The Role of Local Governments in Ensuring Public Safety

Local governments can ensure public safety by following some significant steps such as automated assignment scheduling, citations for violations, and issuing Permits and occupancy certificates.

Construction is a field where corners are cut, and mistakes are made all of the time. Commercial and residential buildings may have or develop issues that compromise safety and make them dangerous.

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A property that passed previous inspections can develop dangerous structural problems over time as the infrastructure, building materials, and even local geology deteriorate. 

Thus, local governments everywhere need a thorough and recurring building and home inspection process so that dangerous issues with infrastructure aren't overlooked that end up costing lives within the community. A municipality's livability and public safety depend on code compliance.

What is the best way to perform a building inspection?

The local government needs to take building inspections seriously. U.S. infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, is aging. There are also many commercial and residential buildings that need to be thoroughly inspected. When paper-based inspection processes are used, this can strain inspection schedules. Building officials must consider a digital-based inspection process, which can save hours of work and ensure thorough and well-documented inspections.

The following major systems are included in any building or home, so close attention should be paid to electrical, plumbing, ventilation, heating, and mechanical systems. The following is a building inspection checklist broken down by major systems. 

What is the best way to inspect electrical systems?

Building inspectors should look for the following major electrical components during electrical inspections:

• Safety-conscious electrical systems.

• It must be ensured that the proper wiring is used throughout the property. The use of aluminum and other outdated wiring systems is no longer safe or effective.

• Checking the fuses and breakers for proper sizing. 

• Any work done by electricians and contractors since the last inspection should be reviewed.

• If any new work is proposed, reviewing the plans and issuing electrical permits is necessary.

What is the best way to inspect plumbing?

Plumbing and water systems should be inspected for the following reasons:

• Keeping internal water sources like sinks, tubs, toilets, and water pipes flowing smoothly.

• Ensuring that external sources, such as pipes and hydrants, are working properly and not leaking.

• Making sure anti-freeze precautions are implemented to prevent frozen pipes.

• Checking the water temperature and testing the water heater's pipes and relief valves.

• Making sure the concrete around pipes, foundations, and structural supports is intact and does not show signs of stress like cracks caused by leaking water or shifting sediment.

Before excavating underground plumbing or electrical systems, reviewing commercial plans is mandatory.

What is the best way to inspect HVAC (Heating and Ventilation) units?

Inspecting air conditioning and ventilation systems involves the following steps:

• Making sure that there is no debris blocking ventilation systems or chimneys that may pose a major fire or carbon dioxide risk.

• Making sure the thermostat is working and adjusting temperatures appropriately. 

• Ensuring that the filters have been replaced if they are outdated. 

• Making sure the HVAC unit is level and not causing the compressor to fail.

• Making sure the fins inside the ventilation unit, evaporator coil, and evaporator drain are clean and functioning.

• Making sure all radiators and vents function properly and don't pose a fire hazard.

What can local governments do to meet the growing demand for building inspections?

Local governments can take the necessary steps to meet the increasing demand for building inspections:

Providing inspectors with an easy-to-use mobile application: Building inspectors no longer have to manually record everything on a piece of paper and clipboard, only to drive back to the office to re-enter the information. With GovInspect, every box can be checked, and notes can be taken on every aspect of an inspection using a mobile application.

Scheduling and assignment automation: The inspector may not be conducting as many inspections as they should be if he or she is constantly waiting on call for their next assignment. With GovInspect, government leaders can assign inspections across departments such as planning and zoning, code enforcement, and building and construction. As soon as inspections are assigned, the inspectors will be alerted and have a clear outline of where they need to be throughout the day. The inspector's progress can be tracked to ensure that they are working to the best of their abilities and completing their assignments.