~~~jJConference Report
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Conference Calls for Firesafety Innovations In the United States, fire is a $128-billion modern-day problem being solved with 19th Century ideologies. This and a host of other contemporary issues dealing with fire technology and public policy were addressed at the Conference on Firesafety Design in the 21st Century held at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on May 8-10. According to WPI Professor David A. Lucht, conference organizer and chairman, '~This is an example of the American enterprise being asleep at the switch. While U.S. researchers have developed some of the most advanced fire technology in the world, it's the Europeans, Japanese, and Australians who are making sweeping changes in the way they go about achieving firesafety in buildings. The American fire problem creates an unnecessary drag on the economy and gives U.S. businesses another handicap on the playing field of international trade." The goal ofthis landmark conference was to begin a national dialogue aimed at expanding the day-to-day use of innovative firesafety design practices. According to Lucht, remarkable consensus emerged as to how modern technology utilization can be enhanced. Recommended strategies ranged from technical education and public awareness programs to regulatory reforms, legislation, and design method validation efforts. A central focus of the conference outcome suggested a U.S. version of the highly successful Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering--a university/industry/government collaboration effort aimed at dramatically changing fundamental approaches to firesafety design and regulation in Australia. Attendees numbered well over 100 leaders from business, government, and academia from all corners of the United States and from a host FIRE TECHNOLOGY
NOVEMBER 1991
359
360
FIRE TECHNOLOGY
NOVEMBER 1991
of foreign countries. Viewpoints from architects, engineers, attorneys, owners, managers, academics, researchers, materials producers, and building code and government officials to the fire services helped ensure a wide range of perspectives on firesafety innovations. While speakers noted impressive advances in the areas of science and technology, conferees argued the underlying philosophy ofbuilding regulation and firesafety design practices is in need of updating in the United States. Refreshing examples of cost-effective concepts were given by speakers from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Australia. While historical approaches in these countries were quite similar to those in the U.S., dramatic changes are well underway with enthusiastic support from government and industry.According to Dr. Vaughan Beck of the Victoria University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, a prime catalyst for change came from building owners and managers who were tired of paying for antiquated approaches. Yngve Anderberg, a consulting engineer from Sweden, reported 65% savings in construction costs for structural fire protection systems, using science-based design techniques. Margaret Law, a consulting engineer from London, reported that architects are amazed at the increased fiexibility new innovations give them in achieving more cost-effective designs. Austin, Texas architect Kirby W. Perry said, 'We have to peel away these multiple layers offire protection requirements which came from post-disaster hysteria and start anew with clearly stated public firesafety goals and rational design strategies." Echoing Perry, Kansas City building code official Gerald H. Hones said, '~raditionally, disaster and crisis have been the leading dynamics of fire code change.., but we overreact terribly after a major disaster OCCUrS."
Philip R. Schaenman, president of the Virginia-based TriData Corporation and former head of the federal government's National Fire Data Center, noted, '~rhis has been one of the most significant fire conferences of the past decade. These issues should be investigated for national policy implications." In closing the Worcester conference, Professor Lucht reviewed conference results, noting that this may be the beginning of a badly needed national dialogue. "With the United States still reporting among the world's highest per capita fire losses among industrialized nations, we can no longer afford not to be using our modern technology to full
CONFERENCE REPORT
361
advantage. It is not a question of spending more on firesafety in buildings, it's a question of spending scarce resources more wisely. Cönsumers, building owners, and tenants who are paying the freight should demand no less of designers, researchers, and regulatory authorities alike." The conference was sponsored by Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, with partial support through a grant to WPI from the National Science Foundation. Worcester Polytechnic operates a distinctive program of fire research and technology transfer and offers post-graduate degree programs in fire protection engineering.
