FAQs

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Business & Workplace Fire Safety

1. Why does the Fire Department inspect my business?: The State of Wisconsin mandates in State Statute 101.14(2)(b) that the Fire Department conduct fire prevention inspections.

2. It seems like you're at my business all the time. How often do you inspect?: Wisconsin Administrative Code COMM 14.01(13)(b)(3) dictates that these inspections be performed twice a year.

3. Do I have to allow you access to my property?: Given that the code requirements are state mandated, a business owner is required by law to allow us access to his or her property to conduct these fire prevention inspections.

4. Why do I have to pay for inspection services?: The laws dictating inspection services are essentially unfunded mandates. As a result, the City of Waukesha Fire Department charges for these inspections as allowed by law to recover the cost of these inspections. It is not fair for homeowners to pay tax dollars to subsidize costs.

5. I had some violations on my last inspection report. How long do I have to take care of the violations?: How long you have to rectify a code violation depends on the code that is broken. We are allowed a certain amount of flexibility with some codes. Generally, most violations should be corrected within 30 days. Some violations require more immediate action. Your Fire Inspector will let you know if any such conditions exist.

6. Can I be fined if I do not comply with taking care of violations?: If there are serious hazards present in your facility, the Fire Inspector has the legal right (and obligation) to order your business closed until the problem is corrected. Given the number and type of violations present, the City of Waukesha Fire Department can issue citations of up to $500 per day, per violation, from the day on which the violation was first noted.

Keep in mind that these codes have been written not to be a burden to business owners. For every code that the Fire Department enforces, more than likely someone has had to die in order for the code to be written into law. By enforcing fire prevention and building codes, the City of Waukesha Fire Department can help ensure that our community is as safe as it possibly can be for our customers, friends and families.

7. How far apart do fire extinguishers have to be and what type do I need?: According to NFPA 10 which governs fire extinguishers as adopted by State Administrative Code) a 2A:20BC extinguisher must be within 75 feet of travel distance from any area (50 feet if there are flammable liquids present in the occupancy).

8. How often do fire extinguishers need to be serviced?: Once a year your extinguishers must be serviced by a certified fire extinguisher company. Check in the yellow pages for a company near you.