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1. Is there a fee for reviewing plans for alarm or sprinkler systems?

Yes, a commercial building permit is required for the review of plans for fire alarm and sprinkler systems. The fee also includes any necessary inspections that would be required to ensure the systems are installed and working properly.

2. Can I speak with a Fire Life Safety Inspector about my building project?

Of course, please call our office at  406-758-7730 to make arrangements to meet in our office or on site.

3. What can a business do to improve fire safety in their workplace?

First line supervisors should conduct work site surveys of their area on a regular basis, at least quarterly. These surveys should include observations of worksite safety and housekeeping issues and should specifically address:

• Proper storage of chemicals and supplies
• Monitoring of electrical equipment, extension cords
• Availability and condition of fire safety equipment
• Unobstructed access to fire extinguishers
• Emergency evacuation routes

Also, they should ensure that an emergency evacuation plan is present in work areas and that personnel are familiar with the plan. Emergency egress should be kept clear and every exit clearly marked or the route to it conspicuously identified in such a manner that occupants of the building will readily know the direction of escape from any point.

For businesses with occupancy loads of 50 or greater the main building exit and main pathways to exits are to be marked by illuminated exit signs. Each exit sign (other than internally illuminated signs) are to be illuminated by a reliable light.

4. What is a “proper fire extinguisher”? Are there different kinds of extinguishers for different kinds of fires?

The universal standard extinguisher (good on most small fires you might encounter) for the last 10 to 20 years is the “ABC”, or multi-purpose extinguisher. It can be used on a Class A, B, or C fire.

• Class A is ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, etc.
• Class B means flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, kerosene, etc.
• Class C refers to the presence of energized electrical circuits (e.g. an electric motor, electrical wiring, etc.)

However, there are several other kinds of extinguishers available which are only effective when used on the kind of fire for which they were intended. These include:

• Pressurized water - Class A only
• Carbon dioxide - Class B and C only
• “B-C” Dry chemical - Class B and C only
• “K” for cooking and kitchen areas
• “D” dry chemical - for self-spontaneous igniting/burning fires; usually these involve combustible metals such as magnesium, zirconium, potassium, and sodium

5. What is a charged extinguisher? How often do extinguishers need to be inspected, tested or serviced?

Extinguishers, fire hoses and other fire safety equipment (alarms, exit signs, emergency lights) need to be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are in working condition.

Typically a quick visual check is to be done at least monthly by an employee or the monitor in the area. Under law, extinguishers and hoses must be checked and documented at least once a year by a qualified inspector. They also must have a sign-off tag (or other documentation) to verify that they have been inspected.

Extinguishers must be recharged anytime that they have been used, if the pin has been pulled (seal broken), or the gauge is not in the proper pressure area. Even if an extinguisher was only used a small amount it must be serviced as the used powder clogs the valve and prevents reuse.

6. What types of smoke detectors are there?

There are two basic types of smoke detectors: Ionization and photo-electric. Both are effective at detecting fire, yet each has a unique detecting system. Each type of detector comes as AC-operated smoke detectors or battery-powered smoke detectors. Some AC detectors come with a battery back-up system.  Photoelectric detectors should not be installed within 10 feet of a cooking appliance.

Since there are many variables in the mounting of smoke detectors please call the Kalispell Building Department for additional information.

7. Are Carbon Monoxide Detectors required?

Yes. Carbon Monoxide Detectors are required in all residences with attached garages and / or gas appliances. Montana state law requires that all residential rental properties have at least one carbon monoxide detector regardless of when the structure was built.