You can fix more common fire code violations quickly, but you may not even know they are there until after a failed inspection. Next thing you know, you’re looking at fines that stack up – leaving you with a higher bill than you planned on paying. Even worse, a few of these common fire code violations can place lives in danger if they’re not addressed and fixed promptly.
When a Fire Marshal or other fire code enforcement professional comes through your business, they will not sugar coat any violations. It’s their job to keep others safe by pointing out what could go wrong. But if you’re a business owner, the sight of a fire code professional might make you nervous. Suddenly, you’re having to drop everything you’re doing to rack your brain about the last time you had an inspection, whether everything is up to code, and if you’re missing anything small enough to cause a problem.
Don’t stress! You can easily check off these common fire code safety violations to avoid any trouble and keep your employees safe.
Need to update your fire alarm system before a thorough inspection? Contact American Sentinel Fire & Security today.
11 Most Common Fire Code Safety Violations
If it’s been a while since you last ran through your fire safety checklist, take a look at these common fire code safety violations. If you see anything you can address on your own, create an action list and take care of it right away.
- Using Too Many Extension Cords
You may use an extension cord to reach a device in a rush. This can be a great temporary hack, but many use extension cords as a permanent fix. It might not seem like a big deal, but loose and tangled extension cords can set up your space for disaster. The reason for this is that they can quickly overheat, especially when hooking up several devices at once. Using damaged cords is an even greater risk as frayed or broken wires can spark without warning. Use extension cords as a temporary solution to plug in devices. Otherwise, use outlets to avoid a potential problem.
- Fire Alarm Or Pull Station Failure
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), from 2014 to 2016, 52% of nonresidential buildings had no smoke detection present. Having a pull station serves as an aid when fire alarms fail, even though there’s a low chance of failure. The last thing you want to do is find out there’s a problem with either one of these mechanisms when you’re in the middle of an emergency. Have a professional inspect or correctly install these two items for a more secure facility.
Safeguard your business and contact American Sentinel Fire & Security.
- Improper Storage Of Materials & Supplies
Hazardous and/or flammable materials should be stored properly at all times, even when your business is closed for the day. All employees should know where these materials are and how to handle them if needed. Furthermore, one or several employees should be responsible for these materials in an emergency.
In Texas, you should have a written Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) for employees to view, including their role, what to do, evacuation plans, and more. This is required and necessary information for those asked to stay behind to maintain operations before evacuating. Additionally, you should keep other supplies in a neat and organized location without blocking any part of your fire escape route.
- Valves Or Other Access Points Are Blocked
Items you might not consider a problem can get in the way of emergency personnel who need access. This includes landscaping items like shrubs, trees, and other plants that can block necessary access points and cause a fire to spread more rapidly.
- Using The Wrong Sprinkler System
Yes, it’s true. You can violate the fire code by using the wrong sprinkler system. This is because different types of buildings need specific sprinkler systems for maximum prevention and effect.
- Faulty Fire Extinguishers
There’s no need for a fire extinguisher if it doesn’t even work. You put yourself and others in danger by not having functioning extinguishers. This is even more true if you are missing one or several fire extinguishers entirely.
All fire extinguishers must be:
- Maintained annually
- Fully charged
- Correctly classified for each area of your building
- Smoke Detectors Are Broken
An ill-working smoke detector can be the difference between life and death. All it takes to cause extreme mayhem is a few extra minutes of being unaware of a fire somewhere in the building. This can result in more lives lost than if you rightfully maintained the detectors available.
Don’t ignore your smoke detector's and alarm's chirping sound when it’s time for new batteries. Avoid smoke detector issues by restoring the batteries on time. Then replace the whole system every 10 years.
- Blocked Sprinkler Heads & Piping
It’s fun to see old newspaper clippings, photos, and other memorabilia on the walls. But showcasing this material by hanging it on emergency structures can block them and cause your fire prevention plan to be ineffective. Keep sprinklers, piping, valves, and electrical sources clear.
- Fire Safety Is On The Backburner
Whether you’re a business owner or manager, it’s your responsibility to uphold and maintain fire safety procedures and records. This means keeping any evidence of new installations, inspections, corrections, and adjustments on file. Doing so can help you stay on top of your fire safety inspection schedule and know what needs updating.
- Exits Are Blocked Or Locked
Even with all of the most up-to-date technology in the world, the most crucial part of any building design during a fire escape is its exits. Regrettably, some businesses aren’t even aware of any blocked or locked exits until it’s too late and others are trying to escape.
In one of the most noteworthy fire instances in history, blocked exits contributed to the loss of over 600 lives during the Iroquois Theatre Fire of 1903. Since then, many changes have been made to avoid this type of tragedy. However, doors that are blocked or locked from the outside still pose a major threat to building occupants. All fire escape doors and exits should be unlocked at all times.
- Exit Signs And Faulty Lighting
If exit signs are not visible or if the lights are out for any reason, you must fix them immediately. Even with an escape plan intact, buildings can lose power and leave others in the dark. Illuminated exit signs can be an asset to those who have trouble seeing in low light conditions.
Avoid Fire Code Violations With A Team You Can Trust
Don’t wait until the Fire Marshal is at your door to consider staying up to code with fire safety standards. American Sentinel Fire & Security has helped businesses stay compliant with quality fire alarm services since 2005. Contact us today.