Inspections

The Coquitlam Fire/Rescue Department conducts inspections of all buildings other than private residences. These inspections are conducted for two reasons:

  • The Fire/Rescue Department is mandated under the Fire Services Act to provide a system of fire inspections. These inspections are conducted with a frequency that is determined by the resources available and the hazard or threat to life safety in each occupancy.
  • The inspections also provide a means in which Fire/Rescue personnel are able to familiarize themselves with the various buildings and occupancies. This knowledge will assist fire fighters with specifics when responding to an incident.

Please visit the The Office of the Fire Commissioner, the senior fire authority in the province with respect to fire safety and prevention.

Common Fire Code Inspectable Items for All Buildings

The following is a list of items that are most commonly checked during annual fire inspections:

  • Automatic sprinkler systems
  • Commercial kitchen exhaust hood systems
  • Emergency lights
  • Exiting including: signs, doors and means of egress
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Fire department connections (for sprinkler systems) and fire hydrants
  • Fire doors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire safety plans
  • Indoor and outdoor storage
  • Laundry rooms
  • Spray booths
  • Storage of flammable or combustible liquids
  • Underground storage tanks

Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (ASTTBC)

Fire Protection Technicians Network (FPTN)

All technicians performing inspections, testing or maintenance of fire safety equipment or systems within Coquitlam must be certified under the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Act of BC, or certified and in good standing with the Fire Protection Technicians Network (FPTN) .

Fire protection equipment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Fire alarm systems
  • Automatic sprinkler systems
  • Special extinguishing systems
  • Portable fire extinguishers
  • Water supply systems for fire protection
  • Standpipe and hose systems
  • Fixed pipe fire protection systems in commercial
  • Kitchen exhaust systems
  • Smoke control measures
  • Emergency power installations
  • Emergency lighting systems

Fire protection technicians inspecting and servicing equipment can only perform in the discipline in which they are certified and must affix the proper tags to equipment and devices, as required by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) and the BC Fire Code.