Fire Inspection Safety
In 2008, fires killed more Americans than all natural disasters in the United States combined, and resulted in more than $15 billion of property loss. Routine fire safety inspections reduce fires and fire-related loss, including injury, property damage and death. Fire safety inspections offer many benefits to residents and workers of the buildings under inspection.
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Commercial Fire Safety Inspections
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Fire safety inspections are required of commercial buildings, including office spaces, restaurants, stores and hotels. The local fire department carries out commercial fire safety inspections. Inspectors check for clear exits with visible signs, properly covered electrical boxes and switches, properly marked and highly visible building addresses, functioning doors, fire lanes and working, easily accessible fire extinguishers.
Fire Safety Violations
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If a business or building violates fire codes, the inspector issues a report requiring correction of the violation, as well payment of fines, which range in price depending on the severity of the violation. A life threatening violation could require correction in 24 hours, while other violations may receive 40 days to rectify. Fire safety inspections usually result in violations that building owners can prevent. Not all fire inspections are scheduled, so ensure your building is in compliance and ready for an inspection at all times.
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Pre-Inspection
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Check that your address is plainly visible from the street, including suite/unit numbers. Clear all exits of merchandise, storage or other obstacles and light all exit signs. Do not use door stops, extension cords and multi-plug adapters. Replace any broken or damaged cover plates. Check that automatically closing doors are working properly. Maintain 30 inches of clearance around electrical panels and circuit breakers. If electrical panels are not clearly visible, provide a sign that indicates where breakers are located. It is recommended to perform this check every six months.
At-Home Fire Inspections
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You should perform a fire safety inspection in you home. More than three-quarters of fire deaths occur in homes, which make residential fire safety a pressing concern for families and firefighters. Prevent domestic fires and conduct your own at-home fire safety inspection. Fire department guidelines suggest you check the conditions of electrical cords, clean vents, test smoke alarms, clean chimneys, ensure safe portable heater use and connect appliances and lights to separate outlets.
The Benefits of Fire Safety Inspections
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Business owners who find fire safety inspections to be a burden should consider that 80 percent of all small businesses that experience a large fire never reopen, according to All Business. Sucessful fire safety inspections can result in lower insurance premiums, greater customer confidence, decreased financial and physical risks for owners and employees, and an improved building resale value. If you are a business or building owner, use each fire safety inspection to assure the well-being of your employees, clients and your business. At the home level, fire safety can save your loved ones' lives. Prevention is the best way to deal with fire.
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