Farmworker Housing Inspections

1. Farmworker Housing Inspections Unit 3: Conducting the Inspection

2. Become familiar with the appropriate inspection forms in advance. Establish your own inspection system, using the inspection sheets/checklists as your guide. Experienced inspectors find it helpful to follow a consistent sequence for inspecting a property, such as on the next slide. General Tips

3. Grounds & exterior Initial walk-through of whole interior to get first impression (of cleanliness and state of repair) Take measurements and go through checklist of: Common area Sleeping area Bathrooms Kitchen Suggested Inspection Sequence

4. Start at the hardest-to-reach area inside the building. It may be helpful to end in kitchen. Many important items (appliances, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, etc.) tend to be placed there. If the employer is present, you can sit together and discuss the results there. Suggested Inspection Sequence(continued)

5. Housing Site • Grounds cleaned prior to arrival of inspector • Perimeter free of trash/junk/debris • No poisonous plants or uncontrolled weeds/grass • Measure distance from health hazards (mosquitoes, livestock) Debris & uncontrolled weeds

6. Water Supply and Sewage • Sewage drains into sewer or an approved septic tank and tile field • No standing water on ground Liquid waste discharged onto ground

7. Water Supply and Sewage (continued) • See water test results (where applicable) • No waste water seeping to surface Sewer facilities not maintained

8. Exterior Structure • Gutters clean and intact • Steps in good condition • Take and record exterior measurements (overall building dimensions) • Roof in good repair (no sign of recent leaks) Model exterior

9. Exterior Openings • Windows operational (not broken/ cracked) • Screens in place (not torn), especially on doors • Doors operate freely Building not in good repair

10. Fire Safety • No flammable liquids stored in living areas • Smoke alarms installed and operational • Fire extinguisher ready to use Flammable material too close to stove

11. Fire Safety (continued) • Second exit available in case of fire • Fire escape for second-floor rooms Second exit unsafe

12. Sanitation • Garbage cans (with lids) available • No signs of rodent or insect infestation No lid on garbage can

13. Facility has adequate heating system, if occupied in cold months Heating system is adequate for living area and is properly vented (if applicable) Heating/Ventilation

14. Electrical • Electrical outlets operable (no broken plates) • Electrical panel safe and unobstructed • No exposed or unsafe wiring (extension cords used properly, not overloaded) No outlet plate Exposed wiring (near water!) Panel unsafe

15. Electrical (continued) Proper trailer wiring • Proper wiring if housing is a trailer—no long extension cords on the ground Unsafe trailer wiring

16. Plumbing • No leaks in pipes, faucets or sinks • No discoloration or bad taste in water Faucet leaks Water-damaged ceiling

17. Plumbing / Toilets • Toilets flush properly • Enough toilets for number of occupants • Adequate supply of toilet paper Not clean & sanitary Does it flush?

18. Plumbing: Showers & Water Heaters • Showers and water heaters adequate for number of occupants • Pressure relief valve on water heater Shower not maintained

19. Interior steps in good condition Floors in good condition Appropriate permits posted Interior –Structural Issues

20. No loose and peeling paint (especially in kitchen area) No mold growth First aid kit properly stocked Interior – Health & Safety Issues

21. Take and record room measurements To obtain the square feet of floor space available per occupant, multiply the width times the length of the room. Interior Space

22. Living/Sleeping Space • Adequate storage for workers’ clothing and personal items • Sleeping space adequate for the number of beds per room Model dorm room Overcrowded, no clothes storage

23. Living/Sleeping Space • Sufficient windows and lighting • Beds available and properly set up (with linens, off the ground) Model dorm room No bed frames or linens

24. Kitchen • Proper storage for food (not left out in open) Model kitchen No food storage

25. Kitchen: Appliances • Ranges/stoves operate properly • No excessive dirt or grease Model kitchen Excessive dirt/grease

26. Kitchen: Appliances (continued) • Adequate number and size of refrigerator(s) • Refrigerator(s) operate(s)/ cool(s) properly Model eating area