Installing a fire protection system for your commercial business demonstrates a commitment to the safety and security of the people inside – residents, co-workers, and employees alike. These people rely on you to provide the proper systems to ensure safety in case of a fire emergency. Routine inspections of your fire protection system are essential to make certain it meets the requirements of the fire code.
Below are four common problems with your fire protection system that can interrupt or prevent it from working properly, thereby interfering with your ability to protect your people and property from fire.
Fire exits blocked
Keeping fire exits clear and accessible in your building is essential to public safety. Make sure the area around all emergency exits is free of clutter, especially near emergency exits.
Owners of restaurants should ensure that nothing blocks secondary exit doors in customer accessible areas or employee work areas. Keeping emergency exits clear and accessible is a super easy way to make sure your fire protection measures pass inspection.
Dirty smoke detectors in ducts
Make certain that all smoke detectors installed in the ducts of your air handling system are clean, tested and working properly. Large buildings often have elaborate air handling systems with duct-mounted smoke detectors and dust systems. These detectors detect smoke from filters, motors, and fans, giving you advance notice to take action.
A large amount of air passes through air filters of an air handling system and the filters fill up fast. They require regular replacement due to the steady accumulation of dust and dirt. Your fire protection system can only work when you properly maintain your smoke detectors and clean or change the air filters in your ducts on a regular basis.
Air vents near smoke detectors
After HVAC renovations, air vents can be placed near smoke detectors in your building. Having air vents too close to smoke detectors causes too much accumulation of dust and dirt on the smoke detector sensor. The contamination that results can cause false alarms. Make sure to maintain a reasonable distance between air vents and smoke detectors in your fire safety system.
Fire alarm activation stations blocked
Many modern buildings have fire alarm activation stations. Still, individuals may block these extraction stations with plants, furniture, and other objects without knowing it.
Verify that all areas around fire alarm activation stations are labeled clearly so that people can quickly locate them in an emergency. If someone blocks the area, move the obstruction and remind them that those areas must stay open. Having clear access to a fire alarm may be the difference between saving lives and not.
Fire Protection Services
Not sure about your fire safety system? Try to find a local company that offers smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and expert installation of automatic sprinkler systems. You can also lean on our experts for help.