Peer Reviewers - Peer Reviewers are professional engineers with expertise in Site Built Community/Commercial tornado shelter design. Peer Reviewers must be able to devote their professional time to review engineering designs for our Site Built Producer Members and /or the Authority having Jurisdiction over the project. The ICC 500 2014 Standard and Commentary, Section 1061.1, requires Peer Review by an independent registered design professional for compliance with the requirements of Chapters 3, 5, 6 and 7 and shall be conducted for the following tornado shelter types:
Community shelters with an occupant load greater than 50.
Tornado Shelters in elementary schools, secondary schools, and day care facilities with occupant loads greater than 16.
Tornado shelters in Risk Category IV (essential facilities) as defined in Table 1604.5 in the International Building Code.
The process for selection and application is as follows:
Applicants must first join the NSSA as a Site Built Design Engineer Member and agree to the terms and conditions of membership.
The Site Built Design Engineer Member can then notify the NSSA of the desire to become a Peer Reviewer. It is important to submit a professional resume and note experience in the tornado shelter industry and include any references. The NSSA may contact certain qualified engineers to become Peer Reviewers, but the application process still remains the same.
Peer Reviewer’s applications will be reviewed by NSSA staff and those considered qualified will be recommended to the Board of Directors for approval. Tornado shelter design experience is required.
When review process is completed, admittance will be granted and the successful applicant will be added to the professional listing of Peer Reviewers.