Beamliving
1. Guidelines Implementation
To impose on all buildings within StuyTown - Peter Cooper Village for a Healthy Building Operational.
2. Operational Guidelines Mission Statement
As Stuyvesant Town - Peter Cooper Village is one of the largest communities in Manhattan, we are projecting to encourage the best practices for healthier living for residents and occupants, staff, and maintenance personnel by promoting a policy which focuses indoor air and environmental quality with the intend to reduce respiratory issues and the transmission of airborne contagious diseases for all.
3. Operational Guidelines
Applying Healthy Building Operational Guidance will encourage the community to be mindful for the prospective well-being of themselves and of others by adopting the following operational policies and protocols from I to VIII:
I. Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Policy:
o Rationale:
StuyTown - Peter Cooper Village prohibits all forms of smoking consumption, which exposure to secondhand smoke and increase the risk of cardiac and pulmonary conditions for both tobacco users and other occupants.
o Implementation Guidance:
The Tobacco and Smoke-Free Policy apply for all indoor areas within the building including dwelling units which prohibits the use of all forms of smoking, tobacco, and unregulated nicotine products, including:
· Cigarettes and cigars (commercially or self-rolled)
· Pipes, hookahs or water pipes
· Electronic cigarettes
· Smokeless tobacco for placing in the mouth or nose obtain nicotine
· Tobacco use including smoking, chewing, dipping, or any other use of tobacco products.
Smoking is restricted to the designated smoking areas (as defined by the location of the urn), which are located outside the M or T level entrances. Approximately 50 feet away from each building.
II. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Policy
o Rationale:
Implementing an IAQ policy promotes a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for residents and occupants with the purpose of minimizing the contact of pollutants by confirming adequate ventilation and maintaining comfortable temperature and humidity levels to prevent the risk of respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma, and the transmission of airborne contagious diseases.
o Implementation Guidance:
This Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Policy is designated for resident, occupant and building management to practice for a heathier Indoor Air Quality.
· On-going Construction and Renovations:
Ø Based on DOB and Fire Code regulations, smoking is generally prohibited at all construction sites, both indoors and outdoors with no specific footage distance; however, StuyTown Peter Cooper Village applies the same House Rules to the designated smoking areas; approximately 50 feet away from smoking within the construction site of building entrance and ventilation openings.
Ø Ensuring ventilation enhancement from doors to the outside.
Ø Construction crews shall wear protective gears in compliance with StuyTown - Peter Cooper Village.
· Materials:
Ø Property management must prioritize low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials and products during renovations and new construction.
Ø Storing VOCs separately from absorbent products and materials
Ø Storing all absorbent products and materials separately in areas that are protected from dust and moisture.
· Source Control:
Ø StuyTown Operations Team (Trades) shall inspect thoroughly for sealing doors, floors, and windows.
Ø Buildings HVAC preventative maintenance is provided as needed.
Ø Inspection of HVAC system and peripheral devices to check efficiency, air balance, filter status, and status of the mechanical systems.
Ø Residents shall report moisture to the property manager immediately.
Ø Trades are to ensure proper drainage to prevent moisture.
Ø Residents shall maintain house temperatures between 68°F and 78°F/20°C to 25.5°C.
Ø Vacant units’ temperature must be kept between 55°F to 86°F/13°C to 30°C, to prevent moisture.
Ø An annual inspection for mold and overall lease compliance is required.
Ø Support air flow with ventilation within all wet areas and areas susceptible to moisture.
· Housekeeping:
Ø Property management, residents, occupants, staff, and maintenance personnel shall implement effective housekeeping and pest control practices to reduce dust, allergens, and other contaminants.
Ø Hygienic storage of garbage and other waste, including no open-top waste bins.
Ø Prohibiting products or other sources of harmful or inconvenient odors and contaminants from spaces where cleaning chemicals are stored, such as utility rooms, which can impact air quality with permanently ventilated areas.
Ø Ensure effective cleaning practices that minimize the use of harsh chemicals and prioritize the use of less toxic alternatives.
· Training:
Ø Property management shall encourage employees training in reporting IAQ concerns.
Ø Evaluate the effectiveness of the IAQ program regularly.
Ø Inspection regularly for condensation, water damage, and moisture indoors.
Ø IAQ CDC guidelines for Building Owners and Facility Managers.
III. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment Protocol
o Rationale:
Incorporating regularly inspection for air quality levels will help identify and mitigate potential health hazards associated with poor indoor air quality which leads to prospective respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other health problems.
o Implementation Guidance:
Implementing the following Assessment Protocol to address IAQ concerns, such as by improving ventilation and cleaning practices.
· The property addresses potential issues related to mold growth by requiring tenants to notify management of water leaks, excessive moisture, or mold growth. They also emphasize maintaining cleanliness to prevent mold.
· Tenants should test alarms monthly, report any issues, such as beeping device to the Landlord/Property Management, and avoid tampering with the devices.
· Tenants are encouraged to prevent excessive smoke, odors, or other objectionable smells from emanating from their apartments.
· Stuytown implements a no-smoking policy in common areas and immediately surrounding buildings, restricting smoking to designated areas.
· The Compliance Department shall annually schedule moisture testing.
· StuyTown manages and maintains occupancy levels throughout the project to ensure indoor air quality is not compromised.
· To ensure best practices in IAQ management operations, the StuyTown Operations Team is responsible for the following:
Ø The installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. They are generally responsible for replacing alarms when they wear out.
Ø Mechanical improvements such as upgrading HVAC units and ductwork, as well as rebalancing/recommissioning of ventilation systems, also providing air or air duct cleaning as needed
Ø Supporting air flow with natural and/or mechanical ventilation, especially within all wet areas and areas susceptible to moisture.
IV. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
o Rationale:
Utilizing the IPM method shall direct technicians to safely practice when using products that contain pesticide and use these products as last remedy when the non-chemical prevention was not effective as initiative plan to minimize the impact of site management practices on the local ecosystem, and to reduce exposure of occupants, staff, and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological and particle contaminants..
o Implementation Guidance:
The following Integrated Pest Management plan is also communicated with residents via tenant’s lease and on the Beam Living’s website “House Guidelines” for all.
· Remove pest nests and thoroughly clean pest waste and other debris using a HEPA vacuum. Make sure to limit the spread of dust when cleaning.
· Repair and seal any holes, gaps or cracks in walls, ceilings, floors, molding, base boards, around pipes and conduits, and around and within cabinets.
· Attach door sweeps to all doors that lead to hallways, basements or outside.
· Remove all water sources for pests by repairing drains, faucets and other plumbing materials that collect water or leak.
· Use pesticides sparingly. If pesticides must be used to correct a violation, they must be applied by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation–licensed pest professional.
· Tenant agrees that in the event a pest control treatment is undertaken by the Landlord, the Landlord is solely responsible for the cost of the actual treatment, by its designated pest control company.
V. Safe Chemical Storage
o Rationale:
Ensuring that chemical products are either third-party verified as safe, or that their storage areas are properly ventilated, reduces the risk of exposure to airborne toxins and potential resultant symptoms, including wheezing, asthma, allergic reactions, and skin irritation.
o Implementation Guidance:
Ensure that all chemicals are stored safely within all the buildings and are stored in a space with separate source ventilation unless the chemicals meet one of the following qualifying standards:
· Store chemicals in a well-ventilated area: This helps disperse fumes and reduces the risk of inhalation hazards.
· Ensure proper ventilation for chemical storage rooms: property must have a dedicated chemical storage room for the specific ventilation requirements outlined in the Building Code, which applies to all chemicals unless it meets one of the following qualifying standards:
Ø Green Seal
Ø California Code of Regulations
Ø Ecologo
Ø EPA Safer Choice
Ø ISO 14024-compliant (Type 1) Ecolabel.
· Keep incompatible chemicals separate: Do not store chemicals together that could react dangerously if mixed. For example, acids and bases should be stored apart.
· Follow specific guidelines for different types of chemicals: Flammable gases, liquids, and solids, as well as corrosive or toxic substances, require specific storage procedures. Consult resources such as the FDNY's NYC Fire Code Guide for detailed information on handling and storing flammable liquids.
· Avoid using storage rooms for other purposes: Dedicated chemical storage rooms should not be used for activities like mixing chemicals or general storage.
· Ensure proper ventilation for chemical storage rooms: If you have a dedicated chemical storage room, it must meet specific ventilation requirements outlined in the Building Code.
· Refer to the Stuytown's House Guidelines: like many other property managements, they have specific rules regarding the types of items that can be stored and how they should be disposed of. If in doubt, contact StuyTown Resident Services for specific instructions on chemical storage and disposal within the building.
· Dispose of hazardous materials properly: NYC has specific guidelines for disposing of hazardous waste. Stuytown residents should consult NYC.gov's resources regarding waste disposal, including instructions for batteries and other potentially hazardous items.
· Report any concerns: If you have concerns about potential exposure to hazardous materials or require assistance with chemical storage, contact Stuytown management or the Public Safety Office.
VI. Chemical Purchasing Policy
o Rationale:
A chemical purchasing policy can ensure that materials brought into the building will conform to standards that preserve high Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), contributing to enhanced respiratory and mental health.
o Implementation Guidance:
This guideline applies to all purchases made within the buildings to ensure Facility Operations and suppliers meet specific criteria related to chemical quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. All vendors must be approved through RealPage Vendor Credentialing in compliance with StuyTown - Peter Cooper Village for qualification and background check. However, some chemicals may pose greater risks and require extra precautions.
· Pesticides must meet one of the following:
Ø All active substances are marked EPA approved label.
Ø All active substances are cataloged as “low-risk” in the EU Pesticides Database.
Ø All active substances are marked as “Approved” in the EU Pesticides Database and are either classified as Class U or not classified in the latest version of “The WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard and Guidelines to Classification.”
· Cleaning chemical products and materials must meet the applicable certification and testing standards below:
Ø Certified by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN)
Ø EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG) Program, with a listing under the CPG Product Supplier Directory
Ø EPA’s Safer Choice Label
Ø Ecologo Certified
Ø Green Seal Certified
· Disinfectants must meet all of the following:
Follow CDC and manufacturer guidelines for safe use
Be listed on EPA List N and contain any the following safer active ingredients:
Ø Hydrogen peroxide
Ø Ethyl alcohol/ethanol
Ø Citric acid
Ø L-lactic acid
Ø Caprylic acid
Ø Thymol
· Ensure that the following materials transparency information is accessible to project occupants for all chemical products, materials used and purchased within the project:
Ø The properties of each chemical
Ø The potential health hazards
Ø Protective measures and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical
· Protective measures for safe handling practices and storage that are implemented within the project.
Ø Trades shall take protective measures and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting chemicals.
Ø The StuyTown Operation’s Team shall ensure SDS for all purchased chemical products.
Ø Store products in their original containers with labels intact and never mix products. Mixing bleach with ammonia can produce deadly fumes.
Ø StuyTown Operations Team (Trades) shall use protective measures and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting chemicals.
· Note the most common hazardous household chemicals products include:
Ø Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, ammonia, and air fresheners.
Ø Pesticides, hydrogen peroxide, ethyl alcohol/ethanol, citric acid, l-lactic acid, caprylic acid and thymol.
Ø Automotive products: Motor oil, fuel additives, antifreeze, automotive batteries, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and starter fluids. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance
Ø Workshop and painting supplies, such as glues, furniture strippers, oil- or enamel-based paints, stains, finishes, paint thinners, and turpentine.
Ø Flammable products, such as propane tanks, kerosene, home heating oil, diesel fuel, gas/oil mixes, and lighter fluid.
Ø Electronic waste, such as TVs, computer monitors, and cell phones.
Ø Waste containing asbestos or mercury: Including mercury thermometers and fluorescent lights.
Ø Follow CDC and manufacturer guidelines for safe use.
VII. Water Management Plan
o Rationale:
Developing and implementing a comprehensive water management protocol to ensure safety drinking water quality and decreasing the risk of exposure to water pathogens and contaminants.
o Implementation Guidance:
Though Stuytown and Peter Cooper Village order annual cleaning to the water tanks and report results for bacteriological tests through a certified Laboratory, it is recommended for residents and occupants, staff, and maintenance personnel to practice the following protocols.
· The best way to kill germs is to boil the water.
· Consider purchasing a water filter pitcher that targets contaminants, which remove parasites or viruses. Consult with StuyTown Management Team.
· Flush faucets and showerheads: Before using them after a period of inactivity, especially if you notice a drop in water pressure.
· Clean showerheads and faucet aerators to prevent germ buildup.
· Maintain and replace water filters regularly according to manufacturer's instructions notes from the CDC.
· To ensure best practices in water management operations, the StuyTown Operations Team is responsible for the following:
Ø Maintaining the water supply system.
Ø Maintaining water heater: setting the temperature between 130°F–140°F can kill Legionella with caution in handling of getting burnt. Additionally, the team should monitor and maintain hot water quality.
Ø Maintaining device-specific water management programs for cooling towers, hot tubs/spas, decorative fountains, and centrally installed misters, atomizers, air washers or humidifiers when applicable.
Ø Identifying physical, chemical, and microbial hazards in drinking water supply, as well as the presence of cSommensurate organisms or backflow and cross-connection problems.
Ø Determining control and preventative measures such as checking temperature and levels, visual inspections, cleaning and flushing protocols, and repairing or replacing old fixtures.
VIII. Emergency Preparedness Plan
o Rationale:
Implementing and establishing how individuals will receive emergency alerts and warnings and determining a safe place in the event of an evacuation, which can prevent the risk of negative impacts such as injuries and the spread of infectious disease.
o Implementation Guidance:
The following Emergency Preparedness Plan documents are attached along with this document.
Ø STPCV Fire Action Preparedness Plan
Ø STPCV Flood-Water Intrusion Preparedness Plan
4. Share Operational Guidelines
The healthy building operational guidelines are available to residents, occupants, contractors, staff, and maintenance personnel in the following methods:
Digital platform – Beam Living’s website https://residents.stuytown.com/community-health-guidelines/building-operational-guidelines/
SOP’s database for employees