This year NYSSPE had 7 members attend the conference.  Joe Pasaturo, PE, Nikhil Bodhankar, PE, Laura Pellizzi, PE,  Rudi Sherbanksy, PE, Andrew Yarmus, PE and David Janover, PE (a prior NY’er who has now relocated to Arizona) represented NYSSPE.  Marty Gordon from NAFE (and also an NYSSPE member) was also in attendance.  Andrew Yarmus, PE chaired the last NSPE PEC meeting of his term as chair, represented NSPE PEC at the House of Delegates, and was acknowledged as a member of this year’s class of Fellows.  Laura Pellizzi, PE was appointed as NE Region Candidate Screening Committee representative and represented NY at the House of Delegates (report to come).  Nikhil Bodhankar, PE, of course, was acknowledged as NSPE’s Young Engineer of the Year.

Some Highlights:
Board of Directors, 2018–19
The new 2018–19 Board of Directors has been installed—a talented group to lead NSPE into the future.

NSPE has a new app! The NSPE App houses multiple conference events within one app. You only need to download one app to access an archive of conference events at the palm of your hands.  Download the NSPE App to stay up to date with the latest event news and the full conference schedule.  Explore exciting features to keep you engaged throughout the event, including interactive maps, session and speaker profiles, and much more.

2018 NSPE Award Winners
Young Engineer of the Year Award -NYSSPE’s Nikhil Bodhankar, P.E. (Capital District Chapter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____
Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

 

NEW FIRESTOP SPECIAL INSPECTION STANDARDS

Firestopping is a critical area of fire protection in commercial buildings to limit the spread of building fires.  This is the reason NYC Department of Buildings changed their new 2014 code to require firestop special inspections utilizing the ASTM firestop inspection standards for all buildings.  According to these standards, the inspector shall provide visual and/or destructive testing for a percentage of the firestop systems.  The New ASTM firestop inspection standards have proven to be an excellent standard to protect the liability of the special inspection agency and general contractors. To reduce your liability these standards need to be adhered to, so NYSSPE has supported firestop special inspection training for its membership.

Firestop Special Inspection Requirement:

Firestopping, is becoming more and more of a hot button item these days.  Why is that? Because of its extreme importance in fire resistive floors and walls.  Firestopping is the use of materials for building; such as ducts, pipes, etc. that prevent flames, heat and gases from spreading through penetrations of ceilings, walls and floors to restore its full fire rating. Not only do many buildings not have the proper firestop systems installed, but we are finding that it is inexperienced workers from each trade installing the firestop systems, leaving their walls, joints, ceilings, etc. exposed and at great risk.  When a building is at risk, people’s lives are at risk of injury and fatality, that could lead to litigation for your company.  To reduce this liability the NYC Department of Buildings has recently required firestop special inspections according to the new ASTM firestop inspection standards. 

Review Some of the Highlights of the New ASTM Firestop Inspection Standard: 

You may be aware that the International Building Code used in the US has included new firestop inspection standards since the 2012 codes were adopted.  These standards were put in place to help increase the efficiency of firestop systems and inspections.  The ASTM firestop inspection standards have been also adopted into the 2014 NYC codes. The two ASTM Standards are E-2174 (Penetrations) and   E-2393 (Joints) that are in place for special inspectors to adhere to.    These two standards are similar and important to understand, starting with Conflicts of Interest.  The firestop inspector needs to be completely independent of and divested from the installer, contractor, manufacturer, or supplier.   [Read more…]

 

The NYSSPE Annual conference is a cost effective way to obtain up to 7 PDHs, as well as a great way to network with other Professionals! Attendees will also have access to our exhibitors who will be showcasing great products that can help your career and business.

June 15 & 16, 2018
Holiday Inn
232 Broadway (Rt. 9),
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

Meeting Summary and Hotel Information
 Agenda/Schedule

Seminar Topics will include:
It’s a Matter of Ethics
Engineers, Envelopes, and the Energy Code
Bio-Engineering Utilizing Biodegradable Sediment & Erosion Control Solutions
Pavement Preservation Solutions
The 1939 NY World’s Fair: A Civil Engineering Showcase

Hotel Reservations are to be made directly with the Holiday Inn
Room rate $165
Rooms MUST be booked by: May 25, 2018

REGISTER NOW
Registration Deadline is June 11, 2018

Exhibitor Form 

Sponsor Form 

With sadness, The New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) has learned of the passing of Michael Hayes, PE. Michael served as  NYSSPE’s 2012-2013 State President.  He also served on the Foundation for Engineering Educations (FEE) Board of Directors from 2015-2017.

Michael Roy Hayes was born in Syracuse, New York to Frederick and Ruth Hayes. Upon graduation from Central Technical High school, he enrolled in Syracuse University (SU) and completed the Electrical Engineering program. While at SU, he also joined and completed the United States Air Force (USAF) ROTC.

He then served in the USAF for twenty years as a civil engineer and enjoyed traveling widely in Europe, Asia and the USA. He retired as Major and then began a second career as a civilian Electrical Engineer. He worked for Maniktala Associates, C & S Engineering and, briefly, IDP Engineering. It also gave him great pleasure to work for H & R Block and then Total Financial Services as a tax preparer. He reached the level of Enrolled Agent before retiring as a preparer.  He loved running, Bridge and all things computer related.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and sisters Sharon, (Bill) LaRouche and Nancy Hayes and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

– – – – – – –

Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

Howard Blitman P.E., F.NSPE was honored with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at RPI’s Inaugural Scholarship Gala this past fall. He received this award in recognition of his service, philanthropy and partnership with Rensselaer for over 65 years. Blitman graduated Rensselaer in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and as an alumnus remained very active at Rensselaer as an adviser, trustee, philanthropist and volunteer. He established a professorship in engineering, and gave a gift to the endowment that allowed for the construction of Blitman Commons, once a hotel and now a student living space, which benefits both the school and downtown Troy community.

In his professional life, Blitman is a consulting engineer and the president of The Blitman Building Corporation. He also served as president of the New York Chapter/NYSSPE in 1974-1975, president of NYSSPE in 1978-1979, and was elected president of NSPE in 2002-2003.

Congratulations Howard, from all of your colleagues at NYSSPE!

[Read more…]