5 Common Building Fire Code Violations in Atlanta

Atlanta, GA, and the rest of the state have a set of strict codes which property owners and managers must follow. But certain codes may slip through the cracks sometimes. Cliff’s Fire Company, a provider of Atlanta’s fire extinguisher services, outlines five common fire code violations that could put your building in harm’s way. 

#1 Unclear or Nonexistent Address Information

Your property address should remain visible from the sidewalk or street. Its visibility ensures that firefighters know where to go should you require their emergency services. But many property owners forget about this detail when adding the final touches to the building.

This slip can lead to firefighters not knowing where to go when you call them. If your building lacks a clearly visible address, consider signage to mitigate the issue. 

#2 Customers or Employees Park in Fire Lanes

Sometimes, customers and even employees will park in the fire lanes. They think that, because they’ll keep their visit short, they can bend the rules a little. Many business owners struggle to prevent these kinds of violations as they often occur out of sight.

But vehicles obstructing the fire lane isn’t just a fire code violation. It’s also a life safety risk. Paramedics also need close access to the building to rescue a person with a medical emergency. Implementing consequences like vehicle towing can put an end to this violation. 

#3 Collections of Hazardous Waste Materials

Regularly getting rid of waste is a way to avoid some of the more technical violations. It seems easy enough, right? But if your staff leaves cardboard boxes, looseleaf papers, and other flammable materials lying around, they broke a major fire code.

Ensure that your staff deposits all flammable materials into an outside dumpster. Otherwise, a small spark can quickly transform into an uncontrollable fire when it contacts dry paper materials. Learn more about Georgia’s trash and waste receptacle codes here. 

#4 Malfunctioning or Broken Safety Equipment

Some fire code violations seem more obvious than others. Yet, property managers will not treat them like a priority. Broken or malfunctioning safety equipment is among those common violations.

Keep an eye on safety equipment such as:

• Fire alarms
• Illuminated exit signs
• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinkler systems

Alert your local inspector when you pick up on an issue. Schedule an annual fire safety inspection for advice and services from professionals. 

#5 Obstacles Blocking Exits and Walkways

Employees and other occupants might leave items near doorways for convenience. However, leaving items for long periods violates fire codes. When a person leaves a bag of trash while they open the door or lock an office, they aren’t causing an issue. But taking a phone call while the full trash bag remains at the door prevents people from using that escape route effectively. 

Stay Up to Code with Cliff’s Fire Company

Fire code violations are more common than you think. Cliff’s Fire Company can help you stay updated on ways to implement workplace fire safety training and avoid dangerous violations. Discover more simple methods and cutting-edge safety equipment to protect your employees, business, and assets with code compliance.