RES 89269 - Laserfiche WebLink

The inspection program that was created to handle the needs of the community in 1974 grew with the expanding community until 1985. In this year the needs of the commercial community outdistanced the ability of the fire department to provide the necessary inspection services. To compensate for the demand, the inspection cycle specified for inspections increased from once every twelve months to once every year and one-half. The throughness of the inspections held also was beginning to erode. To put the inspection program back on track, a major revamping of the program was undertaken. The inspection program has been added to the department computer system to allow better records and data manipulation. New computer-ready reporting systems have been developed. Additionally new methods of inspection have been reviewed which, if implemented, will allow the department to put their efforts into the areas where they are most needed. The self-inspection program is what we are proposing to enable us to provide optimum service to all levels of the business community. In preparing a self-inspection program the first question was to determine which occupancies would be best served by self inspection and which ones could not. Our experience told us that schools, service commercial , buildings where hazardous materials are stored, industrial buildings, and state licensed facilities were obviously where we wanted to place the emphasis of our department inspections. The remaining business occupancies, neighborhood shops, insurance offices, dress shops, real estate offices and other similar businesses were prime candidates for the proposed self-inspection program. The next task was to determine what fire safety items would be included for the business responsible to check for in their place of business. Fire extinguishers, electrical appliances, and general housekeeping are those things that should be examined. The list of specific items will be included on a self-inspection form which would be used to guide the business owner in making the inspection. Included in the materials to be used in the self- inspection program is an instruction sheet to reinforce verbal instructions. A perjury statement is also included on the inspection form which is to be signed by the business person making the inspection. In operation fire department personnel will contact the individual business responsible and present the program. Questions about the program will be answered and if the business responsible desires help in conducting the inspection, it will be given. A thirty day period of time will be allotted for the business responsible to conduct the inspection and return the completed inspection form to the fire department. If the completed form is not returned within one week beyond the due