How To Prepare Your Business for a Fire Marshal Inspection

Fire safety is important for any business. Local jurisdictions perform periodic fire marshal inspections to ensure that every commercial facility in the area is prepared for an emergency with functioning fire safety equipment and the proper training.

City Fire & Safety will provide tips to help your business stay updated with the National Fire Protection Association’s code requirements and local codes. This ensures that your staff and facility are as safe as possible in the event of a fire.

What To Expect From a Fire Marshal Inspection

All staff needs to be aware of fire safety protocols in a commercial facility. The occasional fire marshal inspection helps your facility stay in compliance and be prepared for an emergency.

During an inspection, the fire marshal will look for compliance with fire safety protocols, clearly marked and unobstructed exit routes, and regularly installed and inspected fire suppression systems.

Check for Common Compliance Issues

Some of the most common and easily avoidable compliance issues that fire marshals find during commercial fire safety inspections include:

• Exit obstructions: Exits must be clearly marked, well-lit, and free of obstructions. At least a 36-inch area should be clear around the exit, and the doors should be unlocked and easily opened.
• Fire extinguisher maintenance: The correct number and type of extinguishers must be in place and marked in the building. They must also be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they will work properly during an emergency.
• Fire sprinkler maintenance: Fire sprinklers must be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure that the heads are unobstructed, the fire pump is working, and none of the standpipes or valves are corroded or damaged.
• Proper storage of flammable materials: Flammable liquids must be stored properly in approved containers or cabinets in a well-ventilated area free of sparks or ignition sources. You must also train your employees to handle these materials properly.
• Electrical safety: Electrical panels must be kept clear for easy access, with a 36-inch space free of obstructions around the panel. Outlets should not be overloaded with excessive outlet strips, three-way taps, or extension cords.

Train Your Staff

Proper training is essential to keep your staff and facility safe and prepared for a fire. This includes training on:

• Evacuation plans: Create an evacuation plan with clearly marked exits, dedicated escape routes, and clear protocols. Your staff must practice this plan often to know what to do in an emergency.
• Fire extinguisher training: Staff should know how to locate and use their fire extinguishers, as they can stop small fires before they spread.
• Fire drills: In addition to having an evacuation plan, it’s important to practice frequent fire drills. Practice helps you and your staff remain calm and organized during an emergency.

Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

The most important step in preparing for a fire marshal inspection is keeping your fire safety equipment working and well-maintained. Ensure you have a proper fire alarm installed and working, keep your fire extinguishers charged and inspected, and check your fire suppression systems often.

Prepare a detailed checklist to keep your fire safety maintenance up to date, and regularly schedule professional inspections and maintenance from a qualified fire protection company.

Contact City Fire & Safety for Fire Protection Installation

City Fire & Safety keeps your facility code-compliant and ready for an emergency with frequent fire safety inspections, equipment maintenance, repairs, installations, and more. We have over 35 years of fire protection experience and serve clients throughout Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, and beyond.

We are an American-owned, family-operated business with personalized service and economical prices. We’re proud to help with all your fire safety needs, from fire alarm installations to fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, and more.

Call us today to schedule your fire safety inspection in Northern Virginia.