Case Study: Rockledge Fire Department Fire Prevention Division (FPD)

Unit IV Case Study

Rockledge Fire Department Fire Prevention Division (FPD)

Columbia Southern University

Unit IV Case Study

Rockledge Fire Department Fire Prevention Division (FPD)

October 3, 2013

Mr. Thomas J. Price

1600 Huntington Lane

Rockledge, Florida, 32955

Dear Mr. Price:

This letter is intended to inform you that on October 2, 2013 I conducted the annual occupancy inspection at the Rockledge Industrial facility and, as result of it my department, upon my recommendations, decided to close the plant indefinitely due to imminent danger of life.

Even if the owner, Mr. Smith, attempted to impede the regular progress of the inspection with all his means, I was able to perform it and I documented over 45 violations of standards and codes that specifically apply to the type of activities Rockledge Industrial performs.

Some of the infractions I found pose a serious threat for the employees and for all community we both serve. Flammable and toxic liquid are kept in open and unlabeled drums, fire extinguishers are ineffective and outdated by over 4 years, and the fire alarm system has been tampered making it inoperable. These are only a sample of the serious violations I recorded and, since the goal of the Rockledge Fire Department is to protect lives, I had no other choice to close the facility until the issues will be completely corrected.

I am available to discuss my findings in detail if needed.

Sincerely,

Gennaro Saliceto

Fire Prevention Officer

Rockledge Fire Department Fire Prevention Division (FPD)

TO: John Smith, Chief of Fire Department

FROM: Gennaro Saliceto, Fire Prevention Officer

DATE: October 3, 2013

SUBJECT: Closure of Rockledge Industrial

NUMBER: 01-2013

On October 2, 2013, as part of my responsibilities, I conducted a comprehensive annual inspection at the facility named in the subject and I observed 45 violations being several of them so serious that they pose an imminent danger to the life of the employees and citizens of our community. As an example of the magnitude of the situation, some of the infractions recorded are listed below:

In accordance with our regulations, the facility has been closed indefinitely.

• Open drums containing unidentified liquid that resemble a petrol based substance, thus, it is flammable and toxic. The drums have a capacity of 55 gallons and are unlabeled.
• The ventilation system that should safely remove the vapors produced by the 15 cleaning process station is inadequate.
• The fire alarm system has been tampered and it is inoperable.
• The fire sprinkler system has never been installed (mandatory since 1975).
• The fire extinguishers are outdated by 4 years and they are ineffective.

I am available to discuss the matter at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Gennaro Saliceto

Fire Prevention Officer

Rockledge Fire Department Fire Prevention Division (FPD)

TO: David Miller, Chief of Police Department

FROM: Gennaro Saliceto, Fire Prevention Officer

DATE: October 3, 2013

SUBJECT: Closure of Rockledge Industrial

NUMBER: 01-2018

On October 2, 2013, I conducted the annual inspection at the Rockledge Industrial and I recorded 45 serious violations that constitute an imminent danger for the life of the employees of the firm and for the citizens that live in our community. Since the plant uses different chemicals to perform their activities and since the infractions founded are extremely severe, I have been forced to close the facility until the issues have been resolved.

The owner of the business is a well-known and respected individual of our community, but he attempted to interfere with the inspection in each way possible and he threatened me once I communicate him my decision to close the facility immediately.

I have the suspect that he will not respect the prohibition to enter in the building until a new inspection will be conducted to certify the facility is safe and in compliance with all codes, rules, and regulations applicable to the type of business of Rockledge Industrial; therefore, I am requesting your collaboration to put the plant and the surrounding under surveillance to record any activity in the building or around it.

I am available to discuss and provide more information if needed.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Gennaro Saliceto

Fire Prevention Officer