Enhance building safety in your community by attending a Code Council institute

Residential inspections, permitting and plan review highlight three upcoming International Code Council Institutes. Each offers valuable information and instruction on performing the duties of code officials.

The Residential Inspection Institute, March 31-April 4 in Austin, Texas, features nationally-recognized instructors discussing residential building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical inspection techniques. Topics include footing, foundation and framing inspections; water service and building sewer inspections; air duct inspections; installation of electrical systems and much more. Instructors for the Residential Inspection Institute include John Gibson, International Code Council Technical Advisor and Instructor, and Gerald Flanik, Chief Building Official for Lake County, Ohio.

The Permit Tech Institute, led by Code Council Board Member and Overland Park, Kan., Codes Administrator Tim Ryan, is April 7-9 in Kansas City, Kan. This institute is designed to help permit technicians understand the various components of code administration, including legal aspects, code language, reading construction documents, and the permitting and inspection process. Participants also will learn how to improve their customer service skills.

The Plan Review Institute, April 14-17 in Atlanta, Ga., teaches attendees how to effectively perform structural, nonstructural and residential plan reviews based on the 2006 International Codes. The institute features interactive practice exercises, question-and-answer sessions, detailed checklists and other helpful aides to improve efficiency. Specific topics include building planning, fire protection systems, structural loads, and foundation, floor and wall systems.

All institutes offer education from highly recognized experts in the field, and allow attendees to interact, network, gain valuable insight and share experiences with their peers. Participants also can earn continuing education units (CEUs), AIA learning units (LUs) and health, safety and welfare credit (HSW credit). All attendees receive comprehensive manuals to reference during the event and to use as a resource back on the job.

To register for the Residential Inspection, Permit Tech or Plan Review Institutes online visit www.iccsafe.org/training or call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 33817.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council.