Ohio Fire Protection Mandate
Depending on your type of business and risks, there are many possible codes that may apply to your situation. You may have to meet the standards or references from one or more of the following:
- Ohio Division of State Fire Marshall
- Ohio Fire Code
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
- Insurance Underwriter
How do I determine the mandated code requirements for my location and my situation in Ohio?
Regulations can be the bane of existence for many organizations, we know that. However complicated and meandering they may be, their intention is to keep us all safe. Follow through the four items below to gain an understanding for the process KLR Fire and Security takes.
Ohio State Fire Marshall
As part of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC), within sections 1301:7, are the requirements that fall under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal. Although there are numerous codes within these sections (see listed below), the most likely applicable section will be the Ohio Fire Code. Scroll below to start finding the list of codes.
Ohio Fire Code
The next place to look is the Ohio Fire Code. This code is a national code that was modified for Ohio and took effect on July 1, 2007. The Ohio Fire Code is a state wide code and consists of the rules as regulated by the Ohio State Fire Marshal. This code is the minimal standards as required by the state to protect persons and property. As mentioned in the Ohio Fire Code Preface:
In promulgating the Ohio Fire Code, the State Fire Marshal of Ohio, per Ohio Revised Code Section 3737.82, must include rules relating to: the movable contents of any building, or class of buildings; the transportation, storage, location and use of flammable and explosive materials; the procedures to be employed by persons in the event of fire; the installation and location of fire protection equipment; rules applicable to particular classes of existing buildings or structures as the use and occupancy of such buildings or structures suggest are necessary and other similar matters. The Ohio Fire Code as promulgated is enforceable by the State Fire Marshal, Assistant State Fire Marshals and/or certified fire safety inspectors working for a duly constituted municipal or township fire department in Ohio.
In other words, this is the code that is the minimal standards that any municipality or township enforces through their inspectors.
Complete Ohio Fire Code (offsite)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Although the Ohio Fire Protection Code is the minimal standard, it references numerous times the more specific NFPA standards. NFPA maintains an extensive list of codes and standards that are designed to minimize the risks and effects of fire by establishing criteria for building, processing, design, service and installation in the US and around the world. Read more about the NFPA requirements on this page of our site.
Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
After you have reviewed the Ohio Fire Code and the NFPA standards, next you would check with your Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). This could be the city or township in which you live or work. The AHJ may have additional rules or requirements for specific hazards or requirements on how you should protect your property. The local AHJ will be the party responsible for inspecting your situation and equipment, so you will be working with them along the way.
Insurance Underwriter
Even if you comply with all of the former groups, you may also have to comply with the demands of your insurance underwriter. Since they are insuring you against any losses and based on their risk analysis, they may have additional requirements that they feel are appropriate designed to protect you and their interests.
OHIO STATE FIRE MARSHAL – LAWS, RULES, AND GUIDELINES
Ohio Fire Code