (RIFC) & NFPA 241 are in place to prevent same or reduce negative outcome if an emergency occurs. The City of Providence is expecting to receive NFPA 241 plans as a condition of permit, as the RIFC & NFPA 241 suggests. Expectations are specifically outlined in the Providence Guide to Permitting .

NFPA 241 narratives (FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM; RIFC: 16.3.1, fire protection plans [RIFC: 16.1.3], fire alarm and sprinkler plan; in or out of service, temporary heating, waste disposal, use of flammable and combustibles, hot work (permits by PAI required per RIFC: 41), security, access, standpipes, potable fire extinguisher information, temporary separation, safety during demolition, etc.) are required on every project and the extent of same depends on extent of and hazards associated with the proposed work. The narratives [on company letterhead and signed] have been simple to very complex reports based on the project. When a narrative is received the requesting city reviewer will either accept, comment and/or reject pending receipt of the safeguards not outlined.

Free access to the NFPA codes and standards can be found here: http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards.

Following the City of Boston’s lead, Massachusetts now requires new provisions when hot work activity is performed in all buildings; from the start of construction/renovation to general building maintenance. As previously discussed on this page, the new State of Massachusetts Fire Code (527CMR) comes into effect next month on January 1, 2018. One key change in this version of the Code is that all individuals that are involved in any hot work activity will require proper certification. This will have wide reaching impact on many contractors and building facility managers, alike.

For detailed information relative to scoping of said certification, check out the Link that the State Fire Marshall issued this past month.

On January 23, 2018, the Maine Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Building Codes and Standards approved amendments to the newest edition of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), Maine Uniform Building Code (MUBEC), and Maine Uniform Energy Code (MUEC).

Code Basis

The model codes for each of the three (3) Uniform codes is as follows:

  • MUBEC
    • 2015 Edition of International Building Code (IBC)
    • 2015 Edition of International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
    • 2015 Edition of International Residential Code (IRC)
    • 2009 Edition of International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • MUBC
    • 2015 Edition of International Building Code (IBC)
    • 2015 Edition of International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
    • 2015 Edition of International Residential Code (IRC)
  • MUEC
    • 2009 Edition of International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

Each of the codes is amended by the State of Maine and those amendments can be found at the following links:

MUBC – Commercial Amendments

MUBC – Existing Building Code Amendments

MUEC – Energy Conservation Amendments

MUBC – Residential Amendments

The adoption of these new codes requires each municipality which adopts these codes to begin enforcing the new regulations. Projects which aren’t permitted prior the municipality being enforcement are required to comply with the codes outlined above.

Have questions on the amendments to the code and how they may affect your facility? Contact us with questions about the implications of the code change!

As discussed in a previous blog post here, the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) has recently submitted for approval a new version of 527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The BFPR is the board responsible for promulgating the Commonwealth’s Fire Safety Code.

One of the major code changes for the construction industry is the introduction of an amendment to Chapter 41, Welding, Cutting, and Other Hot Work. Section 41.7 now requires individuals to provide documentation showing they have successfully completed training in the last 12 months that is approved by the State Fire Marshal covering the following topics:

  • 527 CMR 1.00 Chapter 41, Hot Work Operations
  • 29 CFR 1910.252 Subpart-Q Welding, Cutting, and Brazing
  • NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Cutting, Welding, Brazing, and Other Hot Work, 2014 Edition
  • NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alternation, and Demolition Operations, 2013 Edition
  • ANSI Z49, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, 2012 Edition

This training requirement applies to any individuals performing any of the following roles of the hot work process:

  • Serving as Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI), (i.e. owners or general contractors issuing daily/weekly internal hot work permits)
  • Perform as a fire watch
  • Perform, supervise, or delegate any hot work operation including many activities defined as hot work by NFPA 51B, several of which may not be initially thought of as such (e.g. metal chop saw cutting)

In essence, every individual involved in the hot work process from permit review and approval through the completion of the hot work is required to obtain additional training which covers all aspects of hot work safety. This code change stems from a requirement in the City of Boston requiring individuals applying for a hot work permit or conducting hot work to obtain a Hot Work Safety Certificate, which went into effect in January of 2017. This amendment rolls out this requirement state wide after seeing positive results of the requirements within the City.

The Board has acknowledged that this change in regulation will require a large number of individuals to attend training classes in order to obtain that certification. For this reason, they pushed off the effective date of the training requirement until July 1, 2018, while the rest of the code goes into effect on July 1, 2018.

The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is also effective, however this was previously adopted on August 12, 2016 under the 8th Edition in accordance with the Green Communities Act of 2008.

Contact us at info@crcfire.com if you’re interested in us coming into your office for a Significant Changes in the 9th Edition presentation. A focus will be given to those code changes which will be most impactful on the design, cost, and schedule of your future projects.

9th Edition of MA State Building Code Adopted

The 9th Edition of 780 CMR, which is an amended version of the 2015 I-Codes, was promulgated last Friday, October 20th. The final amendments to the Code are currently available from the state bookstore (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/spr/sprcat/catidx.htm). It is also expected that an electronic copy of the final amendments will be available on the Office of Public Safety and Inspections’ website shortly (http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/government/oca-agencies/dpl-lp/opsi/ma-state-building-code-780-cmr.html). Now that the 9th Edition is promulgated, there is a shortened concurrency period through December 31, 2017 where either the 8th or 9th Edition may be utilized. The effective date is based on when the permit package is submitted to the local or state building official. As of January 1, 2018, the 9th Edition will solely be adopted. Any permit packages after this date will be required to comply with the 9th Edition provisions, unless relief is granted by the Building Code Appeals Board.

The 9th Edition of 780 CMR includes the following codes:

  • 2015 International Building Code (IBC)
  • 2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
  • 2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
  • 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
  • Portions of the 2015 International Fire Code (IFC) where referenced by the IBC

The 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is also effective, however this was previously adopted on August 12, 2016 under the 8th Edition in accordance with the Green Communities Act of 2008.

Contact us at info@crcfire.com if you’re interested in us coming into your office for a Significant Changes in the 9th Edition presentation. A focus will be given to those code changes which will be most impactful on the design, cost, and schedule of your future projects.

The 9th Edition of 780 CMR, which is an amended version of the 2015 International Building Code, is on the cusp of adoption. It’s been a long time coming and just recently the state released the official adoption date. The 9th Edition will go into effect on October 20, 2017. The final amendments to the Code will be available from the state bookstore (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/spr/sprcat/catidx.htm) on that date. It is also expected that an unofficial electronic copy of the amendments will be available on the Office of Public Safety and Inspections’ website within a few days of adoption (http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/government/oca-agencies/dpl-lp/opsi/ma-state-building-code-780-cmr.html). Once 9th Edition is promulgated, there will be a shortened concurrency period through December 31, 2017 where either the 8th or 9th Edition may be utilized. The effective date is based on when the permit package is submitted to the municipality. As of January 1, 2018, the 9th Edition will solely be adopted. Any permit packages after this date will be required to comply with the 9th Edition provisions, unless a variance is granted by the Building Code Appeals Board.

Contact us at info@crcfire.com if you’re interested in us coming into your office for a Significant Changes in the 9th Edition presentation. A focus will be given to those code changes which will be most impactful on the design, cost, and schedule of your future projects.

On Thursday, September 7th, members of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) voted in favor of the adoption of a new edition of 527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code.

Code Basis

The newly adopted code is based on the 2015 Edition of NFPA 1, Fire Code with Massachusetts specific amendments. The amendments have been submitted for approval by the state secretary and can be found here: MA Amendments to NFPA 1

Date of Adoption

The effective date for the use of the code will be Monday, January 1, 2018. Specific hot work requirements will go into effect on July 1, 2018 and will be discussed in a future blog post.

Have questions on how this affects your design project or existing building? Contact us with questions about the implications of the code change!

The 9th Edition of 780 CMR, which is an amended version of the 2015 International Building Code, is on the cusp of adoption. Code Red Consultants attended the Board of Building Regulations & Standards (BBRS) meeting on September 12th to get the latest information. Here’s what we learned:

  • The 9th Edition is expected to be adopted on October 9, 2017.
  • There will be a shortened concurrency period until December 31, 2017 where either the 8th or the 9th Edition may be utilized. The effective date is based on when the permit package is submitted.
  • As of January 1, 2018, the 9th Edition will be solely adopted.
  • The latest amendments to the 9th Edition can be found here: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/government/oca-agencies/dpl-lp/opsi/proposed-amendments-to-regulations-.html Note that this version is from February 2017 and therefore changes should be anticipated in final adopted version.

We understand this is big news and doesn’t give much time to prepare for the impending new code adoption. Contact us at info@crcfire.com if you’re interested in us coming into your office for a Significant Changes in the 9th Edition presentation. A focus will be given to those code changes which will be most impactful on the design, cost, and schedule of your future projects.

An often-overlooked code reference on laboratory projects in the City of Boston is to NFPA 45, Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. Most design professionals that practice in Massachusetts on laboratory projects are aware that 527 CMR, The Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Code deletes Ch. 26, which references NFPA 45. However, the City of Boston Fire Prevention Order 86-1 requires compliance with NFPA 45 for laboratory projects within its jurisdiction.

CLICK HERE to access the Boston Fire Department Laboratory Regulation Guide

Where Does it Apply?

The City of Boston Fire Department Laboratory Regulation Guide defines a laboratory as the following:

Laboratory Definition- Laboratory shall mean a building, room, or workplace designed and/or used for the development, conduct, or observation of scientific, including but not limited to the medical chemical, physical, or biological disciplines, experimentation or research, including non-routine testing, analysis, experimentation, or other similar activities that involve the use or storage of hazardous materials as defined by Section 20.02 (c) of the City of Boston Fire Department Fire Prevention Code. Specifically excluded from this definition are classroom laboratories, dark rooms, autoclave rooms, pharmacies, drug stores, physician’s offices or the offices of other direct-care health providers, hospital or health care dispensaries, or other facilities providing medication directly to patients.

What is NFPA 45?

NFPA 45 is a standard that covers the protection of laboratory scale operations within buildings. It utilizes a methodology to compartmentalize the building in to separate fire areas with a prescribed amount of chemical hazards located within each area. It’s similar to the control area methodology required under 780 CMR, the Massachusetts State Building Code. There are notable differences including,

  • Area restrictions depending on the class of laboratory unit utilized
  • Requirement for a second means of egress from laboratories exceeding 1,000 SF
  • Quantity regulations on individual sized containers as well as a limitation on the density of chemicals per 100 SF.

How does it relate to Control Areas?

Similar to control areas, the maximum allowable quantities of chemicals per Laboratory Unit decrease depending on its level above grade and hazard classification. Laboratory Units are classified as Class A (high-hazard), Class B (moderate fire hazard), Class C (low fire hazard) and Class D (minimal fire hazard). Table 5.1.1, and 10.1.1 of NFPA 45 outlines the size, separation, height allowance, and quantity limitations requirements for Laboratory Units based on its classification. Further fire protection and life safety requirements are also dependent on the hazards present in the Laboratory Unit.

Since both the control area requirements of 780 CMR and NFPA 45 requirements (via the Boston Fire Prevention Regulations) are applicable to laboratory projects in the City of Boston, the most restrictive requirements of the two codes should govern the design.

Please feel free to contact us if you need help in applying these requirements on your project.

Status Update on the 9th Edition of 780 CMR

Today, the BBRS provided an update on the status of the 9th Edition of 780 CMR. The amendments to the 9th Edition are still under final internal legal review by the state. This legal review has taken longer than expected and therefore the planned adoption date of July 1, 2017 has come and gone. Once this legal review is completed, the code will be filed with the Secretary of State and the promulgation date will be determined. At this point, the anticipated promulgation date will be either late August or early September. This adoption will still include the planned concurrency period.

The major effect this will have on projects going forward is that the end of the concurrency period will still be continue to be January 1, 2018. This will lead to a concurrency period of approximately 4 months, as opposed to the previously determined 6-month concurrency period. Projects which are permitted prior to the promulgation date will require compliance with the 8th Edition, or a variance must be sought to utilize the 9th Edition. Project permitted during the concurrency period will have the option of complying with either the 8th Edition or the 9th Edition. Once the concurrency period has concluded, the 9th Edition must be utilized for all projects moving forward, unless a variance is sought to utilize the 8th Edition.