Commercial Inspection - General Information

Commercial

Aisle Width

Aisles must maintain a clear width of 44 inches where tables, counters, displays, or non-fixed seating is present on BOTH sides of the aisle.   Aisles must maintain a clear width of 36 inches where tables, counters, displays, or non-fixed seating is present on ONE side of the aisle.

Rubbish and Waste Disposal

Rubbish and waste in commercial occupancies must be removed nightly or kept in metal containers with metal lids in place.  Proper receptacles must also be provided for smoking materials if applicable.  Outside storage containers (dumpsters must be at least 5 feet from building entrances or combustible eaves.

Flammable Liquids Storage and Handling

Flammable liquids are those liquids that have a flashpoint of less than 100° F.  Flammable liquids must be stored in a safe way.  No flammable liquid storage is allowed in a mechanical room, basement, or attic.  Maximum amount of gasoline stored outside of a flammable liquids storage cabinet is 10 gallons.  As well, internal combustion engines (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.)  with gasoline in the fuel tanks are not allowed in the building.  Questions about flammable liquid storage cabinet or NFPA 704 marking should be referred to the Marion Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau.

Storage of Combustible Materials

Combustible material must be stored in a neat and orderly way.  No combustible storage is allowed in mechanical rooms.  No combustible storage within 2 feet of the ceiling in a non-sprinklered building is allowed.  In buildings that have a sprinkler system, the following height distances apply:

  • No combustible storage within 18 inches of the sprinkler head deflector for pendant (downward hanging) sprinkler heads
  • No combustible storage within 18 inches of the bottom of the sprinkler pipe for upright sprinkler heads

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Employees must be familiar with the location and use of all fire extinguishers.  Extinguishers must be displayed clearly and not hidden or obstructed.  Extinguishers must be mounted below 5 feet in height.  Pressure gauges must show the pressure to be in the acceptable range.  The actuating handle pin should be in place.

Inspection Periods For Fire Prevention Appliances

  • Portable fire extinguishers – inspected and tagged every year
  • Wet/dry sprinkler systems – inspected and tagged every year
  • Cooking hood fire extinguishments system – inspected and tagged every 6 months
  • Paint booth/room – inspected and tagged every 6 months

Premises Identification

A legible address number must be visible from the street fronting the property.  It is recommended that at least 3-inch letters be used.  Post the letters in a conspicuous location where identification of the building number can be easily done from the street.

Exits and Exit Ways

Exits and exit ways must not be used for storage or be blocked in any way.  Electrical exit signs and emergency lighting must be operational.   Exit doors may be locked to prevent someone coming in from the OUTSIDE but must remain unlocked for people going from inside the building to the outside.  The area outside of the exit (exit discharge) must also be kept clear.

Electrical Hazards

The electrical system must be in tact and in serviceable condition.  All wiring splices must be within conduit junction boxes.  All outlets, junction boxes, and electrical panels must have the appropriate cover.  Fuses or circuit breakers must be appropriate for the gauge of wiring in that circuit.  Electrical panels must have a 36-inch obstruction-free area surrounding the panel.  No combustible storage is allowed in electrical equipment rooms.  Extension cords must not pass through penetrations in ceilings or walls, be covered with floor coverings, or be on the floor in high traffic areas.  Extension cords are for temporary use and must be at least as large in physical size as the appliance cord it is servicing.  The cord must be 6-feet or less in length and have only one device plugged into it.  Multi-plug adapters with 15-amp circuit breakers can be used to service multiple low-draw items.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Heating and cooling systems must be properly maintained.  A 3-foot clear area around all units is required.  No combustible storage is allowed in rooms containing heating units.  Portable space heaters are not allowed.