Download - August '15
CONTENTS:
The Building Block Volume 6 , Issue 8
August 14, 2015
DOB UPDATES & BULLETINS 1
BUZZ OF THE MONTH 2
EMPLOYEE
RECOGNITION
2
ARTICLE– 2015 UNION
OR NON-UNION
3
HORROR STORIES 4
SERVICE UPDATES 5
MEET CRSG
STEPHEN TRIMBOLI
6
RECRUITMENT 7
CRSG NEWS 9
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST
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
THE SITE SAFETY PROBLEM
Over the last few years, there have been numerous complaints and discussions regarding the shortage of
Site Safety Licenses and the resolution to come. This issue has become a reality and has hit the NYC
Construction Industry hard over the last several months.
Though 2300 plus license exist, very few are “active”, others are expired and a large amount are of
management employees in companies where they will never perform that function.
Over the last 7 months approximately 24 licenses were issued, both manager and coordinator, however,
there were hundreds of New Building Permits also issued.
Through conversation with major developers and construction management firms, we are being told that
projects under the “major buildings” category are ready to start but are under a delay due to the fact that
there are no Site Safety Managers out there to start work and most importantly sign the PW2.
Requests and petitions have been sent to the agencies via industry organizations but those requests have
fallen on deaf ears.
The general feeling is that the delays are mainly in the multi step background investigation process which
is an arduous one at that. Each submitted candidate, who has already passed the exam, must go
through this process, which is very important, nevertheless, we are seeing that some are rejected or put
at the bottom of the pile when questioned about a review time.
How can we resolve this issue? What can we do to help usher this process and keep this “Historic
Building Boom” going? Those are the major questions we all want answered.
DOB BULLETINS
Outdoor Decorative Gas
Appliances
Bulletin 2015-012
This document establishes
acceptance criteria for outdoor
decorative gas appliances
connected to a fixed fuel piping
system , as an alternative
material under the NYC
Construction Codes.
Lot Line Openings
Bulletin 2015-013
To clarify code requirements
for lot line openings.
Post-Installed Anchors in
Masonry
Bulletin 2015-014
This document establishes
acceptance criteria for post-
installed anchors in masonry in
accorane with the NYC
Construction Codes.
Memoradum Rescind
Bulletin 2015-015
This bulletin rescinds 1
Memorandum and 2 letters
that are no longer applicable
under any code. Additionally,
this bulletin conditionally
rescinds 1 Memorandum and
2 letters that are not appicable
to projects filed under the
2014 New York City
Construction Codes.
05
BUZZ OF THE MONTH
Given the current cost of land, the new development deals that are
popping up have extremely complex zoning and code issues associated
with the plan. Although they are not a sure bet, they are necessary to
make the deal pencil.
DOB should provide an “experience” substitution for the educational
requirements for the Level II Code Consultant requirements to allow firms
to establish a career ladder in the consulting business.
Recent city council hearings on Construction Site Safety and reports fro
NYCOSH have shined the spotlight on non-union construction companies
for their safety performance.
Are the accomodations being given by the DOB (qualified person, pro-cert,
for façade site safety plans) really going to give any relief to the current
site safety managers shortage problem?
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Matt Caruso and Stephen Lampard of Domani Inspections Service Inc are proud to present the Award
for Excellence to Professional Engineer, Christian Ofosu.
It was Christian’s in depth knowledge of construction, special inspections and professional ethics that
ended the unethical and unsafe construction practices on 9-19 9th Avenue project.
Though the contractor failed to protect their workers while excavation operations where ongoing,
Christian had persistently exercised his professional knowledge and voiced concerns with regards to the
lack of field safety and inadequate use of the excavation means/methods.
We commend Christian for his due diligence and immediate notification to all the parties involved with
the work being conducted and thank him for performing his inspections duties at the utmost level.
03
ARTICLES
2015 UNION OR
NON UNION
One of the major issues that will confront our industry in 2015 will be
the narrowing of the cost gap between union and non union work.
One has already seen some owners cross back to the union side of
the fence, accepting the increase cost, to get a guaranteed schedule
and delivery.
As absorption rates increase bringing new product to market timely
becomes more important than construction dollars.
Not only will schedule delays and/or the extended delivery times in
the non union construction environment impact product pricing
negatively but it will also result in an increased cost in financing for
the extra “carry” duration.
Non union costs have been steadily rising due to demand; worker
and management shortages. The “40 percent” difference has been
severely abated by non union price increases; unions PLA
agreements; extended non union time frames and change orders that
result from construction miscues.
Add to this the lessons learned by many of the union to non union
“Crossover” developers that the short fall of non union cm’s in
regard to management services such as scheduling, budgeting,
procurement and depth of infield construction management has led
their organizations to do more thus increasing costs, and exposures
on their part by augmenting their in-house team to fill the gaps of
non-union construction management.
It will be interesting to assess that cost gap as owners start pricing
projects both ways since the delivery delay factor; instead of
resulting in passive revenue benefit due to price increases because
of project demand in a hot market becomes a revenue “hit” as the
demand decreases as more product hits the market.
The Queens DOB has, without a doubt,
become the most difficult borough to file jobs
in New York. The reason it is so difficult is
because the it has created its own sets of
rules different than every other borough. In
order to file a job, you must get an “A” ticket.
In every borough, the “A” ticket allows you to
file, approve and permit up to 3 Pro Cert
filings per ticket. Once your ticket has been called, you can then get another ticket to file another 3 jobs, etc.
In Queens, you are allowed 1 “A” ticket per day and only allowed to file 1 job per day under that ticket. They
also limit the number of tickets given each day. In other words, there is a chance that you will wait hours and
still not be given a ticket to file. The DOB opens their doors at 8:30am; everyday by 7am there are already
over 50 people waiting on line outside the DOB. So in order to file a ticket you must get to the DOB hours
before the doors open and wait outside (rain or shine, sometimes snow).
I recently went to file a job in Queens and I arrived at 6:45am only to be number 55 waiting outside. I waited
hours to file and around 12pm my ticket finally got called. I approached the window, handed my paperwork
and plans over along with my ticket and waited. When filing 3 sets of plans are required. The DOB keeps 1 set
and the other 2 are taken back by me. The sets of plans I had were quite large and I did not have enough
stickers to complete the 1 of the 2 sets I would take back. Everything else was stickered and completed
correctly. The clerk flipped through my plans, saw the last set didn’t have a sticker on it and told me I can’t
file the job because my paperwork was incomplete. She then threw the plans on the counter back to me and
called the next ticket. With stickers for new jobs, the job must first be filed in order to obtain more stickers. It
took me an additional 30 minutes arguing with the borough manager before he agreed to allow me to file the
job.
The DOB is difficult enough with the typical rules and regulations needed to be followed by all boroughs, it
gets even more complicated when specific boroughs make up their own rules whenever they feel like it.
06
HORROR STORIES
Inside Scoop
From Domani
I submitted a PAA to supersede applicant aim one NB project. This PAA was accepted and processed in the
Department of Buildings system. Unfortunately at the time it was entered we moved some engineers around
and I needed I change the person listed. All company information and other information would remain the
same, just the name and license number would be a DEAR correction. After submitting this request 6 times,
we went to the borough manager to discuss why this simple DEAR correction Could not be made. He stated
that we needed to add a work type to the PAA and this could not be done once the document was entered.
When asked why the original PAA was accepted, he could not answer us. We revised our paperwork and
submitted it to him, per his instructions. When we followed up his response was that we needed to close out
the wrong PAA by having it paid for, then submit another. This was now the second set of directions, after
doing this and following up he stated that his response was another set of directions. Finally after months of
wasted time, we will withdraw this PAA and resubmit another. We have had to reschedule our appt now twice
as well.
This is not so much a horror story as it is an anecdote about how even the buildings department employees
are not happy with the way the buildings department is run. I recently had an inspection for a few mechanical
units that need to have EUP cards issued. When the inspector showed up he immediately started complaining
about how the Buildings department never gives him what he needs to do his job. The inspectors are
supposed to take pictures of the site that they are auditing as proof to the buildings department that the work
was done properly. On this particular day the inspectors camera was not working, he would turn it on and the
flash would go off a few times, the shutter would open and close a random amount of times and the camera
would shut off. After half a dozen attempts the inspector gave up and said the buildings department was just
going to have to trust his judgement. For the remainder of the time the inspector did nothing but comment
about how the inspection was pointless because he was just going to have to go on his word anyway. At the
end of the inspection he even asked the rep from the company that owned the building for a business card
because he wanted to submit a resume to them for an engineers position at their company.
02
40 Hour Safety 30 Hour Concrete 30 Hour OSHA 7 Hour SSM Refresher
Tues. 8/4: 4-9:30pm
Thurs. 8/6: 4-9:30pm
Tues. 8/11: 4-9:30pm
Thurs. 8/13: 4-9:30pm
Tues. 8/18: 4-9:30pm
Thurs. 8/20: 4-9:30pm
Tues. 8/25: 4-9:30pm
Thurs. 8/27: 4-9:30pm
Mon. 8/3: 4-9:30pm
Wed. 8/5: 4-9:30pm
Mon. 8/10: 4-9:30pm
Wed. 8/12: 4-9:30pm
Mon. 8/17: 4-9:30pm
Wed. 8/19: 4-9:30pm
Mon. 8/24: 4-9:30pm
Wed. 8/26: 4-9:30pm
Mon. 8/31: 4-9:30pm
Wed. 8/5: 4-9:30pm
Fri. 8/7: 4-9:30pm
Fri. 8/14: 4-9:30pm
Fri. 8/21: 4-9:30pm
Fri. 8/28: 4-9:30pm
Wed. 8/26: 4-9:30pm
Sat. 8/8: 8-3:30pm
Sat: 8/22: 8-3:30pm
10 Hour OSHA
Sat: 8/15: 8-7pm
Sat: 8/29: 8-7pm
SAFETY COURSES
SERVICE UPDATES
As of July 2015
Department of Buildings Expands Hub Full-Service Functions to Small Business Services (SBS): Online Review
& Approvals for Smaller Alteration Projects
Architects, engineers, and filind representatives can now file Alteration Type-2 and Type-3 applications online for smaller
construction projects.
This enhancement extends the convenience of digital plan review to minor construction projects, such as restaurants, retail,
or industrial projects and allows them to be directlyreviewd by SBS Plan Examiners.
In person visits to the Business Acceleration office are no longer necessary for these projects since all required documents
are submitted electronically and payments are made online.
For more information, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/hub_full-service_sbs.pdf
As of August 10, 2015
Site Safety Plans: Electronic Submission
Applicants can submit the Site Safety Plan (SSP) and coversheet electronically to the BEST Squad via email attachment.
Drop off and pickup of SSP will no longer be necessary.
SSPs must be submited as PDF email attachments.
Each application must be accompanied by a coversheet and all necessary supporting documents and be emailed to
As of July 2015
Special Inspections Agency Reporting Responsibilities: Hazardous Conditions and Discrepancies
Special Inspection Agencies are obligated to report inspection discrepencies and hazardous conditions in accordance with
RCNY 101-06 Section (b)(9).
Noted discrepencies must be reports to the contactor and when applicable to the superintendent of construction, site safety
coordinator and/or site safety manager for correction.
Uncorrected discrepencies must be brought to the attention of the owner and registered design professional of record prior
to completion of that phase of work.
Hazardous conditions and discrepencies with inherent dangerous conditions must be resolved immediately by engaging the
contractor and other applicable site personnel.
Uncorrected hazardous conditions must be immediately reported to the Department by calling the Emergency Operations
Center at 212-393-2127.
The 2014 Building Code introduced requirements for documenting and monitoring the structural stability of structures under
construction and/or adjacent structures (1704.20.7.1). An appropriate monitoring plan shall include details for reporting
uncrrected hazardous conditions to the Emergency Operations Center.
07
MEET CRSG
STEPHEN
TRIMBOLI
ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
NYC FUN FACTS
Hog Island, a one-mile-long island south of Rockaway
Beach, was never seen again after the hurricane of 1893.
Q: How quickly is the field growing?
A: the safety field is a fast growing part of the construction industry. People are starting to realize more
and more how important it is to provide a safe working environment.
Q: What skills or personal characteristics fo you feel contribute most to success in this industry?
A: I feel it is important to be able to multi task and to be personable with others. These help in
accomplishing many things and forming good working relationships.
Q: What is your exact title?
A: I am an Assitant Project Manager in Construction & Realty Safety Group.
Q: Do you ever take work home with you?
A: There are times when I have to take work home. There may be something that has to be done that
day or be ready for the following day. Also, when dealing with covering jobs, we always need to be
sure everything is covered.
Q: Do you find your job exciting or boring? Why?
A: It is definitely exciting. There is always something going on and things needing to be done. You
constantly need to be ready for something to pop up.
Q: How did you prepare for this work?
A: Before coming on board with CRSG, I worked in the trades as a carpenter. It helped by making me
familiar with construction sites and how things are supposed to operate.
Q: If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why? What
would change?
A: If it was possible to do things over, I would still do everything the same. My experiences all
contributed to where I am today and I am happy with that.
Q: Why do customers choose this company?
A: I believe our clients choose to work with us for many reasons but one particular reason is that we
always make ourselves available to the client. We do all we can to provide them with as much
information as possible and assisting in getting whatever they need accomplished.
Q: Can you sugggest some wasys a persin could obtain the experience necessary to enter this
field?
A: The best way for someone looking to break into this field is by already being in the construction field
and being involved with the safety on site. Having a good background in construction is important.
Q: Are there any other written materials (such as company bnrochures) that you suggest be read?
A: it would be best to familiarize yourself with the NYC Department of Buildings Code Chapter 33 and a
wide variety of OSHA regulaitons.
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
agencies.
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
supervision and guidance
Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
04
DOB INFO
Searchable Licensee Database
Search our comprehensive directory of all construction professionals
monitored by the Department for disciplinary actions or surrendered
licenses.
09
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.
Look for the CRSG Newsletter on the second Friday of every month!
Tell us how we’re doing! Send an email to [email protected]
CRSG is a “one stop” compliance, safety and engineering entity for the NYC
real estate and construction industry.
Domani Consulting can provide all compliance services from the filing and
approval of plans to the signoff of D14 applications; to obtaining TCO/C of O
for Alt 1 or NB applications. Domani’s expeditors work through all agencies
(DOB, DOT, NYCFD, Landmarks, DEP, etc.) to prepare, file, approve and signoff
projects. In conjunction with Domani Design, plans can be prepared and
engineering and architectural services can be provided. Combine these
services with Domani Inspection for either Alt II D14, special inspection
requirements and/or all controlled inspections/test requirements (with its
certified affiliate-Labs) for either major alterations or NB’s. Our “one stop” filing,
controlled compliance program/mechanism completes the full service package.
EWBC offers full scale labor services that will provide all required collective
bargaining labor as well as fully managed general condition labor.
CR Safety offers services for safety management combining program, plan and
safety design development, safety inspection, management, record keeping,
physical protection and training to meet any or all safety needs on a site.
ABOUT US
Don’t forget to check
out our website at
www.crs-group.com
8/4: BOMA– Board of Directors Meeting @ BOMA NY 8:30-10am
8/4: REBNY– Residential Ethics Course for New Members @ Mendik Edu.
Center 9-10:30am
8/10: The Real Deal– 5th Annual Golf Outing @ Baiting Hollow Club 11am-
9pmREBNY– RLS Technology and Vendor Committee
Meeting
8/11: REBNY– Residential Deal of the Year Committee @ The Halstead
Property 4-5:30pm
8/13: REBNY– RLS Technology and Vendor Committee BOMA– LEED
Recertification Tips Meeting @ REBNY Boardroom 2-4pm
8/14: BOMA– Code and Regulations @ BOMA NY 8:30-9:30
8/17: BOMA– Accelerated Class: Environmental Health & Safety Issues @
BOMA NY8-8:30am
8/20: REBNY– RLS Board of Directors Meeting @ REBNY Boardroom 2-
4pm
8/21: PWC– Meet the Architects and Engineers @ Club 101 5:30-8pm
8/25: BOMA– LEED Recertification Tips @ BOMA NY 8-9:30am
8/25: REBNY– Residential Deal of the Year Committee @ The Halstead
Property
8/28: BOMA– Membershipp Committee Meeting @ BOMA NY 8:30-9:30
For More Events, please visit
www.crs-group.com
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1
2 3 4
BOMA– Board of
Directors Meeting
REBNY– Residential
Ethics Course for
New Members
5 6 7 8
9 10
The Real Deal– 5th
Annual Golf Outing
11
REBNY– Residential
Deal of the Year
Committee
12 13
REBNY– RLS
Technology and
Vendor Committee
Meeting
14 15
16 17
REBNY– RLS
Technology and
Vendor Committee
18 19 20
REBNY– RLS
Board of Directors
Meeting
21
PWC– Meet the
Architects and
Engineers
22
23 24 25
BOMA– LEED
Recertification Tips
26 27 28
BOMA–
Membershipp
Committee Meeting
29
30 31
AUGUST 2015
10