IBA Members,
As the COVID-19 challenges continue, we want to give you a quick update on what we are doing to help our members navigate this difficult time.
First of all, we are working with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance to ensure that building inspections will continue. If and when that guidance becomes available, we will share it with you.
Also, we have been in contact with the Governor’s Office to request that construction services be considered essential services should the Governor impose a “shelter-in-place” declaration. While no such declaration has been imposed in Indiana, IBA is monitoring the actions in other states across the country and offering guidance and assistance to Governor Holcomb’s Office on a regular basis. We have supplemented our information already sent to the Governor with additional information noting that several states which have imposed such declarations have exempted residential construction activities. If such a declaration is made, we will notify the membership immediately.
For our employees, tradespeople, and vendors we need to take extra precautions on our job-sites to ensure that we are not spreading the virus. Scale back the number of workers that are on the job at one time, especially if they are confined to the interior of the house. Make sure everyone is washing up as often as possible. Clean surfaces after each trade has worked in a room.
For our building officials and inspectors, please keep in mind that they are willing to continue performing inspections as long as they feel safe doing so. Jurisdictions may be willing to perform some inspections where possible via Facetime, Skype, or through pictures to minimize contact with the public. Think about what measures you can take to ensure the safety of everyone while they are on your job-site, including:
- Clean door handles and surfaces often.
- Prop doors open when possible to keep people from touching them. Clean door handles regularly.
- Provide wipes, soap and water for cleaning.
- During some inspections you may need to clear the job-site of workers for a short period of time while an inspector and the superintendent are performing the inspection.
- Use personal protective gear if people are working in close proximity to one another. Stay 6 feet apart.
- In cases where an inspector typically tests outlets, lights, valves, gauges, etc. You do it for them while they watch. Minimize their contact with the components in your home.
- In cases where you do have a deficiency that needs corrected, the inspector may allow you to take the corrective measures and send them a picture of the corrected item. This will limit their exposure to the job-site.
- Take care of the little things; they are usually the most important.
