There are a number of things to consider when faced with the task of passing a commercial fire inspection. Most importantly, is this a first-time inspection? Annual inspection? Has the organization passed commercial fire inspections in the past?
Either way, not passing a fire inspection costs time and money and can eventually result in fines or worse. Though these procedures may feel like a bureaucratic hassle, try to keep in mind that following safety protocols will SAVE LIVES.
In this article, we’re going to touch on where to find specific Missouri fire code information, components of commercial fire systems, and a few industries that have specific fire code requirements.
Missouri Fire Code Info
If you operate a business in the STL Missouri region, you’ll need to worry about federal regulations, state regulations, and specific county/city regulations. Below is a brief list of resources that can help guide a business to staying in compliance with commercial fire regulations.
- St. Louis City Building Codes
- St. Louis County Building Codes
- Missouri Office of the State Fire Marshal
- OSHA Fire Safety Standards
- NFPA Codes & Standards
- Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974
- U.S. Fire Administration
Workings of a Commercial Fire System
Commercial fire systems are designed to detect fire, extinguish fire, and automatically call for help. Hand-pulled fire alarms, smoke detectors, heat detectors, signs, hydrants, fire extinguishers, water hoses, fire sprinklers, and sirens are a few of the commonly required commercial fire equipment.
To help ensure escape, fire systems are often integrated with other building systems, such as emergency lights, access doors, elevators, and even ventilation fans designed to pull smoke out of a burning building.
Commercial Fire System Components
- Manual Alarm Station
- Automatic Fire Alarm Detectors
- Supervisory Devices
- Supervised Waterflow Devices
- Monitor Fire Suppression /Sprinkler Systems
Commercial Fire Sprinklers
Only about 70% of St. Louis County falls into the NFPA’s recommended 4-minute fire station response time. In addition, a multitude of unforeseeable factors could impact a response time, like a traffic accident or bad weather conditions. With each passing minute, structural fires grow exponentially, which is why fire sprinklers are so important.
Fire suppression sprinklers can help avoid catastrophic fire losses and save lives. And despite what we’ve all seen in the movies, triggering one fire sprinkler does NOT set off the entire system.
Most jurisdictions in St. Louis require regular inspections of fire sprinkler systems. Butler Durrell is certified to provide inspections and repair or update fire sprinkler equipment as needed.
Unique Fire Code Requirements
Depending on the type of business you operate, there may be industry specific fire codes to consider, which are usually based around particulars of your business. Here are a few of the businesses/organizations that may have specific fire codes to consider:
- Schools & Educational Institutions
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes/Long Term Care Facilities
- Mental Health Facilities
- Childcare Facilities
- Children’s Group Homes
- Critical Infrastructure
- Government & State Buildings
- Prisons & Jails
- Entertainment Facilities, Bars, Amusement Parks
Learn More About STL Fire Codes & Regulations
Butler Durrell has been serving commercial alarm customers in the St. Louis region for two generations. Contact us to learn more about commercial fire equipment or for help passing a specific commercial fire inspection.
