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Please see the below public notice of hearing from the Bureau of Construction Codes. You may view the proposed changes to Part 9a Mechanical Code on the MIACCA website by Clicking Here.
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS BUREAU OF CONSTRUCTION CODES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Part 9a. Mechanical Code (ORR# 2019-131 LR)
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, will hold a public hearing on the amendments for the Part 9a. Mechanical Code. The public hearing will be held virtually using Zoom on August 27, 2020, at 9:00 am. Currently, Executive Order 2020-154 is in effect to provide temporary authorization of remote participation in public meetings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by participating social-distancing measures and continues through September 8, 2020.
The amendments of the Part 9 a. Mechanical Code are proposed to take effect 120 days after filing with the Secretary of State. The proposed rule set (2019-131 LR) will adopt by reference the 2018 edition of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed necessary for use in Michigan. The 2018 edition of the International Mechanical Code is based on mechanical principals used in mechanical codes across the country. The Part 9a. Mechanical Code also includes rules that amend the IMC to address mechanical practices that are specific to Michigan and that delete those requirements in the IMC that do not pertain to Michigan.
The proposed rules will be published in the August 15, 2020, Michigan Register. You may download a free copy of the proposed amendments by visiting the Bureau's website at www.michigan.gov/bcc.
Oral comments may be presented in-person over Zoom on August 27, 2020. Whether a public meeting is held in-person or remotely, written comments can always be submitted by email no later than 5:00 p.m., August 27, 2020 to LARA-BCC-Rules@michigan.gov.
All members of the public may attend and participate in this meeting by visiting the following link or dialing the number below at the time of the meeting. If you would like to speak at the meeting, please email LARA-BCC-Rules@michigan.gov with your name and who you are representing by August 26, 2020, so an attendance list for the speakers can be made.
Web Link: https://zoom.us/j/92177771834?pwd=RUdXOXpheWw5QlJLbGFkMGhPVVpWQT09
Phone Number: (877) 873-8017
When prompted, please enter the following Password / Conference Code: 109987.
The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. All participants may access the meeting at the above web link or phone number 15 minutes before it begins.
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Bureau of Construction Codes
Administrative Services Division
Telephone (517) 582-5519
LARA-BCC-Rules@michigan.gov
Many utilities have submitted their 2019 VAPS annual reports to the Michigan Public Service Commission. Visit the MIACCA Code of Conduct Page to review reports submitted by DTE,Consumers Energy and Michigan Gas Utility. As more reports become available, we will post them on on our page.
Energy Rebates that are easy to process and drive more sales!
Consumers Energy is accepting new distributors to participate in their Business Instant Discount Program to provide rebates over the counter at time of sale. Participating distributors will also qualify to earn large bonus incentives (up to $30,000/qtr for Gas Measures and $70,000/qtr for Electric Measures) and other rewards programs available for limited time.
Click here for brochure listing currently available incentives. To enroll or inquire further, contact Todd Lohenry 517-512-0144 (todd.lohenry@cmsenergy.com) or Brandon Scott 517-243-1070 (brandon.scott@cmsenergy.com)
Webinar: Three Winning Strategies to Become the Preferred Contractor in Your Area
Register Here
The Construction Code Commission (CCC) met on July 22, 2020, and MIACCA's proposed statewide permit was on the agenda and discussed. MIACCA's Executive Director once again advocated the need for the CCC to prescribe the form on which all permits are to be applied for while allowing each authority having jurisdiction to set their own fees. The CCC and the Bureau of Construction Codes (Bureau) acknowledged the Director Hawks' response to MIACCA's Request for Declaratory Ruling on this subject; which indicated that the CCC has the statutory authority to prescribe such permit forms. After much discussion the CCC has decided to start the process of coming up with statewide permit forms by asking for feedback from stakeholders and municipalities. The Bureau made an initial suggestion to include the statewide permit forms as part of the upcoming code change cycles in 2020-2021. MIACCA would like more detail on how to include permit forms with the new codes when the CCC needs to approve the permit forms and the Director adopts the new codes.
MIACCA will be following the progress of this very closely as we are strong advocates of having a uniformed mechanical permit form across the state for our contractors.
Governor Whitmer Takes Swift Action to Save Lives, Signs Executive Order Requiring Mask Use in all Indoor Public Spaces
Following uptick in COVID-19 cases, Governor Whitmer Says “Mask Up, Michigan!”
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed executive order 2020-147, which reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. Most significantly, the order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. Governors in the states of Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington have imposed similar requirements on businesses.
Governor Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 reinforces and expands upon the governor’s previous executive orders on safely restarting Michigan’s economy and ensuring workplace safety.
“The heroes on the front lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off every day – doctors, nurses, child care workers, grocery store workers. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Masks can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70 percent. By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. And by wearing masks now, we can put our state in a stronger position so our kids can return to school safely in the fall. For the sake of your loved ones, let’s all mask up, Michigan.”
Over the past week, every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases, and daily case counts now exceed 20 cases per million in the Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Lansing regions. Research confirms that a big part of the reason is spotty compliance with the governor’s requirement, issued in prior orders, that individuals wear face coverings in public spaces.
Studies have shown that wearing a mask can save lives and significantly lover an individual’s chance of spreading COVID-19. A study on different regions in Germany, for example, suggests that the adoption of mandatory mask ordinances decreased the daily growth rate of COVID-19 infections by 40%. Modeling from the University of Washington similarly indicates that more than 40,000 lives would be spared nationwide if 95% of the population wore a mask while in public. Furthermore, a study conducted by Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5% hit to our GDP.
“Michigan's fight against COVID-19 is nowhere near over, which is why it’s so important that we all do our part and wear masks when we’re out in public,” said Chief Medical Executive and DHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Wearing a mask or face covering can significantly decrease the chance of spreading COVID-19 and save lives. It’s important that all Michiganders wear masks properly - not down around the neck, not only over the mouth, but correctly over the mouth and nose. Please everyone stay patient, and remain vigilant.”
Under the governor’s order, businesses that are open to the public must refuse entry and service to individuals who fail to comply, and must post signs at all entrances instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside. Those who are exempt from wearing a mask in Michigan businesses include people younger than five years old, those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering, and those who are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment.
The executive order takes effect at 12:01am on Monday, July 13. A willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor subject to a $500 criminal penalty, but no term of confinement may be imposed on individuals who violate the mask requirement. No individual is subject to penalty under the order for removing a mask while engaging in religious worship at a house of religious worship, although consistent with guidance from the CDC, congregants are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings during religious services.
To view Executive Order 2020-147, click the link below:
Read the June 2020 Newsletter Here
CodeNotes: Nail salon exhaust requirements in the I-Codes
The design of exhaust systems is extremely important to the occupants of a building. There are specific occupancies and activities — including manicure tables and pedicure stations — that have the potential for introducing hazardous substances into the indoor environment. Nail salons are one such occupancy. There are approximately 200,000 nail salons in the U.S. utilizing manicure and pedicure stations. These types of activities use chemicals like acetone, isopropyl alcohol and formaldehyde that may be exposed to the atmosphere when the station is not in use. To maintain safety to workers and customers, the fumes from these chemicals must be removed from the space. Section 502.20.1 Operation was added to the 2021 IMC to help accomplish this. Read more
As businesses begin to reopen, employees are encouraged to get a COVID-19 test if they are at risk of exposure. This includes employees who are in contact with the public or work in industries that have seen outbreaks, such as farming, food processing, animal industries, etc., even if the employee does not have symptoms. Increased testing will help determine where the virus is so we can stop it before it spreads and safely re-engage the economy.
Testing is NOT required for employees to return to work. Testing WILL help us keep workplaces safer by stopping the spread. Our goal is to test 30,000 people per day. Please help us meet this goal by encouraging your employees to get tested.
CLICK HERE TO FIND COVID-19 TEST CENTERS
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) within the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) launched a new online COVID-19 Workplace Safety site – Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety – the site provides guidance and a toolkit of resources to keep workplaces safe as sectors of the state's economy reopen.
With the continued risk of COVID-19 spread, everyone in the workplace must take necessary precautions. The site includes MIOSHA issued guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist – all of which will help businesses safely reopening their doors.
"As we reengage our economy and begin the long road back to our normal routines, it's critical that we do so safely," LEO Director Jeff Donofrio said. "Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety is designed to make the process of reopening safely easier and equip businesses and their staff with the resources necessary to protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19."
In addition to the general workplace guidelines for employer and employees, MIOSHA provided further clarification on necessary steps several other sectors must take when reopening, including:
The site also provides guidance on how employers create and make available to employees and customers, a written exposure control plan which includes exposure determination and outlines measures that will be taken to prevent employee exposure to COVID-19, including as appropriate:
"Our first priority is to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19," MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said. "Employers, employees, and customers who follow these guidelines will help ensure that everyone returns home safe at the end of the day."
Best practices that employees should follow to be vigilant in protecting themselves from exposure to COVID-19:
Those with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219).
To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint.
Learn more about MIOSHA and their efforts to protect Michigan's workforce at Michigan.gov/MIOSHA and routinely check the COVID-19 Workplace Safety Guidance toolkit for the latest materials at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
