Reopening Construction Sites Safely
New York State has released these mandatory construction guidelines for employers and employees, which apply to all construction businesses that have been permitted to re-open, as well as those previously allowed to operate as essential.
Physical Distancing
Ensure 6 ft. distance between personnel, unless safety or core function of the work activity requires a shorter distance. Any time personnel are less than 6 ft. apart from one another, personnel must wear acceptable face coverings.
Protective equipment
Employers must provide employees with an acceptable face covering at no-cost to the employee and have an adequate supply of coverings in case of replacement.
Cleaning & Hygiene
Provide and maintain hand hygiene stations for personnel, including handwashing with soap, water, and paper towels, as well as an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60% or more alcohol for areas where handwashing is not feasible.
Communication
Post signage throughout the site to remind personnel to adhere to proper hygiene, social distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
For additional information, continue reading.
NYC Energy Code Update
As of May 12, 2020, the updates to the New York City Energy Conservation Code and the State’s Energy Code became effective.
Local Law 048 of 2020 (Introduction No. 1816-A): A local law to bring the New York City Energy Conservation Code up to date with the 2020 Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (2020 ECCCNYS), and also aligns with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) NYStretch Energy Code-2020. Local Law 048 of 2020 continues to ensure that the construction of new buildings, additions and alterations will meet the 80% greenhouse gas reduction by 2050.
Notable highlights and provisions:
• Continuous insulation for balconies and parapets
• Mandatory supply ventilation provided with energy or heat recovery devices on multifamily buildings 3-stories and less
• More efficient interior lighting power requirements
• Additional lighting controls
• Additional thermal envelope performance requirements
• More stringent insulation and fenestration requirements
• Allowing source energy as a metric, instead of energy cost
• Efficient design of service water heating distribution systems in multifamily buildings 3 stories and less
• Whole building energy monitoring on commercial buildings
• Efficiency measures for certain traction elevators and commercial kitchen equipment
For additional information, continue reading.
REMINDER: Local Law 11/98 (FISP) Compliance
According to the NYC Department of Buildings, Local Law compliance inspections and tests are considered necessary to protect the
health and safety of occupants.
Whether your previous LL11/98 FISP report was filed as Safe, SWARMP, or Unsafe, now is the time to ensure your building has addressed all necessary repair items and is ready for the current 9th Cycle Inspections.
AMNESTY PROGRAM
Good news for Building Owners who missed the 8th Cycle FISP deadline: Starting on July 1, 2020, through September 2020, the DOB is allowing Owner's to file their 8th & 9th Cycle reports together to avoid further violations and fines. To view the official NYC DOB Service Notice and Program Rules, please continue reading.
CYCLE 9 CHANGES
As of February 20, 2020, the newly amended rule governing exterior wall inspections and repairs has officially been put into effect. Continue reading our published article in NYREJ.
Interactive Map
A NYC DOB interactive map will now identify construction sites that are doing emergency/essential work during COVID-19, which will continue to be updated.
DOB Covid-19 Response Page
For essential and non-essential construction updates, including current and upcoming service changes, continue to check the DOB Covid-19 response page.
We wish you all the best during this time and hope everyone is staying safe. Should you need any assistance or have questions for our team regarding essential vs. non-essential work, please feel free to contact us. You can reach us at our main office line at (718) 767-0923 or by email at info@merrittengineering.com.
How can we help you?
We are currently helping several of our clients get their buildings in shape, coordinating inspections and testing, leak investigations, façade and roofing restoration projects. All projects are managed efficiently by our team from beginning to end and are designed to provide sustainable, cost-effective results. We believe in providing our clients with the quality service they deserve. We would be happy to do the same for you.
Call us today at (718) 767-0923.
About Us
Established in 1986, Merritt Engineering has become a leading Engineering firm specializing in Building Restoration and Structural Design. We have extensive experience in Façade Restorations, Roofing & Waterproofing, Historic/Landmark Preservation, Design/Rehabilitations and Construction Administration.
For over 30 years, we have delivered customized, practical and cost-effective engineering solutions to properties throughout the United States including commercial, residential, healthcare, government and educational facilities. Today, Merritt continues to build a strong reputation through its commitment to preserving and enhancing our city’s skyline.
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