Compliance Without the Headache

1. Regulatory Fines

 

• OSHA (U.S.): Occupational Safety and Health Administration can issue citations and fines for violations of fire safety standards under 29 CFR 1910.157.

   

  • Example: Not performing annual inspections, not keeping maintenance records, or having expired equipment.

  • Fines can reach thousands of dollars per violation, especially if deemed willful or repeat.

• Local Fire Marshal/Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ):

   

  • May conduct inspections and issue fines, citations, or even stop-work orders for noncompliance.

  • Penalties vary by state and city.

 

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2. Business Shutdown or Suspension

 

• Serious violations may result in temporary closure until compliance is achieved.

• Some municipalities may revoke occupancy permits or delay renewals if extinguishers or other fire equipment are out of date.

 

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3. Increased Legal Liability

 

• If a fire occurs and extinguishers are expired, civil lawsuits could follow for negligence or wrongful death/injury.

• Could invalidate legal defenses, especially if someone was injured or killed and the business failed to follow basic fire safety procedures.

 

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4. Insurance Consequences

 

• Claim denial: Insurers may deny claims if an expired or missing extinguisher contributed to the damage or loss.

• Premium increases or policy cancellation if the insurer finds systemic fire safety noncompliance during audits.

 

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5. Reputation and Operational Risk

 

• Customers, tenants, or employees may lose trust if a business is seen as careless about safety.

• For leased spaces, property managers may terminate leases if tenants violate fire safety codes.

 

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Minimum Requirements 

 

• Monthly visual inspections

• Annual maintenance by a licensed technician

• 6-year internal maintenance for certain types

• 12-year hydrostatic testing (for most dry chemical extinguishers)