This continuation of Ron George’s series on the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code explores the mechanical/plumbing/electrical requirements and fire safety standards that form the backbone of this code.

Columnist Ron George discusses the IPMC, a crucial regulatory framework designed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of building occupants by setting minimum maintenance standards for existing residential and nonresidential structures.

Columnist Ron George shares notes from recent ASME, CSA, ASSE, and IAPMO meetings.

The proposed federal legislation addresses copyright concerns by ensuring that model technical codes or product standards do not lose their copyright protections when they are incorporated by reference into a law. It aims to balance the interests of the standards development organizations with the public’s need for access to the laws they must follow.

Ron George reviews the different equipment and devices that can limit water temperatures in the hot water distribution system. Also, he explains how 120 F became the preferred temperature for bathing, showering and washing.

Ron George explains the importance of understanding plumbing safety and system functionality when a heat exchanger with no storage tank or code-required and approved temperature controls is used for domestic hot water applications.  

Ron George explains the emergency shower and eyewash standard and OSHA requirements.

Thermal disinfection or short-term chemical disinfection may kill Legionella bacteria on the surface of the biofilm, but it does not kill bacteria under it. Bacteria can go into a cyst form, encapsulating it inside an amoeba and deep within layers of buildup on a pipe wall covered with biofilm.

As we continue this domestic hot water series, Ron George discusses the best circumstances to include temperature-actuated balancing valves or pressure-reducing valves in your plumbing design of high-rises and mega-tall buildings.