TRAINING

It has been our experience that serious code enforcers, designers, and builders are often caught up in the pressures of project deadlines and the routine demands of daily workloads. Often it is hard to slow down enough to, “hear” and “see” what the codes are actually communicating. Moreover, Building Codes and Accessibility requirements are continuously evolving adding to the challenge of staying current in design and enforcement professions.  sl001

Our dynamic method of teaching allows for both verbal and graphic communication, which is then mixed with student interaction, questions and answers for a more active learning environment. Use of graphic imagery and photography to convey the intent behind the code requirements helps to accelerate student learning even in some of the more technical topics. Additionally, our background in the code development process helps us to incorporate greater depth to our presentations.

 

The following is a variety of training options that we offer. Contact Us today to discuss how we can help you.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:

 

Our portfolio of training options includes modules for small group onsite training of staff in various accessibility and building code topics. All class sizes can be accommodated including small business settings of 5-10 employees as well as large groups. Contact us for more information.

ACADEMIC TRAINING & GUEST LECTURES:

 

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BDS Code Consulting offers guest lectures and other training opportunities for various universities and community colleges. These lectures are a great way to incorporate Accessibility and Egress/IBC basics into their curriculum.  Building Codes and Accessibility requirements can be complex and often overwhelming to young professionals. We believe that it is important for students to gain a basic grasp of the fundamental building code concepts early in their academic “career” so that the framework of understanding is already part of the thinking and design process. Please contact us for more information on these opportunities.

EXAMPLE TRAINING TOPICS

The following is a list of some topics that have been covered in seminars and training workshops offered by BDS Code Consulting:

  • Current ADA Codes & Standards and how to apply them
  • How to make existing buildings ADA compliant
  • The 20% rule for working towards eliminating architectural barriers to access
  • Making existing restrooms ADA accessible
  • Understanding the scoping provisions and knowing when, where, and how to apply the ADA
  • Site plans: what to look for, how to check for accessible parking ramps, stairs and approach walks
  • Chapter 10 means of egress based on the International Building Code
  • Accessible public rights-of-way and shared use paths
  • Fair Housing apartment and condominium requirements for construction
  • The 2010 ADA Standards for accessible design
  • Alterations to existing buildings and sites based on ADA requirements
  • Door locks and latches based on the International Building Code
  • FHA Training for landlord/tenant issues in building construction

UPCOMING TRAINING COURSES:

2010 ADA Standards Update:

This seminar will cover the adoption history, changes to the various editions of the ADA guidelines, and what is new in the 2010 edition. The Scoping section in Chapter 2 will then be used extensively to guide you through an effective approach to understanding and applying the ADA. Accessibility as it applies to new construction will be covered using PowerPoint, photos, and various examples.

ADA For New Construction:

This class will provide ongoing instruction on utilizing the 2010 ADA Standards in design, plan review and inspection. A new area of interest to be included in the course will be an overview of the PROWAG for public rights-of-ways and how this will affect site-plan review and inspection. There will be discussion on the differences between the Federal ADA laws, the Arizona accessibility laws, IBC ANSI, and Locally adopted accessibility codes. Review of changes to the ADA since 1991, including major reformatting, revisions to the scoping, philosophical differences, and new areas of compliance, and navigating websites of the Access Board and ADA.gov. Decision making on which documents cover which types of buildings, occupancies and uses. Ongoing coordination between the ADAAG, the IBC, and ANSI A117.1 will be discussed.

ADA For Existing Buildings:

Many of the permits issued by building departments each day are for remodeling existing business spaces. Once a tenant moves out, the next tenant has “accessibility obligations” to be complied with when altering the space. The ADA “new construction standards” do not always apply to “alterations”. These alteration criteria will be discussed along with Barrier Removal, Path of Travel obligations, exceptions to the basic rules of the ADA Standards, directional signage, non-complying restrooms, existing site conditions, non-complying pedestrian routes and entrances, and how to resolve these issues.

Building Disasters I & II:

This class is an overview of building disasters which have shaped our building and fire codes. Catastrophic events were selected from buildings which have suffered major loss of life or property, both of which impact the local communities as well as national codes. We will also look at how fire testing has progressed due to scientific and technological advancements, evolving from fire experience to fire modeling and prediction. Each building has left its signature on those concerned with fire and building safety by the impact they have had on how we design and protect buildings today. This class is for designers, fire and building code enforcement personnel who would like an historical and practical look at changes in building safety.

2012 IBC Chapter 11 Accessibility and ANSI A117.1

This one day education seminar couples the IBC scoping with the technical provisions of the ANSI A117.1 Standard. Seminar highlights include accessible routes, ramps and curb ramps, building entrances, parking, residential occupancies, assembly spaces, drinking and dining rooms, toilet and bathing rooms, service facilities, recreation facilities, and signage. Coordination with the scoping found in the ADA and the Fair Housing Act will be discussed.Those preparing for the ICC accessibility exam may find many aspects of this seminar helpful in understanding how the two documents work hand‐in‐hand to achieve compliance. Bring your2012 IBC and 2009 ANSI A117.1 and be prepared to make notes on the key concepts which make the two documents compatible.

 

Please feel free to Contact Us for more information about these classes or to schedule a training seminar in your location.