What is an apartment fire inspection? Learn why you shouldn't decline checkpoints and inspections

What is a fire extinguisher inspection for a condominium?

In preparation for a fire, prepare an automatic fire alarm system inside the condominium and equipment such as a fire extinguisher and a sprinkler outside. is obligated to However, simply installing these facilities is meaningless, and it is important that they operate normally in the event of an emergency.

Fire inspections of condominiums are conducted to ensure that these devices are working reliably. In addition to installing equipment, the Fire Service Act requires maintenance and management, and reporting to the chief of the fire department, so fire inspections are essential when operating a condominium.

There are two types of firefighting inspections, which are carried out twice a year.

[Types of fire inspections]

What you should be careful about is the It is a malicious business method. There have been many cases of customers suddenly visiting customers when they do not need inspections, and selling products that they do not need to purchase, such as "expired" or "need to be replaced".

In the case of condominiums, no company other than the company commissioned by the management association will inspect firefighting equipment. In addition, each household will be notified in advance about the schedule, so if a worker suddenly appears on an unscheduled schedule, suspect a fraudulent business method.

What do fire inspections check?

From here, we will explain the specific items that are checked during fire inspections. Equipment inspections and general inspections are different, so be sure to know in advance what you can see.

Reasons why you should not refuse firefighting inspections

Firefighting inspections are extremely important for safety management, but under current law, individuals are obligated to do so. and you will not be penalized if you refuse. For this reason, it seems that there are more than a few people who do not receive comprehensive inspections due to work schedules, etc., or who stay away for the reason that it is troublesome.

However, you should not refuse the fire inspection of the condominium.In principle, you must cooperate and receive the inspection according to the schedule. Here's why.

In the event of a fire, you may be held responsible

If a fire breaks out in your room and causes damage to another room , basically, unless gross negligence is found, it will not be a crime. However, if the firefighting inspection is not performed, even if the equipment is operating normally, there is a risk of being accused of negligence.

Please note that if it is determined that the cause of the fire spread is that the equipment did not work properly, the probability of being recognized as gross negligence is extremely high. If liability for damages due to a fire arises, the amount may reach hundreds of millions of yen or more, and if there are casualties, there is a risk that you will be held responsible for even more.

If you refuse an on-site inspection, you may be in violation of the rules

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has prepared the "Condominium Standard Management Rules" as a guideline, and many properties comply with these rules. We are operating. The Condominium Standard Management Bylaw stipulates that access to the living room is permitted in circumstances necessary for management, and that residents cannot unfairly refuse to do so.

Since the fire inspection is clearly "necessary for management", if you refuse it without a valid reason, it may be considered a violation of the condominium's rules. It is not normal for a single violation to result in some kind of penalty, but if you repeatedly avoid fire inspections, you may be warned by the management union.

In the worst case, you may be advised to move out, so be sure to undergo a fire inspection so as not to worsen the relationship in the apartment.

Summary

Firefighting inspections for condominiums are divided into equipment inspections and general inspections. During general inspections, on-site inspections of living rooms are also conducted to check whether the automatic fire alarm system is working properly. Make sure. Even if you refuse a fire inspection, you will not be charged with a crime, but you will be violating the condominium's management rules and there is a risk that you will be held responsible in the event of an emergency, so be sure to undergo an inspection.