Thornton Safety and Inspection - Home Inspection Specialist 601-214-6569
Home Inspectors Brandon MS; Jackson MS and all of Central MS
www.thorntoninspection.com
Sean@thorntoninspection.com
As a home inspector, there are some hazards that I encounter on a regular basis. Any home owner, especially a do-it-yourselfer, should also be aware of these and follow some simple steps to avoid a bad day.
The #1 for me that I expect to find at every inspection is biting and stinging insects. Wasps are everywhere this time of year and when you're on a ladder it's hard to keep your composure and get away safely when they are already after you.
The picture below shows one of many wasp nests I have had a close encounter with. This one was particularly tricky because it was inside the electrical panel.
Homeowners should check any outside covers carefully before opening them. Wasps only need a very small entrance hole to take up residence. Check the top, sides and bottom of panel boxes for openings. If there are openings, there is a good chance that there are wasps and also a good chance that moisture is getting into the panel. This would be a good time to leave the panel alone and call an electrician to check the panel and let him deal with any pests.
Dome covers on LP butane and propane tanks is another place that you can expect to find a nest. It is a good idea to have wasp spray in hand for these and bang on them with a long stick to check before trying to open.
Another hazard at almost every inspection is exposed electrical wiring. The danger for homeowners is higher in tight spaces such as attics and crawlspaces.
The first step to staying safe is having a reliable, bright flashlight. I use mine to check in every direction as I enter a space. I use a voltage ticker to check anything that might be energized. A voltage ticker is cheap and simple to use; you need only to touch the tip of the ticker to the exterior surface of whatever you want to check. I check everything in sight including both insulated and un-insulated wiring, metal pipes, metal framing and anything that will conduct electricity. Here is a picture of a voltage ticker in use:
My job is to stay safe, make it back to my family every day and to help the homeowner do the same.
We also service the areas of Vicksburg MS, Meridian MS, Hattiesburg MS, Madison MS and all points in between. Call us today for your home inspection. 601-214-6569
www.thorntoninspection.com
Sean@thorntoninspection.com
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