(A) Scope of inspections and tests. Inspections and tests shall include any and all inspections, examinations, tests and investigations of the use, maintenance and operation of any and all land, buildings or other structures, or any and all parts thereof, or of any and all materials, types or kinds of methods of construction, electrical work, machinery, appliances, accessories or equipment therein or thereon, as well as any matter or thing pertaining or relating to any of the foregoing to determine if any or all of the aforesaid conform to the requirements of the Fire Prevention Code.
(B) Routine inspections by the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal or his or her duly authorized deputies shall make any and all routine inspections necessary to properly enforce the provisions of the Fire Prevention Code.
(C) Periodic inspections by the Fire Marshal. In order to ensure compliance with all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fire and fire safety which are in effect in Garrett County, the Fire Marshal shall make such periodic inspections in accordance with the State Fire Prevention Code. All sprinkler, standpipe and foam systems and all water curtains required by law shall be inspected annually and, if deemed necessary, tested annually by and at the convenience of the owner of such systems in the presence of the Fire Marshal and in the manner prescribed by him or her. The owner of such systems or water curtains shall pay any and all costs for labor and materials, not usually furnished by the Fire Department, incurred in connection with making such tests.
(D) Quality assurance program. The quality assurance program is implemented in order to guarantee that fire protection systems are receiving consistent, quality service testing, inspection and maintenance, thereby helping to ensure that such fire protection systems will function as intended in the event of an emergency.
(1) The quality assurance program shall be administered by the Office.
(2) In implementing the quality assurance program, the Office may use a third-party vendor system and/or data collection agency as approved by the County Commissioners.
(3) All fire protection system inspection agencies, whether required to be licensed or not by an authorized state or County agency, shall comply with all regulations of the quality assurance program approved by the County Commissioners and administered by the Office and shall:
(a) Complete all necessary forms;
(b) Submit such forms within the established time period to the Office; and
(c) Pay any and all fees associated with the quality assurance program as established by resolution by the County Commissioners.
(Res. 2022-7, passed 7-11-2022)