Fire Inspection Checklist

The City of Tomball Fire Marshal’s Office is required to perform a final fire inspection before the certificate of occupancy is issued.  The following is a general list of items that will be inspected, to ensure all Life Safety and Fire Codes adopted by the City of Tomball are met.

 This inspection may not be limited to the items listed below, depending upon the occupancy type. These items must be maintained or in place to pass the inspection. 

Inspection Checklist

 Housekeeping

  • Combustible materials stored in mechanical rooms and electrical rooms.
  • Combustible materials stored in exits.
  • Combustible materials stored within two feet of the ceiling or 18 inches below sprinkler heads.
  • Combustible storage within three feet of electrical panels.
  • Combustible storage within three feet of heat-producing equipment.
  • Any storage within three feet of fire protection equipment.

Exits

  • Exits and exit corridors shall remain clear and unobstructed.
  • Exit doors shall be unlocked when the building is occupied.
  • A readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress side on or adjacent to the door stating: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED. The sign shall be in letters 1 inch (25 mm) high on a contrasting background.
  • Exit signs shall be illuminated.
  • Emergency lights shall be operational.

Fire Protection Equipment

  • Fire alarm systems shall be serviced annually.
  • Fire sprinkler systems shall be serviced annually.
  • Kitchen hood suppression systems shall be serviced semi-annually.
  • Fire protection equipment rooms shall be labeled.
  • Fire extinguishers shall be rated as 2A:10BC; serviced and tagged annually.
  • Fire extinguishers shall have a minimum of 36” clearance and mounted 3’-5’ above the ground.
  • Fire lanes shall be maintained clear and unobstructed.
  • Fire hydrants shall be maintained operational and unobstructed with a minimum of three feet of clearance.
  • A Class K (Kitchen) fire extinguisher shall be provided for cooking operations.

Exterior

  • Address shall be provided on the front of the business and on the rear exits. Size shall be 6” and visible from the street.
  • Storage of combustible waste items shall not be permitted on the outside of the building.
  • FDC shall be maintained operational and unobstructed with a minimum of three feet of clearance.
  • Keys provided in Knox Box.

General

  • Extension cords shall not be used for permanent power or operations. A store bought, UL listed, surge protector may be permitted for minor electrical equipment.
  • Empty slots in electrical panels shall be filled and labeled.
  • Each breaker on an electrical panel shall be labeled
  • Fire rated assemblies shall be maintained.
  • Flammable and combustible liquids shall be properly stored.
  • Compressed gas cylinders shall be properly secured.