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Home
Safety Inspection
The following
checklist
was designed for older "consumers", but it is the best home safety
checklist that I am aware of. I suggest you copy and paste this list
into your word processor, print it out, and conduct your own safety
inspection of your home. You might be surprised at what you find and
pleased by the potential accidents that you avert.
Consumer
Product Safety Commission
Home
Safety
Checklist
CPSC Document #701
Each year, many older Americans are injured in and around their homes.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in
1981, over 622,000 people over age 65 were treated in hospital
emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with
and use everyday.
CPSC believes that many of these injuries result from hazards that are
easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and
taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might be
prevented.
Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be
present in your home. Check YES or NO to answer each question. Then go
back over the list and take action to correct those items which may
need attention.
Keep this checklist as a reminder of safe practices, and use it
periodically to re-check your home.
This checklist is organized by areas in the home. However, there are
some potential hazards that need to be checked in more than just one
area of your home.
These are highlighted at the beginning of the checklist and short
reminders are included in each other section of the checklist.
ALL
AREAS OF THE HOME
In all areas
of your home, check all electrical
and telephone cords; rugs, runners and mats; telephone areas; smoke
detectors; electrical outlets and switches; light bulbs; space heaters;
woodburning stoves; and your emergency exit plan.
CHECK
ALL CORDS
QUESTION:
Are lamp, extension,
and telephone cords placed out of the flow of traffic?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Cords stretched across
walkways may cause someone to trip.
- Arrange
furniture so that outlets are available
for lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords.
- If you
must use an extension cord, place it on
the floor against a wall where people can not trip over it.
- Move the
phone so that telephone cords will not
lie where people walk.
QUESTION:
Are cords out from beneath
furniture and rugs or carpeting?
YES ___ No ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Furniture resting on
cords can damage them, creating fire and shock hazards. Electric cords
which run under carpeting may cause a fire.
- Remove
cords from under furniture or carpeting.
- Replace
damaged or frayed cords.
QUESTION:
Are cords attached to the
walls, baseboards, etc., with nails or staples?
YES ___ NO ___
Nails or staples can damage cords, presenting fire and shock hazards.
- Remove
nails, staples, etc.
- Check
wiring for damage.
- Use tape
to attach cords to walls or floors.
QUESTION:
Are electrical cords in good
condition, not frayed or cracked?
YES ___ NO ___
Damaged cords may cause a shock or fire.
- Replace
frayed or cracked cords.
QUESTION:
Do extension cords carry more
than their proper load, as indicated by the ratings labeled on the cord
and the appliance?
YES ___ NO ___
Overloaded extension cords may cause fires. Standard 18 gauge extension
cords can carry 1250 watts.
- If the
rating on the cord is exceeded because
of the power requirements of one or more appliances being used on the
cord, change the cord to a higher rated one or unplug some appliances.
- If an
extension cord is needed, use one having
a sufficient amp or wattage rating.
CHECK
ALL RUGS, RUNNERS AND MATS
QUESTION:
Are all small rugs and runners
slip-resistant?
YES ___ No ___
CPSC estimates that in 1982, over 2,500 people 65 and over were treated
in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that resulted from tripping
over rugs and runners. Falls are also the most common cause of fatal
injury for older people.
- Remove
rugs and runners that tend to slide.
- Apply
double-faced adhesive carpet tape or
rubber matting to the backs of rugs and runners.
- Purchase
rugs with slip-resistant backing.
- Check rugs
and mats periodically to see if
backing needs to be replaced.
- Place
rubber matting under rugs. (Rubber
matting that can be cut to size is available.)
- Purchase
new rugs with slip-resistant backing.
NOTE: Over time, adhesive on tape can wear away. Rugs with slip-
resistant backing also become less effective as they are washed.
Periodically, check rugs and mats to see if new tape or backing is
needed.
QUESTION:
Are emergency numbers posted
on or near the telephone?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
In case of emergency,
telephone numbers for the Police, Fire Department, and local Poison
Control Center, along with a neighbor's number, should be readily
available.
- Write the
numbers in large print and tape them
to the phone, or place them near the phone where they can be seen
easily.
QUESTION:
Do you have access to a
telephone if you fall (or experience some other emergency which
prevents you from standing and reaching a wall phone)?
YES ___ NO ___
- Have at
least one telephone located where it
would be accessible in the event of an accident which leaves you unable
to stand.
CHECK
SMOKE DETECTORS
QUESTION:
Are smoke detectors properly
located?
YES ___ NO___
RECOMMENDATION:
At least one smoke
detector should be placed on every floor of your home.
- Read the
instructions that come with the smoke
detector for advice on the best place to install it.
- Make sure
detectors are placed near bedrooms,
either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall.
- Locate
smoke detectors away from air vents.
QUESTION:
Do you have properly working
smoke detectors?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Many home fire
injuries
and deaths are caused by smoke and toxic gases, rather than the fire
itself. Smoke detectors provide an early warning and can wake you in
the event of a fire.
- Purchase a
smoke detector if you do not have
one.
- Check and
replace batteries and bulbs according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Vacuum the
grillwork of your smoke detector.
- Replace
any smoke detectors which can not be
repaired.
NOTE: Some fire departments or local governments will provide
assistance in acquiring or installing smoke detectors.
CHECK
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND SWITCHES
QUESTION:
Are any outlets and switches
unusually warm or hot to the touch?
YES ___ NO ___
Unusually warm or hot outlets or switches may indicate that an unsafe
wiring condition exists.
- Unplug
cords from outlets and do not use the
switches.
- Have an
electrician check the wiring as soon as
possible.
QUESTION:
Do all outlets and
switches have cover plates, so that no wiring is exposed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Exposed wiring
presents a shock hazard.
Add
a
cover plate.
QUESTION:
Are light bulbs the
appropriate size and type for the lamp or fixture?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
A bulb of too high
wattage or the wrong type may lead to fire through overheating. Ceiling
fixtures, recessed lights, and "hooded" lamps will trap heat.
- Replace
with a bulb of the correct type and
wattage. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use a bulb no larger
than 60 watts.)
CHECK
SPACE HEATERS
QUESTION:
Are heaters which come with
a 3-prong plug being used in a 3-hole outlet or with a properly
attached adapter?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
The grounding feature
provided by a 3-hole receptacle or an adapter for a 2-hole receptacle
is a safety feature designed to lessen the risk of shock.
- Never
defeat the grounding feature.
- If you
do not have a 3-hole outlet, use an
adapter to connect the heater's 3-prong plug. Make sure the adapter
ground wire or tab is attached to the outlet.
QUESTION:
Are small stoves and heaters
placed where they can not be knocked over, and away from furnishings
and flammable materials, such as curtains or rugs?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Heaters can cause
fires or serious burns if they cause you to trip or if they are knocked
over.
Relocate
heaters away from passageways and
flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, furniture, etc.
QUESTION:
If your home has space
heating equipment, such as a kerosene heater, a gas heater or an LP gas
heater, do you understand the installation and operating instructions
thoroughly?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Unvented
heaters
should be used with room doors open or window slightly open to provide
ventilation. The correct fuel, as recommended by the manufacturer,
should always be used. Vented heaters should have proper venting, and
the venting system should be checked frequently. Improper venting is
the most frequent cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, and older
consumers are at special risk.
Review the
installation and operating
instructions.
Call your
local fire department if you have
additional questions.
CHECK
WOODBURNING HEATING
EQUIPMENT
QUESTION:
Is woodburning equipment
installed properly?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Woodburning stoves
should be installed by a qualified person according to local building
codes.
Local
building code officials or fire marshals
can provide requirements and recommendations for installation.
NOTE: Some insurance companies will not cover fire losses if wood
stoves are not installed according to local codes.
CHECK
THE EMERGENCY EXIT PLAN
QUESTION:
Do you have an emergency
exit plan and an alternate emergency exit plan in case of a fire?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Once a fire starts, it
spreads rapidly. Since you may not have much time to get out and there
may be a lot of confusion, it is important that everyone knows what to
do.
- Develop
an emergency exit plan.
- Choose a
meeting place outside your home so
you can be sure that everyone is capable of escape quickly and safely.
- Practice
the plan from time to time to make
sure everyone is capable of escape quickly and safely.
Remember periodically to re-check your home.
KITCHEN
In the kitchen, check the range area, all electrical cords, lighting,
the stool, all throw rugs and mats, and the telephone area.
CHECK
THE RANGE AREA
QUESTION: Are
towels, curtains, and
other things that might catch fire located away from the range?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Placing or
storing
non-cooking equipment like potholders, dish towels, or plastic utensils
on or near the range man result in fires or burns.
- Store
flammable and combustible items away
from range and oven.
- Remove
any towels hanging on oven handles. If
towels hang close to a burner, change the location of the towel rack.
- If
necessary, shorten or remove curtains
which could brush against heat sources.
QUESTION:
Do you wear clothing with
short or close-fitting sleeves while you are cooking?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
CPSC estimates that
70% of all people who die from clothing fires are over 65 years of age.
Long sleeves are more likely to catch fire than are short sleeves. Long
sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and
pans and causing scalds.
- Roll
back long, loose sleeves or fasten them
with pins or elastic bands while you are cooking.
QUESTION: Are
kitchen ventilation
systems or range exhausts functioning properly and are they in use
while you are cooking?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Indoor air
pollutants
may accumulate to unhealthful levels in a kitchen where gas or
kerosene-fire appliances are in use.
- Use
ventilation systems or open windows to
clear air of vapors and smoke.
QUESTION:
Are all extension cords and
appliance cords located away from the sink or range areas?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Electrical
appliances
and power cords can cause shock or electrocution if they come in
contact with water. Cords can also be damaged by excess heat.
- Move
cords and appliances away from sink
areas and hot surfaces.
- Move
appliances closer to wall outlets or to
different outlets so you won't need extension cords.
- If
extension cords must be used, install
wiring guides so that cords will not hang near sink, range, or working
areas.
- Consider
adding new outlets for convenience
and safety; ask your electrician to install outlets equipped with
ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric
shock. A GFCI is a shock-protection device that will detect electrical
fault and shut off electricity before serious injury or death occurs.
(illustration is in ).
For more information on cords, refer to the beginning of the checklist
(pages 1 and 2).
QUESTION:
Does good, even lighting
exist over the stove, sink, and countertop work areas, especially where
food is sliced or cut?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Low lighting and glare
can contribute to burns or cuts. Improve lighting by:
- Opening
curtains and blinds (unless this
causes to much glare).
- Using
the maximum wattage bulb allowed by the
fixture. (If you do not know the correct wattage for the fixture, use a
bulb no larger than 60 watts.)
- Reducing
glare by using frosted bulbs,
indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or partially
closing the blinds or curtains.
- Installing
additional light fixtures, e.g.
under cabinet/over countertop lighting.
(Make sure that the bulbs you use are the right type and wattage for
the light fixture.)
QUESTION:
Do you have a step stool
which is stable and in good repair?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Standing on chairs,
boxes, or other makeshift items to reach high shelves can result in
falls. CPSC estimates that in 1982, 1500 people over 65 were treated in
hospital emergency rooms when they fell from chairs on which they were
standing.
- If you
don't have a step stool, consider
buying one. Choose one with a handrail that you can hold onto while
standing on the top step.
- Before
climbing on any step stool, make sure
it is fully opened and stable.
- Tighten
screws and braces on the step stool.
- Discard
step stools with broken parts.
Remember: Check all of the product areas mentioned at the beginning of
the checklist.
LIVING
ROOM/FAMILY ROOM
In the living room/family room, check all rugs and runners, electrical
and telephone cords, lighting, the fireplace and chimney, the telephone
area, and all passageways.
QUESTION:
Are chimneys clear from
accumulations of leaves, and other debris that can clog them?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
A clogged
chimney can
cause a poorly-burning fire to result in poisonous fumes and smoke
coming back into the house.
- Do not
use the chimney until the blockage has
been removed.
- Have the
chimney checked and cleaned by a
registered or licensed professional.
QUESTION:
Has the chimney been cleaned
within the past year?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Burning wood
can
cause a build up of a tarry substance (creosote) inside the chimney.
This material can ignite and result in a serious chimney fire.
- Have the
chimney checked and cleaned by a
registered or licensed professional.
CHECK
THE TELEPHONE AREA
For information on the telephone area, refer to the beginning of the
checklist.
CHECK
PASSAGEWAYS
QUESTION:
Are hallways, passageways
between rooms, and other heavy traffic areas well lit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Shadowed or
dark
areas can hide tripping hazards.
- Use the
maximum wattage bulb allowed by the
fixture. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use a bulb no larger
than 60 watts.)
- Install
night lights.
- Reduce
glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect
lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or partially closing
blinds or curtains.
- Consider
using additional lamps or light
fixtures. Make sure that the bulbs you use are the right type and
wattage for the light fixture.
QUESTION:
Are exits and passageways
kept clear?
YES ___ NO ___
Furniture, boxes, or other items could be an obstruction or tripping
hazard, especially in the event of an emergency or fire.
- Rearrange
furniture to open passageways and
walkways.
- Remove
boxes and clutter.
Remember: Check all of the product areas mentioned at the beginning of
the checklist.
BATHROOM
In the bathroom, check bathtub and shower areas, water temperature,
rugs and mats, lighting, small electrical appliances, and storage areas
for medications.
CHECK
BATHTUB AND SHOWER AREAS
QUESTION:
Are bathtubs and showers
equipped with non-skid mats, abrasive strips, or surfaces that are not
slippery?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Wet soapy tile or
porcelain surfaces are especially slippery and may contribute to falls.
- Apply
textured strips or appliques on the
floors of tubs and showers.
- Use
non-skid mats in the tub and shower, and
on the bathroom floor.
QUESTION:
Do bathtubs and showers have
at least one (preferably two) grab bars?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Grab bars
can help
you get into and out of your tub or shower, and can help prevent falls.
- Check
existing bars for strength and
stability, and repair if necessary.
- Attach
grab bars, through the tile, to
structural supports in the wall, or install bars specifically designed
to attach to the sides of the bathtub. If you are not sure how it is
done, get someone who is qualified to assist you.
QUESTION:
Is the temperature 120
degrees or lower?
YES ___ NO ___
Water temperature above 120 degrees can cause tap water scalds.
- Lower
the setting on your hot water heater to
"Low" or 120 degrees. If you are unfamiliar with the controls of your
water heater, ask a qualified person to adjust it for you. If your hot
water system is controlled by the landlord, ask the landlord to
consider lowering the setting.
NOTE: If the water heater does not have a temperature setting, you can
use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water at the tap.
- Always
check water temperature by hand before
entering bath or shower.
- Taking
baths, rather than showers, reduces
the risk of a scald from suddenly changing water temperatures.
CHECK
LIGHTING
QUESTION:
Is a light switch located
near the entrance to the bathroom?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A light
switch near
the door will prevent you from walking through a dark area.
- Install
a night light. Inexpensive lights
that plug into outlets are available.
- Consider
replacing the existing switch with a
"glow switch" that can be seen in the dark.
CHECK
SMALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
QUESTION:
Are small electrical
appliances such as hair dryers, shavers, curling irons, etc., unplugged
when not in use?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Even an appliance that
is not turned on, such as a hairdryer, can be potentially hazardous if
it is left plugged in. If it falls into water in a sink or bathtub
while plugged in, it could cause a lethal shock.
- Unplug
all small appliances when not in use.
- Never
reach into water to retrieve an
appliance that has fallen in without being sure the appliance is
unplugged.
- Install
a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) in your bathroom outlet to protect against electric shock.
CHECK
MEDICATIONS
QUESTION: Are
all medicines stored in
the containers that they came in and are they clearly marked?
YES ___ No ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Medications
that are
not clearly and accurately labeled can be easily mixed up. Taking he
wrong medicine or missing a dosage of medicine you need can be
dangerous.
- Be sure
that all containers are clearly
marked with the contents, doctor's instructions, expiration date, and
patient's name.
- Dispose
of outdated medicines properly.
- Request
non-child-resistant closures from
your pharmacist only when you cannot use child-resistant closures.
NOTE: Many poisonings occur when children visiting grandparents go
through the medicine cabinet or grandmother's purse. In homes where
grandchildren or other youngsters are frequent visitors, medicines
should be purchased in containers with child-resistant caps, and the
caps properly closed after each use. Store medicines beyond the reach
of children.
Remember: Check all of the product areas mentioned at the beginning of
the checklist.
BEDROOMS
In the bedroom, check all rugs and runners, electrical and telephone
cords, and areas around beds.
CHECK
AREAS AROUND BEDS
QUESTION:
Are lamps or light switches
within reach of each bed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Lamps or switches
located close to each bed will enable people getting up at night to see
where they are going.
- Rearrange
furniture closer to switches or
move lamps closer to beds.
- Install
night lights.
QUESTION:
Are ash trays, smoking
materials, or other fire sources (heaters, hot plates, teapots, etc.)
located away from beds or bedding?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Burns are a leading
cause of accidental death among seniors. Smoking in bed is a major
contributor to this problem. Among mattress and bedding fire related
deaths in a recent year, 42% were to persons 65 or older.
- Remove
sources of heat or flame from areas
around beds.
- Don't
smoke in bed.
QUESTION:
Is anything covering your
electric blanket when in use?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
"Tucking in" electric
blankets, or placing additional coverings on top of them can cause
excessive heat buildup which can start a fire.
QUESTION:
Do you avoid "tucking in"
the sides or ends of your electric blanket?
RECOMMENDATION:
- Use
electric blankets according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
- Don't
allow anything on top of the blanket
while it is in use. (This includes other blankets or comforters, even
pets sleeping on top of the blanket.)
- Don't
set electric blankets so high that they
could burn someone who falls asleep while they are on.
QUESTION:
Do you ever go to sleep with
a heating pad which is turned on?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Never go to sleep with
a heating pad if it is turned on because it can cause serious burns
even at relatively low settings.
QUESTION:
Is there a telephone close
to your bed?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
In case of
an
emergency, it is important to be able to reach the telephone without
getting out of bed.
Remember: Check all of the product areas mentioned at the beginning of
the checklist.
BASEMENT/GARAGE/WORKSHOP/STORAGE
AREAS
In the basement, garage, workshop, and storage areas, check lighting,
fuse boxes or circuit breakers, appliances and power tools, electrical
cords, and flammable liquids.
CHECK
LIGHTING
QUESTION:
Are work areas, especially
areas where power tools are used, well lit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Power tools were
involved in over 5,200 injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms to
people 65 and over in 1982. Three fourths of these were finger
injuries. Good lighting can reduce the chance that you will
accidentally cut your finger.
- Either
install additional light, or avoid
working with power tools in the area.
QUESTION:
Can you turn on the lights
without first having to walk through a dark area?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Basement, garages, and
storage areas can contain many tripping hazards and sharp or pointed
tools that can make a fall even more hazardous.
Keep an
operating flashlight handy.
Have an
electrician install switches at each
entrance to a dark area.
CHECK
THE FUSE BOX OR CIRCUIT
BREAKERS
QUESTION:
If fuses are used, are they
the correct size for the circuit?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Replacing a
correct
size fuse with a larger size fuse can present a serious fire hazard. If
the fuse in the box is rater higher than that intended for the circuit,
excessive current will be allowed to flow and possibly overload the
outlet and house wiring to the point that a fire can begin.
- Be
certain that correct-size fuses are used.
(If you do not know the correct sizes, consider having an electrician
identify and label the sizes to be used.)
NOTE: If all, or nearly all, fuses used are 30-amp fuses, there is a
chance that some of the fuses are rated too high for the circuit.
CHECK
APPLIANCES AND POWER TOOLS
QUESTION:
Are power tools equipped
with a 3-prong plug or marked to show that they are double insulated?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
These safety
features
reduce the risk of an electric shock.
- Use a
properly connected 3-prong adapter for
connecting a 3- prong plug to a 2-hole receptacle.
- Consider
replacing old tools that have
neither a 3-prong plug nor are double insulated.
QUESTION:
Are power tools guards in place?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Power tools
used with
guards removed pose a serious risk of injury from sharp edges or moving
parts.
- Replace
guards that have been removed from
power tools.
QUESTION: Has
the grounding feature
on any 3-prong plug been defeated by removal of the grounding pin or by
improperly using an adapter?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Improperly grounded
appliances can lead to electric shock.
- Check
with your service person or an
electrician if you are in doubt.
CHECK
FLAMMABLE AND VOLATILE
LIQUIDS
QUESTION: Are
containers of volatile
liquids tightly capped?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
If not tightly closed,
vapors may escape that may be toxic when inhaled.
- Check
containers periodically to make sure
they are tightly closed.
NOTE: CPSC has reports of several cases in which gasoline, stored as
much as 10 feet from a gas water heater, exploded. Many people are
unaware that gas fumes can travel that far.
QUESTION: Are
gasoline, paints,
solvents, or other products that give off vapors or fumes stored away
from ignition sources?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Gasoline,
kerosene,
and other flammable liquids should be stored out of living areas in
properly labeled, non- glass safety containers.
- Remove
these products from the areas near
heat or flame such as heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and
other gas appliances.
STAIRS
For all stairways, check lighting, handrails, and the condition of the
steps and coverings.
CHECK
LIGHTING
QUESTION: Are
stairs well lighted?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Stairs should be
lighted so that each step, particularly the step edges, can be clearly
seen while going up and down stairs. The lighting should not produce
glare or shadows along the stairway.
- Use the
maximum wattage bulb allowed by the
light fixture. (If you do not know the correct wattage, use a bulb no
larger than 60 watts.)
- Reduce
glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect
lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures, or partially closing
blinds and curtains.
- Have a
qualified person add additional light
fixtures. Make sure that the bulbs you use are the right type and
wattage for the light fixture.
QUESTION: Are
light switches located
at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
RECOMMENDATION:
Even if you
are very
familiar with the stairs, lighting is an important factor in preventing
falls. You should be able to turn on the lights before you use the
stairway from either end.
- If no
other light is available, keep an
operating flashlight in a convenient location at the top and bottom of
the stairs.
- Install
night lights at nearby outlets.
- Consider
installing switches at the top and
bottom of the stairs.
QUESTION:
Do the steps allow secure
footing?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Worn treads
or worn
or loose carpeting can lead to insecure footing, resulting in slips or
falls.
- Try to
avoid wearing only socks or
smooth-soled shoes or slippers when using stairs.
- Make
certain the carpet is firmly attached to
the steps all along the stairs.
- Consider
refinishing or replacing worn
treads, or replacing worn carpeting.
- Paint
outside steps with paint that has a
rough texture, or use abrasive strips.
QUESTION:
Are steps even and of the
same size and height?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Even a small
difference in step surfaces or riser heights can lead to falls.
- Mark any
steps which are especially narrow or
have risers that are higher or lower than the others. Be especially
careful of these steps when using the stairs.
QUESTION:
Are the coverings on the
steps in good condition?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Worn or torn coverings
or nails sticking out from coverings could snag your foot or cause you
to trip.
- Repair
coverings.
- Remove
coverings.
- Replace
coverings.
QUESTION:
Can you clearly see the
edges of the steps?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
Falls may occur if the
edges of the steps are blurred or hard to see.
- Paint
edges of outdoor steps white to see
them better at night.
- Add
extra lighting.
- If you
plan to carpet your stairs, avoid deep
pile carpeting or patterned or dark colored carpeting that can make it
difficult to see the edges of the steps clearly.
QUESTION: Is
anything stored on the
stairway, even temporarily?
YES ___ NO ___
RECOMMENDATION:
People can trip over
objects left on stairs, particularly in the event of an emergency or
fire.
- Remove
all objects from the stairway.
REMEMBER
PERIODICALLY TO RE-CHECK
YOUR HOME.
For further information, write:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
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