Research & Writing Assignment:
Attic pull down ladders are collapsible ladders that are attached to the attic floor so the homeowners do not have to use a portable ladder each time they need to go to the attic. When having a attic ladder installed this process needs to be installed by a professional and not the homeowner. Always inspect the ladder before each use of the ladder.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This block foundation was improperly built. I don’t know how it passed an inspection. The blocks line up in rows one on top of the other. As a result, the wall is bowed and unstable. The blocks should be offset, This needs to be evaluated by a structural engineer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Ladder Safety
About 300 deaths occur each year from ladder falls, usually of 10 feet or less. Knowing how to use a ladder is essential for the home inspector. This article reviews the different ladders and many safety tips. An important point is that home inspectors are not required to go on a roof. The roof can be visually inspected using binoculars from the ground or the roof edge.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached image is an example of what “NOT” to do, even with help from a friend. Seriously, ladder safety should be taken seriously. I just had a VERY good friend fall from a ladder INSIDE his house and break his arm. He lives in a log home, was using a ladder to clean the inside of the second story windows and the ladder slipped back at the bottom. So, this can happen inside as well as outside!
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on “Attic Pull-Down Ladders”. These types of ladders were not necessarily covered in detail this course. However, we may use them to gain access to am attic in a house or garage. So our knowledge of the common issues with these ladders is good to know. I recommend reading this article.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The following ladder is what is called a telescoping ladder. This particular one extends to 18 feet in height and uses a pin system to telescope into variable lengths. It is more portable than an extension ladder and easier for indoor use.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A very critical rule to know before using a ladder could save your life and that is to always keep it at least 10 feet away from any power lines. Never use a metallic ladder around them either. Wet ladders can conduct electricity as well.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows a very dangerous situation on a ladder. Although the person on the ladder is being spotted the ladder itself is the wrong ladder for the job. A step ladder is designed for use with both sections firmly on the floor surface and should not be used as a leaning device especially over an open stairwell.
Research & Writing Assignment:
As a home inspector ladder safety is at the forefront of concerns for me. Working alone on an inspection increases the risk of injury. Climbing a ladder to inspect a roof is part of my routine and setting the ladder up safely and tying it off is very important as I am typically alone when I am there. Should my ladder kick out or slide and I fall I may not have been seen or may not be able to call for help on my own, therefore I take ladder safety very seriously and encourage new home owners to do the safe in their future maintenance of there home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Safety ladders in this chapter we learn how to use a laddrr on a safety manner using a differents step. Inspecting the ladders before to use. Check labels and instructions. Learn how to set up a ladder using the 1 by 4. Ans many other safety step.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this image we can see a couple cracked shingles at the eaves. In this case we need to recomended a profesional roofing inspector to make a diagnostic about the roof shingles and see if we have any leaking problem.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of ladders leaned up against a wall that has an extinguisher on it. This is in a psychiatric hospital and it is against code to have anything against the extinguisher. Technically, code states that the extinguisher needs 3 feet of clearance in all directions and a path to it to make it easily accessible in case of a fire.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the image titled Joist Hangers (incorrect). In this image you can see that neither joist is secured properly. The hangers are both installed too low and will not provide the support and structure that they are intended to provide.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Teamwork. While in most cases teamwork is a needed ingredient in the work activities, the wrong application can lead to negative outcomes. This photo represents negative team work. The proper application in this scenario would be a step ladder of applicable height.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read “Ladder Safety” by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. This article is the extended version of the brief section within this course. It adds several other aspects and statistcis for consideration. One of significance is the use of a Spectroscope as an alternative to accessing the roof.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an example of an articulating ladder. It serves as a multi-functional ladder. There are locking hinge points at various locations where the user can fully open the ladder and use it as a stationary ladder or h
fold the middle higes inward to create a two sided step ladder. I use this ladder because in most cases I just need one ladder instead of two.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A ladder is used for various purposes during a home inspection. The ladder should be inspected before each use for proper function, broken parts, worn parts or wetness. An unsafe ladder can cause serious injury or even death. The ladder should also be of the rating sufficient to allow the user safe and strong stability.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
At the time of inspection, the gas range was inspected. At the time of inspection, the gas range worked properly. I tested the burners and the stove and they both reached optimum temparatures for working. These appear serviceable at the time of inpsection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned that there are a few different types of ladders and what they are used for. I learned that there is a step ladder, an extension ladder, an articulated ladder and an telescoping ladder. They all serve purposes and should be used for only that specific purpose.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspection and writing assignment:
In this picture there are a number of unsafe ladder practices. For one this person is standing on the top rung of a step ladder. He also has his step ladder placed on an unsafe platform. The probability of this person falling from this ladder setup is high.
