The Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC), the only association purpose-built to lead national policy and education for in-building wireless services, today, at IWCE 2023, revealed its long-awaited Complete ERCES Handbook with NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) Study Guide. Certain to become the definitive in-building public safety communications reference, the handbook is available for order immediately.

This first-of-its-kind printed handbook, authored by SBC in collaboration with subject matter experts from across the industry and with the assistance of the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), provides comprehensive learning and reference material on Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES). The Handbook also serves as a Study Guide that includes everything needed to prepare for NICET’s In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) certifications for Technician Levels 1, 2, 3, and Designer.

The NICET IB-PSC Certification Program, a new engineering technician certification program for ERCES, was announced in 2020 and developed as a joint effort between the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and SBC.

“The Safer Buildings Coalition has established itself as the leading proponent for highly qualified individuals to design, install, and maintain these critical life-safety systems,” NICET Senior Director, Chip Hollis, said. “NICET is very happy to have the support of the Safer Buildings Coalition to develop and launch this important new certification program.”

The book takes the reader through a logical progression of knowledge and understanding that builds toward competence in the areas of In-Building Public Safety Communications Design, Installation, Maintenance, and Inspection.

“In my 40-plus years in Fire & Emergency Services, I've seen the impact credentialing programs have had on increasing the competency of the workforce in areas such as fire sprinklers and fire alarms. That positive impact is vital to all stakeholders who depend on fire and life safety systems working properly in the event of an emergency,” Chief Alan Perdue, Safer Buildings Coalition's Executive Director, explains. "This book not only will help individuals prepare for NICET IB-PSC Certification, but it is also a comprehensive reference for in-building public safety communications. It is the most ambitious undertaking in the history of the Safer Buildings Coalition."

"We must ensure that reliable communications during emergencies are part of the overall emergency planning strategy so we can enhance our response capability,” Michael Desrochers, Vermont State Fire Marshal, President, National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), states. “It is critical that our radios work inside buildings. If we can’t communicate during emergency incidents, we can’t protect ourselves or our community members. This book addresses that need head-on."

The authors set out to clarify code language and offer best practices and interpretations to make it easier for code officials and industry to talk about project details as they pertain to ERCES codes and standards.

"I applaud the hard work of the Safer Buildings Coalition to put together all the information related to ERCES in one simple-to-read-and-understand handbook,” Jeffrey Lucas, Fire Marshal, City of Fort Lauderdale, and President of the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, says. “This information is essential for all the stakeholders involved in the process to understand each other’s roles, responsibilities, and the many different technologies involved to create an atmosphere of clear emergency communications within buildings. The handbook also provides a clear and concise pathway for compliance with definitions, code requirements, and industry best standards."

How to order the book.

The Complete ERCES Handbook with NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) Study Guide is available to order today at www.erceshandbook.com.

About Safer Buildings Coalition:

The Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC) is the only trade association purpose-built to lead national policy and education for in-building wireless services through serving the public safety, cellular and real estate communities. From its inception before the FCC in February 2012, SBC has been at the forefront advancing ideas, codes, and standards to make buildings safer for Public Safety personnel and the public they serve. Our members include Public Safety Operations, Radio System Operators, and Fire and Building Code Officials (AHJs); the Wireless Industry Ecosystem; Trade Associations; and Building Operators and other End Users. SBC is an independent, 501(c)4 non-profit organization.

For more information, please visit www.saferbuildings.org

About NICET

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), a division of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), provides an independent and rigorous evaluation of knowledge and experience among individuals in the fields of engineering technology. Founded in 1961, NICET serves as a respected personnel certification authority in many technical fields; and has certified more than 155,000 technicians and technologists. For more information, please visit www.nicet.org.

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The Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC) releases the Complete ERCES Handbook with NICET In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) Study Guide. Now available to order here: www.erceshandbook.com.