Code Council, Tianjin Fire Research Institute Agreement Will Advance Public Safety in China

The International Code Council and the Tianjin (China) Fire Research Institute (TFRI) have agreed to work cooperatively to improve Chinese construction codes, according to a Memorandum of Understanding. The two organizations plan to exchange technical information, address topics in the International Building Code and International Fire Code including safe evacuation and fire protection. Plans also call for the development of training and certification programs.

“Both the Code Council and the Tianjin Fire Research Institute share a vision to protect the lives, health and safety of the public,” ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland said. “The International Code Council is proud to offer its building safety model codes including adaptable provisions for local fire hazards. Across the U.S. and increasingly around the world, our codes are establishing safe and sustainable communities which recognize rather than avoid the hazards that can threaten our well-being.”

“Globalization is having a significant impact around the globe and building codes and conformity programs are supporting this dynamic by helping people build a safer world. China has recognized the great need for its country to connect a modern, updated, and technically sound building code with a clear methodology for enforcement of those code regulations. ICC salutes China for this significant advancement and welcomes TFRI as a new global partner,” Drew Azzara, ICC’s Vice President, Global Services, said.

The Code Council’s global presence is growing. The Colombian National Standards Body selected the 2009 International Plumbing Code and the 2009 International Private Sewage Disposal Code to develop the Colombian Plumbing Code. Architects, engineers and developers around the world often reference the International Codes. Some examples include Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Macau, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The Code Council helped Mexico to develop a residential building code; assisted Egypt to establish training, certification and laboratory accreditation programs; and worked with Pakistan to improve its seismic requirements.

Weiland was an invited speaker to China’s Premier Green Construction Conference where he discussed the International Green Construction Code and the critical global need for safe and sustainable construction.

“China has the largest building construction market in the world and it is growing at an explosive rate. The International Green Construction Code is a game changer in safe and sustainable building,” he told a diverse audience in Shanghai made up of senior Chinese government officials, real estate developers, utilities, contractors, architectural firms and equipment suppliers.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable and affordable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.