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Fire Department - Business Questions

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1. My building has a sprinkler system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?

If you own the building, you are required to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency and the documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view in accordance with International Fire Code chapter 9. If there is a system in your building it must be in operational condition at all times. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a sprinkler head. Each sprinkler head is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector to be sure what you do won’t prevent the sprinkler head from doing it’s job. Also, never hang anything from a sprinkler head.

2. On TV, when a sprinkler head begins to spray water, they all do. Is this how my sprinklers will work?

No, most sprinkler systems with a few exceptions, (and those are found only in heavy industry situations), are designed to activate only where the fire is. The heat from the fire activates the sprinkler head closest too it. If the fire is large enough it may activate more than one head in the area but it will not activate every head on an entire floor.

3. The Fire Department has been inspecting my building for many years and has never mentioned a violation in the past. Why are they indicating a violation this time?

Fire codes are updated regularly. Some of the things that cause changes in these codes may be a newer type of construction, a new construction method or an event that occurred where people were injured. Whatever the reason, when the codes are updated, it is necessary to inspect your facility under the most current code. This may result in a change from the previous year in your inspection

4. What code does the City of Bellaire Fire Department use?

The 2006 edition of the International Fire Code

5. My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?

If you own the building, you are responsible to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency and the documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view. Also, it would help if someone who is likely to be in the building on a daily basis knows where the alarm panel is located. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a detector surface. Each detector is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector to be sure what you do won’t prevent the detector from doing it’s job. Also, never hang anything from a detector.

6. Our alarm system keeps having false alarms. The alarm goes off but no fire is found. Can’t we do something about this?

Fire alarms seldom malfunction. Usually, if they are sounding, there is a reason. Sensing devices may need cleaning or replacement. Other reasons causing alarm activation may be as simple as a bag of popcorn that overcooked in a microwave, a co-worker smoking in an area where they shouldn’t be, or dust from re-modeling. In all of cases, even though big flames were not shooting from the building and hoses were not needed to put the fire out, the system was doing its job of alerting everyone in the building to a possible danger of a fire. If your system activates, immediately leave the building and do not re-enter until the proper authority investigated the alarm and gives the all clear to enter the building. Take every fire alarm seriously, follow your established evacuation plan, leave the building until someone of authority (building maintenance, security, the fire department, etc.) tell you it is safe to return.

7. Is there a requirement for a Fire Drill in my building?

Yes, the International Fire Code requires an annual fire drill. Bellaire Fire Department has adopted a “down and out” policy. This differs from the City of Houston where tenants only have to go to the stairwell. We believe that the drill must simulate a real scenario to be useful.

8. When I need a permit, whom do I call?

Call Community Development permit clerk at 713-662-8231.

9. If during an inspection a violation is found how long do I have to fix it?

For a routine (non-life threatening) violation we usually grant 10 business days for correction. If a life threatening violation is found we require it to be corrected immediately. If a violation cannot be corrected in the amount of time given then we will work with the owner/occupant to ensure compliance as quickly as possible.

10. What are the top 10 Business Fire Code Violations?

a) Exit Signs not functioning
b) Egress doors and pathways blocked or locked
c) Extinguishers (fire) out of date/compliance
d) Emergency Lighting not functioning properly
e) Extension Cords used to replace permanent wiring
f) Safety Systems not checked annually (Hood and Duct System for cooking [Semi-Annual], Fire Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, Standpipe, Portable Fire Extinguisher
g) Open Junction Boxes, improper electrical splice, open breaker slot in electrical panel
h) Missing cover plate for electric outlets and switches.
i) Aisle width not maintained in Commercial Occupancies (36 inch minimum in Customer Access area, 24 inches in Employee/Storage area)
j) All commercial buildings must have approved address numbers plainly legible and visible from the street fronting the property. Four inches in a contrasting color.