FAQs • Monroeville, PA • CivicEngage

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Building & Engineering

1. What size fire extinguisher do you need and how often do they need to be inspected?: Fire extinguishers shall be a minimum size rating of 2A 10BC (5 pound). Businesses that have higher hazards shall have the required fire extinguishers such as cooking facilities that require a Class K fire extinguisher and industrial facilities that require more fire extinguishers and specially rated fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers shall be mounted securely, visible and accessible at all times, and shall be located within a 75 foot travel distance from anywhere in the business. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected, tested, and maintained annually by a certified inspection technician. Business owners/managers shall visually inspect all fire extinguishers on a monthly basis and keep record of inspections. Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense to control fires from spreading into a larger fire. (Reference code/standard: 2009 IFC - Section 906; NFPA 10).

2. Do you need to test the emergency and exit lighting?: Yes. All emergency and exit lighting shall be tested by the business staff on a monthly basis to confirm all emergency and exit lighting is properly working. Back up power sources such as battery supplies shall be inspected, tested, and maintained annually. Back up power generators shall be operated monthly and serviced annually or as needed. Any inspections, testing, and maintenance shall be recorded in the form of a log and made available to the fire inspector upon annual fire inspections. Emergency and exit lighting gives employees and customers clear view of exits and exit pathways in the event of an emergency. All exits and exit pathways shall be maintained clear at all times. (Reference code: 2009 IFC - Sections 604, 1011, 1028).

3. Do you need to display the street address?: Yes. All businesses shall display the street address on the street side of the building and on the business sign located at the street if the business is set back from street view. Address numbers shall be a minimum of 4" high and a minimum stroke width of 0.5" and shall contrast with the background for clear visibility. This gives emergency personnel proper identification for quick response. (Reference code: 2009 IFC - Section 505).

4. What are the clearance requirements around electrical panels and HVAC equipment?: A working space of 30" in width, 36" in depth, and 78" in height shall be maintained at all times. Where the width of the electrical panel or electrical service equipment exceeds 30" the working space shall be no less than the width of the panel. A clear space of 36" shall be maintained around all heating equipment and any heat producing equipment. This provides for quick access in the event of immediate shut down of electrical or HVAC equipment as well as eliminating the chance of an electrical spark or flame that could ignite combustibles stored too close to these appliances and equipment as well as electrocution hazard if equipment would become energized in the event of a failure. (Reference code: 2009 IFC - Section 605; 2006 IMC - Chapter 9; Manufacturer's instructions).

5. How often should the fire protection systems be inspected, tested, or maintained?: Generally all fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested, and maintained at least annually. Certain parts of automatic sprinkler systems and fire suppression systems for commercial cooking hoods require more frequent inspections. Records of all inspections, testing, and maintenance shall be kept on the premises and made available to the fire inspector upon inspection. This assures that all required protection and notification equipment is in proper working order. (Reference code - 2009 IFC 901; NFPA 10, 12, 12A, 17, 17A, 25, 72, 750, 2001)

6. Should emergency contact information be updated periodically?: Yes. Business and emergency contact information should be updated regularly so the building department and dispatch center have the correct contact information to contact the business or building owner in the event of an emergency. Proper and current emergency contact information can eliminate the need for emergency service personnel to forcibly enter businesses and buildings if a key holder is promptly notified. This also includes keeping all Knox boxes updated as well if installed.

7. I received notification of violation(s). What should I do?: The Life Safety/Fire Protection Inspection report will list any violation(s). A thirty day notice will be issued for a first warning and a re-inspection date will be supplied in the report. If the deficiencies are not corrected by the re-inspection date a second warning notice of 15 days will be given by the fire inspector to comply. If the deficiencies are not corrected within the second warning time frame of 15 days a citation may be issued up to $1000 per violation per day or not more than 30 days imprisonment until deficiencies are corrected.

8. How often will my business or building be inspected by the municipality?: A municipal building inspector will inspect the property during various phases of construction or renovation and an occupancy inspection will be performed prior to the business opening. After the business is occupied a municipal building inspector will perform Life Safety/Fire Protection Inspections on an annual basis to confirm that emergency and fire protection equipment is maintained according to The International Fire Code and any referenced codes and standards. This is to ensure that the equipment is maintained and operational in the event of an emergency and that the buildings are maintained in a safe manner for occupants and emergency response personnel.