Fire Safety

Any individual, proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation, or company that uses explosives in Missouri must register with the division prior to use. A $200 fee must be submitted with the initial registration. Any explosives user required to register must also file an annual report with the division for the preceding calendar year by January 31. A $500 fee, plus $2 per ton of explosives used in Missouri for the year must be submitted with the annual report.

Failure to register will result in penalties and fines.

It is a violation of the Missouri Blasting Safety Act for any explosives users to:

Engage in blasting other than by a licensed blaster or an individual working under the direct supervision of a licensed blaster.

Fail to calculate the scaled distance, conduct monitoring of vibration and noise levels, and conduct record keeping as required.

Fail to carry a minimum of $1 million in commercial general liability insurance.

The Division of Fire Safety administers standard examinations for qualifying individuals to obtain a blaster's license. No individual is allowed to take an examination to obtain a blaster's license unless that individual has completed an approved training course within two years of taking the examination. The division must also approve all training courses for blasters.

No, local governmental jurisdictions in some areas of the state have restrictions and regulations. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Bureau of Mines regulates underground blasting operations.

No. The U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and some local governmental jurisdictions have regulations for bunkers used for storage of explosive material.

The Fire Safety Order came into force on October 1st 2006 and replaced the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations. It is now the primary fire safety legislation. The Order affects all non-domestic premises and even applies to certain activities taking place outdoors. The Fire Safety Order places the emphasis towards risk reduction and fire prevention.

Because fire and building codes are adopted at the local level in Missouri, there is no state requirement for facilities to have an annual inspection unless such occupancy is regulated by Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Mental Health or Department of Social Services. Some communities have adopted local fire or building codes with which occupancies are required to comply. The Division of Fire Safety strongly encourages commercial occupancies to have an annual fire safety inspection to ensure compliance with nationally recognized fire codes. Such inspections provide a safe working environment for you, your employees and your customers.

It is recommended that the battery be changed at least once a year or whenever the detector makes a chirping sound, indicating low battery power.

Generally speaking, the best type is one marked "ABC." The minimum size allowed is one marked 2A-10B:C.

Fire extinguishers are considered a high-pressure device. A malfunctioning gauge can indicate a full charge when in fact the extinguisher is not fully charged. Also, the hose can become blocked by debris.

If your home has any gas-fired or wood burning appliances (cook stove, water heater, furnace, fireplace, etc.) or has an attached garage, a carbon monoxide detector is required. Generally, the carbon monoxide detector should be installed in a central location so the occupants can hear it. Carbon monoxide detectors should not be installed inside a furnace room.

You must conduct fire drills on a monthly basis and disaster drills every three months.

Artwork and teaching materials are limited to 30 percent of the wall's surface.

Portable space heaters are well known for causing or being a contributing factor in fires. These devices are easily tipped over and pose a burn injury risk to children.

Un-vented gas appliances are not allowed due to potential carbon monoxide risks. Nationally recognized fire codes do not allow these appliances to be located in a childcare setting. It should be noted that manufacturers’ guidelines instruct the owner to keep a window open during the use of these appliances.