When it comes to starting a business, there are usually two sides: the fun side, with all of the planning, creativity, and ideas - and the logistical side, with all of the budgeting, systematizing, and safety issues. If a business is going to be one that actually succeeds, attention needs to be given to both sides of being in business. While safety is sometimes on the radar, fire safety might be closer to the edges.  The thought of flameproofing is somewhere on the perimeter, if there at all.  However, making sure a business is properly flameproofed is a requirement that has legal ramifications if not performed up to FDNY standards.

If flameproofing has not occurred or it has not been performed in a satisfactory manner, a fire code violation will be issued.  If that's the case, a flameproofing company that is a valid C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder is required to come in to help resolve the issue. The only way this violation can be fixed is for a flameproofing company to treat required items with flame repellent chemicals. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to deal with this violation, and it can be taken care of usually in about 24 hours. While this might seem like a minor violation, a business cannot be operational without having a valid flameproofing affidavit in its possession. Have a business location treated with fire retardants is the only way this document can be obtained.

So, in order for a business to be in line with the law and FDNY standards, it must have this affidavit filed with the Bureau of Fire Prevention as well as have another copy on site. This affidavit is good for 12 months. All business are required to have certain items and materials at their location treated with flame repellents. 

To ensure that a business is in compliance with the law, a fire inspector from the FDNY will set up an appointment to inspect a business property.  The inspector will make sure that all the fire safety codes are being abided by. He will inspect the building structure and construction, but he will also check certain objects like curtains, fabrics, wood, and other decorative items to see that they are either inherently flame resistant or have been treated with fire retardants. He will also want to see the flameproofing affidavit.  The goal is to pass the inspection the first time and have everything in accordance to fire safety standards ahead of time.

The business owner is the one who carries the weight of legal liability. Therefore, it's so important that he or she be in the know about the legal ramifications of flameproofing, what happens if he's found in violation, and how to fix it. While it might be fun to only think of the exciting parts of running a business, the very serious safety issues must be given careful attention as well. As a business owner, it's up to you to know the law and abide by it. 

Sometimes, fire safety is overlooked or understated because it seems like a fire is a rare thing these days. But that only proves how important fire safety and flameproofing are - these regulations and ordinances are doing their jobs in keeping our city safe. As a business owner, by knowing the law and complying with it, you also play an important role in keeping our communities safe from the threat of fire. You help add an extra covering of protection over our communities here in Queens.

If you have a flameproofing violation that needs resolving or if you are in need of a flameproofing company to come in and treat your facility, please call us today. It is our pleasure at Queens Flameproofing to do our part in keeping Queens safe from fire. Please call today for a free, no-obligation estimate and discuss how we can serve you: 800-972-5587.