Comments on: Does This Meet Code 11

By: Halon

Halon — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:00:21 +0000

Store voluntarily closed until the storage room was cleared. While we were on site, another delivery semi truck drove up to the backdoor. After a conversation with corporate, they decided to divert the delivery to another store. Yep, we figured out which store. Beat the truck there and surveyed the store. Stockroom had to be cleaned up before they could unload!

By: Brad Howard, CET

Brad Howard, CET — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:33:52 +0000

This is an easy one. This mess is blocking an egress path and is a stock-piled combustible fire hazard. This poses an immediate danger to the occupants per OFC 109.1.2, 304.1 and ORC 3737.41 for immediate remedial action.

By: Tommy G.

Tommy G. — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:23:39 +0000

I don’t see any sprinklers, which makes this even more scary…

By: Norm

Norm — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:18:33 +0000

After they correct the issue, have them to mark the floor with tape or paint for a dedicate aisleway. I have found this to help in several situations very similar to this one-good reminder of what has to be clear at all times.

By: Syndi Bautista

Syndi Bautista — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:30 +0000

VIOLATION_NOTICE

Of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2003 Edition Sections 37.2.5.4 and 37.2.5.5, for failing to maintain aisles leading to each exit with a minimum width of not less than the required width of the exit at (location). Inclusively, NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code 2003 Edition Section 10.8.1, for rendering the fixed fire-extinguishing system inoperable or inaccessible.

Violation Issued to: (names) Store Manager
Assistant Manager
District Manager

Company Name:
Address:

Phone:

You are hereby ordered to clear and maintain the aisles to each exit and remove all articles hanging from the sprinkler pipes within 24 hours of this order.

Failure to comply with this order may result criminal prosecution in the State of New Hampshire Nashua District Court by the City of Nashua Fire Marshal’s Office. Penalties may result with misdemeanor charges against a corporation or a violation if a natural person. Penalties of up to $2000.00 dollars per day that the violations exist could result from enforcement of City Fire Code in accordance with Nashua Revised Ordinances Section 8-2 and RSA 153:5.

Inspector/Investigator
Syndi Bautista

FYI: Further action did result in $5000 fine.

By: Lou H

Lou H — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:09:02 +0000

Just tell the manager the store is closed until the stockroom is cleaned due to unsafe conditions. It hits them in the pocket book right then.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:45:07 +0000

I would immediately issue a citation and give them time to clean up before my 5 pm end of work time. The citation would include a $250.00 fine and increases each time I have to issue a citation for the same issue after the time line has passed. $$$$ usually get them to comply.

By: Wayne Morris

Wayne Morris — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:03:53 +0000

This is the reason we have a secure job…The back storage of every (or most)grocery, discount and doller store at one time or another is like this. As Doug says, the next day a new shipment will arrive, and the mess starts all over again. I try to explain to the store managers (as the notice of violation is written) that if the required exit path’s are obstructed, that it may prevent someone from escaping, and it may be them, because the public is usually not in this location, but may need the back exit, and in this case, they will all pile up on top of him because panic will set in and the pushing will begin!!!

By: Daniel O.

Daniel O. — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:37:21 +0000

There are a couple issues here that need to be addressed. One is a life safety issue where obviously the means of egress is severely obstructed. The other is the potential fire hazard from poor housekeeping and improper ordinary combustible storage. There also appears to be some improper storage of commondites at the rear that seem to reach the ceiling. I believe 24-inch clearance from the ceiling in unsprinklered facilities remains as a requirement.

As a township fire inspector my priority is life safety and I would inform the mercantile’s management to clear a path in order to maintain the integrity of the means of egress and to do so in my presence. I would not leave until they at lease make the rear exits accessible. The next project obviously is the orderly storage of materials and proper disposal of the unwanted cardboard boxes. These two actions are a priority and should be an order, not a recommewndation.

By: Brian Dove

Brian Dove — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:16:45 +0000

This would be cited under Section 304.1 of the International Fire Code – 2003 Edition, to begin with under combustible waste accumulations. I would add Section 304.3 which requires by inference that combustible rubbish and waste material must be stored in a container.

Then I would hop over to Section 315.1 and notify them they need a permit to store combustible material. Then skip on down to 315.2 for the “orderly” issues and then on to 315.2.1 for storage within 2 feet of the ceiling and then I would put the icing on the cake with Section 315.2.3 which prohibits storage in bolier rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical equipment rooms. Notice the HVAC equipment in the rear.

I do like Brian Batten’s solution to this and used it once to great effect. Notifying the next echelon of corporate responsbility brings certain liabilities into focus for that individual that they would rather force down to the lower echelon. I t does not necessarily endear you to the local representative, but my guess is you really are not loosing a best friend in the situation. I would hesitate to use this unless the local folks clearly showed a lack of interest or ability in resolving the problem.