MADISON– Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Jack L. Fischer announced today that Building Safety Week in
“Building Safety Week recognizes the importance of safe buildings and the professionals who work to promote building safety in our communities,” Fischer said. “Commerce has moved forward with a number of exciting initiatives to create a positive, safe regulatory climate in
Over the past year, Commerce has formed the
The focus of the conference will be threefold:
1) Communicating the scope of the WBSN and its future potential in serving
2) Learning through case studies how several communities have implemented this program,
3) Providing a forum for attendees to share their concerns, challenges and solutions with others in attendance.
The target audience for the conference is elected officials, municipal managers and fire department officials. Commerce will provide further details on the conference as they become available.
Sprinkler Code Change Promotes Safety
As part of its adoption of the International Building Code update, Commerce now requires automatic sprinklers to be installed in multifamily dwellings of more than eight units approved after March 1, 2008. New multifamily dwellings of three or more units approved after January 1, 2011 will require automatic sprinklers in conformance with current provisions of the IBC
The new rules also specify sprinkler coverage for three- and four-unit dwellings served by private wells. Such buildings can use a sprinkler system conforming to private well capacity while protecting lives and property from fire.
Contractor continuing education
Effective January 1, 2008, Commerce put in place a rule change that will help assure consumers that the dwelling contractors they choose will be knowledgeable of current home construction best practices. One- or two-family dwelling contractors seeking a building permit will now have to obtain two certifications: the current Dwelling Contractor Certification and the new Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification. Each dwelling contractor must have or must employ someone who has the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification. The certification requires a completion of a 12-hour qualifier training class and additional annual training thereafter.
Building Safety Week was established in 1980. Its objectives are to promote the use, enforcement and understanding of building codes to safeguard the public. It also recognizes professional code enforcement officials who regularly attend training to make sure they are aware of the latest code changes and technological advances in construction.
The Commerce Safety and Buildings Division develops, administers, and enforces state laws and rules relating to building construction, safety and health. The division conducts plan reviews, inspections, and investigations; issues and administers credentials; develops administrative rules; provides training; and administers funds relating to its gratn programs. The International Code Council (ICC) develops building codes to safeguard the public at home, school and work.
For more information on Building Safety Week visit www.iccsafe.org/safety or contact Tony Hozeny at 608/267-9661 or tony.hozeny@wisconsin.gov