Fire code inspections can be a nerve-wracking experience for business owners. If your business is not up to code, you could face fines or closure. In this blog post, we will discuss the ways you can prepare for fire code inspections. You can help ensure that your business complies with all fire codes and avoid any costly penalties by following these ways.
Fire Department Considerations
You should do the following things to ensure that your home passes a fire safety inspection:
- Your building’s street address is displayed on its front and can be seen from the road.
- You have a critical vault that allows the fire department to access your premises if a fire occurs outside of business hours (this is mainly applicable to buildings with a fire alarm monitoring system).
- If you have fire hydrants on your property, they are easily seen and free of obstructions. Keep in mind that you must maintain at least three feet of clearance around all sides of the hydrant.
- The fire lanes in front of your business were clear of any impediments.
Inside Your Building
To keep your facility in compliance with building codes, you’ll need to:
- Make sure one person can easily open your exit doors. Check whether the doors are locked (which they shouldn’t be).
- Keep all aisles, walkways, stairwells, and approaches to exits free of trash and blockages.
- Ensure your emergency lights and exit signs operate in standard and emergency power conditions.
- In addition, you should have a reliable means of calling for help if an emergency occurs. Keep your fire extinguishers adequately charged and readily accessible in a crisis.
Electrical Equipment
One of the most crucial aspects of getting ready for a fire safety inspection is ensuring your facility’s electrical equipment is in good working order. One of the most typical causes of fires beginning in structures is faulty electrical equipment, so make sure you:
- Use cover plates to keep electrical outlets, junction boxes, and circuit breaker panels clean.
- If there are any circuit breaker boxes in your home, make sure a suitable plug encloses them to prevent sparks or arcs from flying throughout the package and sparking or igniting combustibles nearby. This will also assist you in avoiding coming into touch with live electrical wires.
- Don’t use electrical extension cables as a substitute for permanent wiring. If you need an outlet that isn’t already there, contact an electrician to install one or relocate whatever you’re trying to connect closer to the existing outlet.
- Staple an extension cord (or any power cord) to nothing under any circumstances.
The Bottom Line
No one wants to receive a failing grade on their fire code inspection, especially if it means everyone’s safety is at risk. However, if you manage to check off all the different ways to prepare for fire code inspections as mentioned above, it will be a straightforward process. Good luck on your next test!
Need to get your fire extinguishers up to code? Contact Fire-Alert today to see how we can help!