Handhelds Used for Real-Time Safety Checks

Handheld devices issued to maintenance workers starting this summer will improve the efficiency of real-time safety checks included in NYCHA’s fire safety campaign. Whenever apartment repairs or inspections are performed, there are five quick safety-related items that staff should check for, fix or install, and document:

Alarms – working smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors

Ledge – window guards in apartments with children (except at fire escape window exits)

Info – fire safety notice posted on the back of the apartment door

Volts – testing ground fault circuit interrupter outlets

Entrance – doors must be self-closing and latch.

Supervisors will use the heldhelds during random inspections to document any failures in the safety check list and quality assurance inspectors will add a “5 Alive Safety” assessment to their monthly inspections of other work performed in apartments they sample.

NYCHA will monitor safety spot check data to identify poorly-performing developments so additional training and supervision can be provided.