How To Prepare for a Fire Marshal Inspection

Fire marshal inspections aren’t just to keep your building up to fire code, but they’re also designed to protect your people and your property from unnecessary harm. Be prepared to ace your next inspection and to prevent fires by following this simple guide at least once per month.

Step 1: Check the Emergency Exits

Can staff and visitors quickly find and reach the exits in case of emergency? This important question helps to protect your business’s employees and visitors in the event of an emergency. There are a few things the fire marshal will check when it comes to your building and its exits:

• Make sure each exit door is not blocked and can be opened easily.
• Have a path at least 36 inches wide leading to each exit.
• Clearly mark all exits with emergency lights (with working backup batteries!).
• Regularly enforce your building’s maximum occupancy limits.

Step 2: Assess Your Fire Suppression Systems and Equipment

With the right fire suppression system in place, you significantly reduce risks for your property and your people in the event of a fire. If your alarms, fire extinguishers, or sprinklers are outdated or malfunctioning, the entire system is compromised. The fire marshal will assess each of your tools for fire suppression and prevention.

• Ensure fire extinguishers are in the right location and easy to access.
• Have the right amount of clearance for sprinklers to function properly.
• Check that the water supply for sprinklers is not damaged.
• Have current labels and inspection documentation for fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers within the last 12 months.

Step 3: Reduce Risks From Other Elements

It can be easy to forget that daily necessities as simple as electricity and cleaning supplies can present fire hazards. Be prepared for the fire marshal to examine these elements, as well.

• Go easy on extension cords and power strips to avoid overloading any electrical sockets.
• Have a clear path to electrical panels and at least 3 feet of clearance.

Step 4: Consider Your Industry

Your specific line of business may have additional fire hazards that the fire marshal will need to inspect. For example, commercial kitchens, manufacturing facilities, and educational institutions have special regulations in place to address their unique fire risks. Familiarize yourself with the regulations for your facility and call a trusted fire prevention contractor to get detailed answers about your industry’s fire protection regulations.

Step 5: Bring in the Pros To Stay Ahead

When it comes to preventing fires at your building, you’re never on your own. Liberty Fire Solutions has been helping businesses across Central Pennsylvania and Western Maryland for over 40 years to inspect, install, and maintain industry-leading fire suppression and prevention systems. Our dedicated team takes pride in our quality measures that ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Learn more about how Liberty Fire Solutions can protect your business. Call 844-291-9856 today or contact us online to get started.