The Engineering Services Unit provides engineering support to Division of Safety and Health programs. The ESU staff:
The Engineering Services Unit reviews and approves applications for:
Engineering Services also issues variances for:
ESU reviews and approves applications for places of public assembly.
Regulation: State Standard Building Code for Places of Public Assembly (Code Rule 36)
Application Form: Application for Examination of Plans SH 700
ESU reviews and approves applications for ski tows and passenger tramways.
Regulation: Ski Tows and Other Passenger Tramways Code Rule 32
Application Form: Application for Approval of Plans for Aerial Tramway, Chair or Gondola, J-Bar, T- Bar, Rope Tow, Poma Lift, Skimobile, Etc. SH 706
ESU reviews and approves applications for elevators and escalators in factory and mercantile establishments.
Regulation: Construction, Guarding, Equipment, Maintenance and Operation of Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Hoists and Hoistways in Factories and Mercantile Establishments Code Rule 8
Application Form:
ESU reviews and approves applications for tents and bleachers for 300 or more occupants.
Regulation:
Application Form: Application for Amusement Device, Viewing Stand and/or Tent Permit SH 80
ESU reviews and approves applications for window-cleaning equipment.
We developed "Window-Cleaning Equipment Requirements Guidance" to help in the window-cleaning equipment approval process.
Window-Cleaning Equipment Requirements Guidance: In New York State, window-cleaning equipment is subject to approval by the Engineering Services Unit. We encourage applicants to meet with ESU representatives before designing, purchasing and installing window-cleaning equipment. Contact the ESU office at 518-457-1536 to schedule a pre-application meeting or to ask questions about the approval process.
Regulation: Protection of Persons Employed at Window Cleaning Structural Requirements, Equipment and Procedures Code Rule 21
Application Form: Application for Approval of Material or Device SH 753
ESU issues variances for the storage of explosives,
Regulation: Possession, Handling, Storage and Transportation of Explosives Code Rule 39
Application Form: Petition for a Variance or Other Relief SH 751
ESU provides support to the Boiler Safety Bureau by issuing variances for boiler installations.
Regulation:
Application Form: Petition for a Variance or Other Relief SH 751
Applicable Variances:
ESU provides support to the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau by issuing variances and alternative compliance agreements to public employers.
Regulation: PESH
Application Form: Petition for a Permanent Variance or Alternative Compliance Agreement SH 780
The ESU provides support to the Asbestos Control Bureau by issuing variances for asbestos abatement projects. The ESU has issued Applicable Variances for some asbestos abatement projects.
We developed a Guidance Document (AGD-v2.0) on ICR 56 that offers details on variances and how to comply with the asbestos regulation, including the latest Code Rule 56 Revision.
Regulation: Asbestos Code Rule 56
Guidance & Information on Variances for Asbestos Projects: Guidance and Variance Information Code Rule 56
Application Form: Petition for an Asbestos Variance SH 752
Applicable Variances:
The Engineering Services Unit (ESU) is launching a pilot program for certain site-specific variances (SSVs). These new variances will be called "Fast-Track Variances" (FTVs). These are common variances that are issued on a regular basis. At the start of the program, there will be 10 of the variances available, each with an assigned number (see list below). Over time, more FTVs might be added.
The established process for variance application can result in approval turnaround times of two to three weeks depending on the current workload at the ESU. Variance applications are typically processed in the order received. With the FTV process, routine variances could potentially be issued the same day as they are received by the ESU. The goal is to speed up the review process for these routine variances.
To make this process work, several guidelines must be followed. These are guidelines for getting an FTV:
Below is a list of FTVs that will be available initially.
FTV Number | FTV Name |
---|---|
FTV-1 | Negative Air Shutdown |
FTV-2 | Exhausting to An Interior Space |
FTV-3 | Elevator Door Removal |
FTV-4 | Fire Door Removal |
FTV-5 | Crawlspace with Dirt Floor |
FTV-6 | Intact Component Removal |
FTV-7 | Buried Cementitious (e.g. Transite) Pipe |
FTV-8 | HEPA Drilling Spot Removal |
FTV-9 | Air Sampling at Elevated Exhaust Duct Locations |
FTV-10 | Controlled Demolition with Non-Friable in Place |
By selecting the relevant FTV links above, PDF samples of the conditions in each FTV are provided to show the type of relief which is granted. Project Designers should verify that the relief granted by the FTV meets the project's need.
As mentioned, the goal is to speed up the variance process for projects that require minimal ICR-56 relief.
For suggestions on how to improve this process, please send an email to the ESU.
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