New Fire Code Replaces Rules From 1913
More comprehensive and detailed, the new Fire Code places greater emphasis on enhanced safety for the general public and firefighter/emergency responder safety.
BY RICHARD GENTILVISO

One day after 276 probationary firefighters graduated from the fire academy on Randall's Island, the city of New York's newly revised Fire Code went into effect on July 1. The revision, the first since 1913, was the subject of a presentation to a joint session of the Queens Borough Board and Cabinet.

Julian Bazel, counsel to the Fire Department's Bureau of Legal Affairs, confirmed the obvious, calling the old code "outdated". The new Fire Code was unanimously passed by the City Council after a four-year task force study created by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. It is modeled on the International Fire Code (IFC).

It provides for rooftop access, more evacuation plans and fire safety systems and the development of fire safety programs for construction sites. Everyone must comply with its prohibitions and safety requirements.

The new Fire Code is also in line with the new city Building Code. But while the Building Code is about design and construction, including fire safety systems, the Fire Code is more about the operation and maintenance of buildings and building systems, including emergency preparedness, Bazel said at the July 7 meeting in Borough Hall.

The previous Fire Prevention Code, as it was called, has now been repealed. "[It] was strict, but lagging in national standards," Bazel said of the old code. The top five causes of fire in 2007 were: Incendiary, electrical, smoking, open flame (match, candle, etc.) and hot objects. There were 95 civilian fatalities last year.

More comprehensive and detailed, the new Fire Code places greater emphasis on enhanced safety for the general public and firefighter/emergency responder safety.

The Fire Academy now requires 23 weeks of training, 10 more than before, also with increased training and focus on firefighter safety, including the handling of hazardous materials.

"There is no question this is a big challenge," said Bazel.

Almost one year ago, on August 18, two firefighters died battling a blaze at the empty Deutsche Bank building near Ground Zero. Firefighters Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Beddia of Engine 24, Ladder 5, Battalion 2, both died from cardiac arrest fighting toxic fire and smoke. A subsequent investigation found fire hazards were present, including a broken standpipe.

The Fire Code applies to all persons and places in New York City governing emergency preparedness; prevention and reporting of fires; manufacture, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous and combustible materials; businesses and activities that pose fire hazards, and the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the buildings and premises that house such materials, businesses and activities.

Persons or businesses conducting or supervising activities regulated by the Fire Code may be required to obtain permits and certificates. All current certificates remain valid until their expiration, unless you are notified otherwise by the Fire Department. If you have a question, visit www.nyc.gov or write to: Code Revision Unit, Bureau of Legal Affairs, New York City Fire Department, 9 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201-3857.