Class Descriptions

This course will provide a basis for fire and building code officials on codes and standards related to ESS plan review, permit and inspection. With the rapid emergence of stored energy in our home, commercial business, utility scale, building and fire code officials.

The program will give code officials tools for site plan review and inspection.

Objectives:

1.        Identify the primary components and fundamental operational principles of common Energy Storage Systems (ESS) (Based on IFC Chapter 12, IRC Chapter 3, NFPA 855 Chapter 4)

2.        Describe the unique hazards associated with ESS incidents, including thermal runaway, stranded energy, and the release of toxic gases.

3.        Locate key requirements for ESS within the International Code Council (ICC) framework, referencing provisions in the International Residential Code (IRC)(IRC Chapter 3), International Building Code (IBC), and International Fire Code (IFC, Chapter 12). 

4.        Review the various submittal requirements including Large Scale Fire Testing, HMA, ERP, commissioning plan, and decommissioning plan (IFC 1207 and NFPA 855)

Course Numbers: ICC-49007, TN SFMO 3794

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. 

Course Numbers: ICC-47889, SFMO-3736 

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)

Course Numbers: ICC-48144, SFMO-3737 

This course explains the need for firestop and provides an overview of how the model building codes are addressing the issue. Attendees should understand what firestopping is and why it’s needed, know the applicable code requirements related to firestop, and understand firestop system testing and listing for penetrations, joints and perimeter fire barriers.

• An overview of the major aspects of firestopping and applicable code requirements. Attendees will also gain knowledge about 3rd Party Special inspections of Firestopping
• Understand which buildings are subject to the IBC & NFPA firestop special inspection requirements
• Explain the specific firestop inspection requirements that these buildings will need to meet
• Understand the requirements of the code-mandated inspection procedures ASTM guides E2174 and E2393
• Understand the qualifications required for the inspectors and the inspection agency who will conduct the special inspections
• Become aware of the training & best practices when planning and executing projects which require 3rd Party Firestop Inspections

Codes referenced:
IFC 2021 (Chapter 7, Section 703, 714, 715)
NFPA 101 (Chapter 8, Section 8.3 and 8.4.4)
ASTM E2174
ASTM E2393

Course Numbers: ICC-49156, SFMO-3793

This course is designed to equip planners, building officials, fire officials, and community leaders with the knowledge to integrate fire safety codes into urban planning and development. It focuses on building resilient communities in fire-prone areas by navigating key codes and fostering collaboration across agencies and the public.

Participants will gain a working knowledge of how the following codes interact:

• IFC (International Fire Code) – Fire apparatus access, water supply, fire flow, and emergency planning.

• IBC (International Building Code) – Fire-resistant construction, egress, occupancy, and integration with zoning.

• IWUI (International Wildland-Urban Interface Code) – Ignition-resistant construction, vegetation management, and defensible space.

• IPMC (International Property Maintenance Code) – Maintenance of fire protection systems and aging infrastructure.

• Zoning Regulations – How land use and overlays affect fire risk and community layout.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define resilient development in fire-prone urban contexts

• Interpret and apply the IFC, IBC, IWUI, IPMC, and zoning regulations

• Design land use strategies that reduce fire risk

• Coordinate enforcement and maintenance for long-term resilience

• Engage communities in fire safety education and compliance

Course Numbers: ICC-48188, SFMO-3735

This session reviews fire history (past and present), including common occupancies, areas of origin, frequent months, days, and time of day. It also reviews fire sprinkler performance for recent years. Metrics showing fire sprinkler effectiveness will be identified. Reasons for sprinkler ineffectiveness and failures will also be discussed with the goal of identifying measures that could increase sprinkler reliability during installation, and ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the attendee will be able to:
1. Recognize common factors of fires such as month of year, day of week, time of day, type of occupancy, and area of origin
2. Describe fire prevention and fire protection goals and objectives
3. Analyze fire sprinkler performance and identify indicators of positive fire sprinkler performance
4. Identify conditions where fire sprinklers were not effective or where they failed to operate

Codes, Standards, and References used in the presentation:

• International Fire Code (Chapter 9)

• NFPA 13:

  • Intent and purpose requirement (varies depending on the edition year)

  • Installation chapter (varies depending on the edition year)

• NFPA 25:

  • Maintenance requirements to improve reliability

• NFPA 13E:

  • Fire department response to sprinkler-protected properties

• National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) of the United States Fire Administration (USFA)

Course numbers: ICC-49006, SFMO-3795

Description:

Your fire department’s site plan review is a critical first step in ensuring safe, accessible communities. This interactive session explores how to evaluate site plans using the 2024 International Fire Code. Participants will walk through real-world scenarios, spot common pitfalls, and explore how local amendments and policies shape review practices. Whether you’re new to plan review or ready to refine your process, this session will help you lay a stronger foundation for fire-safe development.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key site plan elements reviewed under the 2024 International Fire Code.

• Apply IFC requirements to evaluate fire department access, water supply, hydrant placement, and fire protection features.

• Interpret common challenges in site layout and recommend code-compliant solutions.

• Collaborate effectively with planning and building departments during plan review.

• Recognize how local amendments or jurisdictional policies may influence site plan review.

Code References:

• 2024 IFC sections 503-507, 912, 3307

• 2024 IFC Appendices B, C, D

Course Numbers:  ICC-48720, SFMO-3763

This class will concentrate on the lessons learned in the past two disasters in North Carolina and how they affected the local inspection departments and the State Fire Marshal's Office. Lessons will include:
The immediate needs and impacts on the code.
The authority of the State Fire Marshal's Office and the NC Building Code Council Vs. the Authority of the Local inspection department.
What were North Carolina's immediate political actions, and the effects on the long-term needs of the local inspection departments

Course Numbers:  ICC-48663, SFMO-3762