Although the number of deaths due to fire declined somewhat over the years, there is still a significant number of fire-related deaths each year. In fact, in 2019, there was one person injured due to fire every 32 minutes and a fire-related death every 2 hours. These numbers are still too high- especially when, in numerous cases, the risk of fire could have been minimized or avoided simply by adhering to the fire codes.
As a business owner, you never want to be responsible for the loss of life or injury of another person- especially if it could have been avoided by ensuring your commercial property meets the standards set forth by entities such as the local fire marshal, state building inspection codes, and other code officials. These codes and standards are not designed to cause you problems but to prevent them.
Common Commercial Property Fire Safety Violations
So, while you may think that you have met all the fire safety standards, it never hurts to do a walk-through of your business location to ensure you are not in violation of everyday activities that can put your commercial property at risk. Here is a basic checklist to watch out for as you peruse your property.
Damaged or Missing Smoke Detectors
We get it. Smoke detectors are easily forgotten until they start that shrill and annoying sound when the batteries need to be replaced. So, what do so many people do? Just take out the batteries and go on about their life. However, the smoke detector is just a ceiling decoration without the batteries! This is an easy fire safety violation to fix- simply install fresh batteries when they start chirping. Or, an easy rule of thumb- change out the batteries when you set the clocks forward/back in spring and fall.
Skipping Inspections
We know you are busy and making time on your schedule to meet someone to do a property-wide fire safety inspection is tough. But it is time well spent if it means keeping everyone and everything safe. Make time on your calendar to have a licensed technician come test out your fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler system, as well as note any areas of your property that present a fire hazard or safety concern. Ideally, this should be done at least once a year.
Commercial Kitchens
Do you have a commercial kitchen on your property? If so, you must be sure that the hood system is up to code and in prime working order. You can ensure that your commercial kitchen’s hood system is up to code by conducting a routine inspection or hydrostatic testing annually. If the hood system is not working correctly, you are at risk of airborne grease and fumes causing a fire.
Fire Extinguishers
These need to be serviced annually by a certified fire extinguisher contractor. They also need to be stored properly by being mounted to the wall or on a bracket in a cabinet protected by glass, never being blocked by furniture or other objects.
Dark or Blocked Fire Exits/Passageways
Be sure that escaping a fire doesn’t involve hurtling over boxes or other items! Keep halls and passageways free of debris and products. Furthermore, be sure emergency exits are clearly identified and illuminated so people know where they can get out.
Fire Doors
Fire doors are designed specifically to contain heat and smoke. In the event of a fire, these doors make a big difference! They may cost a bit more, but they are important. Keeping them open or propped is a serious fire safety violation.
Box Storage
While storage space may be at a premium, do not stack boxes or other items directly in front of heating devices. At a minimum, things should be 36 inches away from any heat-producing items like water heaters or furnaces. If you have a fire sprinkler system, items must be at least 18 inches away from the ceiling. If you do not have a fire sprinkler system, they can be no closer than 24 inches. Furthermore, boxes and other items should be kept at least 3 feet from the front of the electrical service equipment for the entire width of the electrical panel.
Keeping your guests, employees, work equipment, and building safe is necessary. Be sure that you take time to inspect your property regularly. In addition, be sure that your employees are aware of common practices and actions that they can take to minimize the risk of fire.
If you have any questions regarding potential fire safety violations at your business, contact a local fire marshal, or give the Code 4 team a call.
