New Update 11/17/2005:
Yesterday afternoon, during a period of high wind, fragments of glass from a window pane on the south side of the building came loose. Some of the glass fell into the perimeter protection area, but a few small pieces fell onto Albany Street after first hitting the sidewalk shed. No work was taking place in the area where the window was located.
The site safety team from our general contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, immediately closed the street to pedestrians. As per protocol, they then contacted the LMDC and the LowerManhattanConstructionCommandCenter. Representatives from both agencies immediately reported to the scene.
Workers removed the remainder of the loose glass from the window and installed boards in the opening. The LMDC also directed the contractors to install cantilevers off of the sidewalk sheds to provide an additional level of protection over the sidewalks and streets. That work began today and will be completed tomorrow (Nov. 18th). In addition, at the regular morning safety meeting todayworkers were directed to be extremely vigilant of cracks in the glass.
As the scaffolding is erected and the netting is removed, we will be able to closely inspect each piece of glass. Inspections are already taking place in the areas where the scaffolding has been erected.
The incident response protocol in this situation was effective. Safety remains the highest priority of the LMDC and all of the contractors working on the 130 Liberty Street deconstruction project.
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