diff --git a/pelicun/model/damage_model.py b/pelicun/model/damage_model.py
index afeada00..8977df1d 100644
--- a/pelicun/model/damage_model.py
+++ b/pelicun/model/damage_model.py
@@ -1362,7 +1362,7 @@ def parse_scaling_specification(scaling_specification: dict) -> dict:  # noqa: C
             """
             # if there are contents, ensure they are valid.
             # See docstring for an example of what is expected.
-            parsed_scaling_specification = defaultdict(dict)
+            parsed_scaling_specification: dict = defaultdict(dict)
             # validate contents
             for key, value in scaling_specification.items():
                 # loop through limit states
diff --git a/pelicun/tests/basic/test_damage_model.py b/pelicun/tests/basic/test_damage_model.py
index eb079a15..51d57676 100644
--- a/pelicun/tests/basic/test_damage_model.py
+++ b/pelicun/tests/basic/test_damage_model.py
@@ -591,6 +591,8 @@ def test__create_dmg_RVs(self, assessment_instance: Assessment) -> None:
         for rv_name, rv in capacity_rv_reg.RV.items():
             uniform_sample = rv._uni_sample
             sample = rv.sample
+            assert uniform_sample is not None
+            assert sample is not None
             for i in range(len(operation_list)):
                 if rv_name == 'FRG-cmp.A-1-2-3-1-1':
                     theta = 1.20 * 30.0