The Texas Standards have been revised by subcommittee. They go before full committee in early April. The first example of profound change is in the definition of accessible.
The proposed standard will require the inspector, by implication, to move items of low value in order to perform the inspection. This may have significant impact on the scope of inspection.
Review the history of this definition. The current Texas (or NACHI) standard does not require items to be moved.
Current TREC definition: Inaccessible - Not having access without the use of special tools, equipment, or instruments, or removing doors, walls, stored items or similar obstructions, or by causing damage to a structure, finish or component, equipment or system, or by virtue of inadequate clearance, walkways, passageways, or hazardous condition.
No national or international inspection standard requires the inspector to move stored items. The subcommittee is proposing a significant change in the way the inspector does business.
The original revision required inspectors to move items of low value. After objections it was re-written in the inverse.
**Current proposal: ** Accessible - In the judgment of the inspector, the part, component or system can be approached, entered or viewed without moving large, heavy, fragile or valuable objects or obstacles, probing, using specialized tools or procedures, damaging property or disassembly, and without physical limitation or danger to the inspector. (current proposed wording)
**Current proposal paraphrase**
Without Moving Large Heavy Fragile Valuable Objects
Implied requirement
With Moving Small Light Durable Inexpensive Objects
This requires the inspector to move items. This radically changes 30 years of inspection fundamentals used throughout the United States and Canada.
Comments please