Fire Prevention

Purpose

The Fire Prevention plays a critical role in providing for the safety of our residents. The basis for fire protection is established when the site development is proposed. Using the concepts of engineering, education, and enforcement, the Fire Prevention Bureau ensures the applicable fire protection features are available for structures starting with the site design and including construction classification, placement of fire hydrants, automatic fire suppression systems, and life safety systems. Certain occupancy types and processes may require additional life safety provisions. Once the protection level is established, routine safety inspections are conducted to ensure continued compliance with the code requirements.

The lasting impact of this comprehensive program includes a reduced fire incident rate, reduced fire severity, and increased safety for the community and firefighters.

Inspection Details & Regulations

Ohio law mandates that each municipality conduct fire inspections at all businesses and multifamily residential occupancies within its jurisdiction at least annually.

Business Pre-Inspection Checklist

The following are some of the most common fire code violations found during inspections. Please be sure to walk through your facility and correct any conditions that meet these requirements.

Housekeeping

Combustible material shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical equipment rooms. (IFC 315.2.3) Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures. (IFC 315.2.2) Outside dumpster shall be kept at least 5 feet away from combustible walls, windows, doors, overhangs and lid shall be closed. (IFC 304.3.3) Storage shall be at least 2 feet below the ceiling or 18 inches below sprinkler heads. (IFC 315.2.1) Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be secured to prevent falling. (IFC 3003.5.3)

Exits

Exit ways and doors shall not be visually or physically obstructed. (IFC 1030.3 & .6) Exit ways and doors shall be unlocked when building is occupied. (IFC 1008.1.9) Exit signs shall be illuminated. (IFC 1011.2) Emergency lighting systems shall be functional. (IFC 1006.3) Fire assemblies shall not be obstructed or otherwise impaired from their proper operation at any time. (IFC 703.2) Main door shall have a sign above door stating "THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING IS OCCUPIED." unless approved panic hardware is in place (IFC 1008.1.9.3)

Fire Protection

All fire lanes, hydrants, fire department connections (F.D.C.) or control valves shall be clear and unobstructed. (IFC 503.4 & 507.5.4) Sprinkler or fire alarm systems shall be serviced annually. (IFC 903.5 & 907.9.2) Fire protection systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and repaired where defective. (IFC 907.9.1)

Commercial Cooking Processes

A Class K fire extinguisher shall be mounted within 30 feet of commercial food equipment using vegetable or animal oils (IFC 904.11.5) Commercial cooking systems shall be serviced semi-annually. (IFC 904.11.6.2) Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to bare metal. Cleaning shall be recorded, and records shall state the extent, time and date of cleaning. Records shall be maintained on premises. (IFC 609.3.3)

Building Maintenance

The building address shall be clearly visible from the street, minimum of 4 inches in height with a contrasting background. (IFC 505.1) Provide Knox box for buildings with supervised fire protection equipment (IFC 506.1) Provide keys for Knox box (IFC 506.2) Fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained. (IFC 703.1) Provide legible & permanent sign with occupant load posted in conspicuous location. (IFC 1004.3)

Electrical

A working space of not less than 30 inches wide (or width of equipment), 36 inches deep and 78 inches high shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. No storage within this designated work space. (IFC 605.3) Relocatable power taps shall be polarized or grounded equipped with over-current protection and shall be listed. (IFC 605.4.1) Relocatable power taps shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle. (IFC 605.4.2) Relocatable power tap cords and extension cords shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage. (IFC 605.4.3) Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. (IFC 605.5)

Portable Fire Extinguishers

A minimum of one 2A-10:BC portable fire extinguisher shall be provided within 75 feet of travel distance from anywhere in the business on each floor. (IFC 906.3 – NFPA 10) Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed and shall be in a conspicuous location. (IFC 906.5) When visually obstructed, an approved means shall be provided to indicate location. (IFC 906.6) Fire extinguisher shall be mounted on wall with hanger. (IFC 906.7) Fire extinguishers shall be serviced and tagged annually by a certified individual. (IFC 906.2)