If your business is out of compliance with fire safety standards, you could face consequences that impact your bottom line. You may be thinking, “but nothing ever happens.” While that may be true for now, falling out of compliance puts your business and other people’s lives at risk.
You may think about following fire safety codes as one long laundry list of to-dos, but it doesn’t have to be this way. It helps to see fire safety as an additional tool you can use to protect your business like a VPN connection or theft alarm system. Once you get into the habit of maintaining your compliance, it will become standard. Then, you’ll never have to worry about being hit with a failing grade, hefty fine, or other damaging consequences.
Is your business up to code? American Sentinel Fire & Security will work with you to be sure.
The Importance Of Fire Safety Compliance For Your Business
Nothing matters more than the safety of yourself and others. Non-residential fires occurred 110,900 times in 2019, and 11.5% of those fires were considered unintentional or due to carelessness.
It’s worth mentioning because it’s crucial to keep in mind that you can’t control every aspect of your business, especially when it comes to emergencies. But you can control your compliance with fire safety standards. So when there is a true emergency, you’ll know you did everything you could to prevent a disaster. More importantly, you’ll feel confident knowing you placed the lives of others first.
When a company chooses to be negligent and not follow fire safety standards, they’re putting more people at risk than they realize. This is because your staff very well may have gone home for the day and the building is empty. But if it catches fire because of non-compliance, there are still those who need to control the situation by putting their lives on the line. This includes firefighters, police officers, and other emergency responders. Remain in compliance all year round and take a proactive approach to protect others.
Did you know that Texas is among the most fire-prone states for businesses? Take action and secure your company immediately.
What Does It Mean To Be Compliant?
As a business owner, you’re held accountable for the safety of your employees, customers, and anyone else who might visit your storefront. Whether you own a showroom with thousands of square feet or a small boutique with limited space, it’s your responsibility to follow fire safety standards. With this said, it’s your job to ensure that:
- All fire exits are clear and accessible
- Fire alarm systems are working properly
- There’s a fire safety plan in place
- You notify staff if your fire safety plan changes
- All employees are trained on what to do in the event of a fire
- Hazardous chemicals are managed in the event of an emergency
Is It Up To Employers To Provide Portable Fire Extinguishers?
No. You don’t have to provide portable fire extinguishers. But if you do and you expect employees to use them in case of an emergency, you need to train them first. Training must be hands-on and offered to every employee.
Is A Fire Prevention Plan Absolutely Necessary?
Not every single building will require a fire prevention plan. But typically, restaurants, healthcare facilities, labs, and similar businesses will require a plan as they tend to use and store hazardous materials on site.
According to the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA), establishments must have fire prevention plans for the following materials:
- Ethylene Oxide – 1910.1047
- Methylenedianiline – 1910.1050
- 1,3 Butadiene – 1910.1051
You must also post signage for systems using gaseous agents that are considered a serious health hazard like carbon dioxide, cleaning agents, etc.
Potential Consequences Of Non-Compliance
Any fire code official visiting your business to conduct a fire safety inspection will have a checklist they need to go by to ensure a complete evaluation. There is no way around this, so it’s important to be prepared.
Failing an inspection can affect your bottom line as you may need to pay fines as a consequence. The truth is, even smaller fines add up quickly – which causes you to pay more than you’d expect out of pocket. But first, upon noticing a violation, you’ll receive a notice, order, or citation detailing any violations. If problems can’t be fixed immediately, you may need another inspection or to appear in court.
Failing to comply will leave you paying fees anywhere from $200 to $500 per violation, plus court costs. You can expect to pay the following are fees if you are not in compliance:
Code Section Offense Fines
- Fire 104.11.4 Failure To Remove Debris Or Rubble After Fire
- $200-$500
- Fire 105.3.3 Occupancy Prior To Approval
- $200-$500
- Fire 109.1 Working Without Permits (Plus Double Permit Fees)
- $200-$500
- Fire 109.3.2111.4 Failure To Comply With Orders And Notices
- $200-$500
- Fire 109.3.4 Unauthorized Tampering Or Removal (Tags, Seal, Sign, Label, Or Posting)
- $100-$250
- Fire 110.2.1 Unsafe Building – Overcrowding
- $500
- Fire 503.4 Obstructing A Fire Lane
- $200-$500
- Fire 1031.3 Obstructing Means Of Egress
- $200-$500
- Fire 108.3.1 Failure To Report Installation, Testing, And Maintenance Of Fire Protection Systems
- $200-$500
- All Other Fire Violations
- $200-$500
Fines can swiftly add up and, in some cases, have cost business owners upwards of $400,000. You can also be shut down entirely by a fire code official until you are in good standing with all fire standards. It’s best practice to comply and get an inspection when needed than pay a bunch of fines to remain on track.
American Sentinel Fire & Security Helps Your Business Remain In Compliance
If you plan on opening or are the owner of a business that requires a strict fire safety and prevention plan, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. When it comes to fire alarm systems, American Sentinel Fire & Security in Houston has the technology and expertise needed to set your business up for fire safety. Equipment is handled and installed by seasoned professionals, and you don’t have to worry about falling out of compliance and failing an inspection.