Goal
This course teaches students how to perform balcony inspections based on requirements in Florida.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding and apply Fla. Stat. § 509.2112 balcony inspection rules;
- inspect balconies and their related components, including platforms, guards and other forms of edge protection, screened enclosures, drainage elements, and non-permanent building materials;
- inspect stairways, landings, and their related components, including treads and risers, handrails, guards, and non-permanent building materials; and
- report on inspection findings and complete required form DBPR HR-7020 for balcony inspections.
Course Outline
The Balcony Inspections Course for Florida Inspectors has six parts, including:
- Part 1: About This Course
- Student Verification
- Course Information
- Downloadable Course Materials
- Part 2: Introduction to Balcony Inspections in Florida
- Introduction Video
- Legislation Video
- Fla. Stat. § 509.2112 Review
- Definitions Video
- Terms You Should Know Review
- Part 3: Inspection Procedures and Scope
- Inspection Scope Video
- Scope of Inspection Review
- Inspection Methodology
- Balcony Inspection Video
- Balcony Inspection Procedure Example
- Stairway Inspection Video
- Part 4: Reporting and Post-Inspection
- Reporting Video
- Reinspection Opportunities Video
- Part 5: Defect Recognition and Reporting Practice
- Defect #1: Platform Defect
- Defect #2: Platform Defect
- Defect #3: Support and Structural Defect
- Defect #4: Fastener Defect
- Defect #5: Fastener Defect
- Defect #6: Guardrail and Railing Issue
- Defect #7: Guardrail Issue
- Defect #8: Wire Guardrail Issue
- Defect #9: Ramp and Stairway Issue
- Defect #10: Stairway Support Issue
- Part 6: Conclusion
- Hotel Balcony and Stairway Inspection Video
- Conclusion Video
- Final Exam
Course Summary
Florida state law requires balconies on public lodging establishments three or more stories high to be inspected every three years. In this course, inspectors will become familiar with Fla. Stat. § 509.2112, including inspection scope, documentation requirements, and which properties must comply or are exempt. In line with state law requirements, inspectors will learn about the systems, components, and proper construction standards of balconies, stairways, and their related components, with a focus on common issues to look for during inspections.
State law includes specific reporting and reinspection requirements and guidelines. Inspectors will learn about the required forms and opportunities for reinspections. Final course materials cover common defect examples, provide sample report language, and include a demonstration of a Florida balcony inspection.
Details
- Estimated hours: 2.9 hours
- Format: On-demand, self-paced, with readings and videos
- Word count: 5,835 words
- Length of video(s): 1.2 hours
- Final exam questions: 20 questions
- Included materials: Course reference guide, inspection checklists, supplemental readings and videos, and downloadable Certificate of Completion
- Instructor: Rob Claus; Contributor: Maggie Aey