Building safety week 2023: Building safety week occurs annually during the first week of May, from May 2 to 6. It is an international campaign to increase public awareness of the significance of implementing and adhering to building safety codes to protect the public. It is observed globally and promoted by the International Code Council, its 64,000 members, as well as professionals from the building, design, and safety communities, as well as government officials and business executives. They all share a common objective: promoting building safety through events, seminars, and other means.
HISTORY OF BUILDING SAFETY WEEK
Building Safety Week emphasises the significance of the public living, working, and playing in secure buildings. Inadequate building standards would result in the loss of lives, property, and money. This may have repercussions on additional matters. The implementation of building codes dates back to 2000 B.C., during the reign of Hammurabi, the creator of the renowned Babylonian empire, which was renowned for its magnificent architecture.
The United States first enacted building codes in 1625 to address fire safety and specific materials as roof coverings, which were an issue during a period of widespread fire outbreaks. By 1630, Boston had abandoned the use of wooden chimneys and thatch roof coverings in an effort to reduce fire outbreaks. This led to the creation of the first formal building code in the United States in 1788, specifically in Salem, a place notorious for flames. In the early 1800s, more cities followed suit and established building codes. And in 1865, New Orleans was the first city to pass a law mandating the inspection of public locations.
In 1880, plumbing regulations gained prominence, followed by lift and hoist regulations in 1883. This decade saw the emergence of steel structures, which paved the way for tall buildings and skyscrapers. The 2022 Building Safety Week theme, “Safety for All: Building Codes in Action,” encourages the general public to raise awareness of the significance of safe and resilient construction, fire prevention, disaster mitigation, energy conservation, water safety, training the next generation, and new technologies in the construction industry.
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HOW TO OBSERVE BUILDING SAFETY WEEK
Create greater awareness
Increase public awareness of Building Safety Week by spreading the word. When the public is better informed about the laws that govern their safety, they will take safety more seriously.
Inform Others
Inform others of basic measures they can take to safeguard their homes and workplaces. Fire drills ensure that individuals are always prepared for such an emergency.
Commence A Social Media Marketing Campaign
Start or join a social media campaign to increase awareness of the significance of Building Safety Week. This contributes to increasing online awareness and education.
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Five IMPORTANT TIPS FOR HOME SAFETY
Create a family plan.
In the event that an evacuation is required, a family evacuation plan should be in place.
Create an emergency supply package
Creating a disaster supply kit will allow you to remain secure in your home after a disaster or to use in a safer location after evacuating.
Keep tuned in to radio.
Stay tuned to the radio and television for official weather information updates.
Use overload protective devices
Utilise Surge Protective Devices (S.P.D.) to safeguard your home’s electronic appliances from electrical disturbances.
Create a tornado safe space
Construct a tornado-safe room in your residence for the highest level of protection against tornadoes for you and your family.
WHY BUILDING SAFETY WEEK IS IMPORTANT
It raises awareness.
Building Safety Week raises awareness of the significance of adhering to building safety regulations. In addition, individuals learn about building codes, which they likely would not have investigated otherwise.
It reduces monetary loss
When people are educated about building safety, monetary losses due to building catastrophe are drastically reduced. This helps building owners save additional money.
It is lifesaving.
Everyone’s knowledge of building safety regulations helps save lives. Not-so-well-executed electrical cabling, flood prevention, and a host of other measures that can result in loss of life would be addressed better.
BUILDING SAFETY WEEK DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 2 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | May 2 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 2 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 2 | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 2 | Sunday |
