If you’re preparing for fire code inspections, here’s what to you can do to get ready for them.
The fire marshal is responsible for inspecting your business to make sure there are no fire code violations. These violations could shut your business down, so it’s important to avoid them at all costs. If you’re preparing for fire code inspections, here’s what to you can do to get ready for them.
The Fire Department
Can the fire department access your building easily? How easily can they do it? These two questions will guide the marshal’s inspection.
Ensure that your building’s street address is easy to see. Add a set of keys for emergency use if a fire should happen after business hours are over and you can’t be there to alert the authorities. Emphasize the location of the fire hydrants around the exterior of your business. Also, you need to keep the fire lanes clear, so don’t park any of your company vehicles there. At the same time, don’t allow customers or vehicles affiliated with nearby businesses to take over the fire lanes serving your business. If you do, you could run the risk of failing your fire code inspections.
In the Building
Now that you’ve made the building more accessible for the fire department, you need to prepare the interior of your building as well. Ensure that the exit doors, especially the emergency doors, work as they should. Every access point for the emergency exits should be kept clear in case of a fire or other situation that requires a speedy evacuation. All exit signs scattered throughout your building need to be maintained to make sure that they are still lit even when all the power is out. Keep all fire extinguishers charged and within easy reach. Then make sure all fire suppression systems, especially those in commercial kitchen areas are up-to-date on inspections as well.
Inspecting Electrical Equipment
Fire code inspections also involve your electrical equipment. Electrical fires can happen just as often as kitchen fires or accidental fires in your commercial building. You’ll need to inspect all electrical equipment to make sure they won’t cause any fire hazards. Make sure cover plates on outlets are secure. Don’t overload the circuit breaker, and don’t rely on extension cords. Besides being an electrical hazard, your employees, customers, and guests can trip on them.
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 in designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.