Does Your Building Have a Fire Safety Inspection List?

Fire safety must be a primary concern for owners of industrial buildings, retail establishments, manufacturing plants, and other commercial structures. To maintain a thorough awareness of and adherence to the rules of fire safety, it pays to develop a fire safety inspection list and go through it at least once a year. Here are some of the more important elements to include in your fire safety inspection list.

Flammable Materials

• Ensure flammable materials, such as gasoline, kerosene, and propane, are stored in their proper places and are not stored indoors.
• Do store combustible materials, such as cardboard, paint, paper, and plastics, in electrical equipment rooms, boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, or other rooms where an ignition source may be present.
• Do not store equipment, appliances, or tools with gas tanks indoors.
• Secure compressed gas cylinders and containers to prevent damage and potential explosions from falling.
• Make sure combustible materials and stored at least 2 feet below the ceiling or 18 inches below sprinklers.

Exits and Exit Pathways

• Ensure exits and exit pathways are clear of obstructions and clearly marked for quick and easy identification.
• Provide illuminated signage to mark exits and exit pathways. Make sure the illumination will still work during a failure of the main electrical power system.
• Keep exits unlocked and easily accessible while the building is occupied or open for business.
• Ensure fire doors and other fire resistant barriers are in working order and are ready for service.
• Devise and promote an emergency evacuation plan and conduct fire drills in accordance with local or state regulations.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Make sure portable fire extinguishers are readily available and are in serviceable condition.
• Place portable fire extinguishers in easily accessible and easily identified locations.
• Ensure at least one 2A:10B:C fire extinguisher is available within 75 feet of any location within the building on each floor.
• Mount fire extinguishers at least 4 inches above the floor and no higher than 60 inches from the floor.

Sprinklers, Fire Suppression Systems, and Fire Protection Devices

• Ensure all fire protection systems, including sprinklers, foam suppression systems, and other devices, are in operating condition at all times.
• Have fire protections systems inspected, tested, and serviced at least once a year.
• Test emergency lighting systems at least every six months.
• Test and inspect private fire hydrants at least annually.
• Make sure any defects, malfunctions, or other problems with your fire protections systems are repaired immediately.
• Maintain records of fire protection system inspections, tests, and services in accordance with local or state regulations. Keep these records on-site and accessible at all times.
• If your facility prepares or serves food, make sure that cooking hoods, grease traps, ventilation fans, ducts, and other kitchen equipment are thoroughly cleaned according to local or state regulations. Maintain records of all cleanings and maintenance.

Building and Premises

• Ensure all hydrants, fire lanes, water control valves, and fire department connections are kept clear of obstructions and easily accessible at all times.
• Make sure the building’s number and address are clearly visible from the street to make it easier for firefighters and emergency personnel to locate the structure. Letters and numbers should be at least 4 inches high and placed on a contrasting background.
• Put door labels on rooms containing electrical, furnace, sprinkler, generator, or mechanical equipment.
• Place appropriate signage to indicate factors such as maximum occupancy.

Electrical

• Make sure power strips are UL listed, grounded, polarized, and capable of withstanding excess current.
• Plug equipment and power strips into appropriately wired permanent electrical outlets.
• Do not run power strips through walls, under doors or carpets, or inside dropped ceilings.
• Provide proper covering for all electrical boxes.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection, and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial, and Residential settings. For more information on fire safety and how to establish a fire safety inspection list, and to view projects we’ve worked on, visit our website!