Lightweight Truss Design Inspection: Aldridge-Benge Safety Act

Lightweight Truss Design Inspection:
   Aldridge-Benge Safety Act

The Aldridge-Benge Firefighter Safety Act (ABFSA) passed the Florida legislature to become law on December 13, 2009. The act requires owners of commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential buildings with three or more units in Florida to be marked with an emblem to warn firefighters of the use of lightweight floor and roof trusses which are prone to early collapse during a fire. Impetus for the bill began after a 1989 gift store fire in Orange County, Florida, killed fire fighters Todd Aldridge and Mark Benge.

Buildings with lightweight trusses must be marked to the left of the main entrance with an 8" red reflective emblem indicating if the building is constructed with lightweight (wood or steel) roof, floor or roof and floor trusses.



Fire crews will then be able modify their emergency operations for these structures. Existing Structures Engineering, Inc. (ESE) is equipped to assist buildings owners in compliance with the ABFSA.

The complete inspection package per building/address includes an on-site visit by one of our qualified staff, building signage and installation, or inspection documentation for delivery to your local fire department if signs are not required.

Contact:

See Contact page or call the office at 321.784.5811 or E-mail us here.