is this typical?

[Joe Engel]

Local code association is experiencing tension between building and fire guys :-o We are both "all about safety", but our monthly meetings are awkward at best. We sit at different tables and look at interests and education differently. And to add to the tension a 9 county district is dominated by one county, doing 90% of construction in the area. As a club officer and new to code enforcement, I've tried to encourage participation in all disciplines including builders and home inspectors. I can't even get them to agree that certification of ALL members is good (taboo subject). Our certified membership is at 50%. I really appreciate this forum and have been a follower for 6 years, sawhorse for 4. Just wish my association could be as productive and informative. We have ten meetings a year (skip November & December), but participation is so low, starting to think quarterly meetings might be best.

Enough whine, looking for some encouraging cheese. Any suggestions or tips of wisdom?

 

[cda]

Not sure what the tension is?

As far as education

In our area we have a yearly class with different tracks for building and fire

Works, being on the fire side I go to more of the building classes

 

[JBI]

At least it's not just a New York thing...

Too many Code Officials look down their noses at the Fire Service and too many Fire Guys look down their ladders at the Code Officials.

We are all on the same team... maybe it's time to start acting like it.

 

[MASSDRIVER]

Not sure what the tension is?

Easy. Plssing contest. Natural state of things anytime there is a threat to ones au-thor-i-tay.

Perceived or real.

Brent

 

[cda]

Same goal

Same books

 

[jwilly3879]

I wish the Fire guys in our town would learn the code.

 

[jdfruit]

Fire & Building really need to cooperate for this whole system to actually work well. There is so much that crosses over between codes that concurrent training on the crossovers with both Building and Fire helps quite a bit. I have found Fire guys to be friendly and helpful if you are the same to them.

 

[cda]

I wish the Fire guys in our town would learn the code.

I said that about some building inspectors, in one town I worked

We should be helping each other.

 

[JBI]

I agree jdfruit. I always tried to establish a good working relationship with the Fire Service in the communities I served.

 

[fatboy]

We get along great with our Fire prevention Office, work very closely with them.

Same as cda, The Colorado Chapter has their annual training institute every March, 1600 attendee's this year, 65 classes in 13 different paths, something for everyone, even after going for 18 years.

 

[Joe Engel]

OK, from the comments, it appears to be mildly typical... that in itself is some relief! And congrats to those that don't have this issue, be on guard.

Personally, I'm aware of the "Fire Code" and absorb it like a sponge but leave enforcement to the Fire Department; can't even begin to think about the NFPA. Got my hands full with building, residential, plumbing, mechanical, NEC, energy, etc.... Honestly permit tech, plan review,Bldng & Fire inspectors, they are all thankless jobs. We never know how many lives are saved just the statistics after the fact.