Company Inspection Program

Fire suppression is not the only way to combat fires . A well-planned and executed fire prevention and inspection program is a less expensive and more effective way to accomplish the goal of the fire service . The goal is to minimize the risk of life and property loss from fire by observing, making recommendations, and subsequently controlling or eliminating hazardous conditions . The inspection program can make major strides toward accomplishing this goal before a fire occurs . The inspection program also helps educate occupants in ways to control hazards, in proper methods of evacuation, and in overall fire safety practices .

Fire prevention inspections are the single, most important non-firefighting activity performed by the fire department . Often the most important decisions and actions performed by fire suppression forces occur before a fire breaks out . These actions are preplanning, developing standard operating procedures, training, maintaining equipment in readiness, and are critical if the fire department is to perform efficiently and effectively at the fire scene .

Establishing a favorable atmosphere plays an important role in conducting inspections . The inspector's attitude toward the inspection itself also plays a part in establishing a favorable atmosphere . A positive attitude will usually encourage a positive reaction from the occupant . This will help to promote a high degree of cooperation and compliance from the occupant . Scheduling the inspection also helps the inspector make a good initial impression

When the initial inspection is complete, the fire inspector discusses the results with the person in authority for the property . The purpose of this closing interview is to note good conditions as well as discuss the conditions that need correcting . The inspectors discuss violations in general terms, indicating that specific details will be outlined in a written report, which will be sent to the property owner . In the closing interview the inspectors express thanks for any courtesies extended, and should another inspection be necessary, the owner of the property is informed at that time .

Some general fire safety matters that are noted during a fire inspection which apply to all occupancies are ensuring good housekeeping practices, regulating smoking, controlling the use of flammable decorations, controlling electrical hazards, regulating open burning, and maintaining access for fire equipment and personnel

In performing the role as a company inspector you can impact the safety of more people in your performance than most other operations . The company inspection is designed to insure that existing buildings have, properly maintained their fire safety systems to help enhance the life safety of the occupants . The company inspection program helps to meet a couple of goals in the department's mission statement .

Educate to Prevent Harm" - As an inspector in the field when meeting the owner/occupant
of the buildings you are educating the public in the proper maintenance and testing of their
buildings life safety systems .

"Protect" - The inspection program strives to create a safe environment for the citizens of the
community, but just as important it is striving to create a safe environment for the fire fighters who
must respond . Through properly operating fire detection, suppression and notification systems the
responding emergency responders may have a great deal of the fire problem detected in the early stages .

Below you will find an insert from our Department directive .

1 . Each company officer (shift lieutenant) will be responsible for conducting and managing the fire inspections assigned to their shifts . Every effort should be made to complete the assigned businesses during the month that they are assigned . The only exceptions will be when multiple re-inspections are necessary . If after two (2) re-inspections and the violations are not corrected, forward the inspection reports with a written narrative explaining the reasons) for the delay in rectification to this Division for follow up .

2 . All fire department personnel are responsible for expending best efforts towards prevention of fire and enforcement of fire related codes and regulations .

3 . A copy of  relevant codes, which may be encountered, will be distributed to each company officer . It is recommended that you use this as a reference for yourself and to aid in answering questions that may arise from the business owners .

4 . It is very important to maintain an accurate record of the monthly activities in Fire House . This should include the initial and re-inspections . If any Fire House problems should arise please forward them to this Division for correction .

5 . When the inspections are complete, and all violations are corrected, place the reports in the  wall mounted file bin marked "Fire Inspection Reports" and " Fire Alarm Activation" . This bin is located in the lounge . Office staff personnel will enter the information on the reports in Firehouse and file them appropriately .

If you would like any additional information about our Company Inspection Program please call us at 386-740-5834 or email harperj@deland.org.