Are Your Fire Extinguishers Up to Code? How to Stay Compliant in Kentucky
You might not plan on having a fire break out on your property, but if one does, you’ll be glad you have a working fire extinguisher and a robust fire alarm system. Remaining fire safety code compliant is critical to avoid fines and keep your team safe, and one of the most commonly overlooked aspects is the fire extinguisher.
Keep reading to learn key topics, including:
- Understanding Kentucky fire code and OSHA standards
- Common fire extinguisher compliance mistakes
- How to prepare for a fire marshal inspection
- Penalties for non-compliance and how to avoid fines
- Fire safety best practices for businesses
Fire safety isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about maintaining a safe environment for your team.
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Understanding Kentucky Fire Code and OSHA Standards
Fire extinguishers must comply with federal and state regulations. Generally, businesses must pay attention to:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines dictate proper fire extinguisher placement and how to maintain them.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements require inspections and routine employee training.
- Local Kentucky fire codes typically follow NFPA standards. However, every jurisdiction can set its own.
A local, trained fire safety specialist can help you understand which key Kentucky fire codes and OSHA standards to follow and make recommendations on how to keep your property compliant.
Common Fire Extinguisher Compliance Mistakes
A surprising number of businesses fail fire safety inspections because they make simple mistakes with their fire extinguishers. Don’t fall for these common compliance issues:
- Missing or expired fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers might go missing over the years or expire without being noticed.
- Obstructed access. Fire extinguishers need to be easily accessible for quick action during emergencies.
- Incorrect extinguisher type. Depending on your business type, you may need several extinguishers based on likely hazards. Class C extinguishers, for example, are for electrical equipment.
- Lack of employee training. All staff should know how to use fire extinguishers correctly.
How to Prepare for a Fire Marshal Inspection
Businesses and commercial properties must have these fire marshal inspections annually. To prepare, take these steps:
- Schedule a professional fire safety assessment to help you correct any compliance issues early.
- Double-check that all fire extinguishers are placed correctly, have valid inspection tags, and are not expired.
- Ensure all fire exits and extinguishers are not obstructed.
- Give your team a fire safety training refresher so all staff members are on the same page and know how to respond to a fire.
Penalties for Non-Compliance and How to Avoid Fines
Ensure your property remains code-compliant to avoid penalties, including:
- Fines. Each violation comes with its own fine, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars and adding up quickly.
- Increased liability risks. If a fire occurs on your property, you could be liable for damages if it’s proven that you didn’t take all the required precautions.
- Potential insurance premium increases: Non-compliance with fire safety codes can cause your insurance provider to raise your premiums.
Fire Safety Best Practices for Businesses
Remaining fire code compliant is the legal minimum you have to do to improve fire safety on your property. However, routinely investing in more robust fire safety measures helps protect your team, customers, and any assets on the property.
Fire safety best practices to follow include:
- Check your fire extinguishers monthly. Confirm that your fire extinguishers are in good working order monthly. They should be easily accessible, have the correct pressure, and show no signs of damage.
- Routine fire safety training. Annually, hold a meeting with your team to discuss fire safety in the workplace. Hold regular drills and refresher training.
- Modern fire suppression systems. Consider investing in advanced fire detection and partnering with a commercial fire alarm monitoring company.
- Keep evacuation routes clear. Any hallways and exits should remain clear of obstructions. Add signs or floor markings to designate emergency pathways and exits.
- Have a fire response plan. Create a fire response plan that designates set responsibilities to specific key personnel. For example, give someone the task to contact emergency services, guide the evacuation, or confirm that everyone got out safely.
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