N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 316: Section FC 316: Hazards to Emergency Responders

316.1 Hoistway and shaftway protection.

The doors and/or gates to hoistways, freight elevator shafts, trap doors and other means used to provide access to vertical openings, shall be kept closed and secured, or otherwise protected, except when being used to provide access, and shall be closed, secured or otherwise protected, as applicable, at the end of each work day.

316.2 Shaftway markings.

Vertical shafts shall be identified as required by this section.

316.2.1 Exterior access to shaftways.

Outside openings accessible to the department and which open directly on a hoistway or shaftway communicating between two or more floors in a building shall be plainly marked with the word SHAFTWAY in red letters at least 6 inches (152 mm) high on a white background. Such warning signs shall be placed so as to be readily discernible from the outside of the building.

316.2.2 Interior access to shaftways.

Door or window openings to a hoistway or shaftway from the interior of the building shall be plainly marked with the word SHAFTWAY in red letters at least 6 inches (152 mm) high on a white background. Such warning signs shall be placed so as to be readily discernible.

Exception: Marking shall not be required on shaftway openings which are readily discernible as openings onto a shaftway by the construction or arrangement.

316.3 Pitfalls.

Installations designed to disable, injure, maim or kill intruders are prohibited. No person shall install or use firearms, sharp or pointed objects, razor wire, explosives, flammable or combustible liquid containers, or dispensers containing highly toxic, toxic, irritant, piercing sounds or other hazardous materials in a manner which may passively or actively disable, injure, maim or kill a firefighter or other emergency responder who enters a building or premises, forcibly or otherwise, for the purpose of controlling or extinguishing a fire, rescuing trapped occupants or rendering other emergency assistance.

316.4 Security device.

It shall be unlawful to install, operate or maintain a security device that emits any substance that could obscure a means of egress in any building, structure or premises.