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INDUSTRY NEWS
August 7, 2014
OSHPD has issued Policy Intent Notice 60 effective 08/07/14 to allow the temporary use of wireless nurse call systems during construction. Keeping the various systems such as the nurse call system in operation can be a challenge during demolition and system replacement. The new PIN outlines the minimum requirements for temporary nurse call systems including locations and durations.
Policy Intent Notices can be found at: http://oshpd.ca.gov/FDD/Regulations/CANs/index.html
July 14, 2014
OSHPD has issued Code Application Notice 2-907.5.2.3.1 effective 07/14/14 to clarify locations where visual devices are required in health care facilities Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies. The required locations are in compliance with the 2013 California Building Code.
Code Application Notices can be found at: http://oshpd.ca.gov/FDD/Regulations/CANs/index.html
OSHPD has already begun enforcing the new CAN.
July 1, 2014
The biggest change in the electrical construction industry in recent years goes into effect today.
The California 2013 Building Efficiency Standards, Title 24, Part 6 and associated administrative regulations in Part 1 was originally scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2014, but had to be postponed. The California Energy Commission was not ready for the change at that time. Some forms still had not been developed, and software was not ready for use.
There have been a multitude of classes and seminars to prepare those involved in the industry for the change, but enforcement by local jurisdictions throughout the State will likely vary as plan reviewers and inspectors gradually familiarize themselves with the new requirements.
One of the criteria used by the California Energy Commission in the development of new standards was cost of implementation. No changes were allowed that would significantly impact the cost of building construction in California. Ballast manufacturers indicated that the cost of dimming ballasts would be close to the cost of non-dimming ballasts once the demand shifted to dimming ballasts rather than the traditional non-dimming ballasts. It may take some time for this to change. The first projects designed under the new standards can expect to pay much more for lighting fixtures. Contractors are estimating an increase in electrical construction costs of 25 to 33 percent. Lighting compliance documentation has tripled, and design fees have also gone up. It will take some time to see what the actual impact is on the cost of building construction in California.