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City of Albany, NY
Albany County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A. 
Plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigerating, cooking (fire protection) and radiation production equipment, elevators, dumbwaiters, moving stairs, and other mechanical additions, installation, or systems for the use of the building shall be installed, located and maintained so that under normal conditions of use such equipment and systems will not be a danger to health or welfare, a danger because of structural defects, or a source of ignition, or a radiation hazard, and will not create excessive noise, or otherwise become a nuisance or a hazard. Equipment and systems include, but are not limited to, apparatus, devices, fixtures, piping, pipe hangers, pipe covering, wiring, fittings, and materials used as part of, or in connection with, such installations.
B. 
Equipment and systems subject to damage from freezing shall be adequately protected against freezing.
C. 
Moving parts of equipment which may be a potential hazard shall be safeguarded to protect against accidental contact.
A. 
Plumbing systems shall be maintained in sanitary and serviceable condition, and installed and maintained in accordance with the Plumbing Code of the City of Albany.
B. 
Plumbing systems shall be maintained so as not to weaken structural members nor cause damage or deterioration to any part of the building through fixture usage.
A. 
Water supply systems shall be installed and maintained so as to provide at all times a supply of water to plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function satisfactorily and without undue noise under all normal conditions of use.
B. 
Water supply systems shall be installed and maintained so that water used for purposes of cooling or heating shall not be reintroduced into the domestic water supply system to be distributed through such equipment to plumbing fixtures.
C. 
Hot water supply systems shall be provided with safety devices arranged to relieve hazardous pressures and excessive temperatures.
A. 
Plumbing fixtures shall be drained to a sewage drainage system and such system shall be connected to a public sewer or to an adequate and approved system of sewage disposal in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Department of Health and the Building Department of the City of Albany.
B. 
Where a public sewer is not available, a system shall be provided to receive and dispose of sewage without health hazard or nuisance in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Department of Health and the Building Department of the City of Albany.
C. 
Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into the ground or into a waterway unless it has first been rendered harmless through subjection to treatment or to natural processes in conformity with generally accepted standards in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Department of Health and the Building Department of the City of Albany.
D. 
Substances which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints or interfere unduly with the sewage disposal process shall not be discharged into the building drainage system unless it is provided with approved devices suitable for intercepting such substances in accordance with the requirements of the Albany County Department of Health and the Building Department of the City of Albany.
E. 
Each fixture directly connected to the sewage drainage system shall be equipped with a water seal trap except as provided in the Plumbing Code of the City of Albany.
F. 
Adequate cleanout shall be provided and maintained so that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
G. 
The drainage system and its attendant vent piping shall be maintained so as to provide adequate circulation of air in all pipes in order that siphonage, aspiration, or pressure will not cause a loss of trap seal under ordinary conditions of use.
H. 
Each vent terminal to the outer air shall be installed and maintained so as to minimize the possibilities of clogging, frost closure, the return of foul air to the building, or the creation of a nuisance to adjacent premises.
I. 
Drains provided for fixtures, devices, appliances, or apparatus containing food, water, sterile goods or similar materials, shall be equipped with air breaks, adequate to prevent combustion of such contents from any possible backup of sewage through the direct or indirect drainage piping.
A. 
Roofs and paved areas, including yards and courts, shall be properly drained. Storm drainage shall be conveyed to an adequate and approved system of water disposal where available. Storm drains shall be discharged in such manner that water will not flow onto sidewalks. Gutters and leaders shall adequately protect adjoining property from the water flowing from such roofs.
B. 
Where a drainage system may be subject to backwater, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow into the building as provided in the Plumbing Code of the City of Albany.
A. 
Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth nonabsorbent material and shall be free from concealed fouling surfaces.
B. 
Plumbing fixtures shall be so spaced as to be reasonably accessible for their intended use.
C. 
Plumbing fixtures shall be located in spaces that are accessible, lighted, and ventilated.
A. 
Water supply tanks shall be installed and maintained so as to be watertight, verminproof, rodentproof, resistant to corrosion, and capable of withstanding the working pressures under normal operation.
B. 
Supports for tanks shall be of noncombustible construction.
C. 
Tanks and their supports shall not be used to support equipment or structures other than for tank use, except where specially designed for such other use.
D. 
Means for emptying water supply tanks shall be provided and maintained in proper working condition.
E. 
Potable water supply tanks for domestic supply and standpipe or automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained to furnish water in sufficient quantity and pressure for such systems.
A. 
Fuel gas piping systems shall be installed and maintained so as to remain gastight, safe and operative under conditions of use.
B. 
Fuel gas piping systems shall provide a supply of gas sufficient to meet the maximum expected demand of the installed gasburning appliances connected thereto.
C. 
Fuel gas piping and equipment shall not be located in ducts, chimneys, flues, stairways or exits.
A. 
Gas piping systems shall have at least one accessible means for shutting off all gas supply, and such means shall be maintained in good operating condition.
B. 
An easily accessible shutoff valve or cock shall be provided in the piping in close proximity to, and ahead of, every outlet for gas appliance.
Gas services, gas meters, and gas pressure regulators shall be located so that they are protected from damage.
A. 
Gas appliances shall be installed with clearance for ventilation, and shall be maintained in good operating condition.
B. 
Water-cooled gas refrigerators are prohibited.
C. 
New installations of air-cooled gas refrigerators are prohibited.
D. 
Existing air-cooled gas refrigerators must be equipped with:
(1) 
A flue which is resistant to the corrosive action of flue gases.
(2) 
A fixed, mounted dust-incinerating type of gas burner, gas pressure regulator, gas supply filter, and thermostat.
(3) 
Proper operating automatic regulating and safety devices.
Any service connection supplying gas at a pressure in excess of one pound per square inch gauge shall be provided with a device to reduce such pressure to not more than one-half (1/2) pound per square inch gauge prior to entering the meter, except where such service supplies equipment using gas at high pressures.
A. 
Undiluted liquefied petroleum gas in liquid form shall not be conveyed through piping equipment and systems in building.
B. 
Liquefied petroleum gas shall not be vaporized by devices utilizing open flame or open electrical coil.
C. 
Where two or more containers are installed, connection shall be arranged so that containers can be replaced without shutting off the flow of gas to equipment.
D. 
Containers shall be designed, stored and located so as not to be a hazard to the premises served, or to the surrounding property.
E. 
Systems shall be provided with safety devices to relieve excessive pressures and shall be arranged so that the discharge terminates at a safe location.
F. 
Systems shall have at least one accessible means for shutting off the gas. Such means shall be located outside the building and shall be maintained in good operating condition.
Fuel-burning, heat-producing equipment shall be installed and maintained so that emission or discharge into the atmosphere of smoke, dust, particles, odors or other products of combustion will not create a nuisance or be detrimental to the health, comfort, safety or property of any person.
Ducts and other air-handling equipment used for heating shall conform to the requirements of such equipment used for ventilating purposes.
Fuel-burning equipment shall be permanently fastened and connected in place. Fuel supply connection to such equipment shall be made with approved pipe or with an approved flexible tubing connector and be protected against mechanical injury and corrosion.
Where heat-producing equipment is installed on, or adjacent to, combustible materials, the location, installation, clearance, and the control of the equipment shall be such that the temperature on the surface of the combustible materials will not exceed a safe temperature.
A. 
Direct-fired, heat-producing equipment and the enclosure in which it is located shall be provided with a supply of air adequate to replenish that consumed by complete combustion at the rated gross output of the equipment and for the ventilation of the enclosure to prevent the accumulation of heat.
B. 
Such air shall be supplied by means of one or more openings to the exterior, or by means of fixed openings to interior spaces which open to the exterior.
A. 
Equipment for burning solids or liquid fuel shall be connected to suitable chimneys or flues and shall not be connected to gas vents. Unvented heaters burning liquefied fuel shall be prohibited.
B. 
Gas-fired equipment shall be connected to a suitable chimney, flue or gas vent when the discharge of products of combustion into the space where the equipment is installed would be a hazard.
A. 
Equipment capable of developing hazardous pressures or temperatures shall be provided with means to relieve safely such pressures and temperatures.
B. 
Controls for the safe operation of automatically operated heat-producing equipment shall be provided to function as follows: When failure or interruption of flame or ignition occurs, the fuel supply shall be cut off. When a predetermined temperature or pressure is exceeded, the input of additional heat shall be prevented or reduced to a safe rate. When the water level in a steam boiler drops below a predetermined level, the fuel supply shall be cut off and manual resetting shall be required. When failure or interruption of pilot light occurs, the fuel supply to each pilot light and main burner shall be cut off and manual resetting shall be required. All boiler controls shall operate on one-hundred-twenty-volt grounded supply.
A. 
Chimneys, flues, gas vents and their supports shall be installed and maintained so as to be structurally safe, durable, smoketight, noncombustible, and capable of withstanding the action of flue gases without softening, cracking, corroding, or spalling.
B. 
Such facilities shall effectively convey the products of combustion to the outer air.
C. 
Masonry chimneys shall have noncombustible foundations. Approved prefabricated chimneys shall be installed according to the requirements of the Building Department of the City of Albany.
D. 
Flue linings shall be capable of withstanding the action of flue gas without softening, cracking, corroding, or spalling at the temperature to which they will be subjected.
E. 
Openings for smoke pipes or gas vent connections shall be provided with means for easy connection without restriction of flue.
F. 
Fuel-burning equipment and fireplaces located in different tenancies shall not be connected to the same flue.
G. 
Smoke pipes and gas vents shall be securely supported and be prevented from falling out of the flue.
Chimneys, flues, and gas vents shall be installed and maintained so that under conditions of use, the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto, insulated therefrom or in contact therewith does not exceed a safe temperature.
A. 
Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in conformity with the Electrical Code of the City of Albany, and be maintained so as not to be a potential source of ignition of combustible material or a potential source of electrical hazard.
B. 
Electrical wiring and equipment shall be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted.
C. 
Electrical wiring and equipment installed in damp or wet locations or where exposed to explosive or flammable gases, or to excessive temperatures, shall be of a type approved for the purpose and location.
D. 
Electrical wiring and equipment shall be protected against excessive current by properly rated overcurrent devices.
E. 
Electrical wiring and equipment shall be grounded or otherwise protected by insulation, isolation, or guarding so as to minimize the danger of high voltage from lightning or other causes.
F. 
Electrical equipment which in ordinary operation produces arcs, sparks, or excessive heat shall be enclosed or separated and isolated from all combustible material.
G. 
Service equipment and overcurrent protection devices shall be installed and maintained in a readily accessible location.
A. 
Cooking and refrigeration equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition.
B. 
Gas-burning cooking equipment shall be permanently connected in place. Gas supply connection to such equipment shall be made with approved pipe or with an approved flexible tubing connector in accordance with the generally accepted standards.
C. 
The combustion chambers of solid fuel-burning cooking equipment shall be appropriately vented.
A. 
Refrigerants that are highly flammable shall not be used.
B. 
Direct systems using refrigerants that are flammable or toxic shall not be used for air-conditioning purposes.
C. 
Equipment shall be secured so as not to present a hazard or leak over a sidewalk.
A. 
Ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the rapid spread of heat, flame or smoke through the system will be prevented, and so that under conditions of use the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto, or in contact therewith, will not exceed a safe temperature.
B. 
Stairways, shafts, hoistways, or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers.
C. 
Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately firestopped.
D. 
Ducts and other air-handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material.
E. 
Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard.
F. 
Ducts passing through or located within combustible construction shall be separated from such construction by a clearance of at least one-half (1/2) inch or by a noncombustible insulating material of at least one-fourth (1/4) inch thick.
G. 
Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality controlled.
H. 
Exhaust air which may emit odors, fumes, or vapors shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building.
A. 
Air intake and exhaust openings shall be installed, located, and maintained so as not to constitute a hazard or nuisance, and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes, or foreign matter being drawn into the system.
B. 
Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide air from an uncontaminated source.
C. 
Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain fuel-burning equipment, there shall be provided fixed intake openings from the exterior to supply sufficient air so that the fuel-burning equipment is not adversely affected.
D. 
Exhaust openings shall be located so that the exhaust air will not create a nuisance.
Enclosures or spaces where heat, gases, vapors, or odors may accumulate and become a potential source of hazard or nuisance shall be provided with adequate means of ventilation to remove such excess.
A. 
Manually operated controls shall be provided to stop the operation of all central fan equipment. Such controls shall be conspicuously identified and in readily accessible locations outside the fan room.
B. 
Every system using recirculated air and serving an assembly space, or more than one fire area, or more than one story of a building, shall be provided with controls arranged so that under abnormal rise in temperature of the air or detection of smoke in the system the fans causing normal circulation shall stop and require manual restart.
C. 
Every system for ventilating an assembly space shall be provided with an emergency switch conveniently located and with a durable sign giving instructions for shutting down the system in case of fire.
Fuel oil shall be received, stored and conveyed by means of fixed liquidtight equipment.
A. 
Tanks shall be provided with means for venting.
B. 
Tanks shall be installed and maintained so as not to be a hazard to the premises served or the surrounding property and in accordance with the applicable codes and ordinances of the City of Albany.
A. 
Automatically operated boilers and furnaces using fuel oil shall be provided with automatic and remote control situated exterior to the boiler room to stop the flow of oil during fire or other emergency.
B. 
Filing, emptying, and venting of tanks shall be by means of fixed piping. Pipes to underground tanks shall be pitched toward tanks. Terminals of fill and vent pipes shall be located outside of building at a safe distance from building openings.
Required fire alarm systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times.
A. 
Required sprinkler equipment shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times. Storage of materials shall cause minimum interference to effective discharge of water.
B. 
Valves controlling water supply to sprinklers shall be secure in the open position.
C. 
Sprinkler heads shall be maintained free of corrosion and paint.
D. 
An automatic alarm system shall be installed in connection with a required sprinkler system. Such alarm system shall be activated by the operation of the sprinkler system.
A. 
Standpipe systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition at all times.
B. 
Gate valves at hose stations shall be maintained tight against leaks.
C. 
Hose shall be in proper position ready for operation, dry and free deterioration.
A. 
Each oil burner for boiler, furnace or central hot-water heater all be provided with an approved hand fire extinguisher or two rounded bottom pails filled with sand.
B. 
Portable extinguishers required for fire protection shall be in their designated locations and in a condition which will permit efficient operation without delay and shall be tagged to indicate recent inspection (one year).
A. 
Elevators and escalators shall be maintained so as to be free from physical and fire hazards.
B. 
Elevators shall be provided with durable signs in conspicuous locations on which the rated capacity shall be indicated.
C. 
Elevator cars shall be provided with approved means for transmitting a signal outside the hoistway in case of emergency.
D. 
Hoistways and pits shall be maintained free of refuse.
E. 
Machine rooms shall be maintained free of oil and grease and shall not be used for storage of articles or materials unnecessary for the maintenance of the elevator. Flammable liquids shall not be kept in such rooms.
F. 
No person shall at any time make any required safety device or electrical protective device inoperative, except where necessary during tests, inspections or maintenance.