The IAPMO Standards Council on Dec. 12 issued two decisions: one approving Tentative Interim Amendment UMC-019-06 to the 2006 Uniform Mechanical Code® (UMC) and another approving the extraction of a refrigerant table in the UMC.
The decision on TIA UMC-019-06 results in new code language to the 2006 and 2009 editions of the UMC regarding Heating or Cooling Air Systems and Air Filters. These important requirements specify the locations of return and outside-air openings to ensure indoor air quality inside occupied spaces. Much of the text has been relocated from Chapter 9 of the 2000 UMC for a more strategically located and comprehensive governance of heating and cooling air systems.
“The 2009 UMC is better than its previous editions because these requirements have been appropriately inserted in Chapter 3 as part of general regulations,” said Adam Muliawan, mechanical code development administrator for IAPMO. “Therefore, these requirements do not apply only to special fuel-burning and energy-utilizing equipment, as previously in Chapter 9, but they apply to all heating and cooling air systems.”
The TIA was balloted through the Mechanical Technical Committee in accordance with the Regulations Governing Committee Projects and received the necessary three-fourths majority support on both technical merit and emergency nature to establish the recommendation for issuance.
The Standards Council also voted favorably to approve the extraction of text from the 2007 edition of ASHRAE 34: Table 1, “Refrigerant Groups, Properties and Allowable Quantities.” This updated table will replace the previous version as published in the 2006 edition of the UMC. The extracted text also includes footnotes regarding instances where no value is listed in the table.
In accordance with the Extract Guidelines, the revised Table 11-1, as extracted from ASHRAE 34, will appear in the 2009 edition of the UMC. As the extract was processed pursuant to the Extract Guidelines, but outside of the regular revision process, Table 11-1 will include a reference bracket below the table title indicating that the material is extracted from ASHRAE 34.
To examine TIA UMC-019-06 or Table 11-1 in their entirety, and/or any other TIAs affecting the Uniform Mechanical Code, please direct your Web browser here.
TIAs are proposals based on the determination of an emergency nature requiring prompt action to amend code that contains an error or omission that was overlooked during the regular code development process, contains a conflict within the document or with another IAPMO document, or to correct a hazard, promote an advancement in safeguarding the public or provide an opportunity to correct an adverse impact on a product or method of installation.
Sponsor of the Uniform Codes, IAPMO – The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials – works in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary plumbing and mechanical systems. Learn more about IAPMO at www.iapmo.org.
Last modified: December 15, 2008