When it comes to Chicago fire safety and your business, there are inspection points to remember. It is required by law that your facility be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that fire safety codes are being followed. As the business owner, it is up to you to follow the set guidelines and prepare your business. Below are four safety inspection points that you should remember, ensuring that you will pass inspection every time it rolls around.
There are several areas within the interior of your facility that will be checked during the inspection. It is your job to ensure that these areas meet fire safety protocols in Chicago. Exit doors must remain easy to open so that employees and customers can leave the facility in the event of a fire. Any doors that are locked should have any easy to way get out, not requiring a special tool or key to open. Any pathways to the exit doors need to be clean and free of debris.
Emergency lights must also be in working order. The exit signs need to remain lit at all times. Any lights that will be on during an emergency situation need to be in working order. Take time to check the signs and lights on a regular basis to ensure they are operational.
In the event of a fire, your business needs to be accessible by the fire department. The address of your building needs to be clearly displayed. Ensure that nothing blocks the street address and that it is large enough to be seen from the road so the fire department knows where to go to when a fire occurs. If you have a fire hydrant on your property, be sure to keep it clear and easily visible for access.
Depending on the size of your business, you may require one or more fire extinguishers onsite in the event of a fire. A licensed fire extinguisher technician must check your fire extinguishers on an annual basis to ensure they are operational. Always have your extinguishers ready to operate in the case of a fire. Add new portable fire extinguishers when the old models need to be replaced.
One of the main causes of a fire in a business is the electrical system. If the electrical equipment is outdated or faulty, it can lead to a fire. The electrical system of your facility needs to be checked on a regular basis. Any problems with the electrical system should be taken care of right away to avoid any fire hazards.
When it comes to Chicago fire safety and your business, be prepared. Always have the proper precautions in place so that you pass a fire inspection. This will ensure that your building is safe as well as those who are inside.
Take time to cover these checkpoints now so that you will be ready once your next fire inspection comes around. Make a schedule to follow for Chicago fire safety laws so that you can a building that is ready at all times.