At press and public briefings in New York City on June 23, investigators from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) called on organizations that develop building and fire safety codes, standards and practices--and the state and local agencies that adopt them--to make specific changes to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants and first responders. The recommendations result from the agency's investigation of the fires and collapses of New York City's World Trade Center (WTC) towers following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Based on the findings of the most detailed examination of a building failure ever conducted, the NIST team made 30 recommendations. "We believe these recommendations are both realistic and achievable within a reasonable period of time, and should greatly improve the way people design, construct, maintain and use buildings, especially high-rises," said WTC Lead Investigator Shyam Sunder. "The recommendations also should lead to safer and more effective building evacuations and emergency responses. However, improvements will only be realized if they are acted upon by the appropriate organizations."
The recommendations, contained within 43 draft reports (totaling some 10,000 pages), were released for a six-week public comment period. A few of the recommendations include:
For further information see: http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/releases/wtc_briefing_june2305.htm .