Businesses cautioned to consider fire safety in social distancing measures

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Businesses across the Tri-Cities are working to implement social distancing measures in order to begin opening up following months of closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those measures can include blocking off sections of stores, or putting up partitions, and that could create a fire hazard.

"We do recommend that the material you put up-- if it's drapery or plastic-- that it's rated for being fire retardant," said Captain Brian Ellis with the Kennewick Fire Marshal's Office. "Look at the packaging that it comes in and look for labels that have Underwriters Laboratory or UL classified as flame retardant, and of course keep those materials away from heat sources and open flames."

Fire Codes do outline acceptable materials to use in different types of occupied buildings, but in most cases, if the item is rated Flame Retardant with a UL label, you should be able to use it.

Other cautions to consider when putting up social distancing barriers:

• When installing fabric or plastic partitions in buildings with a fire sprinkler system, keep these materials at least 18 inches below the sprinklers so that the sprinklers can be effective.
• Use commercially available coatings to apply to the materials you use. Remember to reapply the the coating if you wash the item.
• Barriers or partitions must not obstruct exits, aisles, aisle access-ways, or doorways.

If you have questions or concerns, businesses in Kennewick can contact the Kennewick Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office by email at fireprevention@ci.kennewick.wa.us or by calling 509-585-4532.

Jenna_K · Kennewick Biz Safety Reopening