Fire Safety Inspections In Commercial Buildings: What To Expect

If you own a commercial building, you know that regular fire safety inspections are not just an important component of maintaining a safe environment. They are also required by law. That's why it is important to understand what a fire safety inspection is and what the inspectors are looking for. Remember:

The major goal of fire safety inspections is to prevent fires and protect lives and property.

Fire safety inspections identify potential fire hazards and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and regulations. By identifying and correcting fire hazards, fire inspectors can help to reduce the risk of fires and minimize the damage caused by them.

What a fire safety inspection reviews

A qualified fire safety professional, such as a fire inspector or fire protection engineer will complete a systematic evaluation of a building or premises during a fire safety inspection where he or she will complete:

• A review of the building plans and specifications
• A visual inspection of the premises
• Interviews with building occupants
• Testing of fire safety systems, such as fire alarms and sprinklers
• A review of fire safety records

Potential fire safety inspection hazards and violations

The fire inspector will specifically be looking for the certain fire safety issues such as:

• Blocked fire exits
• Improper storage of flammable materials
• Inadequate fire alarm systems
• Lack of fire extinguishers
• Unsafe electrical wiring

The fire safety inspection will also identify any areas where the building or premises is not in compliance with fire safety codes and regulations.

At the end of the inspection, you will receive a fire safety survey report that will provide recommendations for correcting any fire hazards or code violations that are identified. The report will also provide guidance on how to improve the fire safety of the building or premises.

Goals of fire safety inspections

Fire safety inspections keep the people in your building safe and protect your investment. The following goals help to ensure that happens.

Identify and correct fire hazards

Fire hazards can be present in various locations in your building. Fire inspectors conduct inspections to identify potential fire hazards and provide recommendations to correct them. This involves examining electrical systems, heating appliances, storage areas, and emergency exits.

Ensure compliance with fire safety codes and regulations

During a fire safety inspection, inspectors enforce fire safety codes and regulations to ensure that buildings and properties meet established safety standards. They verify that fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers are properly installed and maintained. Compliance with fire safety codes is crucial for safeguarding lives and property.

Educate the public about fire safety

Fire inspectors play a vital role in educating the public about fire safety practices. They conduct fire safety presentations, demonstrations, and workshops in schools, communities, and workplaces. By providing information on fire prevention, escape plans, and fire extinguisher use, fire inspectors help individuals and organizations adopt safer behaviors.

Promote fire prevention

Fire inspectors work to prevent fires through various initiatives. They conduct fire safety inspections in residential and commercial properties to identify and address potential fire hazards. They also collaborate with local fire departments and community organizations to promote fire prevention campaigns, distribute fire safety materials, and raise awareness about fire risks.

Investigate the causes of fire

Fire inspectors investigate the causes of fires to determine their origins and contributing factors. This involves examining the fire scene, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and conducting laboratory analysis. By identifying the causes of fires, fire inspectors can provide valuable insights for preventing future incidents and improving fire safety measures.

Implementing a fire safety plan

Even if you get regular fire safety inspections, a fire still can happen in your building. That’s why it is important to make sure you have an updated fire safety plan in place that is visible to visitors, so they know what to do in an emergency.

A fire safety plan should include the following four things:

• Escape routes: Identify at least two escape routes from each room in the building.
• Meeting place: Designate a meeting place outside the building where everyone can gather in case of a fire.
• Emergency contacts: Post a list of emergency contacts, such as the fire department and poison control, near the phone.
• Fire extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers in areas where fires are likely to start.

Here at ParkZapp, we have created an app that makes fire safety inspections more efficient. The person in charge of inspecting your building can use the app to complete the inspection, ensuring they don’t miss any crucial steps. He or she can also create work orders directly in the app, reducing the need for paperwork. Contact us today to learn more!