Hold a fire drill. While those precautions may appear to safeguard lives and property should fire break out, in most instances they would not bring businesses into compliance with local fire regulations. Different fire hazards require different precautions, says Rick Garrity, vice president of operations at Warren Fire Equipment Inc., Lordstown, Ohio. Those precautions, he continues, require strict adherence to every detail, from the types of fire-protection equipment to be used to precisely where fire extinguishers should be mounted. Businesses most often characterized as light fire hazards include offices, travel agencies and the like, he says.
Companies involved in light manufacturing are a slightly higher fire hazard.
Those representing a significantly higher fire hazard, he notes, typically include industrial plants, steel mills, paint and chemical manufacturers and auto-paint shops. We inspect their equipment, point out their deficiencies and advise them of the best solutions available. Building owners are usually responsible for making sure the building where a business is housed is in compliance with fire codes. However, she notes, the business owner is responsible for ensuring that the company meets regulations set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Keeping current on regulations could be a full-time job.