Safety Issues

[David C. Macy]

It seems that a house can have multiple safety concerns and would like to post these pictures and see if you agree that they are potential concerns.

Home had no smoke or C/O detectors.

One pic is for the under cabinet lighting in the kitchen.
Pvc used for a dryer vent.
Attic access had a steep drop at top of stairs.
Missing railings at exterior & interior.

Thanks

Dave

[Rick J. Hinck]

Am I missing something- what is wrong with PVC for a dryer vent?

[David C. Macy]

Rick

I didnt like the plastic taped joints and I believe that PVC is an in apropriate material for a dryer vent. It should be metal or corrigated metal.

Dave

[eschwartz]

I always suggest as per RR smoke and CO alarms.

Exposed romex, yes a safety concern.

PVC for dryer vent.....is better than that plastic flex stuff and I would guess less likely to burn. (4" ducting would be better though)

Attic access I think is ok.

I believe handrails are not necessary for steps with less than a 2' total rise.

[Jae Williams]

IRC says it should be made of metal, but I don't see why PVC would be a problem.

It's smooth inside so lint won't get caught, and it should take the heat the average dryer puts out.

[cbuell]

PVC builds up static electricity which helps the pipe collect lint and is therefore a fire hazard---should be smooth wall rigid metal pipe

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Uniform Building Code and International Building Code call out different requirements for number of risers requiring a handrail. Since a General Home Inspection isn't a code inspection but a safety and defect inspection... well, you've got to base your recommendations on something. I believe IRC is 2 risers, UBC 4 risers. UBC requires landing 1" below threshold.
I wouldn't call the landing ht. unless it was a difference in riser ht. (more than 3/8") problem, but would recommend handrail for safety, citing "modern building practices".

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by cbuell

PVC builds up static electricity which helps the pipe collect lint and is therefore a fire hazard---should be smooth wall rigid metal pipe

Interesting...I didn't know that.

Thanks.

[Rick J. Hinck]

I learned something today also!


Rick

[msaxton]

ditto...

[eschwartz]

Hi Charlie,

"PVC builds up static electricity which helps the pipe collect lint and is therefore a fire hazard---should be smooth wall rigid metal pipe"
Thanks for that.

I can vouch for the fact that PVC pipe collects static electricity. I built a huge slide out of 2' diameter pvc sewer-pipe (for my kids), cut it in half lengthwise. The sparks would fly every time you slid down it. ouch!

Ed

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Hi. David;

Looking at your photos, I would have to say that you did a good job in identifying the deficiencies.

I see in photo 1= electrical hazard.
#2= 3 risers or more should have a railing and 3/8" +/- is maximum in riser height. This is not the case. Riser height to threshold is permitted as long as the interior/exterior door is inswing.

#3 = is that a handicap ramp in the background, I hope not. Railings are required, Newel Post and rail never got built, must have run out of money

#4= Dryer duct to be installed per Manufacturers recommendations.

#5 Winder stairs require at least 71/2" 12" from the narrow edge.


Hope this helps.

Pictures are hard. Nothing like first hand.

Marcel
</IMG></IMG></IMG>

[Jay Moge]

you guys need to watch "myth busters" more. they used p.v.c. rubbing on nylon panites to build a charge to try and ignite gas fumes. they were trying to prove if you could start a fire at the pumps from static build up in your body.

[Russel Ray]

If the dryer is a high-efficiency dryer, then PVC would be okay.

I was at some manufacturer's site the other day that now offers a ventless gas dryer. That was pretty cool.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Useful link to the matter.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/a...re-caution.htm

Marcel