WASHINGTON - In an effort to assist understanding of building safety and fire prevention codes for Spanish-speaking workers, the International Code Council (ICC) published its 2003 International Codes in Spanish.

“Translating the codes to Spanish benefits public safety and provides a valuable customer service to the construction industry,” said Rick Weiland, CEO, ICC.

“By translating the International Codes into Spanish, the thousands who don’t speak English fluently will be better able to use and apply building safety codes.”

The international codes provide minimum safeguards for people and are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes. Building codes benefit public safety and support the industry’s need for one set of codes without regional limitations.

“Translating the International Codes into Spanish helps workers who speak English as a second language,” said Frank Fuentes, national chair of the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association (USHCA). “America is experiencing a shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry. The Spanish editions of the International Codes will help to educate Hispanic workers about American building methods and result in safer buildings.”

For more information, visit www.iccsafe.org.

Publication date: 01/22/2007