PHILADELPHIA – At the request of the Kenney Administration, legislation was introduced yesterday in City Council to safeguard public health and safety by further strengthening regulation of demolitions in Philadelphia. The two bills, one sponsored by Councilman Curtis Jones and the other by Councilman Mark Squilla, toughen standards for becoming a licensed demolition contractor and require increased dust-control measures at demolition sites.
Councilman Jones stated, “Public safety means different things to different people. Taxpayers depend on the City of Philadelphia to make sure construction and demolition put safety first and this continued move in the right direction will further the work done to change the safety culture in our communities.”
The bill sponsored by Councilman Jones (No. 170898) requires demolition contractors to attend trainings mandated by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) and to fully document the qualifications of supervisors and site safety managers. Additionally, the bill requires adherence to the Philadelphia Water Department’s and Philadelphia Health Department’s soil and dust control regulations as a condition for licensure. This provision strengthens L&I’s ability to take enforcement action against a contractor for failure to comply with the regulations.
The bill sponsored by Councilman Squilla (No. 170903) establishes additional steps that contractors must take to keep dust from escaping demolition sites. Because demolition of properties containing toxic materials generates particles that also contain toxins, containing the resulting dust is a sound strategy for reducing the risk of exposure to contaminants.
Under the bill:
- Demolition projects must be surrounded by dust-control fencing.
- Chutes must be used if materials are dropped from the exterior of a building at a height of more than 20 feet.
- Mechanical demolition must stop when average wind speed exceeds 20 mph.
- While it is waiting to be removed, demolition debris must be contained within fencing, a construction dumpster, or truck.
“While L&I has taken many steps forward, our focus on building safety means we are always working hard to do better” said L&I Commissioner David Perri. “These bills support our efforts to make Philadelphia a safer place.”
The legislation was developed by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections in consultation with City Council; the Philadelphia Departments of Public Health, Law, Streets, and Water; the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency; the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; and construction industry and community groups.
“Collaboration is critical,” said Councilman Squilla. “I know that L&I and the Health Department are already working together in my district and elsewhere, and that it’s been effective. These bills will make a difference by providing for more tools for enforcement.”
903 demolitions were completed in the City of Philadelphia in FY 2017.