Continuing Education Course

Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program BY BEN COFFMAN

TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 136 YEARS

To earn continuing education credits, you must successfully complete the course examination. The cost for this CE exam is $25.00. For group rates, call (973) 251-5055. Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program

Educational Objectives On completion of this course, students will

1) Identify the role of code enforcement. 3) Discover the negative side of code enforcement.

2) Determine why code enforcement is needed. 4) Identify administrative issues in code enforcement.

BY BEN COFFMAN model code address exits and their maintenance. If exits are such an important part of the model building and fire codes, why do • The Iroquois Theatre: Fire “claimed the lives of 602 people, we continue to have fatalities behind inadequate exits? The an- two-thirds of them women and children, on the afternoon of swer is a lack of code enforcement. Code enforcement converts December 30, 1903.”1 Overcrowding, locked exits, inward- opening exit doors, and unfinished fire protection features all a building or fire code from just another government regulation contributed to the tragedy. into a force for life safety. Without trained and knowledgeable • The Cocoanut Grove Nightclub: On the night of November personnel out in the field performing inspections, issuing per- 28, 1942, 492 persons lost their lives after fire swept through mits, and generally improving the fire safety in their communi- flammable decorations and trapped overcrowded occupants ties, these tragedies will continue to happen. behind inadequate, locked or blocked exits.2 • The Beverly Hills Supper Club: Locked or blocked exits; in- compatible wiring; and an overcrowded, maze-like interior led INTRODUCTION TO CODE ENFORCEMENT to the deaths of 164 persons on the evening of May 28, 1977.3 America leads the industrial world in fire-related deaths. “The • The Happy Land Social Club: An arson fire set in a jealous annual losses from floods, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, rage killed 87 club goers on the night of March 25, 1990. and other natural disasters combined in the United States aver- Barred windows, overcrowding, and a single exit prevented 7 patrons from escaping the deadly fire.4 age just a fraction of the losses from fire.” An efficient and • The E2 Club: Panicked club goers, fleeing pepper spray effective fire prevention program that uses trained and knowl- used to break up a fight, stampeded down a steep, narrow edgeable persons to inspect properties for compliance with fire stairwell, crushing 21 people to death in the rush. Locked, codes and ordinances could prevent many of these fires. blocked, and inadequate exits were critical factors in the Code enforcement is a critical element in the success of fire deaths.5 • The Station Nightclub: Pyrotechnics from a band perfor- prevention programs. Almost every aspect of a thorough fire mance ignited flammable decorations at an overcrowded prevention program is affected by code enforcement in some concert, causing a stampede toward an inadequate main exit, way. It plays a major role in fire and life safety inspections, resulting in the deaths of 100 persons on February 20, 2003.6 plans review, hazardous materials and environmental inves- tigations, and the issuance of fire prevention code permits. he above incidents span more than 100 years, yet the Code enforcement plays an important but more limited role central theme of these needless deaths remains the same: in fire investigations, public education programs, and fire T inadequate exits. Whether exits are locked, blocked, or research and analysis. not present in sufficient number for the building, inadequate ex- Code enforcement, as well as fire prevention in general, its have probably contributed to more nonresidential fire deaths comes in many forms. Many programs use code enforcement than any other single factor. Yet, large portions of every major as a legal tool to ensure compliance with fire codes or ordi- www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com code enforcement ● nances. Other programs may use code enforcement as more • Of the jurisdictions with inspection programs, those that used of a guideline, particularly in the absence of legal enforcement suppression companies for a majority of inspections had low- authority. Some programs use dedicated inspectors while oth- er fire rates than those using only dedicated fire inspectors. ers use suppression units to perform inspections. Some pro- • The report speculated that the lower fire rates probably grams may consist of a small office; others may have grown occurred because suppression companies were inspecting into divisions. The structure of the fire prevention organization more properties since they were greater in number than is not important; what is important is that the program covers dedicated fire prevention inspectors. the major functions of fire prevention. • The study found that the number of fires in the careless- ness/foolish action/mechanical failure category dropped What Is It? significantly, even fires that were not directly preventable Code enforcement is the process of ensuring compli- by fire inspectors. ance with all codes, ordinances, laws, and other regulations. • The report reasoned that the drop in the number of these Although this definition of code enforcement is accurate, in fires could be related to an overall attitude of fire safety in reality code enforcement is any action taken to ensure citizens the community because of the visibility of the fire preven- comply with fire codes. Code enforcement can mean anything tion program through annual inspections. from fire inspections to speaking to a citizens’ group about This study shows the positive benefits of a strong code enforce- burning garden debris. Each of these actions helps to educate ment program. Fire rates drop significantly when trained inspec- citizens about how to comply with the code, and compliance tors make annual inspections of public buildings. And the fire with the code, after all, is what code enforcement is all about. rates drop not only from direct code enforcement but also from an overall fire safe attitude, making the entire community safer. Why Is It Needed? Code enforcement is the basis for fire prevention inspec- Who Performs It? tions, and “the inspection process is the very backbone of There are as many staffing models for accomplishing code the fire prevention program”.8 A fire prevention program is enforcement as there are fire departments that employ code the most effective method of keeping the community safe enforcement. It seems no two code enforcement programs are from fires. Although firefighters and their fire engines can do alike. There are, however, some commonalities among code amazing work to put out fires, the damage to the community enforcement staffing models: begins before they even get the call. Fires devastate commu- • Personnel should be trained to the level of enforcement nities, costing billions of dollars, destroying vital infrastruc- they will perform. ture, and taking thousands of lives. Despite the nationwide • Personnel should be knowledgeable about the structures fear of terrorism, fire is the greatest threat a community and processes they will be inspecting. faces. • Personnel should be familiar with the legal authority and In 1978, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in a responsibilities of fire code enforcement. joint effort with the Urban Institute, the U.S. Fire Administration, Staffing the code enforcement functions of a fire preven- and the National Science Foundation, released the results of the tion program may require a complex system of fire prevention study “Fire Code Inspections and Fire Prevention: What Methods personnel, civilians, and field personnel. Some of the more Lead To Success?”9 The study was an attempt to determine if fire common staffing models include the following: inspections could lower the number of fires and, correspond- • Full-time uniformed personnel dedicated to code enforce- ingly, the lives and dollars lost. The findings of this study show ment functions within the fire prevention organization. the following remarkable benefits of code enforcement: • Full-time civilians, properly trained and qualified, who • The study used data from 17 cities and one metropoli- fulfill the code enforcement functions. tan county and examined fires for which the dollar loss • Part-time firefighters from outside the department or fire- exceeded $5,000. fighters from within the department working on overtime • Data showed that four to eight percent of fires were to perform code enforcement. caused by hazards that could be seen and corrected by • A small number of uniformed fire inspectors following up the direct actions of fire inspectors. on inspections by field suppression units. • Forty to 60 percent of fires were caused by carelessness, The most effective code enforcement programs use a combi- foolish actions, or mechanical failures (often related to nation of all these staffing models. Tight budgets often reduce lack of maintenance) and were not preventable through the number of uniformed fire inspectors, requiring alterna- the direct actions of fire inspectors. tive staffing to accomplish fire prevention objectives. Hiring • The remaining 32 to 66 percent of fires resulted from civilians to witness fire detection and protection systems tests natural causes or incendiary actions or were labeled suspi- may be a good way to free uniformed inspectors for more cious. These fires were not considered preventable. technically challenging functions. Using part-time inspectors • Jurisdictions conducting inspections in almost all public struc- or field suppression companies to perform initial inspec- tures had much lower fire losses than those that did not; the tions on all public occupancies within the jurisdiction further fire rate in jurisdictions without code enforcement was more frees uniformed inspectors for technical assignments, such as than twice as high as those with code enforcement. complex inspections or handling citizen complaints. These

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alternate staffing models generally require that the uniformed Some departments publish special brochures or booklets inspectors follow up on any major or uncorrected violations on planning construction projects for compliance with the fire reported during systems tests or public occupancy inspections. code. The Staunton (VA) Fire Prevention Office issues bro- chures to developers with instructions on the proper marking How Is It Performed? of fire lanes, an issue that had seen much confusion in the Code enforcement is always based on an established fire past.13 The Fairfax County (VA) Fire & Rescue Department prevention or life safety code. These codes may be written by issues a “Code Reference Package for Architects, Engineers, individual jurisdictions but are more commonly adopted from Designers, and Installers”14 (see “Fairfax County’s Code Refer- model codes. Model codes are defined as “a code generally ence Package”). The package provides information on apply- developed through the consensus process through the use ing for permits, requesting inspections and system tests, and of technical committees developed by an organization for where to look in the applicable codes for information. These adoption by governments.” (8) Simply put, model codes are two progressive fire prevention programs are enforcing codes written by technical code committees expressly for adoption while construction is still being planned, maximizing the ef- by governments. Once these model codes are adopted in a ju- fectiveness of fire prevention as a tool. risdiction, an agency must be assigned the authority to enforce In addition to assisting planners and developers, code the adopted code. In the area of fire prevention or life safety enforcement can benefit business owners and entrepreneurs. codes, this authority usually falls to the fire prevention arm of Steven Sites, fire prevention official, states, “Most new, and the jurisdiction’s fire department. sometimes established, business owners don’t have a firm Once assigned the authority to enforce the code, the fire understanding of fire and life safety. First-time fire prevention prevention program manager must determine the best method inspections are best received from the owner’s perspective if of enforcement. Program managers have several choices for approached from an educational objective. A business owner implementing enforcement based on the “3 Es” of fire preven- who buys into fire and life safety has been adequately edu- tion10: cated.”15 Educating the owner to the requirements as well as • engineering, the spirit and intent of the code can attain positive benefits for • education, and fire and life safety. • enforcement (inspections). In fire prevention, the term “enforcement” is most often as- Engineering most often involves using specially trained sociated with trained and knowledgeable inspectors perform- professional engineers to review construction plans. Known ing walk-throughs of entire facilities, looking for any hazards as plans review, the process includes reviewing a construc- or violations of applicable codes. These inspections could be tion or development plan for fire and life safety issues.11 The called the “bread and butter” of fire prevention, as they are the review of plans for construction gives the progressive fire foundation of most fire prevention programs. Inspections are prevention program an opportunity to lobby for fire and life generally performed under one of two models: (8) safety features, particularly sprinkler systems. By studying • Permit-Based Inspections. All model codes contain a the plans and lobbying for the safest construction possible, permit system in which individuals must obtain permits plans review personnel can prevent fires from happening when performing certain dangerous activities or processes. and lessen the life threats when they do occur. This type of Most of the model codes allow for an inspection prior to code enforcement focuses special emphasis on fire detection issuing a permit. The permit-based inspection process is and protection systems, means of egress, fire department “the simplest to get started and the easiest to defend as features (sprinkler connections, and so on), and hazardous technically valid.” materials storage issues. • Inspection Model. When using the inspection model, the Another form of engineering is code review, which involves program manager identifies which type of occupancies reviewing the code for needed changes or updates. A progressive to inspect and how often. These decisions are generally fire prevention program will often attempt to place qualified per- based on the level of hazard presented by occupancy sonnel on governmental or model code committees in an attempt types or on data of previous fire rates in the jurisdiction. to effect changes in the text of the code. These persons can use Whichever model is chosen, inspectors must physically go their votes and lobbying power to support code changes that to the location and inspect the property. This usually means improve fire and life safety or to defeat measures that may lessen going to the identified facility; meeting with property manage- safety. This is an important element of a thorough fire prevention ment officials; and then performing a walk-through of the entire program and is often overlooked by fire departments. structure, looking for any hazards or violations. Some fire pre- Education can play a key role in code enforcement. We all vention programs use a checklist when performing inspections; know about the public education programs in the fire service others rely on the inspector’s knowledge of the code to identify such as Learn Not to Burn® and Fire Prevention Week.12 Code hazards. There is debate as to whether checklists indirectly limit enforcement education is somewhat different. This type of the inspector’s attention to only items on the checklist; so many education involves educating construction and development departments are now using a broad, generalized checklist to en- professionals on fire and life safety codes, to minimize viola- courage inspectors to be open to any hazards while still ensuring tions and maximize safety. a minimum level of coverage.

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When Is It Needed? inspections of private dwellings are generally not permitted The determination of when to inspect a property can carry and may be considered a violation of a citizen’s rights under a great deal of legal responsibility. There are several models the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Inspectors may, used to determine inspection schedules. however, respond to complaints or visible hazards within pri- Permit-Based. These inspections are generally made prior to vate dwellings. Depending on the model code in use, most or issuing or updating a fire prevention permit or as a regular fol- nearly all of the properties in a jurisdiction may be within the low-up to ensure compliance with the conditions of the permit. scope of the fire or life safety code. Even wildlands, previously Since most model codes include sections on issuing permits for considered outside the scope of most codes, are now required a wide range of activities, using the permit-based model allows to be in compliance with the International Code Council’s personnel to inspect most of the potentially hazardous proper- Urban-Wildland Interface Code in some states.16 ties in a jurisdiction. Occasionally, an inspector will be refused access to a prop- Routine. Routine inspections of specific properties should be erty. When this occurs, the fire inspector has several options: made in accordance with a written policy outlining the schedul- • If the occupant feels this is just a bad time for the inspec- ing of inspections for various occupancies. The frequency or tion (a busy day, for example), the fire inspector may elect priority of inspections should be based on the hazards presented to reschedule the inspection. by certain occupancies, such as public assembly venues or • If the inspector sees a violation or is responding to a com- hazardous materials manufacturing facilities. Once the schedule plaint, the inspector may seek an administrative warrant. is determined, it should not be deviated from except for good • If the inspector is continually refused entry over a period of reason, such as a special hazard inspection. Even then, the rou- time, with or without good reason, the inspector may again tinely scheduled inspection should still be carried out, maintain- seek an administrative warrant to perform the inspection. ing continuity in the inspection schedule. Administrative warrants, commonly known as inspection war- Complaint-Based. These inspections are a response to com- rants, were established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Camara plaints received from citizens, government officials, fire depart- vs. Municipal Court of San Francisco.17 The court acknowledged ment personnel, or even fire prevention personnel. For example, that a routine inspection of the physical condition of a property an inspector receives a telephone call reporting a possible viola- is less intrusive on Fourth Amendment rights than a search by tion of a fire or life safety code, such as a locked exit in a business. law enforcement officers for the fruits and instrumentalities of The inspector then proceeds to the location and attempts to verify a crime. (8) As a result, procuring an administrative warrant is the violation reported in the complaint. These inspections may generally easier than securing a criminal search warrant, as prob- be problematic, as many callers wish to remain anonymous and able cause may be given when a routine inspection is scheduled inspectors may find some complaints are filed as retribution for and entry is denied. Remember, however, that very few fire or alleged wrongdoing by the property owner. life safety codes include routine inspections of private dwellings Special Hazard. This type of inspection involves the fire within their scope. prevention organization responding to a situation occurring within the jurisdiction or in properties similar to those in the THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF CODE ENFORCEMENT jurisdiction. This often involves responding to analysis of data Most model codes require an inspector to issue written no- on fires or code violations—for instance, fire inspectors may tice of any violations found. Some jurisdictions enforce code discover illegal fireworks at several businesses and so check violations as criminal charges, issuing summonses or citations every business selling fireworks in the jurisdiction. After The to the responsible party. It is in the issuing of these notices Station nightclub fire in 2003, many departments made special of violations that the downside of code enforcement becomes efforts to inspect all nightclubs and bars to prevent a similar visible. The fire inspector is often seen as a “firefighter,” and tragedy in their jurisdictions. firefighters are everybody’s friend—everybody’s friend, that The best enforcement model often combines a mix of each is, until he issues a written violation notice or, even worse, a of these inspection types. For example, the prevention pro- summons or citation. Then the friendly firefighter becomes a gram may have several inspectors whose responsibility is to police officer, and very few citizens see police officers as their issue permits and perform inspections based on those permits. friends when being investigated. Other inspectors may normally perform routine inspections Negative feelings against a fire inspector can encompass while responding to complaints as they arise. All prevention the whole fire department or even the entire city government. personnel may be used when special hazard inspections are Complaints to the chief, mayor, or city council are not uncom- needed. This combination of inspections provides for the most mon. Letters to newspaper editors may refer to fire inspectors efficient and effective use of personnel in ensuring the safety as “jack-booted thugs” or “government oppressors.” There can of the community. be some serious effects on the department and its personnel as a result, such as the following: Where Is It Performed? • The offending fire inspector may be removed from his Most model codes provide for code enforcement in all struc- position in inspections, or he may be removed from the tures or properties, though some jurisdictions limit the scope department entirely. of inspections, such as by exempting farm structures. Routine • The chief may decide to reduce or eliminate code enforce-

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Fairfax County (VA) Code Reference Package The current edition of the Code Reference Package is based code. Key sections include the following: on the International Code Council’s 2009 Fire and Building • A list of the codes and standards currently in use by the Codes. The package was created for architects, engineers, de- Office of the Fire Marshal. signers, and installers, but it’s also useful to building managers, • An explanation of the Plans Review and Approval process. tenants, and other code users. • Checklists for site plans, building/tenant plans, and other The intent of the package is to maximize fire prevention plans for review. practices by ensuring structures and systems are designed, • An explanation of the Fire Prevention Code permit process. installed, and tested under the appropriate codes and with a • Required Fire Prevention Code permits. minimum number of errors and delays. • Sprinkler System Design, Installation, and Testing. The package is produced by the Engineering Plans Review • Fire Alarm Design, Installation, and Testing. Branch of the Fairfax County (VA) Office of the Fire Marshal. • Fire Lanes Design and Marking. • Fire Department Key Box Construction and Installation. Key Points • Occupancy Requirements for Tenants, Shells, and New The Code Reference Package provides a list of current Buildings. codes and standards in use by the Office of the Fire Marshal. • Fire Protection Systems Requirements in Buildings under It provides guidelines and diagrams to help users comply with Construction or Renovation. codes during the design and construction of buildings and • Aboveground and underground storage tanks. explains commonly overlooked or misinterpreted regulatory • Door locks, exits, and security. requirements throughout the review, approval, and construc- The Fairfax County Office of the Fire Marshal also maintains tion processes. a Web site with links to other guidelines, publications, permit However, referring to the Code Reference Package does not requirements, and more. It is at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ exempt the user from consulting and complying with the actual fr/prevention/.

ment functions after receiving angry complaints from smoothly. Each presents separate challenges to the program citizens or local government officials. manager, requiring the technical assistance of experts in each • The mayor or governing board may elect to reduce fund- field. ing to fire prevention programs or to the fire department as a whole as punishment for the perceived overstepping Public Access of the bounds of the fire department’s duties. Providing for public access to fire prevention information • In agencies dependent on donations, the controversy may often entails working within the Freedom of Information Act. lead to a significant reduction in donations. This act recognizes “the right of any member of the public, None of the situations listed above are good for the fire citizen or noncitizen alike, to obtain records created and main- department; even if none of them happen, just having the fire tained by public agencies.” (18) Excluding certain documents prevention program’s good name besmirched can lower morale exempted by the act, any document requested must be turned in the entire fire department. Even worse than lowering morale, over within a given timeframe. Any official failing to comply in this situation could create or widen a gap in the bond between the specified time period could face court-imposed penalties. field suppression forces and fire prevention personnel. In losing (8) Inspection reports are not generally exempted from the the support of the suppression forces, the fire prevention pro- requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. (8) gram will lose its greatest ally in making the community safer. Good public relations and an attitude of cooperation are critical Communication to preventing these situations. The National Fire Academy’s Advanced Fire Administration Course Guide defines communication as “a process by which ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES information, beliefs, and perceptions are exchanged among IN CODE ENFORCEMENT people through a common system that includes verbal, visual, Managing a successful fire prevention program can be a dif- and behavioral symbols and signs.” (18) The course guide fur- ficult and time-consuming job. Program managers must have ther states that “communication occurs through writing/read- strong abilities in the core skills for effective public adminis- ing, speaking/listening, and actions/observation.” (18) In other tration: resource management, public access, communication, words, almost everything we do communicates something to and organization.18 someone. It is vitally important that the program manager set the tone Resource Management for all communication between the fire prevention organiza- Four main resource types must be managed in a fire pre- tion and its customers. Instilling an attitude of cooperation in vention office: fiscal resources, human resources, facilities code enforcement personnel will help to minimize conflicts and equipment resources, and information resources. All are with citizens during the enforcement process. Inspectors need critical to the success of the fire prevention organization, and to communicate to the citizens that compliance with the code all can generate significant headaches when things don’t run is necessary but that the fire prevention organization is willing

www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com code enforcement ● to work with the citizen rather than simply issue summonses eNDNOTes or citations to those not in compliance. 1. Brandt, N. (2003). Chicago Death Trap: The Iroquois Theatre Fire of 1903. The fire prevention program manager must work closely Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press. with field suppression forces to ensure a smooth flow of 2. Schorow, S. (2005) The Cocoanut Grove Fire: New England Remembers. Beverley, MA: Commonwealth Editions. information between the field units and the fire prevention organization. Field suppression companies are often in a posi- 3. Elliott, R. (1996). Inside the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire. Paducah, KY: Turner Publishing Company. tion to recognize hazards or violations, whereas inspectors are 4. Brannigan, F. & Carter, H. (1998). Fire Disasters: What Have We Learned? often in a position to identify features of a specific property Retrieved on 21 March 2005 from http://www.firehouse.com/magazine/ that could prove important during an emergency. Each party american/ disasters.html. must forward that information to the other. This exchange of 5. Associated Press. (2002). Authorities: Nightclub in Violation of Court information is beneficial to both parties and greatly contrib- Order; Police Describe ‘Mass Chaos’ When People Headed for the Door. Retrieved on 21 March 2005 from http://wgci.netfirms.com/e2_tragedy.htm. utes to the ability of each group to protect the community. Establishing the goals and objectives to be accomplished 6. National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2003). Key Findings and Recommendations for Improvement: NIST Investigation of the Station should be the first priority of a fire prevention program. It is Nightclub Fire. Retrieved on 21 March 2005 from http://www.nist.gov/ imperative that the organization establish clear, specific goals. public_affairs/factsheet/ mar_3_rifindings.htm. These goals should be included in the written standard operat- 7. United States Fire Administration. (2004). Fire in the United States 1992 – ing procedures of the organization and must be understood 2001. (13th ed.) Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. by all prevention personnel. These goals become the mark by 8. Diamantes, D. (2003). Fire Prevention Inspection & Code Enforcement. (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Learning. which the success of the organization is measured. As an ex- ample, goals may include reducing the number of fires in com- 9. Hall, John R Jr, Michael J. Karter Jr, Margo P Koss, Alfred H Schainblatt, Thomas C McNerney. 1978. Fire-code inspections and fire prevention: mercial kitchens by 50 percent within two years or reducing the What methods lead to success? Washington, DC: Urban Institute. number of code violations found in public assembly occupan- 10. National Fire Academy. (1996). Management of Fire Prevention Pro- cies by 25 percent within five years. grams Course Guide. Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. 11. Compton, D & Granito, J. (2002) Managing Fire and Rescue Services. Organization (2nd ed.). Washington DC: International City/County Management Associa- tion. The fire prevention program must be organized in a manner 12. National Fire Protection Association. (2005). Public Educa- that best supports the goals of the organization. If a goal is tion. Retrieved on 21 March 2005 from http://www.nfpa.org/ to reduce the number of fires and casualties in public as- categoryList.asp?categoryID=196&URL= Learning/Public%20 sembly occupancies, then the program should be organized Education&cookie%5Ftest=1. to support that goal. Many fire prevention programs see their 13. City of Staunton Fire Prevention Office. (2003).The Proper Marking of Fire Apparatus Access Roads. Staunton, VA: City of Staunton Printing responsibilities expanding, stretching thin the limited re- Office. sources available. These organizations must remain focused on 14. County of Fairfax Fire Prevention Division. (2003). Code Reference Pack- their established goals to ensure effective delivery of core fire age for Architects, Engineers, Designers, and Installers. Retrieved on 21 prevention services. Fire prevention goals should be reviewed March 2005 from http://fairfaxcounty.gov/fire/prev/2000coderefpkg.pdf. annually and adjusted to reflect emerging trends or significant 15. Sites, Steven. Electronic Citation [personal email]. 5 April 2005. changes in the organization or community. 16. International Code Council. (2003). 2003 International Urban-Wildland Interface Code. Falls Church, VA: International Code Council. ••• 17. Camara vs. Municipal Court of City and County of San Francisco, 387 US 523. (1967). Catalog of Supreme Court Cases (1937-1975). Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. The responsibility for community safety falls to local fire offi- 18. National Fire Academy. (2002). Advanced Fire Administration Course cials, government administrators, and elected officials. Virtually Guide. Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. every major fatal fire in the history of the United States can be directly attributed to the failure of local officials to implement effective fire and life safety codes and then ensure compli- ance through adequate code enforcement. A review of the fatal incidents listed at the beginning of this article shows that ● BEN COFFMAN is a law enforcement-certified fire nearly 1,500 people died behind inadequate exits in these six marshal assigned as the explosives enforcement program incidents. This may have been somewhat understandable in the manager with the Fairfax County (VA) Office of the Fire early 1900s, but 100 young adults dying in a nightclub fire in Marshal. He is a 20-year veteran of the fire service, is cer- 2003 is completely unacceptable. These deaths are exactly the tified as a fire inspector II, and is a Virginia Department reason that code enforcement must become a critical element of Housing and Community Development certified fire official. He has an undergraduate degree in fire science of every fire prevention program. Benjamin Franklin once said, from the University of Maryland University College and “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (11) Code a graduate degree in national security from American enforcement simply ensures that everyone exercises their ounce Military University. of prevention. ●

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COURSE EXAMINATION INFORMATION To receive credit and your certificate of completion for participation in this educational activity, you must complete the program post exami- nation and receive a score of 70% or better. You have the following options for completion. Option One: Online Completion Use this page to review the questions and mark your answers. Return to www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com and sign in. If you have not previously purchased the program, select it from the “Online Courses” listing and complete the online purchase process. Once purchased, the program will be added to your User History page where a Take Exam link will be provided. Click on the “Take Exam” link, complete all the program questions, and submit your answers. An immediate grade report will be provided; on receiving a passing grade, your “Cer- tificate of Completion” will be provided immediately for viewing and/or printing. Certificates may be viewed and/or printed anytime in the future by returning to the site and signing in. Option Two: Traditional Completion You may fax or mail your answers with payment to PennWell (see Traditional Completion Information on following page). All information requested must be provided to process the program for certification and credit. Be sure to complete ALL “Payment,” “Personal Certification Information,” “Answers,” and “Evaluation” forms. Your exam will be graded within 72 hours of receipt. On successful completion of the posttest (70% or higher), a “Certificate of Completion” will be mailed to the address provided.

COURSE EXAMINATION 1) Why do we continue to have fatalities behind inadequate exits, 7) Despite the nationwide fear of terrorism, ______is the when exits are such an important part of model building and fire greatest threat a community faces. codes? a. A tornado a. Poor exit door construction b. Fire b. Exit doors are not wide enough for high occupancies c. A flood c. A lack of code enforcement d. A Hurricane d. Exits are locked 8) What drops significantly when trained inspectors make annual 2) Which country leads the industrial world in fire-related deaths? inspections of public buildings? a. China a. Fire deaths b. India b. Building fires c. France c. Fire rates d. America d. None of the above

3) The annual losses from floods, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes 9) Which of the following are commonalities among code enforce- and other natural disasters combined in the United States average ment staffing models? just a fraction of the losses from fire. a. Personnel should be knowledgeable about the structures and a. True process they will be inspecting b. False b. Personnel should be trained to the level of enforcement they will perform 4) The structure of the fire prevention organization is not important; c. Personnel should be familiar with the legal authority and what is important is that the program covers the ______responsibilities of fire code enforcement of fire prevention. d. All of the above a. Administration b. Curriculum 10) Which of the following are common staffing models for fire prevention programs? c. Major functions d. Evaluation a. Full-time uniformed personnel dedicated to code enforcement functions within the fire prevention program b. Part-time firefighters from outside the department or firefighters 5) ______is the process of ensuring compliance with all from within the department working overtime to perform code codes, ordinances, laws, and other regulations. enforcement a. Code enforcement c. A small number of uniformed fire inspectors following up on b. Law enforcement inspections by field suppression units c. Fire Prevention d. All of the above d. None of the above 11) Code enforcement is always based on an established fire preven- 6) Code enforcement is the basis for fire prevention inspections, and tion or life safety code. the inspection process is the very backbone of the fire prevention a. True program. b. False a. True b. False

www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com Continuing Education Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program

12) ______are defined as a code generally developed 17) Negative feelings against a fire inspector can encompass the through the consensus process through the use of technical whole fire department or even the entire city government. committees developed by an organization for adoption by a. True governments. b. False a. Model Codes b. Consensus Codes 18) Good ______and an attitude of cooperation are c. Standard operating procedure critical to preventing the negative side of code enforcement. d. Fire Codes a. Intentions b. Appearance 13) Which of the following is one of the “3Es” of fire prevention? c. Public relations a. Engineering d. Inspection knowledge b. Education c. Enforcement 19) Which of the following is one of the four main resource types to d. All of the above be managed in a fire prevention office? a. Fiscal resources 14) ______involves reviewing the code for needed b. Human resources changes or updates. c. Information resources a. Administrative review d. All of the above b. Consensus review c. Preplanning 20) The fire prevention program must be organized in a manner that d. Code review best supports the goals of the organization. a. True 15) Educating a business owner to the requirements as well as the b. False spirit and intent of the code can attain positive benefits for fire and life safety. a. True b. False

16) A ______inspection are generally made prior to is- suing or updating a fire prevention permit or as a regular follow- up to ensure compliance with the conditions of the permit. a. Permit-Based b. Routine c. Compliant-Based d. Special Hazard Notes

www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com Continuing Education Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program

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traditional compleTION INFORMATION: 2. Please rate your personal mastery of the course objectives. 5 4 3 2 1 Mail or fax completed answer sheet to 3. How would you rate the objectives and educational methods? 5 4 3 2 1 Fire Engineering University, Attn: Carroll Hull, 1421 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa OK 74112 4. How do you rate the author’s grasp of the topic? 5 4 3 2 1 Fax: (918) 831-9804 PAYMENT & CREDIT INFORMATION 5. Please rate the instructor’s effectiveness. 5 4 3 2 1 Examination Fee: $25.00 Credit Hours: 4 6. Was the overall administration of the course effective? 5 4 3 2 1 Should you have additional questions, please contact Pete 7. Do you feel that the references were adequate? Yes No Prochilo (973) 251-5053 (Mon-Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm EST).  ❑ I have enclosed a check or money order. 8. Would you participate in a similar program on a different topic? Yes No  ❑ I am using a credit card. 9. If any of the continuing education questions were unclear or ambiguous, please list them. My Credit Card information is provided below. ______ ❑ American Express  ❑ Visa  ❑ MC  ❑ Discover 10. Was there any subject matter you found confusing? Please describe. Please provide the following (please print clearly): ______Exact Name on Credit Card 11. What additional continuing education topics would you like to see? Credit Card # Expiration Date ______Signature PLEASE PHOTOCOPY ANSWER SHEET FOR ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS.

AUTHOR DISCLAIMER INSTRUCTIONS COURSE CREDITS/COST The author(s) of this course has/have no commercial ties with the sponsors or the providers of the unrestricted educational All questions should have only one answer. Grading of this examination is done manually. Participants will receive All participants scoring at least 70% on the examination will receive a verification form verifying 4 CE credits. grant for this course. confirmation of passing by receipt of a verification form. Participants are urged to contact their state or local authority for continuing education requirements. SPONSOR/PROVIDER EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER RECORD KEEPING No manufacturer or third party has had any input into the development of course content. All content has been derived The opinions of efficacy or perceived value of any products or companies mentioned in this course and expressed PennWell maintains records of your successful completion of any exam. Please go to www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com to from references listed, and or the opinions of the instructors. Please direct all questions pertaining to PennWell or the herein are those of the author(s) of the course and do not necessarily reflect those of PennWell. see your continuing education credits report. administration of this course to Pete Prochilo, [email protected]. Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to give the participant the COURSE EVALUATION and PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK feeling that s/he is an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and © 2009 by Fire Engineering University, a division of PennWell. We encourage participant feedback pertaining to all courses. Please be sure to complete the survey included with the course. clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise. Please e-mail all questions to: Pete Prochilo, [email protected]. www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com