2012 International Fire Code

The IFC contains regulations to safeguard life and property from fires and explosion hazards. Topics include general precautions, emergency planning and preparedness, fire department access and water supplies, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, special hazards, and the storage and use of hazardous materials. Now in its fifth edition, key changes to the IFC include:

Complete reformatting into eight different parts that correlate to a specific area of regulation.
Revised definitions for health, day and ambulatory care occupancies clarify how they are classified.
New requirements for photovoltalic solar cells on roofs will help ensure safe fire fighting operations.
Mass notification fire alarm systems with text displays and captions are now required in Group A stadiums and grandstands with an occupant load of 15,000 or more.
The automatic sprinkler protection requirements for manufacturing, display and storage of upholstered furniture were clarified.
Portable fire extinguishers are now required in Group A, B, and E occupancies regardless of automatic sprinkler system protection.
Requirements for dry cleaning plants using Class III-A and III-B combustible liquids were relaxed.
New provisions in the semiconductor fabrication facility requirements address sub-atmospheric pressure gas systems.
Dust deflagration hazards must be reviewed, analyzed and engineering or administrative controls are now required to be documented and implemented in the IFC hazardous material provisions.
Code text addressing automated LP-Gas cylinder exchange cabinets was added.