Fire Safety

If you are in a community that has adopted a fire code or your licensed facility requires compliance with fire safety rules, then equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, standpipes, etc. are typically required to be serviced on an annual basis. Other systems may require inspections at different times throughout the year. Fire protection and extinguishing systems can only be installed and serviced by companies qualified to do so.

Missouri does not have a statewide fire code, but Missouri does have state regulations affecting most licensed day cares nursing home facilities and other state licensed facilities. Always contact your local jurisdiction for any applicable adopted codes.

Not unless the material used has a fire resistive rating or has been treated with a fire resistive material. Rapid flame spread occurs when combustible material is hung from the ceiling and burning debris can fall onto occupants.

Upon completion of the permitting process, the Division of Fire Safety issues each ride an adhesive operating permit that is to be placed on or near the rides control panel or operator's station.

The Division of Fire Safety recommends the battery in smoke detectors be changed twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. At a minimum, smoke detector batteries should be replaced annually. Detectors should also be checked monthly to be sure the audible alarm is operating properly.

No, these attractions are not required to obtain a state-operating permit due to the absence of mechanical moving parts, although inflatable dry slides over 20 feet in height shall have an annual inspection and obtain a state operating permit.

Amusement ride safety inspections must be conducted by an inspector approved by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety. To be an approved inspector, an individual must be certified by the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) or meet minimum criteria as outlined in the State of Missouri Promulgated Rules

The division maintains an up-to-date list of those individuals who meet the status of a qualified inspector. Simply contact the division to obtain the list or inquire about a specific individual.

No, these attractions are exempt; however, water rides with mechanical moving parts are required to obtain state operating permits.

An amusement ride safety inspection is to be conducted based upon nationally recognized inspection standards and the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines.

All climbing walls over 10 feet in height are required to pass and annual safety inspection and have a state operating permit. Climbing walls less than 10 feet in height are exempt from the inspection and permitting process.

The purpose of the act is to protect property and ensure the safety of those who work with and come in contact with boilers and pressure vessels.

The Division of Fire Safety recommends you keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home, preferably one extinguisher per level. A fire extinguisher should be placed in your kitchen near cooking appliances in case of emergencies. An extinguisher should also be available in the garage area or where mechanical rooms (furnace, water heater, electrical panel) are located.

Yes, access to a facility during a reasonable hour is required for the following inspections: to determine if a boiler or pressure vessel is required to comply with the act/law; to conduct an external inspection without prior notification being given; to conduct an internal inspection during a mutually agreed time prior to the expiration of a state operating certificate; and to conduct an investigation of an accident or alleged violation(s).

Yes, in general, if the boiler or pressure vessel was installed before Nov. 12, 1986, and the object complies with a safety inspection, it may be grandfathered from such construction codes.

Yes, all boilers and pressure vessels that fall under the state jurisdiction laws/rules must be code constructed and National Board registered. The Missouri Boiler & Pressure Vessel Board may grant a variance to this requirement during one of its quarterly meetings in Jefferson City.

Yes, to obtain the state-operating certificate, the fee is $20 for each object. If the inspection is conducted by a Division of Fire Safety Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspector an additional fee is charged based on the size and type of the object inspected ($16 for pressure vessels; $18 for water heaters; and $25 to $45 for boilers).

No. Typically, insurance providers for boilers and pressure vessels have individuals on staff that have been approved and commissioned by the state to conduct required safety inspections.

Yes, operating a boiler or pressure vessel in the state without a valid state inspection certificate is a Class A misdemeanor as specified by the act/law.

Yes, all objects in day care locations regulated by the Department of Health or other state agencies must comply with the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Act.