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
DIY Home Security Cameras
DIY Security Systems Are the New Fad There are many pre-configured, DIY home security system kits on the market. They are sold under various brand names including Ring, Nest, SimpliSafe, and others. The basic idea of a DIY home security system is that you pay one low fee to purchase all of the equipment and…
How Poor Security Can Cost Your Business
Poor security practices have hidden costs With the many expenses that business owners must juggle for day-to-day operations, security often falls by the wayside. Even though it seems like an easy way to save money, the cost of handling a break-in can surpass the money you’d spend on installing and maintaining a security system. Here…
Who Owns ADT Alarm Systems After Install?
You’ve paid to have an alarm system installed in your home. Do you own the equipment? Most likely, but not yet if you contracted with a big-box home security company like ADT. Payment Plans for Equipment Most people sign up on special offers in which they will pay an installation fee for the equipment, but…
The Cost of Alarm Monitoring vs. the Cost of a Break-In
Property crime in the United States is costly. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, property crimes in 2018 resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion of losses. The Cost of Crime Larceny-theft is the most common of all property crimes, accounting for 73.4 percent. Larceny-theft is defined as the unlawful taking, carry, leading,…
Home Security Solutions for People with Disabilities
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
Security Camera Resolutions Explained
Different Security Camera Resolutions and Which is Right for You Welcome to the 2020s—it’s finally time to pull the trigger and get a home security camera. Now what? There are a baffling number of cameras and resolutions available on the consumer market, but the math behind figuring out what you want in a security camera…
How to Make Your First-Floor Apartment Safe
In business, getting in on the ground floor is great. You are part of a plan early on to gain an advantage. When it comes to apartment-dwelling, however, getting in on the ground floor is only an advantage in some respects. It’s easier for you and your pets to get in an out, it’s easier…
Theft Prevention Tips for Businesses
Theft, unfortunately, can take a wide variety of forms. Theft in a retail business might include the loss of physical property from shoplifting or can come in the form of embezzlement. In the retail sector, a 2019 National Retail Security Survey reported the average cost per shoplifting incident is $546.67. According to the 2018 Hiscox…
Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience
The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…
Winter Commercial Fire Safety Tips
While fire safety and prevention are crucial year-round, unique fire hazards accompany winter’s freezing temperatures. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that many holiday-related factors contribute to an increased fire risk during the winter months, and commercial settings are just as vulnerable. Besides creating and reviewing company-wide fire safety procedures, here are 4 tips…