I read the article “Ladder Safety”. This is a type I articulated ladder set up as a step ladder. It uses locking pins to allow adjustment. Always inspect the ladder before each use and confirm all the pins are locked in place after the adjustments are made.
I read the article “Shrinkage Cracks in Concrete”. Concrete slabs are going to have visible cracks that clients can see. As a home inspector, you need to be able to recognize the different types of cracks. Cracks from shrinkage are inevitable and expected.
The ladder in the picture is my all aluminum ladder. It is a 17ft type IA multi-position ladder. The ladder is rated for 300 pounds. The ladder can be used as a step ladder or extension ladder. It is a good choice of ladder for a home inspector, as it eliminates the need to carry two different types of ladders.
My research topic was over
Inspecting the Bathroom Exhaust
The inspector shall inspect the mechanical exhaust system of the bathroom. The exhaust should be ducted to exhaust outside the home. The exhaust shall not be exhausted into the attic, soffit, ridge vent, crawlspace, or any other area inside the building. Intermittent fans should have a flow rat of 50cfm or more. The duct ideally will be the same diameter as the exit opening on the fan housing. At a minimum the first three feet of duct extending from the fan shall be straight. Duct seams should be sealed with metal tape or mastic.
This is my personal 8ft step ladder. It’s hinges are in fine working condition and are of no worry in regards to moisture damage. All the steps are secure and working. I have had this ladder for quite some time now and hope to maintain it for continued use into the future.
The subject I chose to read about and report on is the use of aluminum wiring and its inabilities to work efficiently and safely on a long timescale in branch circuit wiring. Between 1965 and 1973 single strand aluminum wiring was sometimes substituted for copper in branch circuit wiring. This had to do with the escalating price of copper. Aluminum can be of fine use if maintained properly but if not, over time the connections involved with the aluminum are more apt to overheat and cause a fire. It is now obviously not used in electrical wiring.
I saw this ladder on top of a truck. It appears to be a fiberglass extension ladder. Fiberglass is a good choice because it is less hazardous than metal if it comes in contact with electrical wires.
I read an article from the Library of Inspection Articles entitled “Ladder Safety”. I learned more about the Spectoscope. It is a 28-foot telescoping pole that allows you to see high-definition digital images as you photograph them.
My essay regarding ladder safety relates to the telescoping ladder that I use for easier to reach roofs. This particular ladder will extend 12’. This will give me a working height of 9’. This ladder is rated at 150kg or 330lbs. This compact ladder allows me to transport this ladder with ease. While this ladder is easy to use I still must follow basic ladder safety to keep from killing myself or injuring others.
The article for my essay was titled Carpeted Bathrooms. While the concept behind carpeted bathrooms seems good, there is more problems associated with it than benefits. Some of the issues involved with carpet is bathrooms is mold, trapped moisture and decay of the sub floor from constant use. Carpet is not allowed by code to be used in commercial settings. So while it may feel nice on the feet, carpet should not be used in a bathroom.
Observed separation of drywall above washer and dryer in main hall of trailer house. The cause could be foundation issues (The trailer was not leveled correctly). Could also be from when the trailer was moved to location.
Using XRF alone to identify strontium should not be used as the sole identifier of toxic or Chinese drywall. XRF tool will measure strontium in the wall section but it does not tell the whole story. Strontium is also used in some paints and plasters. Also, The generation of hydrogen sulfide gas from strontium sulfide requires reaction with an acid. Since drywall maintains a neutral-to-alkaline pH, it is difficult to calculate how the acid reaction will occur with the mere presence of humidity in the air. Strontium cannot be a 100%-conclusive indicator of problem drywall.
Assignment “Ladder Safey”
In this photo we see a step ladder which at first glance appears to be in good shape and safe. Upon closer inspection we notice that the lable can no longer be read. There is also a defect in that the ladder as the leg has been repaired with a angle iron splint.
Assignment “Venomous Pests: Inspectors Beware”
Safety was on my mind after reading studying this section on ladder safety. I have been around many conditions where venomous snakes and spiders were present. Caution and awareness is always the best course. Even still, it is not always a guarantee protection.
The drawbacks of solar energy pail in comparison to the many benefits as outlined in this article. Some of the major benefits are reduced emissions, even considering the manufacturing process, increased reliable as it is immune to blackouts and power failures and even profitability once you start producing more energy than required by your structure. The only major drawback is the upfront cost which in some case can be offset by government tax credits incentivizing solar energy production.
upon inspection of this aluminium extension ladder obvious damage to the rungs and side rail can be seen. This ladder is no longer safe to use in its current condition. This ladder must be repaired, with no sacrifice to its original integrity, or replaced.
The article “Attic Pull-Down Ladders” in the Library of Inspection Articles is very informative for any inspector considering using a permanent mount pull-down ladder to gain access to an attic during an inspection. It points out several potentially dangerous issues common with these ladders.
Starting course to complete requirements for Roof Data Technician
This is a picture of an attic access door that is located above a large staircase. In order to properly access and open this door to inspect the attic area ladder safety was crucial. Getting the correct angle on the ladder to avoid falling from improper placement as well as correctly bracing the bottom of the ladder to prevent it from slipping to the step below was necessary. Since the door opens outwards readjustment of the ladder was necessary once the door was opened to safely enter the attic area.
I chose the article Inspector Safety: Three- Point Control for Climbing Ladders. This article illustrates the appropriate way to safely climb a ladder. All too often we as inspectors don’t think twice about climbing a ladder however we practice safe climbing technique it will become the habit we automatically adhere to. The Three Point Control technique that this article discusses is a essential part of ladder safety. It is not the same thing as Three Point Contact. The article does a very good job at differentiating the differences as well as explaining why having Three Point Control is so crucial. I especially found it interesting to note that the horizontal power grip when used has a 75% to 94% larger breakaway force than when gripping a vertical rail as well as other facts the article noted.