Urban Centers are Preparing for the Post-Pandemic “Reverse Exodus” as Millions Head Back Into Cities to Work

A building and safety expert warns there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to ensuring a safe re-entry back into high-rise buildings

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 4, 2021 / For many office buildings, the last sign of human occupancy was more than a year ago. Today, major metropolises like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are on track to opening the floodgates of commerce and the revolving doors to high-rises.

Just as the cobwebs are being swept away from the once vibrant and populated multi-floor communities, Joe Coss, COO of Vertical Systems Analysis in NYC, says there are some life-saving measures everyone should know. The New York native points out that while many tenants are focused on updated air filtration systems and sanitizer stations, occupants should probably paying attention to something a little less sexy. “Escalators and elevators are often taken for granted. You step into a little cubicle that shoots a thousand feet off the ground and just assume you’re safe.”

In reality, a decade-long uptick in fatal elevator and escalator accidents spawned new safety regulations for mechanical people moving. Coss, who was the lead mechanical engineer for One World Trade Center, advises builder and tenant alike should take note. “Sometimes building managers don’t know about the new regulations, but ignorance doesn’t cut it as an excuse. On the flip side, as a paying tenant of a building, you have every right to see proof of the code compliance.”

Aside from posing a physical threat to passengers, each violation comes with a hefty fine of thousands of dollars; what’s more, there are usually several violations in one building. “The OSHA and city inspectors pop in unannounced. If you’re caught with your pants down, you better be reaching for your wallet.”

Coss recommends his clients upgrade and modernize their mechanical systems while taking advantage of the current state and federal tax incentives. He admits that implementing these changes can be daunting. “That’s why services like Vertical System Analysis are so valuable; they take the confusion out of compliance.”

About Vertical Systems Analysis
VSA specializes in modernizing existing systems as well as new construction, with a range of elevator consulting services that include surveys and feasibility studies, design engineering, traffic analysis, and test witnessing. Experienced in working with the Department of Buildings, VSA also handles violations and permit requirements for new systems and modernizations of existing systems. Headquartered in midtown Manhattan, VSA offers the complete range of needs for all vertical transportation – and has been an elevator and escalator consultant to thousands of building owners and property managers nationwide. For more information, visit vsaconsulting.com.

CONTACT
Joe Coss
(646) 505-8306
jcossentino@vsaconsulting.com

SOURCE: Vertical Systems Analysis

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