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 Chapter 9 Safety in the Home Environment

I. Definitions

II. Background

III. Objectives

IV. Relationship to Housing Inspector

V. Content

Public Health agencies and personnel are concerned with the total environment as it affects the health, safety, and well-being of 

man. One of the greatest threats to man's safety exists within the home in the form of accidental injury.

Statistics place accidents as the fourth leading cause of death. among the total population and as the leading cause of death for 

age groups 1 through 37. Accidents cost money-over $43 billion a year-in the form of time away from work and a loss in 

productivity, medical expenses, administrative costs, and property loss. Medical attention is required by over 15 million persons 

injured each year in home accidents. This medical attention is an extremely expensive factor by itself.

Most of us regard home as a place of safety and security. Yet home accidents are the most frequent place of injury. One-third of

all nonfatal accidental injuries and more than one-fourth of all fatal injuries occur in and around the home. The very young and the 

65-and-over age group are particularly vulnerable to accidents. It is estimated that over 22 million persons (or one out of every 

nine Americans) were injured in the home environment last year. Disabling injuries numbered 4,100,000 including 110,000 with 

some degree of permanent impairment. This emphasizes the fact that our homes are not as safe as we think.

Accidental death and injury occur at all socioeconomic levels. No home or individual is immune against accidents. People accept 

and adapt themselves to new conveniences and labor-saving devices without learning to live safely within the new environment 

created by them.

It must be emphasized that potential dangers from the modern devices designed to make life easier and more pleasant are related 

to the human factors as well as the nature of the devices themselves. The human factors are lack of skill, error of judgment, lack 

of knowledge, and so forth.

I. Definitions

A Accident - may be visualized as an event or incident resulting from an interaction among a host (people), agent (things), and

environment (places).

B Home accident - occurrence within the home and its immediate premises.

C Injury - harm or hurt; a wound or maim, usually applied to damage inflicted to the body by an external force.

D Hazard - a source of danger.

E Glass, annealed - type of glass most frequently found in windows, doors, and fixed glass panels. Annealed glass breaks with a 

small impact into many cutting surfaces, often of dagger shape.

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F Glass, safety1 Laminated - commonly used in auto windshields. Consists of two layers of annealed glass held together with a sheet of plastic 

cemented between. Upon impact, it breaks into a jagged pattern, but plastic interior holds the pieces together, greatly reducing

the injury potential.

2 Wired glass - commonly seen in fire doors, is annealed glass in which is imbedded wire that serves the same holding function as 

plastic in laminated glass.

3 Tempered glass - product of special heat treatment process. The safety feature is that when broken its breaking pattern 

resembles rock salt; pieces are rounded or cubical and inflict little or no injury. Its impact resistance greatly exceeds that of similar 

thickness of annealed glass.

G L-P Gas (Liquified Petroleum Gas) - any product composed of any or a mixture of the following hydrocarbons: propane, 

propylene, and the butanes. Being heavier than air, it tends to settle and accumulate in low places.

H Natural Gas - gas issuing from earth's crust through natural openings or bored wells. Most commonly found as a source of fuel in 

today's homes. The gas is lighter than air, and this property causes it to rise to upper levels.

II. Background

Accidents do not happen by themselves. Contributing to each accident, whether it is in the home, in the factory, or out on the 

street, are the factors relating to the man or host, the agent, and the environment in which we live.

A The human being can be of any age and physical status and have varied emotions and behavior.

B Agents can be of physical or chemical nature and be part of the environment.

C Environment can be not only visible, but can also be noise, ventilation and design.

Any environment may place limitations on man's behavior, capabilities, and tolerances of stress. For example, a welldesigned stairway with a handrail and acceptable lighting, while normal for most, can prove to be an obstacle to a toddler or 

an elderly person. In your inspections to develop a safe environment, consider the human beings within the existing 

environment.

III. Objectives

A To enable the inspector to become more aware of potential hazard within the home.

B To minimize these hazards through practical control of environment.

C To recognize that even a "safe" environment at times can be a hazard for certain human beings.

IV. Relationship to Housing Inspector

You can help reduce home accidents and injuries by increasing your awareness of potential hazards as they relate to the 

environment in and around the home.

You can help the residents of this environment to become aware of these hazards; you can suggest corrective measures that can 

be taken; you can refer them to agencies, if needed, for corrective action; you can help them to understand that their "normal" 

environment can place limitations on their behavior and capabilities.
V. Content

Since most inspections of the house and home premises are made on an area-by-area basis, this section will attempt to bring out 

the primary environmental hazards for each.

A Kitchen

l Fire-The many types of activities carried out in the kitchen make it perhaps the most dangerous room in the home. The resident

is most often not aware of the numerous possible sources of injury here. There are many opportunities for fire to occur in this 

area. The inspector or sanitarian should look for curtains that may be capable of being blown into the flame by breezes coming 

through open windows. Drying of towels above stoves should be discouraged since they may overheat and catch fire. The occupant 

should be advised about the use of flame-retardant fabrics in this area and should adjust the curtains in such a manner as to 

lessen the fire potential.

Foods frying in fats and cooking oils present a definite fire hazard. This hazard is increased by the absence of a properly fitted lid 

on frying pans. If the burner flame or electric heat source is turned to a high position, fats and cooking oils may reach a 

temperature sufficient to cause ignition from heat alone; no actual flame is necessary to cause this ignition. This type of fire often 

occurs and becomes uncontrollable when an adult is not present in the kitchen at all times.

The inspector should impart useful information about methods of controlling a fire. It would be helpful to mention that a grease fire 

in a skillet or similar container can be effectively controlled by a dry chemical or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. Water applied to 

the flaming cooking oils and liquid greases will only intensify and cause the fire to spread. In the case of an oven fire, close the 

oven door; with skillet or container fires, cover the pan with a lid to exclude the oxygen. Ordinary baking soda can also be used to 

control small grease fires effectively in containers and in ovens. The soda should be dumped or thrown into the fire from a safe

distance. The baking soda, in the presence of heat, produces carbon dioxide, which shuts off the oxygen to the flames and causes

the flames to be extinguished. All fires can be more easily controlled if the burner flame or heat source has been turned off

There is normally a tendency to store aerosol cans in the kitchen area. Caution should be taken to see that these cans are not 

stored in direct sunlight, where the temperature may exceed 120?F, or close to heat-producing appliances. Most aerosol cans are 

kept under pressure, and with increased temperature the cans may explode spraying the area with its contents or fragments of the

can. In addition, the contents of some types of aerosols are extremely flammable and should not be sprayed near any open flame. 

A suggestion should be made to the resident to read and follow the label on all aerosol cans. It will contain information about 

proper use, flammability, and storage directions.

The inspector should also be aware of detectable gas leaks that could lead to an explosion. He should immediately call this to the 

attention of the occupant or personally contact the fuel supplier to inform them of this hazard. Both natural gas and liquified 

petroleum gas (LP) these been odorized to aid in determining the presence of a small leak.

In homes using kerosene as a cooking or heating fuel, special problems exist. Leaking fuel lines, burners, and fuel containers are a 

definite fire hazard. Due to the type of fuel and manner of use, these units must he cleaned often.

If coal- or wood-burning stoves are used for cooking and if flammable liquids are used to ignite these fuels, care should be urged 

in their proper use and storage. Under no condition should gasoline or tractor fuel be used to assist in starting a fire. Kerosene or 

liquid starters sold for this purpose can be used, but they should never be applied once a fire is going or when the possibility of live 

coals exists.

Some city and area ordinances prohibit the use of certain types of portable liquid-fuel heat producing devices. Your knowledge of 

any such restrictions-end subsequent recommendations about their use to the proper person or agency are vital.

Electric appliances should be observed for frayed cords and exposed wiring, since these may result in electrical fires and electrical 

shock hazards. Face plates for electrical wall outlets should be examined for serviceability. Broken face plates should be called to 

the attention of the occupant and replacement ordered.

Overloading of electrical outlets in the kitchen is a common fire hazard. No single outlet should have more than two small portable 
appliances attached at one time, and preferably only one should be in use at any given time.

2 Carbon Monoxide - A properly adjusted gas cook stove burner will burn with a blue and well-shaped flame. If the flame appears 

irregular, lazy, and yellow, the burner is not properly adjusted and will most often produce carbon monoxide, a tasteless, colorless, 

and odorless gas that is often fatal. In nearly all areas, a local gas company or fuel supplier will respond immediately to calls 

concerning proper burner adjustment. Such a situation should be observed by the inspector and ordered corrected immediately.

3 Poisons - Small children have a curious nature and are quite at home in the kitchen. Their natural curiosity often leads the child 

to eat, drink, or taste items such as bleach, soap powder, furniture polish, wax, and other commonly used household products. All 

such items should be kept out of their sight and reach. A locked storage area for nonfood items is recommended in homes where 

small children are present. Provisions should be made for separate storage of food and nonfood items to prevent accidental 

contamination. If commonly used household products, drugs, and poisons are observed in homes where small children are present, 

a suggestion should be made that all such articles be placed out of sight and in safe storage.

4 Cuts - The storage of sharp kitchen utensils should be arranged so that the cutting edge is down or so that the utensils are 

placed in special wall or drawer holders. Knives should be kept out of children's sight and reach to prevent accidental cuts.

5 Falls - Injuries resulting from falls often occur in the kitchen because of grease and other liquids spilled and left on the floors. 

Improper storage of brooms, mops, and so forth, create a fall or trip hazard. Mop and broom handles should be placed in a wall 

rack or secured in an upright position. Broken, tom, or curled edges on floor coverings, including linoleum floors, present a trip 

hazard. The observed use of chairs and makeshift means to reach upper cabinet shelves should be brought to the attention of the 

occupant as an injury potential with a suggestion to use step stools or ladders when climbing.

6 Burns - Children are often severely burned because of their curiosity to reach for and pull on appliance cords and panhandles.

Burns from hot substances and liquids can be prevented by turning handles in so that they will not protrude beyond the stove's 

edge.

Electrical cords should not be left dangling over a work surface or left attached to the appliance or wall outlet after their use. The 

wearing of loosely fitting, long-sleeved house dresses or robes while one is cooking food may result in the ignition of the garment. 

Short sleeves are much safer and should be recommended.

B Living Room

I Falls - In the living area, emphasis should be placed on furniture arrangement and floor covering. Rugs should be of a nonskid

nature with smooth edges in order to prevent possible tripping or slipping under foot. Unstable scatter rugs are not limited to this 

area but remain a problem throughout much of the house. Furniture should be arranged in a manner that is best to provide a 

definable and normal path of travel. Sharp edges on furniture are especially hazardous to children and elders. Their placement 

should be considered for children and the elderly to prevent injury. If furniture is used for support by older persons, it should be a 

type that is sturdy enough to withstand any unusual push, lunge, or unsteadiness of the individual.

2 Fire - Open fireplaces should be checked for substantial fire-resistant screens in order to prevent hot coals or sparks from being 

thrown onto the rug. Brickwork in chimneys should be examined for condition of construction and missing mortar, and the flue 

should be checked for blockage that will prevent the exhausting of toxic gases and smoke.

Numerous electrical extension wires present a fire hazard in that there is an increased possibility of overloading the existing house 

wiring.

This type of wiring is often called upon to carry more current than it was designed to carry and this overload results in excessive 

heating and the possibility of fire. The placing of electrical wires under rugs, around door sills, and in places where they may have 

their insulation worn bare may result in a short circuit and possibly in an electrical fire.

3 Cuts - The modern home is created to admit the beauty of nature by employment of large panes of glass. The living room is no 

exception. Patio doors have become popular in the past few years in the living and dining areas. These large expanses of glass 

present a serious injury problem in that children and adults often walk, run, or fall into the panels of glass. If the force of the 
impact is great enough to cause normal annealed glass to break, it breaks into long jagged pieces that may cause the individual to 

receive multiple cuts and lacerations or suffer severed arteries. These hazards can be minimized by placing furniture, potted 

plants, or other household items in front of the stationary panels and thus cause small children or adults to slow down before 

contacting the glass door or panel. The use of decorative decals on glass panels will often provide sufficient warning that the door 

is not in an open position and thus deter a person from colliding with the glass panel.

The suggested use of safety glass will minimize the possibility of injury if the glass should break. The most common type of safety 

glass is tempered glass. Other types of safety glass are laminated and wired. Tempered safety glass looks no different from normal 

glass. Tempered safety glass is, however, five times stronger than normal annealed glass. If breakage does occur, this glass 

breaks into small cubical particles, much like rock salt, that may scratch or produce superficial cuts but will not produce deep, 

serious lacerations. All tempered safety glass will be so labeled on each panel. Homes that were built before 1963 will undoubtedly 

be equipped with normal annealed glass.

4 Electric Shock - Young children are extremely curious and great imitators of their parents. They closely watch and often imitate 

their parent when they plug an electrical appliance into a wall outlet. They do not realize the danger of shock and burn from 

inserting metal objects such as eating utensils, hair pins, and other items into an energized outlet. Plastic caps should be inserted 

and kept in each wall outlet to prevent the child from this type of hazard. Visible extension cords in the child's play area are a 

temptation for the teething child to bite the cord. Concealment or removal of electrical extension wires is recommended.

C Bathroom

1 Falls - The bathroom also has its hazards. Falls often occur in this area as a result of wet and slippery floors. Care should be 

taken to see that water is promptly cleaned up.

Where the occupants are disabled or elderly it is recommended that tub and shower stalls be provided with grab bars to assist 

them in getting in and out safely. Grab bars should not be confused with towel holders or handles on soap trays. These are usually 

insecurely attached to the wall and will not support the weight of a normal person in an emergency. Grab bars are more sturdily 

constructed, usually of metal, and are anchored firmly to the wall studs. Other types of grab bars can be fastened securely to the 

bathtub by means of bolts or clamps. Nonskid surfaces, such as adhesive strips or bath mats, should be employed to prevent 

slipping.

2 Electric Shock - The misuse of electrical appliances in the bathroom presents a shock hazard. No switches or outlets should be

within reach of the tub or shower. Electrical equipment using household current should not be present in the bathroom unless the

bathroom is specifically designed for it. All such equipment should carry the Underwriters' Laboratory (UL) label. Radios, excluding 

battery-operated units, present a definite shock hazard. All switch plates and electrical fixtures should be grounded. Under the

1975 Electrical Code all bathrooms must also have ground-fault circuit protection. Metal pull cords should have string pull cords 

attached until they can be replaced with wall switches.

3 Poisons - The medicine cabinet and sink area is often the catchall storage place for drugs and household items, many of which 

are poisonous when taken in excess. A reminder of their obvious presence in accessible places in homes with small children might

minimize the child's temptation to taste these potential poisons. Inspectors should suggest that old, unused drugs be disposed of 

in a safe manner such as flushing down the toilet.

A special storage area out of reach, out of sight of children, and preferably locked, can prevent accidental ingestion of these 

commonly used drugs and household products.

D Bedroom

1 Fires - Smoking in bed presents a major hazard. A smoldering cigarette accidentally embedded in the bedding and mattress will 

produce highly toxic gases even if a fire does not result. The presence of ashtrays near the bed area will indicate this unsafe habit. 

To change the habits and behavior patterns of individuals is difficult, but the suggested use of flame-retardant bedspreads, 

mattress covers, and mattresses minimizes the risk. Wool and fiber glass bankets are flame resistant and should be used where 

possible.

2 Falls - Getting into and out of the bed at night without proper lighting is responsible for many fall injuries. The presence of a 
nearby lamp or flashlight should be encouraged-one that can be reached before one actually leaves the bed.

As pointed out in the previous discussion, unanchored, torn, or curled edges on floor coverings should be called to the attention of 

the resident because of the hazard they present, especially in the dark. Proper furniture arrangement and a well-defined pathway

in this area are important, especially in homes of older persons.

The presence of small children in homes with second-floor bedrooms emphasizes the need for window screens to be securely 

attached, but not to the point that they could prevent escape from fire.

3 Carbon Monoxide - The presence of an unvented gas heater in the bedroom as well as in any other room is extremely dangerous 

and illegal in most areas of the country. If an unvented space heater is found, the proper authority should be notified immediately. 

Flexible fuel lines are often crimped or broken and thus allow the escape of flammable gases. An adequate fresh air supply is 

necessary for providing proper combustion, which, in turn, minimizes the production of carbon monoxide.

E Hallway and Stairs

1 Falls - The storage of items in hallways and on stairs greatly increases the possibility of tripping and falling. Toys, especially 

wheeled items, are a hazard. Floor covering that is torn, worn, or with curled edges should be observed and ordered corrected. 

Stairs should be equipped with handrails that are securely attached to the wall so that if an individual loses balance, a serious fall 

will be prevented. Testing of handrails may expose those that are more ornamental than functional.

Adequate lighting of halls and especially stairs is vital in preventing falls. The top and bottom landing should be well lighted since 

many falls initiate at these points. Prevention can be increased through placement of larger wattage light bulbs in existing wall or 

ceiling outlets.

In homes where children are present, a gate or door at the head of the stairs should be kept closed to prevent children from falling 

down the stairs. Balusters should be close enough together to prevent a child from falling between.

2 Burns - Hot-air duct openings in the floor are often found in hallways. These and wall heaters create problems because the grills 

become extremely hot and will cause serious burns if someone accidentally touches them. Proper placement and screening of 

these openings is recommended.

F Storage Areas

l Fire - The basement and other areas are noted for storing miscellaneous items such as newspapers, furniture, and other 

flammable materials. The inspector should be especially aware of any accumulation that presents an unusual hazard.

Flammable liquids, including gasoline, paint, paint thinners, turpentine, and similar products, should be stored in metal containers 

with tightly fitting lids and in areas that are free of potential sources of ignition such as flame and electric sparks. The basement, 

which often contains the heating system, water heater, and electrical motors, is not a storage place for highly flammable liquids. 

They are to be stored outside the house in areas with adequate ventilation to carry away flammable and explosive vapors if 

leakage occurs.

Paints and similarly less flammable liquids are to be stored in a metal cabinet some distance from any heat-producing units.

Coals from coal-fired heating units should not be placed in combustible containers such as wood and cardboard boxes. The 

presence of ashes in a combustible container should prompt the recommendation of using a metal container.

Inspection of the chimney in the attic area for cracked bricks and missing mortar is essential to fire safety. Storage of combustible 

items near any chimney in use is dangerous; recommended removal to a minimum distance of 3 feet is suggested.

2 Cuts - The presence of power equipment from which safety guards have obviously been removed need noting, and an 

explanation of their potential for cutting, crushing, and shearing should be made.
Power tools not in use but connected to the power source present a temptation and hazard to children allowed to frequent the 

area.

The clutter of handtools in home work areas where children play frequently presents them with a temptation to imitate adults in 

their use, and this often results in cuts and lacerations.

3 Suffocation - The temporary storage of airtight containers such as refrigerators, freezers, and similar household items presents a 

temptation for children to play in them. The danger of suffocation can be minimized by removing the door or door seal, by locking 

the door in a shut position with a chain and lock, by blocking the door so that it cannot be completely closed, or by facing the

appliance to the wall so the door cannot be opened.

4 Electric Shock - Portable electric tools used in basements and areas where electrical grounds are present should bear a three 

wire cord with a three-prong plug or be of the double insulated variety. If portable tools are equipped with a three-wire cord, 

inspection should be made to determine the presence and use of grounding adapter plugs in two hole wall outlets.

G Garage

I Fire - Flammable liquids are often stored in the garage. They should be stored in UL approved metal containers to minimize the

danger of fire and explosion. Glass containers should never be used. A storage area should be maintained in a neat and orderly 

manner and should be so located that children do not have access to it. The inspector should examine the wiring since it is often 

subjected to wear and exposed to the elements and may, as a result, be in poor condition. If the inspector notices the fueling of 

lawn mowers in the garage, he should recommend that they be fueled outside to prevent the possible accumulation of fumes 

within the garage.

2 Falls -Garden and lawn tools are normally stored in the garage. They should be stored in such a manner that they cannot slide or 

fall and present a tripping hazard. The inspector should look for the presence of oil slicks where the car is parked. These should be 

brought to the attention of the resident since they present a definite slipping hazard. If miscellaneous items are stored in the loft 

area, care should be taken that small children cannot climb to this area where falling is a possibility.

3 Cuts - All sharp tools such as axes, knives, and saws should be stored in such a manner that the blades are not exposed. The 

spark plug wire to gas-powered equipment such as lawn mowers should be disconnected from the spark plug to avoid accidental 

starting by small children.

4 Poisons - All toxic material such as lawn and garden sprays should be stored out of children's reach and in secure, preferably

locked storage areas. They should always be stored in their original containers with labels and instructions for use clearly visible.

The garage should be kept neat and orderly at all times. The accumulation of unused and unwanted material presents serious 

injury and fire hazards.

H Grounds and Home Premises

l Fire-In making an inspection of the premises, special emphasis should be placed on detecting possible fire hazards. Outside 

power lines that are bare or rubbing against tree limbs or houses should be reported to the appropriate agency for repair. The 

inspection of all outside electric fixtures should be undertaken to determine if birds have built their nest there and if so, a 

recommendation should be made for their removal by the power company. The exterior of chimneys should be inspected for 

durability and serviceability and, where necessary, suggestions made for its improvement.

2 Recreation - Recreational items such as swings, slides, and teeter boards should be checked for proper maintenance. Seats for 

swings should be covered with shock-absorbent materials to prevent accidental injury to children. Chains and hooks supporting 

swings should be covered with rubber plastic or other suitable protective tubing and checked periodically for wear. If teeter boards 

are made of wood, a recommendation should be made to the resident that adequate covering should be incorporated since 

weather and use will split the wood and cause splinters. Recreation items should be out of the normal path of individuals.

Surfacing around the recreation area should be sand or sawdust in order to prevent possible serious injury to children if they fall. 
Hard materials such as concrete or asphalt should be avoided.

Precautions should be taken to see that ditches, wells, and cisterns are securely covered to prevent persons from falling into them.

3 Cuts - The outside area surrounding the home should be kept clean of broken glass, sharp objects, and other debris. The 

presence of abandoned automobiles and machinery presents not only an injury hazard to children but also health hazards to the 

residents and neighborhood. The lawn should be carefully cleared of items such as sticks, rocks, and glass before the lawn is 

mowed, in order to prevent the throwing of these objects by rotary power motors. Proper clothing should be worn to protect the 

mower operator's feet and legs. Children should not be allowed to play with or near a mower while in operation. Refueling a lawn

mower while it is hot or running creates a fire hazard.

4 Falls - Steps and porch area should be inspected for trip hazards and loose railings to prevent personal injury. Fences offer a 

climbing temptation to children; therefore, their maintenance should be determined in view of the fact that wood deteriorates with 

age and may be unable to support children who climb on it. Ladders should not be left standing against houses or other structures 

for fear of children climbing them. In addition, their useful life will be extended if they are stored away from the elements.

I General

In this category we are primarily concerned about items that have not been covered or that are not applicable to all areas but 

nonetheless are an important phase in home safety.

Adults sometimes start a car and let the engine idle while the car is still in the garage. If the doors are closed, the carbon 

monoxide produced by the engine may overcome a person in the garage and cause death. The running of an auto in a garage 

attached to the house may allow dangerous carbon monoxide vapor to penetrate the house or heating system. Doors should 

always be open for safety.

Firearms present a special problem and should be carefully inspected to make sure they are unloaded and stored in a locked 

cabinet. All ammunition should be stored in a separate locked cabinet. The improper storage of any unlocked or usable firearm in

homes with children is a realistic hazard - one to which attention should be directed.

Exits should be cleared at all times to permit easy passage from all areas in case of fires.

At night, all doors should be kept closed in order to provide additional escape time in case of fire.

Since many rural and suburban homes use LP gas, you should suggest that checks be made to determine if leaks have occurred 

around fittings, to prevent possible accumulation of gas in the home and consequent creation of an explosion hazard. The odor of

LP gas suggests the need for immediate attention by the fuel supplier.

Telephone numbers for physician, ambulance, fire, and police departments should be posted in a conspicuous place, preferably on 

or near the telephone.

Inspectors often visit homes where very small children are left unattended for long periods, often while the parents are at work. If 

it is apparent that their absence is a definite detriment to the child's health and safety, this should be noted and called to the 

attention of the appropriate community agency.

The electrical service box containing fuses or circuit breakers may be found in any part of the house. The fuse or circuit breakers 

are "safety valves" that prevent electrical fires from occurring. When any electrical circuit is overloaded, the breaker will trip or the 

fuse will blow and shut off the electricity before a fire occurs. Unless larger than normal wiring, such as is necessary to electric 

stoves and water heaters, normal household circuits should be equipped with a 1 5-ampere fuse or circuit breaker. The currentcarrying capacity can be found on the base of the fuse or on the exterior of the circuit breaker. Two commonly found violations and 

definite hazards are a coin behind a fuse or the splitting and turning under of the fuse edge so as to bypass the fusing element. 

Circuit breakers may be found secured in a closed position by taping or blocking with a match stick or a toothpick. These unsafe

practices eliminate the functioning of these components as a safety valve. The inspector can greatly contribute to the safety of any 

building by noting and ordering correction of this fire hazard.
Most plumbing codes require the use of both a pressure relief valve and temperature control valve on water heaters. This 

temperature control valve is an addition to the normal temperature control found on all gas and electric water heaters. If the 

heater controls should fail to operate properly, the pressure relief valve and the temperature control valve will prevent the 

possibility of a pressure buildup and explosion. The use and proper installation of these safety valves are vital to safety.

The charcoaling of foods within the house and the use of gas range top burners for supplementary heat should be discouraged due 

to the increased generation of carbon monoxide gases by these appliances. The burning of charcoal within the house should be 

allowed only within the opening of a fireplace. An inspection should be made to determine if the flue and draft control is operable; 

otherwise, carbon monoxide gases can spill into the house.

While many of these points are not enforceable by the inspector, he should find it within his duty to inform the resident of the

hazard and show him how to make corrections. If carried out properly, this procedure should go far toward eliminating many 

household hazards and reducing accidental injuries in the home and thus provide a healthful and safe environment.

Table of Contents | Acknowledgements | Foreword | Chapter1 | Chapter 2

Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11

 

 

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