HOME INSPECTION
1. Choose a home (apartment, condo) to inspect for safety hazards. It can be your own
home, but ensure there is enough to inspect to make this assignment a worthwhile
learning experience for you. Include the following in your inspection:
Approximate age of the home: 20
Style of the home (two-story, one floor condo, etc.): Two-story
Number of persons living in the home: 4
Ages of the persons living in the home: 18, 22, 42, 47
Number of working fire extinguishers present in the home: 1
Number of smoke detectors present in the home: 3
Number of working carbon monoxide detectors present in the home: 3
Electrical, gas, or hot water (registers) heating source: Electrical and Gas
Gas or electric stoves and ovens: Electric stoves and ovens
First aid kit in home: □ Yes R No
/10 marks
2. Complete a thorough inspection of each room of the home, including basement,
laundry room, and garage, if applicable, noting the following:
a) physical hazards: shoes in entryways, hanging wires, items stacked poorly,
scattered toys, blind cords hanging too low, etc.
b) thermal hazards: related to hot items such as water temperature, stoves,
curling irons, etc.
c) mechanical hazards: broken items, missing hand rails, etc.
d) bio-hazardous hazards: razors, open garbage, insulin syringes, etc.
Record your findings on the chart included with this assignment.
Note: There is a column to also record what safety hazards have been addressed already.
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For example: consider in the bathroom(s): are there anti-slip mats; is there open garbage;
where are hair dryers or hot irons stored; where are meds stored; where are razors stored;
where is the safe storage area for cleaning supplies.
Note which age groups would be particularly impacted by the hazards you uncover in the
home and why they are at risk. For instance, any objects lying on the floor or open outlets
would be hazardous for approximately ages 6 months to 3 years because they are learning
about the world around them.
To the chart, add your suggestions on what improvements should be made for each hazard
in each room that you identify. There will be one mark for each completed hazard per
associated section.
/40 marks
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Room/ Hazard(s) Target age Safety Suggested
area affected measures changes to
and why already in improve safety
place
Fabric bath All because Replace the fabric
Bathroo mat without a anyone is at risk bath mat with a non-
m #1 non-slip at slip slip rubber mat
rubber
The hair dryer All because Keep it in the
is hanging by anyone is at risk bathroom drawer for
its cord safety.
Excessive All because Organize the
amount of anyone could products using
toiletries on accidentally containers for clear
the counter. misuse these separation.
products.
Fabric bath All because Replace the fabric
Bathroo mat without a anyone is at risk bath mat with a non-
m #2 non-slip at slip slip rubber mat
rubber
Cleaning All because the Move them to a
chemicals chemicals stored cabinet with door
(toilet on the floor are
cleaner) prone to tipping
stored on the and leaking
floor
An open-top All because Replace it with a
wastebasket soiled items or lidded container
sharp objects
may lead to
infection or
injury
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Room/ Hazard(s) Target age Safety Suggested
area affected measures changes to
and why already in improve safety
place
Too many All because they Store infrequently Requesting
Kitchen items left on could easily be used items in the additional cabinetry
the knocked over storage room to from the landlord to
countertop and spilled minimize clutter on eliminate countertop
surfaces clutter
Spilled liquids All because it Wipe up spills
or grease on may create an immediately
the floor near immediate
the stove slipping hazard
leading to
fractures
Dish towels All because it Keep all flammable
hanging too can easily catch fabrics at least 3 feet
close to the fire, leading to a away from heat
stovetop house fire sources
Cleaning Toddlers Keep it securely
supplies under because there locked and out of
the sink are a high risk of reach of children
without a lock accidental
poisoning or
chemical burns
Expired foods All because they Discarded expired
stored in the could be foods
refrigerator accidental
consumption
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Room/ Hazard(s) Target age Safety Suggested
area affected measures changes to
and why already in improve safety
place
Heater placed All because it Keep heaters at least
bedroo too close to could be at risk 3 feet away from the
m #1 bed of fire bed
Rug without All because Replace it with a
non-slip someone could rubber-backing rug
backing slip
Many devices All because Limited each outlet
plugged into there is a risk of to a maximum of
one outlet a short circuit two devices to
prevent overloading
Rug without All because Replace it with a
bedroo non-slip someone could rubber-backing rug
m #2 backing slip
Many devices All because Limited each outlet
plugged into there is a risk of to a maximum of
one outlet a short circuit two devices to
prevent overloading
Heavy books Toddlers Organize items using
stacked on because heavy stable shelves and
the edge of books may fall move heavy books to
the desk lower, secure
storage
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Room/ Hazard(s) Target age Safety Suggested
area affected measures changes to
and why already in improve safety
place
Chemicals & Toddlers Store chemicals in
Garage Automotive because it could original containers
fluids be highly toxic if on high, locked
(Antifreeze, ingested shelves
oil) in reach
Power tools All because they Hang tools securely
and sharp may be used store in locked tool
garden tools incorrectly chests
left out
Items stacked All because it Arrange items
poorly leaning could be at risk securely, keeping the
against walls of heavy boxes heaviest items at the
collapsing and base for stability
causing crushing
injuries
Bicycles All because it Store bikes on racks
blocking the may create a out of the walking
walkway tripping hazard path
in an already
tight space
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