Commercial business should use this information to keep their employees and patrons safe.

Select items from the list below to jump to the relevant information.

• Occupancy Load Calculations[[anchor link to relevant content below]]
• Commercial Life Safety Inspections[[anchor link to relevant content below]]
• Post-Emergency Property Protection Program[[anchor link to relevant content below]]
• Fire Protection Systems Confidence Testing[[anchor link to relevant content below]]
• Records[[anchor link to relevant content below]]

Occupancy Load Calculations

The International Fire Code and the International Building Code determine occupancy loads. The process to calculate occupancy loads is unique for each commercial space. Work with your building owner and/or a design professional to determine your occupancy load.

Some considerations beyond square footage that can limit your occupancy load include:

1. Fixed seating vs. non-fixed seating
2. Fixed seating actual measurements
3. Non-fixed seating vs. un-concentrated seating vs. standing only areas
4. The total occupancy and/or fire area square footage
5. A fixed fire alarm and sprinkler system that is tested each year and recorded with the Fire Marshal’s Office
6. Egress pathways sizes
7. Exit numbers and sizes
8. Bathroom counts

Please note: Online occupancy load calculations can only provide generic occupancy load numbers. Ask your design professional and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to check them for accuracy.

Commercial Life Safety Inspections

Learn more about the inspection programs below:

Inspection Program

The Commercial Inspection Program exists to reduce fire and injury by eliminating known hazards. The prevention division is comprised of certified Fire Inspectors who survey business sites for any building deficiencies or other hazards to life or property. The basis for any corrective actions is determined by the International Fire Code.

Inspection Frequency

A business' inspection schedule depends on its occupancy group and risk factors. The main purpose of an inspection is to identify any potential hazard to life and property, but also allows for businesses to learn the causes of fire and how to reduce the likelihood of future fire incidents. The effectiveness of this program is dependent on the ability of the inspectors to educate building owners, business owners, and occupants on the needed corrections and the reasons for them. For more information, please call 509-942-7703 and ask to speak with a member of the Fire Marshal's office.

Post-Emergency Property Protection Program (P4)

Richland Fire & Emergency Services maintains a list of pre-qualified contractors who can secure buildings and/or property after an emergency incident. Here is a list from the Post-Emergency Property Protection Program (P4):

• 1-800-BoardUp: 1-800-262-7387
• Quality Restoration Solutions: 509-492-7765
• Northwest Restoration: 509-946-9766
• First Choice Restoration: 509-734-7737

If your company would like to be a part of this program, please call 509-942-7703.

Fire Protection Systems Confidence Testing

Read more about testing and reporting your business' life safety protection system.

Testing Requirements

The International Fire Code outlines the testing requirements for the systems below. Property owners must test fire protection systems, fix any problems, and report the test results. Tegris Fire Inc. may send automatic courtesy notifications when systems are due for testing.

Records

After a system is tested, the testing contractor will submit the results to RF&ES using the Tegris Fire Inc. online reporting system. Any issues must be reported and may need correction before the system can be approved by the fire department.

See our standard for Fixed-Fire Protection Equipment Testing.

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