Class Descriptions

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HUMAN-CAUSED CODE VIOLATIONS is a comprehensive review and codes-based analysis through photographic evidence of a wide range of violations in the built-environment discovered nationwide during 32 years of codes enforcement and consulting by Robert Trotter. With approximately 2000 violation photos, participants will determine the applicable code or standard, understand how to explain the violation, be prepared to offer solutions for correction, know how to apply the 3 E’s of Fire Prevention, and understand that “people” cause code violations. 

The class covers several codes and standards including but not limited to the following: International Fire Code®, International Building Code®, International Mechanical Code®, NFPA 10, 13, 14, 17, 17A, 20, 25, 30, 54, 55, 58, 70, 72. 80, 82, 96, 101, 110, 111, 220. 

Learning objectives:

• Understanding fire and life safety protocols relevant to film production environments

• Film Set Identification

• • Recognize key areas of film production, including filming locations, base camps (trailers and support vehicles), and designated parking areas.

  • Identify key personnel such as the Location Manager (site logistics) and First Assistant Director (1st AD) (on-set operations and safety).

• Code Enforcement & Permit Opportunities

• • Understand how the 2018 International Fire Code applies to filming on location, with reference to specific sections (see below).

  • Explore opportunities to strengthen oversight through the issuance of permits.

• Hazard Identification

• • Recognize common fire and life safety risks on film sets, including:

• • • Electrical hazards from lighting and equipment

    • Flammable materials (props, costumes, set construction)

    • Obstructed exits

    • Improper use of pyrotechnics or special effects

For film productions, fire codes adapt to the temporary and dynamic nature of filming on location by focusing on public safety and immediate hazard mitigation. Section 403.12 of the International Fire Code (IFC) addresses these special requirements:

403.12.1 Fire watch personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a place of assembly or any other place where people congregate, because of the number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall provide one or more fire watch personnel, as required and approved. Fire watch personnel shall comply with Sections 403.12.1.1 and

403.12.1.2.

●    Authority to Regulate Filming (Section 403.12.1)

●    Access:

o   Fire lanes (Section 503.2.1 and 503.4)

o   Fire equipment (Section 509.2, 912.4)

●    Egress:

o   General (production equipment may not obstruct any part of exiting system)

o   Roof/basement/mezzanine (limited to 10 persons)

o   Visible exiting (Section 1013)

o   Exiting Travel Distance (Section 1017)

o   Obstructions (Section 1031.3)

●    Fire Protection Equipment

o   Obstructions (Section 903.3.3)

o   Bypass (for smoke/haze)

●    Electrical

o   Unsafe electric panel connections (Section 604.1)

o   Unsafe electric cable, cords & connectors (Section 604.5)

o   Temporary electrical wiring limited to 90 days (Section 604.9)

●    Construction

o   Constructed sets, considered temporary, create an immediate fire load

o   Flame retardant considerations

o   NO SMOKING signage

●    Special Effects (Section 5608, specifically 5608.1, 5608.2, 5608.2.2, 5608.8. NFPA 1123 & 1126)

o   Safety meeting

●    Open Flame use (Section 308, specifically 308.3.2 and NFPA 160)

●    Compressed Gases (Sections 105.6.8 & 5301.2)

●    Flammable or Combustible Liquids (Section 5701.4) Flammable or combustible liquids (Chapter 57) or gases

o   Propane for cooking, SPFX, etc.

●    Drone use (Code of Federal Regulations - Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

●    Vehicles or Motor craft Indoors (Section 314.4)

●    Mobile refueling (and NFPA 385 for Transportation of Fuel)

o   Section 5706.5.4 Dispensing from tank vehicles and tank cars

o   Section 5706.5.1.7 Bonding  

●    Tents (Section 3103.2 Tents)

●    Welding and Other Hot Work (Section 3503.3 and NFPA 51B)

●    Live Audience Shows (Section 1029.1.1 Live audiences and NFPA 160 for flames, along with ICC 300 for Grandstands, Bleachers & Platforms)

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