Address Indentification

Street address identification should be visible from the street, using Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters not less than 4″ high that contrast with the background. Apartment markers ( 1, 2, 3 or A, B, C, for example) must be posted near the door for each apartment, following the same requirements for height and contrast.

Code: 505.1.1

Fire Lanes marked and unobstructed

The fire department must have access to the building, and especially fire hydrants.

Code: 503.3 – Marking

Fire hydrants/water supply accessible

There must not be any obstructions to the fire hydrants.

Code: 507.5.4 – Obstruction

Knox Box Present and Maintained

The fire department must have access to locked areas where there are water supply or life safety issues. A Knox Box provides a secure, on site locker for key storage. It must be visible and have the current keys.

Code: 506.1 – Where Required

Gas meter/piping protection

If gas meters and/or piping are in areas prone to impact they must be protected with barriers.

Code: 603.9 – Gas Meters

Dumpsters are away from combustible walls, openings and roof eaves.

Dumpsters are a common source of fires. It is important to keep them away from buildings so the fire does not spread.

Code: 304.3.3 – Capacity Exceeding 1.5 Cubic Yards

Combustible waste accumulation

The exterior must be kept clear of excessive combustible waste that is either a fire hazard, or presents an access issue for first responders. Combustible waste must be at least 10 feet from buildings.

Code: 304.1 – Waste Accumulation Prohibited

Barbeques and other open flame cooking devices clear of balconies/decks/overhangs/other combustible construction.

Barbeques/cooking devices (including those with LP tanks greater than 1 pound) shall be a minimum of 10 feet from combustible surfaces.

Code: 308.1.4 – Open-Flame Cooking Devices

Smoke alarms are present and in proper operating condition (on each level & in each bedroom).

The proper installation and maintenance of smoke detectors is of the utmost importance. In the event of a fire, they will notify occupants, and, in some cases, may automatically notify the Fire Department.

Code: 907.2.10.2 – Groups R-2

Smoke alarms are less than 10 years old

As smoke alarms age they can become less reliable in an emergency, and more prone to false alarms. All smoke alarms legally for sale in California must be of the 10 year battery type.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are present and in proper operating condition (on each level).

These alarms provide notification of the presence of a deadly gas that can not be seen, smelled, or tasted by occupants.

Code: 915.2.1 – Dwelling Units

Fire extinguishers are within 75 feet of travel distance (per level).

A fire extinguisher shall be within 75′ travel distance of any room within an apartment. The extinguisher may be located in the apartment, in an exterior hall, or at a specific location in the building/complex. All extinguishers must be rated at least 2A 10BC, except for those inside apartment units. Those must be rated at least 1A 10BC.

Code: 906.3 – Size and Distribution

Fire extinguishers are current and maintained.

Each extinguisher shall be serviced annually by a licensed fire extinguisher business. The extinguisher shall be properly charged, and if discharged or overcharged, shall be serviced/replaced.

Code: 906.2 – General Requirements

Exits free of obstruction.

All points of egress including, but not limited to, doors and windows shall not be blocked in any way that would prevent the passage of an occupant during an emergency.

Code: 1003.3.4 – Clear Width

Ceilings/walls/floors free of penetrations.

Explanation
No voids within the surfaces of the apartment shall be present. These voids would provide fire a path to the interior of the support structure.

Code: 703.1 – Maintaining Protection

Water heater/furnace locations clear of combustibles.

Explanation
The presence of flammable items in the vicinity of these devices is extremely dangerous, and as such, prohibited.

Code: 315.3.3 – Equipment Rooms

There are no improper use of electric cords, power strips, electric outlets, or other such devices.

Multiple electric cords used in sequence, or of improper amperage, or too many devices plugged in to power strips or outlets shall not occur.

Code: 604.5 – Extension Cords

All electrical connections are made using covered junction boxes.

Open wiring can present a shock and fire hazard.
Code: 604.6 – Unapproved Conditions – Electrical

Exits, aisles, corridors, and stairways are clear of obstructions.

Clear exit access is essential to prevent panic or accidental falling of occupants during evacuation.

Code: 1003.3.4 – Clear Width

Stairways are clear of any items being stored underneath them.

Items stored beneath stairs present a fire risk that can endanger persons using that escape route.
Code: 315.3.2 – Means of Egress

Lighted exit signs function (where required).

Shall be of proper size, have back-up power, and in proper location.

Code: 1013.3 – Illumination

Emergency lighting functions (where required).

Pathways via corridors and stairwells shall have emergency lighting where required.
Code: 1008.2 – Illumination Required

Exit doors are clear of any non-approved locks.

Exit doors must be free to open without delay in the event of an emergency.

Code: 1010.1 – Doors

Area clear/free of combustibles, especially in vicinity of a water heater or dryer.

Laundry rooms are a high risk source of fire due to the presence of heat sources in a (usually) constricted area. The area be must be clear of combustibles.
Code: 315.3.3 – Equipment Rooms

Electrical panel(s) has 30″ clearance.

Proper clearance from all equipment within the room shall be maintained.
Code: 604.3 – Working Space and Clearance

Dryer ventilation path clear.

Ventilation pipe and exterior vents shall not be obstructed.

Code: 3703.5 – Dust Collection

Spare sprinkler head box is present and accessible

If a sprinkler system is activated, any heads that opened will need to be replaced. Therefore it is required to have a set of spare heads on site.

Code: 901.6 – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

5-year certification label present.

Sprinkler systems have quarterly, annual, and 5-year inspections. The 5-year inspection is especially important as it covers the entire system to make sure everything will perform as designed. The 5-year certification must be displayed on the riser or inside the spare head box (preferred).

Code: 901.6 – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

Sprinkler system gauges free of damage.

Gauges are easy to locate, the readings visible, no evidence of external sources affecting readings.

Code: 901.6 – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

Valves locked.

The check valves and any other valves that shutoff the water supply must be locked to prevent tampering.
Code: 901.6 – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

FDC accessible; caps in place; clearance provided.

FDC clear and free of obstruction; protection caps not damaged and in proper working condition.

Code: 901.6 – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

Knox Box present, accessible and in working order.

For buildings with alarm systems and/or sprinkler systems, the Knox Box provides our department with a secure way for us to access those components during an emergency.
Code: 506.1 – Where Required

Current keys in Knox Box.

All necessary keys to reach the fire alarm control panel and sprinkler system components are in the Knox Box.

Code: 506.2 – Key Box Maintenance