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Fire Safety Inspections
Fire Safety Inspection Program
The Fire Safety Inspection Program assists organizations in making safe places for customers and employees. We also work to ensure that, if a fire were to occur, damage is limited as much as possible and our firefighters can operate efficiently and safely.
Common Hazards
Buildings are inspected depending on the type of business operating in the building, as staffing allows. We have compiled a list of the most common hazards to assist you in preparing your business for a fire safety inspection. Feel free to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with a fire safety inspector.
- Interior Hazards
- Electrical Hazards
- Exterior Hazards
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Fire Alarm Systems
Interior Hazards
____ Do you have at least a 36-inch-wide path to all of your exit doors?
____ Do your exit doors open freely, with little effort, and are they unlocked?
____ If equipped, are all fire doors able to close freely, and free of hold open devices?
____ If equipped, are all exit and emergency lights operating, including backup power?
____ Is storage contained so that nothing capable of burning is within two feet of the ceiling?
____ Do you have at least 36 inches of clear space around your furnace, water heater, and other heat-producing appliances?
____ Do you keep the area underneath exposed interior stairwells free of storage?
____ Are your walls and ceiling free of holes or missing acoustical tiles?
____ Do you have all compressed gas cylinders secured or chained so they can't fall over?
____ Are flammable liquids identified and stored in their original container?
____ Are utility shutoffs, fire alarm panels, and sprinkler controls easily accessible to firefighters in the case of an emergency?
____ Are utility shutoffs, fire alarm panels, and sprinkler controls clearly labeled?
____ Is your maximum occupancy posted?
Electrical Hazards
____ Is your business free of electrical overload, extension cords, and multi-plug adapters?
____Are all electric outlet and switch contacts covered with a safety plate?
____ Is your business free of any open electric boxes, exposed wiring, or open spaces in your fuse /breaker panel?
____ Do you have at least a thirty-six inch clearance around any fuse / breaker panel?
____ Is your fuse / breaker panel clearly labeled so power can be disconnected quickly in the event of an emergency?
Exterior Hazards
____ Are you storing anything that could burn close to your building or under overhangs?
____ If your business has a designated fire lane, are the signs and/or paint markings in good condition?
____ Is your address clearly visible from the street with at least four inch contrasting numbers?
____ Is there at least three feet of clear space around any fire hydrants on the property?
____ Are smoking areas clearly identified and proper cigarette receptacles provided?
Fire Extinguishers
____ Do you have a fire extinguisher installed so that an individual would not have to travel more than 75 feet to access one?
____ Are all fire extinguishers within clear view and easily accessible?
____ Have all fire extinguishers been inspected and tagged?
Fire Sprinkler Systems
Some buildings require a fire sprinkler system because of the size of the building or the type of business operation. If you have a sprinkler system installed, be sure to check the following:
____ Has the fire sprinkler system been inspected and tagged by a qualified contractor within the past year?
____ Is there at least three feet of clear space around sprinkler connections and valves?
____ Are spare sprinkler heads and an appropriate wrench installed in a cabinet near the sprinkler riser?
____ Are sprinkler control valves chained open or maintained by a fire alarm system?
____ Is the fire department connection on the outside of the building free of obstruction and are the caps in place?
Fire Alarm Systems
Some buildings require a fire alarm system because of the number of occupants or the type of business operation. If you have a fire alarm system installed, be sure to check the following:
____ Does the fire alarm system show "Trouble" or "Alarm" on the keypad or alarm panel? If so, contact a qualified alarm contractor to restore your system.