New York City department of buildings commissioner Robert LiMandri has announced a series of changes to the way 'high risk' construction will be regulated in the city. The changes are based on a wide ranging study of construction in the city.
The department of buildings(DOB) commissioned a study of construction in the city from CTL Engineers and Construction Technology Consultants. CTL made 600 visits to job sites and held a series of 12 meetings with more than 95 stakeholder organisations. The DOB held safety conferences with crane manufacturers and building officials from around the world. CTL prepared a report on their findings, making 41 recommendations relating to crane, hoist, excavation and concrete operations; more than half relate to the lifting industry. The DOB intends to act on all of the recommendations over coming months.
CTL conducted 269 inspections of cranes and hoists, and gathered input from 10 major crane manufacturers. The consultants made eight recommendations about crane operations and inspections. The consultants recommend that the city should establish a tracking system for tower crane components, including the turntable, A-frame, machine deck, climbing frame and basic boom section. The DOB should establish a register of OSHA-qualified inspectors to carry out crane inspections. There should be oversight of crane erection, dismantling and jumping (climbing). The department should require strict adherence with load test protocols, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. There should be technical oversight of tower crane tie-ins, and of tower crane foundations. There should be an identification system for tower crane counterweights, and stronger requirements for bolted connections.
The consultants made three recommendations about crane equipment and performance standards. There should be enhanced standards for crane prototype application, with a new designation of 'Approved Manufacturer'. To achieve the status, manufacturers would need to meet criteria including having local representation, providing notifications to the DOB and owners, and meeting design and manufacturing standards. There should be additional safety requirements for older equipment and cranes not supported by the manufacturer. There should be new standards for crane maintenance and repair.
The consultants also made five recommendations relating to the operations and procedure of the DOB, and six recommendations on personnel and material hoists.
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