Alaska Home Inspectors

**Chris Roust** · Site Admin

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FROM TROY BLOXOM:

This came across my desk the other day and thought I’d share.

http://consumerist.com/358794/sears-settles-stove-tipping-class-action-lawsuit?autoplay=true

John H Cooper · Home Inspector

I will DEFINATELY start looking closer for that. Does anyone know if there are aftermarket brackets that we can recommend?

Patrick Hartshorn · Home Inspector

THis is one of those issues I put in my report the other day and the realtor darn near flipped completely upside down. I am the product of a severe chest burn when I was a kid from tipping a pot off the stove by grabbing the handle, I would hate to see a kid, or anyone else, go through that.

I put the anti-tip divices in the safety section as a "recommend that anti tip devices be installed....". The realtor flipped! He said that I can not put anything of the sort in the safety section since he sais there is no "code" for this. I have not looked in the book yet but does anyone know of a code for these??? Code or not, I still consider it a safety issue.

Do you guys put this in a report and if so, where do you put it?

Also for you ASHI guys, is your meeting next week or the week after???

Thanks

**Chris Roust** · Site Admin

Range anti-tip devices are a part of my "Immediate Attention" recommendations in every report. I have not had realtors object . I include in the report that the manufacturers have recommended installation by means of a warning in the manual and sign on the oven for many years. I also state that a climbing child, a heavy object like a turkey or an adult tripping over the open door can tip the range. I also demonstrate the tipping by pulling on the back of the range during the inspection. Warning to inspectors who are not experienced with this - DO NO step on the open oven door to demonstrate as it may damage the door hinges on some ranges.

There is no specific code reference for this other than the requirement that equipment be installed to the manufacturers' recommendations. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) which licenses home inspectors requires that lack of the anti-tip devices be reported by Texas home inspectors.

If the instruction manual is still available in its plastic bag, the anti-tip device is often still in that bag. There are generic (universal) devices that work for all ranges with rear legs. In Juneau, they have been stocked in some appliance stores. Some ranges have special requirements which require ordering from the manufacturer. In these cases I have suggested they use alternate means such as chains or clips.

stevedecosta

The issue of tipping ranges was a reportable issue in the ITA schools Ihave attended. As a service to the homeowner for safety issue and a caution to the HI, since a law suit resulting in an injury, would certainly go against the HI.

Kevin Jones · Home Inspector

Anti-tip devices became a UL requirement in 1991. Most range manufacturers have been providing them with their appliances since 1988 or so. Attached find a handout from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Feel free to download and use as a handout with your reports.

**Chris Roust** · Site Admin

Wow! Thanks, Kevin! I did not know of that brochure and will certainly use it.

I am really loving this forum. Great information sharing!