Fire Inspection

The list below contains some of the common Fire Code violations that are found in a business. Use this list to help reduce the risk of a fire in your business and help us respond faster.  It can also help your business pass a yearly fire inspection performed by Mason County Fire District 2. Please use this check list and examine your business to find any deficiencies. Your life may depend on it. If you have questions regarding fire inspections please contact Ryan Cloud at 275-6711.

HEATING

Portable Heaters:

• Only Electrical-Powered portable heaters are allowed in commercial businesses.
• Heaters must have a safety switch that will automatically shut off unit when tipped over
• All combustibles Materials kept at least three feet away from any heat source

Furnace:

• Furnace serviced annually by qualified technician (recommended)
• Change filters regularly (recommended)

EXITING

Doors:

• Exiting doors must be operable without a key or special knowledge any time the building is occupied by employees or public.
• If it looks like an exit door, it must act like one.
• No door stops on doors with self-closure devices.

Exit Signs:

• Exit doors must be identified with signs having letters six inches high.
• Signs must be illuminated whenever the building is occupied.

Pathways:

• Pathway to exit doors must be clear at all times.
• Never use as temporary storage.

Lightning:

• Employees and the public must be able to see well enough to exit the building if power fails.
• Automatic emergency light may be necessary.
• Have a working flashlight available (recommended)

ELECTRICAL

Appliances:

• Appliances and their cords must be in good working conditions.
• Large appliances must be plugged into outlets, not into extension cords or power strips.

Extension Cords:

• ONLY for temporary use of small, portable equipment.
• NEVER use extension cords for: Refrigerators, Copy Machines, Microwaves
• Power strips with internal circuit breakers are preferred
• Light weight extensions cords are NOT allowed

Switches, Boxes & Panels:

• Cover plates are required on all:
  • Switches and outlets
  • Junction boxes and electrical panels
• Panel doors closed and latched
• Keep a three foot area cleared in front of panels.

EXTERIOR

Address:

• Must be clearly visible from street or driveway

Parking:

• Clear access to business with 20 feet of road width
• Fire lanes must be clearly identified and must remain CLEAR at all times (Parking cars, even for a minute, is not allowed)

Dumpsters & Trash:

• Grounds free of trash or and/or combustible debris (recommended)
• Dumpsters must be at least five feet from:
  • Building exterior walls
  • Roof overhang
  • Any openings, such as a door or window

Fire Hydrants:

• Must maintain a minimum three foot radius clear of all obstructions including parked vehicles and shrubbery.
• Private fire hydrants must be tested annually by a qualified technician.

FLAMMABLES

Liquid Storage:

• No more than ten gallons of flammable or combustible liquids inside including waste awaiting recycling and/or pick up.
• Stored only in approved containers.
• Properly discard of excess.    

Compressed Gases:

• All compressed gas cylinders must be properly secured (a broken control valve creates a deadly projectile).

Gas Meter:

• Know how to shut off natural or LPG gas supply to your business (recommended)

Other Storage:

• Keep areas orderly
• Items stacked no higher than two feet below the ceiling
• Items staked no higher than 18 inches below all sprinkler heads
• Recommend keeping storage away from:
  • Light Fixtures
  • Heaters
  • Air Supply
  • Exhaust Fans

ALARMS & EXTINGUISHERS

Portable Extinguishers:

• Must have a minimum of a 2-A: 10-B:C rating
• Must be mounted on a wall, in a visible and accessible location.
• Must be inspected every twelve months with documentation
• Contents changed every six years by a qualified technician

Kitchen Extinguishing Systems:

• UL 300 compliant extinguishing systems are required for all new and existing commercial kitchen deep fryers
• Must be tested every six months by a qualified technician and documented.
• Hoods must be cleaned regularly to remove grease buildup.  (Document the cleaning)

Fire Alarm & Sprinkler:

• Must be tested every year by a qualified technician

If you have a fire in your business:

• Evacuate the building calmly and quickly. OSHA requires an evacuation plan for all businesses.
• Close all doors between you and the fire (keeps the fire and smoke from spreading).
• Call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!  Call whenever there is a fire of any size. A fire can double in size every 60 seconds.
• Post your business address on or near all telephones.