Analytical Report Help
nealtwicelove
PADM5391Memo4.docxTo: Fire Department Administration
From: Eric J. Neal
Date: April 5, 2019
Re: Overall assessment of the incident
The breakdowns identified in Memo 2 discussed how West Volunteer Fire Department should become more accountable when it comes to business inspections in their fire district. Although OSHA has regulations and standards that should be followed. It is difficult to inspect business as frequent as needed. An annual inspection should take place by the fire department to update information on a business and to familiarize the department of any hazards that might need correcting.
Clear Paths of Egress
These inspections should include a path which is at least 36 inches wide that leads to every exit door, exit doors which can be opened easily and which are unlocked and if your facility has fire doors, that these can close without obstruction and are not propped open with anything that could prevent them from closing.
Emergency Exit Lights
Not only are all paths of egress required to be unobstructed, they must be clearly marked as well. In the event of a fire, your facility may lose power or visibility may be severely reduced due to heavy smoke. For these reasons, all exit signs should have backup batteries, so they will still be clearly illuminated for a minimum of 90 minutes in the event of a fire or power outage.
Fire Extinguishers
Designed to give any staff at your business the means to put out a small fire on their own. Make sure there is a tag to indicate last test date and no higher than 3.5 feet from the floor.
Fire Alarm Panels
The panel is responsible for controlling the system of fire alarms present at your facility. The fire department will inspect the fire alarm panel, to ensure that the annually required fire alarm maintenance and inspection by qualified personnel has taken place and is documented.
Fire Sprinklers
A common code violation is storing boxes or other items too high or having large furniture or shelving units placed in close proximity to the sprinkler head. According to NFPA 25, in most cases there must be at least 18 inches of clearance around each sprinkler deflector to comply with regulations. The fire department need to examine the critical components of the sprinkler system water supply, to determine that they are in good working order. These include the valves, hose connections and fire department connections.
Proper Storage of Combustibles
Combustible materials and liquids represent a special fire hazard and must be treated accordingly. These will provide fuel to any fire and they pose a significant risk to your facility, including explosion potential, so proper measures must be taken at all times. They should be stored in a fireproof cabinet, to minimize the risk of a conflagration and the accompanying property damage or personal injury it can cause.
Overloading Electrical Sockets & Using Extension Cords Correctly
Related to overcrowding of your facility, overloading any electrical sockets is a clear fire code violation. You may not plug too many items into a single socket, by using multiple power strips in the same location or improper multi-plug adapters.
Electrical Panels
Electrical panels have live current running through them, any potentially flammable items (like cardboard boxes stored too close to the panel) must be far enough away to avoid fire risk. In most cases you're required to leave 3 feet of clearance in front of the panel, to provide sufficient working space and to lessen fire risk.
The reality of firefighting can become extremely dangerous and unstable if not prepared for the worse possible scenario. Conducting a fire preplan of businesses in the fire district can eliminate possible hazards that can become life threatening at any given time. The recommendations I listed is directly associated with keeping businesses accountable for safety conditions inside and outside their companies. Creating an annual visit will help to enforce codes being violated, thus making it safe for employees and first responders.
Best regards,
