Do you know what to do when the fire department pays you an unexpected visit? If not, don’t worry! We will show you how to prepare for any surprise fire inspections. One of the most important things you can do is have a fire inspection form. This document will help your business comply with fire code standards and could save you from costly citation tickets.
In this article, we will show ten details you need to include in your fire inspection form. That way, your business will always be ready whenever a fire inspection comes your way. We’ll also show you why DATAMYTE is the perfect solution when creating this type of checklist.
What is a Fire Inspection?
A fire inspection is a systematic evaluation conducted by certified public safety officers to assess a property’s compliance with fire safety regulations. The process involves checking various aspects of the premises, including fire exits, alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems, among other things.
A fire inspection aims to minimize risk and ensure the safety of occupants by identifying potential fire hazards. It is a crucial preventive measure that helps to avert fire-related emergencies.
Why is a Fire Inspection Important?
Fire inspections are pivotal in ensuring safety and mitigating the risk of fire-related incidents. Here’s why they are so important:
Proactive Fire Hazard Mitigation
Fire inspections facilitate the early detection and elimination of potential fire hazards. Regular inspections can help identify risks before they escalate into bigger issues, thus protecting properties and lives.
Ensuring Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations
The inspection ensures that buildings and properties adhere to the set fire safety regulations stipulated by the relevant authorities. This compliance prevents legal consequences and significantly reduces the risk of fire incidents.
Insurance Requirements
Most insurance companies require periodic fire inspections to validate or maintain coverage. Companies may sometimes offer reduced premiums if the property complies with all fire safety regulations.
Promoting Public Safety Awareness
Fire inspections also serve as an educational tool to improve the public’s knowledge about fire safety. They allow fire safety officials to impart essential safety tips to property owners and occupants.
What Happens During a Fire Inspection?
During a fire inspection, a certified fire inspector evaluates the property, paying close attention to potential fire hazards. The inspection begins with a comprehensive walkthrough of the premises.
- Inspection of Fire Exits: The fire inspector ensures that all fire exits are clear of obstructions and properly marked. This includes verifying that doors are not locked or blocked in any way that would prevent their use during an emergency.
- Evaluation of Fire Alarm Systems: The fire inspector checks the condition and functionality of fire alarm systems. This involves making sure that they are in working order, properly maintained, and that they can be heard throughout the entire building.
- Examination of Fire Extinguishers and Sprinkler Systems: Fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems are checked for proper maintenance and operation. Their placement throughout the building is also taken into account.
- Audit of Electrical Systems: The electrical systems are scrutinized for potential fire hazards. This includes checking for overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or improper use of extension cords.
- Review of Storage Practices: The fire inspector evaluates how flammable materials are stored. They are looking for proper containment and labeling and appropriate distance from ignition sources.
At the end of the inspection, the fire inspector will provide a report detailing their findings. They may also make recommendations for improvements. If any violations are found, the property owner will be given a set period of time to correct them.
How To Prepare for a Fire Inspection?
Here are some expert tips to help your business adequately prepare for a fire inspection:
- Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep your property clean and clutter-free, particularly around the exits and electrical panels. Clutter can not only fuel a fire but also obstruct access to exits and firefighting equipment in the event of an emergency.
- Check Fire Safety Equipment Regularly: Regularly check your fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, alarms, and sprinkler systems, to ensure they are in good working condition. Replace or repair any faulty equipment immediately.
- Educate Your Employees: Make sure your employees are well-versed in fire safety procedures. This includes knowing the location of fire extinguishers, how to use them, and understanding the evacuation plan.
- Keep Easy Access to Fire Hydrants: Ensure that fire hydrants are easily accessible and not blocked by landscaping, signage, or parked vehicles.
- Regular Self-inspections: Conducting regular self-inspections can help identify potential issues before the official fire inspection. Use a fire inspection checklist to ensure you cover all areas.
- Proper Storage of Hazardous Materials: Always store hazardous materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local fire codes.
- Keep Accurate Records: Keep a record of all your inspections, maintenance activities, and repairs. This documentation can demonstrate your compliance with fire safety regulations.
Remember, fire inspections are necessary for the safety of your building’s occupants and for minimizing the risk of fire-related incidents. Preparation and preventive measures can go a long way toward passing your fire inspection with flying colors.
Details to Include In Your Fire Inspection Form
Creating a fire inspection form is easy. You’ve got software applications like DataMyte Digital Clipboard to help you create a comprehensive checklist in minutes (more on us later).
The only hard part is knowing what to include on your fire inspection form. Fortunately, we’re here to help you with that as we feature ten essential details that you should have in your fire inspection form.
Record Checklist Details
At the top of your checklist, add the following form fields:
- Inspector Name:
- Location to be inspected:
- Address of Location:
- Owner of Location:
- Date of Inspection:
- Governing Authority:
These are essential details that the inspector (someone within your company or a third party you will hire) must fill out before conducting the inspection.
Building Access and Outdoor Area
This part of the inspection form will pertain to the exterior of your building. It will include the following checking items:
- The building address can be seen clearly from the street.
- The exterior access is accessible and not blocked by any obstruction.
- The fire department connection is accessible.
- The fire hydrants are functional, unobstructed, and easy to find.
- The lockbox contains all the necessary keys and is easy to find.
After inspecting these items, you should add a dedicated section below where the inspector can add their “notes and findings.” Do the same for all parts of your inspection form.
Exits and Escape Routes
This part of the inspection form focuses on the means of egress, which are the escape routes people can use in case of a fire. The inspector should check if:
- The exit doors are easy to find and access; they should also be working.
- The fire exit doors are latching and self-closing.
- The exit doors don’t require any “professional” or complicated lock codes to access
- The exit doors should open from the inside.
Electrical Systems
This part of the inspection form includes a checklist of the electrical systems in your building. The inspector should check if:
- The electrical outlets have cover plates.
- Electrical panels have at least 30 inches of access.
- The electrical circuits on all panels are labeled properly.
- Present extension cords are “heavy-duty.”
- Extension cords are not used for permanent fixtures
- Each power strip has a built-in circuit breaker.
- The extension cords are well-maintained and grounded.
Emergency Lighting
This part of the fire inspection form includes a checklist of all the emergency lighting in your building. The inspector should check if:
- The building’s exit doors are well-lit.
- The emergency lighting units are well-maintained and fully functional.
- The exit signs are situated in the appropriate areas and are well-lit.
The inspector will then add their notes and findings at the bottom of the checklist.
Fire Extinguishers
This part of the fire inspection form includes a checklist for the fire extinguishers present in your building. The inspector should check if:
- The fire extinguishers are visible and accessible.
- There are fire extinguishers within 75 feet of all areas inside the building.
- The fire extinguishers meet the necessary standards.
- There are specialized fire extinguishers present in the building.
- The fire extinguishers are mounted (not above five feet).
- Each fire extinguisher features an inspection tag valid from the previous year.
Fire Alarm System
This part of the fire inspection form will check if the building’s fire alarm is fully functional. The fire alarm system will need testing at least once a year.
- The fire alarm system is fully functional.
- Review records (if any) of previous fire alarm tests to determine any recurring issues.
Fire Sprinkler System
This part of the fire inspection form will check if the fire sprinkler system is fully functional. Like fire alarms, the sprinkler system will need testing at least once a year.
- The fire sprinkler system is fully functional.
- If any, review records of past tests to check for any processes or recurring issues.
- Any object should have at least an 18-inch gap from the sprinkler nozzle to avoid hindering the system’s effectiveness.
Special Suppression System
This part of the fire inspection form will check if the building has special suppression systems, such as a foam fire suppression system. The fire suppression system should be checked at least once a year.
- The fire suppression system is fully functional.
- Review records of previous tests; check for any recurring issues or processes.
Maintenance of Building Areas
This part of the inspection form includes a checklist for the general maintenance of the building’s fire code-related areas. For example, the inspector should check if:
- Trash and other wastes are taken out regularly.
- Combustible materials like oily rags are disposed of in approved metal containers.
- Exit paths do not have combustibles obstructing the way.
- Interior finishes meet with the appropriate safety codes.
- Combustible decorations (if any) are treated with fire retardants.
- Compressed gas canisters are well-secured and are stored in a ‘standing-up’ position.
- Flammable liquids are stored in approved fireproof containers.
Heat-producing Appliances and Devices
The final part of the fire inspection is dedicated to heat-producing appliances and devices in the building. The inspector should check if:
- Portable electric heaters have at least 36 inches of space on either side.
- Portable heaters used are UL-listed.
- Gas-fired, heat-producing devices are at least 36 inches of distance from combustible materials.
- Gas-fired, heat-producing materials are stored in ventilated areas.
Create a Fire Inspection Form Using a Low-code Platform
Using a low-code platform to create a fire inspection form has numerous advantages. Low-code platforms offer simplicity and efficiency, enabling individuals without extensive coding knowledge to develop operational forms. This accessibility translates to a quicker development process and reduced costs.
Low-code platforms often come with pre-built templates and drag-and-drop features, allowing for easy customization of forms to specific needs and standards. Equally important is the flexibility offered by low-code platforms. These platforms allow for easy adjustments and updates to the form as regulations change or as you receive feedback from inspectors.
Finally, the data collected through these digital forms can be automatically processed and stored, improving accuracy and making tracking trends and maintaining records easier. All these factors make a low-code platform an ideal choice for creating a fire inspection form.
Why Use DATAMYTE?
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a checklist and smart form builder. This tool lets you create a comprehensive Fire Inspection Form Template to use and share with your team.
To create a checklist or form template using DATAMYTE, follow these steps:
- Log in to the DATAMYTE software and navigate to the ‘Checklist’ module.
- Click “Create Checklist.”
- Add a title to your checklist or template; select the category where it belongs.
- Start adding items to the checklist or template by clicking “Add Item.”
- Define the description of each item, what type of answer it requires, and other relevant specifications (e.g., reference documents, acceptance criteria, limits).
- Assign a team member responsible for conducting the inspection using the checklist or template.
- Add signature fields for approvals (e.g., supervisors, quality assurance personnel).
- Save the checklist or template—you can now access it anywhere, and it will be available on any device.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for creating and implementing Fire Inspection Form Templates. Book a demo now to learn how DATAMYTE can streamline your fire inspections.
Conclusion
Regarding fire inspections, it’s better to be safe than sorry. With a fire inspection form, you can ensure that your building is always fire code-compliant and ready for actual fire inspections. With DATAMYTE, you can create a fire inspection form that is easy to use and customize. Get started today!
