Plans Examiners Prevent Disasters

Plans examiners—like other “First Preventers” who serve as building inspectors, fire chiefs, fire inspectors, structural engineers, or simply building safety officials—prevent harm by ensuring compliance with building safety codes before a disaster occurs. Plans examiners review construction blueprints and building plans to ensure construction code requirements are met and structures are safe.

Plans examiners can strengthen their plan review skills at an upcoming International Code Council Institute November 17-20, in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The innovative 2008 Plan Review Institute will train plans examiners to be more efficient when they review plans and determine compliance with the 2006 International Codes. Attendees will learn step-by-step techniques to effectively perform structural, nonstructural and residential plan reviews. Tasks will focus on a variety of topics during the three-day course, ranging from wind loads and smoke barriers to sanitation and termite protection.

Interactive practice exercises, question and answer sessions, detailed checklists and other valuable job aids will help plans examiners to come away with knowledge to benefit their careers and their departments. Plus the institute is a helpful tool when preparing for the General Plans Examiner certification exam.

To register for the 2008 Plan Review Institute, visit www.iccsafe.org/training/institutes or call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 33818. The registration fee, which includes breakfast lunch, is $680 for Code Council members and $880 for non-members. Registrants also receive instructional materials and continuing education credit.

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.