Electrical Safety/Elevators
Are extension cords allowed to be used in commercial business?
Yes, but only for temporary use. Not for permanent wiring.
Can there be combustible storage under stairs, bleachers, car ports, and vacant lots in commercial business with out fire sprinklers?
No, Nothing under stairway, bleachers, vacant lots or alleys, and RV’s.
When inspecting a fire sprinkler system with standpipes, what is inspected.
Ensure hand wheel or valve handle is present and not broken.
Ensure gate valve is secured and operational.
Ensure the gate valve cap or reducer is present.
Ensure standpipe supply piping is secured.
Ensure standpipe is not blocked and clear of storage – 36 inches of clearance is required.
Why do we conduct annual Fire Code Safety Inspections in commercial businesses?
Educate our citizens and business owners on fire safety.
Familiarize ourselves with current building layout and current building conditions.
Complete Fire Preplans
See new Current Building Trends
Fire District Exposure
Improved Customer Service
Required by the current adopted fire code.
How often are fire code inspections conducted in a Commercial Business?
Typically once a year. Any staff member or citizen can request additional fire code inspections.
Can UL approved surge protectors be daisy-chained in a work area?
No, this is a fire code violation
During your fire inspection are you required to operate the fire alarm system in a commercial business?
No, but you are required to see documentation on the annual fire alarm inspection and testing by a qualified fire alarm contractor.
When inspecting the outside of a commercial building, what should be inspected for the Fire Department Connection (FDC)
Horn/Strobe above the FDC. The lens should be clear and not obstructed.
All the connections should move freely. All protective caps need to be in place.
Access to the FDC should not be obstructed by trees weeds, brush, signs, etc.
The Fire Sprinklers/Standpipe Placard should be present and secure.
Can you, the fire inspector change the Occupancy Load requirements for an Assembly Occupancy? Who determines the Occupancy Load for an Assembly Occupancy?
No, the Occupancy Load for the Assembly Occupancy is determined by the Architect and verified by the Building Department and the FFFPD Fire Marshal.
On an outside fire code inspection, what is inspected?
Site Access for Emergency Vehicles, Building Addressing, Exit Pathways, Fire Hydrant locations, Electric Meters, Gas Meter, Drive Over Protection, Street Signs, No Parking Signs, Roof Access, Etc.
This is the time to complete the outside Fire Preplan.
What is the required clearance for electrical service equipment in a commercial business?
Ensure that a working space of 30-inches in width-36- inches in depth and 78-inches in height shall be provided around electrical service equipment.
When we conduct the interior fire code inspection, which includes the fire alarm system. What do we inspect regarding the fire alarm system.
All horns/strobes.
Ensure the Fire Alarm Panel access is clear. 36-inches of clearance.
Ensure the Fire Alarm Panel is locked.
Ensure all the Pull Stations are clear. 36-inches of clearance.
There are no alarms on the fire alarm panel.
What is the typical line pressure in a fire sprinkler branch lines?
70 PSI or 100 PSI
How much gasoline is allowed to be stored in the fuel tank of vehicle inside of a commercial business?
10-gallons.
What is the required clearance around a fire hydrant?
36-inches in all directions. 7-Foot in Height.
When we inspect the inside of a commercial business for Electrical Rooms what are we inspecting?
All electrical rooms containing building electrical service equipment needs to have the exterior doors labeled for identification. Label needs to read ELECTRICAL ROOM.
What is the required clearance from the HVAC heat vent for a smoke detector in a commercial business?
36-inches.
Are fire sprinklers systems with less then 100 fire sprinkler heads allowed to be locked open or close with a chain and lock in a commercial business?
Yes, we have some business where this situation does exist. West of I-25.
What is the largest chapter in the 2018 International Fire Codes?
Chapter 10 Exiting and Exits
What are the objectives of the annual fire code inspection.
Safe Buildings
Safe Working Environment
Life Safety and Safety Awareness
Reduce the risk from fires
Fire Prevention Education.
Good Customer Service
When we are inspecting the outside of a commercial business for electrical services, what are we inspecting?
Outside electric meters are properly labeled with metal tags and are properly secured.
Required drive over protection is in place (if required).
When inspecting fire doors, what are we required to inspect in a commercial business?
Door labels.
Damage to the Fire Doors
Smoke seal on the door, no more then a 3/8" gap.
Ensure the Fire Door lock when released.
Required Fire Door Signage.
What is the required clearance for a Fire Sprinkler System in a commercial building?
36-inches in front.
18-inches on both ends.
84-inches in height.
What is the required travel distance to locate an Exit in a commercial business?
Travel distance can be no more than 100-feet to locate or visibly locate an exit sign.
What is inspected inside a commercial business?
Exit Hallways
Exit Lighting
Stairways
Fire Extinguishers
Emergency Lighting
Roof Access
Electrical Controls – Main Shutoffs
Elevator Emergency Controls
Combustible Material Storage
Life Safety Systems.
Product Storage
Flammable/Combustible/Chemical Storage
When we inspect the inside of a commercial business for electrical services, what are we inspecting?
All electrical equipment needs to be in good repair. This includes all junction boxes, electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, outside service wires, breaker boxes, breaker boxes need to be labeled on the inside, no open wire splices, and no exposed wires in breaker box. All approved covers need to be in place.
Can the Fire Alarm Horn/Strobe cause seizures?
No, they are synchronized to prevent any seizures.
What is the clearance for a fire sprinkler head in a commercial business with an ordinary type fire sprinkler system?
18-inches on all sides and below the fire sprinkler head.
What is the applied weight to open an exit door using the Emergency Crash Bar in a commercial business?
15-pounds.
Remember there may be a 15-second delay on the door opening. There will be signage stating the 15-second delay.
What agencies adopt the current addition of the fire code for fire code inspections?
State of Colorado - Division of Fire Safety & Control for Schools.
The towns of Frederick and Firestone.
The Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District for Weld County.
When and where are safety guard rails required in commercial businesses?
Guard rails shall be located along open-side walking surfaces, mezzanines, industrial equipment platforms, stairways, ramps, and landings located more than 30 inches above the floor or landings.
Guard rails shall form a protective barrier not less than 42-inches high and measured vertically above the leading edge of the tread, or adjacent walking surface.
Guard rails shall have no more than 4-inches opening from the finish ground level to 34 inches.
Guard rails need to be provided in areas of appliances, operating equipment, fans, roof hatch openings, or other areas located within 10 feet of the roofs edge.
A vertical opening cannot exceed more than 21- inches from the finish ground level to 34-inches.
What is the storage clearance for the area around a Fire Alarm Horn/Strobe?
18" from the center of the Fire Alarm Horn/Strobe.
What is the clearance for a fire sprinkler head in a commercial business with an Early-Suppression, Fast Response (ESFR) type fire sprinkler system?
24-inches on all sides and 24-inches below the fire sprinkler head.
When is a NFPA 704 Placard to be used in a commercial business?
Only on stationary equipment.
What current adopted Fire Code in the Town of Frederick, the Town of Firestone and in Weld County?
2018 International Fire Code
During a fire code inspection you find several fire code violations involving extension cords. Are you allowed to unplug or remove the extension cords in a commercial business?
No! Unless there is imminent danger of a fire.
What is the required clearance around a smoke detector in a commercial business?
12-inches on all sides and 12-inches below the smoke detector.
How much area does one fire sprinkler head cover in a business with an ordinary fire sprinkler system?
Most common fire sprinkler heads cover a 12' x 12' area or 15' x 15' area.
Only 10% of fire sprinklers head activate during a fire.
Is an Exit Sign required in a business less then 1500 Square Feet with only one entrance or exit in a commercial business?
No, Exit signs are not required in rooms or areas that require only one exit or exit access. If an exit sign is present it must meet all fire code requirements.
In a commercial building with out a fire sprinkler system, what is the maximum storage height for rack storage?
12-feet before the storage becomes a High Pile Storage area
2-feet from the ceiling or steel bar joist.
What type of elevators do we have in commercial businesses?
Traction and Hydraulic
After the initial fire code inspection with fire code violations. How many fire code re-inspections are allowed before the Fire Marshals Office is notified?
First Fire Code Inspection.
Second Fire Code Re-inspection. In the event the listed fire code violations were not corrected, contact the Fire Marshal Office for assistance.
In a commercial building with a fire sprinkler system, what is the maximum storage height for rack storage?
15-feet before the top of the storage. Beyond that height it becomes a High Rack Storage area.
2-feet of clearance from the ceiling or steel bar joist.
What does this abbreviation stand for MAQ?
Maximum Allowable Quantities.
60-Gallons in commercial businesses without fire sprinklers.
120-Gallons in commercial businesses with fire sprinklers.
In a commercial building with High Pile Storage, what is the minimum isle width between the racks?
36-inches.
Does a traction elevator need to have a separate room for the elevator to operate?
No, only hydraulic elevators have a separate room to house the hydraulic tanks, valves and controls.
Do smoke detectors work on sensing flame, heat or smoke?
Smoke mostly ............. Some new detectors may sense flame.
Is a fire sprinkler head a detector for a fire?
Yes, it will flow and transmit the fire alarm to an off- site monitoring company.
Are slide bolts locks allowed to be installed on an Exit door in a commercial business?
No, they are illegal and must be removed at the time of the fire code inspection.
During the annual fire code inspection, do the Fire Inspectors find every fire code violation?
No, we are lucky if we find 95% of fire code violations.
You are inspecting a commercial business that has battery storage and a charging station. What is the required storage distance around the batteries and charging station?
36-Inches
Can decorations, sales banners, and signs be hung from the acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly in a commercial business with fire sprinklers and a fire alarm systems?
No, this weight and additional fire load will de-rate the listed rating of the assemblies.
When we inspect a building with a fire sprinkler system, what are we inspecting when we check the fire sprinkler heads?
Ensure all fire sprinkler heads are free of paint. NOTE: This may be an issue if the building or business has changed owners or occupants.
Ensure nothing is hanging from the fire sprinkler heads or fire sprinkler branch lines.
A “clear area” of 18 inches x 18 inches x 18 inches must be maintained around the fire sprinkler heads.
This “clear” must be maintained for upright fire sprinkler heads as well as for the pendant fire sprinkler heads.
Fire sprinkler heads must be at least 4-inches all vertical walls.
Any area more than 4 feet must be protected by fire sprinklers. This includes restrooms, under stairways, under heating duct work and all other unprotected spaces. This does not include telecommunication rooms covered by an automatic fire alarm system.
Ensure that proper shelving is in place. Flow-through shelving is required for rack storage.
Can any cabinet or shelves be used to store flammable/combustible liquids?
Only UL or FM approved Flammable Liquid Cabinets maybe used for additional storage of flammable/combustible liquids.
NOTE: Maximum storage capacity is 2 – 60 Gallon Flammable Liquid Cabinets (120 Gallons total) for all (F) Factory and (S) Storage Occupancies.
When we inspect the outside of a commercial business, what are we inspecting regarding Fire Lane Signs?
All fire lane signs must be visible as required, and in good repair.
You and your partner are completing a fire code inspection in a commercial business. Last year the business was a print shop. This year the business has changed to a wood working cabinet shop. What would your next action be during your visit?
Complete the fire code inspection. Complete the fire code inspection report in ImageTrend. Notify the Fire Marshal's Office.
In a manufacturing facility, oily rags are produced during a assembly process. What type of storage can and must be in place to store the used oily rags? When must the approved storage can be emptied?
UL or FM approved storage can. Only for an 8-hour work period.
How often does a commercial fire sprinkler need to be inspected by a qualified fire sprinkler company?
Every 12-months on a rotating calendar.
On an outside inspection of a commercial business, what is the clearance distance around natural gas meter or propane tank?
36-inches. Depending on the location of the natural gas meter or propane tank, drive over protection may be required.
What gives us the authority to conduct Fire Safety Inspections?
Fire Code and Standards adopted by governing agencies.
National Standards – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA & NFC)
State Law – State Statues
Local Cities/Towns – Building Codes and Fire Codes
You and your station respond to a "false alarm" in a commercial business. This is the third time during your tour.
Are you allowed to de-activate the fire alarm system or shut down the fire sprinkler system?
No, get your officer involved. Notify the building owner or responsible party to have the emergency repairs completed. Place the business on a Fire Watch. Complete the FFFPD Fire Watch Form. Leave a copy of the FFFPD Fire Watch Form with the building owner or responsible party.
Email the Fire Marshals Office of the problem.
In a commercial business that has tire storage. What is the storage requirements for the tires?
Proper tire storage – not to exceed 10 feet in height and no more than 25 feet along a wall.
How often are fire extinguishers required to be inspection by a qualified fire extinguisher company in a commercial business?
Every 12-months on a rotating calendar.
What is the travel distance to an approved fire extinguisher in a commercial business?
75-feet
When is a KNOX BOX required for a commercial business?
KNOX BOXES are only required for commercial business with fire alarm or fire suppression system. Some older business do have KNOX BOXES installed.
All KNOX BOXES need to be checked for current keys for the listed commercial business. This does include all units for the listed address.