Prepare for an Inspection
Purpose & Responsibilities
The information provided on this page outlines code deficiencies often found in businesses throughout the city. It is the responsibility of the business owner/property owner to maintain a safe environment for employees and the public. This list does not cover all code requirements and is provided as a guide to identify most commonly found hazards. Some of the items may not apply to your facility.
Being Prepared
The best way to prepare for a Fire and Life Safety Inspection is to maintain a safe and code compliant building/property at all times.
Business Safety Checklist
Exterior Premises
Liquid storage indoors - less than 10 gallons must be stored in liquid storage cabinet(s)
Heat Sources
The information provided on this page outlines code deficiencies often found in businesses throughout the city. It is the responsibility of the business owner/property owner to maintain a safe environment for employees and the public. This list does not cover all code requirements and is provided as a guide to identify most commonly found hazards. Some of the items may not apply to your facility.
Being Prepared
The best way to prepare for a Fire and Life Safety Inspection is to maintain a safe and code compliant building/property at all times.
Business Safety Checklist
Exterior Premises
- Access - maintained (debris, snow and any other items kept clear from all fire department access doors as well as all exit doors)
- Address - identifiable and maintained to Indiana Fire Code requirements
- Housekeeping - storage kept orderly
- Hydrants - 3 feet clearance around
- Combustible storage - prohibited near exits, exit enclosures, or under stairways
- Illuminated - means of egress must be illuminated when building is occupied
- Recognizable - exit signs (illuminated with back-up power source)
- Unlocked - all exit doors shall be unlocked during business hours, always providing ways to get out
- Unobstructed - nothing in exit pathways obstructing required exit width
- Circuit Breaker Panel Boxes - labeled breakers, proper access in front of (30 inch width by 36 inch depth)
- Electric Motors - maintained and clean
- Electrical/Mechanical Room Housekeeping - no combustible storage allowed
- Extension cords - plugged into outlet or power tap directly, not piggybacked, proper size, not used as substitute for permanent wiring, serves only 1 portable appliance, listed for intended use
- Power Taps (Power Strips) - shall be listed, directly plugged into permanently installed receptacle, not piggybacked
- Proper extinguishers - type and size for the hazard
- Proper locations - near exit doors where possible, not exceeding maximum travel distance, properly mounted (maximum 5 feet high if less than 40 pounds, maximum 3 ½ feet if more than 40 pounds. In all cases, minimum 4 inches above ground)
- Proper maintenance - annual service required, 6-year service collar on extinguishers requiring a 12-year hydrostatic test, monthly "quick check"
- Training - "PASS"
- Properly maintained - self closing fire rated doors not propped open, smoke and fire doors able to fully close upon activation
Liquid storage indoors - less than 10 gallons must be stored in liquid storage cabinet(s)
Heat Sources
- Ignition sources - prohibited near fumes, clearance to combustibles to be maintained
- Portable Heaters - tip over and high temperature limiting features required and 3 foot clearance to combustibles
- Combustible indoor storage - to be orderly, 2 feet from ceiling (no sprinklers), 18 inches or more below sprinkler heads
- Combustible outdoor storage - dumpsters minimum 5 feet from combustible walls, doors or windows
- Decorations - to be nonflammable or treated flame resistant
- Compressed gas cylinders - properly secured
- Alarm system - annual service
- Kitchen hood suppression system - 6 months service
- Sprinkler system - annual service
- Standpipe systems
- Consult Fire Department