VOICE
The
Vol. 16, Issue 2
March 2016
of the Licensed Master Plumber
A NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION OF THE MASTER PLUMBERS COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, INC.
INTRO 1088: PERIODIC INSPECTIONS OF
GAS PIPING SYSTEMS
On February 24, 2016, Int 1088-2016 was introduced by
the New York City Council. The title of this proposed
Local Law is “A Local Law to amend the administrative
code of the City of New York, in relation to periodic
inspections of gas piping systems.”
The bill, if enacted as written, would establish a new
article 318 in Chapter 3 of title 28 of the Administrative
Code of the City of New York. Building gas piping
systems shall be periodically inspected in accordance
with this article. An inspection of a building’s gas
piping system shall be conducted at periodic intervals
as set forth by rule of the commissioner, but such
inspection shall be conducted at least once every four
years. The initial inspection for a new building shall be
conducted in the tenth year following the issuance date
of a temporary or final Certificate of Occupancy or as
otherwise prescribed by rule.
Once enacted it shall:
• Require periodic inspections of all buildings except for
1 & 2 family homes.
• Inspection intervals shall be every 4 years or on the
10th anniversary after the building receives a Certificate
of Occupancy.
• Inspection shall be conducted on behalf of the owner
by a NYC licensed plumbing firm.
• The DOB shall set the required qualification criteria for
the inspections.
• Inspections shall cover all exposed portions of the gas
piping system.
• Inspections are visual (looking for corrosion) and will
also utilize a combustion gas indicator.
• Inspection reports shall be filed with the Department
of Buildings.
• There will be a reporting process for any hazardous
conditions encountered.
• Requires owners to correct any defects.
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In This Issue:
• Intro 1088
• Intro 738
• How to Successfully Pass
NYC Boiler Inspections
• Intro 1079
• Con Edison Updates
• Inpection Ready Updates
• DOB Budget Hearing
• Boiler Division Updates
• Upcoming LAA Changes
INTRO 1088: A HISTORY
In October of 2014, new Federal Guidelines were
instituted regarding gas pipeline safety. The Public
Service Commission (PSC) will now require the utilities
to conduct periodic inspections of the gas service piping
up to the meter outlet. The inspections will look for visual
signs of corrosion and sense potential gas leaks using a
GMI leak detector. These changes were mandated by the
PSC prior to the explosion last year on Second Avenue.
Intro 1088 legislation was proposed in response to the
explosion. Its purpose looks to fill in any gaps left by the
PSC requirements. Since PSC authority is jurisdictional
the inspections mandated by their rules would not cover
all of the gas piping in a building. Intro 1088 bridges this
gap and will provide for 100% inspection of the exposed
piping within a building.
A new Public Service Commission Straw Proposal for
the adoption of gas service line leakage survey and
corrosion requirements Case 15-G-0244 is now open
for public comment. The Commission is encouraging
the utilities and plumbing industry to work together to
provide these periodic inspections.
Continued on page 3.
A Message from the Executive Director of
the Master Plumbers Council
On March 12, 2014, an explosion leveled two apartment buildings
located in East Harlem, killing eight and injuring at least
seventy others. Another explosion occurred on March 26, 2015,
on the Lower East Side, which killed two, injured over twenty
and leveled three buildings. Were these incidents preventable?
Of most concern to the MPC is existing industry conditions that
could possibly enable these types of incidents to occur again.
It is also a priority of the NYC Council, which has introduced
ten new bills that they believe will enhance public safety.
While in theory, Intro 738 sounds like a good idea, if
implemented as written, it would become more of a
problem than a solution. LMP employees are already
qualified to work on all gas piping systems. Anything that
would create confusion, or slow down the gas restoration
process, is counterproductive and will make us all less safe.
Further regulation is not needed, effective enforcement is.
In retrospect, the Second Avenue gas explosion should
have been prevented. The simple answer to preventing
future incidents is effective enforcement of existing
Building and Administrative Codes, coupled with
providing LMPs with the ability to immediately obtain a
permit to repair, or alter, a gas piping system and conduct
inspections to restore gas service to the people of NYC.
The DOB has issued two Service Notices that will affect
the plumbing industry. The first relates to certifying failed
Advance Notice Inspections. This would allow Registered
Architects and Professional Engineers to certify failed gas
inspection spot check failures in violation of the Code.
Allowing unqualified persons to certify a failed inspection
is not progress and it is instead a recipe for disaster.
The second relates to a new procedure that will allow the
LAA Division to revoke LAA permits that, in their opinion,
were filed egregiously. The MPC will send a letter to request
clarification from the DOB in order to address each of these
important updates. Putting further hurdles in the way of a
licensed plumber from obtaining a permit and safely restoring
gas to residents of the city, may make owners hesitate before
calling a licensed plumber to do repair or alteration work.
New Yorkers have the right to expect that the plumbing and
fuel gas systems in their buildings are safe. Is gas piping safe
in NYC? Do we need more legislation to make us safer? The
answer to both questions is “YES”. However, before we can
support any such legislation, it would have to truly enhance
public safety and provide for effective enforcement of existing
code regulations. A good place for the Council to start
would be to approve the NYC DOB budget request, which
asks for enhanced enforcement and technology upgrades.
We understand that with any proposed legislation the
Council must take into consideration the cost and potential
effectiveness. We believe that the Council should not put
costs ahead of public safety. We are all depending on them.
John F. DeLillo, Jr.
Executive Director
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of the Licensed Master Plumber
The Master Plumbers Council
of the City of New York, Inc.
240-21 Braddock Avenue, Bellerose, NY 11426
P: 718-793-6300 | F: 516-677-5374
[email protected] | www.nycmpc.org
Darren Lundin
President
John F. DeLillo, Jr.
Executive Director
Editors:
Patricia Brady
Graphics:
Brittni Rhoads
The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber,
a membership publication of the NYCMPC.
All text for articles is due by the first day
of the month prior to publication.
We welcome your suggestions and contributions.
GENERAL DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:
The information provided in this newsletter is to be used only to educate businesses
and the general public on plumbing and related construction issues that may affect
their daily business or personal lives. All opinions expressed herein are those of the
individual authors only and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the NYCMPC,
its officers, Board of Directors, the NYCMPC newsletter or its editors. The NYCMPC
does not guarantee the accuracy or the correctness of advertising, articles or references to
information sources herein, nor does the NYCMPC intend to endorse, rate, or otherwise
officially comment on products available. Therefore, the readers are cautioned to rely
on information contained herein at their own risk. All information that is available to
you through this newsletter is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any
kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The information contained
in the newsletter is believed to be correct and accurate. However, the NYCMPC
cannot and will not assume responsibility for the consequences of errors contained
in the articles or misapplication of any information provided. NYCMPC expressly
disclaims any liability for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, including
without limitation, lost revenues, or lost profits, resulting from the use or misuse.
2
INTRO 1088: PERIODIC INSPECTIONS OF GAS PIPING SYSTEMS (CONTINUED)
INTRO 1088: SHOULD LICENSED PLUMBERS
OPPOSE THIS BILL?
The initial reaction of many plumbers will be that this
bill if enacted will cause chaos in many buildings because
they will be shut down for leaks. To them we would reply
HELLO, the only time a building would have to be shut
down is if there is actually a hazardous condition such
as a gas leak. We would also point out that participation
in the inspection process is not mandatory. Those firms
that chose to participate may require that the plumber
and their employees to obtain additional qualifications.
This will be required because corrosion inspections have
certain specialized procedures and specialized training
is required. The same rules apply for the utilization of
a CGI to search for gas leaks. The requirements for
additional qualifications can be compared to obtaining a
qualification to become a NYS DOH certified Backflow
tester. A licensed plumber is qualified to install a
backflow preventer but not test it.
We feel that if this bill is to be implemented that some
minor modifications are required. We are concerned that
if this bill is enacted that the inspection results may not be
collected by the DOB (OP-129’s anyone?). This bill should
closely mirror the required PSC requirements to provide
for a more consistent inspection process. If this bill were
to pass we would request to meet with the utilities and
the DOB to develop a plan of action to minimize the
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impacts to the owners of the buildings that inspections
do find to have leaks. The last issue would be to come to
an understanding that the “code compliant” aspect of the
bill be applied rationally.
After careful consideration the MPC has decided to
support this bill. The PSC will require periodic inspections
in NYC. We applaud the City Council for recognizing
there was a potential gap in the coverage within buildings
and proposing a common sense solution to bridge it.
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INTRO 738: JOURNEYMAN REGISTER GAS QUALIFICATION
On March 31, 2015, Int. 0738-2015 was introduced by
the New York City Council. The title of this proposed
Local Law is “A local Law to amend the administrative
code of the City of New York, in relation to gas
qualification for journeyman plumbers.”
The bill, if enacted as written, would establish a gas
qualification for Journeyman plumbers. Once enacted,
it shall be unlawful for an individual to fabricate,
assemble, install, repair, service, test or maintain fuel
gas piping systems to be utilized within buildings at
any pressure unless such individual is:
• a licensed master plumber in accordance with the
provisions of 28-408 or;
• a registered journeyman plumber with a valid gas
qualification and such individual is working in the
direct employ of and under the direct and continuing
supervision of a licensed master plumber; or in the
case of a city agency, a supervising licensed master
plumber; or
• a plumber apprentice registered in accordance
with New York state labor law article 23 working in
conjunction with a registered journeyman plumber
with a gas qualification and working in the direct
employ of and under the direct and continuing
supervision of a licensed master plumber.
The requirements to obtain a gas qualification are:
• Obtain a NYC Journeyman Registration.
• Prove a minimum of 200 hours of experience under
a NYC Licensed Plumber or
• Pass a written exam approved by the Commissioner.
If the Journeyman is successful in obtaining the
qualification:
• The qualification is valid for three years.
• They will be issued a registration card with gas
qualification.
• Renewal will be provided without examination,
providing the Journeyman completes a continuing
education course approved by the Department.
Is anyone exempt from this requirement?
The provisions of this proposed law shall not apply to
the installation or alteration of gas service piping and
gas meter piping, including meters, valves, regulators or
related equipment, when such work is to be performed,
serviced and maintained by utility corporations and
subject to the jurisdiction of the New York State Public
Service Commission.
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INTRO 738: WILL THIS BILL INCREASE PUBLIC
SAFETY?
On February 24, 2016, the NYC Council introduced
nine new bills relating to gas safety. Intro 738 was
introduced last year in response to the explosion that
occurred in NYC. The MPC Gas Legislation Committee
was established almost two years ago to review and
comment on proposed legislation. In October of 2014,
new Federal Guidelines were mandated to the Public
Service Commission (PSC) that would require operator
qualification of all persons who work on gas service
and meter piping. Licensed plumbers were faced with
the potential of losing the ability to work on gas service
and meter piping without having to undergo major
changes in the training, qualification and monitoring
of employees. Industry associations entered into a
dialogue with the PSC to prove that licensed plumbers
and their employees were already properly qualified to
do this work. The Public Service Commission issued a
memorandum for Case 14-G-0357 (Effective April 02,
2015). The PSC determined that NYC licensed plumbers
and their employees working under the NYC Fuel Gas
Code, Administrative Code and Utility Guidelines are
more than qualified to work on gas service and meter
piping without any further operator qualifications or
monitoring.
A new Straw Proposal for the adoption of gas service
line leakage survey and corrosion requirements, Case
15-G-0244, is now open for public comment. In this
proposal the Commission, once again, has determined
that licensed master plumbers and their employees
do not require any further qualifications to conduct
the work permitted under their rules. The installation,
alteration and repair of gas piping on either side of a
gas meter is essentially the same work. Some gas meter
piping significantly exceeds the pressures permitted
within gas distribution piping, which is the piping that
comes under the purview of the NYC Fuel Gas Code.
Why did the Public Service Commission find that
plumbers do not require any further qualifications to do
this work? One of the main reasons was that before gas
is permitted to be introduced into any piping system,
it is inspected and tested under all of the criteria set
forth in the NYC Fuel Gas Code. In addition, the utilities
also further inspects and tests the gas piping prior to
introducing gas into the system with their qualified
technicians.
In their review of the information provided to the PSC,
they found that in over six decades no gas piping system
installed under the direct and continuing supervision
of a licensed master plumber, inspected under the
provisions of the NYC Plumbing and NYC Fuel Gas
Codes has ever caused an incident that has led to loss of
life or property damage.
Based on this information alone, the MPC believes that
this proposed legislation to qualify our personnel is not
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INTRO 738: JOURNEYMAN REGISTER GAS QUALIFICATION (CONTINUED)
necessary. Passing this legislation would not provide an
increase in public safety and, as explained in the next
section, may actually have an adverse effect. Our mission
is to promote public safety through the use of proper
plumbing practices. We believe that gas piping installed
by the qualified employees of licensed plumbers, properly
tested, inspected and energized by utility personnel is
inherently safe. Existing Codes and Utility Guidelines, if
followed properly, are sufficient for the safe fabrication,
assembly, installation, repair, servicing, testing and
maintenance of fuel gas piping systems to be utilized
within buildings at any pressure.
INTRO 738: SHOULD
OPPOSE THIS BILL?
LICENSED
PLUMBERS
After careful consideration, the MPC has decided to
oppose this bill and we recommend that all Licensed
Master Plumbers do so as well. The MPC would never
oppose any legislation that could increase public safety.
Employees of licensed plumbers do much more than just
install fuel gas systems and every aspect of their work is
equally important for public health and safety. Improper
installation of any plumbing system can have disastrous
consequences. A little over year ago, unqualified
individuals burnt down an entire apartment complex
of 400 units in New Jersey. Inadequate maintenance
of domestic hot water heating systems led to scalding
incidents and also the spread of Legionnaries’ Disease.
Improper drain or water line installations allow for mold
to grow and improper venting can lead to additional
hazardous issues. Thirteen years ago, Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus was transmitted
through the defective drainage system of a Hong Kong
apartment complex. This outbreak resulted in sixty-five
deaths. The fact that these incidents do not occur more
often is a clear testament to the qualifications of NYC
Licensed Master Plumber’s employees. The Second
Avenue gas explosion may have been prevented through
effective enforcement of existing codes and protocols.
This bill, as written, would be very hard to enforce.
Would compliance require daily onsite verification or
simple submission of documents by the licensee during
the inspection process? The licensed plumber associated
with the Second Avenue job has had his license revoked.
Despite the fact that every day, unqualified individuals
are being covered by unscrupulous licensed plumbers
who continue to illegally fabricate, assemble, install,
repair, service, test or maintain fuel gas piping systems to
be utilized within buildings at any pressure. If the DOB
cannot prevent this illegal practice today, how would they
effectively enforce the provisions of this bill tomorrow?
Presently, there is already a qualification requirement for
installing gas piping, where anyone welding a gas pipe
is required to be qualified. The requirements for welders
installing gas piping are listed in NYC FGC 406.1.1.1.
The process is simple. The licensee informs the DOB they
have installed welded gas piping and submits the proper
paperwork for review. Today, sections of this code are
not always being properly enforced. In some cases,
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of the Licensed Master Plumber
unscrupulous plumbers are submitting improper or
fraudulent qualification documentation. How can such a
simple process go awry?
This bill, as written, would require anyone wanting
to obtain the gas qualification to be a NYC registered
Journeyman. This registration is voluntary and is
generally obtained by individuals seeking to obtain a
Master Plumber License. Employers cannot require their
employees to obtain registered Journeyman status. There
are currently less than 300 active registered Journeyman
that would qualify for the required exam to become gas
qualified. After the law is implemented, it would prohibit
anyone who is not a registered NYS apprentice from being
able to obtain the requisite of 200 hours of experience in
order to qualify for the exam.
With certain exceptions, participation in a NYS
approved apprenticeship programs is not mandatory
for employment in the plumbing industry. These
requirements could reduce the potential labor pool of
“qualified” workers to conduct gas piping work from
over 10,000 to less than 300. Today there are activist
tenant groups in New York City that believe that there is
a shortage of licensed plumbers who can do emergency
gas repairs. They feel that this shortage is the reason
repair work takes so long to complete. While we disagree
with their current assessment, we wonder if it is actually
a premonition of things to come. We are extremely
concerned that if the available labor pool is controlled
through legislation, there very well could be a shortage of
“qualified” persons available to do this work. Anything
that makes it more difficult to complete the “gas process’’
can have the unintended consequence of actually
decreasing public safety. If owners cannot get their work
done immediately, they may look to circumvent the
process and we cannot allow that to happen.
This bill, at face value, appears to be logical and many
would agree that persons installing gas piping should
be qualified. The good news is that if you utilize a NYC
Licensed Master Plumbing firm to fabricate, assemble,
install, repair, service, test or maintain fuel gas piping
systems to be utilized within buildings at any pressure,
your installers are already properly qualified. Let’s spread
that message and pass legislation that can increase public
safety.
SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE
LICENSE RENEWAL COURSE
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
LaGuardia Marriott Hotel
Available for NYC LMPs & FSCs
(200 Person Max)
Visit nyconstructiontrades.org to register.
5
INTRO 738: JOURNEYMAN REGISTER GAS QUALIFICATION (CONTINUED)
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED
After careful consideration, the MPC has decided to oppose this bill and we recommend that all Licensed Master
Plumbers do so as well. We urge you to contact the City Council Member, that represents the district in which
your license is held. Inform them that you are a local small business employing their constituents and that this bill
should not be brought to a vote. A NO vote is a vote for public safety.
You can find a complete register of all NYC Council Members at the following website address:
http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml
Tell them that the following are what you need to continue protecting public safety through proper plumbing
practices:
• Effective enforcement of existing Codes and rules.
• Be provided the ability to effect immediate repairs and alterations to existing gas piping systems utilizing proven
code means and methods, using your already qualified employees.
• Sensible Code revisions that mirror the ICC governing code.
• Pass the DOB budget requests for enforcement and technology upgrades.
The MPC urges you to write a letter to your representative. We ask that you please send a copy to our office, as
well. Posted on our website is a sample letter to use as reference.
INSPECTION READY UPDATES
At the writing of this issue, Inspection Ready has been
operational for three months. This new inspection
program has transformed the way plumbers conduct
their business with the DOB. A large part of this success
is attributed to the efforts of Thomas Connors, Executive
Director Inspection Services, with the assistance of his
staff and all of the Development inspectors. While there
have been some minor issues, they have always stepped
up to keep the system operational. As new issues are
encountered, the DOB contacts the MPC so that we can
inform the industry.
One issue has been the high rate of rejection for Gas
Authorization and Request for Sign off. We have been
studying this and feel that it may be a procedural issue
due to a lack of published information describing how
and when to ask for gas authorization and required items
list for sign off.
The MPC plans to work with our industry partners to
address this very important issue. We would like to hear
from you as to the main reasons why you are being denied
Gas Authorization or have your Request for sign off has
been rejected. Please email us at [email protected].
NYCMPC AFFILIATE MEMBERS
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6
INTRO 1079: FINAL INSPECTIONS OF GAS PIPING SYSTEMS
Intro 1079: Does it stop the bad actors?
On February 24, 2016, Int 1079-2016 was introduced by
the New York City Council. The title of this proposed
Local Law is: A local Law to amend the administrative
code of the City of New York, in relation to “final
inspections” of gas piping systems. Two of the sponsors
were Speaker Mellissa Mark-Viverito and Chairman
of the Housing and Buildings Committee, Jumaane D.
Williams.
If changes are not made to this bill, the Master Plumbers
Council will oppose this bill for the following reasons:
The process for issuing work without a permit:
• Violations can be confusing. A legitimate licensee
following published proceudures, could be issued a
violation for this classification of work in error, not have
sufficient knowledge to challenge the violation and
thereby be subject to the loss of their priveleges.
It appears that the intent of this bill was to remove
the self-certification priveleges from anyone who was
convicted of working on a gas piping system without a
permit during the past five years. This bill as written does
not reference a Code section that would not prohibit a
licensee from witnessing or testing a gas piping system.
• This legislation, as written, would not target
individuals that have committed a specific offense that
is related to improper gas piping practices.
The Master Plumber Council supports this bill with
the following changes:
• It does nothing to prevent unqualified individuals
from installing systems and having a cover-up plumber
certify them.
• Commencing on the effective date of this bill. all Gas
Rough and Gas Test inspections shall only be conducted
as ACTUAL inspections and completed in the presence
of a NYC DOB inspector.
WHY ARE CHANGES NEEDED TO BE MADE TO
THIS LEGISLATION?
The DOB is mandated to conduct spot checks on at least
20 percent of all Advance Notice inspections. That still
allows for 80 percent of the jobs to not be inspected by
the Department. The mandated spot check rate is for all
Advance Notice inspections, not just gas inspections.
What is the actual spot check rate for gas inspections,
and what is the failure rate for those that are checked?
The gas inspections certified at 121 2nd Avenue building
were self-certified. When utility inspections were
conducted, the unqualified individual failed inspections
on numerous occasions. Was the gas work installed
in compliance with the Code? If the required gas test
and rough inspections at the location were Actual
Inspections, could that have changed the outcome?
If our recommendations are adopted, public safety could
be enhanced in relation to the fabrication, assembly,
installation, repair, servicing, testing and maintenance
of fuel gas piping systems within buildings. When
an Actual Inspection is conducted the public is 100%
guaranteed that every gas system being tested and
inspected is in strict compliance with the Code. In the
interest of enhanced public safety, we are willing to
relinquish our self-certification privileges to do those
inspections.
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• Cover-up plumbers never get a work without a permit
violation and would never lose their priveleges.
BOILER DIVISION UPDATES
Limited Access to Conduct a Boiler Inspection
If you have special circumstances (your job is closed on
a specific day of the week or no early access):
• Request the inspection through the normal Inspection
Ready process.
• Send an e-mail to the unit immediately after you
receive your receipt: [email protected] or call
them at (212) 393-2527 or (212) 393-2697.
Cancellations must be called in.
Do not be a no show at a scheduled inspection.
What is the failure rate for:
•
First Inspections……….90%
•
Second Inspections……50%
•
Third Inspections……...10%
This high failure rate clearly shows a lack of preparation
on the part of the licensee. Continued offenders may be
referred to BSIU for disciplinary actions.
7
CON EDISON UPDATES
On February 01, 2016, Con Edison updated the Yellow Book, the guide to natural gas installations.
The most notable update is that, effective April 15, 2016, gas meter bars in the 250 class will all have to be bypass
type. There are two models and only one company is approved to supply these new style bars. You must install an
approved meter inlet control valve for each bar.
The new meter requirement was scheduled to go into effect on February 01, 2016. When the MPC Utility Committee
realized there was a shortage of the required bars, they contacted Con Edison and were able to obtain a 45 day
extension. They also notified their affiliate members. who were able to procure the new bars from the wholesaler.
In addition to updating the Yellow Book, Con Edison has published a new “Gas Meter Letter” document that
outlines the procedures to follow to facilitate your gas request for Con Edison equipment and/or work. Licensees are
expected to follow the procedures outlined in this letter.
The new procedure, along with the Yellow Book, can be viewed on the MPC website at www.nycmpc.org.
If you have any questions or comments on this new policy, please contact us at [email protected].
DOB BUDGET HEARING
On Thursday March 03, 2016, Commissioner Rick D. Chandler presented his FY 2017 Budget to the City Council’s
Buildings and Housing Committee. The Commissioner provided testimony and emphasized the need for additional
monies to increase technology and enforcement. Our Lobbyist, Arthur Goldstein, also provided testimony in support
of the budget and the Commissioner’s agenda. Afterwards, Mr. Goldstein met with the Commissioner and his
principal assistants to show the MPC’s support for the Department and to discuss important issues that affect our
members. To view our complete testimony please visit the MPC website at www.nycmpc.org.
If you have any questions or comments on this new policy, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
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8
The
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9
RICK’S TIPS: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS NYC BOILER INSPECTIONS
It is frustrating to fail a NYC boiler inspection. At
times it seems impossible to keep up with the new
code changes or interpretations and to know what new
procedures are being implemented. Unfortunately, it
seems that we find out about the latest changes when
we fail an inspection, but it doesn’t have to be this
way. This initial inscpetion failure rate, published in
this isse of the Voice, is abysmal. There are many things
that need to be done to reduce the failure rate.
Over the next few issues, we will release a series of
articles that will present tips and tid-bits accumulated
from our committee’s experience, my own experiences,
and the experiences of other contractors, in an
attempt to help increase the passing rate of all boiler
inspections.
To be successful, we need to educate ourselves. It is
imperative that all licensees have an understanding
of the current 2014 NYC Fuel Gas, Mechanical, and
Plumbing Code. If you don’t own these necessary
manuals, I strongly suggest you acquire them
immediately. Just knowing the code is not enough. We
also need to know the rules and procedures that govern
the boiler inspection process. While all inspectors look
for strict code compliance there are changes that occur
on a weekly basis and it is up to you to stay up to date.
How do you stay up to date? Code and procedure
updates are available from the MPC. Our committees
meet regularly with the DOB to discuss industry issues.
When we identify a specific issue the DOB listens and
responds to help us understand what is required for
successful boiler inspections. Contrary to popular
belief, their main mission is not to fail plumbers on
boiler inspections. Their primary goal is public safety,
as is ours. For the record, many of the failures may be
by unscrupulous licensees and if that is the case, we
hope they will be reported to BSIU for prosecution.
Many of the tips and code requirements I list may be
common knowledge for most, but we want to cover all
bases. Even if you only take away one new valuable
tip, this article will have been successful in helping
you pass a future inspection. It can also be passed on
to other persons in your company.
Every month we will release 8 valuable tips, so please
be on the lookout for the Voice in the coming months.
Now, let’s begin with this month’s list…
1. Use the old BO-25 inspection form as a guideline to
review your installation. If everything is okay, proceed
to request your inspection through Inspection Ready.
2. Make sure the boiler manual is on site and the
rating plate is affixed to the boiler. Make sure permit
paperwork matches boiler rating plate. The relief
valve rating and pressure must also match the rating
plate on the Schedule C.
3. Make sure the boiler is installed as per manufacturer’s
specs, including all near boiler piping and the proper
breeching material was installed.
4. Make sure the proper fuel pipe gauge is installed,
see table 803.9.1 in the NYC MC and table 503.10.2.4
in the NYC FGC.
5. For breeching larger than 16” diameter, 16 gauge
steel must be installed and welding each joint at 4
points with ½” welds is required. In addition to the
welding requirements, all joints must be sealed with a
high temp joint sealant.
6. A chimney clean out is required at the chimney
base, or below the breeching.
7. No band iron strapping is allowed on breeching or
flue piping.
8. Arrive early to the inspection site and make sure
you have the latest approved plans, schedule C, H-2,
LAA or any other required documents on site.
Stay tuned for next month’s issue for the next round
of Rick’s tips….
UPCOMING LAA CHANGES
On March 21, 2016, the DOB is set to launch a new policy in regard to revoking LAA applications that, in their
opinion, are not permitted to be filed (especially electronically) on an LAA application or that have been filed noncode compliant, hazardous or egregiously.
The MPC has written a letter to ask for clarification on this new policy. We requested a published list detailing
execatly what can and cannot be filed and how to do it. Almost two years ago, we helped to draft a Fixtures and
Appliances list that specified exactly how each item could be filed. In addition, licensed plumbers need a system in
place that will provide for immediate permit issuance and provide them with the ability to do the essential work
needed to maintain public safety.
We will discuss this new policy in detail in the next issue of the Voice. In the interim, we urge all licensed plumbers
to carefully follow the instructions form from the DOB to avoid any potential fines and penalties.
If you have any questions or comments on this new policy, please contact us at [email protected].
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The
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