Fire Prevention for Businesses

Monroe Township Fire District No. 2 performs inspections for approximately 330 businesses located in the district.  Inspections are scheduled by the Bureau of Fire Prevention and performed according to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code

All businesses are subject to routine fire inspections.  Special emphasis is placed on those facilities which are considered a high risk, such as restaurant/nightclubs, schools, retirement centers, and other facilities that may contain large amounts of people.

Fire Extinguishers: All businesses are required to have at least one properly mounted fire extinguisher. They are to be mounted in a visible and accessible location, primarily near an exit. The handle is to be no higher than 5 feet above the floor and the bottom at least 4 inches above the floor. The size of the extinguisher will vary with different occupancy uses; however, it must be serviced annually by a qualified technician and tagged as such. Extinguishers are to have a more extensive service performed every six years and are to be tested hydrostatically every 12 years.

Storage of Combustible Items: Combustible items such as paper, plastic, wood, cloth, cardboard, etc. are required by the Fire Prevention Code to be clear of many building components that are considered ignition sources, such as:

• No combustible items within 30 inches of an electric panel;
• No combustible items within 24 inches  of the ceiling in a non sprinklered building;
• No combustible items to be higher than a level of 18 inches below the bottom of a sprinkler head in a sprinklered building;
• No combustible items to be stored within 36 inches of a furnace or fireplace;
• No combustible items to be stored within 36 inches of a gas water heater;
• No combustible items to be stored within 30 inches of an electric water heater; and
• No combustible items to be stored under stairs or in a stairwell.

Exits and Exit doors: Exit doors are required to be unlocked at all times while the building is occupied. All exit doors must be able to be opened with a single action (door knob, push bar, etc...).   exit lights must be maintained in working order at all times, Both AC and DC backup equipped . Exits must remain unobstructed at all times and clear of debris.

Extension Cords and Cover Plates: Extension cords are not allowed to be used in commercial structures with the exception of temporary use. An example of temporary use of an extension cord would be to power a vacuum cleaner.   When done vacuuming, you would roll up and put away the cord. All electrical outlets must have intact cover plates and only multi-plugs that have a built-in circuit breaker are allowed for use.

 If you should have any questions, please contact Fire Prevention at (609) 443-4444

[Home] [Back] [Real Estate] [Knox Box] [LHU Inspection] [Downloadable Forms]

Send mail to webmaster@station57.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2008 Monroe Township Fire District No. 2
Last modified: 02/10/08