Facilities operating under the jurisdiction of the Cobb County Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) that handle hazardous materials and submit Tier II reports are now classified as Special Hazard Occupancies. These facilities are now expected to comply with enhanced local safety evaluation protocols. Led by the Cobb County FMO, these updates align with Georgia’s broader commitment to life safety and fire protection across industrial, storage, and commercial sectors. Special Hazard Occupancies compliance consulting can help businesses address regulatory requirements efficiently and in a timely manner.
Telgian provides specialized consulting and licensed engineering evaluations to help facilities meet these evolving expectations. We play a critical role in helping facilities prepare key documentation and system reviews now associated with hazardous material reporting.
What Is Special Hazard Occupancies Compliance Consulting?
Tier II reporting is a federal requirement under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Section 312. Facilities that store certain amounts of hazardous chemicals must submit annual inventory reports. These reports are due by March 1st each year and must be filed with the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and the local fire department.
It ensures that local fire departments, emergency planners, and response teams have accurate information about the types, quantities, and locations of hazardous chemicals stored at a facility. While Tier II reporting serves as the baseline requirement in many jurisdictions, facilities submitting Tier II reports within the jurisdiction of the Cobb County Fire Marshal’s Office must now comply with enhanced life safety and fire protection evaluation requirements.
Cobb County’s Evolving Safety Framework
In coordination with Georgia state law, the Cobb County Fire Marshal’s Office has outlined specific evaluations intended to strengthen fire and life safety for occupancies handling or storing hazardous substances. Facilities working with regulated materials must complete the following reviews as part of the documentation process:
1. Hazardous Material Review
This includes technical documentation your facility may already be required to maintain, such as:
- Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ) Analysis
- Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP)
- Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS)
These documents support both internal safety planning and readiness for review by local officials. Our team can help prepared these materials clearly, accurately, and in compliance with Georgia and Cobb County standards.
2. Fire and Life Safety System Review
Facilities must demonstrate that their physical safety systems are appropriate for the type and quantity of materials stored. This review includes:
- Evaluation of sprinkler or clean agent systems for coverage and capacity
- Review of fire alarm and notification systems
- Confirmation of occupant egress compliance
A Georgia-licensed fire protection professional engineer must stamp this review, something Telgian is fully equipped to deliver.
Together, these evaluations ensure your facility’s protective systems align with the level of risk present and are consistent with local code guidance.
Our Role: Supporting Facilities with Local Expertise
We bring deep, technical experience and a focused understanding of fire code, hazardous material standards, and Cobb County’s specific documentation requests. Our services include:
- On-site evaluations of hazardous materials storage and related building systems
- Fire code consulting tailored to your facility type, occupancy, and stored commodities
- Engineering documentation, reviewed and sealed by Georgia-licensed professionals
- Guidance in preparing the HMMP and HMIS, based on adopted fire codes and local amendments
Our goal is to help you meet all required safety standards in a clear, efficient, and well-documented manner.
Why Local Matters: Special Hazard Occupancies Compliance Consulting in Cobb County
We specialize in compliance consulting that aligns with the specific requirements of the Cobb County Fire Marshal’s Office and neighboring Georgia jurisdictions. Our team understands the local regulatory environment, enabling us to help businesses navigate fire safety and hazardous materials compliance with confidence and efficiency.
Is This a Tier II EPA-Required Assessment?
No. While Tier II reporting is a federal requirement under the EPCRA, the Cobb FMO requires these local, fire-code driven assessments in Cobb County, GA. These enhanced evaluations surpass basic Tier II compliance and often require supporting documentation, such as a HMIS and HMMP, as outlined in the International Fire Code (IFC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1, Fire Code.
We are located right next to Battery Atlanta and embedded in the heart of Cobb’s commercial corridor; we actively support the needs of local businesses. Our presence in the community means:
- Faster response times for scheduling and completing evaluations
- Familiarity with county processes and documentation standards
- Established relationships with fire officials and local departments
- Proactive awareness of any updates to requirements or interpretations
This local connection enables us to act not just as consultants but as reliable partners in helping your business maintain robust fire safety practices in alignment with community goals.
Contact us today to schedule your engineering evaluation or consultation. Let’s work together to ensure to prepare, protect, and align your facility with Cobb County’s safety priorities. For more details on the county’s official requirements, visit the Cobb County Fire Marshal’s page on Special Hazard Occupancies.