Update on Violations Being Issued for Failing an Initial Boiler Inspection

In the last issue of the Voice, we notified the industry of the new policy from the Department of Buildings Boiler Division to issue ECB violations to licensees for failing an initial boiler inspection. This policy is still in effect, and we are working to address it. The Department is continuing this policy because they believe the passing rate has actually gone up. We cannot comment on that as we do not know what the passing rate was before this policy was implemented. We do know from our experience participating in developing training and inspection programs, that a passing rate of less than 80% indicates it may be more of a system problem, than a plumber problem. We know for a fact that many licensees are holding back on requesting inspections to see what happens next.

The Department continues to issue the violations to licensees regardless of the perceived infraction. That includes violations for existing conditions that are owner maintenance issues, construction document defects that are RDP issues and, in some cases, for items that are actually Code compliant (installing a lockable appliance valve that must be wrench operated). Several violations have been issued when the only failure item is a requirement to make a minor plan modification.

Things you might consider doing

• Not submitting a request for an inspection unless the plans match the job completely.
• Not submitting a request for an inspection unless the “Scope of Work” from DOB NOW: Build is 100% accurate.
• Do a pre inspection check and notify the owner and/or engineer, in writing, of any potential issues.

If you think you may have an issue with a job that will prevent a successful initial pass, follow these steps

• Email the specific issue to boilertechnical@buildings.nyc.gov . Be sure to provide as much detail as possible.
• You may request a “pre-inspection” for the work. *

*This recommendation was offered at our industry meeting, however, we cannot guarantee that the Department will grant it.

Committee Notes

We are working on a draft inspection check list and hope to submit it to the Department in September. At that time, we will request another industry meeting to further discuss the violations and the manner in which they are being issued.