What’s New
Our firm has noticed an increase in calls from entities notified by their local fire inspector that they are past due for their required 5 year fire escape stairway inspection. Please be aware that Section 1104.16.5.1 of the NYS Fire Code requires that “fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety in accordance with Section 1104.16.5 by a registered design professional or others acceptable to the fire code official every 5 years, or as required by the fire code official”. Please don’t hesitate to contact Yarmus Engineering, P.C. if we can of assistance to you regarding such code mandated inspection needs.
Recent Projects
- Civil engineering consultation regarding storm water management and zoning code compliance for residential properties in Westchester County, NY
- Forensic engineering consultation regarding exterior staircase code compliance and coefficient of friction for a commercial property located in Orange County, NY
- NYS Industrial Code Rule 23 and Labor Law consultation regarding an accident at a high-rise residential structure located in Manhattan
OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Citations
On September 16th Industrial Equipment News reported “it’s back, and while the focus of this year’s most frequently cited workplace safety violations didn’t change too dramatically from 2018, some of the factors contributing to them offer perspective on the changing face of industrial safety…The National Safety Council and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the preliminary Top 10 as part of the NSC Congress & Expo recently held in San Diego”.
Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, as a Past Chair of the National Society of Professional Engineers PE’s in Construction Interest Group, has facilitated discussions between Professional Engineers across the country on important matters such as safety in the construction industry. Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to inspect work places, construction sites, properties, and other locations for conditions which might present a safety risk or otherwise be prone to causing an accident; design modifications to help minimize the likelihood of such conditions; and to consult with our clients, including building and unit owners, property managers, employers, real estate developers, builders, attorneys, contractors, insurance professionals, adjusters, building superintendents, and other related parties when such accidents do occur or are alleged. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.
Crusade or scam? Businesses fight back against serial ADA lawsuits
On September 7th The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported “Tawfic “Tony” Abufarha, owner of a small shopping center and convenience store on Austell Road in Cobb County, was busy ringing up a steady stream of customers as he described a visit from a patron from two years ago…He never saw the woman in the wheelchair, but his brother did…“This lady just came out of nowhere. She didn’t complain or say anything,” he said. “She knew what she was looking for.”…The woman was a “tester” working for (an) Atlanta law firm…which has carved out a niche in Georgia by filing hundreds of federal lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She was looking for ADA violations, and she found them”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to design, inspect, certify, and consult with clientele regarding ADA accessibility within and to their buildings and premises, and to consult with attorneys, insurance companies, property managers, and other property related professionals regarding such matters. Firm President, Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, maintains his certification as a NYS Code Enforcement Official to ensure that we remain knowledgeable about the latest requirements, regulations, and standards regarding same. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.