Path to Warren Podcast

In this episode, I share about how modern home fires are very different today than they were in the past. The materials and supples used in construction to make homes less expensive, easier to install and quicker to build can come with hazards. There are chemicals that might be released during a fire and the strength is just not their in flooring materials used today.

In this episode, I share how I learned about using an infrared thermal imaging camera on my 1927 historic home to identify leaks in the building envelope. I share the four basic types of control systems for good building envelope performance. We also discuss the physical components of the envelope including features and systems.

In this episode, I share maintenance tips that should be done per manufacturer recommendations every three months. Sooting problems can cause major damage to home interiors and it can start with partially blocked primary air inlet openings. These are often blocked with lint, dust, spider webs, animal dander and the like.

In this episode, I share an article detailing a case study where hot water was discovered pouring out of an indoor pipe in a home after a cold night. This episode provides a few solutions to the problem and details key differences in tankless vs a tank hot water system.

In this episode, I share from an article where we investigated a claim involving a well pump installed in 1999. The claim was that lightening caused the failure but the technique described in this episode shows clearly how there were zero facts that match that type of loss.

In this episode, I share an article that discusses common failure points of fire suppression sprinkler systems. NFPA 13 is the code governing the installation of fire sprinkler systems and the protection against freezing

In this episode, I share a article written about a case study where a home caught on fire around the chimney. We discuss NFPA 211, UL 127, IRC, and UL 103 and their applicable applications to different types of chimneys. The fire resulted from construction defects in the installation of the chimney system.

In this episode, I share an article about a personal injury claim were we found the snow blower to be defective. We explain how the standard involved was ANSI B71.3. These injuries could have possibly been prevented if the spring mechanical linkage was located inside the chassis.

In this episode, I share several tips by the CPSC safety alert for portable generator hazards. There is a massive storm going on across the country during the winter that the author Jeff Warren wrote this article. He also provides the latest safety standards for carbon monoxide alarms.

In this episode, I share a case study of a high-end residential Home that suffered extensive property damage as a result of plumbing pipe rupturing in the attic during an unusually cold time period. The homeowner was out of town and did not see the rupture on the third floor which ran for a while damaging all three levels. I discuss how the modern building codes have required for the past decades...

In this episode, I share an article relating to house fires caused by space heaters turning over and catching nearby materials on fire. I share safety tips for heating homes and using space heaters provided by the NFPA

In this episode, I share an article written that describes the four legs of a crane, the outriggers. We discuss how the outriggers are equipped with pads to distribute the loads but many times the surface strength is unknown.

In this episode, I share from a blog where we advise drivers to come to a complete stop if you find yourself off of the road and in the median or on the shoulder. We also advise folks to look over their left shoulder if turning left on a two lane road. If someone has starting a passing maneuver then they have the right-of-way. Just a few tips for driving to help keep people as safe as possible.

In this episode, we explore the transformation of codes that evolved from installation to performance of water heaters. Fugitive vapors from flammable liquids like gasoline can travel up to 40 feet. This new design prevents flames from traveling back down to the fugitive vapors.

In this episode, we discuss a $30,000 property damage claim to electrical equipment. How do we determine if lightning could have caused the damage with a high degree of certainty?

In this episode, I share an interesting blog and case study of a failed water line that cause significant property damage to a medical facility. I share how PVC pipe is fused together using solvent and the importance of following manufacture recommendations.

In this episode, we discuss the Safety Hierarchy and how it relates to the real world. We analyze a case study of a core drill that seriously injured a worker. We discuss a safety analysis and how it could have been engineered safer.

In this episode, I share a blog written about the differences in motors, AC vs DC. Single phase vs Three phase motors and what to look for when sizing a motor properly. Finally we discuss how maintenance is the key to motor failure prevention.

In this episode, I share from a blog that dives into the fact that homes today are build with different materials and layouts than they were prior to 2000. The larger, more open floor plans have created more oxygen for fires and the materials seem to contribute to greater fire damage.

In this episode, I share important codes and standards written in the NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code. They are critical in this case study where an explosion killed a shop owner and seriously injured a customer after gas leaked out into a business following removal of an appliance. Helpful codes mentioned in this case study are Section 3.8.2, 4.2.1, 4.2.2.

In this episode, I share from a blog written by John Holecek back in September 2013. He cover the differences in hydronic systems vs thermal oil systems and the common hazards. He covers a case study where hot tar was ejected and injured a worker.

In this episode, I share from a blog on Airbag Control Modules (ACM). How do you access them? What do they show? How can you protect your car and you data? Do we need to worry about others stealing information?

In this episode, we uncover how a lightning strike two days prior to a gas explosion was linked to the cause of the incident. Electrical arcing between the iron and copper pipes melted part of the copper pipe cause gas to leak into the home’s craw space. The water heaters cycling created the spark to set off this explosion.

In this episode, I share a blog post describing a case where a person tripped and fell on a parking lot wheel stop. The fall could have been easily prevented if the apartment complex’s management had adhered to recognized safety standards by inspecting the property with an interest in preventing pedestrian falls.

In this episode, I share a blog written by Jeff Warren detailing two incidents involving the use of, or lack there of, machine safe guards. We discuss serious cases with injuries including two different fatalities. Lack of machine guarding and improper control of hazardous energy are the top two causes of workplace accidents.