Test your Knowledge #6

1. A flat or low-sloped roof consisting of multiple layers of asphalt and ply sheets is a ___________ ________.
2. The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the building codes is the _________ _________.
3. A ________-______ is a connection between two otherwise separate systems, one of which is potable water and the other waste, sewage or other source of contamination.
4. A _________ __________ is room or space with one or more fuel burning appliances that lacks sufficient volume to provide adequate combustion air.
5. A permanently installed appliance, fixture, element, or part of a system is a ___________.
6. A horizontal member which ties opposing roof rafters together at the plate line is a ___________ ___________.
7. _____________ __________ is when an electrical receptacle or device which has been wired with the hot and neutral wires reversed.
8. The lowest plate of a wood framed wall which rests on top of the concrete foundation or slab floor is the __________.
9. A ______ ________ is a plastic or plastic and metal connector used to splice wires.
10. An ____________ __________ is the passages within an appliance through which combustion products pass from the combustion chamber to the flue

CPSC Warns of Deadly Fire and Carbon Monoxide Hazards with Winter Home Heating

WASHINGTON, D.C. - According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), there have been more than 150 residential fires that resulted in more than 200 deaths since Thanksgiving. These statistics have led the USFA and fire chiefs to declare the holiday season and start of the new year as one of the deadliest in recent memory.

As families look for ways to save money in these tough economic times, the concern over additional fire deaths and carbon monoxide poisonings from alternative heating sources is heightened. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to keep safety in mind when it comes to heating their homes this winter.

Home heating equipment is among the top causes of fires and CO poisonings. From 2003 through 2005, there was an annual average of 57,300 fires and 270 fire deaths associated with portable heaters, central heating systems, and fireplaces and chimneys. There were also 68 deaths, on average, from carbon monoxide poisoning each year associated with these products.

CPSC urges consumers to:

Schedule a professional inspection each year of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents.

Take precautions when using space heaters, fireplaces or other heating sources to help stay warm this winter.

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in the home and check that the batteries are fresh and working.

2009 is just weeks old, yet there have already been dozens of deaths from fires in the home. Reports of residential fire deaths in January include:

Eight people died including a mother, her boyfriend and her four sons age 6 months to 10 years old, in their Richland, New York home. There were no smoke alarms in the home.

A woman was killed in her Detroit home by a fire believed to have been caused by a space heater that was too close to a chair.

Three people, including 13- and 15-year-old sisters and their older male relative, died in their Oklahoma home. Space heaters and an electric stove were being used for heat.

CPSC urges consumers to follow these home heating safety tips:

Space heaters:

Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as a ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the heater off if you leave the area.

Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of a fire.

Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.

Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for proper use.

Fireplaces:

Have flues and chimneys inspected for leakage and blockage by creosote or debris.

Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.

Store fireplace ashes in a fire resistant container and cover it with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles.

Stoves and Ovens:

Never use electric or gas stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can cause fires and CO poisoning.

Rick Sailors, CCI

661-965-2013

aaainspect@gmail.com

www.aaapropertyinspection.com



We provide service in So. CA to the following cities:  Lancaster, Palmdale, California City, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country and all Cities in the San Fernando Valley.

Seismic Gas Shut-off Valves

Seismic Gas Shut-off Valves

Spoiler alert. The following information exceeds CREIA’s Standards of Practice. Stop reading this now unless you wish to offer your client more than just a minimal home inspection. CREIA members are not required to determine “compliance with manufacturers’ installation guidelines or specifications, building codes…”

Regarding my plumbing experience, size does matter. 1 of 10 seismic gas shut-off valves (herein referred to as a SGSV) is incorrectly installed. These valves are too small or installed on the wrong side of the gas meter. These SGSVs should be the same size or larger than the building stub size. In other words, a ¾-inch valve may not serve a 1½-inch gas line. Sensibly, every valve manufacturer makes more than one size valve because one size does not fit all. SGSVs are mechanical devices mounted near the gas meter that are designed to automatically shut off the flow of gas during a significant seismic event.

The Southern California Gas Company states 14,062 natural gas leaks were reported in customer facilities after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Like ground fault circuit interrupters, a SGSV could be a thoughtful safety upgrade if not already required by the local building authority.

The mandatory installation of these valves could be triggered by transfer of property, new construction and certain remodeling. SGSV valves are already required by a few insurance companies and communities like Contra Costa County, Los Angeles, Alameda County, West Hollywood and Marin County.

Securing the SGSV to the structure with a brace is a requirement of the installation and will help prevent false or nuisance activation. Little Firefighter states their valve “shuts off your home or business natural gas supply in the event of a 5.4 or greater earthquake.” Los Angeles requires approved seismic gas shut-off valves to have a minimum 30 year warranty.

Don’t rely on the building code to determine valve sizing. The plumbing code mandates pipe size only. Some locales will require a gas valve sized to the house line rather than the gas meter line. Documented ordinances like Los Angeles and the valve manufacturer’s installation instructions are your only proof of non compliance if you need to back up your suggestion for repairs.

Typically, only the blue box- type SGSV’s were allowed on the utility side of the gas meter and these valves were installed by the Gas Company. Southern California Gas Company’s parent, Pacific Enterprises, created a subsidiary called Energy Services (PEES) that has heavily marketed its SGSVs since September 1996, when the Public Utilities Commission granted the utility permission to install Los Angeles-approved SGSV’s on its side of the meter. These valves are no longer installed by the Southern California Gas Company (on or about 2/13/2002) because of accusations of unfair competition, burdensome self inspections/maintenance, and increasing liability for the Gas Company.

Weeks ago, I found a newer gas line that was not protected from seismic activity. This gas line to the new pool heater was installed upstream from an existing SGSV and not at all protected from seismic activity. Look at these valves closer on the next home inspection. CREIA is all about continuing education.

Submitted by: Joe Nernberg, CCI