Fire protection systems require regular inspections, yearly at a minimum, to ensure the safety of your building and its occupants. Both the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and local fire codes set guidelines for the frequency of these inspections. If your required fire inspection is missed, it is imperative to reschedule as soon as possible.
How long do I have to reschedule?
If you miss your deadline for your routine fire inspection, you have approximately one month to reschedule the inspection, although this timeframe may vary from state to state. Some fire marshals will be more stringent with deadlines, especially when it comes to nursing homes. If an inspection is skipped completely, your facility risks all housed business operations being shut down and is at risk of increased damage should a fire occur. In addition, your business risks losing insurance.
Fire inspections are intended to point out any shortcomings in your building’s fire protection system. Any insufficiencies can be remedied, ensuring everything is functioning as it should and giving your building the highest level of protection possible.
Will I fail my fire code inspection?
You will not automatically fail your fire code inspection for being late. Fire code violations discovered during your scheduled fire inspection, however, can cause your facility to fail inspection. A failed inspection could lead to a complete shutdown of all business operations until repairs are addressed.
Here are some of thein the state of Georgia:
- Missing or hidden address or suite number
- Exposed wiring
- Obstructed fire hydrant
- Improper use of extension cords
- Blocked fire exits
- Out of date extinguishers
How to keep track of inspections?
In Georgia, the fire safety commissioner has compiled a list of the Rules and Regulations for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards. This list functions in accordance with NFPA standards and is enforced by the fire marshal of each county.
While annual fire inspections from your local fire marshal may be easy enough to keep track of, the monthly and quarterly inspections required for individual components can be a bit harder to keep tabs on. Examples of more frequent inspections recommended by the NFPA include:
- Fire sprinkler systems: annual complete inspections, quarterly inspection of water flow alarm devices, monthly visual inspections of gauges
- Fire suppression systems: biannual inspection of kitchen suppression systems, semi annual inspection of clean agent systems, emptying/refilling of dry chemical extinguishers every 6 years with hydrostatic testing every 12 years
- Fire alarm systems: semi-annual or quarterly inspection of initiating devices and batteries, annual inspection of control panel and audible alarms, weekly visual inspection of control panels and equipment
Look for fire protection companies, like Atlanta-based Fire Systems, Inc., that will keep track of every aspect of your facility’s inspection schedule. Fire Systems’ software tracks every upcoming inspection and maintenance date, ensuring your facility is fully protected.
How to choose a fire protection company?
When selecting a fire protection company, it’s beneficial to choose an all-services provider. Working with a company that can perform all aspects of design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and monitoring boosts the potential for savings. A fully comprehensive all-serves fire protection company provides thorough life saving protection in line with required fire codes.
Founded in 1986, Fire Systems, Inc. is an all-services fire protection company. If you are interested in working with us to prepare for your upcoming fire inspection, visit our website or give us a call today at 770-333-7979.
