Basic Inspection Checklist
The following is a basic list of items that will be inspected. Other violations may be discovered during time of inspection.
FIRE ALARM AND SPRINKLER:
- Documentation showing fire alarm testing and servicing shall be provided. Fire alarm shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 72
- Documentation showing sprinkler testing and servicing shall be provided. Sprinkler shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 25
EXIT SIGNS:
- All exit signs shall be properly illuminated.
- All batteries for backup power shall be in proper working order.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
- All fire extinguishers shall have current year inspection tags.
- All fire extinguishers shall be properly mounted.
- All fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected and documented monthly.
EMERGENCY LIGHTS:
- All emergency lights shall be in proper working order.
- All emergency lights shall be tested once a month for 30 seconds and once a year for 1-½ hours. Documentation shall be kept on this monthly testing.
EXIT DOORS:
- All exit doors shall be kept clear.
- All exit doors shall be closing and latching properly.
- All exit doors shall be free of deadbolts, slidebolts and padlocks. Only one locking mechanism is permitted per door.
STOCK / STORAGE:
- No storage or stock shall be stored within 18 inches of sprinkler heads.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- The uses of extension cords are not permitted. However, powerstrips for the use of computers are allowed.
- All electrical panels are to be labeled properly.
- There shall be no storage within 36 inches of electrical panels or transformers.
FOOD AND COOKING ESTABLISHMENTS:
- Provide documentation for semi annual hood and duct cleaning. Hood and duct maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 96
- Provide documentation that fire suppression system has been tested and serviced. Maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 17 & 17A
Carbon Monoxide (CO) - What You Should Know
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels. These fuels can be natural gas, oil, kerosene, coal or wood. Carbon Monoxide is produced by all fuel burning appliances. In the home, sources can be gas and oil furnaces, wood and kerosene stoves. In addition, charcoal fires and environmental tobacco smoke emit CO. Automobile exhaust in attached garages can be another source. Dangerous amounts of CO can accumulate when as a result of poor installation, poor maintenance or failure or damage to an appliance in service, the fuel is not burned properly, or when rooms are poorly ventilated and the Carbon Monoxide is unable to escape.
Having no smell, taste or color, in today's world of improved insulation and double glazing it has become increasingly important to have good ventilation, maintain all appliances regularly and to have absolutely reliable detector alarms installed giving both a visual and audible warning immediately there is a build up of CO to dangerous levels.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause. Persons suffering from heart or respiratory health problems, infants and small children, unborn children, expectant mothers and pets can be affected by CO poisoning more quickly than others in the household and may be the first to show symptoms.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up --BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances.
Look for UL certification on any detector you purchase.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT CO IN YOUR HOME…
Move the affected person to fresh air IMMEDIATELY. Administer oxygen if available. If the person is not breathing, perform artificial respiration as taught in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training until medical help arrives. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances, and leave the house. Call the local fire department (dial 911) to test for Co, and tell the responding medical personnel that you suspect CO poisoning.
PREVENTION IS THE KEY TO AVOIDING CO POISONING
Have all of your fuel-burning appliances - including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves - inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition and not blocked. Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside.
Don't idle the car in the garage - even if the garage door to the outside is open.
Don't use a gas oven to heat your home - even for a short time.
Don't ever use a charcoal grill indoors - even in a fireplace.
Don't sleep in any room with an unventilated gas or kerosene space heater.
Don't use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
Don't ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.
