The building—built in 1917 and altered since, including a major renovation a decade ago—does not fully comply with accessibility requirements. Image: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe latest report on what is proving to be an extensive list of safety concerns in federal buildings cites fire hazards at the headquarters of the agency overseeing those buildings, the GSA, which “compromise the safety of building occupants and the public in the event of a fire emergency.”
An inspector general report says that GSA’s Public Buildings Service “did not fully comply with applicable laws, regulations, and PBS policies governing fire protection and accessibility for the GSA HQ building.”
Issues included that “some fire doors used to access stairwells for emergency egress did not comply with fire protection requirements” because they do not close and latch properly; that was the case with 7 of the 49 doors auditors tested. The problems remained at two of them even after building management said they had been repaired.
Also, the PBS National Capital Region “has not corrected a fire protection deficiency concerning coordination and communication with the local fire department” that was identified in an internal review in January 2023.
Further, the building—built in 1917 and altered since, including a major renovation a decade ago—does not fully comply with accessibility requirements, the IG said. “Specifically, we identified deficiencies in wheelchair-accessible restrooms, one elevator, and the handrail for the building’s wheelchair ramp that may make building access difficult or potentially hazardous for people with disabilities,” it said.
It said GSA agreed with recommendations to address those issues.
The report follows a recent one finding that GSA does not have a complete inventory of fuel storage tanks at federal facilities or necessary plans to respond to leaks and spills, one raising concerns about potentially contaminated water inside buildings, and separate calls from both the GAO and the GSA IG to improve physical security controls.
Other reports of the last several years have raised concerns about water safety in child care centers in federal buildings; air quality in general and at the GSA headquarters building in particular.
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