Department of Building & Fire Prevention
From the Desk of: Jerome A. Stueve, P.E., Director

NOTICE TO INDUSTRY

Subject: Combined Board of Building Appeals Appointments

Clark County Building & Fire Prevention is currently taking applications for the Combined Board of Building Appeals Committee for a four-year term beginning in 2021.

Click here to apply to serve on the Clark County Combined Board of Building Appeals

Dear Stakeholders and Community Partners,

Pursuant to NRS 237.080, please take notice the following proposed change to the Clark County Code is being proposed by the Clark County Board of County Commissioners as follows:

• An ordinance to amend the International Building Code, Title 22, Chapter 22.04

Attached is the public notice, the proposed ordinance, and the questionnaire.  Each of these documents are also available for review at Clark County website: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/building___fire_prevention/index.php and the Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention Customer Lobby at 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118.

The formal comment period ends Monday, August 16, 2021.

Respectfully,
Jerome A. Stueve, P.E.
Director/Building & Fire Official

Click here to access the IBC Title 22 Public Notice, Business Impact Questionnaire, and Proposed Amendment

As of June 24, 2021, there is updated COVID-19 Guidance from OSHA

Nevada OSHA has updated its COVID-19 Guidance for Business Operations under the State of Nevada’s Declaration of Emergency and Center for Disease Control Prevention and Guidance.  This updated guidance effective June 24, 2021 addresses areas including vaccination, face coverings, personal protective equipment, congregation of employees, sanitation practices, health monitoring, prevention plans and job hazard analysis. 

The updates from the previous version of the guidance address modification of required sanitation practices including clarification of when cleaning should occur and under what circumstances the use of EPA List N disinfectants should be used.

View Updated Guidance

For June 4, 2021 Release

Media contact: Tom Polikalas, 775-386-7411; tpolikalas@gmail.com

New Energy Efficient Technologies and Financing Opportunities Presented by Regional Experts

(LAS VEGAS, NEV.) Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones (District F) is the keynote speaker at the "Saving Energy and Money in Government and Commercial Buildings and Fleets" event to be held online Wednesday June 9, 2021 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. (PST)

"I'm proud that Clark County's Department of Environment and Sustainability is leading an effort to identify innovative ways to reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions while saving taxpayers money," said Jones.  "'All-In Clark County,' our Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, will play an important role in state, regional, and national efforts to lower energy costs, create good-paying green jobs, and diversify our economy.  This event brings several local government agencies together with the private sector to search for solutions to the challenges we face.  I believe this will lead to more rapid deployment of clean energy technologies and job creation"  

“We’re honored to have Commissioner Jones share his thoughts on the need to accelerate the adoption of cost-effective carbon reducing technologies,” said Carolyn “Lina” Tanner, an Environmental and Natural Resources attorney moderating the forum. “Commissioner Jones is one of Nevada’s foremost leaders advocating for sustainable economic development.”

Jones, elected to the Clark County Commission in 2018, previously served in the Nevada State Senate where he worked on important conservation issues including improving energy performance contracting standards in public buildings and protection of Red Rock Canyon. Since joining the County Commission, Commissioner Jones has championed mitigating climate change while fostering economic development and increasing access to community parks, trails, and natural spaces. 

One of the new energy technologies presented at the event is next generation LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting, which cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Kale Flagg, CEO of Energy Optimization Services (EOS), a Nevada-based company headquartered in Reno, says that installing state-of-the-art, hyper-low-energy LED lighting and controls can save businesses and/or governments 50-90% on the lighting portion of their electric bill.

“This is great news for both Nevada’s environment and economy,” says Flagg. “Savings through more efficient lighting technology brighten the bottom line of commercial building owners and operators. Schools and other public buildings can also have lower operating costs, using tax dollars for essential services instead of inefficient lighting.”

 “If you see a fluorescent tube in your office, school, or other building, you’re seeing a waste of energy and money and unneeded emissions of greenhouse gases,” Flagg explains. “We can upgrade these buildings’ lighting to state-of-the-art LEDs—in most cases without the need for any out-of-pocket funding by the business or government entity. Upgrades and retrofits can be paid off from the savings on energy bills, customarily in under two-and-a-half years. The building owner or operator is aiding the environment and concurrently putting money into their pocket from Day One; the energy costs reductions (i.e., the savings) are greater than the cost of financing the projects.”

Innovative heating and cooling solutions that reduce greenhouse gases while saving building owners and operators money will be explained by Cary Smith of the GreyEdge Group, an design/engineering group which has completed several projects in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.  The GreyEdge Group use heat pumps that move “recycled thermal energy” from where it’s not needed to where it’s useful.

For example, by using the heat discharged by air-conditioning systems in commercial buildings to heat water needed for laundry or other uses, cost-savings and emissions reductions are enormous and can eliminate the need for the combustion of fossil fuels. “It’s much more economical to move heat than it is to produce it or to discharge it from where it’s not wanted,” said Smith. “Using our unique “Thermal Highway” concept, the cost to heat and cool government or commercial buildings can be significantly reduced while achieving substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”

The event’s concluding speaker is Rick Gibson, Senior Investor Partner of Sustainability Partners, a business that funds energy, infrastructure, and transportation improvements, known as “Infrastructure as-a-Utility Service”. In their model, Sustainability Partners makes the capital investment to pay for the upgrading and maintenance of buildings and government fleets with the latest energy saving technologies; it then charges a monthly use fee that typically saves government agencies money on their operating costs—while creating jobs and reducing emissions through the upgrades. Gibson will highlight the example of the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation being able to upgrade its entire fleet with zero-emission electric vehicles, charging stations and infrastructure, through their contract with Sustainability Partners, saving the DOT an average of $900/year per vehicle in fuel costs and 75% in vehicle maintenance costs over their lifespan.

This free event is organized by Nv|EfX, Nevada Energy Forums and Exhibitions, EOS, GreyEdge Group, Sustainability Partners, and supported by ReEnergize Reno, All In Clark County, the Washoe County Air Quality District, the Northern Nevada Facility Management Association (NNFMA), the Sierra Nevada Ally, 1 Sun Solar, the Western States Hydrogen Alliance, the Tanner Law & Strategy Group, Steven T. Polikalas, Ltd., East Shore Communications, Inc., Nevada Industry Excellence, and the Nevada Professional Facility Managers Association (NPFMA).

Registration is available at GoToWebinar online at https://bit.ly/3wMGB9E .  For more information on this or future Nv|EfX events, please contact Tom Polikalas at 775-386-7411 or tpolikalas@gmail.com.

From the office of:
Vicki L. White, PMP, MCBA, LSSBB
City of Henderson
Department of Utility Services
Utility Administrative Services Manager

Click here to read the full announcement

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

To Whom It May Concern:

Scope: Updated Guidance for Business Operations under the State of Nevada’s Declaration of Emergency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance

This guidance, effective May 14, 2021, applies to all businesses currently authorized to operate in Nevada and includes updates from provisions of Declaration of Emergency Directive #045 and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued on May 13, 2021.   This guidance supersedes previous guidance released on May 10, 2021.

Declaration of Emergency Directives #045, along with #024, #028 and #044, require businesses to comply with guidelines promulgated by the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NV OSHA) to minimize the risk of spread of COVID‐19, including sanitation measures and face coverings. Directive #044 also encourages employers to take proactive measures to implement social distancing guidelines promulgated by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). NV OSHA is also responsible for enforcing all violations of its guidelines, protocols, and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Governor’s Directives.

To support the continued efforts of the State of Nevada, NV OSHA is providing this guidance, and the requirements found within, for businesses authorized to operate under current Directives.  The measures contained in the document are required of each business and should be applied to all employees of that business. As we battle the coronavirus pandemic, this guidance may continue to evolve.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL RELEASE

This guidance, effective May 10, 2021, applies to all businesses currently authorized to operate in Nevada and includes updates from provisions of Declaration of Emergency Directive #045. This guidance supersedes previous guidance released on April 26, 2021.

Declaration of Emergency Directives #045, along with #024, #028 and #044, require businesses to comply with guidelines promulgated by the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NV OSHA) to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19, including sanitation measures, and face coverings. Directive #044 also encourages employers to take proactive measures to implement social distancing guidelines promulgated by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). NV OSHA is also responsible for enforcing all violations of its guidelines, protocols, and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Governor’s Directives.

To support the continued efforts of the State of Nevada, NV OSHA is providing this guidance, and the requirements found within, for businesses authorized to operate under current Directives. The measures contained in the document are required of each business and should be applied to all employees of that business. As we battle the coronavirus pandemic, this guidance may continue to evolve.

The NV OSHA requirements for all businesses currently authorized to operate include, but are not limited to, the following:

General Operations Requirements:

Face coverings:
     - All employers must provide face coverings* for employees and shall require these employees to wear the face coverings* in all instances where required by emergency directives and associated guidance issued on the NVHealthResponse website or by Nevada OSHA. (Required/Ref. Declaration of Emergency Directive #021, section 12; Declaration of Emergency Directive #044,section 6; Declaration of Emergency Directive #045, section 6)

     - All employers shall require employees to wear a face covering* in any space visited by the general public, even if no one else is present. (Required/Ref. NVHealthResponse Guidance on Directive 024: Face Coverings, Declaration of Emergency Directive #044, section 6; Declaration of Emergency Directive #045, section 6)

     - All employers must require employees to wear a face covering* in any space where food is prepared or packaged, for sale, or generally distributed to others. (Required/Ref. NVHealthResponse Guidance on Directive 024: Face Coverings)

Close or limit access to common areas where employees are likely to congregate and interact. When in common areas, face coverings* are required for employees. (Required/ Ref. NVHealthResponse Guidance on Directive 024: Face Coverings)

Maintain regular housekeeping practices, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment with Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus. See: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Provide sanitation and cleaning supplies for addressing common surfaces in multiple users’ mobile equipment and multiple user tooling. Recommended based on the specifics of a business’s services and procedures. (Required/Ref. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, OSHA 3990-03 2020)

Conduct daily surveys of changes to staff/labor health conditions. NV OSHA is emphasizing the need for business leadership to be working with and aware of the health and well-being of its staff. (Required/Ref. - Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, OSHA 3990-03 2020)

Ensure that any identified first responders in the labor force are provided and use the needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and equipment for protection from communicable or infectious disease. (Required/29 CFR 1910.1030)

Provide access to potable and sanitary water. (Required/29 CFR 1926.15 or 29 CFR 1910.141)

-----

*Section 4 of Nevada Declaration of Emergency Directive #024 states “For the purposes of this Directive, “face covering” is defined as a covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth, including without limitation, cloth face masks, surgical masks, towels, scarves, and bandanas.”

For employees, Nevada OSHA does not recognize face shields as an alternative to or as an effective “face covering.” The face covering must effectively control the breathing zone and restrain any expelled or exhaled water droplets within the covering.

Further, any guidance, protocol, plan or regulation that is produced by the State of Nevada or County shall be enforced by Nevada OSHA per Section 7 of Declaration of Emergency #044.

Following these guidelines does not constitute, and is not a substitute for, compliance with all laws and regulations applicable at any particular time. Individuals and businesses are responsible to ensure that they comply with all laws and regulations that apply to them, including, but not limited to, federal and state health and safety requirements. Additionally, compliance with these regulations does not ensure against the spread of infections from COVID-19 or any other cause.

COVID-19 Prevention Plan:

Nevada OSHA considers COVID-19 a recognized hazard. Nevada OSHA will continue to require all businesses to protect employees from all recognized hazards which includes COVID-19.

Employers shall implement COVID-19 Prevention Programs in the workplace. The most effective programs engage workers and their union or other representatives in the program's development, and include the following key elements: conducting a hazard assessment; identifying a combination of measures that limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace; adopting measures to ensure that workers who are infected or potentially infected are separated and sent home from the workplace; and implementing protections from retaliation for workers who raise COVID-19 related concerns.

The COVID – 19 Prevention Program will be recognized by and added to the Written Workplace Safety Program (WWSP) required by Nevada Revised Statutes 618.383 and Nevada Administrative Code 618.538 for businesses with more than 10 employees. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees are highly encouraged to have a written COVID – 19 Prevention Program.

Job Hazard Analysis:

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) will be completed for each task, procedure, or instance that is identified where transmission of the COVID 19 virus is an immediate concern. Any JHA drafted for this purpose must be equivalent in detail and scope as identified in Federal OSHA publication 3071. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3071.pdf

A JHA developed for this purpose must identify the task being addressed, hazard being addressed (spread of COVID-19), and controls to be used to address the hazard.

Engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE identified and developed through the JHA to address the hazard must be supplied by the employer.

Training must be provided to staff for any policy, practice, or protocol that is used to address the hazard via a JHA.

Training must be provided to staff for any equipment, engineered process, administrative control, or PPE that was identified and developed through the JHA to address the social distancing requirements or alternative policies, practices, or protocols implemented when social distancing is infeasible/impractical.

NV OSHA emphasizes that slowing/addressing the spread of COVID-19 is a required aspect of all activities/tasks/services associated with open businesses and will continue to enforce or promote the use of identified measures to address this public health crisis.

NV OSHA seeks to ensure that all businesses authorized to operate under current Directives implement the aforementioned mandates and also seeks to distribute this information so that all included sectors of business are fully aware of these requirements. If your business, group, or association is receiving this memo, then please recognize this memo as notice to your business, group, or association that the previously mentioned mandates and guidance may be adopted and put into effect.

Need Additional Assistance?

The Division of Industrial Relations Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) offers free consultations to businesses to help them understand and implement the requirements in order to comply with the health and safety guidance and directives for all businesses, and specific requirements for each industry. SCATS can be reached by calling 1-877-4SAFENV.

For further guidance, please see the following links:

Federal OSHA COVID – 19 Prevention Program resources-

- https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework

- https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/guidance/industry

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

State of Nevada- https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/

Mine Safety and Health Administration: https://www.msha.gov/coronavirus

NV OSHA Information: http://dir.nv.gov/OSHA/Home/

THIS GUIDANCE IS SUBJECT TO REVISION AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS GATHERED. PLEASE CHECK IN FREQUENTLY FOR UPDATES.

If you have questions, please call the number below.
Jess Lankford
Chief Administrative Officer
Phone # 702.486.9020

This guidance, effective May 1, 2021, applies to all businesses currently authorized to operate in Nevada and includes updates from provisions of Declaration of Emergency Directive #044. This guidance supersedes previous guidance released on November 25, 2020. Declaration of Emergency Directives #044, along with #024 and #028, require businesses to comply with guidelines promulgated by the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NV OSHA) to minimize the risk of spread of COVID‐19, including sanitation measures, and face coverings. Directive #044 also encourages employers to take proactive measures to implement social distancing guidelines promulgated by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). NV OSHA is also responsible for enforcing all violations of its guidelines, protocols, and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Governor’s Directives.

To support the continued efforts of the State of Nevada, NV OSHA is providing this guidance, and the requirements found within, for businesses authorized to operate under current Directives. The measures contained in the document are required of each business and should be applied to all employees of that business. As we battle the coronavirus pandemic, this guidance may continue to evolve.

Read Document 

Notice of Hearing for the Adoption of Regulations of the Division of Industrial Relations, Department of Business and Industry

June 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
LCB File No. R053-20

You are hereby given notice that the Division of Industrial Relations of the Department of Business and Industry, State of Nevada (Division) will conduct a public hearing on proposed permanent regulations amending Chapter 618 of the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. This meeting will be held via a Webex meeting only. Webex allows for video and teleconferencing. Pursuant to Governor Sisolak's March 22, 2020 Declaration of Emergency Directive 006, the requirement contained in NRS 241.023(1)(b), that there be a physical location designated for meetings of public bodies where members of the public are permitted to attend and participate, is suspended in order to mitigate against the possible exposure or transmission of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Accordingly, any person planning to participate in the meeting must participate by using the Webex Access information immediately below.

Webex Access

Meeting number (access code): 133 786 6781 Meeting password: VpJeMfDy474

Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only) +1-415-655-0001, 1337866781## US toll

Join by phone +1-415-655-0001 US Toll

Join from a video system or application

Dial 1337866781@nvbusinessandindustry.webex.com You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number

Join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business

1337866781.nvbusinessandindustry@lync.webex.com

Need help? Go to https://help.webex.com/

Pursuant to NRS 233B.608 and 233B.609, the Division is providing the following statements pertaining to the public hearing on proposed changes to Chapter 618 of NAC.

The need and purpose of the proposed revisions to regulations: The Division of Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) may adopt regulations to mitigate heat stress in the workplace. The proposed regulations are necessary to mitigate occupational injuries and illnesses resulting from heat exposure in the workplace. In calendar year 2019 there were a total of 3,080 reports in the United States of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses resulting from exposure to environmental heat; 47 accepted workers’ compensation claims in Nevada in fiscal year 2020; and a total of 113 complaint or referrals to Nevada OSHA in calendar year 2020.

The estimated economic effect of the proposed regulations on (a) regulated businesses and (b) the public, including, stated separately: (i) adverse and beneficial effects; and (ii) immediate and long- term effects:

(a) Regulated businesses:

(i) Adverse and beneficial effects:

The Division anticipates a direct adverse financial effect on regulated businesses as the result of these regulations to mitigate heat stress on employees at the workplace, which is the cost of acquiring a wet-bulb globe heat stress meter, which starts at $125.10, plus tax. Other adverse effects, if any, are difficult to determine at this time but may include the costs of providing potable drinking water and shade or other cooling mechanisms at the workplace; and developing, implementing and training on heat illness and the employer’s heat stress management program in its written safety program. There will be no indirect cost to regulated or small businesses.

The Division believes that there will be no direct beneficial effects on regulated or small businesses as the result of these regulations, but there may be indirect beneficial effects on reduced employee lost time from heat illness.

(ii) Immediate and long-term effects:

The Division does not anticipate any immediate effects, either adverse or beneficial, on regulated and small businesses as a result of these regulations mitigating heat stress in the workplace. The adverse effects, if any, are difficult to determine at this time but may include the costs of a wet-bulb globe heat stress meter ($125.10 per unit) available for each covered workplace; providing potable drinking water and shade or other cooling mechanisms at the workplace; and developing, implementing and training on heat illness and the employer’s heat stress management program in its written safety program. There will be no indirect costs to regulated or small businesses.

The Division does not anticipate any long-term adverse effects on regulated and small businesses as a result of these regulations, but there may be long-term beneficial effects on reduced employee lost time from heat illness. There will be no direct or indirect costs to regulated or small businesses.

(b) The public:

(i) Adverse and beneficial effects:

The Division anticipates no adverse effects, either direct or indirect, on the public as the result of these regulations mitigating heat stress on employees at the workplace. There will be no direct or indirect cost to the public.

The Division believes that there will be no beneficial effects, either direct or indirect, on the public as the result of these regulations.

(ii) Immediate and long-term effects:

The Division does not anticipate any immediate effects, either adverse or beneficial, on the public as a result of these regulations mitigating heat stress on employees at the workplace. There will be no direct or indirect costs to the public.

The Division does not anticipate any long-term effects, either adverse or beneficial, on the public as a result of these regulations. There will be no direct or indirect costs to the public.

The estimated cost to the Division for enforcement of the proposed regulations: The Division does not anticipate incurring any additional cost for these proposed permanent regulations mitigating heat stress on employees in the workplace.

The Division believes that the proposed regulation does not overlap or duplicate any existing regulation. The proposed regulation is not required by federal law and there is no equivalent federal law.

The proposed regulation does not establish a new fee or increase an existing fee. The proposed regulation does not provide for a new fee or increase an existing fee payable to the Division.

The Division invites representatives of regulated businesses and the public to attend the public hearing and/or prepare written and/or oral comments concerning the proposed regulations. A copy of the proposed language for LCB File No. R053-20, may be downloaded at the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration website: http://dir.nv.gov/OSHA/Home. Before the Public Hearing, persons may submit written comments to Donald C. Smith, Esq., Senior Division Counsel, Division of Industrial Relations, 3360 W. Sahara Avenue, #250, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 or by email to donaldcsmith@dir.nv.gov. If no person who is directly affected by the proposed regulation appears to make oral comments, the Division will proceed immediately to act upon any written submissions.

Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations or assistance at the public hearing must notify Kim Toledo, at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 3360 W. Sahara Ave., #200, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102, or by calling (702) 486-9168 at least three (3) working days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

A copy of this notice and the proposed regulations are available at the Division's web page (http://www. http://dir.nv.gov/Meetings/Meetings/). This notice and the text of the proposed regulations are also in the State of Nevada Register of Administrative Regulations, which is prepared and published monthly by the Legislative Counsel Bureau pursuant to NRS 233B.0653, and on the internet at http://www.leg.state.nv.us. Copies of this notice and the proposed regulations will also be mailed to members of the public upon request. A reasonable fee may be charged for copies if it is deemed necessary.

Notice required by NRS 233B.064: Upon adoption of any regulation, the agency (the Division), if requested to do so by an interested person, either before adoption or thirty days thereafter, shall issue a concise statement or the principal reasons for and against its adoption, and incorporate therein its reason for overruling the consideration urged against its adoption.

The requirements set forth in NRS 241.020(4)(a) for the posting of agendas for public meetings was suspended in Governor Sisolak's March 22, 2020 Declaration of Emergency Directive 006. This notice has been posted on Nevada’s notice website: http://leg.state.nv.us/App/Notice/A/; and the Division’s website: http://dir.nv.gov/Meetings/Meetings, as set forth in NRS 241.020(4)(b) and (4)(c).

Read Full Proposed Regulation