How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection
Updated May 2023
Most people learn how to react to fire alarms from a young age. The sharp, jarring noise of the sirens instantly notifies everyone within earshot of a possible emergency and the need to evacuate. These fire safety alarm systems are mandated worldwide and need regular inspections and maintenance to promote safety.
As a business owner, a properly functioning fire safety system protects your business, employees, and customers. But how prepared for a fire inspection are you? Your local fire marshal can drop in on your business to inspect at any time.
We’ve compiled a checklist of items to address both outside and inside your business. Staying on top of this list provides a greater safety level and keeps annoying fines and citations out of the way.
Fire Inspection
- Make sure your address is clearly marked and visible from the street.
- All fire hydrants should be unblocked and have mandatory clearance space on all sides.
- Always keep fire lanes outside your business clear.
- Ensure all exit doors are easily opened without needing special keys or training.
- All stairways and walkways should be kept clear.
- Emergency lighting and exit signs should work in both regular and emergency modes.
- Fire extinguishers should be accessible and ready.
- Electrical boxes and outlets must have proper covers in place.
- Extension cords must be in good condition and not used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
- Surge protectors must be connected directly to the outlet and not connected to other protectors/extenders.
- The electrical panel box and main disconnect should be identified and easily accessible for fire personnel.
- Panels and breakers should be labeled appropriately.
- Items should not be stored within 18 inches of any sprinkler head.
- Sprinkler heads should be in good condition without signs of corrosion.
- Extinguishers should be visible and accessible.
- Units are free of rust and damage, and gauges must be at a safe operational level.
How Long Does a Fire Inspection Take?
Inspection and test time depend mainly on the size of the facility. Smaller systems could take an hour or less to inspect thoroughly. In contrast, larger buildings with more complex systems could take significantly longer, considering the thorough process that safety inspections follow.
What Do My Employees Need to Know About Inspections?
The tests will ensure that all components of your system are in working order. These components could include any of the following:
- Fire alarm panels
- Fire doors
- Strobes
- Smoke/heat detectors
- Annunciators and zones
- Batteries
- Elevators
Employees should be informed of when inspections and tests will take place. During the inspection and testing, employees should follow the building’s established fire drill procedures. Any emergency alarms and sirens should only be triggered for a few minutes. Employees should also know that safety tests should be conducted annually, and smoke detectors should be tested every two years.
A properly functioning fire safety system is the best defense against fire for you and your business. These tests are always performed by certified fire safety professionals like those at FSS Technologies, and they can provide details on specific questions related to your system.
Explore Our Other Blogs
The Ins and Outs of Installing a Security System as a Landlord
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments a person can make. You upgrade your home in many ways—a fresh coat of paint, a landscaping project, or possibly adding a security system. If you go a step further and invest in rental properties, you have to do all those things and more to…
Where Should Window and Motion Sensors be Placed?
Motion and window sensors are basic parts of a security system in both residential and business applications. The expert security team at FSS Technologies has helped thousands of business and property owners stay safe with these tools. Sensors A motion sensor allows a system to detect movement, using waves or light to determine if someone or…
Will Renter’s Insurance Give a Discount if You Have a Security System?
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…
The Cost of Professional Security Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring
We recently talked about the various codes required for your security and fire protection systems. We also talked about why monitoring is vital as part of a business’ fire safety system—mainly because the code may require it. This blog will address the pros and cons of self-monitoring your business’ entire alarm system versus the cost of professional security monitoring. First, what is the difference between the two? Professional vs. Self …
How Your Internet Speed Affects Your Security System
Internet speed is a precious commodity in today’s connected homes. Internet speed is responsible for how quickly or slowly data moves from the internet to the application on your computer. Things like your mobile phone, television, computer, gaming system, and even appliances use the internet. And your home security system probably does too. The average…
What Do Villages Require to Add a Security System?
What Is a Village? A village in the United States is defined as a small municipality with limited corporate powers. A village government usually consists of a village board made up of trustees and a village president. Village Building Codes Have Minimum Requirements Every village adopts its own building codes to establish minimum requirements for…
Security Integrations with Avigilon Alta
Security systems and integrations For business owners and managers, security systems are a key tool in protecting your customers, property, and commercial operations. There are several components to consider when working to create the best security system for your business, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. A helpful approach to finding the best fit for…
Are You a Spectrum Customer Losing Service?
When Spectrum closed the doors on its home security system business in February 2020, many customers were left high and dry. The Spectrum Backstory Spectrum is a subsidiary of Charter Communications, the second-largest cable provider in the country offering service in 42 states. Charter inherited Spectrum in a 2016 merger with Time Warner Cable and Bright House…
What are the Components of a Security System?
Security systems can vary widely in size and scale: from simple home alarms and small business surveillance systems to commercial-grade intrusion and detection systems. One system could even be comprised of enterprise-level networks that stretch across multiple locations. Understanding the essential components of a security system is the best way to start your search for…
Can a Security System Save My Business Money?
If you’re a business owner, you know the importance of weighing the pros and cons of major purchases before making them. A commercial security system is one of the higher-ticket items that can cause the most significant hesitation. While they can take large investments to purchase, install, and maintain, security systems can offer long-term savings…