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Property Name:
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Inspector:
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Location
FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT - Furnaces, Boilers, Water Heaters, Kerosene Heaters, Space Heaters, Dryers, Fireplaces
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Venting of Exhaust Gases<br><br>a. Outdoors away from intakes and windows?<br><br>b. Chimney and flue constructed and installed properly (per manufacturer)?<br><br>c. Chimney and flue inspected annually and cleaned?
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Combustion Air<br><br>a. Adequate combustion air ducted to unit or<br><br>b. Unobstructed area large enough to provide adequate combustion air? <br><br>c. Small mechanical areas have sufficient combustion air and ventilation openings?<br><br>d. No hazardous or flammable vapor sources near combustion equipment.
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Operation and Maintenance<br><br>a. Instructions available for proper operation and maintenance?<br><br>b. Equipment operated and maintained as intended within design limits?<br><br>c. Warning labels (English and local language) present on combustion appliances.
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Clearance to Combustibles<br><br>a. Clearance at least 1m (3ft) from exhaust flue to combustible materials<br><br>b. Clearance at least 1m (3ft) from equipment to combustible materials<br><br>c. Boiler and furnace rooms not used for storage areas.
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Fuel Type and Storage<br><br>a. Fuel used is appropriate for appliance(s)?<br><br>b. Proper type and location of fuel storage container (including tanks). <br><br>c. Protect fuel storage containers from damage and secure them for protection against weapons of opportunity
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Carbon Monoxide Alarms<br><br> a. 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<br>
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Generators<br><br>a. Adequate space and, if leased, landlord agrees to the generator.<br><br>b. Placed outdoors as far away as practical and a minimum of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from any building. <br><br>c. Exhaust outlets >= 3 feet from exterior walls and roofs, 10 feet from operable openings into buildings, and 10 feet above adjoining grade.<br><br>d. If distance and direction of exhaust is not feasible, then extend 3 ft. above the building. (See “Venting of Exhaust Gases” section).<br>
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Portable Kerosene Heaters<br><br>a. Single family home use only.<br><br>b. Correct grade of clear kerosene (K-1) fuel stored outside in safety cans. <br><br>c. Refuel outdoors away from sources of ignition, and after the heater has cooled completely.<br><br>d. Set the wick height to the manufacturer’s recommended level.<br><br>e. Chimney is seated properly.<br><br>f. Window opened slightly (e.g., 25mm/1 inch) in the room with the heater.<br><br>g. Do not leave the heater unattended and turn off before going to bed keep the heater at least 1 m (3 ft.) from combustibles unit is operated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instruction and residents are informed of the instructions.<br><br>h. Carbon monoxide alarms must be placed in dwelling
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Liquefied Petroleum (Propane)Gases (LPG)<br><br>1.Cylinders during use:<br> a. Must be located on the exterior of the building.<br> b. Equipped with a pressure regulator having a pressure relief valve.<br> c. Upright and securely anchored or chained in place.<br> d. At least 7.6 m (25 ft) from sources of ignition and 1.5 m (5 ft) from building openings.<br><br>2. Cylinder storage:<br> a. Outside within a fenced enclosure.<br> b. Outlet valves closed with cap or cover.<br> c. Steel posts or barriers if vehicle damage is possible.<br> d. “No Smoking” signs clearly displayed around the storage enclosure with universal symbols or local language and English<br> e. Secure tanks to ensure they cannot be used as weapons of opportunity. <br> <br>3. Trained employees for LPG installation and cylinder replacement.<br><br>4. Refilled tanks or bottles delivered, no recharging or filling of tanks or bottles at the site.
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All Gas Service<br><br>a. Supply through rigid pipe (iron or steel), or tubing (steel, brass or copper)<br> Exceptions for seismically active areas-see Seismic Safety<br>b. Interior manual shut-off valve accessible and within 1.8 m (6 ft.) of appliance.<br>c. Secured to ensure safe against weapons of opportunity.<br>d. 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<br>
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FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY
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Emergency Egress<br>Adequate emergency egress can vary with the type of building. Consult the Fire Protection Guide(FPG) for guidance.
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Maximum Travel Distance to an Exit<br><br>- Without fire suppression or detection systems: 100 feet (30m)<br>- With complete fire detection system and sprinkler protection in selected areas: 150 feet (46m)<br>- With complete fire sprinkler system: 200 feet (61m)
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High Rise Matrix
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Smoke Alarms<br><br>15 FAM 841<br><br>a. each sleeping room.<br>b. corridor leading to bedrooms.<br>c. top of internal stairwells on each floor level<br>d. placement should be on the ceiling, or alternately on a wall between 4” (10 cm) to 12” (30.5 cm) away from the ceiling.<br>e. check detectors monthly for proper operation.
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Portable Fire Extinguishers<br><br>15 FAM 842<br>a. one Department standard 10 lb. (4.45 kg) extinguisher (4-A:40-B:C)<br>b. wall mounted in each kitchen.
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Alarm Systems<br><br>Life Safety Code/NFPA 101<br><br>a. several factors influence fire alarm and/or fire suppression system requirements.<br>b. consult the Fire Protection Guide (FPG) and contact OBO/OPS/FIR.
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Lighting<br><br>NFPA 70<br><br>a. 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. <br>b. if emergency generator is not available to provide emergency lighting, provide battery-packed emergency lights in public spaces, hallway, stair way or other means of egress.<br>c. installed and maintained correctly
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Exit Signs<br><br>Life Safety Code/NFPA 101<br><br>exit doors in public corridors on floors with sleeping accommodations:<br><br>a. illuminated exit signs.<br>b. directional signs if path is not straight or the exit is less than obvious.
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Window Grilles<br><br>Life Safety Code/NFPA 101<br><br>a. operable from the inside.<br>b. minimum opening: 5.7 ft.2 (0.529 m2) <br>c. minimum dimension: 24” (61 cm) x 20” (51 cm) and not be more than 44” (112 cm) from the floor <br>d. bars or grilles must have inside release mechanism
WATER HEATER PROTECTION
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Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves<br><br>a. separate temperature and pressure relief valves (PRV and TRV) or combination temperature and pressure relief valves (TPRV) installed.<br>b. TPRV drain piping installed to direct discharge to floor.<br>c. TPRV drain piping is not reduced, threaded at the end and has no uphill runs.<br>d. TPRV drain piping has no other valve downstream of TPRV.<br>e. Water temperature is not above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C)
PLATE GLASS SAFETY
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Tempered/Safety Glass Locations<br><br>a. entry and exit doors, storm doors, glass sliding doors.<br>b. windows located within 18” (46 cm) of the floor<br>c. doors and enclosures for bathtubs, showers, sauna<br>d. stairway enclosures and handrail panels.<br>e. 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.
ELECTRICAL
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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters <br> installed for wet locations (indoors or outdoors) and all kitchen countertop outlets at the outlet or the circuit breaker: <br>- 110-volt systems, installed GFCIs trip at 4 to 6 mA <br>- 220-volt systems, installed GFCIs trip at 10 mA do not install outlets where local code prohibits them in certain wet locations
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Grounding (Updated 2013) <br>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. 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
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Electric Service Supply & Panels<br><br>a. Missing knock-outs and twist-outs in breaker/fuse panel(s) must have fill plates.<br>b. Breaker/fuse panel front working clearance of 30" (76cm) wide x 36" (92cm) deep.<br>c. Breaker and fuses labeled as to function/area served.<br>d. Any outdoor service entrance, outlets and switch boxes have weatherproof covers.
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Circuit Capacity<br><br>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 mm2 (smaller than #14 AWG, 15A) 10A<br>2.5 mm2 (smaller than #12 AWG, 20A) 16A <br>4 mm2 (smaller than #10 AWG, 30A) 25A <br>6 mm2 (smaller than # 8 AWG, 50A) 40A<br>10 mm2 (smaller than # 6 AWG, 65A) 50A<br>16 mm2 (smaller than # 4 AWG, 85A) 60A
FALL PROTECTION
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Railings - - --- <br>- Installed on all porches, balconies and raised floor surfaces more than 30" (76cm) above the floor or grade below - Sturdy supports (balusters) with no openings larger than 4" (10cm) and bottom of railing assembly no more than 4" (10cm) from the floor - Top of railing is 42” (107cm) or more from floor or grade level - Installed 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 <br> high. Guardrails are required where the fall would be greater than 30 inches and must not have openings of greater than 4 inches.
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Stairs and Handrails<br><br>For open stairways, supports (balusters) no more than 4" (10 cm) apart. Triangle formed by riser, tread and bottom guardrail element does not allow passage of sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. Stair riser height maximum 7.75 inches (196 mm), treads minimum depth 10 inches (254 mm) <br>Stairways are not to be less than 36 inches (914mm) in clear width at all points above the handrail height. <br>Spiral stairway treads must have a minimum tread width of 26 inches (660 mm). Treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured at a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side where the treads are narrower
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Homes with Small Children<br>- Latching device on windows allows opening no more than 4-5” (10-13cm), but window remains operable.<br>- Furniture away from windows and railings.
SWIMMING POOLS
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Barrier and Safety Equipment (Updated 2018) <br> <br>15 FAM 957.4<br>A non-climbable isolation barrier (fence, wall, etc)> 4ft (122cm) minimum height surrounding the pool that prevents direct access from living areas and excludes ancillary activities (e.g. barbecues, bars, ping pong tables) <br> a. Self-closing, self-latching, lockable hardware on all access points (gates/doors) with latch release ≥ 54” (137cm) . Alternatively, the latch release can be on the pool side of the gate if ≥3 inches (7.6 centimeters) below the top with no opening >½ inch (1.3 cm) within 18 inches (4.5 cm) of the release. <br>b. Rescue equipment available (shepherd’s crook, pole, ring buoy) and in plain view<br>c. Depth markings and no diving indicated. Safety rules posted at community use pools and residential use pools that are used as community use pools, i.e., CMR, MSGR<br>d. First aid kits and emergency communication means for community use pools and residential use pools that are used as community use pools<br>e. Outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and covers<br>f. Pool chemicals stored separate from other materials in a cool, dry, ventilated area with restricted access<br>
ELEVATORS
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Elevator Lobby & Car<br><br>a. All elevator cars have functional doors independent of shaft doors. <br>b. 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.<br>c. All external car operating features, lobby controls and hardware are intact and function properly.<br>d. Car operating buttons, including the emergency alarm button, function properly. <br>e. Car lights are on and bulbs or tubes are secure.<br>f. Car service panel is locked.<br>g. Car emergency phone is connected to a 24-hour operator and cars audible signs are operating<br>h. All door mechanisms are enclosed to avoid pinch/shear points.
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Machine Room & Maintenance<br><br>a. Machine room access door is locked and keys stored securely.<br>b. Good housekeeping, no trash, not being used as a storage area, no excessive oil leaks, control cabinet(s) intact.<br>c. Illumination is adequate to perform inspection.<br>d. ABC fire extinguisher located in machine room.<br>e. Temperature is not above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C)<br>f. Elevator is under a service contract and service logbook is utilized and up to date. <br>g. Elevator has a current safety certificate.
ENVIRONMENTAL
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Air Pollution (for Level 1 or higher air pollution posts) 2018<br> <br> 15 FAM 900 (Pending)<br>a. At least 150 m away from major roadway (recommended)<br>b. No other nearby air pollution sources [e.g., drycleaner or large fueling station (14M l/year) within 100m]<br>c. Property barrier and vegetation (recommended)<br>d. Centralized air filtration (otherwise room air cleaners may be needed)<br>
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Asbestos<br><br>OBO Directive FAC001<br>a. Acquisitions: asbestos inspection conducted and impact of asbestos determined.<br>b. Asbestos materials identified and maintained in good condition.<br>c. Maintenance and minor renovations avoid disturbance of asbestos materials.<br>d. If asbestos material is to be disturbed, it is removed properly and records of removal and disposal are maintained.
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Leaded Paint<br><br>ALDAC 93 State 120625<br>a. Only lead-free paint is applied.<br>b. Paint in good condition with minimal damage.<br>c. Paint sampled prior to renovation or major maintenance work.<br>d. Leaded paint removed prior to start of work or minimize disturbance.
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Pesticides<br><br>a. Building conditions or location not inviting to common local pests.<br>b. No history of chronic pest problems or extensive pesticide use <br> <br>15 FAM 957.2.<br>c. Willing and capable to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program in USG occupied space.<br>d. Habitants and attractants to common pests avoided.<br>e. Self-help measures to control pests (if control measures are not effective).<br>f. Professiional pesticides only as a last resort and limited to Department authorized products.
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Drinking Water Quality<br><br>15 FAM 957.5<br><br>a. Tap water is potable (microbiologically safe and within acceptable contaminant levels listed in the Department’s drinking water standards).<br>b. 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.
SEISMIC ISSUES (FOR POSTS IN SEISMIC ZONES 2 OR HIGHER)
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Seismic Safety<br><br>a. avoid seismically unsafe structures.<br>b. propane tanks, kerosene heaters: use flexible connections to the tank and anchor storage tanks to the ground.<br>c. water heaters, propane (LPG) gas cylinders and natural gas:<br> - use flexible, metallic connections for water and gas lines.<br> - 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.<br>d. 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. <br>e. check for weaknesses in chimneys such as damage or missing bricks and install plywood above ceiling joists to keep bricks from falling through.<br>f. ensure cabinet latches are strong enough, especially in the kitchen, to prevent contents from falling out; install safety latches for added security.<br>g. brace and bolt storage racks and shelves to the floor and walls and secure contents so they can’t slide off.
LOCAL CONSIDERATIONS
FOOTNOTES AND LEGEND
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Key Citations
15 FAM 211.1 Housing Abroad Policy (the objective is to provide safe and secure housing)
15 FAM 252.5 Safety, Health & Environmental Requirements ( a.k.a. "POSHO certification” requirement for properties under consideration for purchase or lease and prior to occupancy) -
References
- FPG (OBO/OPS/FIR's Fire Protection Guide)
- Earthquake Preparedness ( Earthquake Preparedness at US Foreign Service Posts)
- IBC ( 2003 International Building Code)
- IMC (2003 International Mechanical Code)
- IPMP ( Integrated Pest Management Program)
- IRC (International Residential Code)
- NEC (National Electric Code)
- NFPA ( National Fire Protection Association)
- SHEM Resource Guide (OBO/OPS/SHEM's Safety/Occupational Health and Environment Management Resource Guide)
SHEM CO Alarm Guides (OBO/OPS/SHEM's Carbon Monoxide Program and Guides) -
OBO Program Offices
- OPS/SHEM (Safety, Health and Environmental Management Division)
- OPS/FIR (Fire Protection Division)
- CFSM/FAC (Facilities Management Division)
- PDCS/DE (Design and Engineering Division)
- PDCS/DE/EE (Design and Engineering Division Electrical Engineering Branch)
- PDCS/DE/ME (Design and Engineering Division Mechanical Engineering Branch) -
I certify that all the information listed in the above report are correct and true.
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Ana Aquino, Assistant Post Occupancy Safety and Health Officer
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Susan Meyerson, Post Occupancy Safety and Health Officer
