Business Owners and Managers and the Fire Code

2012• U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated

1,375,000 fires. These fires resulted in 2,855 civilian fire fatalities, 16,500 civilian fire injuries and an estimated $12,427,000,000 in direct property loss. There was a civilian fire death every 3 hours and 4 minutes and a civilian fire injury every 32 minutes in 2012. Home fires caused 2,380, or 83%, of the civilian fire deaths.

-www.nfpa.org

Prevention &

Code Enforcement

Purpose of Fire Inspections

• The purpose of fire inspections is to determine if a building or sites…– Meet the requirements of the applicable codes– Provide a reasonable level of life safety and

property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion, or other dangerous conditions

– Provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during an emergency

– Preplanning for emergency responders

2012 International Fire Code

• Section 104.3 Right of Entry. …The fire code official shall have the authority to enter the building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed upon the fire code official by this code…

What are we looking for?

• Exits• Fire Extinguishers• Fire Protection Equipment• Flammable Material• Storage• Heating• Electrical

EXITS

• Exit Doors that are not blocked

• Exits that do not need a key or special knowledge

• Exit signs – Illuminated – Clearly indicate egress– Emergency lighting

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• Mounted on the wall or in a cabinet

• Unobstructed• Proper Type and Rating• Inspected annually

Fire Protection Equipment• Access to Stand Pipes and

fire protection equipment must be clear.

• Wrench and Spare Heads• Sprinklers inspected

annually• Hood and Spray Booths

inspected 6 months• Fire department connection

equipped with caps.• Alarm systems need to be

inspected yearly• Is there a Lock Box?

FLAMMABLE MATERIAL

• Stored Properly• Used and Dispensed Properly• Approved Spray Booths (UL Listed)

STORAGE

• Storage maintained 18 inches below sprinkler heads.• Storage a minimum of 30” width X 36” depth X 78”

height from electrical panels• No combustible storage in electrical, mechanical and

boiler rooms

HEATING AND ELECTRICAL

• Clearance from combustible material must be maintained as per the product listing

• Portable Heaters must have a 36 inch clearance from any combustible material.

• Extension Cords must not be used as permanent wiring• Protective covers need to be in place• Multi plug adapters must be of approved type and

used in an approved manner• Electrical Control Panels and rooms must be properly

marked to indicate purpose

HEATING AND ELECTRICAL

What if ??

Emergency Planning • Plan to stay in business– Continuity Planning– Emergency Planning for Employees– Emergency Supplies

• Talk to your people– Practice the Plan– Promote Family and Individual Preparedness– Write a Communication Plan

• Protect your investment– Review Insurance Coverages– Prepare for Utility Disruptions– Secure Facilities, Buildings and Plants

Links•www.bereadyutah.gov•www.fema.gov•www.nfpa.org•www.sandy.utah.gov

Questions?