Volume 4 | Issue 5: 14+ Foundation Annual Cocktail Benefit
Rarely do I reach out and ask clients to participate in philanthropic endeavors. No doubt we all receive numerous solicitations each year and we all have our own priorities about which causes to support.
Having said that, I would like to introduce the 14+ Foundation, to let you know that I am on its fundraising committee, and to invite you to join me in supporting it. This foundation was established to develop, build and operate schools and orphanages in rural African communities.
It was co-founded by someone who I know personally and have much admiration and respect for - Joe Mizzi. Knowing Joe and participating in many past events, I know first-hand the passion and care that has gone into this cause, and I am familiar with the outstanding work this group has achieved.
I am proud to be a part of the 14+ Foundation and I ask that you read about it and consider joining me in supporting it. Here is a link to the website (14+ Foundation) and an exciting up-coming event on October 10th. I hope you will be able to join me there.
Thursday, October 10th, 2019
Cocktail Benefit: 6 PM - 11 PM
Sony Hall
235 West 46th Street, NYC
If you would like any information about the foundation or event, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your consideration,
Michael Pressel
Volume 4 | Issue 4: Local Law 158 Of 2017: Restriction On Professionally Certified Filings - Now In Effect!
Local Law 158 of 2017 is now in effect. It mandates that buildings that have work without a permit violation civil penalties imposed on or after August 28, 2018, will have a restriction that will preclude the ability to file Professional Certification filings until one year after the date the violation was imposed.
Furthermore, Local Law 158 of 2017 mandates that any other work without a permit violations issued in the successive year following the first work without a permit violation will be subject to civil penalties of two times the scheduled amounts and will also be subject to additional inspection fees when the violating conditions are corrected.
This Local Law is very important to design professionals and owners when developing filing strategies and timelines. RPO will notify its clients when they are not able to Professionally Certify filings due to application of Local Law 158 restrictions at their project sites.
Volume 4 | Issue 3: DOB NOW Expanding Requirement For Certain Applications & Deadline Extended For Local Law 196 Site Safety Training Requirements
Department of Buildings Notice: DOB NOW Expanding Requirement for Certain Applications
Effective Monday, July 1, 2019, all Department of Buildings applications for Mechanical Systems, Structural, Plumbing, Sprinkler and Standpipe work MUST be filed through the DOB NOW: Build portal. All other methods for filing this work will be phased out for work that has not already been filed.
All design professionals, owners and contractors must be registered with DOB NOW in order to properly use the system.
Given the short period of time between now and the effective date of this change, RPO recommends that all stakeholders register to use DOB NOW as soon as possible. For more information on stakeholder involvement and DOB NOW registration, please see our Volume 2, Issue 10 Newsletter
Please call our office if you would like us to assist you with DOB NOW registration.
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR LOCAL LAW 196
SITE SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
On May 8th, the New York City Council passed legislation extending the deadline for the second phase of Local Law 196, which requires 30 hours of site-safety training for workers and 62 hours of site-safety training for supervisors, to December 1, 2019.
Workers and supervisors are encouraged to obtain training in a timely manner. Information on Local Law 196 safety training requirements can be found on the Safety page of DOB's website, and details of the deadline extension can be found in the associated Service Notice.
2019 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 4 | Issue 2: On-Site Safety Inspections Site Safety Plans
In response to the construction accidents that have occurred in the past two weeks, the NYC Department of Buildings has significantly increased the number of unscheduled on-site safety inspections.
Particular focus is being given to coordination of site safety plans with field conditions. Remember, if a project is an actual site safety project that was originally reviewed by the Construction Safety Compliance Unit, any changes to the plans must be resubmitted to the unit for review and approval.
And as of November 2017, in addition to requirements for major buildings, all jobs requiring a Registered Construction Superintendent also require a Site Safety Plan. The SSP must be kept on site at all times and available upon request, until all work is completed and signed off.
Failure to have an adequate SSP on site and readily available may result in a full stop work order and/or the issuance of a Summons. DOB has quadrupled penalties for the most serious safety infractions and it has added more than 250 inspectors since 2015 in an effort to step up safety, so the likelihood of receiving a violation and the costs to remedy are both extremely high.
Reminder: RPO can prepare Site Safety Plans for your projects. Please call or email us with any questions you may have.
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2019 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 4 | Issue 1: Elevator Door Monitoring Requirements Looming
New York City adopted ASME A17.3 of 2002, as modified by Chapter K3 of Appendix K Section 3.10.12 of the New York City Building Code, which requires retroactive elevator upgrades to some equipment prior to January 1, 2020.
This code applies to all existing automatic passenger, service and freight elevators. Depending on age, the equipment may require modifications to the existing controller system or upgrade/replacement if it is an older system. Again, this requirement applies only to automatic elevators. Buildings with manual passenger or service elevators that have manually operated doors and gates do not have to meet this new code requirement. The requirement is to prevent the elevator from operating under any circumstance with its doors open.
All controllers built to meet the A17.1-2000 Code should have the door lock monitoring provisions built in. Prior to that, NYC followed the A17.1-1996 Code which makes it probable that older equipment does not meet the new standard. There is a great deal of equipment that only requires minor software/hardware tweaking in order to bring it into compliance; this should be evaluated by your elevator vendor.
Since some equipment will require undergoing major modernization, it would prudent to be mindful of the January 1, 2020, compliance deadline. Thereafter, the City will enforce by use of violations and cease of use orders for non-compliance.
The process to demonstrate compliance is as follows:
Application must be filed by an elevator agency director approved by the Buildings Department, rather than a design professional, if changes are being made.
Design drawings, including approval letter(s) from the controller manufacturer or registered design professional, are not required to be submitted to the Department, but must be kept in the premises’ machine rooms and made available to the Department upon request.
Tests and inspections must be performed by an approved elevator inspection agency (applicant) and witnessed by an approved elevator inspection agency not affiliated with the agency performing the test.
Volume 3 | Issue 7: Local Law 152 of 2016 - Periodic Inspection of Gas Piping
Commencing January 1, 2019, Local Law 152 of 2016 will take effect which requires periodic inspection of gas piping in buildings other than R-3 dwellings.
For existing buildings, an inspection must be conducted every five years by a licensed master plumber or their subordinate. New buildings require their first inspection after 10 years from completion.
The inspector will be required to inspect all exposed gas lines from the point of entry and throughout service spaces and public spaces up to tenant spaces. The inspection will seek evidence of excessive corrosion or deterioration, dangerous conditions, illegal installations, and non-code compliant installations. It will also incorporate use of gas leak detectors.
There will be a reporting/certification procedure put in effect that must be adhered to. Failure to submit certification will be classified as a major violation.
RPO will keep you apprised of the specific reporting requirements as they become available.
Volume 3 | Issue 6: DOB Announces Deadline Changes For Construction Safety Training Requirements
DOB has extended the deadline by which many of the city's construction workers will need to have at least 30 hours of safety training, and by which construction supervisors will need 62 hours of training.
This requirement was set to kick in on December 1, 2018; workers will now have until June 1, 2019 to complete this training. These workers are already required to have a minimum of 10 hours of safety training and the 10-hour requirement remains unchanged.
In addition, DOB will extend the law's final deadline, by which workers will need 40 hours of training, from May 1, 2019 to September 1, 2020.
Volume 3 | Issue 5: NYC DOT 2018 Holiday Embargo Notification
NYC DOT 2018 HOLIDAY EMBARGO NOTIFICATION
The New York City Department of Transportation has just issued a memorandum on the upcoming 2018 Holiday Construction Embargo. The 2018 Holiday Construction Embargo runs from Thursday November 15th, 2018 to Wednesday January 2nd, 2019. During this period all routine work shall at locations within the embargo area will be suspended and no new work permits will be issued by NYC DOT.
Any ongoing projects must apply for a waiver to work within the Embargo period. In the coming weeks, RPO will issue notifications to our clients for whom we are obtaining DOT permits and we will apply for embargo waivers accordingly.
Please note, an embargo waiver request must be reviewed and approved by NYC DOT. NYC DOT reserves the right to modify existing permit stipulation and restrict certain operations for ongoing projects.
We would like to stress that NYC DOT will not issue any new permits during the embargo period. All permits needed during the holiday embargo should be requested no later than October 31st, 2018, but applying further in advance will yield a better likelihood of obtaining an embargo waiver for that work.
Volume 3 | Issue 4: Tenant Protection Plan Notice To Occupants & Reminder: Sprinkler Compliance Reports - Local Law of 2004
Local Law 154 of 2017 requires owners to post or distribute a notice regarding the Tenant Protection Plan (TPP) when the Department of Buildings issues the work permit.
Beginning on July 18, 2018 Owners must post or distribute a notice form approved by the Department of Buildings. The notice must be distributed to each occupied dwelling unit OR posted in the lobby and
On each floor within ten feet of the elevator; or
If the building does not have an elevator, within ten feet of or in the main stairwell on each floor.
As of July 18, 2018, owners must post the notice provided by the Department in order to comply with Local Law 154 of 2017. Failure to post the Department's approved notice containing the required contact information may result in the imposition of penalties.
RPO will provide the required notifications for our clients to post with each TPP that we prepare.
Local Law 154 also requires owners to notify the Department in writing at least 72 hours before starting work that requires a TPP. Owners must use the online notification form on the Department's website to satisfy this requirement.
Please contact Brian Kamei at RPO with any questions pertaining to Local Law 154 of 2017 and/or our Tenant Protection Plan service.
REMINDER: SPRINKLER COMPLIANCE REPORTS - LOCAL LAW OF 2004
Deadline for 14 year sprinkler compliance reports in office buildings over 100 feet tall is July 1, 2018, as per Local Law 26 of 2004.
Local Law 26 of 2004
Effective October 22, 2004, this local law mandated the retroactive requirement that a full system of automatic sprinklers be installed in all office buildings and buildings classified in Occupancy Group E over one hundred feet in height. The installation of these required sprinkler systems must be completed on or before July 1, 2019.
Reporting Deadline
The local law also requires that owners of buildings subjected to Local Law 26 of 2004 file a fourteen year report no later than July 1, 2018. These fourteen year reports are required to contain a certification provided by a registered architect or professional engineer declaring the percentage of the building in which sprinklers have been installed at the date of the report. The report must also include an implementation plan, prepared by an architect or engineer, detailing when and how the remaining portions of the building will be made fully compliant.
Building owners who have already submitted a final report on or prior to July 1, 2018, certifying that their building fully complies with the sprinkler requirements set forth in Local Law 26 of 2004 are not required to submit this report.
Extension
Building owners who can provide evidence of undue hardship preventing compliance with Local Law 26 of 2004 may apply for a deadline extension by July 1, 2018.
Need more information?
Please feel free to contact RPO with questions pertaining to Local Law 26 of 2004, how to submit a report and/or file for an extension.
Volume 3 | Issue 3: NYC Local Law 204 Is Going Into Effect Next Month! & 2018 Benchmarking Compliance Deadline Has Been Extended
NYC LOCAL LAW 204 IS GOING INTO EFFECT NEXT MONTH!
Chapter 33 of the New York City building code is amended to add a new section 3301.12, to read as follows:
Pre-shift safety meetings: Each permit holder at a site that requires a site safety manager, site safety coordinator, or construction superintendent shall ensure that each construction or demolition worker employed or otherwise engaged at such site by the permit holder or performing subcontracted work for or on behalf of such permit holder takes part in a safety meeting at the beginning of such worker's shift, but before such worker commences any construction or demolition work in such shift, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 3301.12.1 through 3301.12.3.
Exception: Where other sections of this code or rules promulgated thereunder specify pre-task or pre-shift meetings for specific types of work, those requirements shall instead apply.
Pre-shift safety meeting to be conducted by a competent person: Pre-shift safety meetings shall be conducted at the beginning of each worker's shift, but before such worker commences any construction or demolition work in such shift, by a competent person designated by the permit holder, or where so authorized by the permit holder, by a competent person designated by the subcontractor. Such competent person shall have the ability to communicate with each worker who takes part in such meeting.
Pre-shift safety meeting content: The pre-shift safety meeting shall include a review of activities and tasks to be performed during the shift, including specific safety concerns or risks associated with fulfilling such work.
Records: The permit holder shall maintain, for each worker, a record of one pre-shift safety meeting per week. Such record shall include for each such meeting:
The date and time of each such meeting;
The name, title and company affiliation of each worker who participated; and
The name, title and company affiliation of the competent person who conducted such meeting, along with such person's signature Read full Local Law 204 here.
Need more information on LOCAL LAW 204
Please feel free to contact Kevin Danielson, Esq. at RPO with questions pertaining to the NYC Local Law 204.
2018 BENCHMARKING COMPLIANCE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED
2018 Benchmarking compliance for the 2017 calendar year has been extended. The 2017 calendar year data is now due no later than December 31, 2018.
By letter dated April 24, 2018, the Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability (OLTPS) has advised the Department of Buildings that compliance with Administrative Code §28-309.4 - Benchmarking Energy and Water Use - has been temporarily suspended.
Pursuant to Administrative Code §28-309.6, OLTPS has temporarily suspended compliance for calendar year 2017 due to unresolved technical issues. The temporary suspension covers calendar year 2017 compliance, which had been due no later than May 1, 2018.
Need more information on benchmarking compliance?
Please feel free to contact Kevin Danielson, Esq. at RPO with questions pertaining to the benchmarking requirement, including how to submit your report.
2018 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE!
PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (212) 566-5110 TO RECEIVE YOURS.
Volume 3 | Issue 2: DOB Is Enforcing The New Construction Safety Training - Local Law 196
Avoid penalties and fines!
At a minimum, all workers or supervisors must complete one of the following courses:
OSHA 10-hour class; or
OSHA 30-hour class; or
A 100-hour training program approved by the Department of Buildings (DOB) (such as training received through an apprenticeship program)
If training is not done, what's the risk?
Penalties, Fines & Potential Stop Work Orders!
Permit holders must certify workers have required training. Fines are $15,000 per untrained worker:
$5,000 for the owner
$5,000 for the permit holder
$5,000 for the employer
Permit holders failing to keep log of trained workers face fines of $2,500
Department of Buildings (DOB) is planning unannounced site checks where there is a history of untrained workers on the construction crew. They will also be targeting other jobs where it is suspected that permit holders may be in violation.
Need more information and details on Local Law 196?
Please feel free to contact Kevin Danielson, Esq. at RPO with questions pertaining to the construction safety training requirements and about Local Law 196.
2018 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE AVAILABLE!
PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT (212) 566-5110 TO RECEIVE YOURS.
Volume 3 | Issue 1: DOB Civil Penalty Increase For Work Without A Permit Violations & Charging Fees to File Determinations January 28th, 2018
Recent legislation, passed on December 28, 2017, has increased the civil penalties for Work without a Permit violations issued by the Department of Buildings.
The penalty for work without a permit on a one or two family dwelling will be increased to six times the amount of the fee payable for the permit. The minimum has been raised to $600 with a maximum penalty of $10,000.
The civil penalty for work without a permit on buildings other than a one- or two- family dwelling is increased to 21 times the amount of the fee payable for the permit. The minimum has been increased to $6,000 with a maximum penalty of $15,000.
Please note that it is unknown at this time when the above changes will go into effect, but we will post updated information when it becomes available. Please feel free to contact Kevin Danielson, Esq. at RPO with questions pertaining to this new legislation or for any of your violation needs.
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS CHARGING FEES TO FILE DETERMINATIONS JANUARY 28TH, 2018
Effective January 28th, 2018, Construction Code Determinations (CCD1) and Zoning Resolution Determination (ZRD1) requests submitted to the Department for review are subject to the following fees.
CCD1 or ZRD1 request for Determination (Borough Commissioner) = .................$1,000
Pre-Determination (pre-filed jobs) Request
Request for variance of a Code requirement or MDL section 277.16
Appeal of an affirmation of an objection after a second plan examination review***
Appeal of CCD1 or ZRD1 Determination (Technical Affairs) = ..............................$2,500
*** Plan examination objections will go through a mandatory second plan examination review.
Determinations filed for clarification or interpretation of the Code or Zoning (resulting from plan examiner objection) are not subject to fee payment. Please feel free to call RPO, Inc., if you have any questions concerning this.
Volume 2 | Issue 10: DOB NOW: BUILD (Continued)
DOB NOW continues to expand its incorporation of permit filings. It now includes electrical and elevator filings to commence December 4, 2017.
It will be MANDATORY to submit electrical and elevator filings in DOB NOW: Build.
Also MANDATORY is the registration of all stakeholders in order to use the system. Owners, applicants of record, inspectors and contractors MUST BE REGISTERED in order to use the system.
This new launch follows the recent rollout of DOB NOW: Build for sidewalk shed, supported scaffold, fence, curb cuts, façade repair and sign job filings.
The eFiling Registration Form is the portal to register for DOB NOW: Build, however because of the limitations of the system at the present time, we recommend working with RPO to develop a strategy for registration so we can best assist you with the filings that require stakeholder involvement as well as the maintenance of the required on-line accounts.
After registering for an account in eFiling, stakeholders will then be able to use DOB NOW: Build.
As part of its service offerings, RPO can provide assistant with the registration process as well as maintenance of the REQUIRED online accounts. Please contact our office if you would like assistance with this process.
Volume 2 | Issue 9: New Requirement: DOB NOW: BUILD
DOB NOW: Build is a new platform designed to replace the current Building Information System (BIS) and eFiling systems. The use of this program is now REQUIRED for the filing of sidewalk sheds, supported scaffolds, construction fences, signs, curb cuts, and façade repair applications. The program will continue to incorporate more filings in the future.
Stakeholders, including...
* Professional Engineers
* Registered Architects
* Licensed Special Inspectors
* Owners
* Filing Representatives
...are all REQUIRED to participate in the filing, permit, and signoff processes and are all REQUIRED to create online accounts to access DOB NOW: Build.
Owners, Professionals and Contractors must follow the required steps to register - including confirmation via emails and mailing in required documents.
The eFiling Registration Form is the portal to register for DOB NOW: BUILD, however because of the limitations of the system at the present time, we recommend working with RPO to develop a strategy for registration so we can best assist you with the filings that require stakeholder involvement as well as the maintenance of the required on-line accounts.
After registering for an account in eFiling, stakeholders will then be able to use DOB NOW: Build.
The RPO staff is available to assist in the initiation and maintenance of the REQUIRED online accounts. Please contact our office if you would like assistance with this process.
Volume 2 | Issue 8: Site Safety Plans Mandatory On All Work Scopes Requiring A Registered Construction Superintendent
Effective November 11, 2017, all jobs requiring a Registered Construction Superintendent (CS) will also require a Site Safety Plan (SSP). Currently, only Major Buildings require a Site Safety Plan.
The SSP must be kept on site at all times and available upon request, until all work is completed and signed off.
Failure to have an adequate SSP on site and readily available may result in a full stop work order and/or the issuance of a Summons.
NOTE: This requirement is not retroactive to jobs initially permitted prior to the effective date of this new SSP requirement.
RPO is ready to prepare Site Safety Plans for your projects as required by this new law. Please call or email us with any questions you may have.
Volume 2 | Issue 7: NYC DOT 2017 Holiday Construction Embargo Notification
Please be advised that the Department of Transportation Holiday Construction Embargo will be in effect from 6:00 AM - 11:59 PM every day beginning Wednesday, November 15, 2017 through Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Roadway and sidewalk construction activities will be restricted during the embargo period on the streets within the embargo area, although some projects have already been granted waivers.
The deadline for submission of embargo waiver requests is Tuesday, October 31, 2017. After that applications will only be accepted for special circumstances that would have prevented a timely application.
RPO will notify its clients with projects within the Embargo and process waiver requests on their behalf. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Volume 2 | Issue 6: RPO 30th Anniversary - Special Edition
RPO, Inc. is extremely proud to be marking its 30th anniversary. In 1987, after leaving his position as the Director of the Mayor's Traffic and Construction Coordinating Council at the New York City Department of Transportation, Richard J. Pressel, P.E. founded RPO Incorporated.
Richard's attention to detail, unconventional problem solving skills, and reputation as an honest guy who is a straight shooter served him well starting out. Business leaders and friends supported him, and contractor clients flocked to RPO to have his watchful eyes on their projects. Shortly thereafter, Ginette Celestin, a former colleague of Richard's at the Department of Transportation, joined him bringing her vast knowledge of the DOT procedures into the fold. Together they focused on creating new systems to streamline their performance of DOT services to contractors City-wide.
Meanwhile, Richard's son, Michael Pressel, had been cutting his teeth in the construction business. Three years after Richard founded RPO, Michael joined him upon graduating college with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with dual majors in Finance and Management. At this point the business expanded into other agencies, began broadening its repertoire of services, and recruited the brightest and best minds in the business.
The RPO team of engineers, lawyers and highly experienced industry experts applied their collective knowledge and successfully took on numerous challenging projects - along the way gaining a reputation for being a shop that can handle all matters of all levels of complexity. That recognition has led to Michael and other staff members being invited as guest lecturers and speakers at the Columbia Graduate School of Engineering, NYS Bar Association, and numerous corporate seminars.
Fast forward 30 years, and many of the familiar faces that our clients have come to depend on at RPO are still at it. Richard has since retired, but from time to time he takes on assignments as an independent consultant. Ginette is still reliably acting as a liaison for DOT matters, and the rest of the firm has continued to offer more and more services while honing the tools and procedures that create the efficiencies and dependability our clients have come to depend on. RPO now offers a broad array of services including zoning/code consulting, filing all types of projects at the DOB, DEP, DOT, FDNY, DSBS and other agencies, obtaining all types of permits and renewals, performing T/CO services, and representing our clients to answer construction violations. We also prepare and file Temporary Places of Assembly, Site Safety Plans, Occupant Protection Plans and more.
This milestone provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our past and to look forward to the future. RPO is rooted in Richard Pressel's values of combining the most industrious solutions with the best possible client service and the highest level of integrity. He set the bar high and the entire team tries hard to meet his standards every single day. We are grateful for Richard's guidance and leadership, and for our exceptionally bright and motivated team. But most of all we are grateful to our friends and clients who entrust us with their important projects and who have made RPO the success it is today - 30 years after it was founded.
NOW, A NOTE FROM MICHAEL PRESSEL.
It is incredible how quickly time passes. When I chat with my dad, our conversations invariably turn to business. We discuss the jobs of the day and then reminisce about the countless jobs we have been involved with in the past. There have been so many problems and a corresponding number of solutions. Over the years there were growing pains and many changes on the road to building our "A-Team." Along the way we developed tools and protocols to mesh with our service philosophy that have helped us earn the trust, respect and repeat business of our many clients.
Reflecting back over the past few decades it is clear to me that the success of this company stems from:
(First and foremost) The values, guidance, leadership and hard work instilled by the company founder and my dad - Richard Pressel, PE,
Assembly of a team that appreciates and holds his values to a high standard,
The collective support we receive from our families,
Investing back in the business to acquire the best tools and attract the best talent, and
The trust and respect of our loyal clients.
If I had to add a sixth point, it would definitely be "luck." We have been lucky to enjoy a booming economy and lucky to have an excellent team.
So, on this very auspicious occasion I would like to congratulate my father and the entire RPO team on many jobs well done, and to thank them, our families and our clients for contributing to the success of RPO during the past 30 years.
Cheers,
Michael Pressel
Volume 2 | Issue 5: New Earthwork Notification Requirement & Changes In Requirements About Reporting Incidents Are In The Work!
NEW EARTHWORK NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT
In addition to the required standard notification, the Department of Buildings, D.O.B, now also requires Earthwork Contractors to provide the 811 (Call Before You Dig) One Call ticket number when making normal notification of the commencement of earthwork.
The ticket number can be obtained through the 811 One Call phone number or online at www.newyork-811.com.
Notification is not considered complete unless the 811 ticket number is provided to the Department. Once the Department receives the required ticket number, the information will be recorded in the Department's notification database. All documents related to the notification must be kept on-site and available upon request.
NOTE: The 811 ticket number must address all street frontages associated with the excavation.
To complete the Department's Earthwork Notification, please call (212) 393-2550.
The staff at RPO is available to answer any further questions you may have about this.
CHANGES IN REQUIREMENTS ABOUT REPORTING INCIDENTS ARE IN THE WORK!
The Administrative Code has been amended to require reporting to OSHA as detailed below:
§ 28-103.26. Reporting to the federal occupational safety and health administration.
As soon as practicable after the issuance of (i) an immediately hazardous or major violation of chapter 33 of the New York city building code or (ii) a violation of section 3310.10.2 of the New York city building code, the commissioner shall report such violation to the federal occupational safety and health administration. This local law takes effect in 120 days after it becomes law.
Furthermore, Local Law 78 of 2017 will mandate many other new requirements with respect to reporting incidents and will also increase minimum and maximum penalties. However, an aspect of great interest to our clients will be the mandate of the D.O.B to publicly post reported incidents starting on January 2018.
Here is a link to the legislation: Click to View
RPO will continue to keep you up-to-date with all the changes that are relevant to our clients' business.
2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at
(212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 2 | Issue 4: Physical Examination Form Required For Licensees
Pursuant to 1 RCNY §104-01 (f), as of June 5, 2017, original applicants for licensure, as well as license renewal applicants, are required to provide proof of fitness to perform the work authorized by their license.
This rule requires that the following licensees must provide evidence of physical fitness by filing a completed LIC61 application for initial licenses and renewals:
Electricians (Master/Special)
Master Plumbers
Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractors
High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineers
Oil Burning Equipment Installers
Sign Hangers (Master/Special)
Site Safety Managers
Site Safety Coordinators
Construction Superintendents
Concrete Safety Managers
Private Elevator Inspection Agency Directors & Inspectors
Welders
The form must be completed and signed by a physician within the 90 days prior to submitting license application. In addition, the Department may also require the applicant to take a substance abuse test.
Here is a link to the LIC61 form: Click Here
Hoisting Machine Operators, Riggers and Welders must continue to comply with the fitness requirements outlined in 1 RCNY Sections 104-09, 104-10, and 104-11.
An RPO Staff member can assist you with any questions you may have concerning this rule.
2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 2 | Issue 3: NYC Building’s Gas Piping Work, Civil Penalty Amnesty Program
NYC BUILDING'S GAS PIPING WORK
CIVIL PENALTY AMNESTY PROGRAM
A six month amnesty program will start on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in which the Department will waive the civil penalties associated with certain previously issued violations for work without a permit on gas piping systems, provided that the owner obtains the proper DOB permit in the form of an Limited Alteration Application (LAA) and completes the job.
Any associated Department of Buildings civil penalties for legalization of fuel gas piping systems or a violation for work performed without a permit associated with fuel gas piping systems will be waived if:
The work was performed or the violations were issued prior to April 5, 2017 and civil penalties have not been paid; and
Applicants obtain a permit to resolve the improper work between April 5, 2017 and October 5, 2017; and
Applicants have the job signed off by the Department one year from the day the permit is issued.
Gas Piping Work Civil Penalty Amnesty jobs may only be submitted as an LAA filing and be limited to the gas work only. Your Licensed Master Plumber will be able to autonomously handle this process for you.
Larger gas work jobs (non-LAA or other non-gas work) included in the violation must be filed separately and are not eligible for the Gas Piping Work Civil Penalty Amnesty Program.
2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours.