Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Inspection and testing requirements for commercial fire alarm systems

Fire alarm systems shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, and the National Fire Protection Association’s Compliance Code 72. 

Requirements

A. Quarterly tests – With proper training, tests can be completed by owner’s representative. (NOTIFY THE ALARM RECEIVING STATION PRIOR TO ANY TEST.)

1. Transmission of an alarm signal by actuation of an initiating device (pull station, smoke detector restorable heat detector) to the alarm receiving station.
2. Inspect and test each storage battery to ensure proper operation. If the battery does not perform properly, it shall be replaced.
3. Visual inspection of all components to ensure the system is in operating condition.
4. Records of quarterly tests shall be kept on the premises for a period of five years.

B. Semi-annual tests (to include requirements for quarterly tests) must be completed by a person, firm or corporation that is trained and qualified.

1. Test all water flow devices.
2. Inspect detection devices. Verify that the spacing and locations are in accordance with their listing, and that all areas of the building are adequately protected.
3. Inspect and test each storage battery to ensure proper operation. If the battery does not perform properly, it shall be replaced.
4. Test all sprinkler system gate valves supervisory switches. 
5. Copies of the semi-annual test reports must be sent to the Tumwater Fire Department within seven days of the test.

C. Annual test (to include requirements for quarterly and semi-annual tests)

1.  Activation of all restorable heat detectors.
2. Test all smoke detectors.
3. Test all pull stations.
4. On all tests, verify that the correct zone is shown on the remote annunciator panel. Also, check with the receiving station that they correctly report the zone you tested.
5. Copies of the annual test reports shall be sent to the Tumwater Fire Department within seven days of the test.

Note: The annual requirement for the testing of all of the initiating devices may be completed once per year, or split over the two semi-annual inspections. It is also required that all business alarms and sprinkler tests be sent to the Fire Department within seven days of the test.

Immediate corrective action is required on any deficiency.

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Contact Us

If you have questions contact Tumwater Fire at (360) 754-4170.

Fire Safety Inspections

We know that you care about the level of safety in your business and on the premises. When a Tumwater Fire Department Inspector visits, we strongly encourage you to accompany them. This mutual assistance in the inspection of your business and premises can greatly enhance the level of life safety for you, your employees, and the public. Even a small fire can disrupt your business operation for weeks or more. A catastrophic fire can take years to recover from if at all.

Fire Safety Inspection Program - Fire Code Enforcement

A fee is charged only for the Fire Code Enforcement Inspection as the Inspector providing the inspection is trained and certified. These occur for commercial and institutional properties on a regular basis, normally once a year to start.  This is dependent upon the occupancy type and the risk that a commercial property poses.  If there is a high life risk or property hazards, it may be more often.

Fire Inspection - what to expect

The inspector will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure satisfactory life safety conditions on your property, examining items such as:

• Exits: including doors, pathways, exit signs, and exit discharge areas.
• Combustible storage: including paper, trash and recycling.
• Emergency lighting if present.
• Maintenance of fire lanes.
• Fire hydrant and FDC obstructions.
• Proper addressing.
• Fire extinguisher location and service dates.
• Electrical appliances and cords.
• Fire alarm and fire protection systems like sprinklers and hood and duct systems.
• Evacuation plan

See Most Common Fire Code Violations for more information.

Re-inspections

If any conditions are found that violate the codes, or could cause a fire or endanger life or property, the inspector will issue a report requiring that the condition be corrected.  A re-inspection will be scheduled within 30 days unless there are serious life hazard issues. Then it may be as short as one day. There is no extra charge for the first re-inspection. Failure to correct violations will result in additional re-inspections for an additional fee.

Why is there a charge for fire inspections?

Due to the Fire Department's limited resources and staffing, it is not feasible to inspect all occupancies on a routine basis. The fee is based on the actual costs to the City for the Fire Code Enforcement Inspection Program.  A regular inspection program will lead to less business interruption from fire/injury, faster recovery from an incident, and lower insurance rates!

How much is the inspection fee?

The fee for your inspection is based on a fee- schedule that takes into consideration your occupancy type, the complexity of the inspection and the size of the building.  Included in the fee are the primary inspection and one re-inspection. Any further re-inspections will be charged the actual costs of the visit and may lead to legal action, which could result in additional fees and fines. 

Inspection Fees 

Company "Pre-fire" or Courtesy Visit

A “Pre-fire” or courtesy visit is a chance for the local fire companies to visit your business prior to an emergency. These visits are handled differently than your Fire Safety Inspection. Fire companies take the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the fire and life safety challenges that a location may present during an emergency response and plan for it. See Courtesy Inspections for more information.

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Contact Us

Questions? Contact City of Tumwater Fire Department, at (360) 754-4176.

Commercial Safety Inspections

25 Most Common International Fire Code (IFC) Violations for Businesses

In an effort to better serve you and help you to prevent fire hazards in your business, the following information is provided to you on behalf of the City of Tumwater Fire Department. A list of the 25 Most Common International Fire Code (IFC 2018) Violations can assist you in eliminating potential fire hazards in your business and staying in compliance with the fire code. 

25 Most Common Fire Code Violations   

1. Addressing
   Numbers shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4” high, with a contrasting background. (IFC 505.1)
2. Combustibles too Close to the Ceiling
   In buildings with sprinklers, combustibles are to be at least 18” from the ceiling. In buildings without sprinklers, the minimum distance to the ceiling is 24”. Also, do not store combustibles under unprotected stairways. (IFC Section 315)
3. Combustibles too Close to Heat Producing Devices
   Keep combustibles a minimum of three feet from baseboard heaters, propane or natural gas appliances and 18” from electrical appliances. Appliances include furnaces, water heaters, and portable heaters. (IFC Section 305)
4. Cooking Hood and Duct Cleaning
   Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned at intervals necessary to prevent the accumulation of grease. Cleanings shall be recorded and records shall state the extent, time, and date of cleaning. Records shall be kept on the premises. (IFC Section 607)
5. Cooking Hood and Duct Extinguishing System
   Dry chemical extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at 6 month intervals. Clean agent systems shall be inspected and tested at 12 month intervals. (IFC Section 904)
6. Egress Means
   Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures. (IFC 315.3.2)
7. Electrical Panels
   Electrical rooms shall be marked with a sign stating “Electrical Room.” A working space of not less than 30” in width, 36” in depth, and 78” in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. The working space shall not be less than the width of the panel. All holes in electrical panels must be covered with blank plastic covers. Do not place tape over circuit breakers. (IFC Section 604)
8. Emergency Lights
   The bulb or bulbs must be lit when the test button is pushed. If the light(s) do not work, the battery may need to be replaced. (IFC 1031.10)
9. Exit Signs
   All bulbs in exit signs need to function. Many exit signs are equipped with a battery back-up in case of loss of power. Push the test button on the side or bottom of the exit sign to check if the battery and D/C lights are operating. If not, it is probably the battery that needs replacing and not the bulbs. (IFC 1025.2.6.1 )
10. Extension Cords
    Extension cords are for temporary use only and are not to be used in lieu of permanent wiring. They may be used for up to 90 days or unplugged when not in use. Extension cords cannot pass through doorways, walls, floors, ceilings, or under floor coverings unless protected in conduit. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances and grounded. Extension cords shall show no signs of damage and not be plugged into each other. (IFC 604.5)
11. Extinguishers
    Service must be performed annually by a licensed fire extinguisher contractor. Most businesses need a minimum 2A size/type extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet. Occupants need to be within 75 feet of an extinguisher. Extinguishers need to be mounted three to five feet off of the floor in a highly visible and accessible location. (IFC Section 906)
12. Fire Alarm Systems
    A local Monitored and un-monitored system needs to be serviced at least annually.(IFC Section 907 and NFPA 72)
13. Fire-rated Doors
    These self-closing doors shall not be blocked open, obstructed, nor made inoperable.(IFC Section 705)
14. Fire Sprinkler Systems
    These systems need annual servicing. A maintenance tag is required to be placed on the sprinkler system. Keep a clear access to the riser and do not store items within three feet of riser system. A sprinkler head cabinet needs to be mounted next to the riser, containing a sprinkler head wrench and a minimum of six spare sprinkler heads. (IFC 901, NFPA 25.5.4.1)
15. Key Box
    The fire code official is authorized to require a key box (also known as a Knox Box) with working key to gain access for firefighting purposes. (IFC Section 506)
16. Obstructed Exits
    Exit aisles for the public shall not be less than 36” in width. (IFC Sections 1017 and 1028)
17. Open Junction Boxes
    Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes. (IFC 604.6)
18. Surge Protectors
    Surge protectors (power taps) shall be only connected only to a permanently installed receptacle. They shall be equipped with over-current protection and must be plugged into an outlet.(IFC 604.4)
19. Pressurized Cylinders
    Cylinders or tanks, whether empty or full, need to be chained or secured in such a way so they cannot tip over. (IFC 5303.5.3)
20. Signage
    On doors to sprinkler riser room or to the fire alarm panel, place “Riser Room” or “FACP” (Fire Alarm Control Panel) sign on door, using a minimum of two inch red letters. (IFC Section 509)
21. Storage in Equipment/Electrical Rooms
    Combustible material shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, elevator rooms, or electrical equipment rooms. (IFC 315.3.3)
22. Thumb-Turn Deadbolts
    This type of deadbolt is against the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for exit doors in public places. Exit doors are to remain unlocked during business hours. (IFC Section 1010.)
23. Unprotected Ceilings
    Keep ceiling tiles in place or replace when damaged. Fire spreads rapidly through holes or openings in ceilings. Ceiling tiles are a part of your fire resistance-rated ceiling. Seal all holes in ceilings and walls and keep attic-access lids in place. (IFC Section 703 & 704)
24. Waste Accumulation
    Combustible waste material, creating a fire hazard, shall not be allowed to accumulate in buildings or structures or upon premises. (IFC Section 304)
25. Spill Containment
    Tanks exceeding 55 gallons must have adequate spill containment. (IFC 603.3.2.6)

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About the International Fire Code (IFC)

The City of Tumwater adopts fire code by ordinance. The current adopted code can be found in Tumwater Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 15.16 International Fire Code. A free online version of the ICF can be found on the International Code Council website. 

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Contact Us

Questions? Contact City of Tumwater Fire Department, at (360) 754-4170.