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: ________________________________________
15 years
Style of the home (two-story, one floor condo, etc.): _______________________
One floor condo
Number of persons living in the home: __________________________________
2
Ages of the persons living in the home: __________________________________
25 and 30
1, hallway
Number of working fire extinguishers present in the home: __________________
1, located in the kitchen
Number of smoke detectors present in the home: _________________________
2 located in the kitchen and hallway
Number of working carbon monoxide detectors present in the home: _________
1, hallway
Electrical, gas, or hot water (registers) heating source: _____________________
Electrical baseboard heaters
Gas or electric stoves and ovens: ______________________________________
Electric
First aid kit in home: □ Yes □ 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.
©N A C C 2 0 1 7 V . 4 Section IV. Module 2. Safety and Mobility 2 | 7
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
©N A C C 2 0 1 7 V . 4 Section IV. Module 2. Safety and Mobility 3 | 7
Room/area Hazard(s) Target age Safety measures Suggested changes
affected already in place to improve safety
Example:
Cracked glass All because… Already called
Living in patio door landlord to replace
room glass
Too many All because… Purchased large
cords plugged power bar
into outlet
Area rug not Toddlers, adults Need to purchase
tacked down and seniors anti-slip mat or
on hard wood because… remove area rug
floor
Blind cord Crawling infants Tied blind cord high
hanging and toddlers off the floor
almost to the because…
ground
Cigarettes 2 – 10 because… Establish a new
and lighter on place high up and
coffee table preferably locked to
store when not in
use
©N A C C 2 0 1 7 V . 4 Section IV. Module 2. Safety and Mobility 4 | 7
Living Room
Hazard(s) Target Age Safety Suggested Changes
Affected Measures
Already in
Place
Area rug not tacked All ages - risk of None Add anti-slip pad or remove the rug
down tripping
Loose extension All ages - risk of None Secure cords along walls or use cable
cords tripping management clips
Unstable bookshelf All ages - risk of None Anchor bookshelf to the wall for added
falling stability
Candles left All ages - fire None Use candle holders with covers and keep
uncovered on the hazard away from curtains
table
Kitchen
Hazard(s) Target Age Safety Measures Suggested Changes
Affected Already in Place
Cooking oil stored All ages - fire None Move oil to a safe storage area away from
near the stove hazard heat
Loose knives in a All ages - risk None Store knives in a block or organizer to
drawer of cuts prevent accidental cuts
Hot kettle on All ages - risk None Keep hot appliances away from the
countertop edge of burns counter’s edge
Spills on the floor All ages - slip Occasionally Clean spills immediately to prevent
hazard cleaned slipping
Bathroom
Hazard(s) Target Age Safety Suggested Changes
Affected Measures
Already in
Place
Slippery shower floor All ages - slip Anti-slip mat Check for wear on the anti-slip mat
hazard and replace as needed
Hair dryer stored on All ages - electric None Store hair dryer away from water
the counter near sink shock risk sources
Medications stored All ages - risk of None Store medications in a locked cabinet
openly misuse
Razor blade left on All ages - risk of None Store razors securely out of reach or
sink cuts in a cabinet
Bedroom
Hazard(s) Target Age Safety Suggested Changes
Affected Measures
Already in
Place
Phone charger cable All ages - trip None Secure cables or use cable management
across the floor hazard near the wall
Heavy items on high All ages - risk of None Store heavier items on lower shelves
shelves falling
Unsecured mirror All ages - risk of None Mount the mirror securely to the wall
leaning against wall tipping
Open outlets without All ages - electrical None Add outlet covers to prevent accidental
covers risk contact