DOH recommendations for reoccupying buildings, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Health THE NEW YORK Crrv DEPARTMENT of HEALTH

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE RE-OCCUPYING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND RESIDENTS RE-ENTERING THEIR HOMES What st^ps have buiiding owners and managers taken io atsure building sttfefyf

Before buildmg owners and managers allow residents and ocxupants to return, they have been required by New York City to assess and certify the stability and safety of their buildings. Specifically, no building may be re- occupied unless each of the following steps has been taken:

1) tire structure has been thoroughly assessed for strength and stability; 2) gas service has been checked and restored, with the help of Con Edison; 3) electrical service is operating, and any etqwsed wires dr damaged fixtures have been repaired or removed; 4) building water service is operating, roof water tanks have been flushed and re-filled and, if necessary, deaned; 5) steam service has been checked and restored, where appropriate; 6) file building has been assessed for hazardous mat®ials and if atty have been found, they have been removed according to applicable regulations; 7) building mechanical systems have been inspected and cleaned and repaired, as necessary, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; 8) the interior has been cleared of dust and d^ris.

In addition, New York City is requiring building owners and managers to communicate with building occupants and be available to answer questions regarding building conditions. If you have questions about any of the above issues, you should contact your building owner, manager, or superintendent

What stqps should I take upon returning to n^ woriqdace or home?

If you were evacuated from a residence or workplace south of Warr®. Street, west of Broadway, and north of Exchange Street, and have been approved to resume tenancy by your building manager, you are advised to wear a dust mask upon entering this area to decrease the possibility of d”j5t inhalation and throat irritation. Outside these boundaries, masks are not necessary, but may be worn for your own comfort If there is dust present indoors, it , should not be necessary to wear this mask if you follow the deaning procedures detailed bdow.

In a workplace, speak to your supervisor to see if there ate special startiq) and cleaning procedure. In very dusty places, clean-up may be necessary before equipment can be restarted. Follow the cleaning procedures dismissed below.

In your home, you should first make sure that conditions are safe. You should enter your home dressed in a long sleeve shirt and pants, and with closed shoes. Upon entry:

• Check for the smell , .. If the apartment smells of gas, leave immediately and report it to your building manag® and to Con Edison. • Check for broken glass and fixtures. Wrap aiiy broken glass in p^per and mark it “broken glass.” If large pieces of glass are broken, ask your building superintendent for instructions on disposal. • Run hot and cold water from each of the taps for at least two minutes, or until water runs completely clean. • Flush toilets until bowls are refilled. For air pressure systems, you may need to flush several times. If there are arty problems with the toilet or plumbing system, call a plumber — do not try to fix the (Hoblem yourself. • Follow the cleaning procedures discussed below. I have heard thtd asbestos was releasedfrmn the coUtgjse ofthe World Trade Center. What are the health ^ects ofasbestos?

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