Most widely used building codes available in Spanish

To help thousands of Spanish-speaking workers in the construction industry better understand building safety and fire prevention codes, the International Code Council 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 International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Rick Weiland. "Many Hispanic workers speak English fluently. By translating the International Codes into Spanish, the thousands who don't will be better able to use and apply building safety codes."

The International Codes provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. The International Codes 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.

Forty-seven states use the International Codes at the state or jurisdictional level. The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and federal agencies also enforce one or more of the International Codes. The Department of Defense references the International Building Code for constructing military facilities, including those that house our troops, around the world and at home.

"Translating the International Codes into Spanish helps workers who speak English as a second language," said Frank Fuentes, National Chair of the United States 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 results in safer buildings."

To purchase the new 2003 International Codes, Spanish Editions (Códigos Internacionales 2003), click here or call 1-800-786-4452.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.