N.Y.C. Admin. Code § MC 108: Section MC 108: Inspections and Testing

108.1 General.

Except as otherwise specified, inspections required by this code or by the department during the progress of work may be performed on behalf of the owner by approved agencies or, if applicable, by special inspectors. However, in the interest of public safety, the commissioner may direct that any of such inspections be performed by the department. All inspections shall be performed at the sole cost and expense of the owner. Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code for additional provisions relating to inspections.

108.2 Required inspections and testing.

In addition to any inspections otherwise required by this code or applicable rules, the following inspections shall be required:

1.

Progress inspections:

1.1. inspection and/or testing of installed piping, valves, fittings, support structures, anti-corrosion equipment and associated underground components shall be made before backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site ready for use in backfilling.

Exception: Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested and backfilled in accordance with Section 1210 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection.

1.2. Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all ducting and other components to be concealed are complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.

1.3. Inspections required by the New York City Energy Conservation Code shall be made in accordance with rules of the department, as applicable.

2.

Special inspections. Special inspections shall be performed in accordance with this code and Chapter 17 of the New York City Building Code.

3.

Final inspection. Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

4.

Issuance of certificate of compliance. Upon satisfactory inspection of service equipment and the satisfaction of all the requirements for sign-off, the department shall issue a certificate of compliance as applicable for the following service equipment:

4.1. Air-conditioning and ventilation systems

4.2. Fuel-burning and fuel-oil storage equipment, including generators,

4.3. Refrigeration systems,

4.4. Heating systems, and

4.5. Boilers.

The requirements of Section 108.2 shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment or appliances installed to replace existing heating equipment or appliances serving an occupied portion of a structure provided that a request for inspection of such heating equipment or appliances has been filed with the department not more than 48 hours after such replacement work is completed, and all required inspections are performed before any portion of such equipment or appliances is concealed by any permanent portion of the structure.

108.2.1 Approved inspection agencies.

Refer to Articles 114 and 115 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

108.2.2 Inspection of prefabricated construction assemblies.

Prior to the approval of a prefabricated construction assembly having concealed mechanical work and the issuance of a permit, the department shall require the submittal of an evaluation report by an approved agency on each prefabricated construction assembly, indicating the complete details of the mechanical system, including a description of the system and its components, the basis upon which the system is being evaluated, test results and similar information, and other data as necessary for the commissioner to determine conformance to this code.

108.2.2.1 Test and inspection records.

Required test and inspection records shall be available to the commissioner at all times during the fabrication of the mechanical system and the erection of the building; or such records as the commissioner designates shall be filed.

108.2.3 Exposure of work.

The work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the commissioner nor the city shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

108.3 Testing.

Mechanical systems shall be tested as required in this code and in accordance with Sections 108.3.1 through 108.3.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and witnessed by the department or an approved agency.

108.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems.

New mechanical systems and parts of existing systems, that have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and defects.

108.3.2 Apparatus, material and labor for tests.

Apparatus, material and labor required for testing a mechanical system or part thereof shall be furnished by the permit holder.

108.3.3 Reinspection and testing.

Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the department for inspection and testing.

108.4 Sign-off of completed work.

Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

108.5 Temporary connection.

The commissioner shall have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of a mechanical system to the sources of energy for the purpose of testing mechanical systems or for use under a temporary certificate of occupancy.