Residential Safety, Health, and Fire Prevention Awareness Checklist

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Under 15 FAM 211.1, the objective of the Housing Abroad Program is to provide safe and secure housing. This checklist is referenced under 15 FAM 252.5 and 15 FAM Exhibit 971.1 to assist POSHOs in evaluating safety, health, fire, and environmental conditions when considering leasing or purchasing a property. This checklist not intended to be all‐inclusive. Local codes that are more stringent should be followed. Contact the appropriate program office(s) for further assistance.

Fuel burning appliances and equipment - Furnaces, boilers, water heaters, kerosene heaters, space heaters, dryers, fireplaces -Acceptable condition- (Citation)

Venting of exhaust gases - 1. Outdoors away from intakes and windows 2. Chimney and flue constructed and installed properly (per manufacturer) 3. Chimney and flue inspected annually and cleaned
Combustion air - 1. Adequate combustion air ducted to unit or 2. Unobstructed area large enough to provide adequate combustion air 3. Small mechanical areas have sufficient combustion air and ventilation openings 4. No hazardous or flammable vapor sources near combustion equipment
Operation and maintenance - 1. Instructions available for proper operation and maintenance 2. Equipment operated and maintained as intended within design limits 3. Warning labels (English and local language) present on combustion appliances
Clearance to combustibles - 1. Clearance at least 1 m (3 ft) from exhaust flue to combustible materials 2. Clearance at least 1 m (3 ft) from equipment to combustible materials boiler and furnace rooms not used for storage areas
Fuel type and storage - 1. Fuel used is appropriate for appliance(s) 2. Proper type and location of fuel storage container (including tanks) 3. Protect fuel storage containers from damage and secure them for protection against weapons of opportunity
Carbon monoxide alarms - 1. 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
Generators - 1. Adequate space and, if leased, landlord agrees to the generator 2. Placed outdoors as far away as practical and a minimum of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from any building 3. Exhaust outlets greater than or equal to 1 meter (3 ft) from exterior walls and roofs, 3 meters (10 ft) from operable openings into buildings, and 3 meters (10 ft) above adjoining grade 4. If distance and directions of exhaust is not feasible, then extend 1 meter (3 ft) above the building. (See "Venting of exhaust gases" section)
Portable kerosene heaters - 1. Single family home use only 2. Correct grade of clear kerosene (K‐1) fuel stored outside in safety cans 3. Refuel outdoors away from sources of ignition, and after the heater has cooled completely 4. Set the wick height to the manufacturer’s recommended level 5. Chimney is seated properly 6. Window opened slightly (e.g., 25mm/1 inch) in the room with the heater a. Do not leave the heater unattended and turn off before going to bed 7. Keep the heater at least 1 meter (3 ft) from combustibles unit is operated and maintained according to the manufacturer's instruction and residents are informed of the instructions 8. Carbon monoxide alarms must be placed in dwelling
Liquefied petroleum (propane) gases (LPG) - (Cylinders during use): 1. Must be located on the exterior of the building 2. Equipped with a pressure regulator having a pressure relief valve 3. Upright and securely anchored or chained in place 4. At least 7.6 meters (25 ft) from sources of ignition and 1.5 meters (5 ft) from buildings openings (cylinder storage): 1. Outside within a fenced enclosure 2. Outlet valves closed with cap or cover 3. Steel posts or barriers if vehicle damage is possible 4. “No Smoking” signs clearly displayed around the storage enclosure with universal symbols or local language and English 5. Secure tanks to ensure they cannot be used as weapons of opportunity 6. Trained employees for LPG installation and cylinder replacement 7. Refilled tanks or bottles delivered, no recharging or filling of tanks or bottles at the site 8. Post Facility Managers or Post Occupational Safety and Health officers (POSHO) must coordinate inspections of residences/apartment buildings, which have natural gas and ensure the local gas authority has certified lines and valves
All gas service - 1. Supply through rigid pipe (iron or steel), or tubing (steel, brass, or copper) a. Exceptions for seismically active areas‐see Seismic Safety 2. Interior manual shut‐off valve accessible and within 1.8 meters (6 ft) of appliance 3. Secured to ensure safe against weapons of opportunity 4. 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 5. Post Facility Managers or Post Occupational Safety and Health officers (POSHO) must coordinate inspections of residences/apartment buildings, which have natural gas and ensure the local gas authority has certified lines and valves
Additional comments:

Fire and life safety -Acceptable condition- (Citation)

Emergency egress - 1. Adequate emergency egress can vary with the type of building. Consult the fire protection guide (FPG) for guidance
Maximum travel distance to an exit - 1. Without fire suppression or detection systems: 30 meters (100 ft) 2. With complete fire detection system and sprinkler protection in selected areas: 46 meters (150 ft) 3. With complete fire sprinkler system: 61 meters (200 ft)
High rise matrix - =stairs=Fire al./det. sys.=Fire spri. sys.=#of apts. per fl.=Real est. dec.= -2 exit - Full - Full - --- - Lease on any - -stairs - - - - floor - -2 exit - Full - None - --- - Lease at or - -stairs - - - - bel. 5th floor - -1 exit -Full - Full - only 2 per floor - lease at or - - stair - - - - bel. 6th floor - -1 exit -Full - Full - More than - lease at or - - stair - - - 2 per floor - bel. 4th floor - -1 exit- Full - None - --- - lease at or - - stair - - - - bel. 3rd floor - -1 exit- None - None - --- - do not lease -
Smoke alarms - 1. Each sleeping room 2. Corridors leading to bedrooms 3. Top of internal stairwells on each floor level 4. Placement should be on the ceiling, or alternately on a wall between 10 centimeters (4 in) to 30.5 centimeters (12 in) away from the ceiling 5. Occupants instructed to check detectors monthly for proper operation
Portable fire extinguishers - 1. One Department standard 10 lb. (4.45 kg) extinguisher (4‐A:40‐B:C) wall mounted in or near each kitchen
Alarm systems - 1. Several factors influence automatic fire alarm detection and/or automatic fire suppression system requirements 2. Consult the Fire Protection Guide (FPG) and contact OBO/OPS/FIRE
Lighting - 1. 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 lightning 2. If emergency generator is not available to provide emergency lighting, provide battery-powered emergency lights in public spaces, hallway, stair way or other means of egress installed and maintained correctly
Exit signs - 1. Exit doors in public corridors on floors with sleeping accommodations: 2. illuminated exit signs 3. directional signs if path is not straight or the exit is less than obvious
Window grilles - 1. Operable from the inside a). Minimum opening: 5.7 ft2 (0.529m2) b). Minimum dimension: 24" (61 cm) x 20" (51 cm) and not be more than 44" (112 cm) from the floor c). Bars or grilles must have inside release mechanism
Additional comments:

Water heater protection -Acceptable condition (Citation)

Temperature and pressure relief valves - 1. Separate temperature and pressure relief valves (PRV and TRV) or combination temperature and pressure relief valves installed 2. TPRV drain piping installed to direct discharge to floor 3. TPRV drain piping is not reduced, threaded at the end and has no uphill runs 4. TPRV drain piping has no other valve downstream of TPRV 5. Water temperature is not above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C)
Additional comments:

Plate glass safety - Acceptable condition (Citation)

Tempered / Safety glass locations - 1. Locations listed below need to ensure the glass is tempered, mylar coated, a non-breakable replacement material or protected by a barrier. Decals or markings should be used where the presence of glass is not easily seen. 2. Entry and exit doors, storm doors, glass sliding doors 3. Windows located within 46 centimeters (18 in) of the floor 4. Doors and enclosures for bathtubs, showers, sauna 5. Stairway enclosures and handrail panels
Additional comments:

Electrical - Acceptable condition (Citation)

Ground fault circuit interrupters - 1. Installed for wet locations (indoors or outdoors) and all kitchen countertop outlets at the outlet or the circuit breaker. a). 110-volt systems, installed GFCIs trip at 4 to 6 mA b). 220‐volt systems, installed GFCIs trip at 10 mA 2. Do not install outlets where local code prohibits them in certain wet locations
Appliance cords - 1. In good condition, insulated, and provided with a plug
Grounding - 1. A grounding electrode connected to panel at the service entrance and bonded to the neutral (grounded) conductor. Impedance of the ground path for any made electrodes may not exceed 25 ohms, as measured using appropriate stake or stake less ground resistance testing equipment. 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
Electric service supply & panels - 1. Missing knock‐outs and twist‐outs in breaker/fuse panel(s) must have fill plates 2. Breaker/fuse panel front working clearance of 30" (76cm) wide x 36" (92cm) deep 3. Breaker and fuses labeled as to function/area served 4. Any outdoor service entrance, outlets and switch boxes have weatherproof covers
Circuit capacity - 1. 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 that have trip elements not larger than: WIRES (COMPARABLE U.S. WIRE SIZE) 1.5mm2 (smaller than #14AWG, 15A) TRIP SETTING 10A - 2.5mm2 (smaller than #12 AWG, 20A) TRIP SETTING 16A - 4 mm2 (smaller than #10AWG, 30A) TRIP SETTING 25A - 6mm2 (smaller than #8 AWG, 50A) TRIP SETTING 40A - 10mm2 (smaller than #6 AWG, 65A) TRIP SETTING 50A - 16mm2 (smaller than #4 AWG, 85A) TRIP SETTING 60A -
Additional comments:

Fall protection - Acceptable condition (Citation)

Railings - 1. Installed on all porches, balconies and raised floor surfaces more than 76 centimeters (30 in) above the floor or grade below 2. Sturdy supports (balusters) with no openings larger than 10 centimeters (4 in) and bottom of railing assembly no more than 10 centimeters from the floor 3. Top of railing is 107 centimeters (42 in) or more from floor or grade level 4. Guardrails at a minimum height of 91 centimeters (36 in) (107 cm/42 in is recommended) for balconies, decks, elevated patios, and other similar structures for single family and duplex housing units 5. Guardrail installation at apartments and representational areas open to the public must be 107 centimeters (42 in) high
Stairs and handrails - 1. For open stairways, supports (balusters) no more than 10 centimeters (4 in) apart. Triangle formed by riser, tread and bottom guardrail element does not allow passage of sphere 152 millimeters (6 in) in diameter 2. Handrails installed for stairways at 86‐97 centimeters (34‐38 in) 3. Stair riser height maximum 196 millimeters (7.75 in), treads minimum depth 254 millimeters (10 in) 4. Stairways are not to be less than 91 centimeters (36 in) in clear width at all points above the handrail height 5. Spiral stairway treads must have a minimum tread width of 66 centimeters (26 in). Treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 254 millimeters (10 in) measured at a point 305 millimeters (12 in) from the side where the treads are narrower
Homes with small children - 1. Latching device on windows that allows opening no more than 10‐ 13 centimeters (4‐5 in), but window remains operable 2. Furniture away from windows and railings
Additional comments:

Swimming pools - Acceptable condition (Citation)

Barrier and other safety features - 1. Barrier: A permanent, 4-sided, non-climbable barrier (fence, wall, etc.) >122 centimeters (4 ft) height that prevents direct access from living areas and excludes ancillary activities (e.g., barbecues, bars, ping-pong tables) a). Self-closing, self-latching, lockable hardware on all access points (gates/doors) with latch release > 137 centimeters (54 in). Alternatively, the latch release can be on the pool side of the gate if > 7.6 centimeters (3 in) below the top with no opening > 1.3 centimeters (0.5 in) within 4.5 centimeters (18 in) of the release 2. other: a). No entrapment hazards b). Rescue equipment available (shepherd's crook, pole, ring buoy) and in plain view c). Depth markings and no diving indicated. Safety rules posted at community pools and residential use pools that are used as community use pools, i.e., CMR, MSGR d). First aid kits and emergency communication means for community use pools and residential use pools that are used as community use pools e). Outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and covers f). Pool chemicals stored separate from other materials in a cool, dry, ventilated area with restricted access
Additional comments:

Elevators - Acceptable condition (Citation)

Elevator lobby & car - 1. All elevator cars have functional doors independent of shaft doors 2 . 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 3. All external car operating features, lobby controls and hardware are intact and function properly 4. Car operating buttons, including the emergency alarm button, function properly 5. Car lights are on, and bulbs or tubes are secure 6. Car service panel is locked 7. Car emergency phone is connected to a 24‐hour operator and car’s audible signals are operating 8. All door mechanisms are enclosed to avoid pinch/shear points
Machine room & maintenance - 1. Machine room access door is locked, and keys stored securely 2. Good housekeeping, no trash, not being used as a storage area, no excessive oil leaks, control cabinet(s) intact 3. Illumination is adequate to perform inspection 4. ABC fire extinguisher located in machine room 5. Temperature is not above 49 degrees C (120 degrees F) 6. Elevator is under a service contract and service logbook is utilized and up to date 7. Elevator has a current safety certificate
Additional comments:

Enviromental - Acceptable condition (Citation)

Air pollution (For level 1 or higher air pollution posts) - 1. At least 150 meters away from major roadway (recommended) 2. No other nearby air pollution sources [e.g., drycleaner or large fueling station (14M l/year) within 100m] 3. Property barrier and vegetation (recommended) 4. Centralized air filtration (otherwise room air cleaners may be needed)
Asbestos - 1. Acquisitions: asbestos inspection conducted, and risk of asbestos determined 2. Asbestos materials identified and maintained in good condition 3. Maintenance and minor renovations avoid disturbance of asbestos materials 4. If asbestos material is to be disturbed, it is removed properly, and records of removal and disposal are maintained
Leaded paint - 1. Only lead-free paint is applied (e.g., <90ppm in dried paint film) 2. Painted surfaces in good condition with minimal damage 3. Paint sampled prior to renovation or major maintenance work 4. Leaded paint removed prior to start of work or minimize disturbance
Pesticides - 1. Building conditions or location not inviting to common local pests 2. No history of chronic pest problems or extensive pesticide use 3. Willing and capable to implement integrated pest management (IPM) program in USG occupied space 4. Habitats and attractants to common pest avoided 5. Self-help measures to control pests (if control measures are not effective) 6. Professional pesticides only as a last resort and limited to department-authorized products
Water quality - 1. Tap water is portable (microbiologically safe and within acceptable contaminant levels listed in the department's drinking water standards) 2. If tap water is not potable, then supplemental means [e.g., point-of-use (POU) device such as a distiller or bottled drinking water] are used to render the water potable and quality control monitoring is done 3. Water used for bathing water and other contact uses meets recreational water criteria 4. If supplemental treatment is employed, O&M and QC programs are in place 5. Unless a lead-removing POU is employed, water from the main taps is confirmed by testing to have lead levels below 15 ppb
Additional comments:

Seismic issues (For posts in seismic zones 2B, 3, or 4) - Acceptable condition (Citation)

Seismic safety - 1. Seek seismically best available structures in accordance with expectations outlined in 19 STATE 74458 and in collaboration with OBO's climate security & resilience program 2. Generators should be securely anchored (ground or slab) at all anchorage points of the frame, and generator connections connections should be flexible (earthquake resistant). 3. Propane tanks, kerosene heaters: use flexible connections to the tank and anchor storage tanks to the ground, fence, or wall to prevent tipping 4. Water heaters, propane (LPG) gas cylinders and natural gas: a). Use flexible, metallic connections for water and gas lines b). Use metal straps which are bolted using expansion bolts to a masonry/concrete wall, or lagbolts to a wood stud wall, at the top and bottom of the water and propane cylinders c). Block in space between water heater and wall to prevent rocking 5. Heavy and tall 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 6. Check for weaknesses in chimneys such as damage or missing bricks. If roof is not composed of concrete, verify that the max height above the roof line is no more than 2 times the least side dimension 7. Ensure cabinet latches are strong enough, especially in the kitchen, to prevent contents from falling out; install safety latches for added security 8. Brace and bolt storage racks and shelves to the floor and walls and secure so they can't slide off 9. Mini-split HVAC units: to prevent tipping, confirm secure anchorage/attachments to all anchorage points for the unit
Additional comments: