4 PureGym Brooklyn locations face violations following viral TikTok video
The FDNY said four PureGym locations in Brooklyn are facing multiple fire and building violations, which includes the pods “not being a part of the approved original plans.”
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Several PureGym locations have been issued violations and summonses, since a viral TikTok video showed a gym member trapped inside of a pod, which is used to enter the facility.
The FDNY said four PureGym locations in Brooklyn are facing multiple fire and building violations, which includes the pods “not being a part of the approved original plans.”
Gym members who spoke with News 12 on Tuesday had mixed reactions.
“If you’re claustrophobic or anything, it can be an issue,” said Mike, a PureGym member who only gave his first name. “If you’re a bigger person, it can be an issue. I would say it’s definitely a fire hazard for sure.”
“They should probably figure that out soon,” said Gabriella U., another PureGym member. “Right now, it doesn’t feel unsafe, but if something should happen that’s not really a good outcome.”
PureGym Chief Marketing Officer, Stephen Rowe, told News 12 that they’re working with the FDNY to resolve the issues and that safety is their top priority.
“If a member’s not comfortable using the pods, they can speak to the manager,” said Rowe. “And we have a number of other ways to access the gym using the ADA door.”
Rowe said every PureGym location is equipped with ADA doors, which have push bars and serve as emergency exits alongside the pods.
“The pods are bypassed in case of emergencies,” said Rowe.
He added that each pod has an emergency button, and that the pod seen in the viral video was “installed but not operational at the time.”
Rowe said PureGym contacted the woman about the claim that she was caught inside the pod.
“We’ve not actually been able to verify that with the individual,” said Rowe. “We’ve reached out to them, but they’ve chosen not to share that.”
Rowe said the violations came as PureGym was putting the finishing touches on the locations and submitting updated construction plans to be up to code.
“Over 17 years of running this model [with the pods] in many countries, and in 700 gyms around the world, we’ve never had an issue,” said Rowe. “So, this is the first time.”
A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Buildings told News 12 that they are planning to conduct full safety inspections in the coming days.
From an FDNY spokesperson: “Our Bureau of Fire Prevention has visited seven ‘PureGym’ locations citywide in December/January and issued violations/summonses to those locations.”
287 BROADWAY, BK
Violations issued:
- Failing to produce NYC Department of Buildings–approved floor and seating plans reflecting the current layout of the establishment. The newly installed scanning pods and the exit door located next to them are not shown on the original approved plans. Updated plans must be submitted to accurately depict all current conditions and alterations.
- Failed to maintain means of egress free from obstructions or impediments. (Exit doors must remain unobstructed and operable without the use of any electronic device or special knowledge)
- Failed to provide and/or maintain required sign for means of egress (Provide an exit sign for the exit door located next to the scanning pods).
- Failed to provide an updated NYC Department of Buildings–approved Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation showing the current ownership listed as Pure Gym LLC or Pure Gym.
892 Broadway, BK
Summons:
- Failed to obtain and/or produce required (certificate of fitness/certificate of qualification for (fire protection system).
- Failed to (maintain/produce) records for fire protection and/or communication system at premises
Violations:
- Failed to comply with the provisions of the construction codes, Fire Code, Fire Department rules, and applicable standards associated with the operation of a building or space as a place of assembly (Provide New York City Department of Buildings approved floor and seating plans and New York City Department of Buildings Place of assembly certificate of operation)
- Failed to maintain means of egress free from obstructions or impediments (Exit doors must remain unobstructed and operable without the use of any electronic device or special knowledge)
- Failed to provide and/or maintain required sign for means of egress (Provide an exit sign for the Exit door next to the scanning pods)
- Failed to provide access to the sprinkler and standpipe system main control valve
1000 GATES AVENUE, BK
Violations issued:
- Failed to maintain means of egress free from obstructions or impediments (Exit doors must remain unobstructed and operable without the use of any electronic device or special knowledge)
- Failed to provide updated New York City Department of Buildings–approved floor plans that reflect the recent alterations to the existing layout.
- Failed to produce approval from the Department of Buildings for design and installation of material, device, equipment, system, operation or facility listed in the comments (did not Provide an updated New York City Department of Buildings Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation reflecting the current ownership information, listed as either Pure Gym Corp or Pure Gym)
3779 Nostrand Ave, BK
Violations:
- Tampering with or rendering a fire protection and communication system and/or fire protection equipment inoperable (Restore Fire Alarm System to good working order)
- Failed to produce approval from the Department of Buildings for design and installation of material, device, equipment, system, operation or facility listed in the comments (did not Provide an updated New York City Department of Buildings Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation reflecting the current ownership information, listed as either Pure Gym Corp or Pure Gym)
- Failed to provide updated New York City Department of Buildings–approved floor plans that reflect the recent alterations to the existing layout.
3227 STEINWAY, QN
Violation orders and an FDNY summons issued:
- Violation order was issued to re-file the public assembly plans due to changes made at the main entrance, including the construction of a new wall and multiple exits that were not approved according to the prior public assembly plans.
- Violation order for a defective exit light in the cellar.
- FDNY Summons was also issued, requiring the installation of a 20-pound ABC portable fire extinguisher in the cellar and the provision of daily fire alarm logbook records.
56-02 Roosevelt Ave, QN
Violations:
- Failure to provide a new updated place of assembly certificate of operation and floor seating plans.
- Failed to maintain means of egress free from obstruction(s) at secondary means of egress hallway.
- Failed to maintain emergency exit lights in good working order throughout PA Spaces.
- Failure to provide fire alarm system in normal condition.
- Failure to provide certificate of fitness S12 to supervise sprinkler system.
- Failure to provide and maintain required logs for Fire alarm system and sprinkler system.
23 West 116 Street, MN
Summons:
- Failed to obtain and/or produce required (certificate of fitness/certificate of qualification for (fire protection system).
- Failed to provide protect, and/or maintain required lighting devices or equipment (failed to have to all emergency lights in good working order inside the gym)
- Failed to provide monthly inspection records for the internal sprinkler system.
Violations:
- Failed to provide updated New York City Department of Buildings–approved floor plans that reflect the recent alterations to the existing layout.
- Failed to produce approval from the Department of Buildings for design and installation of material, device, equipment, system, operation or facility listed in the comments (did not Provide an updated New York City Department of Buildings Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation reflecting the current ownership information, listed as either Pure Gym Corp or Pure Gym)
- Failed to maintain means of egress free from obstructions or impediments (Exit doors must remain unobstructed and operable without the use of any electronic device or special knowledge)
