What Happens During the Fire Code Inspection Process?
It is required for all commercial buildings to have testing and inspection every year. This is needed to ensure that the facility meets the standards for the Life Safety Code.
The Life Safety Code is defined by NFPA or NFPA 101. It will be difficult to prepare if you have no idea what a life safety inspection is. What is the inspection scope, and what does an inspection report look like.
Check out what you expect during a fire and life safety inspection.
What is a Life Safety Inspection For?
An LSI(Life Safety Inspection) is needed to ensure the safety of the people occupying a building. During an inspection, the building’s construction, operational features, fire protection systems that protect from general panic during emergencies are being inspected.
Buildings need to pass the inspection by meeting all the codes required under NFPA 101.
The NFPA 101 is a code agreed upon by a unanimous decision and is revised every three years. Your local fire marshall could give you more information about what needs to be done and where to find the nearest building inspector. Take note that rules and regulations may vary from state to state.
What Does a Life Safety Inspection Look at?
We cannot give you the specific requirement of your state, but we can provide the basics. Here are some of the usual things that a fire inspection company needs to check to meet inspection requirements.
- Building Safety Requirements: This may include doors or emergency routes if anything is blocking your access to fire emergency tools like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
- Safety Systems: This will include your heat detectors, fire alarm systems, emergency light, and sprinkler systems.
- Safety Devices: This includes all fire prevention devices like sprinkler heads and fire extinguishers.
What’s next after the Inspection?
An inspection report will be sent to you immediately once the official inspection is complete. The report will show you any lapse that the building may have against NFPA 101. These issues need to be taken care of before a deadline. Once all problems are fixed, another building inspection must be performed to ensure that all fire and life safety codes are met.
Passing the Life Safety Inspection is very important not only for the owners but for the safety of its occupants and visitors. Prevention is better than cure. A high percentage of buildings that suffer from fire no longer reopen because rebuilding is expensive. Rebuilding includes renewing fire and life safety systems, repairing structural stability, and fixing smoke damage.
Getting the Best Life Safety Inspection Possible
Hiring a professional fire inspector with the best tools available will make you feel assured that your building is safe from fire. One of the best tools a reliable fire inspector has is Inspector Toolbelt. They will have access to the most updated issue of NFPA 101 on their iPads. This means they will perform a detailed and thorough inspection using Inspector Toolbelt.
Indeed, this article has given you an idea of what to anticipate on your next life safety inspection. You are now more prepared on what to look for and what needs to be checked before and during an inspection. You’ll now be more confident to face your next inspection, and don’t forget to check if your inspector is using Inspector Toolbelt!