Hi Gents –

Interesting thread. Two comments really got my attention:

(Huppi)
1)… and the black nasty water is normal in the crawl space in that area …

OK – That’s interesting. However, even if that were true (which is highly questionable), so what? That doesn’t make it OK; it just means that in that area, construction contractors or architects should be doing something about the intrusion issue for every house.

(Harper)
2) You could have died in there if there was hydrogen sulphide (sic) gas accumulated. Anytime you guys crawl under homes or even enter basements, it would pay you to wear a 4 gas analyzer/ alarm- combustible gas, O2, CO, and H2S.

Very true. In fact, depending on the SIC Code for Home Inspectors, HIs may very well fall under the requirements of OSHA’s confined space standard. If HIs are considered to fall under “Construction,” then you would be exempt, otherwise if you are considered “General Industry” then the entry procedures apply to you (and your employees), and the testing described by Harper may be mandatory for a large number of crawlers.

I think Harper’s advise is very sound.

Cheers!

Caoimhín P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist
Forensic Industrial Hygiene

<SMALL> (The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)

AMDG </SMALL>