I didn't know May was Deck Safety Month. That's a good idea. Maybe it will prompt a few people to check their decks and hopefully save a few lives.
The article references a deck inspection manual. I bought this manual about 4 years ago and have found it to be an excellent reference. The manual was written by three Virginia Tech engineers and is very comprehensive.
The manual touches on codes and quickly moves on to how to inspect a deck, starting with what is a proper installation. It addresses connections, fastener inspection exposure and decay and insect damage. The deck analysis portion exceeds most inspector's SOP but is good information to know. It also includes a sample deck
inspection report.
Priced at $44 I think this manual should be in every home inspector's reference library.
The article provides a link to purchasing this manual. For those that don't read the article or find the link dead I am including the link below. (Brian, feel free to delete this link if it violates your rule regarding unpaid advertising.)
Manual for the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and Balconies