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Contractors' safety complaints spotlighted as union urges SFUSD to reinstate prequalification
Summary
An IBEW Local 6 representative told the school board about alleged electrical code violations and missing inspection reports on district projects and urged reinstating contractor prequalification rather than suspending it for 2016.
At the Oct. 13 meeting the board heard a public comment from Sabrina Hernandez, a state‑certified electrician and delegate to the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, who urged the district to reinstate prequalification for general contractors and mechanical/electrical/plumbing subcontractors after the district suspended prequalification for 2016.
Hernandez described alleged unsafe electrical installations, including mixed high‑ and low‑voltage wiring in single junction boxes, long unsupported conduit runs, missing seismic clips on light fixtures, and instances where ceiling tiles were closed with unfinished electrical work underneath. She said the union was unable to obtain inspection reports from district contracts staff and asked the board to restore prequalification and increase accountability on school construction projects.
Board members acknowledged the concern and accepted Hernandez's submission for the record. The speaker requested greater oversight and reinstatement of at least a minimal prequalification requirement for large electrical subcontracts on school projects.
