Annual fire inspections are essential to keeping your business and our community safe. The Park City Fire District uses the 2021 Fire Code as adopted by the State of Utah as a standard to check the safety of businesses. These standards ensure all local businesses are in compliance with fire safety regulations. Click below to view frequently asked questions and rationales for determining if a business passes or fails an inspection.
Fire Inspection FAQ
What will the fire inspector be looking for when they do my inspection?
Businesses and buildings are required to be in compliance with the fire code as adopted by the Utah State Government and Summit County Government. Currently we use the 2021 version of the International Fire Code. The inspector will be ensuring that all fire and safety codes are being met.
Will the fire inspector explain each of those items in detail?
Yes.
- Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems (AFSS)
The purpose of an automatic fire sprinkler system in business occupancies is to prevent the spread of fire once it starts. To ensure that the AFSS is functioning properly it must be serviced at least once a year by a certified technician. The technician will check for problems and replace of any worn or corroded parts. When the system is in working order the technician will hang a tag on the AFSS riser with the service date marked. This tag must be left on the riser and visible for the inspector to examine. - Fire Extinguishers
The purpose of a fire extinguisher is to help in extinguishing a fire when it first starts. In most cases fire extinguishers should be rated to extinguish type A, B and C fires. The required size of the fire extinguisher is based on the occupancy of the building. Most businesses are classified as a light or low hazard and need one extinguisher for every 3000 square feet. The minimum size of extinguisher is 2-A; 10B,C. Travel distance from any location in the building to a fire extinguisher may not be more than 75 feet. Additionally, fire extinguishes must be mounted in a conspicuous area and may not be stored on the floor. Like automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers must be serviced at least once a year - Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs
All buildings must have illuminated means of egress. These lights can be of the “bug eye” type that are separate from overhead lighting or it may be built into overhead lighting. In either case the lights must function properly when power is disrupted to the building. Emergency lighting can be tested by either pressing a “test” button on the lighting unit or by stopping power to the system.
Exit signs are required to identify the path of egress. Exit signs must be internally or externally lit. When the power to the sign is disrupted the sign must continue to be lit. Most exit signs can be tested by pressing a “test”
button on the exit sign housing. Additionally, the emergency lighting must be tested for a duration of 90 minutes annually. - Storage/Housekeeping
Storage must be in a neat and orderly manner. Where automatic sprinklers are in place at least 18 inches of space must be between the base of the sprinkler and the top of the storage. Where no automatic sprinklers are in place at least 24 inches of space must be between the base of the sprinkler and the top of the storage. - Paths of Egress
Paths of egress are the walkways that people take to leave the building. This means everything from paths between cubicles to hallways and stairways. These paths must be kept free of debris and storage. Doors may not be blocked. Any door exiting the building must be clear of all debris including snow and landscaping.
I only lease a small office in a building. Why do you inspect the entire building?
Although you only lease a small office, that office is still part of the building. As such, the entire building must be in compliance with the fire and safety codes.
How long do I have to correct/fix any violations?
Most violations should take no more than one or two weeks to correct. Any significant life safety threats must be corrected while the inspector is on site. These included blocked access doors and blocked egress routes.
Who should I call to service my automatic fire sprinkler systems or my fire extinguishers?
Park City Fire Service District does not recommend any one company above another. The Utah State Fire Marshal maintains a list of licensed companies. It can be found at: http://firemarshal.utah.gov/licensees/
Some fire extinguishers are not meant to be serviced and need to be replaced. Also, depending on the number of fire extinguishers that need to be serviced, it is sometimes cheaper to purchase a new fire extinguisher rather than have one serviced.
Do I need to be on site for the fire inspection?
Yes. A representative of the business must be on site for the inspection. Additionally that representative will need to have keys to access utility rooms and storage rooms.
Is there anything else?
Most inspections find minor violations. We are here to work with you to solve any life safety problems. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Fire Prevention Bureau at (435) 940-2532