How To Prepare for a Fire Marshal Inspection

Before any fire marshal inspects your commercial building, you need to make sure that it contains all the proper equipment and meets local fire codes. Cliff's Fire Extinguisher Company installs fire alarm systems in Atlanta and is here to offer tips to help you prepare for a fire marshal inspection. 

Research Local Fire Codes

The first thing any local business owner should do when preparing for a fire marshal inspection is research the area's fire codes. Buildings within Atlanta must abide by the fire safety rules and regulations set by the state of Georgia. All of these measures exist to keep the community safe and minimize harm due to fire emergencies. 

Make sure you read the local laws and understand everything that a fire marshal will look for within your building, such as clearly-marked exit signs and access to a water supply so the fire department can quickly put out any flames - because knowing what happens if a business fails a fire inspection in Atlanta makes the stakes of that preparation very clear.

Identify Potential Fire Hazards

Responsible property owners can prepare for a fire marshal inspection by identifying any potential fire hazards within the building that violates local fire codes. Common code violations include:

• Exposed wiring 
• Exits that are inaccessible
• Dated or ineffective fire extinguishers
• Fire sprinkler nozzles that are blocked

Actively looking for any hazards before your inspection can make you more aware of your building's safety and help you avoid code violations, especially if you work with an experienced fire extinguisher company to keep your equipment up to date and code compliant.

Make Any Necessary Adjustments

If your building contains any glaring fire safety violations, fix them prior to your fire marshal inspection. This can be as simple as removing boxes that block a fire exit, or it may require outside help. For example, you may need to schedule sprinkler system maintenance or replace a fire extinguisher that is more than 12 years old. 

Make sure that all of your electric systems are up to code since this is one of the most common causes of fires. Protect all your electrical outlets and circuit breakers with covers and stay up to date on electrical maintenance.

Plan For a Possible Reinspection

Even the most diligent property owners can miss a few fire hazards. It's possible that you can incur a code violation once a fire marshal performs an inspection. Preparing for this scenario helps you get the issue under control quickly. 

In Atlanta, you typically have 30 days to make the appropriate changes to your building so everything complies with local fire safety codes. You must then schedule another inspection so the fire marshal can sign off on your changes. Plan ahead by researching professional fire protection companies in the area that you can count on to make your building safer. 

Contact Cliff's Fire Extinguisher Company for Additional Fire Safety Tips

If your building is at risk for fire code violations, the professionals at Cliff's Fire Extinguisher Company can help by installing the proper equipment to ensure safety. Make sure your Atlanta business passes every fire marshal inspection with the help of Cliff's Fire Extinguisher Company. Contact the staff today to schedule a service appointment. 

Related: Understanding Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements for Commercial Buildings in Georgia