KHL Group - American Cranes & Transport

New safety codes announced

Written by D.Ann Shiffler - 15 Jul 2008

Tower Cranes

For the first time since 1968, the City of New York Construction Codes have been updated, it was announced by the New York City Department of Buildings. The revisions to the code were written with the input of more than 400 professionals representing the construction industry, according to the Department of Buildings.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and other New York City governmental leaders announced the launch of the new codes on June 24, 2008. "These codes are more user-friendly for the building professionals and incorporate critical safety measures that better protect millions of New Yorkers at work and at home," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in a press release.

With the announcement of the new codes, the Buildings Department has begun begins a one-year transition period when applications for new buildings may comply with either the 1968 Building Code or the new NYC Construction Codes. On July 1, 2009, the NYC Construction Codes will be mandated for all new construction. According to a press release, all construction receiving permits, regardless of whether the plans comply with the 1968 Building Code or new NYC Construction Codes, is subject to the new administration, enforcement, and construction safety rules, which include:

• New Violation Classification System. Violations are now re-classified to enable Buildings Inspectors to zero-in on the buildings or construction sites that present the most significant risk to the public. Under the new system, violations fall into three classes that range in severity depending on the risk the condition poses to public safety. Penalties for violations are substantially increased in conjunction with the new classification system.
• New Safeguards Required During Construction. Construction sites holding permits are subject to new requirements to safeguard the public and property. The new requirements expand the Site Safety program to apply to more building types, call for new safety procedures for certain types of demolition, and enhance protection for properties adjoining excavation sites.
• Special Inspections to Monitor for Compliance as Construction Proceeds. Third-party inspectors are now required to conduct more inspections at critical points in the construction process to advance compliance with construction regulations. The third-party inspectors, who must meet qualifications established by the Buildings Department, will verify that the conditions on the job site comply with the approved construction documents.

Buildings constructed under the new Codes will be subject to enhanced structural integrity and fire protection measures, which include:

• Expanded Structural Safety. Enhanced design requirements, including stronger connectivity requirements for steel and concrete construction, will enable buildings to better withstand conditions such as strong winds, vehicular impacts, and gas explosions.
• Enhanced Emergency Systems. Emergency voice communication systems and emergency power generators will be required in all new residential buildings 125 feet or higher. In an emergency, these systems enable the Fire Department to speak to tenants and use back-up power for egress lighting and for at least one elevator.
• Sprinklers Required in More Buildings. Automatic sprinkler systems will now be required in more buildings, including residential buildings of three units or more, attached two-family homes, and one- and two-family homes that are more than three stories.

The NYC Construction Codes are modeled after the International Code Council's International Building Code but have been modified to meet the needs of New York's dense urban environment. Signed into law by the Mayor in July 2007, the NYC Construction Codes require the Department to revise the Codes every three years to incorporate new standards, technologies and materials. To learn more about the codes, please visit www.nyc.gov.