SECTION 5. APPLICABLE CODES, AGENCIES, and INSPECTION PROCEDURES

5.1 Scope

In the area of environmental health and safety some of the major codes and laws are:  The Occupational Safety and Health Act, National Fire Protection Association Codes, Environmental Protection Act, American National Standards Institute Codes, and all Uniform Building Codes.  In addition, there are other less influential codes that occasionally involve APO.  The following paragraphs describe the codes, the enforcement organization, if any, and the inspection procedures.

5.2 Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is an extremely comprehensive collection of regulations governing safety and health in the work place.  Every U.S. employee is covered by this legislation and, therefore, every work place must meet these codes.  The federal legislation has the provision for each state to set up its own program if it is "as effective as" the federal legislation.  New Mexico has accepted the responsibility for a state program.  The state agencies responsible for administering these programs are:  The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Safety Section of the Environmental Improvement Division of the New Mexico Health and Environmental Department.

5.3 National Fire Protection Association Codes (NFPA)

This is an extensive set of codes involving the various aspects of fire prevention.  These codes have been adopted into the state Fire Codes.

5.4 Environmental Regulations (EPA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the respective state and local entities have established regulations to protect all aspects of the environment, including air and groundwater, and to address chemical and hazardous waste storage, treatment or disposal operations.  APO is subject to inspections by Federal, State or local compliance personnel and to penalties if any violations are noted but not addressed properly.

5.5 American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private organization that prepares standards for many processes and work situations.  Many of these standards have been adopted, and therefore, enforced by OSHA.

5.6 Uniform Building Codes (UBC)

This is a collection of codes pertaining to the construction of nearly every type of building and must be followed in any new construction or building renovation.  The New Mexico Construction Industries Division, as well as Otero County, are the enforcing agencies.