LAC 46:XL.303. Definitions

A. The definitions in §109 of this Part are incorporated into this Chapter by reference. The following definitions apply to this Chapter. Alarm Systemwarning devices, whether installed or free standing, including but not limited to, carbon monoxide detectors, flue gas and other spillage detectors, security equipment, ejector pumps and smoke alarms. Automatic Safety Controldevices designed and installed to protect systems and components from unsafe conditions. Clientthe person with whom a licensed home inspector contracts to perform a home inspection, whether individually or through that person’s agent. Componenta readily accessible and observable aspect of a system, such as a floor or wall, but not individual pieces such as boards or nails or where many similar pieces make up a component. Cooling Systema central system that uses ducts to distribute cooled air to more than one room or uses pipes to distribute chilled water to heat exchangers in more than one room, which system is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet. Cross Connectionany physical connection or arrangement between potable water and any source of contamination. Dangerous or Adverse Situationssituations that pose a threat of injury to the inspector, or those situations that require the use of special protective clothing or safety equipment. Deficient—a condition of a system or component that, in the inspector’s professional opinion, may be in need of repair. Describeto report, in writing, a system or component by its type, or other observed characteristics, to distinguish it from other systems or components. Dismantleto take apart or remove any component, device or piece of equipment that is bolted, screwed, or fastened by other means that would not be taken apart by a homeowner in the course of normal household maintenance. Enterto go into an area to observe all visible components. Functional Drainagea drain which empties in a reasonable amount of time and does not overflow when another fixture is drained simultaneously. Functional Flowa reasonable flow at the highest fixture in a dwelling when another fixture is operated simultaneously. Functioningperforming as expected and in accordance with its intended design and purpose. Further Evaluationexamination and analysis by a qualified professional or service technician whose services and qualifications exceed those possessed by a home inspector. Heating Systema central system that uses ducts to distribute heated air to more than one room which system is not plugged into an electrical convenience outlet. Home Inspectionthe process by which a Home Inspector visually examines the readily accessible systems and components of a home and describes those systems and components in accordance with the Standards of Practice. Home Inspection Reporta written evaluation of two or more of the following systems of a resale residential building: a. electrical system; b. exterior system; c. interior system; d. heating and cooling systems; e. plumbing system; f. roofing system; g. structural system; h. insulation and ventilation system; i. appliance system; or j. any other related residential housing system as defined in the standards of practice prescribed by the board. Home Inspectorany person licensed under these rules who holds himself out to the general public and engages in the business of performing home inspections on resale residential buildings for compensation and who examines any component of a building, through visual means and through normal user controls, without the use of mathematical sciences. Inaccessibleunable to open with the use of Standard Inspection Tools or hidden from visual inspection by furniture, stored items, wall or floor coverings or other obstructions. Inspectto examine readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with the Standards of Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily openable access panels. Installedattached such that removal requires tools. LHIan acronym for Licensed Home Inspector. Lead Inspector—licensee responsible for being in compliance with board requirements when multiple licensed home inspectors perform on an inspection. Method of Accessa means by which the inspector gains entry, ingress and/or a visual advantage. Normal Operating Controlsdevices such as thermostats, switches, or valves intended to be operated by the homeowner. Normal Operating Cyclethe standard period during which a system or component operates by the use of Normal Operating Controls Observethe act of making a visual examination. On-Site Water Supply Qualitywater quality based on the bacterial, chemical, mineral and solids contents of the water. On-Site Water Supply Quantitywater quantity based on the rate of flow of water. Operateto cause systems or equipment to function. Recreational Facilitiesspas, saunas steam baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, and exercise, entertainment, athletic, playground or other equipment and associated accessories. Readily Accessibleavailable for visual inspection without requiring the moving of personal property, the dismantling, disconnecting, unplugging or destroying of equipment, or any action which may involve a risk to persons or property. Readily Openable Access Panela panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance that is within normal reach, can be removed by one person, is not sealed in place and is not blocked by stored items, furniture, or building components. Representative Numberfor multiple identical interior components such as windows and electrical outlets - one such component per room. Roof Drainage Componentsgutters, downspouts, leaders, splash blocks, scuppers, and similar components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building. Serviceable—a state in which the system or component is functioning as intended. Shut Downa state in which a system or component cannot be operated by normal user controls. Significantly Deficienta condition that, in the inspector’s professional opinion, adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component. Solid Fuel Heating Deviceany wood, coal, or other similar organic fuel burning device, including but not limited to fireplaces whether masonry or factory built, fireplace inserts and stoves, wood stoves central furnaces, and combinations of these devices. Specialized Toolsdiagnostic devices and other equipment, including but not limited to, thermal imaging devices, gas leak detection equipment, environmental testing equipment, elevation determination devices and ladders capable of reaching surfaces over one story above the ground. Standard Inspection Toolsa flashlight, outlet tester, ladder and appropriate screwdriver. Structural Componenta component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads). Systema combination of interactive or interdependent components assembled to carry out one or more functions. Technically Exhaustivean inspection involving the extensive use of measurements, instruments, testing, calculations, or other means used to develop scientific or engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Under Floor Crawl Spacethe area within the confines of the foundation between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component. Unsafea condition of a readily accessible, installed system or component which, in the opinion of the inspector, is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury or property damage during normal use or under the circumstances. Visually Observable Evidence of Suspected Mold Growthvisually observable discoloration of the interior components within the climate controlled living space apparently occurring from moisture that may be indicative of mold or microbial growth which is visually observable, without employing moisture, environmental or other testing methods. Wiring Methodsmanner or general type of electrical conductors or wires installed in the structure such as non-metallic sheath cable, armored cable, knob and tube, etc.