SHEM Residential Checklist under 15 FAM 211.1

• Conducted on

  Date

• Prepared by

• Location
  Address

Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment - Furnaces, Boilers, Water Heaters, Kerosene Heaters, Space Heaters, Dryers, Fireplaces 15 FAM 252.5

Venting of Exhaust Gases

• Sample
  https://app.safetyculture.io/#/iauditor/templates/template_bba0fff3f8484a59811f6d4f304e6e9e

• outdoors away from intakes and windows

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• chimney and flue constructed and installed properly (per manufacturer))

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• chimney and flue inspected annually and cleaned

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: IMC Ch 8 - IRC Ch 24

• OBO Program Office(s) PDCS/DE/ME - OPS/SHEM

Combustion Air

• adequate combustion air ducted to unit or

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• unobstructed area large enough to provide adequate combustion air

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• small mechanical areas have sufficient combustion air and ventilation openings

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• no hazardous or flammable vapor sources near combustion equipment

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: IRC Ch 24 - IMC Ch 8

• OBO Program Office(s) PDCS/DE/ME - OPS/SHEM

Operation and Maintenance

• instructions available for proper operation and maintenance

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• equipment operated and maintained as intended within design limits

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• warning labels (English and local language) present on combustion appliances

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• OBO Program Office(s) CFSM/FAC/OPS/SHEM

Clearance to Combustibles

• clearance at least 1 m (3 ft) from exhaust flue to combustible materials

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• clearance at least 1 m (3 ft) from equipment to combustible materials boiler and furnace rooms not used for storage areas

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG, Section I-6/IMC Chapter 8

• OBO Program Office(s)PDCS /DE/ME/OPS/FIRE

Fuel Type and Storage

• fuel used is appropriate for appliance(s)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• proper type and location of fuel storage container (including tanks)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: NFPA 30/15 FAM 833/12 FAM 530

• OBO Program Office(s) PDCS/DE /ME/OPS/FIRE/OPS/SHEM/DS

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: SHEM CO Alarm Program and website

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM
  http://obo.m.state.sbu/ops/shem/Pages/CarbonMonoxideProgram2.aspx

Generators

• adequate space and, if leased, landlord agrees to the generator

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• exhaust outlets >= 3 feet from exterior walls and roofs, 10 feet from operable openings into buildings, and 10 feet above adjoining grade

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: NFPA 37/International Mechanical Code. Section 501.2.1/ASHRAE 1997 Fundamentals Handbook

• OBO Program Office(s) CFMS/FAC/PS

Portable Kerosene Heaters

• single family home use only

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• correct grade of clear kerosene (K-1) fuel stored outside in safety cans

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• set the wick height to the manufacturer’s recommended level

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• chimney is seated properly

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• carbon monoxide alarms must be placed in dwelling

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG, Section F-4

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE /OPS SHEM

Liquefied Petroleum (Propane) Gases (LPG)

Cylinders during use:

• must be located on the exterior of the building

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• equipped with a pressure regulator having a pressure relief valve

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• upright and securely anchored or chained in place

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Cylinder storage:

• outside within a fenced enclosure

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• outlet valves closed with cap or cover

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• steel posts or barriers if vehicle damage is possible

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• “No Smoking” signs clearly displayed around the storage enclosure with universal symbols or local language and English

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Secure tanks to ensure they cannot be used as weapons of opportunity

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• trained employees for LPG installation and cylinder replacement

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG, Section F-2

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE/PDCS/DE/ME

All Gas Service

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Exceptions for seismically active areas-see Seismic Safety

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• interior manual shut-off valve accessible and within 1.8 m (6 ft.) of appliance

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Secured to ensure safe against weapons of opportunity

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG, Section F-2

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE/PDCS/DE/ME

Fire and Life Safety

Emergency Egress

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG, Sections B-2, B-3, B-4, B-7 and E-1

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE

Maximum Travel Distance to an Exit

• without automatic fire sprinkler protection: 150 ft. (45.8 m)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• automatic fire sprinkler protection: 200 ft. (61 m)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: Life Safety Code/NFPA 101/FPG, Section E-1

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE

High Rise Matrix

Real Estate Decision.

• Lease on Any Floor.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lease at or below 5th floor

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lease at or below 6th floor

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lease at or below 4th floor.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Lease at or below 3rd floor

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Do Not Lease

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG Guide, Section E-1
  http://obo.m.state.sbu/ops/fire/Pages/publications.aspx

• OBO Program Office (s) OPS/FIRE.
  http://obo.m.state.sbu/ops/fir/SitePages/Home.aspx

Smoke Alarms (updated 2018)

• each sleeping room

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• corridor leading to bedrooms

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• top of internal stairwells on each floor level

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• check detectors monthly for proper operation

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: 15 FAM 841/FPG, Sections E-1 and G-1

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE
  https://fam.state.gov/FAM/15FAM/15FAM0840.html

Portable Fire Extinguishers

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Wall mounted in or near each kitchen

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: 15 FAM 842/FPG, Sections E-1 and G2

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE
  https://fam.state.gov/FAM/15FAM/15FAM0840.html

Alarm Systems

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• consult the Fire Protection Guide (FPG) and contact OBO/OPS/FIRE

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: Life Safety Code/NFPA 101/FPG, Sections G-4 and G-5

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE

Lighting

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• installed and maintained correctly

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: NFPA 70/FPG, Section E-1/NEC Section 700-12

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE/PDCS/DE/EE

Exit Signs

Exit doors in public corridors on floors with sleeping accommodations:

• illuminated exit signs

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: Life Safety Code/NFPA 101/FPG, Section E-1

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE

Window Grilles

• operable from the inside

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• minimum opening: 5.7 ft.2 (0.529 m2)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• bars or grilles must have inside release mechanism

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG Sections E-1, B-4 and B-5

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/FIRE

WATER Heater protection

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• TPRV drain piping installed to direct discharge to floor

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• TPRV drain piping has no other valve downstream of TPRV

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: IMC Ch 6/IRC Ch 28

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

Plate glass safety

Tempered/ Safety Glass Locations

• Entry and exit doors, storm doors, glass sliding doors

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• windows located within 18” (46 cm) of the floor

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• doors and enclosures for bathtubs, showers, sauna

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• stairway enclosures and handrail panels

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: IRC Ch 3/IBC Ch 24

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

ELECTRICAL

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

• installed for wet locations (indoors or outdoors) and all kitchen countertop outlets at the outlet or the circuit breaker:

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG, Section F-1,NEC Section 210-8 (a)

• OBO Program Office(s)/CFSM/FAC/PDCS/DE/EE/OPS/SHEM

Grounding (Updated 2013)

• 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 () or call 866-949-6751 for assistance with grounding system installation

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: 15 FAM 252.5/FPG, Section F-1/NEC, Section 250
  http://arpsdir.a.state.gov/fam/15fam/15fam0250.html

• OBO Program Office(s)/CFSM/FAC/PDCS/DE/EE/OPS/SHEM

Electric Service Supply & Panels

• missing knock-outs and twist-outs in breaker/fuse panel(s) must have fill plates

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• breaker and fuses labeled as to functionarea served

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• any outdoor service entrance, outlets and switch boxes have weatherproof covers

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: NEC, Sections 110, 310 & 400

• OBO Program Office(s)/CFSM/FAC/PDCS/DE/EE/OPS/SHEM

Circuit Capacity

• 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:

• Wires (Comparable U.S. Wire Size)

• 1.5 mm2 (smaller than #14 AWG, 15A)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 2.5 mm2 (smaller than #12 AWG, 20A)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 4 mm2 (smaller than #10 AWG, 30A)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 6 mm2 (smaller than # 8 AWG, 50A)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 10 mm2 (smaller than # 6 AWG, 65A)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 16 mm2 (smaller than # 4 AWG, 85A)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: FPG, Section F-1 and F-3/NEC Sections 210, 220 and 310

• OBO Program Office(s)/CFSM/FAC/PDCS/DE/EE/OPS/FIRE/OPS/SHEM

Fall Protection

Railings

• installed on all porches, balconies and raised floor surfaces more than 30" (76cm) above the floor or grade below

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• top of railing is 42” (107cm) or more from floor or grade level

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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 high. Guardrails are required where the fall would be greater than 30 inches and must not have openings of greater than 4 inches

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: IRC Ch 3/IBC Ch 10

• OBO Program Office(s)/PDCS/DE/OPS/SHEM

Stairs and Handrails

• steps have evenly-spaced risers

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: IRC Ch 3/IBC Ch 10

• OBO Program Office(s)/PDCS/DE/OPS/SHEM

Homes with Small Children

• latching device on windows allows opening no more than 4-5” (10-13cm), but window remains operable

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• furniture away from windows and railings

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

Swimming Pools

Barrier and Safety Equipment (Updated 2018)

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

  Yes

  No

  N/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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• rescue equipment available (shepherd’s crook, pole, ring buoy) and in plain view

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and covers

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• pool chemicals stored separate from other materials in a cool, dry, ventilated area with restricted access

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: 15 AM 957.4/SHEM Resource Guide/Section 10.2 Swimming Pool Safety Standard/SHEM website.
  http://obo.m.state.sbu/ops/shem/Pages/SPSPhome.aspx

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

ELEVATORS

Elevator Lobby & Car

• all elevator cars have functional doors independent of shaft doors

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• car operating buttons, including the emergency alarm button, function properly

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• car lights are on and bulbs or tubes are secure

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• car service panel is locked

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• car emergency phone is connected to a 24-hour operator and car’s audible signals are operating

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• all door mechanisms are enclosed to avoid pinch/shear points

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: Building Transportation Standards and Guidelines NEII-1-2000

• OBO Program Office(s) CFSM/FAC/PS

Machine Room & Maintenance

• machine room access door is locked and keys stored securely

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• illumination is adequate to perform inspection

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• ABC fire extinguisher located in machine room

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• elevator is under a service contract and service logbook is utilized and up to date

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• elevator has a current safety certificate

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: Building Transportation Standards and Guidelines NEII-1-2000

• OBO Program Office(s) CFSM/FAC/PS

Environmental

Air Pollution (for Level 1 or higher air pollution posts) 2018

• 15 FAM 900 (Pending)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• at least 150 m away from major roadway (recommended)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• no other nearby air pollution sources [e.g., drycleaner or large fueling station (14M l/year) within 100m]

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• property barrier and vegetation (recommended)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• centralized air filtration (otherwise room air cleaners may be needed)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: 15 FAM 900/Air Quality Hub
  http://cas.state.gov/AIRQUALITY/

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

Asbestos

• acquisitions: asbestos inspection conducted and impact of asbestos determined

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• asbestos materials identified and maintained in good condition

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• maintenance and minor renovations avoid disturbance of asbestos materials

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: OBO Directive FAC001/ Post Asbestos Management Plan/SHEM Resource Guide - Section 10.1

• OBO Program Office(s) CFSM/FAC/OPS/SHEM

Leaded Paint

• only lead-free paint is applied

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• paint in good condition with minimal damage

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• paint sampled prior to renovation or major maintenance work

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• leaded paint removed prior to start of work or minimize disturbance

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: ALDAC 93 State 120625/Leaded paint hazard program/SHEM website
  http://obo.m.state.sbu/ops/shem/Pages/Pb_topic_pg.aspx

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

Pesticides

• building conditions or location not inviting to common local pests

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• no history of chronic pest problems or extensive pesticide use

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• habitats and attractants to common pests avoided

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• professional pesticides only as a last resort and limited to Department-authorized products

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: Program document and SHEM website
  http://obo.m.state.sbu/ops/shem/Pages/IPM2.aspx

• References: 15 FAM 957.2/IPM
  http://fam.a.state.gov/fam/15fam/15fam0950.html

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

Drinking Water Quality

• tap water is potable (microbiologically safe and within acceptable contaminant levels listed in the Department’s drinking water standards)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References:15 FAM 957.5/Safe Drinking Water Program document
  http://fam.a.state.gov/fam/15fam/15fam0950.html

• OBO Program Office(s) OPS/SHEM

SEISMIC ISSUES (FOR POSTS IN SEISMIC ZONES 2 OR HIGHER)

Seismic Safety

• avoid seismically unsafe structures

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Water heaters, propane (LPG) gas cylinders and natural gas:

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• use flexible, metallic connections for water and gas lines

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• 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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

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

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• brace and bolt storage racks and shelves to the floor and walls and secure contents so they can’t slide off

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• References: 15 FAM 252.6 Natural Hazards Safety Guidance
  http://arpsdir.a.state.gov/fam/15fam/15fam0250.html

• OBO Program Office(s) PDCS/DE/CSE/Natural Hazards Programs

OTHER INFORMATION

FAC TEAM

• Add signature

  Sign

• Add media

  Media

• Yes

  No

  N/A

• Yes

  No

  N/A

• Yes

  No

  N/A