If you own a retail or wholesale business, apartment building, manufacturing plant or any other public building, you are required by law to have an annual fire safety inspection to make sure you are up to code and your facility is safe.
There are a few important things to understand in preparing for your annual fire safety inspection. In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over what to expect and how to prepare for your fire safety inspection.
1. Know Your Local Fire Codes
Each state has different fire code requirements, and sometimes counties and cities have additional laws and requirements that you must understand and follow as a business or building owner.
There are a few main ways to learn about what is expected of you: you can search online via your state or county websites, or you can ask your local fire department or a fire prevention company what your area’s fire codes require.
2. Know How Often Your Inspections Need To Occur
While many businesses only require an annual fire safety inspection, certain types of businesses require more frequent inspections. Restaurants, hospitals, theaters and nightclubs are considered “public assembly” venues and will need to be inspected more frequently.
The easiest way to make sure you know what is expected is to talk to a local fire protection equipment supplier like Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co.
3. Keep Evacuation Plans Visible In The Building
Make sure your evacuation plans are up to date and posted in a highly visible area on each floor, near stairwells, and close to every major entrance and exit.
By keeping these evacuation plans up to date and visible, you will not only be checking an item off of your fire safety inspection…you’ll also be helping your employees and customers know exactly what to do and where to go should an emergency arise in the building.
4. Use Free Resources From Fire Safety Organizations
Fire safety organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offer free resources for business and property owners that you can use to help make sure your properties are ready for their fire safety inspection.
If you have questions about your state or local fire codes and how your building will fare in your next inspection, contact Fire Fighter Sales & Service Co. today to talk to an experienced fire safety equipment professional.
We look forward to speaking with you!