New York City experiences wind gusts that reach up to 45 mph time and again so DOB reminds everyone especially contractors, builders, crane operators, and property owners to ensure that their construction sites, equipments and buildings are secured.
DOB performs spot checks around the city to check construction sites and if the sites are not secured the Department will take immediate action and can and will issue violations and stop works orders as necessary.
Winds can reach top speeds and last longer than expected especially in some areas of the city, so property owners are cautioned to secure their buildings are construction sites including suspended and supported scaffolds, cranes, hoists and all construction and building accessories that may become loose from the high winds. Structures that have been deemed delicate or those that are subject to maintenance are at greater risk. DOB suggests that building owners consult a professional on advice on how to safely secure their construction site.
Here are just a few tips to safeguard and secure your construction site
- Any loose debris and materials should be tied down at construction sites
- Electrical equipments should be covered properly against exposure to the elements
- Tools, oils cans, fuses should be stored in a tool box
- Nettings, scaffolds and even sidewalk sheds should be secured
- When wind speeds reach 30 mph, crane operations should be suspended and the crane equipment secured
- Hoist operations should likewise be suspended when wind speeds reach 35 mph and the exterior hoists should also be secured
- Construction fences should be supported and secured
- For any emergency, dial 9-1-1
Requirements for vertical netting as well as debris netting and material-fall protection equipments for buildings and construction areas are outlined in the Department’s Buildings Bulletin 2010-019, you can refer here to ensure that you are following the guidelines.
Everyone is enjoined to report non-compliant conditions to 311 or 911 for any emergency and if you believe that a building has been structurally compromised you should call 911.
The Administrative Code of New York City under §28-301.1 states that property owners are under legal obligation to maintain their properties in a safe condition. This advisory serves as a courtesy reminding property owners to secure their properties in severe weather conditions and should not be understood to suggest that the Department is responsible for the maintenance of the property rather than the property owners themselves