Hello New England Chapter!
On Thursday, March 6th, I will be teaching a Code Jeopardy class in Westborough, Massachusetts for the next DHI chapter meeting. Some of you have already registered to attend, but others seem undecided. I get it…who wants to spend valuable after-work time playing a game about codes? Won’t it be embarrassing if you answer a question incorrectly? What if it’s like most other code classes and you doze off?
First, it’s not just a game. It is an interactive class that I designed for the sole purpose of keeping you awake while you absorb code information. You won’t doze off (if you do, your teammates may put your hand in a bowl of warm water).
Second, you might answer a question incorrectly, but you won’t be the only one. Sometimes when I teach Code Jeopardy I end up with every team “in the red”. It’s OK! Codes are not easy but it’s critical for our industry to understand the requirements. It’s much more cost-effective to do it right the first time, rather than trying to fix code-compliance issues that are holding up the C of O. Not to mention our responsibility to protect people and property.
Finally, there may be some of you who are code experts and don’t need any more education. You should come anyway, and lead your Code Jeopardy team to victory (and fabulous prizes)! But I think there is always something to learn – I went to a code class last week for 3 DAYS! Here are a few questions to help you decide whether it’s worth your time to play Code Jeopardy:
- You’re working on a project at Harvard University, and the plans show a classroom with 48 fixed seats and space for 2 wheelchairs. The building will be equipped with a sprinkler system. There is one egress door that leads to the exterior, and one to an exit access corridor. According to the 2009 IBC, are either of the doors required to have panic hardware?
- The restaurant and banquet facility next to your office has been told by the fire marshal that they need to comply with the 2009 edition of NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code. Knowing that you’re in the door business, the manager asks you about the annual inspection requirements. Which doors in the facility, if any, need to be inspected?
- The local elementary school wants to add electromagnetic locks on the main entrance to control visitor access. The principal wants to make sure that initiation of the fire alarm will not unlock the door and allow free access from the exterior. What code-compliant mag-lock solution would you recommend?
If you feel sure about your answers, come to class and be crowned the Code Jeopardy champion. If you’re not sure, come and learn something. And if you’re reading this to find the answers to the questions above, ask me next Thursday. 🙂
You can register on the New England Chapter DHI website, by emailing Bert Sullivan, or by printing this form and faxing it to 603-434-7279.
– Lori
Lori Greene, AHC/CDC, CCPR, FDHI
Manager, Codes & Resources