HomeMy WebLinkAbout406.001 - Distinct Hazards Re-Inspections
FIRE PREVENTION MANUAL
INSPECTIONS
406.001 DISTINCT HAZARDS RE-INSPECTIONS
EFFECTIVE: MARCH 2015
Current Revision Date: 08/12/2021 Next Revision Date: 08/12/24
Author’s Name/Rank:
Leslie Forshey,
Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Noemi E. Rodriguez,
Management Analyst II ADA
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements of conditions requiring a re-inspection.
APPLICATION
The Department’s system of re-inspecting for code-related violations in perpetuity,
until compliance, must be altered as circumstances dictate. Ultimately, the
Department’s goal continues to be complete code-related compliance.
Re-inspections may be completed when, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, or designee,
a distinct hazard exists.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
All of the conditions noted during inspections that do not meet the requirements of
laws, codes, ordinances, and standards, do not, of themselves, constitute a “distinct
hazard” as defined below.
The following list of items is to be used as a guideline for members to consider when
identifying and applying the definition of a “distinct hazard”:
1. Inoperative Fire Sprinkler Systems:
System out of service (i.e., control valve shut or fire pump inoperative).
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Change in use of the building that significantly impairs the fire sprinkler
system performance (i.e., conversion to high piled storage, change from
storing ordinary commodities to plastics or tires, change from office to retail,
obstructions to ESFR systems, etc.).
More than fifty (50) percent of sprinklers painted in a space or area.
Building additions or alterations without fire sprinkler protection.
Fire sprinkler components installed or modified without benefit of permit.
2. Inoperative Fire Alarm System:
System out of service or fails to sound evacuation alarm when tested.
System in a “trouble” condition.
Missing, damaged, or inoperable initiation or notification equipment.
Fire alarm system or components installed or modified without benefit of
permit.
3. Exits Access, Exit Doors and Access to a Public Way:
Exit corridors or exit doors blocked by storage (unless removed in your
presence).
Illegal locking devices on doors (i.e., dead bolts, flush bolts, security bars,
padlocks, etc., unless removed in your presence).
Exit door does not open properly.
Incorrect door hardware in assembly occupancies.
The exit discharge does not provide a direct and unobstructed access to a
public way.
4. Exit Signs and Emergency Egress Lighting Components:
More than fifty (50) percent of exit signs or emergency egress lighting
components are out or fail on test.
5.Other Distinct Hazards:
Fire apparatus access roads or gate(s) rendered unusable (i.e., fire lane
blocked or impaired to the extent that a single apparatus cannot pass
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through. Fire access gate replaced with a fence, etc.).
Commodity storage arrangements (interior or exterior) which impair manual
firefighting operations (i.e., lack of aisles, unstable piles, etc.).
One or two-hour fire resistance rated stair shaft integrity compromised (i.e.,
door closures, latching, holes in walls, etc.).
Fire wall (as defined in current edition of the California Building Code (CBC))
integrity compromised two-hour fire resistance rating or higher.
Electrical violations of such that would require a City of Fresno (City)
electrical inspector and permits for correction.
Hood and vent extinguishing system inoperative or equipment has been
modified resulting in unprotected appliances.
Improper use of flammable, combustible, or hazardous materials that create
a distinct hazard (i.e., spray finishing outside a booth, use of flammable or
combustible materials in an unsafe manner that may reasonably cause a
fire, explosion, or exposure, incompatible storage conditions of hazardous
materials, compromised containers of hazardous materials, unauthorized
disposal of hazardous materials, etc.).
Building conditions subject to the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Section 11-
411, Dangerous Building Ordinance, for actual or potential structural failure
(placarding).
NOTE: The list above is not intended as an all-inclusive list of re-inspection violations.
If a questionable issue arises during an inspection, and it is not included above as one
of the categories for re-inspection, members have the discretion to conduct a re-
inspection as necessary.
PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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1. A “distinct hazard” for the purpose of this policy is defined as:
"Any clear and evident condition that exist (or remains) that is or
becomes an immediate danger to the safety of the occupants,
firefighters, structure, or public right of way."
CROSS REFERENCES
California Building Code
Fresno Municipal Code
Section 11-411, Dangerous Building Ordinance
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