The Fire Marshal Division conducts inspections of Mobile Food Vehicles (Food Trucks). Inspections are conducted in accordance with requirements of the Maryland State and Anne Arundel County Fire Prevention Codes.
| Fire and Safety Codes and Standards |
|---|
| NFPA 1 – National Fire Protection Association: Fire Code |
| NFPA 54- National Fire Protection Association: National Fuel Gas Code |
| NFPA 58 - National Fire Protection Association: LP Gas Code |
| NFPA 70- National Fire Protection Association: The National Electric Code |
| NFPA 96 – National Fire Protection Association: Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations |
| NFPA 1192 – National Fire Protection Association: Standard on Recreational Vehicles |
| OSHA 49CFR 180.205 |
| Maryland State Fire Prevention Code |
| Anne Arundel County Fire Prevention Code |
Purpose
All mobile food vending platforms shall be inspected and approved by the Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Definitions
Mobile Food Vehicle Platform – Any trailer, enclosed trailer, or enclosed truck that uses propane or any other heat source to prepare food, a good or service
Mobile Food Vehicle Inspection Form (View in Spanish) - A helpful List for the applicant to review outlining the Inspection requirements
- The AA County Health Department is the licensing entity for Anne Arundel County.
- The Health Department forwards all MFV operators to schedule with the Fire Marshal’s Office.
- All mobile food vending platforms are required to be inspected by the Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal’s Office before they operate.
- There is no annual requirement for re-inspection, but any fire marshal can perform a “Spot check” if a MFV is seen in operation or a citizen complaint is received.
- Any appliance that produces smoke or grease laden vapor shall be protected by a fixed suppression system.
- Ovens or solid fuel burners that allow effluent to escape shall be properly vented.
- “Mobile Food Vehicles” Stickers are issued to the MFV and displayed in an obvious location. The inspection stickers do not expire but are updated if there are any changes to the vehicle configuration or appliances.
- Failure to comply with the Fire Code is considered a civil fire code infraction and may result in the issuance of a civil citation and the levy of fines as set by AA County code.
Requirements
- Health Department Inspection scheduled or completed
- Valid Driver’s License
- Current Vehicle Registration
- Current Vehicle Insurance
Fees
- Initial inspection and a single re-inspection are at no charge.
- If additional re-inspections are necessary, a re-inspection fee will be assessed.
Procedure
- The applicant must review the Mobile Food Vehicle Inspection Form or pre-inspection checklist to ensure vehicle compliance.
- The inspection is scheduled by appointment only via an email to fdfoodtrucks@aacounty.org.
- An inspection time and place will be established, usually the Fire Marshal office parking lot;
2660 Riva Road, Annapolis MD, 21401
The Fire Inspector will complete the inspection using the “MFV Inspection form”
Re-inspections are conducted as needed
- Spot checks will be conducted by Fire Officials throughout the County and at venues & special events.
Should a vendor be found to have an absent inspection sticker: An Inspection shall be conducted
- Upon a completed inspection with no violations, a new inspection sticker shall be issued.
- Should a vendor refuse inspection, or fail the inspection (i.e. - unable to abate the violation), the vendor may not operate pursuant to the County Fire Code
The following is an outline of the items the Fire Marshal’s office will be looking for during your mobile food vehicle inspection. This is only a guide, and additional items may be required per code. Please have all of the following applicable items addressed before the inspection appointment;
General Safety Requirements
- Name of Responsible Party/Owner displayed: The contact information for the business must be displayed or readily available.
- No Smoking Signs must be present as needed in both English and Spanish.
- Wheel Chocks are present and adequate: There must be wheel chocks present to prevent the vehicle from rolling in the event of brake failure.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector: There must be a Carbon Monoxide detector securely installed inside the vehicle.
- Workers are trained on fire extinguisher operation, the method for shutting off fuel sources, 911 call procedures, fuel properties, and the performance of a simple leak test on gas connections.
Compressed Gas & Fuel Systems
(if applicable)
- CNG/LP Regulator protected & Cabinet protecting gas cylinders well vented from the top and bottom: The gas regulator must be protected from impact. If the cylinder cabinet is enclosed, the cabinet must be vented adequately at the top and bottom.
- Fuel Shutoff valves are readily accessible
- Flexible Connections between the regulator outlet and fixed piping systems must be installed throughout
- Gas Cylinders are securely mounted to the vehicle by approved bracing or strapping: DOT approved metal bracing or strong/ rated ratchet type straps must be used.
- Explosive Gas Detector: There must be an Explosive Gas detector securely installed inside the vehicle.
Generator & Electrical Systems
- Generator is separated from nearby combustibles
- Cover plates installed and tight on all electrical fixtures throughout
- Power Cords or conduit are proper and without frays or damage
Flammable Storage
- Flammable liquids and other fire hazards must be in a proper storage location away from ignition sources.
Interior
- General Housekeeping: storage must be organized to prevent hazards.
- Fire Extinguisher: 2A-10BC: A “RED” fire extinguisher for the vehicle, must be tagged/ serviced within one year. If new, a receipt of purchase must be provided.
- “K” (Kitchen) Extinguisher: must be tagged within one year or if new, a receipt of purchase provided.
- Both Fire extinguishers should be securely mounted near an exit and readily accessible
- Exits unobstructed: Exits must be without obstruction.
Suppression System
(if applicable)
- Tagged/ Documentation of service within one (1) year: tagged by a Maryland State Fire Marshal approved service company.
- Appears Clean: Hood and duct shall be clean & without grease build up.
- Mounted UL Listed Grease vapor Vents: vents shall be listed for grease vapor.
- Pull station mounted near exit/ unobstructed: suppression system pull stations must be mounted near the exit.
- Exterior Audiovisual Device: The Maryland State Fire Marshal requires an exterior audio/visual alarm connected to your fire extinguishing system per the fire code.
Appliances
- Propane/CNG appliances clearly marked with NSF, ULS, ETL labels: Appliances must be listed for their use.
- Closeable Lid/s on frying Appliance: a mechanism to prevent grease spillage during transport shall be provided.
- Ovens, brick cookers, or solid fuel appliances are clean, vented, and without damage
- Awnings: Awnings or canopies must be NFPA 701 approved.
Fire Safety Inspections are completed by appointment only! The Fire Marshal’s office is located at 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis MD 21401. Please park along the back of the parking lot.
Please email fdfoodtrucks@aacounty.org to schedule.