Hello, my name is Will van Zandt.
This post is for my reading and writing assignment for the “Exterior Safety for Inspectors and Contractors” course.
I read “Exterior Design Features” and “Scaffolding Inspection”.
Exterior design features such as decks, porches and patios add functional space and architectural interest. Some are designed to accommodate social gatherings, like a veranda or a large deck, while other smaller features like a porch, may serve a more utilitarian purpose.
Scaffolds are used to reach an elevated work area and allow for easier lateral movement than a ladder. Scaffolding should be erected properly and inspected daily before use. The working surface should have a fully planked deck with side rails and toe boards. All cross beams should be in place. Ladders should be securely affixed to the scaffold.
The stairway from the garage to the attic was missing a handrail. Handrails are required on at least one side of any stairway with four or more steps. This is a hazardous condition which should be remedied as soon as possible.
After reviewing these two articles, I recognized how complacent individuals become over a period of time. We try to rush from point A to point B and often generate a number of mistakes along the way. As noted in the articles, of the approximate 50 scaffold deaths and 4,500 injuries, as well as, the annual use of ladders generate 164,000 emergency room visits and 300 deaths, I would argue that all of these occurrences could have been prevented. Based on numerous safety evaluations, specifically conducted by the Federal Aviation Association, accidents can be narrowed down to human error or equipment failure, all of which can be analyzed to a criteria based on acceptable risk. To be honest, we should criticize our profession to this level in regards to holding safety as a culture. There is no reason for ladder or scaffold injuries. We as a team should continue to update safety requirements and implement them as standardized practices, where prevention becomes imperative. New advancements have allowed us to perform many functions through alternative methods, such as the use of spectrascopes. You can be assured, I will be purchasing one as soon as the resources come available. I advise you to do the same.
Inspecting Underlayment on Roofs
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
Due to the various roofing materials available and a number of different geographical conditions there are several different types of underlayment material. Although underlayment is typically the first material put down over a roof deck the roof covering material (shingles, tiles, etc.) is the primary barrier against leaks with the underlayment being second. Underlayment serves more than just acting as a water barrier, it also increases fire resistance and a barrier against the resins in the wood boards used in earlier construction from reacting with asphalt shingles and causing premature failure of the shingles.
Ladder Safety
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
There are many different ladder types and each one has a specific way they should be used. Misuse can cause serious injury or death and hospital visits resulting from ladder injuries account for more than 164,000 hospital visits and about 300 deaths each year. Every ladder user should be familiar with the manufactures safety requirements and be familiar with its use.
In the above attached photo is the top of of a 60 foot high thermal energy storage tank, under construction. The welders are properly tied off using their PPE, fall arrest safety harness. They are connected to safety cables that are attached to the tank top.
1., 10 easy ways to save money & energy in your home.
Reductions in heating, cooling, and electricity costs, can be accomplished through simple changes. Being energy efficient can result in financial incentives, saves money, increases comfort, reduces impact on climate change and reduces pollution. 1. find better ways to cool your home, 2. install a tankless water heater, 3. replace incandescent lights, 4. seal and insulate your home, 5. install efficient showerheads and toilets, 6. use appliances and electronics responsibly, 7. install daylighting, 8. insulate windows and doors, 9. cook smart, 10. change the way you do laundry.
2., Advantages of Solar Energy
Solar Power is: low emission, suitable for remote areas, provides green jobs, economical, reliable, can mean tax credits, conserves foreign energy costs, offers advantages to conventional fossil fuels and other renewable energy systems.
Every Ladder has a grade. A universal system indicating its weight load maximum for use. Additionally Its always best to inspect the ladder you choose for the job and make sure its safe and rated for your intended use and weight as well as not defective.
Ladder Safety
In keeping with the theme of this course, it offers a great amount of ladder do’s and don’ts. I’m also a fan of newer technology such as use of remote drones to gain roof inspection vantage points. finding the shortest point to access a roof by ladder is the safest as opposed to having an extension ladder fully extended. Although it may be rated for max height and weight, when fully extended, ladders have a lot more give and stability decreases.
Elderly Safety
There are a lot of things you can do around the home to prevent injury, slip, falls, fire etc. There is a simple to follow checklist in this article.
I think it is easy for home inspectors to forget about some of the safety issues we face on a daily basis because we get wrapped up in the day to day routine,Remember to take that extra moment to be safe.
I read the articles on ladder safety and the other was fall arrest systems. I found that the pole mount fall arrester very interesting. It would be nice to see that on every roof. I am going to see about getting one for my home.
This image shows a roof that covers a sunroom. Although the pitch of the roof is about 4 in 12, it would be dangerous to walk because of the organic matter that is on the shingles. It had also rained within the past 24 hours, which would make surface even more slick. The rest of the roof had a steeper pitch, but did not pose the same danger.
Working on a roof has the obvious danger of falling off of the roof, whether it be from simply not paying attention to how close to the edge you are, or slipping on wet roof. Fall-arrest systems, when used properly can help you avoid serious injury or even death. There are several components to the system. The first is the anchor point, which can either be a permanent or temporary installation. The second is the restraint, which is the rope that connects between the anchor point and the lanyard, which is typically installed with a shock absorber to help cushion a fall. And last is the harness that is worn by the worker. One thing to be careful of when using a fall-arrest system is that the ropes used are more like a pipe than a rope if you step on them.
Scaffold Inspection:
Scaffolds are used frequently on construction sites. They provide a relatively safe means for workers to work at elevations. There are, however, risks associated with platform work. Some of the most common violations include, not fully planking the scaffold, damaged sections of scaffolding, guards are not properly installed or missing, not tying off the scaffolding to the structure, improper use of base plates and/or mud sills. It is important to check the scaffolding for any defects or deficiencies each day.
Post of a porch railing was rotted off at the bottom where is was fastened to the concrete. Called it out because the railing / post would not support sufficient side load to be safe
Workers should keep a safe distance from overheat electrical service entrance conductors in order to avoid electrocution. In addition, connections such as those in this photo should not be allowed within 3 feet of an operable window to prevent someone from coming in contact with the energized conductors.
This is a great article that helps inspectors identify some of the inherent risks involved with inspecting crawlspaces. Personal protective equipment should be used before entering into any crawlspace in order to protect the inspector from asbestos, hantavirus, mold and mildew, sewage, etc.
Article on Vermiculite:
This article discusses the use of vermiculite insulation in homes. This is a safety issue for inspectors, clients, and other occupants in the home. As indicated in the safety precautions listed elsewhere, if vermiculite insulation is found inside an attic, they should not enter into the attic, but should list the area as inaccessible and note the presence of potential asbestos insulation requiring further investigation by a qualified person.
This cord should be replaced at the job site as it is unsafe. Electrical equipment should be in safe working order. Inspection of the equipment should be prior to working.
You should always look for power lines when handling a ladder.
Always keep your body centered on a ladder.
Face the ladder and keep three point of contact at all times.
Article on Power Strips
Power strips should be inspected for “Daisy-chaining”.
Overheated strips should be removed from service.
Permanent wiring should be provided if they are to be used more than 90 days.
This picture shows the exterior of a home in the frame stage. Some of the more dangerous hazards exist when a home is in this stage of construction. It is not uncommon to find stairways and balconies with no railings. The perimeter of these homes are often muddy / slippery and will have nails and boards with nails protruding lying around. Watch where you step and be mindful of muddy shoes when going to access the roof.
