In Case of a Commercial Fire

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Retail & Other Business

Business owners should pay particularly close attention to the following fire safety items when considering a location for their business:

OCCUPANCY RATINGS: A building’s occupancy rating determines how it can be used (i.e. office space, restaurant, bowling alley, etc.) Occupancy ratings also specify the number of occupants a building may have, types of fire-resistive construction required, types of fire protection systems required, exiting requirements, etc. FIRE

EXTINGUISHERS: Typically, one fire extinguisher is required per 3,000 square feet of area or 75 feet of foot travel. Extinguishers should be rated 2-A:10-B:C or higher. Requirements can vary depending on the occupancy classification.

EXIT SIGNS: Signs and emergency backup lighting are required for all exits except the primary entrance so occupants can safely exit the building in an emergency.

HAZARDOUS OCCUPANCIES: Businesses that utilize paint booths, glass blowing equipment and certain types of kilns require special approval due to the hazardous nature of this equipment.