Newsday

Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced the changes yesterday, which include using new computer software to survey structures, after a review of procedures in the aftermath of the deaths of firefighters Joseph Graffagnino and Robert Beddia in August.

The men died while battling a blaze at 130 Liberty St., the former Deutsche Bank building near Ground Zero. Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered the review.

"The inspection program is a critical component of ensuring public safety by allowing firefighters to get a first-hand look at buildings before an emergency arises," Scoppetta said in a statement.

"By increasing inspection time and providing more tools and information to our members, these initial steps will give firefighters a better opportunity to uncover any challenges they may face while fighting fires. What they see could ultimately save their own life or the lives of others," he said.

But a fire department spokesman said it was too early to tell whether the changes would have altered the outcome of the deadly fire.

Relatives of Beddia, 53, of Staten Island and Engine Company 24, and Graffagnino, 33, of Brooklyn, and of Ladder Company 5, could not be reached for comment. The men died after becoming trapped in what officials called "maze-like conditions" on the 14th floor.

The new Building Inspection Safety Program creates "a third inspection period each week for every field unit, increasing the amount of time - six to nine hours - units will be scheduled for weekly building inspections," fire officials said.

It will create "a new computer software program which indexes all buildings more than 75 feet high that are under construction or demolition."

The program requires "oversight of field inspections by or at the Borough Command level, and additional oversight with compliance measures" and a partnership in which the Department of Buildings notifies fire officials of new building or demolition permits issued.