Is your backyard party friendly? Safety tips from the International Code Council
As summer approaches, the International Code Council is
urging homeowners to take the time to check their outdoor
areas for potential safety hazards. Proper inspections now
can help to keep your family and friends safe in the future.
The International Code Council, 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 the International Code Council.
Porches, Decks and Balconies
Porches can be at risk of collapsing if they are not properly
constructed or if they are old. A common safety hazard occurs
when porches are nailed to buildings rather than being attached
with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a poor method
for attaching porches to buildings because they work their
way loose over time. Other safety hazards to look for are:
Split or rotting wood
Wobbly handrails or guardrails
Loose, missing or rusting anchors, nails
or screws
Missing, damaged or loose support beams
and planking
Poor end support of the porch deck, joists
or girders
Excessive movement of the porch when walked
on
Swaying or unstable porches
Building or repairing to code, which requires a building
permit and an inspection, will help ensure that the porch
is safe. The International Codes specify the amount of weight
a porch is required to support. However, be careful not
to allow the porch to become overcrowded. If the people
on the structure have difficulty moving about, the porch
could be exceeding its capacity.
Grills
Grilling on or near combustible areas can be a fire hazard.
It not only puts your family and visitors at risk, but,
especially in condos and apartment buildings, can put your
neighbors in danger as well. The most common grilling hazards
are open flames and heat generated in the grill base that
can be transferred to the wood of a porch or the home's
siding, causing a fire. When grilling, follow these safety
tips:
Place the grill away from siding, deck
railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
Periodically remove grease or fat buildup
Use only proper starter fluid and store
the can away from heat sources
Check propane cylinder hoses for leaks
before use
Do not move hot grills
Dispose of charcoal properly, keeping
ash containers outside and away from combustible construction
The 2003 International Fire Code prohibits the use of
charcoal and gas grills and other open burning devices on
combustible porches or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
There are exceptions for certain homes and where buildings
and porches are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
Swimming Pools
Because they can be attractive — and dangerous —
to young children, in-ground and above-ground pools should
be surrounded by a fence or other barrier. Small, inflatable
pools must also be protected. The International Building
Code states that any pool with more than 24 inches of water
has to have a four-foot fence or other barrier around it.
Any gates in the fence must be self-closing and self-latching.
Other things to consider when installing a pool:
Building permit requirements
Zoning requirements
Electrical clearances and utility easements
Insurance policies
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.
