When One Code (LSC) is not Enough - IBC plays a Role

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Abstract

As an architect working in many states and therefore jurisdictions, having to navigate the waters of submissions and code conformance comes in many forms. The health care design world admittedly has a large portion of its requirements coming from the NFPA world; rightly so. But there's a lurker in waters of conformance that must be addressed in order to build virtually every construction project. The International Building Code or IBC for short. BWBR, the firm Lars has worked for 36 years as architect and code resource/consultant, has had many a frustrating time trying to work with competing/companion codes and regulations. Successful mostly but still not without trials. The presentation will demonstrate the "joys" of not only making sure the project maintains compliance with NFPA for health departments, accrediting agencies, and CMS certification but also the lurker. Procuring a permit for construction as well as occupancy is almost always reliant on the ICC standards. Here's the hitch, while they are "mostly" the same, they are not "always" the same and sometimes they are opposing! I had the privilege of helping ASHE National (Now retired, both, Doug Erickson and Dale Woodin and a band of passionate helpers) present to the ICC Executive Board as well as the ICC Board of Directors over 15 years ago in Baltimore which started the "Ad Hoc" committee and now a real committee for ICC to bring commonality between the IBC and LSC. It was my experience at that time that the health care industry is paying a tremendous amount of money for the lack of commonality. Alas, though better it is still an issue. Examples of what will be discussed, not lectured, takes many forms. They will include: -Differences and definitions between CMS Certification, TJC accreditation, Department of Health Licensure, and Local Building official’s permitting. Similar as they are all AHJs, but very different entities with very different requirements and temperments. - Non-Patient Care Suite in LSC and Non-Separated Use Occupancy in the IBC. If the designer doesn't know how to deal with the fact the LSC mandates a two-hour rated occupancy separation, but the IBC does not, the documents will not demonstrate that ratings of wall along with dampers that are needed will in fact be included for not only original cost, but the gift that keeps on giving..... damper testing and maintenance. - continuing, the IBC 2015 edition finally removed the need for smoke dampers in smoke barrier walls for most conditions to match the LSC. Problem is AHJs and consultants don't know it and the costly smoke dampers are STILL being added. Ignorance is expensive. I've found 50 combination fire/smoke dampers in a project that was ready to be issued that were unneeded. That's a huge savings up front and every six and four years depending on the occupancy. -IBC does not require a horizontal exit supporting wall to have protection at the exterior walls that have less than 180-degree engagement. LSC does and when the designer complies with the IBC, the lack of one-hour rated walls (45 minute glazing) is expensive "in the field". Presentation will show example of this along with innovative assemblies that mitigate the issue but still costly. -doors in IBC's smoke barrier walls require 20-minute ratings with an "S-Label". LSC requires a 1-3/4" solid door with closers. If one designs to only the LSC, every one of the doors will not work for the IBC and infield costs are huge. This issue also comes into play when after the facility is running, a facility may be told they do not need latching hardware as LSC does not require. The surveyors will not have an issue but the next construction project will have hidden costs in order to get an occupancy permit. -the IBC's smoke partitions that serve same purpose as the LSC's walls that limit the transfer of smoke in corridors may look the same, but the IBC's Commentary suggests that the lay-in ceiling system that the LSC basical.

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Learning Objectives​

1. Attendees will learn the four Authorities Having Jurisdiction and how they work and don't work together.  Them being CMS for Certification for reimbursement, TJC/DNV/other for accreditation (also for certification at times), States' Departments of Health for Licensure, and Building officials for permitting. 

2. Attendees will learn that one needs to meet not only the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements, but also the IBC to get the building built through permitting.  Without IBC compliance, CMS will never get to see the building for Certification for reimbursement.  IBC is necessary.

3. Similarities abound between the two.  This presentation also shows where savings can be had by knowing what the codes require instead of what people think" they require.  Cost savings in knowledge will happen for attendees."