Preparing for a fire inspection can be a daunting task. However, as long as you have a checklist of what to do, it can be a walk in the park. There are several things that you need to check and verify before the inspection. According to NFPA, about 30% of fire alarm systems do not work in commercial buildings because of aging or dead batteries. This is one area you must inspect. Here are other things you can do to prepare for a fire inspection.

Maintain a Clear Exit

To prepare for a fire inspection, you need to maintain a clear path of egress. There are three components that make up the means of leaving a building when there is a fire. This includes exit access, exit, and exit discharge. The exit access refers to the path that leads to the exit, while the exit is the actual door. The exit discharge refers to the area that is directly on the other side of the exit. It can open into a public way or into a safe area of refuge. Before the actual fire inspection, you should do your own inspection to ensure that there is a clear means of egress.

Inspect Your Fire Alarms

Before an official fire inspection, you must perform periodic fire alarm inspections according to your building’s requirements. The service provider that performs the fire alarm inspection for you must provide a report that you can show to the fire marshal when it’s time for inspection. This report should cover things like the pull visibility and availability of the pull stations. It must also cover the easy accessibility of the fire alarm panel.

Fire Extinguishers

There are detailed requirements about the types of fire extinguishers that should be in different types of buildings. These extinguishers should be tested, inspected, and maintained. Ideally, you should service your fire extinguishers annually. They should also be inspected by trained professionals. If the material is low, it should be recharged or replaced. The fire extinguisher cylinder must also be tested and replaced every six years. You must also inspect your extinguishers to ensure that they are accessible, dust-free and that the gauge is in the green.

These are some of the things you can do to prepare for a fire inspection. It’s important to work with professionals so you can rest assured your building is safe. To make sure your facility stays emergency ready, contact us today to get started with our service and inspections!