New bill requires contractors to prove experience.
With the court case over an accident that killed six people still ongoing, Philadelphia contractors are bracing themselves for a change in legslation that comes into force on 1 August this year.
Last year, Philadelphia City Council passed five legislative bills to improve public safety in the construction industry. Many of these bills are already in effect, including a new demolition application and inspection procedure requiring an extensive plan examination that reviews site safety plans, work schedules and contractor experience.
A major change in effect August 1, 2015 requires all contractors performing demolitions in the City of Philadelphia to take an exam covering job assessment, site preparation, demolition, and safety. This is to ensure contractors have the proper experience and credentials as well as effectively separate demolition licenses into two categories: Class A for major buildings (either more than three stories or 40 feet in height, or covering over 10,000 square of lot space) and Class B for all non-major buildings.
“The City goes further than almost all major cities in its enforcement of demolition regulations and in its demolition inspections, with the hope and expectation that these extra steps can help keep all of Philadelphia, both citizens and visitors, safe,” says L+I Commissioner Carlton Williams.
In addition, new signage regulations require all major permitted construction projects to post a sign that visibly displays vital information regarding the project. Most importantly, the public is asked to report any emergency or dangerous condition by calling Philly 311, the city’s centralized contact center.
Because demolition typically takes place next to or in the vicinity of other properties, educational materials are distributed to adjacent property owners or residents informing them of the impending demolition; that L+I has already approved the demolition safety plan; and what to expect before, during, and after the demolition.
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