Businesses and commercial structures are required to have their fire alarm systems checked by inspectors, which include hotels, restaurants and retail stores since these normally cater to the public. These inspections are often conducted by members of the local fire departments, which may include qualified security and fire alarm companies.
Some of the most common components that are inspected include:
• Fire exits with a corresponding signage
• Doors and windows must be working properly
• Good working condition for smoke and alarm systems
• Fire extinguishers are filled and up-to-date
• Electrical boxes and switches are adequately covered
• The building must have a visible address at the outside
Things to do before an Inspection
Check whether the address number of the building is clearly visible from the outside. Check whether the fire exits are free from debris, merchandise or boxes, which can impede the egress from the building. This must exclude the use of doorstops, which can hinder the exit from the building. These exits must have a properly lit and clear signage. Replace any damaged or broken electric cover plates. The most important is to check whether the amount of clearance between the electrical panels and circuit breakers are at least 30 inches, with a corresponding sign if these panels are hidden.
Violations
An inspector is required to issue a report that requires the business or commercial entity to correct the violation of the fire codes, and these includes the payment of fines and penalties applicable to the violation. The correction period of the violation is dependent on the severity of the fire code violation. A severe or life threatening violation is required to be corrected within 24 hours while the less severe can be corrected within 30 to 40 days. But these violations can be prevented by the business owners before the fire code inspection. The problem is that some business owners are not given prior notice before an inspection and therefore it is best to always prevent violations to the fire code.
Home Inspections
The most commonly overlooked inspections are those conducted at their homes since statistics revealed that 75% of fire related deaths or incidents occur at the home. Therefore it is best to always have a fire safety system and an inspection panel in your own homes in order to prevent domestic fires. It is best to regularly conduct your own home fire safety inspection, which can be placed in an inspection panel. This includes checking the smoke alarms, vents and chimneys. Also regularly check on your electrical cords and outlets, which include the appliances that are connected to it. Look for a potential fire hazard such as flammable materials or appliances near window treatments or shades. Ask your local fire department if they have guidelines on the areas of fire risk within your home.
Advantages
A fire safety inspection is normally seen or perceived as a burden for a majority of business owners but the problem is that if these businesses encountered a large fire, 90% of them will often have problems of re-opening in the future. A business having a regular fire safety inspection that can be seen in an inspection panel will make both customers and employees feel safe along with lowering the insurance premium, minimize the risk from physical and financial damage and increase the resale value of the property.
Some of the most common components that are inspected include:
• Fire exits with a corresponding signage
• Doors and windows must be working properly
• Good working condition for smoke and alarm systems
• Fire extinguishers are filled and up-to-date
• Electrical boxes and switches are adequately covered
• The building must have a visible address at the outside
Things to do before an Inspection
Check whether the address number of the building is clearly visible from the outside. Check whether the fire exits are free from debris, merchandise or boxes, which can impede the egress from the building. This must exclude the use of doorstops, which can hinder the exit from the building. These exits must have a properly lit and clear signage. Replace any damaged or broken electric cover plates. The most important is to check whether the amount of clearance between the electrical panels and circuit breakers are at least 30 inches, with a corresponding sign if these panels are hidden.
Violations
An inspector is required to issue a report that requires the business or commercial entity to correct the violation of the fire codes, and these includes the payment of fines and penalties applicable to the violation. The correction period of the violation is dependent on the severity of the fire code violation. A severe or life threatening violation is required to be corrected within 24 hours while the less severe can be corrected within 30 to 40 days. But these violations can be prevented by the business owners before the fire code inspection. The problem is that some business owners are not given prior notice before an inspection and therefore it is best to always prevent violations to the fire code.
Home Inspections
The most commonly overlooked inspections are those conducted at their homes since statistics revealed that 75% of fire related deaths or incidents occur at the home. Therefore it is best to always have a fire safety system and an inspection panel in your own homes in order to prevent domestic fires. It is best to regularly conduct your own home fire safety inspection, which can be placed in an inspection panel. This includes checking the smoke alarms, vents and chimneys. Also regularly check on your electrical cords and outlets, which include the appliances that are connected to it. Look for a potential fire hazard such as flammable materials or appliances near window treatments or shades. Ask your local fire department if they have guidelines on the areas of fire risk within your home.
Advantages
A fire safety inspection is normally seen or perceived as a burden for a majority of business owners but the problem is that if these businesses encountered a large fire, 90% of them will often have problems of re-opening in the future. A business having a regular fire safety inspection that can be seen in an inspection panel will make both customers and employees feel safe along with lowering the insurance premium, minimize the risk from physical and financial damage and increase the resale value of the property.