6th Post: PET CARE Compensation...or Joke? SECURITY & SCAFFOLDING REGULATIONS

Dear Fellow Residents,

Happy Holidays... Thank you for all of your support and participation.  After reading the following regulatory information, one has to wonder why the Irvine Company has not demanded safety netting to prevent injuries or required the scaffolding company to install security alarms for our protection?

Additionally, in order to uphold safety and security measures, pulling up ladders, pulleys and ropes at the end of every work day, is a standard practice yet, not being done on our property?  Being that, Promontory Point is a large residential community, its disconcerting as to why this practice is not being enforced?

The "RESIDENT VOICE" has been a tremendous community effort and we have made significant accomplishments.  However, in regards to rental discounts, if you do the math, 25% is not a substantial rent allowance nor, does it accommodate the extreme inconveniences we are dealing with.  The majority of the community has expressed;   "1/2" off  the  rent  would  be  an acceptable  allowance.  Alternatively,  there  should also be a moving  compensation  package  for  those  opting  to  leave. 

The Irvine Company initiated this project without regard to our quality of life and provided adequate communication as to the impact this project will have.  After all, fancy dinner meetings and Christmas cruises may be nice for the moment however, they are just temporary "bandages" to mask the issues.  With that said;  The Irvine Company still has an opportunity to do the right thing for our community and improve their company image.  

THANK  YOU  FOR  YOUR  SUPPORT & 

WISHING  YOU  A  SAFE  AND  HEALTHY  HOLIDAY  SEASON!

SCAFFOLDING & LADDERS... 

        A BURGLAR'S DREAM

Am I insured if 
 I have scaffolding up?   

According to the Insurance Broker Trade, they have recommended that whoever is carrying out the repairs has Public Liability insurance, if it is a large job, they must have Contract Works insurance to cover the materials and works in progress. 

With regard to your Contents insurance, having scaffolding up is an increased risk as it allows intruders access to upper floors and roof areas. 

You must inform insurers of the date the scaffolding is goes up and, for how long.  If you do not do this and a claim occurs, you may find you are not covered.

source: Insurance broker to trade

                                 

“TIPS” 

    Extra Security & Precautions... 

How do I make my home more secure?

Before going away, take a few simple precautions that will allow you to relax with a peace of mind and safe in the knowledge that your home is protected.  The intent of this article is not to create paranoia or scare but rather, offer information and helpful advise in regards to security.

What do burglars prefer?

Scaffolding is a an open invitation and can be a dream come true for intruders and burglars in residential neighborhoods.  Be extra careful while under construction work as intruders may be attracted by the scaffolding due to the easy access it provides them to less secure upstairs windows.

Upon diligent research, it came to our attention that most construction zones located in commercial properties are fenced in and locked down and with extra security measures such as: alarms, security cameras and extra patrols.  According to NASC, most reputable companies will REMOVE  ALL LADDERS,  PULLEY'S  AND  ROPES  AT  THE  END  OF  EVERY  WORK  DAY  TO PREVENT  RISK  OF  INTRUDERS.   

In our case, Promontory might as well give them a key!

High, overgrown hedges provide cover for intruders and although the landscapes do a great job, be sure to advise of landscaping in need of trimming.  Lastly, to avoid the obvious appearance you are gone, ask a neighbor to pick up any solicitations or newspapers.

                                                         

While YOU are away???  
How to make your home appear occupied...

Consider investing in one of the many apps that now allow you to turn lights on and off, draw and open curtains and watch video footage of your home from anywhere in the world.  On the other hand, before jumping into a huge expense, using simple timers on rotating schedule will help make your home seem occupied by turning on radios and lamps while you are away.

“EYES & EARS” -  Develop a good relationship with your neighbors or create a neighborhood watch.  “Extra eyes & ears” will add an extra element of awareness for your property including parking garages.

Is video surveillance too extreme? 

Not necessarily, camera footage is becoming surprisingly common and in addition to helping catch intruders, cameras are a proven deterrent.  Most especially in entrances, hallway's, public areas and parking garages.

It’s also important to decide what kind of cameras you want to use. The options include wireless, remote access, and even night vision.  But be careful, the law says your cameras can’t point onto public land, or any part of someone else’s property.

How can I secure my windows?

As you may have noticed, the old windows and slider frames were installed incorrectly which resulted in the interior tracks facing out.  Who knows if it was intentional or mistake?  Regardless, it prevented residents from being able to add extra security by placing a small pole or stick in the track.  This old trick may sound simple however, it worked.

However, until you have the new windows installed, the maintenance team can help by providing security pins.  The SECURITY PINS work by drilling holes in the old window frames which prevent  intruders from pushing them open.  Moreover, if you choose to leave windows open throughout the night, the pins add a little extra security to allow fresh air flow through and leave you with a little peace of mind.

Construction will be on-going throughout 2015 and eventually, each unit will be provided with new windows and frames.  Although the COLOR of the frame and  "GREEN" TINTED WINDOWS  are up for debate, they are new and long overdue.  Bottom line, they may not look great but, they will serve a purpose to filter noise and stop cold air from coming in during the winter. 

The good news, the new frames are being installed correctly and as compared to the old frames, the tracks are on the inside which will allow residents to put a security pole / rod down.  Moreover, the new windows can be left open a few inches without jeopardizing safety.

  

Is it worth activating your burglar alarm?

Yes, in addition to helping catch criminals, alarms can be an excellent deterrent.  Once installed or activated, it is recommended to provide visible notification on the exterior.

> Don’t use 1234 or 0000 as your alarm code as this is the first thing an intruder will try.

Make sure your alarm works and is activated or else your insurer might not pay up if it’s switched off or fails to sound.

Majority of residents feel the alarm should be supported by Promontory while units have scaffolding and under construction.

What should I do with keys?

Definitely do not leave them under the mat or a flower pot as this is the first place thieves will look.  However, there were three break-in's this past summer at Promontory Point and one other attempted break-in and intruders pushed their way right through the front door, breaking locks and knocking the door right out of the frame.

Hiding Valuables?   

                                Think like a thief...

If you’re hiding valuables, be creative.  According to statistics, the master bedroom is a prime target for burglars to look for valuables such as: jewelry, laptops & money.  Think like a thief  and seek out inconspicuous places.  Intruders are less likely to be successful if your valuables are hidden among your children’s Legos, furniture, cleaning supplies, cereal cupboards, etc. 

Safes can also be a good way of securing valuables against theft and provide protection against fire which is always a good investment.  

It only takes 60 seconds!  Take the extra minute to hide valuables in your car and take things inside.  

Throughout the years, in addition to rise in recent home burglaries, Promontory has had many incidents of car break-in’s.  In one particular case, the security code was used to break in a locked garage steal 4 bikes.  

Be creative with codes and take a minute to lock your bikes, even if they are in your garage.  Most importantly, due to the scaffolding being up for several months, keep your eyes open and use caution. 

SCAFFOLDING  REGULATORS

NASC

 (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation) 

Scaffolding as an industry is changing, it is now becoming widely accepted that the industry should be regulated to ensure that only the most up to date standards of best practice and safety are used. As more and more clients and contractors stipulate only NASCmembers as the obvious solution to employing a competent scaffolding contractor the harder it is for rogue and inferior scaffolding firms to find corners of the industry to continue operating in.

The 2012 Safety Report is, once again proof that the NASC’s strict criteria for membership and its insistence that every member company operates to current industry best practice provides a safer method of working for scaffolding that reduces accidents and ultimately saves lives.

By selecting a rigorously audited NASC member you are making the right decision because you are making an informed decision. There is no speculation as to the standard and

Adequate Health and Safety provision: All members must provide a satisfactory signed Health and Safety policy statement and evidence that they meet current health and safety legislation. All members must agree to complete the NASC annual accident return.

Working Practice: All members must adhere to the latest guidance

Security: All members are required to identify their equipment using a marking system. Members must then register their colours with the NASC to restrict any theft.

All members are expected to be actively involved in crime prevention and report all thefts to both the NASC and the Police.

What happens if a member company doesn’t conform?

In the first instance a member company is asked to take appropriate action to re-conform. A re-audit of the company at their expense will be arranged to verify that appropriate actions have been carried out. If there is further non-compliance then the

company will be notified of expulsion from the NASC.

published by the NASC.

CITB Registered: All members must provide a copy of their certificate of registration to CITB ConstructionSkills and provide proof of levy payment.

Code of Conduct: The NASC publishes a code of conduct which all members must abide by.

Insurance: An NASC member must hold a minimum of £5 million Public Liability Insurance, plus at least £10 million Employers Liability Cover.

Materials: NASC Hire, Sale and Manufacturing members must abide by their own code of practice that ensures materials conform to the highest standards and are regularly inspected and maintained.

How does the NASC remain

How does the NASC help the industry?

By providing regulated scaffolding companies who have to work to a strong audited procedure.

By appointing an NASC member company you can be assured of a scaffolding company which is competent and abides by the latest working practices for scaffolding.

Our objective is to ensure the scaffolding and access industry maintains the highest practicable standards of workmanship via cohesive development and detailed regulation.

A scaffolding alarm provides notice of intruders on a construction site and protects unattended property on the site. Scaffolding alarms consist of infrared burglar devices activated by movement or body heat, solar-powered devices, and battery-operated alarms. Some scaffolding alarm companies link the construction site to television monitoring systems to provide extra surveillance

PROTECTION  FROM  FALLING  OBJECTS

Reference: OSHA standards and Occupational Safety and 

Health Act of Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry

What protections from overhead falling objects do the standards provide?

To protect employees from falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects, install toeboards, screens, guardrail systems, debris nets, catch platforms, canopy structures, or barricades. In addition, employees must wear hard hats. [1926.451(h)(1), (h)(2) & (h)(3)]

Reference: OSHA standards and Occupational Safety and Health Act of Scaffold Use in the

Construction Industry

ARTICLES  OF  INTEREST: 

WHY SCAFFOLD ALARMS ARE ESSENTIAL TO BUILDING SECURITY
reference: sussex scaffolding

Many of our customers are understandably worried about the risks associated with scaffolding being built against their properties.  These concerns are shared equally by residential and commercial customers, which is why we offer a wide range of scaffold alarm solutions.

Products like these are designed to give peace of mind to building owners by deterring trespassers, vandals and thieves.  While they are important on many building and renovation projects, they are essential on longer term sites both in rural and city centre locations.  Theft of equipment and materials and instances of damage can cause big delays on expensive projects so we believe that’s it’s always worth making sure that your site is safe and secure at the end of the working day.

There is a huge range of beam sensors, lights and CCTV cameras from which to choose to allow you to deter, detect and record intruders.  While each site has its own particular requirements, scaffold alarms are generally used for the following reasons:

Security – Scaffolding can give unwanted people access to upstairs floors and roofs of homes and offices so scaffold alarms are important to prevent opportunistic thieves from getting inside.  This is important whether the property is occupied or unoccupied.  Be aware that it’s possible for intruders to use your scaffolding to access the property of a neighbour who is on holiday.

Health and safety – Unfortunately, scaffolding can be a big draw for children (and adults who should know better), who could easily injure themselves while ‘exploring’.  A loud scaffold alarm should be enough to scare them away before they start climbing the framework.

Insurance – On commercial (and possibly some larger domestic) projects, the insurance company covering the build will probably insist that protective measures such as scaffold alarms are used to minimize the risks of theft and damage.

Let’s get Aware of Risks and Safety Measures while using Scaffold Hire
Author: Rosie Brown

Use of Netting to Prevent Injuries Depending on the place where the scaffolding is raised and for the purpose it is raised, you may need to make use of the safety netting in order to block the junk and debris from falling on you or the workers working on the platform. The use of safety netting protects the workers from the harmful injuries that may happen if the debris falls while working on the platform. Safety against Occurrence of Theft Apart from all these, there even exist risks of theft due to undue advantage taken by the burglars by using the installed scaffolding. 

The burglars may enter your home from the windows to steal valuables from you house. Hence, it is advisable to go for scaffolding of right size that may offer set up alarm for purpose of security while using the platform. Even though this might be bit expensive, the money spent on it will be worth it to get security against the serious situations. In spite of such a feature, unavoidable events take place. Hence, such aspects always need to be discussed and checked by the user before installing it for use. This can greatly help to avoid accidents and thefts while using the platform. When such a scaffold hire is used for minimal tasks, the renovators or builders that are using the scaffolding tend to remove the ladder, which is being used while working, at the end of the working day. Even any ropes and pulleys coming from the platform need to be brought up to the right place in order to prevent harm from them. The knowledge of all these risks and the safety measures will greatly help to prevent the grave consequences, while working on scaffolding.   Continued article available: 

"Good Companies Are NOT judged On What They Say But Rather,

WHAT THEY DO"

OVERWHELMING  DUST  IS  CREATING MORE  THAN  RESPIRATORY  ISSUES

Aside from “service” dogs, a pet deposit of apx. $750 is required as part of your lease and an additional $50 per/ month is required on your rent =$600 per/ year.  However, depending on which leasing agent you work with, terms on not the same for everyone. 

For most animals, the extreme level of noise due to jackhammering and pounding has created unimaginable stress and notable anxiety for our family pets.  Some residents have reported shaking, hiding, pacing, anxiousness, not eating, vomiting and obvious signs of distress.

The dust on the ground is of grave concern due to animals ingesting the elements after licking their paws.  TOXICITY levels are unknown yet, it seems our "plants" were more of a priority and have received more care than our animals.

IRVINE  COMPANY  

PET CARE COMPENSATION

1) All residents with pets on their lease will continue to pay the $50 per/ month

2) Doggy day care is reimbursed up to $50/mo

3) Limit is $200 total for the four months of construction

4) While Bone Adventure offers a 20% discount, IC will reimburse any pet day care facility as long as you have receipts

5) With receipts, up to $50/mo is deducted from your rent

This is a joke. Honestly! 

One day of doggy day care will run you $35-50/day and the fact that they are still charging residents the $50/mo, all you are doing is negating that $50! 

As one resident commented via; email: 

“This is one area that IC could be much more proactive on!!” 

"Security" HARD AT WORK!
Was seen hanging out for 20 minutes by resident

WE  HEAR  YOU...

Resident Comments & Email

RESIDENT EMAIL

RE: BLUE FLYER

Talking to several,  and many have received the blue Flyer that went out today with very good info on it.  How Come?  It should go to everyone.

*note: Although the blue flyer was not published by the committee, we appreciate and welcome participation.   If you are interested in helping Please contact:  projectpromontory@gmail.com  

RESIDENT EMAIL

Just a thought, what about getting a large contractor to come in and give us a good reason why its taking the current contractor 4 months to do a three week job.  That would be good ammo for us with IC  and nice copy for the newspapers, who want some more stuff from us. So I am told.   Just a thought,  Thanks

RESIDENT EMAIL

For days now, our outside building has been scaffolded and torn up, with no one working on it, again for  "days". No wonder they are taking 4 months to do a three week job.  Some one should start counting the idle days of now work!  It's a MESS !

RESIDENT COMMENT

the garden and west side lawns are ridiculous, they have cut down so many of the older tress and left mostly stumps in their place and the landscapers haven't even moved them so we have dying tree branches and plants that have been pulled out of the dirt all over the place. Stop insulting people, nobody is getting a view of anything these days except ugly scaffolding everywhere. 

THANK  YOU  FOR  YOUR  CONTINUED EFFORTS!

WE  VALUE  ALL  OF  YOUR  COMMENTS  &  EMAILS... PLEASE  KEEP  THEM  COMING!

Resident's of Promontory

PLEASE  EMAIL  PHOTOS  &  STORIES  TO:

projectpromontory@gmail.com