The “Seven Cs” of a Well-Written Fire Code
An effective fire prevention enforcement program stems from an effective fire code. This document gives the fire prevention bureau the ability to ensure a fire-safe community. Thus it is important that the document be well-written.
Here are seven important features that form the foundation of a good code, or what I call the “Seven Cs”:
Clear. To enforce and comply with a code, one must understand what the code requires. Ambiguous requirements that lack clarity result in wide-ranging interpretations and cost in terms of time, money, and effort. A code provision that is not written clearly may require a formal interpretation from a code-writing body.
A code provision of a prescriptive nature is usually easily understood. However, performance-type code provisions are not written as clearly; thus, a specific level of performance (protection) must be spelled out.
Complexity-free. A code must be read and understood by many audiences: enforcers, contractors, engineers, and building owners—all with varying levels of technical education. Since some code provisions are necessarily complex, a delicate balance between maintaining a certain level of complexity to ensure code compliance and keeping it simple enough for a larger audience to generally understand the code provision is necessary.
Concise. If the document is too wordy—with pages and pages of code text that can be covered in a paragraph or two—condense it. A code provision that is straight to the point is best.
Complete. Ensuring that a fire code covers a wide variety of fire protection problems is important. Since this is not always possible, a code usually contains certain general language requirements that allow a jurisdiction to ensure life safety for hazards not specifically covered in the code.
Comprehensive. An individual code provision cannot leave gaps. Code language must be as comprehensive as possible to ensure that it covers a wide variety of situations relating to a specific code requirement.
Coordinated. Coordination between the fire code and other codes (building code, mechanical code, and so on) is important. Lack of coordination leads to confusion and frustration. Involving all inspecting departments in periodic code-coordination meetings minimizes problems.
Consistent Maintaining consistency within the fire code is imperative to avoid confusion. A code review and search must be conducted when a new provision is added or an existing one is revised in order to avoid conflicting requirements.
A well-written fire code involves a balance of the seven interrelated “Cs.” The result is an enforceable and useful document.
