Fire extinguishers come in many types and sizes. The A type is used for wood and paper. The B type is used fro gas and kerosene. The C type is used for electric. The D type is used for metal,sodium and titanium.The K is used for the kitchen.
The following picture is of a wood burning fireplace. The proper spark arrestor is in place. The inspector would have to check to see if the hearth is the proper length for this size fireplace. Lastly the bucket of magazine is improper place too close to the burning fire,could cause a fire hazard.
This is a picture of an multi purpose dry chemical ABC fire extinguisher. The ABC rating means it is good for trash-wood-paper, liquids, and electrical equipment. The pressure dial on this extinguisher is in the green so that means it is charged.
Summary of Fire Stops.
A Fire stop is a method to prevent the spread of fire through openings in a rated firewall. The openings are usually pipes or wires running from a garage or attic into inhabitable rooms of a house. A few common examples of materials used for fire stops are mortar, intumescent, sheet metal, fire rated sheetrock, and fire stop pillows. Inspectors should be on the lookout for common fire stop deficiencies such as a missing fire stop, cable or pipe replacement, and improper installation.
This chimney has very noticeable damage. The clay flue liner needs replaced and there are considerable cracks in the top of the chimney as well that needs to be repaired. If the cracks are not repaired it will continue to allow water to enter the chimney possibly causing even more damage.
I have learned that a chimney is a far more delicate component to someone’s house then previously known. If not properly taken care of it can cause many issues one being its own collapse onto itself. Cleaning and regular inspections can help reduce any risk of damage.
This is a ABC fire extinguisher. There is a gauge on top to show if it is fully charged. This one is. There is also a locking pin on it. To use the extinguisher all you have to do is pull the pin push down on the lever, aim it at the base of the fire and sweep from side to side.
Fire places are more complex than people realize. Having the right air/fuel mixture is very important. Also that the fire place is properly vented. Improper venting can lead to human health problems and possible death due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
This looks to be a fireplace that has spalling issues. Can see missing mortar in between the bricks. It does seem to be dirty. But does have a 16 inch face clearance. Heavy amounts of soot towards the top right corener
I learned in this essay about the distances of the hearth, and from the inside. It needs to be 16 inchs in order to let embers fall. I also learned about the flues. They need to be cleaned out annually.
When inspecting a fireplace, it is important to carefully inspect the inside of the firebox for any signs of damage or cracking. The heat generated from a wood burning fireplace can penetrate these openings and cause a fire in the framing in and around the fireplace.
Adjustable steel columns.
Steel posts are used to support load bearing beams in the basement. These posts should typically be a minimum of 3" in diameter. Look for post to be attached at the floor and beam. A post that appears to be bending could be inadequate to support the load it’s meant to support. Post should be free of rust and in good physical condition.
there are combustables by the glass front of this gas fire place it is advised to remove the combustables away from the glass also the said material can prohibit the intake air and create a non complete combustion of gas inside the fire place the clouding of the glass could be caued by incomplete combustion and getting ash on the inside of the glass this fire place should be further inspected by a licensed fireplace technician
a furnace has an intake and a supply side the return as it is called can be on either side of the furnace I have also seen a return jumper to reach the other side of the house in newer construction they typically pan off the bottom of the floor joists and utilize that as duct work I have people run plumbing and electrical through the joist space as long as it dosen’t pass through metal ducting.
In the picture, you can see the chimney has improper step flashing, counter flashing and apron flashing, its a defect to call out, it could lead to roof leaking and chimney structure fail, must call for chimney or roof specialist to repair.
i choose image: https://www.nachi.org/gallery/chimneys/flashing/chimney-flashing.jpg, Chimney flashing is very important to protect chimney and roof from water erosion, head and step flashing has to be install on the sides of chimney, also counter flashing has to be install over them 1" inserted into mortar joint. also apron flashing and cricket flashing has to be installed on the front side and back side of chimney.
This is a picture of a firebox with both small and large cracks. If this fireplace is used prior to the cracks being repaired this can cause a serious firehazard. Fire may see through the cracks and cause a fire behind the fireplace.
Water is known to cause more damage to homes than anything else. This is why proper flashing on chimneys is very important. It is best to have both step and counter flashing installed. Both of these types of flashing greatly reduces the chance for moisture issues.
This is a photo of a kitchen fire extinguisher. Its a small multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. It contains ammonium phosphate as the extinguishing agent and is clearly labeled - effective on A, B, and C class fires.
I observed no physical damage to the canister or trigger. I observed the gauge read “Full”. I was unable to find a manufacture date, nor an expiration date, so I could not determine its age. I tipped and shook the canister to determine if the chemicals had “settled” at the bottom, but heard no indications of movement inside.
I would recommend asking the homeowner if they know the age, to determine if it is old enough to be expired and therefore disposed of and replaced.
My essay is on the article Pellet Stoves for Inspectors.
When inspecting Pellet Stoves the requirements can vary among models and without access to a manual, the inspector may have to go by general or common facts about pellet stoves.
The heat is concentrated at the front, so they don’t need as much clearance as a wood stove, on the side or back walls. Many stoves have a sticker on the back, detailing specific requirements.
A three inch flue (of approved materials) is standard.
The stove must sit on a non-combustible, stable surface, at least 3/8" thick.
Pellet stoves can be vented horizontally or vertically, however vertically is usually a better choice.