1. Explain what advantages are there to using a professional assessor?
Statistics show that a large percentage of businesses that experience a medium to large fire never actually recover. A professional assessor will more effectively identify potential fire risks, which if rectified will substantially reduce the chances of a fire destroying your business, and may save lives.
2. Tell me is a Fire Risk Assessment going to be expensive?
The cost of an assessment can only be determined by having detailed information about your premises, operations and employees. A free quotation can be provided following further discussions or a visit to your site.
3. Tell me do I need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment if I only employ a small workforce?
Yes, even if only one person is employed. However you do not need to record the results of the assessment in writing unless more than five staff are employed.
Yes. From October 2005, the Fire Certificate System is no longer valid (apart from in Northern Ireland).
5. Suppose once a Fire Risk Assessment is completed, are there any further requirements?
Simply yes! Once an assessment has been completed and problems identified and rectified, the assessment needs to be continually monitored and periodically reviewed. Typical examples of when a review needs to be carried out are a change in work processes, structural alterations, or a “near miss” incident.
6. Tell me do we need to provide Fire Safety Training for our Employees?
Yes. Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005, employers are obliged to provide staff fire safety training on commencement of employment (ie as part of the induction training) and anually for all employees.
7. Suppose If a Fire Risk Assessment is not carried out, what could be the consequences?
Under current legislation an employer can be prosecuted for not carrying out a Fire Risk Assessment.
8. How to important are evacuation drills?
Evacuation drills are the most effective way of ensuring that:
staff are familiar with evacuation procedures.
fire safety and evacuation procedures are adequate.
shortfalls & deficiencies in the emergency plan can be
identified/corrected
No.The local Fire Officer represents the local fire authority who enforce the fire regulations, and they are in a position to prosecute employers who contravene these regulations.
10. Why do we need to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment?
Current regulations, i.e. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that all employers carry out a Fire Risk Assessment of their premises.
11. Tell me when is a re-inspection required?
A re-inspection is required on all life safety violations. This includes fire service, sprinkler systems and any major violations that could cause injury to a rider. The Division of Fire Safety will usually indicate on the letter outlining violations if a re-inspection is required.
12. Tell me how often is a state inspection required?
A state inspection is required annually.
Yes, to request additional time you must submit in writing a request for an extension with details outlining proposed dates of completion.
You may either contact your elevator service company or the inspector that conducted the inspection. The Division of Fire Safety will provide written notification of the violations and notice of 120 days to comply.
15. Explain what is the cost of an elevator inspection?
Competitive pricing drives the cost of an inspection. Costs may vary between different state licensed inspectors, so it is recommended that a customer obtain more than one bid for conducting the inspection. Usually if a re-inspection is required, a cost is associated with the re-inspection.
16. Explain what elevator code is being enforced in Missouri?
The Elevator Safety Board has adopted ASME A17.1 1996 as well as established a minimum state standard applicable to elevators and installations installed prior to July 1999.
Yes, all objects in day care locations regulated by the Department of Health or other state agencies must comply with the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Act.
Yes, operating a boiler or pressure vessel in the state without a valid state inspection certificate is a Class A misdemeanor as specified by the act/law.
No. Typically, insurance providers for boilers and pressure vessels have individuals on staff that have been approved and commissioned by the state to conduct required safety inspections.
Yes, to obtain the state-operating certificate, the fee is $20 for each object. If the inspection is conducted by a Division of Fire Safety Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspector an additional fee is charged based on the size and type of the object inspected ($16 for pressure vessels; $18 for water heaters; and $25 to $45 for boilers).
Yes, all boilers and pressure vessels that fall under the state jurisdiction laws/rules must be code constructed and National Board registered. The Missouri Boiler & Pressure Vessel Board may grant a variance to this requirement during one of its quarterly meetings in Jefferson City.
Yes, in general, if the boiler or pressure vessel was installed before Nov. 12, 1986, and the object complies with a safety inspection, it may be grandfathered from such construction codes.
Yes, access to a facility during a reasonable hour is required for the following inspections: to determine if a boiler or pressure vessel is required to comply with the act/law; to conduct an external inspection without prior notification being given; to conduct an internal inspection during a mutually agreed time prior to the expiration of a state operating certificate; and to conduct an investigation of an accident or alleged violation(s).
24. Tell me what is the purpose of Missouris Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Act?
The purpose of the act is to protect property and ensure the safety of those who work with and come in contact with boilers and pressure vessels.
25. Explain are all climbing walls required to be inspected?
All climbing walls over 10 feet in height are required to pass and annual safety inspection and have a state operating permit. Climbing walls less than 10 feet in height are exempt from the inspection and permitting process.
26. Tell me what is the safety inspection based upon?
An amusement ride safety inspection is to be conducted based upon nationally recognized inspection standards and the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines.
The division maintains an up-to-date list of those individuals who meet the status of a qualified inspector. Simply contact the division to obtain the list or inquire about a specific individual.
28. Tell me who can conduct amusement ride safety inspections?
Amusement ride safety inspections must be conducted by an inspector approved by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety. To be an approved inspector, an individual must be certified by the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) or meet minimum criteria as outlined in the State of Missouri Promulgated Rules
29. Tell me are water related rides such as slides or wave pools required to be inspected?
No, these attractions are exempt; however, water rides with mechanical moving parts are required to obtain state operating permits.
30. Tell me are inflatable or bounce attractions required to be inspected?
No, these attractions are not required to obtain a state-operating permit due to the absence of mechanical moving parts, although inflatable dry slides over 20 feet in height shall have an annual inspection and obtain a state operating permit.
31. How to know if a particular amusement ride has been inspected?
Upon completion of the permitting process, the Division of Fire Safety issues each ride an adhesive operating permit that is to be placed on or near the rides control panel or operator's station.
32. Explain why are un-vented gas appliances not allowed?
Un-vented gas appliances are not allowed due to potential carbon monoxide risks. Nationally recognized fire codes do not allow these appliances to be located in a childcare setting. It should be noted that manufacturers' guidelines instruct the owner to keep a window open during the use of these appliances.
33. Tell me why are portable space heaters not allowed?
Portable space heaters are well known for causing or being a contributing factor in fires. These devices are easily tipped over and pose a burn injury risk to children.
34. Tell me can artwork be hung from the ceiling?
Not unless the material used has a fire resistive rating or has been treated with a fire resistive material. Rapid flame spread occurs when combustible material is hung from the ceiling and burning debris can fall onto occupants.
35. Tell me can artwork be hung on walls?
Artwork and teaching materials are limited to 30 percent of the wall's surface.
