Logistics Planning and Site Safety Plans

Updated 8/7/24

An approved Site Safety Plan (SSP) is a DOB requirement for most of our projects. The rules surrounding which projects specifically must have SSPs are constantly in flux. At the time of this writing, only projects that qualify as “Major Projects” according to Chapter 33 of the NYC Building Code must have a DOB-approved site safety plan. But all of our other projects must at least have a SSP on site, although it sometimes need not be approved. All precon members should have a working knowledge of Chapter 33.

SSPs are submitted to the DOB BEST Squad for approval. Depending on BEST’s backlog, approval can take anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks (at the time of this writing). They are a requirement for permits for major projects. Because of this it is important to get an approval as early as possible. As a bidding document, they also provide bidders with essential information about scaffolding, overhead protection, roof protection, hoist quantity and configuration, crane locations, etc. Because of this they must be included as a bidding document with all ITBs. When they are used for this purpose, they are doubling as a logistics plan.

In particularly tricky logistics situations, it’s best to consult with crane engineers, DOB/DOT expeditors, superintendents, or PXs as needed for gathering feedback. When creating SSPs (or earlier logistics plans), keep in mind there is no single correct way to lay out the logistics. PMs and PXs may have different preferences which we should incorporate (if reasonable) once they are assigned

Important information for SSPs/logistics plan (as applicable):

  • Crane feasibility/location(s)

  • Hoist location(s)

    • Truck Access to Loading Dock

  • Construction fence

    • Turnstile

    • Man gates

    • Sliding or swinging gates for material deliveries

  • Pedestrian Routing and Protection

    • Barricades

    • Sidewalk Shed

  • Adjacent Building Protection

    • OHP

    • Roof Protection

    • Window Protection

    • Needle Beams

  • Foundation ramp location

  • Façade installation means (supported scaffold, suspended scaffold, mast climbers, etc.)

  • Site Trailer

  • Storage Area(s)

Other Items to Consider:

  • Lane Closures (and effect nearby properties)

  • Where SOE falls relative to our property line

  • MTA/DOT proximity

    • Bus/bike lane impacts

    • MTA impacts

  • Utilities in the surrounding area

  • Sidewalk fixtures (lamp poles, hydrants, parking meters, etc.)

  • Impact on construction sequencing (avoid disrupting façade, lobby, MEP work to the extent possible)