Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES 57
SAFETY
PRIORITY ISSUE 22.0 BUILDING SAFETY FOR OCCUPANTS
ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA)
AP 22.1 Assess Building Safety
Document safety hazards that are
observed during the building IAQ
walkthrough, energy audit or other
inspections. Immediately inform
the building owner and property
manager of any urgent and life-
threatening conditions.
AP 22.2 Assess Smoke and CO
Alarms
Determine whether there are working
smoke alarms and CO alarms
installed in dwelling units and other
locations in the building.
AP 22.3 Identify Prevalence and
Storage of Harmful Chemicals
Identify products containing
hazardous chemicals (e.g., strong
cleaners, hazardous materials,
pesticides) that are stored in
accessible locations.
AP 22.4 Identify Fire Extinguisher
Locations
Check whether there are working
fire extinguishers in dwelling units
and appropriate common areas.
Work with the building owner or
property manager to assess whether
fire extinguisher placement meets
applicable codes.
AP 22.5 Assess Water Heater
Temperature Settings
Determine whether water heater
temperature settings are within the
allowable limits of the local and
state codes.
AP 22.6 Assess Whether Knob-and-
Tube Electrical Wiring Is Present
Assess whether knob-and-tube
electrical wiring is present in the
building and whether it is located
in areas impacted by the building
upgrades.
MA 22.1 Correct Safety Hazards Identified During
Assessments
Immediately correct urgent and life-threatening safety
risks. Correct other safety hazards during the building
upgrade activities.
MA 22.2 Correct Deficiencies in Smoke and CO
Alarms
Replace non-functioning smoke and CO alarms.
If smoke alarms or CO alarms are not present,
install new alarms consistent with local code
requirements; if local code requirements do not exist,
install smoke alarms and CO alarms in every dwelling
unit consistent with CPSC guidance and located
according to NFPA 720. If new batteries are used,
consider installing 10-year lithium batteries. Provide
client education on appropriate response to alarm
activation.
Note:
It is recommended that CO alarms have a digital
display and provide peak level readings.
MA 22.3 Recommend Appropriate Storage of
Hazardous Chemicals
Recommend appropriate and controlled storage of
products containing hazardous chemicals (e.g., strong
cleaners, hazardous materials, pesticides).
MA 22.4 Provide Adequate Fire Extinguishers
Work with the building owner or property manager to
ensure there are fire extinguishers installed according
to applicable code requirements.
MA 22.5 Adjust Water Heater Temperatures
Ensure that water heater set points do not exceed
allowable limits of local and state codes. Otherwise,
ensure that water heater set points do not exceed
120°F to prevent scalding.
MA 22.6 Follow Precautions When Knob-and-Tube
Electrical Wiring Is Present
Follow the precautions outlined in DOE Standard
Work Specifications for Single-Family Home Energy
Upgrades, Section 2.0601.1, for knob-and-tube
electrical wiring. This includes requirements that
live knob-and-tube wiring shall not be covered or
surrounded, and that exposed knob-and-tube wiring
shall be replaced with new appropriate wiring, as
required by the National Electrical Code or authority
having jurisdiction.
EA 22.1 Install CO Alarms
Capable of Detecting and
Storing Low Levels
Install CO alarms that can
detect and store peak CO
levels of less than 30 parts
per million in dwelling units.
EA 22.2 Install Fall
Prevention Measures
Install grab bars and handrails
for fall prevention. Install
guards to prevent falls as
stated in the NCHH-American
Public Health Association
(APHA) National Healthy
Housing Standard, Section
3.7. For housing with small
children, recommend that
occupants install child safety
gates at the top and bottom
of stairs inside the dwelling
unit.
EA 22.3 Install Light Switches
in Stairwells
Recommend installation of
light switches at the top and
bottom of all stairwells.
EA 22.4 Consider Step
Lighting
Consider installation of safety
lighting on or near steps.
Consider energy-efficient LED
lighting.
EA 22.5 Repair
Malfunctioning Doors,
Windows, Roofs and Floors
Repair malfunctioning doors,
windows, roofs and floors.
EA 22.6 Ensure Safety of
Electrical Systems
Have qualified personnel
ensure that electrical systems
are in accordance with
applicable codes.
References for Priority Issue 22.0 Multifamily
Building Safety:
CDC: Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older
Adults
CPSC: Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers
DOE: Standard Work Specifications for Single-Family Home Energy
Upgrades, Section 2.0601.1
EPA: Safer Choice
NCHH-APHA: National Healthy Housing Standard, Section 3.7
NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Detection and Warning Equipment
UL 2034: Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide
Alarms
Appendix B: Property Management and Occupant Education
