RES 89269 - Laserfiche WebLink

- Pleasanton Fire Department ~.~.~.~. Railroad Street P.O. Box 520 Pleasanton, California 94566-0802 (415) 48+8114 Self Inspection Program The fire service has long held that fire safety is not only the fire department's responsibility, but should be a joint effort involving the building owner, tenant, insurance carrier, and fire department. With ever-increasing budget constraints and limited personnel, the fire department needs to examine new ways to ensure annual fire safety surveys in the small, non-hazardous retail businesses within the community while still working with available funds and personnel and not neglecting the more hazardous occupancies. There is a need to re-evaluate how we are using our time. Would it be more effective to continue to send a fire apparatus and three men to a small shoe store, real state office and travel agency, or to send them to the higher hazard areas? In light of the joint effort mentioned previously and the obvious need to marshal resources in the most expedient manner, a new approach to the problem is in order. This new non-traditional approach is in a self-inspection program. This realistic program insures that the intent of the fire code is met, while at the same time the public is educated in fire and life safety. Instead of waiting for an engine company to conduct a routine inspection without the participation of the business responsible, the business responsible will now conduct their own inspection, at their own convenience within a 30-day period, by using a simple, easy-to-follow checklist. This hands-on approach is more valuable, leaves a more lasting impression, and raises the fire safety consciousness of the business community. The program begins as each occupancy in the program is contacted about the details of the program. The person with the highest authority on the premises (usually the business owner or their designated person) receives an Instruction Worksheet, and a Business Occupancy Record. The business responsible completes the forms and returns them to the fire department within 30-days. In the week prior to the due date, if the completed forms have not been received, a reminder is sent to the business responsible reminding them of the approaching due date. If the forms are not received at the end of the 30-day period, a contact is made with the business responsible to see what problem has come up. This may require conducting the inspection or rendering assistance. Page i