ICC ICC-ES Websites Back Up and Running

CODE COUNCIL NETWORKS UP AND RUNNING

The International Code Council has established new security safeguards to its networks, completing repairs which shut down access to ICC networks including website, staff email and telephones during the week of September 13. Access to Code Council staff and its website is fully operational as of today, September 21. The Code Council apologizes for the delays and inconvenience the shutdown created for its stakeholders. Any deadlines which expired during the shutdown have been extended one week from the original deadline, where feasible. Our internal review concluded that due to existing policies regarding protection of member and customer data, this information remained secure as we addressed the cause of the security breach to our networks. We will continue to focus on protecting the Code Council's networks and providing a safe, usable and convenient experience for users of our systems. Thank you for your support and your patience.

ICC and ICC-ES Websites Down, Some one Hacked into "em

Notice to International Code Council Web Users Based on a security breach with the International Code Council website and with its web mail over the past weekend, the Code Council has shut down website and email access for the remainder of this week as it develops new safeguards. This action prevents staff access to email and to network telephones located in our four area offices. While no data has been compromised, the Code Council is taking extra steps to make sure its web and email capabilities are strengthened. Data regarding our customers, members and our staff is not accessible via our network and remains secure. Also, for this very reason, the Code Council's policy is to not retain credit card information thus avoiding any security threats. We expect that our systems will be operational no later than Monday, September 20. We apologize for the inconvenience this decision has caused our many members, customers and stakeholders. The many improvements we have made to our system in the past several months are intact and we will resume our plans to implement the next round of improvements once this issue is resolved. Any deadlines that would have been effective during this shut down will be extended by the time period of inaccessibility. Messages left on staff voicemail are accessible by staff. We will make every effort to return calls in a prompt manner. Several means of reaching the Code Council remain functional. Please check our temporary website at www.iccsafe.org for updates on this information. Current functional areas include: Charlotte Annual Conference and Final Action Hearings Registration Training and Education: click on ICC Campus Job Postings: click on ICC Job Listings The ICC Foundation Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to address this issue. Due to the security breach, this is unfortunately a one-way communication and we are unable to respond to replies to this email. We will keep you informed as best as possible via email, Twitter, and Facebook. The International Code Council

ICC-ES Revises Policy on 2009 Codes

ICC-ES Revises Policy on 2009 Codes

ICC-ES has changed its long-standing policy that required evaluation reports to comply with the newest edition of the International Codes beginning January 1 of the year following publication. Effective July 1, 2010, report holders will have the option to have their products evaluated under the 2006 or 2009 International Codes, or both. The change in policy is intended to give report holders and applicants more leeway to decide when to address the requirements of newer codes, a decision that is driven by their customers and the jurisdictions in which they sell.

As part of this process, evaluation reports on the ICC-ES website will be re-organized to better distinguish the code year on which the report is based.

Help Wanted-ICC EC seeks Engineer for LA Location

Passing it On...

 

ICC-ES Career Opportunities

Technical Director

Job Description
ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC-ES) is the U.S. leader in evaluations of products for code compliance.  ICC-ES works with building product manufacturers, standards development organizations (SDOs), industry associations, code officials, engineers, designers and specifiers to assist manufacturers in bringing innovative products and technologies to market.  Under its current growth plan, ICC-ES is seeking applicants for the position of Technical Director.
The position would be responsible for:

• Technical leadership including allocation of resources
• Development and content of evaluation reports and acceptance criteria
• Development of a highly technical, forward thinking staff dedicated to public safety and customer service
• Representation at designated SDO and industry groups
• Identification of growth areas and implementation of staffing and processes needed to meet corporate expectations for growth
• Position reports directly to the Senior Vice President

Job Requirements

• Degree in engineering, or science; a Master’s degree is preferred
• Minimum of 10 years experience
• Licensed engineer with preference given to structural engineers; background in seismic and wind design
• Working knowledge of building codes and modern construction methods and materials, including their application in all types of building construction knowledge of current trends and developments in construction methods and materials
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to travel both nationally and internationally
• Position will be located in our Whittier, California office 

We offer a complete benefits package including:
Competitive salary
Health, dental and vision insurance
401-K
Paid vacation, sick and holidays
This is an outstanding opportunity for the right person. Only the highly motivated need apply.
Please email resumes to: khiatt@iccsafe.org or fax to: (562) 699-7483
ONLY RESUMES WITH SALARY REQUIREMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
PLEASE SEND WORD ATTACHMENTS ONLY
No phone calls please.
EOE

Staff Engineer

ICC Evaluation Service, Inc., is seeking either a structural engineer, or a mechanical engineer with a background in fire protection, to work in its Los Angeles office. Individuals are expected to possess a license to practice engineering, or the ability to obtain a license within one year. A strong working knowledge of building codes and structural design specifications, or a knowledge of plumbing and mechanical products, respectively, is required. Some travel is also required.
We offer an excellent benefit package. Salary is dependent on experience. We are an equal opportunity employer. If you believe your qualifications match our requirements, please send your resume by e-mail to es@icc-es.org, or by fax to (562) 695-4694. Please include “Staff Engineer” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

ICC-ES Issues Call for Evaluation Committee Members Commencing January 1, 2011

Passing it on, saw this at ICC-ES' website

ICC-ES is seeking candidates to serve on the Evaluation Committee starting January 1, 2011. Committee members evaluate proposed acceptance criteria prepared by staff concerning building products. Comments by building industry members and academic experts presented during public hearings provide input to the Committee. Three three-day hearings are scheduled annually. Committee decisions are based on whether there is sufficient evidence that the acceptance criteria address building official needs in enforcing building regulations.
New committee appointments are for a 12 month period with eligibility for four subsequent periods based on performance and committee participation. The following application must be completed and filed by candidates.

• Download application 

The ICC-ES Board of managers will consider candidates at its October 2010 meeting.
Applications will be accepted until October 8, 2010.

ICC-ES Lists Non Rated Deck Coating in Division 7 Traffic Coatings Section

It appears that Skyline Building Systems Inc of Alberta Canada has become the first manufacturer to get an ICC-ES report on a non rated deck system.

What's a non-rated deck? A non-rated deck is one that doesn't meet any fire resistance classification requirements.

ICC-ES recently changed AC-39, the acceptance criteria that regulates/guides the decking industry. It used to be that one had to have a deck coating that was at least Class A or B, now with ICC-ES' new AC-39, they have opened the door to any manufacturer bringing in traffic coatings that are only tested for Durability, Wind Uplift Resistance and Impact resistance.

Read Skyline's ICC report here; pay attention to 1.0 Properties Evaluated 

Now read Desert Brand's ICC report here; pay attention to 1.0 Properties Evaluated.

See the difference? One is fire rated, one is not. Which would you rather have on your deck?
ICC-ES is just looking for more income; the more manufacturer's they can "sell" a report to, the more $ they make. Only makes sense to open reports up to non fire rated products for them.

But it makes no sense whatsoever for the public. Unethical manufacturer's (I can think of one who might fit that description, in my opinion) could mis-use this type of report. More likely unethical or unknowing contractors could use this type of report to dupe a client.
 Non-rated products will certainly find their way onto walkways and decks that are supposed to be rated. Whose ass will it be when a person loses their life because of that? Walkways and decks are supposed to be rated for fire in almost every case I am aware of.
We'll see... 

ICC Issues a Call for Presentations for Conference

Call for Presentations

The International Code Council (ICC) is seeking proposals for presentation for two education programs at the 2010 Annual Conference. We are looking for presenters who are interested in addressing an audience of code officials, inspectors, plans examiners, fire officials, city managers, engineers, architects, and others related to the code enforcement industry.
ICC strives to provide stimulating technical and non-technical presentations, which will enhance the professional competency of conference delegates. In an effort to provide meaningful, current, and relevant educational programs, sessions need to be interesting and informative for both the newcomer and the experienced professional.
Schedule for submitting proposals:

2010 ICC Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC, October 25 – November 1
April 4, 2010 – Deadline for submitting proposals
April 22, 2010 – Notification of selection results sent to submitters

This is a significant opportunity to share your knowledge with the building safety and fire prevention community.

ICC Annual Conference

Submit your presentation online. You will be contacted when the event manager has reviewed and approved the request.

Cracker Barrel

To submit a proposal to present during the Cracker Barrel event, simply email the subject matter you wish to present and you will be contacted when the event manager has reviewed and approved the request.

*ICC does not provide honoraria for educational presenters. Presenters are responsible for their own travel, hotel and other expenses.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us, 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 33818.

ICC-ES Approves Revisions to AC-39-Walking Deck Criteriea. Should Increase Their Revenues, While Confusing Consumers

I think the new AC-39 walking deck criteriea will open up a lot of confusion amongst consumers, Building Officials and enable some to manipulate their report...

ICC-ES Evaluation Committee Highlights

The ICC-ES Evaluation Committee met February 2-4 in Los Angeles to consider new proposed acceptance criteria for alternate products and for products where additional clarification is needed in the code; and for existing criteria that need to be revised to reflect current code, updated standards or changes to products. Twenty-two separate items were considered, with 18 being approved and eight held for further study.


AC39 — Acceptance Criteria for Walking Decks. Revisions were approved to address the 2009 International Codes, to provide requirements for walking decks that are not used as roof coverings and to provide requirements for walking decks used with nonclassified roof coverings.

For more information about the items considered, click here. 

 

ICC-ES TO CONSIDER REVISIONS TO AC-39 Walking Deck Acceptance Criteria February 2nd.

There's a movement afoot at ICC-Es to revise AC-39, the Acceptance Criteria used to determine if a deck coating meets fire resistance, wear and tear etc. I think this will confuse the public, not help...see for yourself and make up your own mind.

Click here to read the revisions being considered.

ICC Announces it's New Website!

Got an email from the prez of ICC...well not just me goty it I'm sure...but anyway, they have a new website they want us to know about...so I'm passing it on!

It is with great pleasure that we announce our new and completely reengineered website, which will make it easier for you to find important information about the Code Council and your profession quickly. The new site will go live in the next few days.

You will find navigating through the site to be intuitive and easy, with standardized menus on the top of the screen as well as on the left side to assist you. The user friendly site offers you quick access to the latest ICC news, events, and information about all of our products and services.

In addition to making the new ICC site more robust and functional, here are highlighted features and benefits that will enhance your experience:

• Organized content—Find what you’re looking for in fewer clicks.
• Enhanced search capability—Find your code books and reference materials quickly and easily in the ICC Store.
• Single sign on—Use only one set of credentials to log in to the site. To make this transition as easy as possible, we’re providing step-by-step instructions.
• My ICC—Provides you with a personalized experience when you log in. Edit your profile and preferences, view your recent store purchases, see the courses you’re registered for, keep track of your CEUs and get to Members-only areas quickly.
• Communities of Interest—Introduces ICC members to social networking through 13 unique Communities of Interest where you can discuss and network with your peers, view and post resource documents and links, access the latest industry news, and view relevant products and services. These Communities are a dynamic replacement for our current bulletin board, with certain features reserved especially for our valued members.
• New shopping cart—Renew or purchase a membership, a book, an education course and a certification test all in the same transaction.

In this initial phase, you will spot opportunities for improvement. Please give us your feedback. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Send your comments to websitefeedback@iccsafe.org.

The address has not changed, but your experience will. Try it out on Monday Oct. 19 to explore the new features available to you.

Enjoy the difference!

Richard P. Weiland
Chief Executive Officer

Polycoat Products of Santa fe Springs CA Upgrades it's ICBO report to ICC-ES 2785

As of March 1, 2009, Polycoat Products was issued ICC-ESR # 2785, for a multiple line of their decking products. Receiving Class A, B and One Hour Fire Ratings, the new report will give Polycoat new ammunition in the battle for fire resistant coatings as required by California Fire Codes.

Click here to read the new ICC-ES report on Polycoat Products.

Central Coast Chapter of ICC Presents a Half Day Seminar on STUCCO, DRYWALL & FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES April 29th in Atascadero

Free for ICC Central Coast Chapter members, the rest of us will pay $35.00 to hear Michael Logue and Darren Coates present a half day seminar. While stucco and drywall are part of fire resistive assemblies, Deck Expert is gonna be asking hard questions about decking.

One deck coating system in particular....

I think I'll bring my laptop and ask if I can show my video footage....

Anyway, if you want to go, email Dave Muehlhausen at dmuehlhausen@atascadero.org and tell him to put you down to attend. You'll get a free continental breakfast and a copy of the Fire Resistive Design Manual.

See you there!

ICC-ES' President John Nosse to Retire, Successor Named

In a press release received in at Deck Expert central late this afternoon, the announce ment that ICC-ES President John Nosse has announced his retirement.

ICC-ES' Mark Johnson will succeed Nosse as President on April 1st, and Nosse will become President Emeritus until his retiremnet in 2010.

Will new blood bring new changes to ICC? Some transparency and a new public face that is open to questions about it's cherished ICC-ES reports? Time will tell.

We wish Mr. Nosse well and hope he enjoys his new freedom.

Read the press release from ICC if you care too below...

Johnson Succeeds Nosse as ICC-ES President

The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Board of Directors has selected Mark Johnson to serve as the ES President, following the announcement of John Nosse’s January 2010 retirement. Johnson will assume the ES President role April 1 when Nosse will move to President Emeritus status. ICC-ES is a subsidiary of the International Code Council. “These changes,” according to Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland, “will assure an effective transition for a very important organization. John has built an organization whose quality is without peer, and he remains a vital and revered resource for all of us.” “I’ve worked alongside Mark for many years,” Nosse said, “and as President Emeritus, I have the opportunity to support him in his transition to the ES presidency. We have developed a very effective working partnership, and I know Mark cares deeply about the success of ES. He respects the high quality of both our work and our staff. I am proud of what we have accomplished and know that the future is in good hands under Mark’s capable leadership.” Johnson has worked closely in the past year with the ES organization and its customers to refine its business model. He began his career with a Code Council legacy organization, the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), rising from a part-time, high school shipping clerk into management, and orchestrating the makeover of its product and business development department. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. “Mark’s skill sets, and his longtime commitment to the mission, customers, and staff at the Code Council, make Mark the ideal choice for this position,” said ES Board President Steve Regoli. A nonprofit, public-benefit corporation, ICC-ES is the United States’ leading evaluation service for innovative construction materials and systems. ICC-ES performs technical evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials. Its evaluation reports, including listing programs for plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas products, provide evidence that products and systems meet code requirements. ICC-ES recently developed the SAVE Program in conjunction with International Code Council activities to provide reliable information about claims made by manufacturers of sustainable products, and to develop and advance sustainable design and construction. ICC-ES is a subsidiary of the International Code Council. ### For more information about Mark Johnson, click here to review his biography. For high-res photos of Mark Johnson and John Nosse, click here.

Pacific Polymers Elastodeck 5000 FR Walking & Roof Deck System Has Class A Fire Rating in Newly Issued ICC ES Report

Issued February 1st of 2009, ICC-ES's first published report in 2009 on Pacific Polymers Elastodeck 5000 carries a Class A fire classification rating when installed in conformance with the report's instructions.

This product would not be able to be used on an area where a "One Hour Assembly" is required in public buildings and homes; but can be used anywhere just a Class A is required. Make sure to read your specs before spec'ing this product, a One Hour Assembly may be required on your job.

Click our headline to read the report at ICC-ES's site yourself...

San Diego Chapter of ICC Presents 2007 CBC Chapter 7 Fire Resistance Rated Construction Seminar

Here's a very relevant seminar put on by San Diego's ICC chapter; the seminar will address fundamental concepts of fire performance and types of construction as it relates to acceptable materials limiting the impact of fire.

Upon completion, participants will be better understand the definitions ie: Fire Wall, Fire Barrier, Horizontal Assembly etc.

Handbook and lunch included, recommended for Building Officials,. Plan Check Engineers, Plan Examiners, Architects and Designers...and deck coating manufacturer's, applicators and interested parties.

$120.00 for non ICC members...register at ICC San Diego by clicking our headline.

Date-Friday November 7, 2008 8-4 pm.

Is Life Paint in Violation of ICC-ES's Rules for Use of an Evaluation Report?

ICC_ES issues evaluation reports, they do not "approve" a product for any use whatsoever...that's what a Building Official is for, to determine if a product is suitable for the job it's going on.

ICC-ES evaluates a product and the test data it is provided from accredited labs that have performed the required testing protocols that must be done. Therefore, ICC-ES has written specific rules about the use of their reports, what claims a manufacturer can make regarding a report it may hold and the wording that can be used.

From ICC-ES' Rules of Procedure for Evaluation Reports under 13.4. "It is the report holders responsibility to not misrepresent the evaluation report in any way, and to secure ICC-ES approval in advance whenever there is a question about the use of the ICC-ES name and/or ICC-ES evaluation report. Report holders are expressly prohibited from using in advertising, promotional and informational materials, such language as "ICC-ES Approved", ICC-ES certified etc.

So imagine my surprise when I was down at Miners Ace Hardware and saw the new Life Paint/Life Deck AL system on a very nice display board along with their FM system and Texture Crete...can you spot the apparent violation?

tsk, tsk

Perma Crete Deck Coatings by Quality Systems, Inc is Now Listed at ICC-ES as an Evaluated Product for Use On Concrete

A new edition to traffic coating under Division 7 showed up recently; Using the newly revised AC-39,ICC-ES has just listed Perma-Crete as a covering for concrete decks...

The product was evaluated for Durability, Wind Uplift and Weather Resistance. Use in roofing applications is excluded, it is not for roof decks.

Read the report at ICC-ES's website by clicking our headline.

See their entire product line by clicking this link to go to Perma-Crete's website...

ICC Issues Revised AC-39 Acceptance Criteria for Walking Decks

The first revisions in eight years to AC-39 have been approved and issued by ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES).

Many items have changed and been updated, applicants for walking deck surfaces for an ICC-ES evaluation report issued after June 1, 2008 will now have to meet the new criteria.

Click on our headline to read the new AC-39 criteria at ICC-ES's website...

Many Deck Coating Manufacturer's Still Need to Re-test and Upgrade their ICC reports

ICC-ES.org's website is a great provider of information. One item they provide free of charge to the public for their education and edification, is access to the thousands of reports on file with them regarding the fitness of a particular product for an construction application.

Much like Underwriter's Laboratory, where you wouldn't buy a product for your house like a lamp or tv that wasn't tested and approved by UL, you probably don't want to buy a building product that hasn't been approved by one of the industries trusted stalwarts, ICC.

Of the eighteen listed approved products on ICC's website for Division 7 Traffic Coatings, only 11 carry the new "ESR" tag before their report number.

Evaluation Service Reports supersedes the older "Legacy" report that a fair percentage of products are still living off of. These reports will need to be updated and converted to the new ESR reports if the manufacturer's of these products want to put the product onto new construction in the future as new code requirements must be met.

The new ESR report holders products all meet the new 2006 International Building and International Residence Code's. California has adopted a new code recently too, in 2007.

We advise that you be careful on putting down products that aren't converted or updated to the ESR reports. Substantial testing (and costs) are performed on the products to test them against the new code requirements. Click the headline to go to ICC's site for a full list of products with the "ESR" tags vs. those beginning with "ER". Installers need to be very careful, as do inspectors and architects and builders in what goes down on their buildings meets the intended fire codes.

Manufacturer's such as Mer-Kote's Weather deck and Shurdeck, AVM's Elasto fiber deck 100 Roof and Walking Deck system, Life Paint's AL system, and Excellent Coatings are the bigger companies/products awaiting an updated report. One should check with them directly to find out the staus of any new reports they may be expecting. See the list of manufacturer's at our website at
for contact information.

Although the new ESR reports do meet IRC and IBC, their are restrictions on the products in certain instances, so be careful to review each product under consideration. For example, both Pli-Dek and Hill Brothers products have wind resistance ratings that are much higher than others such as Westcoat's ALX system, which is restricted to buildings 40' in height in certain wind zones up to 80 mph (mostly the coastal areas). Desert Crete on the other hasnd is approved for wind up to 100 mph on buildings 60 feet in height in Exposure B zones.

I advise a careful review of each product to ensure it meets the original intended use and specifications. Consultation with experts is always advised, manufacturer's want to sell product, so one needs to be careful when cultivating their advice and opinions.

Great Article in Proffessional Deck Builder magazine on Deck Construction, Plus get a free download on Deck Construction

Those who frame out and build decks for a living will be wise to read and understand the article by Glen Mathewson of Westminster CO in the May/June issue of Professional Deck Builder magazine on "Using the Prescriptive Residential Deck Construction Guide".

Glen compares the guide with the current International Residence Code and the shortfalls he's found in the IRC.

Must read material for the deck builder/framer!

You can also download the Prescriptive Residential Deck Construction Guide free at www.afanpa.org

Build safely and confidently with the right tools in hand, and we're not talking Skilsaws here...