CONSTRUCTION SAFETY 



 

The Department of Buildings is committed to promoting safe and compliant construction and improving quality of life for all New Yorkers. Since 2008, the Department has enacted more than 25 new laws designed to increase safety at construction sites. New regulations include: a ban on smoking at construction sites, registration with the Department for contractors performing certain types of construction, demolition and concrete work and uniform color-coding of sprinkler and standpipes.

Chapter 33 of the New York City Construction Codes outlines safeguards required during construction and demolition work.


·         Chapter 33 of the 2008 NYC Construction Codes

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·         Operation Policy and Procedure Notice 11/87

·         Operation Policy and Procedure Notice 15/91



Industry Notice

Minimum Content of Demolition Plan Submissions
Plan formatting and naming shall be in accordance with B-Scan Requirements document published October 2010. Plans must be in accordance with Article 104 (Construction Documents) of the Administrative Code.



Updates

Demolition Submittal Document Requirements: Exemption from Plan Submission
The Department will no longer accept plan submissions for sites that are exempt from plan submission under the current Code. The exemptions are for plan submissions and not exemptions from the need to file a demolition application (DM).

Determination Review Requests: CCD1 and ZRD1 Forms Updated
CCD1 and ZRD1 forms have been updated to improve our review process. The updated forms require submittal of additional information so Determination Requests can be completed more quickly.

Alternative Safety Systems: Cocoon & Climbing Concrete Form Work
Construction Code Determination Forms (CCD1s) will no longer be required for use of typical cocoons and climbing concrete form work, provided the following conditions are met. This notice applies to alternate netting (cocoon) or climbing form work systems used in lieu of typical vertical and horizontal netting systems required by the Code, hereafter referred to as alternative systems.



Construction Signage

There has been some confusion in the past as to the phone number requirements on various construction signs and the use of 311. We hope that you will find the following useful.

Sidewalk Sheds
Building Code Sect. 26-252 b - a sign is required listing the name, address and phone number of the permit holder and the permit expiration date.

Construction Projects
Building Code Sect. 27-1009 (c) - a sign is required listing the name, address and phone number of the property owner and the general contractor.

Demolition Jobs
Chapter 8 of Title 1 - Sect. 8-01 (d) (1) - a sign is required listing the name, address and phone number of the demolition contractor and the Department of Buildings complaint number - 311.

Site Safety Jobs
Chapter 26 of Title 1 - Sect. 26-01 (h) - these phone numbers are required in addition to those required by Sect 27-1009 for construction jobs above:

·         Department of Buildings - 311

·         The Building Enforcement Safety Team (BEST)

·         The Emergency Response Team (ERT) - 311

·         Department of Transportation (DOT) - 311


Sites Where New Building and Demolition Permits Are Required

1 RCNY 27-04 - a sign is required stating the following: "TO ANONYMOUSLY REPORT UNSAFE CONDITIONS AT THIS WORK SITE CALL 311"

All other specifications regarding letter size, square footage of sign, location, etc. can be found in the appropriate sections of law.

 

Helpful Links

·         2016 Construction Safety Week Presentations

·         Construction Demolition & Abatement (CDA)

·         Excavation

·         High Risk Construction Analysis

·         Retaining Walls

·         Unsafe Buildings

·         Site Safety

·         Construction Safety Presentations

·         Resources

·         Construction Safety FAQ