NYC passes law that prohibits asbestos removal and demolition at the same time
At the end of November, the New York City Council passed a bill that will prohibit work crews from performing asbestos abatement and demolitions at the same time. This new law addresses some of the problems that were discovered after two firefighters died in the 2007 fire at the former Deutsche Bank building. The building had been undergoing both asbestos abatement and demolition after it had been damaged when the World Trade Center collapsed on September 11, 2001.
Officials ruled that performing both asbestos abatement and demolition simultaneously made the Deutsche Bank building a death trap for firefighters. Demolition work increases the risk of fire, while asbestos containment materials meant to prevent asbestos dust from leaving the abatement area impedes access for firefighters. This new law prohibits demolition and asbestos abatement from being performed at the same time until city officials have visited the site and determined that the work can be done safely.
For the full story, go to WCAX.
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