F.A.Q.
Owensboro Fire Department Commercial Occupancy Self-Inspection Program
The Owensboro Fire Department strives to protect our citizens, responders, and your property with a proactive approach that involves you as a vital partner. Safety is our number one priority. Reducing property damage is also very important to us as it is to you. We want to keep your business operating to limit the negative economic impacts of being closed for lengthy periods and employees being out of work.
This program gives you the opportunity to learn to look at your buildings and equipment from a new perspective so that we can work together to meet applicable life safety standards. It is the goal of this program to find and address solvable problems before they become emergencies.
The industry standards that we incorporate into our inspections come from the National Fire Protection Association. Many NFPA standards are adopted into law on the local and state level. The applicable NFPA reference for each item on the self-inspection checklist is noted in parentheses below. The Kentucky State Fire Marshal currently supports the use of the 2012 edition of NFPA 1 “Fire Code.”
Please place your cursor over the referenced Code for the pertinent citation. The term AHJ mentioned in Code language denotes “Authority Having Jurisdiction,” which for the purposes of this document is the Owensboro Fire Department.
EXITS/EGRESS (NFPA 1 Chapter 14)
- Unblock and unlock your exits to remove any impediments to escape from harm (14.4).
- Maintain your exit lighting so that safe destinations can be identified easily (14.13).
- Regularly test and maintain your emergency lights in designated areas to provide paths to safety (14.13).
- Keep your aisles clear so you, your customers, and responders can maneuver safely (14.4.1).
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (NFPA 1 Chapter 13)
- Keep an adequate fire extinguisher (minimum 2A 10BC) available in your business (13.6.3.1.2).
- Have your extinguisher(s) inspected annually so they are ready to use (13.6.4.1.2.2).
- Mount your extinguisher(s) so that they can be located and readily accessible when needed for emergencies (13.6.3.1.3.1).
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (NFPA 1 Chapters 10, 13, 16, and 50)
- Keep your sprinklers in good shape with annual testing and maintenance (13.3.1.1).
- Make sure we can access any hydrants and exterior fire department inlet connections so we can save time when it counts (13.1.4).
- Get your alarm system tested annually for proper maintenance and repair (13.7.1.4.2).
- Keep your smoke detectors up to date and operational with fresh batteries (13.7.1.8).
- Have certified professionals test and maintain your hood system bi-annually so that grease laden vapors do not cause fires (50.5.2.1).
- Maintain an approved key box with current keys so that we can access your building in an emergency even when you are not around (16.3.4.3 and 18.2.2).
- Post your address so we can find you when you need us (10.11.1.1).
Along with the Self-Inspection checklist, we ask that you develop the following positive habits that will help to keep your facility safe:
- Never use extension cords as permanent wiring. Use only U.L. approved multiple plug outlets (11.1.5.6).
- Repair any holes in ceilings and walls. If a fire does happen it is important that we do not help it to spread throughout the building (12.7.1).
- Avoid accumulation of waste materials that can cause potential fire and safety issues (19.1.2).
Remember to regularly check any battery powered detectors and keep a file of any reports or inspection records for quick access.
Our shared goal is for you to BE SAFE and to STAY SAFE!