THE SECRETS OF FACILITY CODE COMPLIANCE

Jun 10, 2022 | Code Compliance

The Seven Steps to Securing ADA and OSHA Compliance 

The construction industry is a tricky business sector. Projects are time-sensitive procedures, especially when you’re building a property from scratch. There’s always a ton of work going on behind the scenes. It’s a rigorous process for laborers, supervisors, and everyone else involved. But just because you met the deadline doesn’t mean the work is done. 

THE BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE PROTOCOL 

In construction, the most important thing is to ensure your finished product is safe to occupy. That’s impossible to do when your building doesn’t follow the proper facility codes. As a building owner, you’re ultimately responsible for keeping the property compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations issued by the following organizations:

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Fortunately, there’s a systematic way to do that. Here’s the checklist you need to follow:

1. CREATE A PROJECT PLAN

First, figure out the difficulty of the project. Are you building an entirely new property? If so, you need to hire an architect. Maybe you’re redesigning the workspace and need to retrofit some supplies. If that’s the case, you need to integrate the safest possible hardware equipment. Whatever phase of the project you’re in, it’s always best to seek guidance from a professional construction advisor. Partner with a general contractor, establish deadlines for the project, and determine a strategy for saving money on labor. 

2. MEET WITH CODE OFFICIALS 

Local code officials can tell whether your construction plan will be a success or a failure. They provide key insights such as potential hazard risks, money-saving opportunities, and permit requirements. Always consult a local code technician if you are taking on one of the following projects:

  • New construction of buildings or mechanical structures
  • Mitigation or retrofit work
  • Alterations or repairs to existing buildings
  • Historical rehabilitation work
  • Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing support

3. APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT

Once you get approval from a local code official, it’s time to proceed with the permit process. The first step is to gather the necessary paperwork. To successfully pull off your project, you must submit the following documents:

  • Local application (forms and fees)
  • A detailed outline of your project plan
  • Miscellaneous materials (maps, photos, architectural designs, energy calculations, inspection reports, and disaster treatment protocols)

4. PERFORM A PERMIT REVIEW 

After taking care of the applications and fees, your local code official will review for compliance. They examine your strategy to determine if the project is compliant with building codes and zoning, environmental, and construction requirements. Just make sure the design is in line with necessary fire, ADA, and OSHA standards, otherwise, you’ll be forced to redo the application process. For successful permit reviews, you need to acquire the following documents:

  • Application submission confirmation (receipt, invoice, email, etc.)
  • Copy of the submission confirmation
  • Local code official contact information 

5. OBTAIN THE PERMIT

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction. Essentially, it’s your project plan’s seal of approval. The permit ensures that your construction strategy is in line with all building codes, and any other regulations and applicable laws. Separate permits are required for plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical work. Finally, it’s essential to know that there’s often a small fee attached to your permit. This fee helps cover the cost of the application and inspection process.

6. INSPECT THE JOB SITE 

A job site inspection ensures that your work zone conforms to the parameters outlined in the permit. During an inspection, a local code official will examine the job site to determine if it’s in a safe condition for labor and occupancy. For the best results, it’s essential to plan multiple inspections throughout the project. This helps ensure that your property adheres to all facility code compliances. Just make sure your contractor brings the following documents to the assessment:

  • Building permit
  • Job and inspection card
  • Approved construction documents

7. GAIN FINAL APPROVAL 

Once construction is complete and code compliance is determined, the local code official will provide you with documentation of final approval. The job isn’t finished until there is a stamp of approval on all four of these critical documents:

  • Certificate of Zoning Compliance
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Utility Certificate
  • Certificate of Occupancy

SEEK COMPLIANCE FOR YOUR BUILDING 

Being code compliant doesn’t have to be a chore. Skilled Services helps simplify the process for everyone involved in the process. We streamline communication, labor, and administrative work for contractors, local code officials, facility managers, and building owners. When it comes to safety, you can always do more, but our team is here to ensure that you’re never doing less. 

When you’re ready to break ground on a new project, you can count on us to prepare the property with safe construction support. Reach out today to learn more about our compliance assistance program. Contact us to set up your free consultation with a certified expert!