Part 2: Equipment Specifications

§ 1-61 Materials and Equipment.

The materials and equipment used during all abatement activities shall conform with the following:

   (a)   During abatement activities, replacement materials shall be stored outside the work area in a manner to prevent contamination. Materials required for the asbestos project (i.e. plastic sheeting, replacement filters, duct tape, etc.) shall be stored to prevent damage or contamination.

   (b)   When asbestos-containing material that has been used for fireproofing or insulation is removed, the replacement material shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New York City Administrative Code and regulations.

   (c)   For plasticizing, fire-retardant polyethylene sheeting with 6-mil thickness or greater, in sizes to minimize the frequency of joints, shall be employed.

   (d)   Duct tape and selected adhesive shall be capable of sealing joints of adjacent sheets of polyethylene, facilitating attachment of polyethylene sheets to finished or unfinished surfaces, and of adhering under both dry and wet conditions, including during the use of amended water.

   (e)   Airtight and watertight containers must be provided to receive and retain any asbestos-containing waste materials. Plastic bags used for waste storage or disposal must be a minimum of 6-mil in thickness. All containers must be labeled in accordance with OSHA Regulation 29 C.F.R. 1926.1101.

   (f)   Materials used to enclose ACM shall be impact resistant and assembled to be airtight Gypsum panels taped at the seams, tongue and groove boards, and boards with spline joints all qualify.

   (g)   Power tools used to drill, cut into, or otherwise disturb ACM shall be manufacturer-equipped with HEPA filtered local exhaust ventilation. Abrasive removal methods, including the use of beadblasters, are prohibited.

   (h)   Ladders or scaffolds of sufficient dimension and quantity shall be available so that all work surfaces can be easily and safely reached by inspectors and asbestos handlers.

      (1)   Ladders. Where ladders are used to access or reach work surfaces for the conduct of abatement activities, care must be taken to prevent breaching of the containment areas and the ladder's integrity must be maintained to ensure safety. Ladders and their use shall comply with OSHA 29 C.F.R. 1926. Subpart X Ladders 1926.1053.

      (2)   Scaffolds. Where scaffolds are used to reach work surfaces or for the conduct of abatement activities, scaffold joints and ends shall be sealed with tape to prevent incursion of asbestos fibers. Scaffolds and their use shall comply with OSHA 29 C.F.R. 1926. Subpart L Scaffolds 1926.450; 451 and 452.

      (3)   Walking Surfaces. Walking and working surfaces shall be protected from tripping or stepping into or through holes or openings, including skylights, by covers secured to the surface in accordance with OSHA Section 29 C.F.R. 1926.501.

   (i)   Electrical equipment shall be Underwriters Laboratory listed and approved.

   (j)   Surfactants, strippers, sealers, or any other chemicals used during the asbestos project shall be non-carcinogenic and non-toxic.

   (k)   Plastic sheeting used in the construction of temporary enclosures shall be fire-retardant in accordance with NFPA 701. Wood or other materials used in the construction of temporary enclosures shall be noncombustible or fire-retardant in accordance with NFPA 255, ASTM D 2898, ASTM E 84, and UL 723.

   (l)   Equipment and materials may be substituted for those specified in this chapter only if determined to be equivalent after review by the Department.

(Amended City Record 12/7/2018, eff. 1/6/2019; amended City Record 4/28/2022, eff. 5/28/2022)

Subchapter F: Asbestos Project Procedures

Part 1: Applicability

§ 1-71 Applicability.

In addition to 15 RCNY §§ 1-01 through 1-61, the following 15 RCNY §§ 1-81 through 1-83, 1-91 through 1-94 and 1-111 and 1-112 shall apply to all asbestos projects. 15 RCNY §§ 1-101 through 1-110 shall apply to all asbestos abatement activities.