NEW YORK (AP) -- A stricter fire code and a more organized inspection system might have prevented a dramatic explosion last year in a Manhattan building that injured dozens of people, investigators said Tuesday.
In its report on the blast, the U.S Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said New York's 85-year-old fire code ``lacks many modern requirements for hazardous materials safety.''
``We are recommending fairly extensive revisions to the fire code of New York, if not a new fire code,'' said Jordan Barab, who oversees the board's investigative recommendations.
The blast erupted in the 11-story building's basement, where a commercial sign-making company stored hazardous chemicals and was mixing incompatible waste - nitric acid and lacquer thinner, investigators said.
The explosion came just seven months after the World Trade Center attack, fraying the nerves of a still-rattled city. The building facade collapsed onto a Chelsea street, and people on upper floors had to break windows and jump to safety after the explosion sent flames up the elevator shaft and a stairwell.
Fire Department spokesman Frank Gribbon said the department is considering adopting a new code, but added the explosion also ``involved the violation of existing laws and codes.''
Mayor Michael Bloomberg echoed the fire department's claim that laws were broken.
``We've just got to step up our inspections and enforcement of the law, and make sure that doesn't happen again,'' Bloomberg said.
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