Fire Inspection Checklist

Inspections during Construction

Fire Prevention Personnel conduct progress inspections during the construction and remodeling phase of both new and existing buildings.  We inspect fire sprinkler, fire alarm and fire protection systems, fire hydrants and associated piping, fire apparatus access, spray-booths, natural & lpg gas piping, exiting systems and other construction features to ensure compliance with current fire and life safety codes.  Inspections are conducted from the beginning through completion of project to ensure all code requirements are met. 

What the Fire Department Needs From You

Prior to opening a business in most cities and towns, you will need to supply the following to the Fire Department:

	Name of the owner/occupant of the business.
	The emergency key-holder list for the business.
	Keys for the fire department key box.

Certificate of Occupancy/Inspections

The city/town Fire and Building Departments inspect exit lighting, emergency lighting, fire extinguisher placement, exit aisles, and proper operating fire suppression and fire alarm equipment, if any; prior to issuing permits of occupancy.

Your place of business will be inspected 1, 2, or 4 times a year depending on the type of business. Codes used by the Fire Department are:

	N.F.P.A. Standards
	1996 BOCA Building
	1996 BOCA Fire Prevention
	1996 International Mechanical Code

 

Licensed Facilities Inspections

These facilities include convalescent homes, hospitals, pre-schools, same-day surgery centers, R.C.F.E. (residential care facilities for elderly) and L.F.D.C. (large family daycare-home child day care).  The Department of Health Services or Community Care Licensing typically licenses these facilities.  Fire Prevention personnel conduct fire & life safety inspection of these facilities annually and at request of the licensing entity.  Persons interested in operating a business as listed above should contact the appropriate licensing bureau for information and approval.  The licensing bureau will request the fire department to conduct an inspection for fire safety clearance.   

Miscellaneous Inspections

The fire prevention bureau investigates complaints as related to locked or blocked exits, over-crowding, hazardous materials, weed abatement, illegal burning, improper use of recreational fires, use and sale of fireworks, party poppers and snap caps (illegal in San Diego County), illegal business operations, blocked fire lanes and other fire and life safety issues.  Contact the Fire department if you have a concern regarding fire and life safety in the City of La Mesa.  

Checklist

1. Fire Extinguishers:

	Each fire extinguisher must have a minimum rating of 2A:10BC. A. Extinguishers are required based on the type of hazard at your  business. For more information on selecting a fire extinguisher,  see the All about fire extinguisher selection.
	A portable extinguisher must be available within 75 feet of travel to all portions of the building, unobstructed and clearly visible.
	The date of the last extinguisher service must be within the last 12 months. Once a year your extinguishers must be serviced by a certified fire extinguisher company. Check in the yellow pages for a company near you. EHSO can also arrange this for you.
	According to NFPA 10 (which governs fire extinguishers) a 2A:20BC extinguisher must be within 75 feet of travel distance from any area (50 feet if there are flammable liquids present in the occupancy).

2. Exits:

	The exit door(s), corridor and stair(s) are clear and unobstructed.
	The exit door(s) open with-out locks or bolts.
	Exit doors may not be locked from the inside during business hours

3. Combustible Materials:

	Combustible materials are at least 3 feet away from heating appliances.
	Flammable liquids are stored in approved container, cabinets or safety cans.
	Combustible materials are not to be stored under a staircase.

4. Address Numbers:

Numbers that indicate the building address must be clearly visible from the street side of the building.

5. Electrical:

	Wall outlets and switches have cover plates and are not overloaded.
	Cords and cables are in good condition.
	Extension cords are U.L. listed outlet bar type (surge protector style).

6. Trash Dumpsters:

The dumpster is at least 5 feet from any building window or opening, or has a sprinkler head above it.

7. Fire Alarm (as applicable):

The fire alarm system is in work- ing condition; it has been serviced and tested by a state licensed fire alarm contractor within the past 12 months (keep a copy of the report on file).

8. Fire Sprinkler/Standpipe Systems:

	A test of the system has been con- ducted by a state licensed fire suppression contractor within the past 5 years.
	There is at least 18 inches clearance below the fire sprinkler heads.
	The system is maintained in working condition.

As a Reminder..

When you have your fire extinguishers serviced, or have a contractor work or test your fire alarm or fire sprinkler system, check for the following:

	Ask to see a current city (or county if not in a city) business license.
	Ask to see a state certification license if the state requires it(fire extinguisher contractors are sometimes required to carry a State Fire Marshal picture license).
	Ask to see documentation of insurance (sometimes required, for example in the State of California.)

Type of Hazard (m2)	Basic Minimum Extinguisher Rating	Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguishers (ft.)
Light (Low)
9.15	5B	30
15.25	10B	50
Ordinary (Moderate)
9.15	10B	30
15.25	20B	50
Extra (High)
9.15	40B	30
15.25	80B	50