An important thing to take away from this article is the emphasis on stairway safety. Objects that can be trip hazards, improper lighting, and balusters that are damaged or improperly spaced can all contribute to potential dangers around the stairs.
Re: Child-Proofing Windows and Stairs
Pressure mounted and hardware mounted safety gates are practical throughout a house with the need to contain infants and toddlers. The pressure mounted gates are helpful if moving from room to room but not safe if placed at an opening to stairs. When inspecting the vertical risers on railings, ensure the spacing will not allow an object larger than four inches to pass through.
Inspected the primary means of egress, the main entry located on the west side of residence. The door measured 36" x 80" and opened inward. A storm door opened over the landing approximately 1 1/2" below threshold and the landing greatly exceeded the 36" x 36" requirement.
Upon my inspection of a means of egress up a stairway, I found that the width of the stairway was actually 26 inches between the handrails, so it is a bit small.
I also noticed that a few of the balusters were a bit loose and even had some masking tape wrapped around and painted over. Upon further inspection of the specific balusters, I would write that they are a potential hazard to the safety of anyone who puts too much pressure on them.
The article titled stairway inspection brought up some points of importance, particularly when it comes to younger individuals and older people. I think we must all remember that there is a significant number of deaths each year related to stairway slips and falls, many of which can be avoided.
So many factors play a role in the danger and risk of a fall, that as home inspectors we must note any defect, potential hazard and make certain we are at least clear about how important safety precautions are.
Reading & Writing Assignment: Child Proofing Windows & Stairs
It is hard to believe that over 8000 young children wind up in the emergency room each day because of falls. Many unfortunately are affected with brain injuries or death.
Recently, I moved into a home with an older 1970’s staircase and balusters, which also had about 9 inches of open play between them. It was obvious the house was not up to code, and since my wife and I just had a newborn, it was extremely important to make that issue a priority and since we have framed in the area with full drywall and a railing.
After seeing this article, it will only make me more aware.
A grasp/hand rail should be provided no less than 1 1/2 inch and no more than 2 inch in diameter.
Un-even step height at the first riser. No more than 3/8 inch difference in height is recommended.
Loose stair and porch safety rail. Posts or newels should be installed at the bottom of the handrail and in the corners of the porch to better support the rails.
Here is a main entrance to a building. This meets current requirements. The door is 36 inches wide, there is no more than 7 3/4" distance from the top of the threshold to the landing. The storm door is allowed to open over the landing. The door is openable from the inside by a thumb-latch with no key or special knowledge.
It is interesting the number of ways some people can find to scam the unwary homeowner. Having some awareness of this as an inspector can be valuable. There are often signs of poorly done or incomplete work.
Regarding inspecting a foreclosed home, I typically become extra alert. There are many potential defects and there is no one to provide a disclosure, and often the home has not been lived in for a long time.
For this section I inspected the front (egress) door of my home. This is a side hinged exterior door. It measured 36" wide and 6’8" tall. The porch or landing sits 1-1/2 inches below the top of the threshold. The interior floor is tiled and sits 1/4 inch below the top of the threshold. There are no obstructions that restrict the movement of the door. The knob and deadbolt are in good working order and line up nicely.
I inspected the main egress from the home. The egress meets the standard 36”x68” with side hinge. It also can be unlocked without the use of a key or special tool. The step down is within the 7 ¾” rule; however the landing is not 36”. This should be something that is addressed.
I read the article on stair inspections. The article pointed out the high number of accidents and deaths from people on stairs. The fact that more people died from stairs than in pool drowning, points to how important this inspection is. Making sure not only the homeowner is safe but anyone who visits is also safe. The fact that you may know your stairs and the dangers does not keep your family and friends safe when they visit.
I learned that stairs are much more dangerous that I previously realized. Stairways need to be kept clean, well lit, and have handrails. The risers need to be of even height, and there needs to be enough head room (6’8"). They also need to be in good condition and well maintained. Missing any of these safety features can cause serious injury or death.
Window Well Inspection
This article was interesting. I live in Florida and have never seen a window well. They are used for emergency egress where the basement is a livable space. They also need to be covered to prevent accidents or build up of debris in the well. They need to be properly installed and maintained to avoid water damage.
Your door threshhold appears to be 4"+/- above the interior floor causing a tripping hazard.
1008.1.7 Thresholds.
Thresholds at doorways shall not exceed 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in height above the finished floor or landing for sliding doors serving dwelling units or 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) above the finished floor or landing for other doors. Raised thresholds and floor level changes greater than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) at doorways shall be beveled with a slope not greater than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (50-percent slope).
An emergency ladder can provide an alternative means of egress if the primary exit is blocked. These types of ladder can be helpful in an emergency but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. The fall from a second story window can cause serious injury or death if these ladders are not deployed properly. It is a good idea to practice using the ladder in a non emergency so that anyone occupying the room will understand how to properly deploy and descend the ladder in an emergency.
Once you know what disasters are possible in your area, have a household meeting to talk about how to prepare and how to respond if a disaster should occur. Plan to share responsibilities and to work together as a team. Know what to do in case household members are separated in a disaster. Disaster situations are stressful and can create confusion. Keep it simple.
Rectangular Treads
The current IRC minimum tread depth is 10 inches.Tread depth is measured between the landing edge of adjacent treads. minimum tread depth in the 9 inch range where considered acceptable in the past there is no maximum tread depth.
this is a picture of a balcony that the handrails have deteriorated after years of weathering . The railings were removed and replaced and the balcony is now safe and open.
Attached is two photos of an interior stairway. This stairway has uniform tread depth, tread height, tread width, proper lighting and controls, an adequate landing at the top and the bottom, adequate headroom, and the cables are spaced in such a way that they support a 200lb load in any direction, and the cables do not allow a 4" sphere to pass between them. There are also a few defects to mention. The cable railing is too small to be graspable and has a discontinuity in the middle of the span, the triangular area at the side of the stair is larger than to allow a 6" sphere to pass through.
