What’s New
Amended rule governing exterior wall inspections & repairs (FISP) went into effect February 20th. Among other changes, FISP reports now require more up-close, hands-on inspections, enhanced experience requirements for privately contracted Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI), increased penalties for property owners who fail to make repairs, and a new requirement for landlords to post information on facade status in building lobbies.
Recent Projects
- Building code compliance certification for a roofing project in Rockland County, NY
- Forensic engineering evaluation of a loading dock accident for a national department store chain location in Manhattan
- Structural engineering consultation regarding framing failure concerns for a building located in Rockland County, NY
Facades on 1,400 Buildings in New York Are a Threat to Pedestrians
On January 30th the New York Times reported that “across the city, about 1,400 buildings are wrapped in wood-and-steel sidewalk sheds not for construction, but because their facades are a serious safety threat. The sites have major structural problems, including corroded masonry and fractured terra cotta, which could come loose and hurt or kill people on the ground…Despite rigorous city building laws and a string of high-profile accidents, including the death of a woman killed by falling terra cotta in December, an examination by The New York Times found that building owners routinely flout rules and enforcement actions with no repercussions”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to design, inspect, certify, and consult with clientele regarding masonry facade conditions at buildings, and to consult with attorneys, insurance companies, property managers, and other property related professionals regarding such matters. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.
OSHA Revises National Emphasis Program on Silica
On February 6th the American Society of Safety Professionals reported that “OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to identify and reduce or eliminate worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in general industry, maritime and construction. The NEP targets specific industries expected to have the highest numbers of workers exposed to silica, and focuses on enforcement of the general industry and maritime standard (29 CFR 1910.1053), which took effect June 23, 2018, and the construction standard (29 CFR 1926.1153), which took effect Sept. 23, 2017…The agency will provide stakeholders with compliance assistance for 90 days before it begins programmed inspections under the directive”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. makes it a priority to remain aware and knowledgeable of such developments regarding worker safety regulations, and we endeavor to keep our clientele informed of any legislation which might affect their projects we are consulting with them on. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.