Inspections

Catoosa County Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office conducts Annual Fire & Life Inspections of local businesses (does not include commercial buildings in the unincorporated areas of Catoosa County). To request an inspection, please contact our office at (706)861-4194 or at scott.mcdaniel@catoosa.com.

The following is an example of common items that the Fire Inspector will look for during an Annual Fire & Life Safety Inspection. This is not an all-inclusive list.

The exterior of the building/unit:

• • Address numbers shall be posted on the front of the building in numbers large enough to be clearly visible from the street. These numbers shall be a minimum size of four-inch numbers on a door or six-inch numbers on a building and in a color contrasting to the background on which they are attached. If the occupancy is in a multi-tenant building, the address should also be posted on all other exterior doors to the occupancy.

  • Correct  keys in the Knox Box key box.

  • Fire Department Access - No parking lanes and signage present and maintained

  • Fire Hydrants - All hydrants are accessible, visible, and operational.

  • Fire Department Connection (FDC): FDC is accessible, unobstructed, and has the proper signage.

  • Exterior Utilities: Gas and electric meters are labeled in multi-tenant buildings.

The Interior of the building/unit:

• • Exit signs are properly placed, functional (110V and battery back-up), clearly visible, and unobstructed.

  • Emergency lights are properly placed and functional.

  • Portable Fire Extinguishers:

    • Portable fire extinguishers are present, mounted on walls or columns as required.

    • Portable fire extinguishers are fully charged, free of damage, and unobstructed.

    • Portable fire extinguishers have a current yellow inspection tag from a third-party inspection company licensed in GA affixed to each extinguisher.

    • K-Class portable fire extinguisher(s) have the proper signage above the extinguisher(s).

  • Fire Sprinkler System:

    • Fire Sprinkler System has a current green inspection tag from a third-party inspection company licensed in GA affixed to the system.

    • All old inspection tags shall be maintained with the system. They can be affixed to the system or placed in the document cabinet.

  • Fire Alarm System:

    • Fire Alarm System is functional with an in-date NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Inspection & Testing Form showing no deficiencies in the system in the document cabinet.

    • Fire Alarm System devices (pull stations, horns, and horn-strobes) are visible and unobstructed.

  • Kitchen Hood Exhaust System

    • Hood exhaust ducts shall be cleaned to bare metal from the roof down to the filters by a third-party cleaning company at least quarterly or more often as necessary.

  • Kitchen Hood Suppression System

    • Kitchen Hood Suppression System has a current blue inspection from a third-party inspection company licensed in GA affixed to the system.

  • Exits and Exit Access is clear and accessible.

  • Exit Doors have the proper hardware installed, are unobstructed, and easily open with one motion.

  • Doors Signage:

    • Rooms containing certain systems shall be labeled:

      • Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)

      • Fire Sprinkler Riser

      • Electrical

      • Mechanical

  • Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire Sprinkler Riser rooms are maintained free of storage.

  • Electrical Panels hall have all circuits labeled or a card should be placed inside the panel indicating what each circuit controls.

  • Electrical switches, outlets, and junction boxes shall have proper cover plates installed.

  • Extension cords are used on a temporary basis and not as a replacement for permanent wiring.

  • Relocatable power taps (power strips) with built-in breakers are plugged directly into hard-wired outlets and not into other power strips or extension cords.

  • Rated fire barriers, partitions, and walls are labeled and maintained with no unprotected openings or penetrations.

  • Flammable and/or combustible liquids are properly stored in UL listed flammable storage cabinets. 

  • General housekeeping and required aisle widths maintained.

  • Any other obvious potential fire and life safety hazards for occupants or firefighters.

The focus of the 80% Construction Inspection is ceiling cover-up and drop ceilings (everything above the ceiling will be inspected). All completed work shall comply with the approved plan. The approved, stamped plans along with all comment sheets must be on-site at all times during the construction process.

Checklist items for this phase:

• Fire rated barriers, partitions, and walls shall have no unprotected openings or penetrations.

• Fire-rated ceiling/floor systems shall have no unprotected openings or penetrations. 

• All ceiling grid should be in place.

• All electrical junction boxes above the ceiling should be closed with approved cover plates.

• All light fixtures should be tied at corners.

• All fire and/or smoke dampers should be in place with access to inspection panels.

• Sprinkler piping and head placement/spacing should match the submitted and approved fire sprinkler plans.

During the 100% construction inspection, all construction work should be completed and must comply with the approved plan. The approved, stamped plans along with all comment sheets must be on-site at all times during the construction process. The construction process will not be considered "Finished" until the 100% construction inspection is passed. 

Checklist items for this phase:

• Address numbers shall be posted on the front of the building in numbers large enough to be clearly visible from the street. These numbers shall be a minimum size of four-inch numbers on a door or six-inch numbers on a building and in a color contrasting to the background on which they are attached. If the occupancy is in a multi-tenant building, the address should also be posted on all other exterior doors to the occupancy.

• Electrical service panel shall be clear and free of any obstructions. The electrical panel should also be labeled or a card indicating what each breaker controls should be inside the panel.

• Exit signs and emergency lighting in place and operational on 110V and battery back-up.

• Portable fire extinguishers present where specified per the Authority Having Jurisdiction and tagged by third-party inspection company licensed in GA. 

• Door hardware of correct type as specified in plans installed and operational.

• Cover plates on all electrical outlets, switches, and junction boxes.

• Fire Lane signage and striping in place as required.

• FDC signage in place.

• Acceptance testing of fire protection systems

  • Fire Sprinkler Systems

  • Fire Alarm Systems

  • Ventilation Hood Exhaust and Suppression Systems

  • Paint Booths

During the 100% Occupancy Inspection, also referred to as the "Final Inspection", all work should be completed and must comply with the approved plan. There is no need for the approved, stamped plans and comment sheets to be on-site for this inspection unless there are issues from the 100% construction that was already conducted. 

Checklist items for this phase:

• Address numbers shall be posted on the front of the building in numbers large enough to be clearly visible from the street. These numbers shall be a minimum size of four-inch numbers on a door or six-inch numbers on a building and in a color contrasting to the background on which they are attached. If the occupancy is in a multi-tenant building, the address should also be posted on all other exterior doors to the occupancy.

• Floor plan meets the requirements for the approved means of egress.

• All required, marked exits clear and accessible.

• Exit doors and appropriate hardware installed and operational.

• Electrical service panels shall be clear and free of any obstructions.

• Exit signs and emergency lighting in place and operational on 110V battery back-up.

• Portable fire extinguishers present where specified by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, tagged by third-party inspection company licensed in GA, and the extinguishers are clearly visible and not obstructed.

• Fire Sprinkler systems tagged in service by third-party inspection company licensed in GA.

• Completed Fire Alarm System Inspection & Testing Form in document cabinet.

• Ventilation Hood Extinguishing System tagged in service by third-party inspection company licensed in GA.

• KnoxBox key box is installed in proper location and height. All keys and codes provided to be placed in key box.

• Proper use of extension cords, relocatable power taps (power strips).

Commercial hood and suppression systems are inspected by an inspector from the Fire Marshal's Office to ensure that it has been installed in accordance with approved plans and is functioning properly. 

The following is a list of items that will be commercial hood plans:

General Requirements

• The rooftop exhaust is at least 10' from property lines , discharges are at least 40" above the roof, and the fan housing outlet is at least 5' horizontally from any combustible structure. 

• Elevations of the building exterior have been provided when there is exterior ductwork. 

• The protection around the duct (or clearance) continues up through the roof assembly to 18" above the roofing material. 

• Wall exhaust termination is at least 10' from the outlet to adjacent buildings, property lines, grade level, combustible construction, electrical equipment or lines, and with the closest point of any air intake or operable door or window at or below the plane of the exhaust termination.

• The exhaust is at least 10' from any air intake.

• Exhaust ducts are steel-welded, liquid-tight and the ducts and their supports are minimum of 16-gauge carbon steel or minimum 18-gauge stainless steel.

• Internal welding in exhaust ducts shall be formed or ground smooth and readily accessible for inspection. Internal flanges shall not be permitted.

• Exterior portions of ductwork and supports are non-corrosive stainless steel/painted/weather-protection coating.

• All ducts lead, as directly as practical, to the exterior of the building and horizontal ducts are substantially pitched back to the hood to drain and collect the grease. 

• Hood ducts are not combined with any other building ventilation or exhaust system.

• Ducts for a solid fuel appliance hood are not combined with ducts for gas or other types of fuel.

• Based on construction, the fire code requires minimum clearances from ductwork and associated equipment where there is no shaft.

• IFC compliant wall from the floor to the hood is provided.

• IFC required minimum clearance between the shaft and the duct.

• When the clearance between the heat source and grease removal device is less than 18", protection such as a steel baffle plate will be provided in conformance with IFC.

• Separation is provided between deep fat fryers and the surface flames from adjacent equipment as indicated in IFC.

• Exhaust canopy shall be UL listed. If the canopy is not listed, provide proper documentation for determining compliance with IFC requirements.

• Provide exhaust information as IFC required.

• Provide make-up air supply information as IFC required.

• The Fire Marshal's Office will do a light test before the extinguishing system is installed. Call for inspection.

• A fusible link or heat detector shall be provided above each cooking appliance or group of appliances protected by a single nozzle.

• Automatic detection and system actuation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's listed installation and maintenance manual. Indicate specific temperature rating of the fusible link or heat detector utilized.

• At least one manual actuator (pull station) shall be located between 42" and 48" above the finished floor. The actuating device shall be a minimum of 10' and a maximum of 20'. from the kitchen exhaust system and be convenient and easily accessible at all times, including the time of fire. 

• An automatic means shall be provided to ensure the shutoff of all fuel and power sources to the protected appliances located under ventilating equipment protected by the extinguishing system, upon system actuation.

• An alarm or indicator shall be provided to show that the system has operated and that the system is in need of a recharge. If a fire alarm system is provided for the building, the extinguishing system shall be connected in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code to the building system. The actuation of the extinguishing system will sound the fire alarm as well as provide the function of the extinguishing system.

• Multiple systems protecting back-to-back or adjacent non-separated hoods shall be installed to endure the simultaneous operation of all systems protecting the hoods. Automatic protection shall be provided for all portions of a common exhaust duct.

• A Class K extinguisher shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 10. The portable fire extinguisher shall be compatible with the extinguishing agent utilized for the system. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed within 5' of each means of manual activation for the exhaust hood fire suppression system. A sign shall be affixed to the wall above the Class K  fire extinguisher to say "In Case of Appliance Fire, Use This Extinguisher After Fixed Suppression System Has Been Activated".

• The Fire Marshal's Office will do a test on the extinguishing system after it is installed. Call for inspection.

Sprinkler System Inspections are performed by inspectors from the Fire Marshal's office to verify that the installation of the system is in compliance with all applicable codes and is done in accordance with the approved plans. The State of Georgia requires that installations and modifications of sprinkler systems be performed or supervised by the Certificate of Competency Holder. Please ensure that a Sprinkler Supervision Certificate Form is filled out and is available on site.

The following is a list of items that are checked during sprinkler system inspections:

Site Plans for Reference

• Copy of a Water Flow Test scanned and on plans. Water Flow Test must be completed within 6 months of submittal.

• Indication of flow hydrants and test hydrants, pipe length, pipe type, pipe size, fittings, backflow devices, PIV, FDC, and corresponding hydraulic nodes on underground piping and devices. Note: It is understood the sprinkler contractor is typically not the underground contractor. However, the information above is required for review of the sprinkler system.

• Indicate Elevation of Base of Riser pad and test hydrant (residual hydrant). Note: please contact FMO if evaluation information is not available from the water authority.

• Underground pipe installation must comply with the manufacturer's specification for installing and burying pipe.

General Requirements

• Building construction type

• Obstructed ceiling type construction

• Unobstructed ceiling type construction

• Indicate the number of sprinklers per riser, type of sprinkler head, and spacing on plans (see NFPA 13 spacing requirements)

• Temperature rating of sprinkler heads

• Half spacing to walls or obstructions

• Indicate room use

• Riser details and/or standpipe details

• Hanger and trapeze details

• Minimum and maximum spacing requirements

• Locate any potential sprinkler discharge obstructions

• High-pressure rod required for 100 psi static or greater pressures (Hangers to be 12" from the end)

Riser

• Proper underground installations

• Provide clearance around all sides of the riser

• Indicate all gauges are mounted no higher than 6ft

• Main drain

• Required signage indicated

• Indication of tampers and flows on all valves

Piping

• Clearly indicate sizing of pipes on plans

• Indicate pipe type

• Hydrostatic test performed and completion of both Aboveground Test Certificate and Underground Test Certificate

Hangers/Supports/Bracing

• Hangers 3 inches from the centerline of upright heads

• EOL supported 1 inch = 36 inch, 1 1/4 inch = 48 inch, 1 1/2 inch and larger = 60 inch

• Armovers = 24 inches or 12 inches for 100 psi with rod down

• Support top of the riser

Sprinklers

• Provide a reflected ceiling plan for head placement

• Indicate the distance from the ceiling to the sprinkler head

• Indicate on plans when using the small room rule on plans

Dry Pipe

• Indicate the pitch of pipe per code

• Indicate if refrigerated areas need dry pendants with plug and drain

• Provide detail on dry pendant heads with the sealing of roof details

• Indicate dry pipe air setting pressure for both high and low air

Wet Pipe

• Indicate ball drip at the low point of FDC

Signage

• FDC and other fire protection equipment signed and/or labeled

• Label all riser rooms or fire equipment rooms

Fire Alarm Acceptance Testing is performed to ensure that the fire alarm has been installed in accordance with accepted fire alarm plans and is functioning properly. 

The criteria for the acceptance test are as follows:

• Submit a completed copy of NFPA 72 Record of Completion Form.

• The FACP documentation box has county-approved plans and as-built record drawings and documents.

• If the system is monitored verify that the dialer is functioning properly.

• Ensure system is online and not in test mode.

• Verify all components are in conditioned spaces.

• FACP, remote annunciator, and NAC expanders have a maximum height of 6' and are readily accessible.

• Verify carrier phone service.

• Verify proper phone jacks are installed (RJ 31x) and not installed inside the FACP.

• Verify proper phone number is labeled on each jack.

• Verify the FACP and all appliances are UL listed for the intended use.

• Verify monitoring company is UL listed and contact phone number is on the outside front cover of the panel.

• Prime contractor's contact phone number is to be on the outside front cover of the FACP.

• Label the a/c (alternating current) feed on the outside front cover of the FACP.

  • Panel: ______ Circuit Breaker #: ______

• Ensure a/c feed has an approved breaker lockout.

• Ensure a/c circuit breaker is labeled in red.

• Verify smoke detector protection is within 15' of the FACP and any remote power supplies.

• FACP is in normal condition.

• All panel indicator lamps are functioning properly. (Audible and visual for troubles and supervisory functions)

• Remote annunciators, if provided, are to be within 15' of the fire department access and interfaced with FACP. Maximum height of 60".

• Verify that disconnection of both telco lines sends a trouble signal to FACP or dialer within 4 minutes. The audible and visual signals are required at the FACP.

• Batteries are to be dated.

• Reconnect batteries and then turn off 120vac. Batteries should measure approximately 13v and differ no more than 0.4v.

• Assure a trouble signal for a/c loss is received at the FACP within 200 seconds.

• While on battery power, initiate the alarm. Batteries should remain at 12v each, but slowly dropping. 

• Verify the NAC circuit EOL voltage drop is no less than 3v. (This will verify that the batteries are not overloaded).

• EOL on all circuits to be labeled at all devices (initiating and notification).

• Label all devices with address or circuit number.

• Reconnect a/c power and have a ground fault initiated on any appliance circuit. The FACP shall receive a trouble alarm in 200 seconds. (Also test any a/c panels for ground fault verification)

• Verify that the wire type and the gauge was followed. (Compare the wire in FACP and EOL to approved plans)

• All wiring has markers where they connect in the FACP and terminal.

• There shall be no splices in the system other than at terminal blocks and in junction boxes. Wire nuts and butt splices are not permitted.