Below are the most common fire code violations to watch out for in your property.
Knowing what is considered a fire code violation can be challenging and complex. In most cases, violations occur simply because employers are unaware of the fire code requirements. Depending on the local, county, and state regulations, some cities have fewer or more technicalities to consider. Fortunately, most prevalent fire code violations are easy to identify and equally easy to remedy! Below are the most common fire code violations to watch out for in your property.
Building Exits and Passageways are Blocked
Since emergency exits are sometimes used infrequently, they can become cluttered, either obstructing the exit or hiding it. In the worst-case scenarios, emergency exit doors are sometimes chained or locked. This is why it’s crucial that no items of any kind should obstruct the pathway to any exit doors inside or outside of your property. Ensure all emergency exits and corridors are free of chairs, small tables, and other miscellaneous storage items that could harm people or block them from getting out.
In case of an emergency, if people can’t get out of your building, you’ll most likely end up having to deal with a lot more than just a fine. If you know this is happening in your building, notify facility personnel immediately so they can address it.
Exit Signs are Not Illuminated
Another common fire code violation is unlit exit signs. An average exit sign is not enough! It’s imperative that they are illuminated and placed so others can see them during an emergency.
It is also recommended that exit signs remain illuminated at all times, including when the property is unoccupied or closed to the public. If a fire emergency happens during off-hours, there might be employees or contractors on the premises.
Expired Fire Extinguishers
Sometimes, our inspectors discover fire extinguishers with expired inspection tags. Fire extinguishers are engineered to put out small fires, which is why it’s critical to ensure that all of your fire extinguishers are up to date on inspections. Similar to emergency exits, fire extinguishers should also be visible, not obscured, and free of obstructions.
If you notice the gauge needle on your fire extinguisher pointing in the red area instead of the green area, notify your local fire marshal’s office immediately. To save time, consider hiring a fire protection company, such as Judd Fire Protection, to perform your monthly fire extinguisher inspections. We service residential and commercial clients in Maryland, Pennsylvania, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Call Judd Fire Protection today at 410-871-3480 to clear out your fire code violations!
Fire Sprinkler Heads are Painted Over
Manufacturers are the only ones allowed to paint fire sprinkler heads, so it’s important for painters to cover all of them (particularly when using a sprayer). If the ceilings are not too high, you can easily identify the issue by completing a simple visual inspection at ground level. Any fire sprinkler heads with paint on them will need to be replaced by a professional fire protection company to ensure water can flow freely.
Don’t wait for a fire marshal to point out your fire code violations; be proactive. Let Judd Fire Protection keep you inspection-ready year-round.
Contact Judd Fire Protection for Reliable Fire Safety Excellence
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, call Judd Fire Protection at 410-871-3480. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest.