Check below for answers to your frequently asked questions
concerning the Division of Fire Safety and the services we offer.  Fire Safety Recommendations
Training
Investigations
Fireworks
Fire Safety Inspections
Amusement Ride Safety
Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Inspections
Elevator
Safety
Fire Safety Recommendations
Homes, Apartments, Multi-family
dwellings
Q? How often should I change the battery in
my smoke detector?
A.
The Division of Fire Safety recommends the battery in smoke detectors be changed
twice a year, spring and fall. At a minimum the battery should be replaced annually.
Detectors should be checked monthly to be sure the audible alarm is operating
properly.
Q? Should I have a fire extinguisher in
my home and what type should I purchase?
A.
The Division of Fire Safety does recommend at least one fire extinguisher in your
home; preferably one extinguisher per level. A fire extinguisher should be placed in
the kitchen area in close proximity to the cooking appliances and considering the
construction of your dwelling an extinguisher should be available in the garage area or
where mechanical rooms (furnace, water heater, electrical panel) are placed.
Q? Does the Division of Fire Safety recommend
the use of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your home?
A.
Yes, if your home has any gas-fired or wood burning appliances (i.e. cooking stove,
heating appliance, water heater, fireplace, etc.) or has an attached garage, then a carbon
monoxide detector is needed. Generally, the carbon monoxide detector should be
installed in a central location so occupants can hear the audible alarm. Carbon
monoxide detectors should NOT be installed inside a furnace or mechanical room.
For other important Home Fire Safety Tips,
we recommend a visit to the U.S. Fire Administration Web Site on Home Fire Safety tips.
There are several articles and information available to review or download at no
cost. Please review www.usfa.fema.gov/ click
on the Fire Safety bulletin.
The Division of Fire Safety can be
contacted for any information concerning Fire Safety Tips in your home or contact your
local Fire Department for assistance.
Training
Q? Do I have to document that I
have successfully completed a course and taken the State Certification tests for Hazardous
Materials Awareness or Operations before I can be certified at the Fire Fighter I and II
level?
A. YES. In order to test and be certified to the
Fire Fighter I & II 1001-1997 and 2002 standard you must have documentation that you
have successfully completed the Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations courses and
then passed the appropriate state certification exams for both.
Q? After my Fire Fighter I &
II classes are complete, can my instructor then administer the state written examination?
A. NO. All Division of Fire Safety
State Certification written exams must be administered or proctored by a Division of Fire
Safety staff member.
Q? How long after I have take the
written State Certification exam will I receive my results?
A. According to the Testing Instructions
read aloud to the students on the testing date, "the Division of Fire Safety will
score/analyze all exams and students will be notified by letter or certificate accordingly
within 30 days of the exam."
Q? I have successfully completed
a course (i.e. Hazardous Materials, Fire Officer, Fire Service Instructor) and received my
course completion certificate, when can I take the state certification written
examination?
A. The Division of Fire Safety establishes
regional testing dates and locations throughout the State of Missouri. Please refer
to our Calendar of Events for dates
and locations.
Q? What are my options for testing if I
am unable to attend the regional scheduled certification exam or require a retest?
A. If you are unable to take the exam on the
scheduled Region date/location or need to retest, you may test here at the Division of
Fire Safety, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, every third Saturday of the month.
Deadline dates for these Saturday exam dates are located on our Calendar of Events page.
Additionally, an individual may test at the Division of Fire Safety anytime through the
week, Monday through Friday. However, paperwork (Testing Application, Authorization
for Release, and additional documentation, as outlined in each Certification Booklet) must
be submitted 48 hours prior to the requested test date and notification to the appropriate
Training Unit staff member is REQUIRED.
Q? If I am a certified Fire
Investigator, Fire Inspector, or Fire Service Instructor do I need to recertify to
maintain that level current?
A. YES. Please refer to the
certification booklets located within each certification level on the Training Unit homepage for
recertification requirements.
Q? I am a certified Fire
Investigator, Fire Inspector or Fire Service Instructor and have not received my renewal
notice. Why?
A. Most of the time it is because you have
moved and we were not notified of your new address. It is important that you update
your information with the Division of Fire Safety so that you are properly notified when
your recertification is due. Failure to do so may result in expiration of that
level.
Q? Do I have to test within my
region?
A. NO. You may test at any
location. Just remember to submit your application and required documentation by the
due date listed on the Calendar of Events.
Q? How long after successfully
completing a course do I have to take the State Certification exam?
A. You must complete the certification
process within one year of the course completion date. You will be required to
retake the course if you want to become certified and have failed to meet the one year
requirement.
Q? If I don't pass the state
exam, how long do I have before retesting?
A. A student failing the exam may retest 14
days after receiving notification of failure. Visit the Calendar of Events for test dates and
locations or contact the Division of Fire Safety offices. Also, if a student does
not retest within one year of the course completion date, his or her records will be
deemed inactive.
Q? How long do I have to submit
my completed Fire Officer practical skills book?
A. TWO MONTHS. Failure to do so will
result in automatic failure.
Q? From what source are the state
certification exam questions generated?
A. Each certification level uses different
reference material for the generation of the test questions. Please refer to each
certification booklet for references used.
Q? If I do not pass the practical
skills examination, can I retake them?
A. This differs slightly for each
certification level. Please refer to the appropriate certification booklet for clear
examination requirements.
Q? If I call the Division can I get my
written certification exam results?
A. NO. Certification test scores are not
released to any individual, instructor, fire chief, agency or organization nor retained in
the individual's file. A letter of notification of pass/fail status is forwarded to
each student completing the exam at his or her home address.
Q? I have misplaced my State
Certificate(s). Can I get a copy?
A. NO. We do not issue replacement
certificates for any level. Once the original State Certificate is issued, we cannot
reproduce a certificate. We may, however, issue a verification letter, on our
letterhead, stating the levels to which you have been certified.
Kim Becker, Public Safety Manager, dfstrain@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Copyright © Missouri Division of Fire Safety. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 16, 2006.
Investigations
Q ? Who can request services of the Division of Fire
Safety's Investigation Unit?
A. Services can only be requested by
representatives of law enforcement and fire service agencies. Citizens or
representatives of the insurance industry cannot request investigative services.
(RSMo 320.230)
Q ?
Are investigations conducted by the Division of Fire Safety the same as investigations
conducted by an insurance investigator?
A. No, although these type of investigations
are similar in nature and often parallel each other, investigations conducted by the
Division of Fire Safety are completely separate from investigations conducted by insurance
investigators on behalf of an insurance company.
Q ? What
is the statute violation for burning a vehicle?
A. Knowingly Burning, a Class D felony; when a
person knowingly damages property of another by starting a fire. (RSMo 569.055)
Q ? When
can a person be charged with negligent burning?
A. When they start a fire with criminal
negligence (should have been aware of the risk) that causes damage to property of another.
Q ?
When can a person be charged with reckless burning?
A. When they recklessly (was aware of a
substantial and unjustifiable risk) damage or destroy a building or inhabitable structure
of another by starting a fire. (RSMo 569.060)
Fireworks
Q ? Who
is required in the State of Missouri to obtain a Special Fireworks Display permit and who
grants this permit?
A. Anyone who discharges special fireworks
as defined by Missouri Statute (RSMo 320.106.11) is required to obtain a special fireworks
permit. This permit is granted by the Division of Fire Safety or local fire service
have authority in the area where the display is to be conducted. (RSMo 320.126.4)
Q ?
What fireworks do not require a permit by the State of Missouri?
A. Devices containing less than twenty-five
hundredths (.025) grains of explosive compounds such as matches, toy pistols, toy canons,
party poppers or other similar devices as defined by RSMo 320.131.5.
Q ? Is
there any state regulations relating to surface blasting operations in Missouri?
A. No, local governmental jurisdictions in
some areas of the state have restrictions and regulations. State Department of Labor
and Industrial Relations Bureau of Mines regulate underground blasting operations.
Q ? Does the
Division of Fire Safety have the authority to make exemptions on the powder contents of
fireworks?
A. No.
Q ? Does the Division of
Fire Safety regulate storage bunkers for fireworks?
A. No, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco &
Firearms (ATF) and some local governmental jurisdictions have regulations for bunkers used
for storage of explosive material.
Q? What is
required of a person or business to sell display or proximate fireworks products and
services in the state of Missouri?
A. Any person or business selling
products or services for a fireworks display or a proximate display in the state of
Missouri must be permitted as a Manufacturer or Distributor by the Missouri Division of
Fire Safety. The person providing the services or conducting the display shall
be a State Licensed Display Operator or State Licensed Proximate Operator and have the
proper permit for the display site, issued by the Division of Fire Safety or the local
fire service Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and any Federal permits that might be
required per RSMo. 320.126 (2).
Q? If a person enters the state of
Missouri to purchase display or proximate fireworks to be used in another state, what is
required?
A. This person must have a Federal license
and must have, if applicable, permit(s) for the state the fireworks are to be used in.
Q? What is
required of a local government entity to possess and/or conduct a display or proximate
display of fireworks?
A. They must have a display permit issued by
the Local AHJ or the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, shall have a licensed display
operator or proximate display operator to conduct the display and meet all other
requirements per RSMo. 320.126 (6) (7).
Q? Are proximate
fireworks regulated by the state of Missouri?
A. Yes, as per RSMo 320.16 (1).
Legislation passed in 2004 states that all Indoor and Outdoor proximate displays
(theatrical) are regulated by the State Fire Marshal. All Displays shall be
inspected and approved by the local fire service jurisdiction or AHJ, if local
jurisdiction does not prevail, an application by a licensed operator or licensed proximate
operator must be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A plan review
will be submitted and field personnel will review an inspection of the facility before any
permit is issued.
James Wilson, Law Enforcement Manager, Jim.Wilson@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Copyright © Missouri Division of Fire Safety. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 16, 2006.
Fire
Inspection Unit
Q&A regarding fire
safety of licensed day care facilities or other state licensed facilities.
Q? How often
should I change the battery in my smoke detector?
A. 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.
Q? What is the
best type of fire extinguisher to have in my facility?
A. Generally speaking, the best type is one
marked "ABC". The minimum size allowed is one marked 2A-10B:C.
Q? How many fire
extinguishers do I need?
A. You are required to have an extinguisher
on each level in a central location. In a large facility, the minimum travel
distance to an extinguisher is seventy-five (75) feet.
Q? Why am I
required to have my fire extinguisher inspected annually?
A. Fire extinguishers are considered a
high-pressure device and sometimes even though the gauge indicates a full charge, the
gauge may be malfunctioning. Also, the hose can become blocked by debris.
Q? Do I need a
carbon monoxide detector?
A. If your home has any gas-fired or wood
burning appliances (i.e. cook stove, water heater, furnace, fireplace) or has an attached
garage, then 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.
Q? How often
should I conduct fire and disaster drills?
A. Fire drills are required to be conducted
on a monthly basis and disaster drills are to be conducted every three months.
Q? Can artwork
be hung on walls?
A. Artwork and
teaching materials are limited to 30% of the wall's surface.
Q? Can artwork
be hung from the ceiling?
A. No, unless the material used has a fire
resistive rating or been treated with a fire resistive material. Rapid flame spread
occurs when combustible material is hung from the ceiling as well as causing burning
debris to fall onto occupants.
Q? Why are
portable space heaters not allowed?
A. Portable space heaters are well known for
causing or being a contributing factor in a fire. These devices are easily tipped
over and pose a burn injury threat to children.
Q? Why are
un-vented gas appliances not allowed?
A. Unvented 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
manufacturer's guidelines instruct the owner to keep a window open during the use of these
appliances.
Randy Cole, State Fire Marshal, Randy.Cole@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Copyright © Missouri Division of Fire Safety. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 16, 2006.
Amusement Ride Safety
Q? How do I know
if a particular amusement ride has been inspected?
A. 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 ride's control panel or operator's station.
Q? What type of
amusement rides are required to be inspected?
A. RSMo 316.203(1) defines an amusement ride
as any mechanical device that carries or conveys passengers along, around or over a fixed
or restricted route or course or within a defined area for the purpose of giving its
passengers amusement, pleasure or excitement.
Q? Are
inflatable or bounce attractions required to be inspected?
A. No, these attractions are not required to
obtain a state-operating permit due to the absence of mechanical moving parts, although
inflatable dry slices over 20 feet in height shall have an annual inspection and obtain a
state operating permit.
Q? Are water
related rides such as slides or wave pools required to be inspected?
A. No, these attractions are exempt,
however, water rides with mechanical moving parts are required to obtain state operating
permits.
Q? Who can
conduct amusement ride safety inspections?
A. To be an approved inspector by the
Division of Fire Safety 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 and Regulations found in 11CSR 40-6.060.
Q? How do I know if an individual has
been approved by the Division of Fire Safety as a "qualified" ride inspector?
A. The Division maintains an accurate,
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.
Q? How often is an amusement ride
safety inspection required?
A. RSMo 316.210(1) requires an annual safety
inspection by a "qualified inspector".
Q? What is the
safety inspection based upon?
A. An amusement ride safety inspection is to
be conducted based upon nationally recognized inspection standards and manufacturer's
recommendations and guidelines.
Q? Are all climbing walls required to
be inspected?
A. Yes. All climbing walls over ten
feet in height are required to pass and annual safety inspection and have a state
operating permit issued. Climbing walls less than ten feet in height are exempt from
inspection and permit process.
Q? If an
amusement ride accident occurs, what is the responsibility of the amusement ride owner?
A. Per RSMo 316.209, the amusement ride
owner is required to cease operation of the ride upon which a fatality, serious physical
injury or serious incident occurs. The owner is to immediately notify the Division
of Fire Safety at which time an investigation into the incident is to be initiated.
Failure to notify the Division may result in criminal charges.
Q? Does
Missouri's Amusement Ride Safety Act address rider responsibility?
A. Yes, RSMo 316.230 directs riders to obey
posted rules and regulations as well as verbal instructions. Violation of this
section may result in criminal charges against the rider.
Larry Watson, Public Safety Manager, Larry.Watson@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Copyright © Missouri Division of Fire Safety. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 16, 2006.
Boiler
& Pressure Vessel Safety
Q? What is the
purpose of Missouri's Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Act?
A. 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 where they are located.
Q? When did the Boiler & Pressure
Vessel Act become law?
A. The law (RSMo 650.200 through 650.295)
became effective in 1984.
Q? Who's
responsibility is it to assure that boiler and pressure vessels are inspected on a timely
basis and that the inspection certificate for each object is kept up-to-date and posted?
A. The act and promulgated rules and
regulations (11 CSR40-2.010 through 11 CSR 40-2.060) make it the owner/operator
responsibility to assure required inspections and state operating certificates are posted
and up-to-date.
Q? Does the
act/law require a facility to allow access to a boiler and pressure vessel inspector to
conduct the safety inspection?
A. 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
-conduct an external inspection without prior notification being
given.
-conduct an internal inspection during a mutually agreed time
prior to the
expiration
of a state operating certificate.
-conduct investigation of accident or alleged violation(s).
Q? Since the
act/law requires a boiler or pressure vessel to be constructed to the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes (ASME Codes) may boilers or
pressure vessels be constructed without complying with this code?
A. Yes, in general, if the boiler or
pressure vessel was installed before November 12, 1986, and the object complies to a
safety inspection, it may be grandfathered from such construction codes.
Q? If a boiler
or pressure vessel was installed after November 12, 1986, does it have to comply with ASME
Code in relation to construction and be registered with the National Board of Boiler &
Pressure Vessel Inspectors?
A. 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 their quarterly meetings in Jefferson City.
Q? Is there a
fee for a boiler or pressure vessel to be inspected and receive a state certification?
A. Yes, to obtain the state-operating
certificate, the fee is $20.00 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. ($16.00 for pressure vessels;
$18.00 for water heaters; $25.00 to $45.00 for boilers)
Q? Is an
inspector with the Division of Fire Safety required to conduct the safety inspection?
A. No, typically, providers of insurance for
boilers and pressure vessels have on staff individuals that have been approved and
commissioned by the state to conduct required safety inspections.
Q? Is it against the act/law to
operate a boiler or pressure vessel in Missouri without a valid state inspection
certificate?
A. 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.
Q? Are state
inspection certificates required on boilers or pressure vessels located in private
residences or other locations where childcare is being provided as regulated by the
Department of Health or other state agencies?
A. Yes, all objects in day care locations
regulated by the Department of Health or other state agency must comply with the Boiler
& Pressure Vessel Act.
Jim Pratt, Public Safety Manager, Jim.Pratt@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Copyright © Missouri Division of Fire Safety. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 16, 2006.
Elevator
Safety
Q? What elevator
code is being enforced in Missouri?
A. The Elevator Safety Board has adopted
ASME A17.1 1996 as well as established a minimum state standard applicable to elevators
and installations installed prior to July 1999.
Q? Are all
elevators and installations inspected to the ASME 1996 A17.1 code?
A. No, elevators are inspected to the
Missouri minimum standards. In municipalities that had an edition of the ASME A17.1
code adopted, those elevators would be re-inspected to the edition in which the unit was
installed.
Q? What is the
cost of an elevator inspection?
A. Competitive pricing drives the cost of an
inspection. Costs may vary between different state licensed inspectors, therefore,
it is recommended that a customer obtain more than one bid for conducting the
inspection. Usually, if a re-inspection is required a cost is associated with the
re-inspection.
Q? What
guidelines or procedures are required for the inspection?
A. A representative from your elevator
service company or your staff who are knowledgeable in the testing of elevators must be
present along with a state-licensed inspector. In order to set up an inspection you
must contact a state-licensed inspector along with your elevator service company
representative to be present during the inspection. A current list of state licensed
inspectors may be obtained from our website or by contacting the Division of Fire Safety
at (573) 751-2930.
Q? After
completion of the inspection who do I contact to get information on how to correct any
violations?
A. Either contact your elevator service
company or the inspector that conducted the inspection. The Division of Fire Safety
will provide written notification of the violations and notice of 120 days to comply.
Q? If violations
cannot be corrected within the 120 day time frame can additional time be provided?
A. Yes, to request additional time submit in
writing a request for a time extension with details outlining dates of completion.
Q? How often is
a state inspection required?
A. A state inspection is required annually.
Q? When is a
re-inspection required?
A. A re-inspection is required on all life
safety violations. This includes fire service, sprinkler systems and any major violations
that could cause injury to a rider. The Division of Fire Safety will usually
indicate on the letter outlining violations if a re-inspection is required.
Larry Watson, Public Safety Manager, Larry.Watson@dfs.dps.mo.gov
Copyright © Missouri Division of Fire Safety. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 16, 2006.
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