SITE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE

General inspections

Requirement

1. When a building is being constructed or demolished at a height greater than 75 feet (22.86 m), verify that at least one elevator or personal hoist with an emergency communication system is in place.

2. When a personal hoist requires a jump, verify that all necessary permits are obtained and testing performed.

3. When a building is being constructed or demolished at a height greater than 75 feet (22.86 m), verify that a standpipe system is available and in redlines at all times for use by the Fire Department.

(i) Verify that values are in place at each story below the construction floor.

(ii) Verify that standpipes are connected to a water source and Siamese connection.

(iii) Verify that Siamese hose connections are free from obstruction and are marked by a red light and a sign reading, “Standpipe Siamese Connection.”

(iv) Verify that no breach exists by visually tracing standpipes risers, cross connections and Siamese connections.

4. If a construction shed is located within 30 feet (9.144 m) of the building, verify that the construction shed is constructed of noncombustible materials.

5. Verify that interior and exterior guardrails and toe boards are provided and properly installed to meet the standards described in section 3307.8 of the building code.

6. Verify that all stairwells have standard handrails.

7. Verify that all signs required by section 3301.9 of the building code are installed and contain the required information.

Safety netting inspections

Requirement

1. Verify that horizontal safety netting is maintained not more than two stories below the stripping operation floor on concrete structures or the uppermost finished and walk able concrete floor is more than six stories or 75 feet (22.86 m) in height above the adjoining ground or adjoining roof level, whichever is applicable.

2. Verify that horizontal safety netting projects outward horizontal from the edge of the floor a minimum of 10 feet (3.048 m).

3. Verify that omitted horizontally safety netting in designated crane and derrick lifting areas is indicated and approved on the crane application and the site safety plan.

4. For steel frame construction, where the steel frame extends more than eight stories above the walk able concrete floor, verify that the vertical safety netting is provided on the floors at and below the topmost working metal deck where this deck is substantially completed and that the required guardrails and toe boards are in place.

5. Verify that vertical safety netting is provided on all floors below the floor on which horizontal netting is required.

6. Verify that vertical safety netting is secured and kept closed at all times, except during actual loading operations or perimeter construction operations.

Maintenance of site and adjacent area inspections.

Requirement

1. Verify that all areas used by the public are maintained free from ice, snow, grease, debris, equipment, materials, projections, tools, or other items, substance, or conditions that may constitute a slipping, tripping or other hazard.

2. Verify that guards, shields or barricades surround all exposed, electrically charged, moving or otherwise dangerous parts of machines and construction equipment so as to prevent contact with the public.

3. Verify that there are no exposed hose lines, wire, rope, or other items that may constitute a tripping hazard to the public.

4. Verify that adjoining property is protected when the height of the building exceeds that of the adjoining property.

5. When the building is extended, enlarged or increased in height so that any portion of such building, except chimneys or vents, extends higher than the top of any previously constructed chimneys within 100 feet (30.48 m).

Housekeeping inspections

Requirement

1. Verify that floors and stairs are clean from excess debris.

2. Verify that tools and equipment not in use are kept away from edges or openings.

3. Verify that the roof of the side walk shed and the street are free of debris.

4. Verify that sufficient containers for the storage of garbage and debris are provided.

5. Verify that containers are covered and secured when full.

Removal and storage of material inspections

Requirement

1. Verify that combustible waste material and combustible debris have been removed from the site.

2. Verify that material stored on floors of a building is secured when not being used.

3. When exterior walls are not in place, verify that stored material is kept at least 10 feet (3.048 m) back from the perimeter of the building, or at least 5 feet (1524 mm) back area is less than 1,000 square feet (304.8 m), or at least 2 feet (609.6 mm) back from the perimeter of the building on upper working floors located not more than two stories below the stripping operation on concrete floor on steel structures.

4. Verify that no material hangs over the edge of a building unless banded and braced for relocation by the end of the workday, except on the floor of the stripping operation and on floors designated as the lumber or steel mill.

(i) On floor of the stripping operation, verify that material that overhangs the floor is banded and braced, overhangs by not more than one-third of its length, and is relocated by next workday for concrete operations.

(ii) Where the steel mill and lumber mill are located, verify that any material that overhangs is relocated by the next workday.


Protection of sidewalk inspections

Requirement

1. Verify that valid permits for sidewalk sheds have been obtained, have not expired, and are posted in central, visible area.

2. Verify that approved drawings of the sidewalk shed are at the construction site.

3. Verify that sidewalk sheds extend the entire perimeter of the building.

4. Verify that when the building exceeds 100 feet (30.48 m) in height, the sidewalk sheds extend 20 feet (6.096 m) beyond the property line.

5. Verify that required sidewalk sheds remain in place until the structure is enclosed, all exterior work completed, the sash is gazed above the second story, the exterior façade is cleaned down, all outside handling of material equipment and machinery is completed, and dismantling of a hoist, crane, or the use of a derrick in their removal above the second story has been completed.

6. Verify that all openings in sidewalk sheds, fences and railings for loading purposes are kept closed, barricaded, protected, or guarded at all times.

7. Verify that sidewalk sheds are illuminated at night by the equivalent of 100-watt bulbs spaced 15 feet (4.572 m) apart at a minimum height of 8 feet (2.44 m) above the sidewalk.

8. Verify that temporary footbridges and walkways for the public are at least 5 feet (1.524 m) in width.

Warning signs and lights inspections

Requirement

1. Verify that all areas that are dangerous or hazardous to the public or areas where work is performed to the public or areas where work is performed near vehicular traffic are appropriately marked with warning signs and lights.

2. Verify that steps necessary to protect the public are taken, including provisions for flagmen/flag women whenever intermittent operations are conducted on or across areas open to the public or when dangerous operations, such as blasting, may affect such areas.

Scaffolds, structural ramps, runways and platform inspections

Requirement

1. Verify that where they pose a risk to the public that all structural ramps, scaffolds, runways and platforms are provided with guardrails, toe boards, screening, or nets, unless otherwise specified by the building code.

Material handling and hoisting equipment inspections

Requirement

1. Verify that all certificates of approval, operation, and onsite inspection for all cranes, derricks, and cableways have been obtained and are available for inspection at construction site.

2. Verify that all permits for highway and street closing are available for inspection at construction site.

3. Verify that licenses of crane operators are available at the construction site.

4. When a crane is to be jumped, verify that it is in accordance with the schedule submitted by the professional engineer and approved by the department.

5. Verify that a means of communication exists between the responsible parties when the operator of hoisting machinery has no vision of the lift or loading areas.

6. Verify that a program has been established and is operational for the control of pedestrian and vehicular traffic around the construction site during all lifting and hoisting operations.

7. Verify that flagman/women are present to stop pedestrian and vehicular traffic during the following intermittent operations:

(i) During all lifting and hoisting operations;

(ii) When trucks enter and exit the site;

(iii) When dangerous operations e.g. blasting, occur;

(iv) When the sidewalk and street is temporarily closed.