Regardless of whether you are constructing or demolishing a particular building, safeguards are required in order for you to do the work safely for the workers as well as the general public.
Temporary sidewalk fences, sidewalk sheds and scaffolds is a requirement under the NYC building code - Chapter 33 which is meant to protect the public during the construction or demolition of a building. It is also important to realize that aside from the provisions of Chapter 33, construction and demolition operations are also required to follow the NYC fire code.
Responsibility for Safety
Chapter 33 of the building code provides for all involved in the construction or demolition of buildings in New York to put into place safety measures to protect not only construction personnel but also the general public from the construction including ensuring safe construction and demolition protocols including proper and safe removal of construction debris as well as acting in a responsible manner to ensure a safe construction or demolition site.
What To Use
The preceding are descriptions of various construction equipment and when they are required in order to follow the order of protection requirement in consideration to the extent of construction or demolition operation from the least to the most hazardous.
1. Temporary Sidewalk fences are required when altering the exterior wall of a building adjacent to a street or public way, up to 40’ high and erecting or demolishing any building.
2. Sidewalk Sheds (Bridges) are required when doing construction works and/or alteration of the exterior wall of a building adjacent to a street, road or any public way above a height of 40’. Also when demolishing a building higher than 25’.
3. Scaffolds are required when altering or mounting exterior walls along a street, road or any public way. Although these structures may seem to be an impediment to sidewalk traffic especially during the rush hours, they are erected for a purpose and that is to protect the public from any fall debris or construction materials and will always be a part of major construction work.
P.Wolfe Consultants is your premier permit expediter in New York, contact 212-938-8000 for inquiries regarding construction and demolition safeguards or any other inquiries . You can also email us at pwolfe@pwolfe.com. We will be glad to assist you.
