N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 §§ 1631-1.3

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 45, November 2, 2024

Section 1631-1.3 - Nonelectrical hazards

(a) Poor housekeeping. All boiler rooms, incinerator rooms, storage rooms, work shop and similar areas should be kept neat and orderly. Paints, oils and other flammables should be kept in proper cans and stored in a special fireproof room. Gasoline, paint thinners and related items should be kept in containers having self-closing spouts. Oily and greasy rags should be kept temporarily in a metal safety can until such time as they can be disposed of properly. Excess accumulations must not be permitted. Items permitted in storerooms should be restricted to empty trunks, valises, foot lockers, baby carriages, walkers, tricycles, bicycles, sleds and similar items which are used seasonally or at periodic intervals. All other items, including, but not limited to, bedding, mattresses, furniture, kitchen utensils and equipment, clothing, appliances, tools, guns, rifles, sporting equipment, and rubber tires are not to be stored for tenants. Items authorized to be stored must be kept in an orderly arrangement, with at least a three foot unobstructed aisle to reach remote areas of room. Articles should not be stacked higher than two feet from ceiling.

(b) Matches, cigarettes, etc. Tenants are usually the worst offenders in the careless use of these items. Many tragedies have been caused by children playing with matches. The tenant aspect of this matter is more fully covered below under section 1631-1.4, Fire prevention campaigns. However, project personnel must also exercise extreme caution in these matters. Smoking can not be allowed in hazardous areas or when working with flammable material. Personnel should be careful not to dispose of lighted matches or cigarettes into wastepaper baskets.

(c) Gas leaks.

(1) Gas leaks present the danger of fire and explosion as well as asphyxiation. Tenants should be warned to ventilate apartment fully and to notify project office immediately (or local utility company when office is not open) if they have the least suspicion of leaking gas. Project personnel should investigate such reports at once with local utility company being called if necessary.

(2) Tenants should be advised to be especially careful when moving gas ranges for cleaning purposes so as not to damage or loosen connection. Pilot lights on gas fired equipment and spring action gas cocks for ovens are frequent sources of trouble and should be examined periodically.

(3) Wrenches to shut off main gas valves should be placed near such valves so as to be readily available for use in event of emergency, provided such valves are not located in an area accessible to unauthorized persons who might use wrench to tamper with valve, interrupting gas supply and creating a serious hazard.

(d) Means of egress.

(1) All public halls, basement areas, stairways and landings must be kept clear of baby carriages, bicycles, and similar obstructions. Placing or storing of items on or under stairways, fire escapes, corridors or any means of egress must be prohibited.All exit doors must be kept unobstructed and easily operable from the inside. Exit doorways, other than those normally used for entrance, shall be plainly marked by approved exit signs.

(2) Directional signs, as needed, will be used when such exit doorways are not visible from all locations in public corridors. Where such exit doorways are designated by a red electric bulb, daily check shall be made and any burned out bulbs immediately replaced. In addition, exit doors and lights in community rooms must be checked immediately prior to any intended use of such rooms. Doors should actually be opened to ascertain that they are operable. Special attention should be given to exit doors in winter, making certain that snow or ice does not obstruct opening of door.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 §§ 1631-1.3