Government Agency Releases High-Rise Safety Guidelines

NEW YORK CITY-In what they called “the most detailed examination of building failure ever conducted,” the US Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology listed 30 recommendations designed to improve building safety. The agency also issued a call for 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 ensure safety in tall buildings across the nation.

The agency released findings came about from its investigation of the fires and collapses of the World Trade Center towers following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “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.