OBO - Residential Safety, Health, And Fire Prevention Awareness Checklist

Outdoors away from intakes and windows

Chimney and flue constructed and installed properly (per manufacturer))

Chimney and flue inspected annually and cleaning

Adequate combustion air ducted to unit or

Unobstructed area large enough to provide adequate combustion air

Small mechanical areas have sufficient combustion air and ventilation openings

No hazardous or flammable vapor sources near combustion equipment

Instructions available for proper operation and maintenance

Equipment operated and maintained as intended within design limits

Warning labels (English and local language) present on combustion appliances

Adequate clearance from exhaust flue to combustible materials

Adequate clearance from equipment to combustible materials

Boiler and furnace rooms not used for storage areas

Fuel used is appropriate for appliance(s)<br>

Proper type and location of fuel storage container (including tanks)

Protect fuel storage containers from damage and secure them for protection against weapons of opportunity

Carbon monoxide alarm installed, at about eye level, outside of sleeping areas (including household staff) in residences with any combustion appliance (other than cooking oven/stove) or an attached garage

Adequate space and, if leases, landlord agrees to the generator

Placed outdoors as far away as practical and a minimum of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from any building

Exhaust outlets >= 3 feet from exterior wall and roofs, 10 feet from operable opening into buildings, and 10 feet above adjoining grade

If distance and direction of exhaust is not feasible, then extend 3 ft. above the building. (See "Venting of Exhaust Gases" section)

Single family home use only

Correct grade of kerosene (K-1) fuel stored outside in safety cans

Refuel outdoors away from sources of ignition, and after the heater has cooled completely

Set the wick height to the manufacturer's recommended level

Chimney is seated properly

Window opened slightly (e.g., 25mm/1 inch) in the room with the heater

Do not leave the heater unattended and turn off before going to bed

Keep the heater at least 1m (3 ft.) from combustibles unit is operated and maintained according to the manufacturer's instruction and residents are informed of the instructions

Carbon monoxide alarms must be placed in dwelling

- must be located on the exterior of the building

- equipped with a pressure regulator having a pressure relief valve

- upright and securely anchor or chained in place

- at least 7.6 m (25 ft.) from sources of ignition and 1.5 m (5 ft.) from building openings

- outside within a fenced enclosure

- outlet valves close with cap or cover

- steel posts or barriers if vehicle damage is possible

- "No Smoking" signs clearly displayed around the storage enclosure with universal symbols or local language and English

- secure tanks to ensure they cannot be used as weapons of opportunity

Trained employees for LPG installation and cylinder replacement

Refilled tanks or bottles delivered, no recharging or filling of tanks or bottles at the site

Supply through rigid pipe (iron or steel), or tubing (steel, brass or copper)

- exceptions for seismically active areas-see Seismic Safety

Manual shut-off valve within 1.8 m (6 ft.) of appliance

Secured to ensure safe against weapons of opportunity

Leak detection using soapy water or other means must be conducted over all fittings and connections during cylinder or appliance replacement or anytime supply line work is done

Adequate emergency egress can vary with the type of building. Consult the Fire Protection Guide (FPG) for guidance

Without automatic sprinkler protection: 150 ft. (45.8 m)

Automatic sprinkler protection: 200 ft. (61 m)

Each sleeping room

Corridor leading to bedrooms

Top of internal stairwells on each floor level

Placement should be on the ceiling, or alternately on a wall between 4" (10 cm) to 12" (30.5 cm) away from the ceiling

Check detectors monthly for proper operation

One department standard 10 lb. (4.45 kg) extinguisher (4-A:40-B:C)

Wall mounted in or near each kitchen

Several factors influence automatic fire alarm detection and/or automatic suppression system requirements

Consult the Fire Protection Guide (FPG) and contact OBO/OPS/FIR

Apartment buildings or congregate residences with 10 or more occupants: public space, hallway, stairway or other means of egress must have illumination of 1 foot candle power at floor level by emergency lighting

If emergency generator is not able to provide emergency lighting, provide battery-packed emergency lights in public spaces, hallway stairway or other means of egress

Installed and maintained correctly

- Illuminated exit signs

- directional signs if path is not straight or the exit is less than obvious

Operable from the inside

Minimum opening: 5.7 ft. squared (0.529 meters squared)<br>

Minimum dimension: 24" (61 cm) x 20" (51 cm) and not be more than 44" (112 cm) from the floor

Bars or grilles must have inside release mechanism

Separate temperature and pressure relief valves (PRV and TRV) or combination temperature and pressure relief valves (TPRV) installed

TPRV drain piping installed to direct discharge floor

TPRV drain piping is not reduced, threaded at the end and has no uphill runs

TPRV drain piping has no other valve downstream of TPRV

Water temperature is not above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C)

Entry and exit doors, storm doors, glass sliding doors

Windows located within 18" (46 cm) of the floor

Doors and enclosures for bathtubs, showers, sauna

Stairway enclosures and handrail panels

Locations listed above without tempered glass, need safety glass or non-breakable replacement materials, or protection with barriers. Doors at ground level may be treated with a Mylar coating or with decals or markings

- 110-volt systems, installed GFCIs trip at 4 to 6 mA

- 220-volt systems, installed GFCIs trip at 10 mA

Do not install outlets where local code prohibits them in certain wet locations

An effective grounding system for a typical apartment or house includes a grounding electrode conductor (GEC) to connect the main service ground terminal to a grounding electrode system. Impedance of the ground path for any made electrodes may not exceed 25 ohms, as measured using the 3 terminal resistance measurement method and an earth electrode tester. <br><br>Verify and if missing, contact the FIR/FAC Help Desk via e-mail ( obo@cesengineers.com ) or call 866-949-6751 for assistance with grounding system installation

Missing knock-outs and twist-outs in beaker/fuse panel(s) must have fill plates

Breaker/fuse panel front working clearance of 30" (76 cm) wide x 36" (92 cm) deep

Breaker and fuses labeled as to function/area served

Any outdoor service entrance, outlets and switch boxes have waterproof covers

Review usage and capacity and avoid excessive electrical loads. Verify that the following most commonly used branch circuit connectors in residences are protected by fuses or circuit breakers having trip elements not larger than:<br><br>Wires (Comparable U.S. Wire Size): Trip Setting:<br>1.5 mm squared (smaller than #14 AWG, 15A) 10A<br>2.5 mm squared (smaller than #12 AWG, 20A) 16A<br>4 mm squared (smaller than #10 AWG, 30A) 25A<br>6 mm squared (smaller than #8 AWG, 50A) 40A<br>10 mm squared (smaller than #6 AWG, 65A) 50A<br>16 mm squared (smaller than #4 AWG, 85A). 60A

Installed on all railings porches, balconies and raised floor surfaces more than 30" (76 cm) above the floor or grade below <br>

Sturdy supports (balusters) with no openings larger than 4" (10 cm) and bottom of railing assembly no more than 4" (10 cm) from the floor

Top of railing is 42" (107 cm) or more from floor or grade level

Installation of handrails, typically for stairways, at 34-38 inches and guardrails at a minimum height of 36 inches (42 inches is recommended) for balconies, decks, elevated patios, and other similar structures for family and duplex housing units. Guardrail installation at apartments and representational areas open to the public must be 42 inches high. Guardrails are required where the fall would be greater than 30 inches and must not have openings of greater than 4 inches

Steps have evenly-spaced risers

Any open risers between steps do not have an opening larger than 4" (10 cm)

Where there are 4 or more risers (steps), at least one handrail installed (right-side descending preferred) for any enclosed stairway. For stairs open on one or both sides, a handrail is installed on the open side(s). Installed handrails are 34-38" (86 cm) from the top of the stair tread nosing and can withstand a force of 200 lbs. (91 kg) in any direction

For open stairways, supports (balusters) no more than 4" (10 cm) apart

Latching device on windows allows opening no more than 4-5" (10-13 cm), but windows remains operable

Furniture away from windows and railings

A non-claimable isolation barrier (fence, wall, etc.) 4 ft. (122 cm) minimum height surrounding the pool that prevents direct access from living areas and excludes ancillary activities (e.g., barbecues, bars, ping pong tables)

Self-closing, self-latching, lockable hardware on all access points (gates/doors) with latches at 54" (137 cm)

Rescue equipment available (shepherd's crook, poles, ring buoy) and in plain view

Depth markings and no divining indicated and safety rules posted community use pools and residential use pools that are used as community use pools, i.e., CMR, MSGR

First aid kits and emergency communication means for community use pools and residential use pools that are used as community use pools

Outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and covers

Pools chemicals stores separate form other materials in a cool, dry, ventilated area with restricted access

All elevator cars have functional doors independent of shaft doors

Elevator doors (car & shaft) reverse direction when an object is either contacted by the leading edge of the door or detected by an electronic door protection device

All external car operating features, lobby controls and hardware are intact and function properly

Car operating buttons, including the emergency alarm button, function properly

Car lights are on and bulbs or tubes are secure

Car service panel is locked

Car emergency phone is connected to a 24-hour operator

Car's audible signals are operating

All door mechanisms are enclosed to avoid pinch/shear points

Machine room access door is locked and keys stored securely

Good housekeeping, no trash, not being used as a storage area, no excessive oil leaks, control cabinet(s) intact

Illumination is adequate to perform inspection

ABC fire extinguisher located in machine room

Temperature is not above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C)

Elevator is under a service contract and service logbook is utilized and up to date

Elevator has a current safety certificate

Acquisitions: asbestos inspection conducted and impact of asbestos determined

Asbestos materials identified and maintained in good condition

Maintenance and minor renovations avoid disturbance of asbestos materials

If asbestos material is to be disturbed, it is removed properly and records of removal and disposal are maintained

Only lead-free paint is applied

Paint in good condition with minimal damage

Paint sampled prior to renovation or major maintenance work

Leaded paint removed prior to start of work or minimize disturbance

Building conditions or location not inviting to common local pests

No history of chronic pest problems or extensive pesticide use

Willing and capable to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program in USG occupied space

Pest control measures to reduce pest habitats

Self-help measures to control pests (if control measures are not effective)

Apply pesticides listed in the IPM only as a last resort

Tap water is potable (microbiologically safe and within acceptable contaminant levels listed in the Department's drinking water standards)

If tap water is not potable, then supplemental means (e.g., point of use device such as a distiller) are used to render the water potable and quality control monitoring is done

Avoid seismically unsafe structures

Propane tanks, kerosene heaters: use flexible connections to the tank and anchor storage tanks to the ground

- use flexible, metallic connections for water and gas lines

- use metal straps which are bolted using expansion bolts to a masonry wall, or lag bolts to a wood stud wall, at the top and bottom of the water heater and propane cylinders

Block in space between water heater and wall to prevent rocking tall, heavy furniture such as bookcases should be secured to prevent sliding or tipping, using L-brackets or other device and remove casters or wheels to prevent rolling

Check for weaknesses in chimneys such as damage or missing bricks and install plywood above ceiling joists to keep bricks from falling through

Ensure cabinet latches are strong enough, especially in the kitchen, to prevent contents from falling out; install safety latches for added security

Brace and bolt storage racks and shelves to the floor and walls and secure contents so they can't slide off