Preparing for a Fire Inspection

Common Fire Code Violations

The following information was provided to us by the League City Fire Marshal's Office (LCFMO).  A list of Common International Fire Code (IFC - 2015) Violations could assist you in eliminating potential fire hazards within your place of business, which in turn can help you remain compliant with adopted fire codes, along with providing a better assurance of health and safety for personnel within the building.  This is not an all-inclusive list of possible violations, but they are some of the most common.

Addressing

Numbers shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.  Numbers shall be a minimum of 4" high with contrasting background.  (IFC 505.1)

LCFMO typically recommends a minimum of 6" high for visibility.

Combustibles too Close to the Ceiling

In buildings with sprinklers, combustibles are to be at least 18" from below sprinkler head deflectors.  In buildings without sprinklers, the minimum distance to the ceiling is 24".   Also, do not store combustibles under unprotected stairways.  (IFC 315.3.1)

Clearance from Ignition Sources

Clearance between ignition sources, such as luminaries, heaters, flame-producing devices and combustible materials, shall be maintained in an approved manner.   (IFC 305.1) 

Minimum of 30" from propane or natural gas appliance and 18" from an electrical appliance.

Cooking Hood and Duct Cleaning

Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned at intervals necessary to prevent the accumulation of grease.  Cleanings shall be recorded, and records shall state the extent, time, and date of cleaning.  (IFC 609)

Cooking Hood and Duct Extinguishing System

Dry chemical extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at 6-month intervals.  Clean agent systems shall be inspected and tested at 12-month intervals.  (IFC 904)

Means of Egress

Combustible material shall not be stored in exits or enclosures for stairways and ramps.  (IFC - 315.3.2)

Electrical Panels

A working space of not less than 30" in width, 36" in depth, and 78" in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment.  The working space shall not be less than the width of the panel. Cover holes in electrical panels with blank plastic covers.  Do not place tape over circuit breakers.  (IFC 605.3)

Doors into electrical control panel rooms shall be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating "ELECTRICAL ROOM"  (IFC 605.3.1)

Emergency Lighting

The bulb or bulbs must be lit when the test button is pushed.  If the light(s) do not work, the battery may need to be replaced.  (IFC 604.6)

Exit Signs

All bulbs in exit signs need to function.  Many exit signs are equipped with a battery back-up in case of loss of power.  Push the test button on the side or bottom of the exit sign to check if the battery and D/C lights are operating. If not, it is probably the battery that needs replacing and not the bulbs.  (IFC 1013)

Extension Cords

Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.  Extension cords shall not be affixed to structures, extend through walls, ceilings or floors, under doors or floor coverings, nor shall cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact.  (IFC 605.5)

Extinguishers

Service must be performed annually by a licensed fire extinguisher contractor.  Most businesses need a minimum 2A size/type extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet.  Occupants need to be within 75 feet of an extinguisher. Extinguishers need to be mounted three to five feet off the floor in a highly visible and accessible location.  (IFC 906)

Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

Inspection, testing, and maintenance.  The building owner shall be responsible to maintain the fire and life safety systems in an operable condition at all times.  Records of inspections, testing, and maintenance shall be maintained.  A monitored system needs to be serviced annually.  (IFC 907.8.5 and Chapter 10 of NFPA 72)

Fire-Rated Doors

These self-closing doors shall not be blocked open, obstructed, nor made inoperable.  (IFC - 703.2)

Fire Sprinkler Systems

These systems need annual servicing.  A maintenance tag is required to be placed on the sprinkler system.  Keep a clear access to the riser and do not store items within three feet of riser system.  (IFC 901)

Key Box

Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location.  The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain access as required by the fire code official.  (IFC 506.1)

Means of Egress - Obstruction

Exit corridors minimum width (36") or required capacity of corridors shall be unobstructed.  (IFC 1020.3)

Open Junction Box

Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited.  Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes.  (IFC 605.6) 

Multiplug Adapters

Surge protectors (power taps) shall not be plugged into another surge protector.  They shall be equipped with over-current protection and must be plugged into a wall outlet.  (IFC 605.4)

Pressurized Cylinders

Cylinders or tanks, whether empty or full, need to be chained/secured to prevent falling caused by contact or vibration.  (IFC 5303.5.3)

Identification

Fire protection equipment shall be identified in an approved manner.  Rooms containing controls for air-conditioning systems, sprinkler risers, and valves, or other fire detection, suppression, or control elements shall be identified for the use of the fire department.  Approved signs required to identify fire protection equipment and equipment location shall be constructed of durable materials, permanently installed and readily visible.  (IFC 509.1)

Signs shall meet local or city fire marshal's office specifications as well.

Storage in Equipment/ Electrical Rooms

Combustible materials shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, elevator rooms, electrical equipment rooms, or fire command centers.  (IFC 515.3.3)

Locks and Latches

Group A 300 or less, Groups B, F, M & S, the main exit door, or doors are permitted to be equipped with a key operated locking device from the egress side.  Visible sign – "THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN SPACE IS OCCUPIED."  (IFC 1010.1.9.3)

Fire-Resistance-Rated (FRR) Construction

The required fire resistance rating of fire-resistance-rated construction, including, but not limited to, walls, firestops, shaft enclosures, partitions, smoke barriers, floors, fire resistive coatings and sprayed fire-resistant joint systems, shall be maintained.  (IFC 703.1)

Waste Accumulation

Combustible waste material creating a fire hazard shall not be allowed to accumulate in buildings or structures or upon premises.  (IFC 304.1)

Operational Permits

 An Operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required.  (IFC 105)

This article has been shared by Direct Service, Construction and Design to specifically accommodate our intended clientele.  The intent of sharing this information is to better inform the public of these general topics, expand knowledge and safety for all and provide crucial information in regard to their MEP and building systems and/or assets. It is NOT our recommendation that any article recommendations or how-to scenarios be attempted by anyone other than a qualified or competent person.