What’s New
In February & October 2015, we reported on new OSHA injury reporting regulations. Portions of the new rules become effective as of August 10, 2016. The remainder of the regulations will begin phasing into effect on January 1, 2017. Additional information is available online by clicking here.
Recent Projects
- Forensic engineering consulting services regarding the applicability of ANSI standards to a power-assisted door involved in an accident at a facility located in Queens, NY
- Engineering, safety, and code compliance consultation regarding flooring maintenance requirements for a commercial premises located in Long Island, NY
- Consultation and design services regarding site drainage for a property located in New York City
Changes to Testing Requirements for Vermiculite Surfacing Material
On May 6th Capital Region BOCES reported that “The New York State Department of Health…released a letter outlining changes to testing requirements for surfacing material containing vermiculite…Essentially, the testing requirements originally reserved for sprayed-on fireproofing containing vermiculite (effective July, 2014), have been expanded to now include all surfacing material containing vermiculite”. The NYS Department of Health letter can be read online by clicking here.Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to survey for and consult with property owners, managers, purchasers, and related real estate professionals regarding asbestos-containing and other potentially hazardous materials. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.
White House Increasing Focus on Resiliency Through Building Codes and Standards
On May 12th the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) reported that “the White House hosted a Conference on Resilient Building Codes to highlight the importance of incorporating resiliency and the impacts of climate change in the codes and standards development process…As part of the event, President Barack Obama declared May as “National Building Safety Month.” Also during the event, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it will review its existing building construction requirements to align program requirements with the most recent model building codes and standards for resilient construction. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will work with the National Institute of Building Science to study the economic benefits of hazard mitigation. FEMA also said it will explore incentivizing the adoption and enforcement of related building codes at the state and local level”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. makes it a priority to remain aware and knowledgeable of all such code developments so that we can incorporate same into our designs, and so that we can inform our clientele of such new regulations which might affect their properties. Firm President, Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., just recently completed his 2016 annual continuing education training, and sat for the 2016 NYS Code Update exam, in order to maintain his certification as a NYS Code Enforcement Official. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.