Building fire safety--lessons learned thru litigation.

Abstract

Building codes and standards are enforceable by law, but are recognized as a minimum design basis relative to fire safety. The same system that mandates these codes does not, in a court of law, judge solely by the codes. In civil litigation involving death and injury from a building fire, the jury must evaluate the design based not only on the codes but also on what is reasonable. This paper will examine the civil trial and its impact on engineers, architects involved in building design, and manufacturers who supply materials and products for such buildings. Actual case histories will be cited and recommendations for a greater information feedback from trials to practicing designers and manufacturers will be presented.