Common Fire Code Violations

EXIT DOORS

One of the most important life safety features of a building are the exits. Many fatalities occur when exit routes are blocked. Smoke and fire in exit ways can prevent exiting; that is why doors leading to stairways and hallways should remain closed at all times to isolate smoke from the safe route out. Wedging doors open may be a deadly convenience that will cost lives. Common violations are; furniture in hallways and appliances in stairwells. In commercial stores, display racks and excess stock should not be in the way of an exit path. There is no time to move these items if a fire breaks out.

SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke alarms properly working are silent guardians. However, without a battery, they are silent killers. Many people disable their smoke alarm after a false alarm. A battery is the cheapest life and property “insurance” one can buy. Not ALL 9–volt batteries work in ALL alarms. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for placement and maintenance. If the alarm immediately activates after installing a new battery, it may have to be replaced. The special ionization material in the sensing chamber wears out after about 10 years. Replace the battery annually, BEFORE the low battery “chirping” begins. Never put alarms in kitchens or bathrooms. Moisture and cooking odors may trigger them. Any smoke alarm located within 20 feet of the primary cooking appliance within a unit must have a “Hush” button. Permanently mount alarms to avoid tampering or theft. Deadly fires may occur when protection is absent. Don’t wait to replace defective or missing
smoke alarms.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The primary tool to stop fire is an extinguisher. Before attempting to
extinguish any fire, the building occupants and the fire department should be notified. Like all tools, extinguishers need care and maintenance or they won’t work. Extinguishers need annual inspections and maintenance by knowledgeable technicians. Their annual inspection assures the owner of proper operation. Dry units need to be completely refilled every six years. Pressurized water units require hydrostatic testing every five years. Don’t wait to replace missing or discharged extinguishers.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Chemical manufacturers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce, prepare labels, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) to convey the hazard information to their customers. These hazards can exist during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. Many products are readily recognized as hazardous by their product name. Other times, it may be necessary to read the labels or SDS’s supplied from the manufacturer. Regardless, these materials are further regulated due to their ability to adversely cause harm to public health, life-safety, or to the environment. These chemicals can be flammable, combustible, corrosive, toxic, or reactive. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels, safety data sheets, and hazardous material management plans for their exposed workers. In most commercial buildings, hazardous materials are allowed in limited quantities. You can consult your commercial fire inspector for additional specific requirements. Hazardous materials can also found in common house hold products such as paint thinners, spot removers, oven cleaners, pool chemicals, and must be disposed of properly. Some common hazardous materials, such as gasoline, are not allowed to be stored in any residential or mixed use occupancy because the fumes can sink and can ignite near ignition sources resulting in fires or explosions. By properly identifying the hazardous materials in your home and business, you can prevent dangerous reactions, injuries, fires, and environmental pollution.

PROPER STORAGE

Space for people needs to come before space for product. The improper placement of goods can block vital exit routes, hide exit signs and harbor spots for spontaneous combustion. NO combustibles can be stored under stairways. It would be the worst place for fire to start. A fire here eliminates escape from the above floor. Trash is a common source of fires and excessive amounts should be taken outside every 24 hours. High stacked stock can block exit lights and interfere with sprinkler systems. For sprinklered buildings a clear space of 18” from every head is required. Non-sprinklered buildings must keep a 24” clearance to the ceiling (in most cases.) These limits assure minimal function of sprinkler systems and safe exit routes for people.

VENT PIPES

All but electric furnaces, boilers and water heaters burn a fuel that leaves behind toxic gases. If these gases are not vented, they can contaminate the air with lethal consequences. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that can kill without warning. Pipes and vents are specifically installed to take these harmful gases outside. Care must be taken to inspect these and repair them if cracked or missing. Over time, these pipes and seals fail and maintenance is required. Other devices with vents requiring inspection might be space heaters and incinerators. The area where pipes enter the chimney should also be checked to make sure this important seal is intact. A monthly inspection is warranted if you suspect possible accidental contact with these vent pipes.

OPEN ELECTRICAL PANELS

When a short occurs in an electrical circuit, the energy is hot enough to melt the wire and send a piece of 2000° molten metal flying across a room. That is a significant fire and injury risk. That is why electrical panels and circuits are confined in grounded metal cases. Bare wires contain the potential energy to release these “fire balls” anytime a face plate is missing or a panel is left open. The potential for an electric shock is even greater in the basement because of the uninsulated concrete floor. Over half of the fatal electrocutions in the U.S. occur in the basement. Grounding wires need to be left in place and circuit panels closed if the electrical system is to function properly and safe operation is expected.