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A look at New York mold regulations
New York State implemented mold regulations on January 1, 2016. Known as Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law, these regulations require assessment and remediation of mold in indoor environments. In addition, the City of New York has requirements regarding mold remediation outlined in the New York City Health Code, in Article 175. Those guidelines generally suggest:
- Assessing the extent of mold contamination and developing a remediation plan.
- Notifying involved parties.
- Performing remediation. The contractor should have microbial experience or certification and follow specific guidelines for containing, cleaning, and disposing of mold-contaminated materials.
- Performing a post remediation verification clearance inspection to ensure that the mold has been properly remediated.
Local Law 61 of 2018 established minimum standards for carrying out mold assessment, mold abatement, and mold remediation for buildings with 10 or more dwelling units or on a zoning lot that contains 25,000 or more square feet of nonresidential floor area.
The law also requires the person holding a mold remediation license to file a Mold Remediation Work Plan Notification form and a Mold Remediation Work Plan. The person holding a mold assessment license is required to file a Post-Remediation Assessment form and Mold Post-Remediation Certification.
The Department of Environmental Protection may issue fines from $800 to $10,000 if you fail to hire the appropriate licensed mold assessors to remediate mold and/or if the person holding a mold assessment license doesn't file the required Post-Remediation Assessment form and Mold Post-Remediation Certification.
Pharetra aenean blandit magna vehicula cursus rhoncus vulputate ut nunc, nibh senectus litora enim etiam neque interdum fermentum mauris, duis imperdiet ornare hendrerit facilisi taciti commodo mus. Suspendisse condimentum massa dictum eleifend vestibulum nisl urna in, habitasse nisi augue habitant praesent nec consequat faucibus, orci curabitur nostra iaculis vel turpis inceptos. Magnis natoque ultricies phasellus vivamus aliquam laoreet venenatis tempus, mi est ac semper pretium tempor viverra, torquent fusce ridiculus netus eget mattis metus. Sem curae nam himenaeos lacus tortor primis parturient potenti penatibus, eu eros euismod sollicitudin sociosqu fringilla at accumsan, non erat sed sagittis per libero quisque montes.
A look at New York mold regulations
New York State implemented mold regulations on January 1, 2016. Known as Article 32 of the New York State Labor Law, these regulations require assessment and remediation of mold in indoor environments. In addition, the City of New York has requirements regarding mold remediation outlined in the New York City Health Code, in Article 175. Those guidelines generally suggest:
- Assessing the extent of mold contamination and developing a remediation plan.
- Notifying involved parties.
- Performing remediation. The contractor should have microbial experience or certification and follow specific guidelines for containing, cleaning, and disposing of mold-contaminated materials.
- Performing a post remediation verification clearance inspection to ensure that the mold has been properly remediated.
Local Law 61 of 2018 established minimum standards for carrying out mold assessment, mold abatement, and mold remediation for buildings with 10 or more dwelling units or on a zoning lot that contains 25,000 or more square feet of nonresidential floor area.
The law also requires the person holding a mold remediation license to file a Mold Remediation Work Plan Notification form and a Mold Remediation Work Plan. The person holding a mold assessment license is required to file a Post-Remediation Assessment form and Mold Post-Remediation Certification.
The Department of Environmental Protection may issue fines from $800 to $10,000 if you fail to hire the appropriate licensed mold assessors to remediate mold and/or if the person holding a mold assessment license doesn't file the required Post-Remediation Assessment form and Mold Post-Remediation Certification.
What can be done to help mitigate water-damage risks?
To mitigate water-damage risks, construction sites must implement proactive measures. Proper site preparation, such as installing drainage systems, as well as temporary covers and shelters can protect exposed materials. Regular inspections and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems are essential to detect and address potential leaks or blockages. Additionally, it may be prudent to develop a water-damage response plan where necessary, including quick water extraction and drying procedures, which can help minimize damage and facilitate a faster recovery process.
In conclusion, water damage on construction sites is a common and significant challenge that can have wide-ranging impacts. From hindering progress and damaging materials to compromising structural integrity and creating hazardous working conditions, water intrusion can cause delays, increase expenses, and pose risks to both workers and the overall project. The replacement and repair of water-damaged materials can be costly and time consuming, while the erosion of soil around shoring systems can lead to collapses and endanger workers. Additionally, mold growth resulting from water damage can have detrimental effects on both worker health and future occupants. To mitigate these risks, construction sites must prioritize proper site preparation, regular inspections and maintenance of plumbing and drainage systems, and the development of a comprehensive water-damage response plan. By taking proactive measures, construction sites can minimize the impact of water damage, ensure worker safety, and maintain project timelines and budgets.
Implementing effective control measures
It's crucial to implement effective control measures at construction sites, particularly during tasks that generate significant amounts of dust and involve work on concrete or masonry structures.
- Use tools equipped with integrated water delivery systems, which effectively manage dust at the source of generation. For instance, a saw with a built-in water application system can limit the release of silica dust into the air by applying water to the saw blade.
- Use power tools with integrated dust extraction systems and HEPA vacuums, which collect dust into the attached vacuum to minimize worker exposure during demolition work.
In addition, OSHA mandates that employers in the construction industry who fall under the crystalline silica standard must ensure worker protection by adhering to the requirements outlined in the standard. These requirements include:
- Developing a written exposure control program
- Appointing of competent individuals
- Conducting employee exposure monitoring
- Providing respirators and medical examinations for workers engaged in high-exposure tasks for specific durations
- Delivering silica awareness training to employees
- Maintaining records of exposure monitoring and medical examinations
In conclusion, the high number of workers currently being exposed to dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect their health and safety. Implementing control measures such as integrated water delivery systems and dust extraction systems can significantly reduce worker exposure to silica dust. Additionally, employers must comply with OSHA's requirements, including developing written exposure control programs, providing necessary protective equipment and medical examinations, and delivering proper training to employees. By taking these steps, we can work toward ensuring a safer and healthier work environment for construction workers and reducing the incidence of silicosis, lung cancer, and kidney disease.
