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A fire marshal inspection is the assessment done by fire marshals to check potential fire risks and other safety hazards that can be found in establishments. Fire marshal inspections help organizations detect and correct fire hazards and stay compliant with the applicable local fire codes. Unmitigated fire hazards and non-compliance with fire codes put people’s lives and property at risk and can lead to business suspensions or shutdowns. Providing fire marshals a checklist that contains necessary information of your building or facility helps expedite the process and also ensures that all areas are inspected.
Typically, combustible materials must be stored a certain distance from the ceiling in approved containers that are in good condition. Store flammable and combustible materials in amounts that do not exceed the maximums set by each state. Do not store them in rooms where heat is produced, such as boiler rooms and electrical rooms. Additionally, do not keep them near appliances such as coffeemakers, microwaves, stoves or ovens, portable heaters, or any other heat-producing electronic devices.
Preparing for a Fire Safety Inspection: Your Fire Inspection Checklist
In the kitchen, cooking appliances should have hoods and hood suppression systems for automatic suppression of kitchen fires. This fire inspection checklist can be downloaded for free and as PDF just like the other iAuditor checklist templates. Use smart logic to inform property managers and safety officers of potential points of focus that the fire department may need to know if non-compliant. Maintain safety systems with the help of reputable, licensed contractors.
In residential systems without a public water supply or one that is not of material value, there may be a water storage tank and small pump to supply water to the sprinkler system. It is important that these pumps be exercised regularly to ensure they will operate if needed. Inspect the occupancy, building services, emergency lights, exit signs, alarms, fire extinguishers, hazardous areas, housekeeping, egress, and operational features. Many businesses that fail their fire inspections do so because they have provided insufficient means of egress. For example, businesses may store items in the hallways that lead to exit doors. If a fire occurred, these items would dramatically limit the flow of traffic out of the building.
State building inspections annual reports
In a business, special hazards can include gasoline pumps, computer server rooms, chemical storage areas, and any other place with a high concentration of flammable or combustible materials. Make sure these hazards gain protection with properly maintained and inspected systems. Data shows that sprinkler systems are effective in fighting fires 88% of the time when they are activated. NFPA also reports that death rates in office property fires where sprinkler systems are present are 62% lower than in those without sprinklers. Chapter 12 of this document outlines the requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance of these systems.
Businesses should always operate and maintain safety systems to assist with detecting, containing, and putting out fires. All of these safety systems should receive regular, professional inspections and have their batteries and other components replaced as needed. Fire inspectors have an important checklist to complete when performing fire safety inspections. Since these requirements vary by state, business owners and managers will need to become familiar with individual state fire codes, ordinances, and standards, as well as how to comply.
Store Flammable and Combustible Materials Properly
Throughout the building, post signage indicating the best escape pathways to exits. Extension cords should be in good condition, intended for heavy-duty use, grounded, and used temporarily only with small appliances. If there are multiple appliances plugged into a surge protector, it must be a power strip with built-in circuit breakers. Powering a room full of laundry machines with an extension cord, for instance, is a fire code violation.
This inspection can be requested by either the owner, administrator, or tenant of the building. A fire marshal inspection will help ensure that the building is compliant with current fire codes. The goal of the Fire Prevention Division, is for all businesses, operations, occupancies and events in the City of Phoenix be safe, successful and in accordance with the Phoenix Fire Code.
What is a Fire Marshal Inspection?
Non-compliance of requirements are subject to citation and legal action. Call or email us today to get started in preparing for a fire inspection. Near the elevators, post a sign as a reminder to use the stairs, not the elevator, in case of an emergency. Another common issue found in residences is the use of flexible cords and cables in place of fixed wiring.
Being proactive makes a good impression and lets the inspector know the company is invested in meeting requirements. Provide documentation of steps the company took to address any previous violations. Stairwells and exit hallways should always be free from obstruction, and doors should remain unlocked wherever possible. When doors must stay locked, they must be easy for a single person to open without the use of specialized knowledge, strength, or keys.
To ensure that employees and guests escape safely from a fire, businesses should install and maintain directional exit lighting and illuminated exit signs. These features allow people to quickly locate the nearest means of egress. Use this fire marshal inspection checklist to conduct internal checks of schools for fire risks. Inspect the exterior, fire protection equipment, exits, classrooms, special-use rooms, hallways and lobbies, assembly areas , custodial, boiler room, and other points of focus. For this digitized checklist, any item with a “No” answer may need to be corrected before the fire marshal inspection. The scope of these inspections is identifying obvious fire hazards (i.e. electrical cords, combustible storage, blocked exits and hazardous conditions).
Companies can protect against fire ignition by making sure electrical systems are in good working order and properly insulated. A building’s electrical systems should be inspected at least once a year, if not more often, as required by specific local ordinances. In areas of high hazard, the minimum extinguisher rating is 40-B or 40-C.
Inspectors check the safety systems in place, such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems. They make sure these systems are regularly maintained and kept in good working order. They often request to see documentation on the maintenance of these systems. Telgian Fire Safety offers a variety of resources to help prepare for a fire safety inspection. The best safety systems in the world are not enough if no one can get out of the building.
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