Local Law 152 is a New York gas safety law that makes gas piping system inspections mandatory for all building owners. The inspection must be conducted by licensed master Local Law 152 plumbers or a professional supervised by a licensed master plumber (LMP). Re-inspections have to be scheduled every four years.
The law was introduced as part of a larger plan to improve gas line safety across New York households and other properties. It is one of many laws in the pipeline for gas piping systems in the city.
Top Facts You Need To Know About Local Law 152 Gas Inspections
Here are some of the essential facts you need to know about this law and how you can remain compliant:
Not All Buildings Require Compliance
While a Local Law 152 gas inspection covered most Brooklyn buildings, there are some exceptions. Buildings classified as occupancy group, R-3, are exempt.
These buildings comprise three independent housing units or less and have less than 20 occupants. The classification applies to dual and single housing units and group homes.
To determine if your housing unit is in this category, check the building’s Certificate of Occupancy.
Inspections Are Planned and Regular
All Community Districts are divided into four groups, each with different inspection years. The next inspection is due in four years, but it may be conducted early, but not 60 days before the official or original date.
Buildings without Gas Pipelines Aren’t Exactly Exempt
Local law 152 exemptions include buildings that don’t have gas pipelines but with a twist. Owners still need to prove they do not have a gas piping system to get this exemption.
For this, they need to file a certificate verifying the fact. The certificate has to be renewed every four years, i.e., at the same time as scheduled inspections.
Interrupted Inspections Have To Be Repeated
As per the law, if your inspection is interrupted, a new one can be conducted along with a new certification process. Master plumbers cannot certify a property if they aren’t provided with the required access.
Not All Gas Appliances Are Inspected
Local Law 152 exemptions include gas appliances. Only exposed gas pipes in a building’s hallways and corridors are inspected. These do not include gas pipes above drop ceilings or behind access doors.
Plumbers cannot go into apartments and homes to conduct inspections. Boiler and mechanical rooms in buildings are also exempt.
Leak Tests Are Mandatory
Licensed master plumbers are authorized to perform leak tests before the initial inspection as per the law. Again, these are conducted on exposed gas pipes that lead to tenant spaces. No homes are inspected or tested. Plumbers leak test crawlspaces using combustible gas detectors. The tool is used to detect leaks in pipes located in hallways and corridors on floors that have gas piping.
Some of these spots are located in difficult-to-reach spaces in buildings. Experienced plumbers have the tools, equipment, and safety gear to ensure a thorough inspection.
Hazardous Conditions Should Be Reported
Unsafe conditions should be reported to the utility company, the building owner, and the Department of Buildings. These include non-compliant installations, illegal connections, and gas leaks.
Violations can lead to a $10,000 fine (per violation) and an additional $250 for each month they aren’t corrected. Master plumbers may have their licenses withdrawn and suspended pending an investigation if they fail to report problems.
Building owners must take the steps necessary to bring their gas piping system up to code to ensure their tenants remain safe.
Reports Are Generated In 30 Days
After the inspection, the inspector has 30 days to send the Inspection Certificate to the building owners, who have 60 days to submit it to the DOB. If they miss this Local Law 152 deadline, they will need to schedule a fresh inspection for another Inspection Certificate.
You also need a new one if there were errors in the inspection. In this case, the report will be expected within 120 days of the initial inspection.
Choose Experienced Plumbers for Gas Pipeline Inspections
Gas pipelines have hidden hazards that you can easily miss, which can prove catastrophic. Request inspections from trained and experienced plumbers who can also give you a Local Law 152 update if the law changes.
All Brooklyn building owners must comply (except those in the R-3 occupancy group). All certificates and reports must be kept on file for 10 years so they can be examined later if there is a gas leak or any other pipeline hazard.
The LMP you hire must have at least five years of experience working under an LMP and seven hours of training acceptable to DOB.