May 15, 2012 | There’s a lot of information out there on the web about backyard safety, from those aimed at providing “parenting advice” to medical websites aimed at keeping bandages on the shelf. Another such source is the International Code Council (ICC), the publisher of our nations leading model construction codes. In the big scheme of things, decks are a small part of our built environment. With ICC providing codes and standards for large commercial complexes, like hotels and retail centers, it’s nice when our industry of backyard decks gets some attention…and not just in new code provisions. For Building Safety Month, May of every year, ICC is focusing attention on decks and outdoor living…a good sign that our industry is vibrant, growing and important to our culture.
The article behind this link provides a nice call to owners and property managers that decks don’t last forever, or may have been built substandard to begin with. Too many of our fellow Americans don’t realize the need to regularly maintain and inspect their decks…and that means more than a swipe of a staining rag. They often dismiss the very real hazards that backyard decks, grills and pools inadvertently create for us. Public services messages like this, from non-profit organizations, are there for our benefit and our neighbor’s benefit. Take a read, get ideas, get inspired and share this message. Just forward the link.
http://www.iccsafe.org/safety/Pages/Backyard.aspx
