Judd Fire Protection will be a valuable ally for you to pass your fire safety inspection.
U.S. fire departments conduct routine fire safety inspections to evaluate potential fire and life-safety hazards in buildings in their jurisdiction. Even though inspections vary in type and frequency per city, the business or property owner wants to avoid sudden repairs or a failed exam. This article provides the main reasons your business might fail its fire safety inspection to ensure you obtain a passing grade and avoid any unnecessary expenses.
Obstructing the Emergency Responder Access
There are checklist items on the fire safety inspection that must be resolved to ensure emergency-response personnel can perform their jobs effectively during a fire. National codes now require that properties allow fire departments safe and quick access. For instance, your commercial building’s address must be visible from the road. There should also be no restriction for emergency responders to access the building in specific ways.
Additionally, the fire department connection that permits the fire department to supply water to a standpipe or sprinkler system must be clearly noticeable and accessible. Overall, all fire hydrants should be visible and accessible.
Not Maintaining the Means of Egress
Maintaining the means of egress is critical to offering proper life safety in your building, such as the exit access, exit, and exit discharge. For example, ensuring all exit doors are constantly accessible and open correctly is critical. You also want to ensure fire-rated areas, such as stairways, have features like releasing mechanisms that have been correctly installed and functioning. Also, only combustible materials can be stored in any portion of the means of egress. This means no storage can reduce the necessary width or block exits.
Electrical-Related Issues
Another reason your business would fail a fire safety inspection is electrical-related problems. As a business or property owner, you must properly label all circuits on all electrical panels and clear access 30 inches in front of all electrical panels. Extension cords are not allowed except when they are utilized for temporary power. Remember that all extension cords must be in excellent condition, heavy-duty, and for minor appliances.
Having Combustible Materials
You must also store flammable materials away from flame-producing appliances and at least 18 inches beneath the fire sprinklers. Any combustible liquids should be stored in approved containers and storage cabinets. In summary, Judd Fire Protection will be a valuable ally for you to pass your fire safety inspection.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
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