Fire Safety Inspection
All commercial and residential properties require fire safety inspection from time to time. These inspections help to point out hazards and risks on the premises. The reports are further entered into the annual report by the employers or the property owners. However, the process of planning and executing fire safety inspections varies from state to state and as per the rule of the local jurisdiction.
Fire safety inspections should not be taken lightly as this matter is directly related to the lives. Moreover, experts recommend business owners stay aware of applicable standards, codes, and ordinances so that the commercial space can be saved from fire-related hazards.
Any workplace-related fire safety inspection must be carried out by a qualified inspector. The professionals that are trained to handle such responsibilities are better named Enforcement Officer. Their main goal is to ensure that your workplace is safe from fire-related hazards and the employees follow adequate fire safety standards in day-to-day life.
How professionals conduct fire safety inspections?
The inspectors take responsibility to carry out detailed building inspections while examining the workplace safety protocols. They also audit the fire prevention measures of commercial and residential properties. Many times, these professionals may prefer to communicate with the employees, especially the designed responsible employee. Other than this, they may also check few essential documents such as Fire Safety Policy and may also inquire about what specific preventive measures you are following to avoid fire-related hazards.
The fire safety inspectors may also prepare some notes related to the work environment and they may also take photographs of the premises. They may also view the following things:
• Your records relevant to the fire training for staff regarding how they can use fire-fighting equipment.
• Locations for fire extinguishers and emergency lighting.
• Your fire risk assessment report and the recommendations for necessary actions along with your reviews.
• Maintenance records as well as logbooks for the electrical equipment that you may use within the office. It may also include details about different fire safety equipment such as sprinklers.
• Records of the fire drill and related conclusions and recommendations.
• The locations of fire alarm systems and fire doors.
Fire inspectors also have an essential checklist for completing fire safety inspections. The main goal of following these practices is to create an adequate safety system. The inspector also takes care of the safety systems on the premises; it includes the passive and active fire protection equipment. The active fire protection system includes fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and smoke alarms. On the other side, a passive fire protection system includes things that can prevent the fire from spreading for example lighted exit signs. These professionals may also help you receive Fire Safety Certification.
The inspector also determines the potential causes behind fire hazards that exist in the building premises. Moreover, if they find any breach of law or the building doesn’t meet fire safety standards, the fire safety inspectors may even issue an enforcement notice. Although these situations are rare, you will always have the right to make an appeal against their judgments.
