ICC Region I Radio

Latest Episodes:

Understanding Structural Failure: Analysis, Types, Causes, and Prevention Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Abi Aghayere from Drexel University, an esteemed professor with a rich background in civil engineering. From gaining his foundational knowledge at the University of Lagos and MIT to transitioning into academia and shaping the next generation of engineers at Drexel, Dr. Aghayere shares his passionate journey. Dive into the tangible impact of structural engineers as they shape the very skylines we admire. Moreover, Dr. Aghayere delves deep into the realm of structural failure analysis, recounting his hands-on experience in investigating deteriorating bridges and ensuring safety. A significant portion of our discussion revolves around the tragic Surfside Condo Collapse, where Dr. Aghayere sheds light on the vital role of live engineers in quality control and the oversight in drawings that led to this unfortunate event. Whether you're a budding engineer, a seasoned professional, or someone curious about the structures that surround us, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Join us in exploring the intricacies of building and fire safety.

Constructing Safety: Unpacking Fire Prevention in Building Projects Jul 12, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Tim Spears and Ray O'Brocki delve into the critical topic of fire safety in construction. They discuss the challenges in fire safety education and enforcement, the importance of comprehensive fire safety plans, and the role of fire prevention program managers. The conversation also covers the perception of fire safety and the risk of complacency, the use of temporary alarm systems on construction sites, and the management of temporary systems. The episode concludes with a discussion on how to improve construction fire safety, emphasizing the enforcement of existing codes and standards and the need for more resources for fire marshal's offices and building departments. 1. Introduction and Background: The podcast begins with Tim Spears welcoming Ray O'Brocki to the show. They discuss the importance of fire safety in construction, especially in light of recent events. Ray shares his background as a fire service representative for the American Wood Council, his experience as a fire marshal, and his current role in the industry. 2. Fire Safety Challenges: Ray highlights the challenges in fire safety during construction, including the education gap and enforcement gap between the fire service, building department, and industry. He emphasizes that the responsibility for construction fire safety rests with the owner, but enforcement should be a collaborative effort between the building and fire departments. 3. Fire Safety Plans: The conversation shifts to the importance of fire safety plans during construction. Ray suggests that these plans should be discussed during pre-construction meetings and should include details about site security, fire protection features, and emergency procedures. 4. Fire Safety in Complex Projects: Tim and Ray discuss the need for comprehensive fire safety plans for complex construction projects. They touch on the challenges of phased occupancy and the importance of training for fire prevention program managers. 5. Fire Safety Perception and Complacency: The hosts discuss the perception of fire safety and how complacency can be a risk. They note that while fire safety has improved over the years, the risk is still present and needs to be taken seriously. 6. Temporary Alarm Systems: Ray introduces the concept of temporary alarm systems for construction sites. These systems are Wi-Fi enabled, battery powered, and can be moved from one job site to another. They can monitor multiple data channels, including heat, smoke, and humidity, and can send alerts to designated individuals or directly to 911. 7. Managing Temporary Systems: Ray discusses the importance of properly installing and managing temporary systems on construction sites, such as temporary electric and emergency generators. He emphasizes that these systems should be installed per code and that hazardous materials should be stored according to standards. 8. Incentives and Fire Safety: Ray notes that construction managers have strong incentives to finish projects early and under budget, which can sometimes lead to fire safety being overlooked. 9. Improving Construction Fire Safety: The podcast concludes with a discussion on areas for improvement in construction fire safety. Ray suggests that enforcing the existing codes and standards would be a significant step forward. He also highlights the need for more resources and staffing for fire marshal's offices and building departments, especially those that focus on construction.

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: Exploring Fire Risks of Lithium Batteries - UL Expert Ibrahim Jilani May 22, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Ibrahim Jilani, Global Director & Industry Leader at UL Solutions, joining us to shed light on important issues related to fire prevention and product safety. Ibrahim has extensive experience in the field, and we are thrilled to have him here with us today.

Ibrahim Jilani shares his background and UL's role in ensuring product safety. We discuss the importance of independent evaluation and certification to ensure that products meet safety standards, and how UL evaluates engineering principles, construction, materials, and components.

The conversation delves into the potential dangers and hazards associated with lithium batteries used in micro mobility devices. Ibrahim explains the high energy density and small form factor of lithium-ion batteries, as well as the risk of thermal runaway that can lead to explosions and fires.

We explore the challenges faced by building professionals and fire safety professionals in identifying potential hazards and risks associated with lithium batteries. The importance of understanding and complying with safety standards to ensure the safe use of lithium battery technology in micro mobility devices and other consumer products.

Furthermore, the episode discusses the development of UL2849, a safety standard for e-bikes and micro mobility, which was influenced by incidents with hoverboards in 2015. Ibrahim explains the process of creating a standard and the requirements outlined in UL2849 for various e-bike components.

The adoption of legislation in New York City mandating third-party certification of micro mobility devices and batteries is also addressed. The significant property damage and loss of lives resulting from fires caused by lithium battery-operated products prompted the implementation of this law.

This episode offers valuable insights into UL's role in ensuring product safety, the risks associated with lithium batteries, the development of safety standards, and the implementation of certification requirements. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of these crucial topics and their impact on public safety.

Links to UL Solutions Resources:

Code Authorities: https://code-authorities.ul.com/about/
On demand webinars: https://www.ul.com/events/on-demand-webinars
Industry specific resources:
https://www.ul.com/industries/automotive-and-mobility/micromobility-device-testing-and-certification
https://www.ul.com/services/augmented-virtual-and-mixed-reality-testing-and-certification
https://www.ul.com/services/advancing-robotics-solutions

Building Safety and Beyond: Insights from ICC's Government Relations Manager Susan Dowty May 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of ICC Region I Radio, host Tim Spears sits down with Susan Dowty, Government Relations Manager with the International Code Council (ICC), to discuss the upcoming Building Safety Month and the resources offered by the ICC for local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

Susan shares her background in the building codes industry, including her experience with the San Diego County Building Department and her involvement in code development, including being the structural secretariat for the first International Building Code (IBC).

The conversation also covers the important role of government relations managers in making connections within the industry and the diverse considerations involved in making building standards.

Tim and Susan discuss creative ideas for celebrating Building Safety Month, including the Lego contest for younger generations to engage in the importance of building safety.

Susan also discusses the ICC's family of solutions, including the digital codes platform, community development solutions, and accreditation and recognition programs.

Finally, they discuss how the government relations team adapted during the pandemic, utilizing virtual options for meetings and providing more opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

If you're interested in the building codes industry, the importance of Building Safety Month, and the resources offered by the ICC, then this episode is a must-watch.

Building Safety Month webpage: https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/building-safety-month/building-safety-month/

ICC Government Relations Team webpage: https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy

U.S. Federal Grant Programs: https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/federalgrants/

Digital Codes: https://codes.iccsafe.org/

ICC Career Center: https://jobs.iccsafe.org/

ICC Mentor Program: https://www.iccsafe.org/professional-development/safety2/#mentor

Code and Standards page: https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/codes-standards/

Unlocking Energy Sustainability and Building Code Regulations with Chris Olvera | ICC Region I Radio Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

Are you interested in learning about energy sustainability and building code regulations? Then you won't want to miss this episode of ICC Region One Radio featuring Chris Olvera, the supervisor of the Outreach and Education Unit in the Building Standards Office of the California Energy Commission. Host Tim Spears delves into a range of topics with Chris, including his background, the educational opportunities and resources provided by the California Energy Commission, emergency preparedness relating to energy disruptions, and more. Chris's expertise and experience make for an informative and engaging discussion that you won't want to miss. Watch now to expand your knowledge and understanding of this important topic. ORC direct link at 26:43 - https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/online-resource-center Utility links at 31:04 Energy Code Ace - https://energycodeace.com/ BayREN - https://www.bayren.org/events-training 3C-REN - https://www.3c-ren.org/on-demand-trainings/ Climate Zone maps and tools link at 42:10 - https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/climate-zone-tool-maps-and Inflation Reduction Act and Energy Rebates link at 49:17 - https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/inflation-reduction-act-residential-energy-rebate-programs-california 2025 Utility Stakeholder Workshops link at 55:09 - https://title24stakeholders.com/ Modernizing Energy Code, HERS, documents direct link at 56:36 - https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-building-energy-efficiency-0 CEC Subscriptions link at 57:02 - https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CNRA/signup/31895

Insights from Cal Fire's Acting Fire Marshal: A podcast with Chief Daniel Berlant Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to our podcast episode featuring Chief Daniel Berlant, Acting State Fire Marshal and Deputy Director for Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation with Cal Fire. Join us as we discuss his career, experiences, and insights on building resilience, promoting life safety, and disaster preparedness in California. Learn how he balances work and personal life, builds networks with stakeholders, and connects communities to promote fire and life safety. Tune in for valuable insights and strategies from one of California's leading experts in fire and life safety.

ICC Region I Radio, Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Solutions with ICC Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

In this episode I spoke with Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Solutions. In this episode we discussed her role with the International Code Council, ICC’s global efforts and the implementation of the Family of Solutions, the many partnerships and development of a global network to promote building safety and many more topics. Below are links to the items we discussed:

ICC Pulse Podcast (episode 48): https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/icc-pulse-podcast/

ICC Global Microsite: http://global.iccsafe.org

ICC Global Media Center: https://global.iccsafe.org/about/global-media-center/

ICC Global Services: https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/global-services/

ICC COP (climate change) resources: www.iccsafe.org/unfccc

Inter-jurisdictional Regional Collaboration Committee (IRCC): www.ircc.info

International Building Quality Centre (IBQC): www.ibqc.org.au

Global Resiliency Dialogue/Global Building Resilience Guidelines: www.globalresiliency.org

ICC Region I Radio - Matt Wheeler, Executive Director California Building Officials Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I spoke with Matt Wheeler, Executive Director with the California Building Officials (CALBO). In this episode we discussed his role as executive director, how he works sot engage code professionals and the private sector across California, resources CALBO provides code professionals, efforts to recruit new members into the profession, and many more topics. To find more information about CALBO, please visit their website at https://www.calbo.org/.

ICC Region I Radio - Ron Piester, Vice President of Membership and Strategic Engagement Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I spoke with Ron Piester, Vice President of Membership and Strategic Engagement with the International Code Council. In this episode we discussed how he stays informed on building safety issues, finds balance, the many member benefits ICC provides, ICC global initiatives, thoughts on those seeking a career in building safety and several other topics. https://www.iccsafe.org/membership/about-membership/

ICC Region I Radio - Mia Marvelli, Executive Director CBSC Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I spoke with Mia Marvelli, Executive Director with the California Building Standards Commission. In this episode we discussed her background, the many functions of the Building Standards Commission, how response to the pandemic affected their work, resources they provide to professionals and several other topics. Links to items discussed in this episode:

The CBSC home page can be found here: dgs.ca.gov/BSC

Click here for the CBSC YouTube Channel

CBSC guides and videos: dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Resources

Sign up for the CBSC list serve to receive meeting notices, information bulletins and the CALCode Quarterly newsletter: dgs.ca.gov/BSC/Contact

Questions or comments can be sent to CBSC@dgs.ca.gov

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected