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Business Fire Safety Inspections
Each year the Munroe Falls Fire Department performs business fire safety inspections in accordance with City Ordinances and Ohio Fire Codes. This inspection may be done at your location every other year, yearly or more than one time per year based upon your business classification. Our goal, as well as yours, is to maintain fire and life-safety and a pleasant environment for you and your patrons.
To assist businesses when we are in between inspections, we have put the following guidelines together for you on our inspection program. Below you will find the most common things that our inspectors are looking for. If you should have any questions on our inspection program or have a concern, please feel free to call us at 330-688-7493
Checklist for Businesses
1. Fire Extinguishers:
- Each fire extinguisher must have a minimum rating of 2A:10BC. Extinguishers are required based on the type of hazard at your business. For more information on selecting a fire extinguisher you can contact the fire department at 330-688-7493.
- A portable extinguisher must be available within 75 feet of travel to all portions of the building, unobstructed and clearly visible.
- The date of the last extinguisher service must be within the last 12 months. Once a year your extinguishers must be serviced by a certified fire extinguisher company.
- If you have a cooking surface (restaurants) you must have a K Class extinguisher present in the area.
2. Exits:
- The exit door(s), corridor and stair(s) are clear and unobstructed.
- The exit door(s) open with-out locks or bolts. (No flush bolts, hasps, etc.)
- Exit doors may not be locked from the inside during business hours
- Door with panic hardware shall have no other locking devices.
3. Exit & Emergency Lighting:
- Exit lights must be working under battery and normal conditions. The most commonly found problem is bulbs that have been burned out or battery packs that are dead. Most bulbs can be bought at a local hardware store.
- Checking your lights for backup power is usually done by pushing a button on the side, top, or bottom of the light. This will cut normal power and check the battery. If the unit should make a noise when you are doing this, please have the unit checked. The battery could be low or the charging circuit may be out.
- Exit lights must be visible showing the path of egress.
4. Combustible Materials:
- Combustible materials are at least 3 feet away from heating appliances.
- Combustible materials shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical equipment rooms.
- Storage shall be maintained 2 feet or more below the ceiling and 18 inches below sprinkler heads in areas with sprinkler systems.
- Flammable liquids are stored in approved container, cabinets or safety cans.
5. Address Numbers and Fire Lanes:
- Street address posted with a minimum 3" numbers with contrasting background, visible from street.
- Fire lanes are clear and No Parking Fire Lane signs are posted and legible.
6. Electrical:
- No Multi-plug adapters in use, other than approved power taps.
- Cords and cables are in good condition. There are no spliced or frayed cords.
- Extension cords shall not be substituted for permanent wiring. They can not be affixed to structures, extend through walls, ceilings or floors, under doors or floor coverings.
- No exposed wire not in conduit and broken or faulty switch/outlets.
- Circuit breakers are labeled
- All electrical panels are closed and are unobstructed for at least 30 inches.
7. Fire Alarm/Fire Sprinkler/Standpipe Systems/Fire Hydrants:
- A test of the system has been conducted by a state licensed fire suppression contractor every year. And the sprinkler must have a current tag showing the system was tested.
- There is at least 18 inches clearance below the fire sprinkler heads.
- The system is maintained in working condition.
- Fire Department connections are visible and free from obstruction.
- The Fire Hydrants are flushed and serviced every year
- There is at least 3 feet clearance of obstructions around the circumference of Fire Hydrants.
- The fire alarm system is in working condition. (Records are kept)
8. Hood Systems for Kitchens:
- Make sure the hood system and grease filters are clean. Fire can occur from heavily collected grease.
- The fire protection system for the hood has been checked every six months; this inspection must be conducted by a state licensed fire suppression contractor. The contractor must tag the system. All systems shall be a "Wet System" no system should be tagged as compliant if you have the old dry chemical agent.
- All cooking surfaces must be under the hood system at all times, and you must have a fire protection head from the system over the cooking surface.
