Last week, the board of directors of the International Code Council announced the establishment of a new ad hoc committee to comprehensively explore and assess building safety and security.

"Building safety is an issue of utmost importance to our families and communities as we tackle outdated facilities, fire safety concerns, active shooters, and other emergency situations," said the ICC in a news release.

The ICC noted that safety and security touch a myriad of code regulations as well as considerations that go beyond code compliance. The new committee will consist of a broad cross-section of experts representing the building industry, building owners, facility managers, the education sector, the security field, code officials, engineers, architects, standards developing organizations (such as the National Fire Protection Association), and the federal government.

"After discussions with our partners and members, we have moved swiftly to launch this new initiative," said ICC Board President Jay Elbettar, P.E., CBO, LEED AP. "The committee's goal is to provide comprehensive, sound and valuable tools to guide local and state leaders as they work to keep all building occupants, including children and teachers in schools, safe from intruders and other life safety hazards."

"This committee was created to enhance activities already ongoing at other standards development organizations in the building industry in order to solve some very complicated issues," said ICC Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. "Together, we will continue to improve the construction of safe, sustainable, and resilient buildings for our families and communities."

According to the "Ad Hoc Committee on Building Safety and Security Draft Scope" document, the first effort of the committee will be, "A comprehensive review of current building and fire code requirements as they relate to developing the necessary balance between building security and fire safety considerations. Any suggested revisions to current building and fire code requirements based on this assessment will be processed as proposed code changes to the International Codes."

Several organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and UL, have already expressed interest in participating.