CONTENTS:

The Building Block Volume 7 , Issue 4

Apri l 8, 2016

1

BUZZ OF THE MONTH 2

ARTICLE– IT’S A

RISKY BUSINESS–

HOW CAN WE BE PRE-

PARED?

3

HORROR STORIES 4

SERVICE UPDATES 5

MEET CRSG

ALEXANDRA SARLING

6

RECRUITMENT 7

CRSG NEWS 9

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL

10

CONSTRUCTION & REALTY SERVICES GROUP

68 Whitehall Street

Lynbrook, NY 11563

Tel: (516) 256-0317

Fax: (516) 256-0335

307 West 38th Street, Suite 1218

New York, NY 10018

Tel: (212)736-6900

Fax: (212) 736-6910

www.crs-group.com

2014 Code Changes for Special Inspections and P.E. Involvement

During the Foundation Phase of Construction

The 2014 New York City Building Code has brought about many changes with respect to

Special Inspections. The changes, which are enforced under Chapter 17, prove to show the

New York City Department of Building’s push to distribute liability for the safety conditions on

site. The parties which have been involved in this liability are not only the contractor perform-

ing the work, but also the onsite representative of the Special Inspection Agency conducting

visual inspections.

The Foundation phase is the projects most vulnerable stage during construction. This new

code is very specific in defining the responsibilities placed with the Special Inspection Agen-

cy conducting visual inspections during underpinning, excavations, sheeting and shoring

work. In the event that an unsafe condition is discovered on site the commissioner and the

registered design professional, employed by the contractor, must immediately be notified by

the special inspector. The unsafe condition must be addressed prior to the inspector leaving

the jobsite, which puts the special inspections agency in a unique position. They now must

determine if certain sites will require additional time in the field to continuously inspect and

ensure there are no deficiencies of the unsafe nature.

This change is something that is set forth to keep employees and sites safe. I welcome you

to read the NYC building code Sections 1704.20.1 – 1704.20.10 to educate yourself on the

changes and new nuances of the 2014 New York City Building Code. To view the Building

Code sections, please visit:

http://codes.iccsafe.org/app/book/content/2014_NYC_Building_HTML/CHAPTER%2017.html

DOB BULLETINS

Special Inspection Agencies

Bulletin 2016-006

This document clarifies and establishes

additional requirements for special inspec-

tion agencies reporting inspection discrep-

ancies and hazardous conditions in ac-

cordance with 1RCNY 101-06 Section

(b)(9).

Rescinding Notice

Bulletin 2016-007

This bulletin rescinds Administrative Policy

and Procedure Notice (APPN) 1/05 that is

not longer applicable under any code.

02

BUZZ OF THE MONTH

What will 2016 hold for the recent City Council push for enhanced

safety regulation/legislation for construction sites?

What will be the DOB requirement for the submissions of “framework”

drawing design for concrete jobs?

DID YOU KNOW…?

NYC Build Safe, Live Safe Conference is scheduled for

May 4th

Get your tickets today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-build-safe-live-safe-conference-new-york-

tickets-19149246913

DOB’s new initiatives/protocols on legal area review of violations on

SWO and DA and DOI review on fatalities have created a severe “back

to work” delay in the industry.

The recent reluctance of DOB to entertain CCD1’s and ZRD1’s has put

more on the owner and the design professional to accept a greater

degree of compliance requests.

Alteration 1 work poses its own set of compliance issues depending

upon its occupancy conditions and existing life safety systems.

Construction compliance has to be planned taking into account the

particular and selective demo means portion and the appropriate

regulatory agency approval garnered. The site safety plan and/or demo

means & methods has (as part of structural application) become more

complicated and phased for the job and may spin into a myriad of

variances to accommodate the phasing and work of the project.

Although not a license per se, the safety registration serves as the

foundation of a focused enforcement means by the NYC DOB. Without

it, permits cannot be garnered and maintained and reviewed.

Suspension can put a contractor out of business and later “due

process” is administrative. A slippery slope.

03

ARTICLES

IT’S A RISKY

BUSINESS–

HOW CAN WE

BE PREPARED?

The construction industry is a risky business, whether we like it or not that's the reality of what we do.

No matter the systems we use or new technology we come up with over time, the risk is and will al-

ways be there. Our goal as construction professionals is not only to streamline our construction pro-

cesses but also to provide a safer job site for our workers and the public.

About 6 months ago, Exterior Wall & Building Consultants saw that the construction process was being

heavily scrutinized with regards to the build and maintenance of temporary fixtures. After an accident

takes place, the finger pointing begins immediately, but who is to blame? It is becoming clear that even

simple temporary fixtures, outside the realm of edge protection, ramps, short walls and barriers, will

eventually require engineered drawings just as costly and time consuming as the permanent structure.

There goes the budget! At the same time, can a construction company be expected to stop work and

take days, even weeks, to come up with a safe and cost effective engineered design for even a small

ramp without stalling the progress of work? There goes the schedule. Our team at EWBC has decided to

take proactive approach in response to these issues rather than point fingers or try to displace liability.

EWBC is be prepared, and will go above and beyond what is expected by the industry.

For several months, our professionals have made an effort to coordinate with the Site Safety Managers

and site team to identify where there may be concerns with the standard safety systems/ temporary

protection. The most immediate question has been “how do I know this ramp can support my lift and

equipment?", or statements such as "Its a temporary structure, we don't have to worry about it". The

issues quickly became clear. When it comes to safety, we cannot assume that everyone makes the

correct assumptions. Though under chapter 33 of the NYC building code, engineered drawings are re-

quired and always provided for protection systems, we should always make sure to be better prepared,

however we do not have the luxury of time to design a unique systems for every obstacle that arises.

Our team felt that however challenging the task may be, it was pivotal to finding a solution instead wait-

ing for answers.

In order to be proactive, EWBC has mobilized its staff to work closely with an accredited professional

engineering firm, Domani Technical and Design Services. Together we have been able to identify high

risk and common obstacles on construction sites in order to develop safer and more logical ways of

provide temporary protection on our projects.

Our team is being trained on how to identify the common protection obstacles we face every day.

EWBC has commissioned Domani Technical and Design Services to create engineered systems that are

practical and can be tailored to correctly address required safety standards for temporary protection.

While these protection systems are safe for all workers, construction and engineering professionals

work side by side to ensure the designs are simple to install, safe, meet the requirements and avoid

delaying the construction schedule.

Of course this does not solve every obstacle. Every project is unique and not every existing condition on

site can be "generalized", however, we are confident the process above can cut down on design time for

the unique conditions. These designs can be easily altered to fit the conditions of any job. Currently

EWBC and Domani Technical and Design Services have over 60 drawings for temporary protection on

file. Each one has been easily tailored to more than 12 different construction projects. In addition to

preserving tight schedules and reducing engineering costs, we have managed to reduce guess work

and risk on construction sites.

Working this close with an engineering company has been beneficial to both parties. In this process,

EWBC employees have been educated in safer work practices and the engineers have an increased

understanding of the importance to keeping the project schedule with little or zero delay, how's that for

Synergy?

EWBC will continue to adapt and build on our collection of conditions so we can better serve a wider

range of clientele. It's a risky business people and EWBC will do all we can to assist in the change.

I recently filed an ALT2 with the Queens Department of

Buildings but was rejected by the supervisor for a bo-

gus reason. All paperwork was filled out correctly and

the plans met DOB criteria however, the supervisor

rejected the application when she looked at the ACP5.

An ACP5 is an Asbestos I recently filed an ALT2 with

the Queens Department of Buildings but was rejected

by the supervisor for a bogus reason. All paperwork

was filled out correctly and the plans met DOB criteria

however, the supervisor rejected the application when

she looked at the ACP5. An ACP5 is an Asbestos As-

sessment Report for the location of the proposed work. Each ACP5 has a Control Number which is specific to each location and

must be entered in the filing paperwork in order for the application to be validated. At time of filing, the ACP5 must be presented to

the clerk/examiner with all of the paperwork to satisfy the requirement. As the supervisor was processing my filing she looked at

the ACP5 and told me that I would need a new one because it is expired. Confused, I asked her where it says it is expired and she

pointed to the Asbestos Investigator’s Certificate information. The date of the certificate expiration had passed (4days prior) but

the investigation was completed 2 months before that while the certificate was still active. I tried explaining that but was denied

and told I need to get a brand new ACP5, which would mean a new control number and refiling all the paperwork. I contacted DEP

and was told that the Asbestos Investigators certificate never lapsed and was valid through 2018. In addition, I was told that DOB

should accept the form as is without any issue since the investigation occurred prior to the expiration date.

The next day I went back to DOB to file the application and was able to do so without any issue. When I spoke to the supervisor

and showed her the email from DEP she shrugged it off and didn’t care, she just processed the paperwork. Had I listened to the

“supervisor” and her incorrect information, I would still be waiting for a new ACP5 to be generated and new paperwork to be filed,

thus delaying the job.

Assessment Report for the location of the proposed work. Each ACP5 has a Control Number which is specific to each location

and must be entered in the filing paperwork in order for the application to be validated. At time of filing, the ACP5 must be present-

ed to the clerk/examiner with all of the paperwork to satisfy the requirement. As the supervisor was processing my filing she

looked at the ACP5 and told me that I would need a new one because it is expired. Confused, I asked her where it says it is ex-

pired and she pointed to the Asbestos Investigator’s Certificate information. The date of the certificate expiration had passed

(4days prior) but the investigation was completed 2 months before that while the certificate was still active. I tried explaining that

but was denied and told I need to get a brand new ACP5, which would mean I recently filed an ALT2 with the Queens Department

of Buildings but was rejected by the supervisor for a bogus reason. All paperwork was filled out correctly and the plans met DOB

criteria however, the supervisor rejected the application when she looked at the ACP5. An ACP5 is an Asbestos Assessment

Report for the location of the proposed work. Each ACP5 has a Control Number which is specific to each location and must be

entered in the filing paperwork in order for the application to be validated. At time of filing, the ACP5 must be presented to the

clerk/examiner with all of the paperwork to satisfy the requirement. As the supervisor was processing my filing she looked at the

ACP5 and told me that I would need a new one because it is expired. Confused, I asked her where it says it is expired and she

pointed to the Asbestos Investigator’s Certificate information. The date of the certificate expiration had passed (4days prior) but

the investigation was completed 2 months before that while the certificate was still active. I tried explaining that but was denied

and told I need to get a brand new ACP5, which would mean a new control number and refiling all the paperwork. I contacted DEP

and was told that the Asbestos Investigators certificate never lapsed and was valid through 2018. In addition, I was told that DOB

should accept the form as is without any issue since the investigation occurred prior to the expiration date.

06

HORROR STORIES

Inside Scoop

From Domani

Expediters

The DOT never ceases to amaze me. We have had a request in with them to have a DOT New building logistics meeting for over a

month and half. The project has already obtained their DOB work permits and this is the only item that is holding up the construc-

tion process. The wait times for DOT meetings has become out of control. By the time the DOT schedules these meetings, the

construction schedule is extremely delayed causing severe financial hardships. Something must be done about the laziness and

incompetence of the DOT city workers. To have the ability to single handedly stop a construction project due to laziness is be-

yond me.

In addition, the whole permit process in mid town Manhattan has become almost impossible to obtain. Permits are being turned

around in a minimum of 2 weeks. 2 Weeks is a completely un acceptable time frame to obtain a simple DOT permit for a contain-

er or barriers etc. The borough commissioner must step in and take charge of this situation.

As many of us in the construction industry are aware of already, The new DOB “Inspection Ready” system has had many flaws

since its implementation and roll out in December. One major issue I have run into with several of my projects has been the linking

of the job record to the current owner’s account/email address. A DOB memo issued in January provided users with an option to

make a 1 time change to the PW1 form in order to streamline these amendments. After a couple of successful PW1 updates, DOB

instituted a new update that stated current owners actual names MUST be listed in order to have the email addresses updated.

Therefore, I was required to file conventional PAA’s through the borough office, except I had no architect to sign/seal since the

jobs were filed by the previous owner. So the borough manager would not process them and I would’ve been required to super-

sede the old applicants. All of this just to schedule an inspection and sign them off. Luckily one of my co-workers was able to

procure a manual construction inspection. But otherwise, this issue is unresolved.

05

40 Hour Safety 30 Hour Concrete 30 Hour OSHA 7 Hour SSM Refresher

Tues. 4/5: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 4/7: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 4/12: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 4/14: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 4/19: 4-9:30pm

Thurs. 4/21: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 4/26: 4-9:30pm

Tues. 4/28: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 4/4: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 4/6: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 4/11: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 4/13: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 4/18: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 4/20: 4-9:30pm

Mon. 4/25: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 4/27: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 4/6: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 4/1: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 4/8: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 4/15: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 4/22: 4-9:30pm

Fri. 4/29: 4-9:30pm

Wed. 4/27: 4-9:30pm

Sat. 4/2: 8-3:30pm

Sat: 4/16: 8-3:30pm

10 Hour OSHA

Sat: 4/9: 8-7pm

Sat: 4/23: 8-7pm

SAFETY COURSES

SERVICE UPDATES

As of April 2016

Elevators: Weekend Inspection Blitz

Throughout April, the elevator Inspectorial Staff will be available during weekends to perform full test inspec-

tions on new or replaced elevators.

To reserve a weekend test, submit a request for inspection in Inspection Ready and make the expedited test

inspection payment with the 4th floor cashier at 280 Broadway.

Inspections will take place 8am to 12pm and 12:30 to 4:30pm on weekends (no 4:30pm on weekends)

Inspections for removals, dismantles or punch lists will not be accepted

Cancellations will result in a $200 penalty payment

Space is limited

As of March 2016

Requesting Records from Off-Site Storage: New Hold Policy

In an effort to standardize record retention policies and improve the tracking of Department records, all records

requested from off-site storage will be held in the Records Unit for a maximum of 15 business days, effective

immediately.

Any requests to extend hold must be made directly to the Record Room Supervisor.

Customers who frequently request records and do not retrieve them will be tracked and their requesting privi-

leges may be revoked.

Note: all records remaining on-site for more than 15 business days will be returned to off-site storage.

Prior to making a Record request, you should check the property profile in BISWeb for any scanned items (found

in the Virtual Job Folder under the application or job number of B-Scan jobs only). Record Room staff can assist

you in your search.

If you do not find the documents you are looking for in the Virtual Job Folder, you should check available records

with the Borough’s Record Unit to determine if the records you are looking for are available on-demand in the

Borough’s Record Room.

On-site records include: Microfiche, paper records, block and lot folders (these will not be immediately

available on request)

If you do not locate the documents you are looking for after reviewing all on-site record types, place a request for

off-site records with the Record Unit.

Please note that off-site records are borough specific, and must be requested through the property’s local bor-

ough office.

06

MEET CRSG

ALEXANDRA

SARLING

FILING REPRESENTATIVE

NYC FUN FACTS

New York City’s Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco.

Q: What is your job title?

A: I am a filing representative at Domani Consulting.

Q: What precisely do you do?

A: I work directly with our DOT representative and coordinate all DOT work.

Q: What do you do if you can’t solve a problem?

A: I always try to work through the problem and try to solve if first. If I cant, I will ask

someone for help. Everyone is always willing to listen and lend out a hand.

Q: To what extent do you interact with customers/clients?

A: I interact with clients on a daily basis through email and phone calls. I am also be-

ginning to meet more of our clients at DOT meetings in Manhattan.

Q: Why do customers choose this company?

A: I believe our clients choose our company because we are a one stop shop. We

offer a variety of different services which makes it convenient to satisfy all of the

clients needs.

Q: How does your time use vary?

A: I am always busy throughout the day. There is never much of a slow down since

there is always something to be logged so that nothing slips through the cracks.

Q: Is your work primarily individual or predominantly in teams?

A: I coordinate daily with our head DOT representative. We work as a team to get eve-

rything done throughout the week.

Q: Why did you decide to work for this company?

A: As a company that is growing rapidly, I saw opportunity to work here and begin a

career.

Q: What kinds of things did you do before you entered this occupation?

A: Before I started working at Domani Consulting, I was a full-time student and worked

part-time at Starbucks as a shift supervisor.

Q: What was your major in college?

A: I earned my bachelors degree in journalism from the University of Tampa.

07

CRSG NEWS

Please visit www.crs-group.com and check it out!

You can find useful information on our companies, our services, personnel,

recruitment, and safety training and events.

Tell us how we’re doing! Send an email to info@crs-group.com

CRSG procures the highest quality of services for your project, providing One Stop Shopping

for Compliance, Engineering, Labor and Site Safety services for every phase of the construction

and development process.

Domani Consulting, Inc. This team of experienced compliance representatives works closely

with governing agencies, including the DOB, DOT, FDNY, DEP, Landmarks and Zoning

Commission, to provide comprehensive compliance services, from the initial filing and sign off

of a D14 application through acquisition of a temporary and/or final Certificate of Occupancy

and beyond.

Domani Inspection Services, Inc. A leader in the development of inspection protocols,

“Domani Inspections” is licensed by the DOB as a special inspection agency. Its accredited

and certified staff of professional engineers and inspectors are proficient in managing,

performing and navigating the controlled inspection and testing process on all construction

projects.

Domani Technical & Design Services, Inc. This group’s talented architects and design

professionals offer full-service design, analysis and production to meet the needs of your

construction project.

CR Safety serves all of your project’s site safety requirements including safety management,

site safety logistics plans, staffing and training.

The expertise of each of these entities provides today’s owners, construction managers and

contractors with custom-tailored services that meet the specific needs of every project. Our

unique, “One Stop” approach offers an efficient, reliable, cost-effective solution for all of your

real estate and construction needs.

ABOUT US

Don’t forget to check

out our website at

www.crs-group.com

08

Our Construction &

Realty Services Group

seeks dynamic

individuals to join our

team!

RECRUITMENT

08

Our Construction &

Realty Services Group

seeks dynamic

individuals to join our

team!

RECRUITMENT

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

The following will be some of your tasks, but will not be limited to:

1. Responsibilities of the Site Safety Manager (SSM), Site Safety Coordinator (SSC) and Concrete Safety

Manager (CSM) are to monitor compliance with the safety requirements of Chapter 33 of the NYC Building

Code, as well as OSHA and to perform all other safety duties assigned by CRSG, the owner or contractor to

meet legal requirements by record-keeping and reporting on major buildings in New York City.

2. The SSM, SSC CSM shall maintain a daily log book notating any unsafe acts or deficiencies with locations as

well as maintain a permit log.

3. Check Site Safety Plan daily to ensure that the approved Plans are current and up to date.

4. Meet on a weekly basis with the designated representative of each subcontractor to ascertain that all

subcontractors are complying with the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of

the NYC Building Code, OSHA, FDNY and any applicable local or federal agen-

cies.

5. Any additional tasks identified by your supervisor

Qualifications:

NYC Site Safety Managers License

Must be a team player and have the ability to effectively multi-task

Detail-oriented and ability to work independently with moderate supervision and

guidance

Good written and verbal communication skills

Architecture and/or construction experience a plus

Must be internet savvy & have experience with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel,

Word, etc.)

General knowledge of NYC building codes and/or filing process a plus.

Safety Management, Analyzing Information, Informing Others, Written Communication, Legal Compliance,

Judgment, Integrity, NYC DOB Chapter 33, OSHA, FDNY & DOT Compliance, Presentation Skills. Microsoft

Word & Excel.

SITE SAFETY MANAGERS

CONSTRUCTION FIELD INSPECTOR

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

1. The following will be some of your tasks, but will not be limited to:

2. Performing field inspections at construction sites per Department of Buildings requirements.

3. Prepare written reports on multi-discipline inspections per Management.

4. Coordination of drawings and field conditions during onsite inspections.

5. Other miscellaneous tasks requested by your supervisor.

Company will support obtaining necessary ICC certifications to perform various special inspections.

Qualifications

Construction, Architecture, and /or Engineering experience desired

General knowledge of NYC construction codes and/or filing process a

plus

Request 5 years minimum experience in related fields.

Must be internet savvy & have experience with Microsoft Office

(Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)

Good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to interpret engineering/architectural plans and specifications

Must be a team player and have the ability to effectively multi-task

Detail-oriented and ability to work independently with moderate super-

vision and guidance

Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

09

DOB INFO

Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Chandler announced efforts

to protect workers and the public by launching new enforcement

sweeps, and requiring new supervision at construction sites

Citywide.

4/1: REBNY– RSC Executive Committee @ Burton Resnick Conference

Room 9:30-11am

4/4: REBNY– NYRS Series @ Mendik Edu. Center 4-7pm

4/5: REBNY– Commercial “Crossfire” @ Mendik Edu. Center 5:30-7pm

4/6: REBNY– NYC Real Estate Tech Expo 2016 @ REBNY Mendik Edu.

Center 9:30am– 4:30pm

4/7: BOMA– Annual Energy Action Day @ Club 101 8-10am

4/7: REBNY– RLS Technology and Vendor Committee Meeting @ REBNY

Boardroom 2-4pm

4/10: REBNY– Uptown Open House Expo: Harlem @ Row House Restaurant

10am-5pm

4/11: REBNY– NYRS Series @ Mendik Edu. Center 4-7pm

4/12: REBNY– Sales Brokers Deal of the Year Cocktail Party @ Club 101

5:30-7:30pm

4/13: REBNY– Plaza Committee Luncheon @ Vornado Realty Trust 12-2pm

4/14: REBNY– Residential SFC Meeting @ Litwin Classroom 9-11am

4/17: REBNY– Uptown Open House Expo: Washington Heights & Inwood @

Malcom X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education

Center 10am-5pm

4/18: REBNY– NYRS Series @ Mendik Edu. Center 4-7pm

4/19: REBNY– Residential Ethics Course for New Members 9-10:30am

4/21: BTEA– Board of Governors @ Le Parker Meridien 8am

4/21: REBNY– RLS Board of Directors Meeting @ REBNY Boardroom 9:30-

10:30am

4/29: REBNY– Residential Rental Clinic Seminar @ Mendik Edu. Center 9:30

-10:30am

For More Events, please visit

www.crs-group.com

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1

REBNY– RSC Exec-

utive Committee

2

3 4

REBNY– NYRS Se-

ries

5

REBNY– Commercial

“Crossfire”

6

REBNY– NYC Real

Estate Tech Expo

2016

7

BOMA– Annual

Energy Action Day

8 9

10

REBNY– Uptown

Open House Expo:

Harlem

11

REBNY– NYRS Se-

ries

12

REBNY– Sales Bro-

kers Deal of the Year

Cocktail Party

13

REBNY– Plaza Com-

mittee Luncheon

14

REBNY– Residen-

tial SFC Meeting

15 16

17

REBNY– Uptown

Open House Expo:

Washington Heights

& Inwood

18

REBNY– NYRS Se-

ries

19

REBNY– Residential

Ethics Course for

New Members

20 21

BTEA– Board of

Governors

22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29

REBNY– Residen-

tial Rental Clinic

Seminar

30

APRIL 2016

10