Fire Department Inspection

Are you opening a new business or maybe moving your existing one?

Take a look at some helpful information that will help you survive the
Fire Department Inspection

Most of the time the Fire Department will make an appointment or give notice when they plan on visiting your establishment in order to conduct the inspection.

When the firefighter(s) arrive they will introduce themselves and explain the procedure in which they will follow when conducting the inspection. You as the business owner are encouraged to follow along with them.

The first thing the firefighter(s) will do is start with the outside of your business. Addressing is a key item our crews are looking for both during an inspection and during the emergency. If we can't find you we can't help you.

Next we inspect for outside maintenance and housekeeping. Dry vegetation too close to the building, accumulation of waste materials and clutter need to be cleared.

Section 1103 of the fire code requires all combustible rubbish shall be kept in a non-combustible container and not allowed to be accumulated within or adjacent to structures.

DOORS & EXITS

When entering your building, we check the type of hardware your front door uses. The Building Code requires “No Special Knowledge Hardware” on all exits. “No Special Knowledge” means one operation, i.e. turning the doorknob or lever.

We check to see if your front door uses a deadbolt type locking device. If a deadbolt is used, then a sign must be posted above the door on the interior that states:

“This Door To Remain Unlocked During Business Hours”

This is to help you, the business owner, from creating a blocked exit in case of a fire related emergency. Some exit doors may require EXIT signs and additional illumination

Electrical extension cords are fires waiting to happen.

Electrical extension cords shall not be used in place of permanent wiring. Running extension cords through and/or over walls, doorways and under carpeting is prohibited. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances.

When portable appliances are used, make sure the appliance used does not exceed the capacity of the cord and always have the cord in good working condition, without splices, deterioration or damage.

Fire Extinguishers

Electrical Switchboards and Panels shall be accessible at all times

• All electrical panels shall be properly labeled and all circuits identified as to their purpose.

• Section 8508 of the Fire Code requires all circuit protected power strips to be of polarized or grounded type, having overcurrent protection and shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories ®

• Power strips shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.

• Power strip cords shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor covering, or be subject to environmental or physical damage

• All open electrical circuits shall be covered by an approved electrical panel blank cover. These covers may be obtained from most hardware stores. Keeping circuit panels open makes the possibility for electrical shock high.

Don't let an oversight make an ASH out of you!

If every effort is made to keep your building or business in maintained condition, then you've passed 75% of your inspection

Keep in mind, the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Fire Protection District is a law enforcement agency, and one of the few agencies that can cite people for poor housekeeping or other code related violations.

These guidelines are provided to help you pass a fire inspection. However, this doesn't mean you won't have violations. Use the information contained in this web site and the checklist provided to help your inspection go smoothly.

You can review the entire Fire Code at your local library.

We're in the Business of Saving Lives and Property to keep YOU in Business.

If you have any questions regarding the Diamond Springs/El Dorado Fire Protection District Inspection Program please contact us at (530) 626-3190.