ICC Region I Radio – Details, episodes & analysis

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fire Safety and Emerging Topics 03:29 The Evolution of Fire Codes and Standards 06:12 Challenges with Lithium-Ion Batteries 09:10 Understanding Thermal Runaway in Batteries 11:58 Building Codes and Battery Safety 14:27 Preparing Firefighters for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires 27:18 Understanding Battery Hazards in Firefighting 29:27 Standard Actions for Electric Vehicle Incidents 32:32 Community Risk Reduction and Fire Safety 36:40 The Importance of Community Risk Reduction Conferences 40:33 Navigating Code Development and Building Safety 46:38 Consensus in Fire Safety Codes and Standards Summary In this conversation, Chief Michael O'Brian discusses the evolving landscape of fire safety, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries and the importance of community risk reduction. He emphasizes the need for education and training for both firefighters and the public regarding battery safety and the potential hazards associated with thermal runaway. The discussion also covers the significance of code development in addressing these issues and the ongoing efforts to improve fire safety standards, including the implications of single exit stairways in building design. Takeaways Lithium-ion batteries present unique challenges for fire safety. Education on battery safety is crucial for the public. Thermal runaway in batteries can lead to catastrophic failures. Firefighters need specialized training for handling battery fires. Community risk reduction is essential for effective fire prevention. Code development plays a vital role in fire safety standards. Single exit stairways pose risks that need careful consideration. Collaboration among fire service, building officials, and community leaders is key. Understanding the hazards of new technologies is critical for safety. Continuous dialogue is necessary to improve fire safety practices.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fire Safety and Data Analytics 03:09 The Role of Data in Fire Administration 05:49 Community Risk Reduction and Data Utilization 09:07 Leveraging AI in Fire Data Analysis 12:06 Addressing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks 15:11 Wildfire Challenges and Technological Innovations 27:00 Future Directions and Collaborative Efforts Summary In this conversation, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell discusses her extensive experience in fire safety and the importance of data analytics in enhancing fire administration. She emphasizes the need for community risk reduction and how the NERIS platform will revolutionize data collection and analysis in the fire service. The discussion also covers the challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries and wildfires, highlighting the innovative technologies being implemented to address these issues. Dr. Lori advocates for collaboration within the fire service and the importance of leveraging data to improve safety outcomes. Takeaways Data analytics is crucial for effective fire administration. Community risk reduction relies on understanding local risks. The NERIS platform will provide actionable intelligence for fire departments. AI and machine learning can uncover patterns in fire data. Lithium-ion battery fires present new challenges for fire safety. Wildfire risks are increasing and require new strategies. Collaboration among fire services enhances knowledge sharing. Training is essential for adapting to new fire challenges. Public engagement is necessary for effective wildfire mitigation. The US Fire Administration is committed to modernizing fire data systems.

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

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/

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

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.

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

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/.

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/

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