If you’re building or remodeling a commercial business or residential property in Colorado, one of your many obligations is ensuring compliance with local fire code. At minimum, you must install a fire extinguisher and compliant smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Depending on the size of your building, your industry, and the flammable, combustible, and hazardous materials you utilize, you may require a fire suppression system, sprinklers, and other tools. You must also know when to dispatch fire watch.
Colorado is compliant with International Fire Code (IFC), but each city can implement standards above and beyond IFC. Your safety system may also be subject to OSHA and insurance requirements. When your water or suppression system is down, on-site repairs require hot work, or fire risk is high you must assign or dispatch fire monitors.
The suggestions below are general requirements. The engineer designing or builder remodeling your property will advise on what you need for compliance. Proof of planned compliance is required before your building permit is issued.
Smoke and CO2 Detectors
The standards for commercial and residential building smoke and CO2 detectors vary. The larger the property, the more detectors.
- Commercial: Office buildings, retailers, and general commercial buildings must install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in hallways, stairwells, storage areas, bathrooms, and strategically throughout the building.
- Residential: Residential properties, even single-home units, must install detectors in each sleeping area, or the adjoining bathroom, and at least 1 smoke alarm per floor.
- Industry-Specific: Hospitals, educational institutions, warehouses, shipyards, and other industries have industry-specific requirements. For example, schools must have an emergency voice alarm/communication system to verbally instruct students and staff.
Fire Extinguishers
For businesses with light fire risk, Class A fire extinguishers must be placed no more than 75 feet from all employees. Placement varies depending on layout and area-specific fire risk.
General placement guidelines are as follows:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles 75 feet
- Class B: Flammable liquids and gas 50 feet
- Class C: Electrical equipment 50 to 75 feet
- Class D: Combustible metals 75 feet
- Class K: Cooking oils and grease 30 feet
Read More:
- When to Hire Fire Watch Services For Your Colorado Property
- What Does a Fire Watch Do When Your Water is Shut Off
- Fire Watch Duties vs. Security Guard Duties
- 5 Ways a Certified Fire Watcher Saves You Money
- Securing Fire Protection Services During Hot Work
Fire Alarm Systems and Fire Suppression Systems
Fire alarm systems detect, alert, and dispatch the fire department, and fire suppression systems detect, alert, dispatch, and suppress. This includes systems with emergency lighting and exit signs. In the Denver area, new commercial construction over 5,000 square feet, and commercial remodeling projects and renovations that expand to 5,000 or more, require sprinklers.
What type of system you require depends on:
- Occupancy type
- Occupancy load
- Square footage
- Building height
- Occupancy hazard
Fire Safety Tools and Accessories
The tools below aren’t mandatory for all businesses, but consider which options are the best for a proactive approach. Don’t just invest in these tools and accessories, ensure your team knows what they are, where they are, and how to use them.
- Fire Curtains: Fire curtains are a proactive measure that helps prevent smoke, sparks, and fire from spreading throughout theaters, auditoriums, and other large spaces.
- Fire Blankets: Fire blankets smother flames when thrown on top, providing a fast way to respond to small fires.
- Axe or Sledgehammer: Axes and sledgehammers break down doors or break through walls.
- Fire Hydrant and Hose: Ultra-high-risk properties may install a private fire hydrant and fire hose to accelerate response.
What to Do When Your Fire Suppression System Is Down in Denver?
If your water is out, power is out, or your fire alarm or suppression system is down, you’ll need to dispatch fire watch. This isn’t only for compliance, but to protect your employees, tenants, guests, building, inventory, and business.
Scout Security dispatches our certified fire guards for pre-scheduled fire monitoring or 24/7 emergency fire monitoring in The Springs and the Denver Metro Area. We’re also available for hot work, special events, and daily or as-needed fire monitoring.
