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Consumer Deck Safety Effort Includes 10-Point Checklist
The North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA) is winding down its observation of May as Deck Safety Month this week, which was initiated to prevent injuries and fatalities associated with decks.
The month-long campaign was aimed at heightening public awareness of the need for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and the proper installation of new decks.
The program encourages consumers to educate themselves on the condition of their deck, identify problem areas, learn about capacity limits and know what to look for in the future.
“A simple annual deck inspection doesn’t take long or require special tools, but it’s a great investment,” said Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA. “It can help prevent unnecessary accidents, and keep a deck a safe place for everyone to enjoy.”
With the arrival of warmer weather, Beaudry said that home owners who live in locations with ice and snow are especially advised to have their decks checked for trouble spots.
“A professional inspection will examine every inch of a deck, evaluate the deck’s capacity limits, identify problem areas and provide a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If the deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule,” Beaudry said.
In conjunction with its consumer education drive, the association has published a 10-point checklist designed to help home owners evaluate the safety and condition of their decks. Builders, suppliers, wholesales and retailers are encouraged to download and print copes of the checklist and make them available to their customers.
In 2003, in cooperation with the International Code Council, researchers at Virginia Tech University produced a “Manual for the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and Balconies,” which can be purchased at the NADRA Web site (www.nadra.org).
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