Do you shut down dangerous systems?

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Are you the guy that says, " Hi, I'm from the government and I'm here to help"?

Remember the guy at the Military Processing Center whose job was to sit at a little table in front of a dozen urinals handing out empty cups and writing names on the full ones?

[rshuey]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Remember the guy at the Military Processing Center whose job was to sit at a little table in front of a dozen urinals handing out empty cups and writing names on the full ones?

I was an Officer in the United States Seabees....so.....eatadick

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by rshuey

I was an Officer in the United States Seabees....so.....eatadick

Seabees? You have to be kidding. LOL

[Russel Ray]

I would buy life insurance on the occupants with me as the beneficiary, and property insurance on the house with me as the beneficiary.

[David A. Andersen]

I don't have the authority to shut down someone else's mechanicals or to lock out specific areas. IMO, pointing out the defect and notifying everyone of the life threatening defect is all I do. If the defect takes a life, I told you so. Look at my report.

David, I'm not picking on you, because where you're from you need authorization to pick your nose.!

But what about you the inspector?
If its life threatening, its life threatening to you. Shut it off.

James, snap that picture and go boom!

I recommend you call your lawyers and E&O providers. In my opinion, even though you call yourself a "generalist", you are in the eyes of the court a professional simply because you know more than the average person. If you identify a life-threatening situation and do not take immediate action to prevent personal injury/death in such a injury/death occurs you are liable.
This does not mean that you have to remove the electric wires from the meter can. It does not mean you have to shut off the gas valve. It does mean that you have to immediately call the gas company and evacuate the area and secure the area until the gas company arrives to do what you refuse to do. Going about your business, taking a picture, going back to the office and filling out a report and e-mailing it to someone advising them to call the gas company is gross negligence!

If there is somebody else (like the homeowner or the real estate agent immediately available) notifying them and ensuring immediate action will fulfill your responsibility.

[Nick Gromicko]

If immediately life threatening (ie gas leak) I would take verifiable (like a call made from your cell phone with a witness standing next to you) steps to alert the seller + a note to the seller + call to the listing agent, etc.

[Peter Doane]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Jeeez, the poll is split right down the middle. Just once, I'd like to see us all agree on something!

Hey! Who likes to eat cat meat? I don't.

Scary huh Kenton??

That "half" probably wouldn't even stop to render aid if they witnessed a car accident.....

Right Bushart? Geeeeeeez, You may get sued for breaking the door handle to get the dying 16 year old out.

To each his own.

[Peter Doane]

Originally Posted by rshuey

I was an Officer in the United States Seabees....so.....eatadick

Thank YOU for your service. Some appreciate ALL SERVICE people give to our country.

[Peter Doane]

I'm off,... I have to go fill up brochures holders in offices. Its going to be 92 degrees today, ugh! Have fun guys!

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by pdoane

That "half" probably wouldn't even stop to render aid if they witnessed a car accident.....

Peter, you totally misunderstand what is being discussed here.

What does helping the victims of a car accident have to do with a potentially hazardous situation encountered on a Home Inspection?

These polls is not well thought out as the choices are far too limited.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by mlarson

These polls is not well thought out as the choices are far too limited.

I think that's why we also have discussion.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by dandersen

David, I'm not picking on you, because where you're from you need authorization to pick your nose.!

But what about you the inspector?
If its life threatening, its life threatening to you. Shut it off.

As I stated in post #8...

I don't have the authority to shut down someone else's mechanicals or to lock out specific areas. IMO, pointing out the defect and notifying everyone of the life threatening defect is all I do. If the defect takes a life, I told you so. Look at my report.

What's the big deal in simply notifying the responsible individual of the property that there is an existing life threatening issue on the property. Why do most of you have to act like hero's and shut down gas lines , electrical circuits, etc,? If it's life threatening and you do your job in notifying the responsible individual of the property, the proper authorities will/should be on-site within minutes to evaluate your findings.

I wish you all luck in even attempting to place a mechanical out of service, on your own.

[David A. Andersen]

What does it take to turn a gas meter valve 90 degrees with a cresent wrench?

Is this too much to ask?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by dandersen

What does it take to turn a gas meter valve 90 degrees with a cresent wrench?

Is this too much to ask?

Maybe, are you going to drain the water and winterize the entire plumbing system too?

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by dandersen

What does it take to turn a gas meter valve 90 degrees with a cresent wrench?

Is this too much to ask?

What does it take to "Not" turn a gas meter valve 90 degrees with a cresent wrench and contact the responsible individual or authority?

Is this too much to ask?