When it comes to beginning a business, there are several phases involved. One phase usually includes the flow of creative ideas and brainstorming exciting future plans. The other phase is just slightly less exciting and involves the logistics of budgeting, organizing, and addressing legal issues. A well-rounded and successful business needs to address all of these phases, even if some are more tedious than others. One legal (and practical) issue to address is fire safety- and even more specifically - flameproofing. Flameproofing involves the FDNY requirement that a business has decorative items at their location treated with flame repellents so that they do not support combustion or contribute to the spread of fire. If this requirement is not taken seriously, there could be some serious legal ramifications for business owners.
First, if a business is up and running and flameproofing has not occurred, a fire inspector from the FDNY will issue a fire code violation. If a business owner receives one of these violations, he will need to hire a flameproofing company, one that holds a valid C-15 Certificate of Fitness, to come and properly flameproof the items on the property so the violation can be resolved. Fortunately, this is not a difficult task to accomplish, and this violation can be settled fairly quickly and easily. Usually, in just 24 hours, the infringement can be rectified. However, if it's not taken care of, the FDNY can shut a business down until it is solved.
To make sure that a business owner has fixed the issues, a fire inspector from the FDNY will come at an appointed time to do a thorough inspection. He will be looking to make sure the business property is up to code for all fire safety requirements. Additionally, he will inspect the objects that require the treatment of fire retardants - such as curtains, drapes, fabrics, wood, and other decorative objects. He will want to know that they have either been treated with fire retardants or that they are inherently flame resistant. The inspector will also be looking for a flameproofing affidavit as proof that the proper treatments of fire retardants have occurred. Obviously, our goal is to pass inspection on the first go-around, so no valuable business time is lost.
Once the business establishment has had required items soaked or coated with flame repellents and has received the proper affidavit, the business owner must file this document with the Bureau of Fire Prevention. He also must keep another copy on site, accessible for any fire inspector. The affidavit is valid for one year.
As a business owner, the buck stops with you when it comes to any legal issues. Therefore, it's so important to have a head's up on the legal requirements of all aspects of business, including fire safety and flameproofing. It's so much easier to be compliance with FDNY mandates from the start rather than have to deal with a violation down the road and the ensuing legal issues that can unfold as a result.
Fire safety isn't something that is usually on the front burners, and honestly, that typically means that fire safety protections are in place and doing their jobs. That's a good thing! However, in order for those systems to work, these precautions must be implemented first.
At Bronx Flameproofing, we take fire protection very seriously and are committed to keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe. We know the important role flameproofing plays in the fire safety process, and we take great pride in providing quality and affordable service to all of our Bronx patrons. We have been serving the Metro NYC area for over 60 years, and we consider it a privilege to lend our expertise to the cause of keeping the Bronx safe from fire.
If you have questions about the legal issues that arise from flameproofing or are in need of assistance in resolving a violation, please call us today. We can treat your facility in a timely manner and provide you with the flameproofing affidavit you need to satisfy FDNY mandates. Call us today so we can discuss your needs and determine how best to serve your business: 800-594-0117.