The Fire Code Concept in Albany

What Codes are in Place?

Albany has a Fire Prevention Code that outlines the fundamental issues associated with fire prevention and other problems, among them are the following ones, namely:

1. Fire Prevention Code

   1. Legislative intent;
   2. Acceptance of standards;
   3. Administration and enforcement;
   4. Inspections;
   5. Fires in yards and buildings;
   6. Combustible substances;
   7. Driving over fire hose prohibited;
   8. Storage of liquefied petroleum gasses restricted;
   9. Permit applications;
   10. Penalties for offenses;
   11. Appeals.
2. Fireworks and Pyrotechnics

   1. Legislative purpose and intent;
   2. Permit required;
   3. Application for permit;
   4. Investigation;
   5. Other involved permitting agencies (City of Albany, NY Fire Prevention, n.d.).

How They were Adopted, and by Who?

The Common Council of the City of Albany adopted the Fire Prevention Code in 1983. The code was adopted with the consideration of all the possible situations that can be associated with fire.

Why were These Codes Adopted?

It is worth highlighting that the Fire Prevention Code as adopted and modified for the jurisdiction in order not to contradict it. Every legal document should correspond to state jurisdiction, and thus, it should be created with the consideration of it.

Who Enforces the Codes?

Fire Departments enforce the Fire Code. The staffing models of the code enforcement include the following points, namely:

• “Personnel should be trained to the level of enforcement they will perform” (Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program, 2011, par. 4).
• “Personnel should be knowledgeable about the structures and processes they will be inspecting” (Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program, 2011, par. 4).
• “Personnel should be familiar with the legal authority and responsibilities of fire code enforcement” (Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program, 2011, par. 4).

The inspections are the tool that helps to determine whether the Fire Code is enforced. Fire inspectors are responsible for making sure that the principles reflected in the code are met.

How do the Codes affect Standards?

In order to get deeper involved in the issue, the definition of code and standard should be taken into consideration. First and foremost, it is worth pointing out that according to the National Fire Protection Association, a code is “a model, a set of rules that knowledgeable people recommend for others to follow. It is not a law but can be adopted into law” (About codes and standards, 2015, par. 2).

The National Fire Protection Association notes that the standard “tends to be a more detailed elaboration, the nuts and bolts of meeting a code” (About codes and standards, 2015, par. 2). The code describes what should be done, whereas a standard is a guide towards the realization of the code and describes how something should be done in an appropriate way. In order to understand how the code affects standards, the example should be taken into account. In case the code highlights that the fire alarm system is essential for implementation into the building, the standard would stress the details, namely the kinds of the system and how it is supposed to work.

What Impact do the Codes Have on Inspections?

The question regarding inspections is considered to be one of the most complicated to solve. The debates are centered on finding an answer to the question of whether a quantity is better than quality. The codes provide detailed steps that are directed to fire prevention. The inspections make sure that the building or organizations implement the code and follow it.

What are the Impacts of Not Enforcing the Code?

Code enforcement is considered to be crucial for fire prevention initiatives. In case the Fire Code is not enforced, fees, fines, and penalties are sure to be an acceptable form of punishment.

References

About codes and standards. (2015). 

City of Albany, NY Fire Prevention. (n.d.). Web.

Code Enforcement: Critical for a Successful Fire Prevention Program. (2011).