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Fire Code

The 2015 International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council, Inc., as amended, revised, and/or reprinted from time to time, is adopted as the Fire Code of Lower Providence Township. The Fire Code contains regulations to safeguard life and property from fires and explosion hazards. Topics include general precautions, emergency planning and preparedness, fire department access and water supplies, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, special hazards, and the storage and use of hazardous materials. Public access to the Fire Code be found here: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2015.

Fire and Life Safety Inspections

One of the primary duties of the Fire Marshal is performing fire safety inspections in commercial, industrial, institutional, and business properties and multi-occupancy locations such as apartment buildings. These places are inspected periodically to ensure compliance with the Township's fire and safety codes and ordinances. During these inspections, owners and occupants are also encouraged to develop implement emergency plans in the event that they are involved in any type of disaster or emergency.

We believe that working together, fire and life safety inspections can greatly reduce the impact of fire on your business. Below is a list of preventative measures that can help you prepare for your business inspection. This list is not all inclusive.

On the Inside:
  • Keep hallways, corridors and aisles clear of storage and clutter. No storage is permitted on stairways.
  • Keep exit doors clear and free of clutter. Exit signs must be illuminated.
  • Test emergency lighting and exit signs monthly.
  • Keep all storage 24 inches from the ceilings (18 inches below fire sprinkler equipped areas).
  • Do not store combustibles within 36 inches of a heat producing appliance (i.e. water heater).
  • Store flammable and combustible liquids in proper storage containers and cabinets.
  • Hazardous materials must be stored with other compatible materials. If you’re not sure which materials are compatible, please ask.
  • Do not store items in the Riser Room, Fire Alarm Control Panel Room, Mechanical or Electrical Room.
  • Electrical panels require a clear space of 36 inches directly in front of the panel. This allows personnel to quickly be able to access circuit breakers.
  • Remember, appliances (refrigerator, space heater, coffee pot, etc.) must plug directly into a wall receptacle.
  • Do not use electrical extension cords for permanent operations. A store-bought surge protector can be used for minor electrical equipment. Sure protectors cannot be linked together.
Fire Alarms and Fire Protection Systems:
  • Portable fire extinguishers – Must be inspected annually to NFPA 10 standards. A tag showing this inspection must be affixed to each extinguisher.
  • Fire Alarms – Must be inspected/tested annually to NFPA 72 standards. A report showing compliance with these standards must be submitted to www.thecomplianceengine.com by the contractor, NOT the business owner.
  • Sprinkler Systems – Must be inspected/tested annually to NFPA 25 standards.  A report showing compliance with these standards must be submitted to www.thecomplianceengine.com by the contractor, NOT the business owner.
  • Commercial Cooking Hood Suppression Systems – Must be inspected/tested every six months to NFPA 17/17a/25/96 standards. A report showing compliance with these standards must be submitted to www.thecomplianceengine.com by the contractor, NOT the business owner.
  • Commercial Cooking Hood – Must be cleaned at least once every six months, if not more frequently. A report showing compliance with these standards must be submitted to www.thecomplianceengine.com by the contractor, NOT the business owner.
On the Outside:
  • Maintain clear and visible street numbers and suite numbers. At multi-business locations, the name of the business as well as the address must be on all exterior doors.
  • Keep a current set of keys stored in Knox Box. A Knox Box is a lockbox on the outside of the building and allows police and fire to gain access quickly and non-destructively to the building.
  • Fire department connections, fire hydrants, and sprinkler control valves must be easily identified and accessed. Keep 36 inches of clearance around all these items.
  • Ensure that fire lanes are clearly marked and signs posted.