NADRA'S
DECK SAFETY PROGRAM
Tips
for a Safe Summer Season on Your Deck
Is
Your Backyard Party Friendly?
The International Code
Council (ICC) urges homeowners to check
outdoor areas for potential safety hazards.
Tips are available at http://www.iccsafe.org/safety.
ICC, a membership organization dedicated
to building safety and fire prevention,
develops the codes used to construct residential
and commercial buildings, including homes
and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties
and states that adopt codes choose the International
Codes developed by ICC.
Porches, Decks, Balconies
Porches
can collapse if they are old or improperly
constructed.
Hazards to look
for:
• Porches nailed to buildings instead
of attached with anchors or bolts
• Split or rotting wood
• Wobbly handrails or guardrails
• Loose, missing or rusting hardware
• Missing, damaged or loose support
beams and planking
• Poor end support of the porch
deck, joists or girders
• Swaying or unstable porches
Building or repairing to code, which requires
a building permit and inspection, will help
ensure the porch is safe.
Swimming
Pools
Because they can be attractive
-- and dangerous -- to children, surround
in-ground and above-ground pools with a
fence or other barrier. Protect inflatable
pools, too. The International Building Code
requires pools with more than 24 inches
of water to have a four-foot fence or other
barrier around it. Gates must be self-closing
and self-latching. Other things to consider
when installing a pool:
• Building permit and zoning requirements
• Electrical clearances and utility
easements
• Insurance policies
Grills
The most common grilling
hazards are open flames and heat generated
in grill bases that can be transferred to
a porch or home, causing a fire. When grilling:
• Cook away from siding, deck railings,
eaves and branches
• Periodically remove grease
• Use proper starter fluid and store
it safely
• Check propane hoses for leaks
• Do not move hot grills
• Dispose of charcoal properly
The 2003 International
Fire Code prohibits the use of charcoal
and gas grills on combustible porches or
within 10 feet of combustible construction.
Contact the local building or fire department
to see what applies in your community. The
International Codes provide minimum standards
to help communities protect lives and property.
Before conducting any type of work on your
home, contact your local building department
to determine what permits are needed and
what codes must be followed.
Source: International
Code Council |
