Installing a fire protection system in your building shows your commitment to security and the safety of the people inside -- residents, coworkers, or employees. These people count on you to have the appropriate systems in place to ensure they stay safe in the event of a fire emergency. Regular inspections of your fire protection system are essential to ensure it meets fire code requirements.
These four common problems with your fire protection system can disrupt or prevent it from working correctly, thereby interfering with its ability to protect your property and people against fire.
Dirty Smoke Detectors in Ductwork
Verify that all smoke detectors installed in your air handling system's ductwork are cleaned, tested, and working correctly. Large buildings often have extensive air handling systems with smoke detectors installed in ducts and dust systems. These detectors sense smoke from filters, motors, and fans, giving you early warning to take action.
A lot of air passes through an air handling system's air filters, and the filters fill up fast. They require regular changing due to the rapid build-up of dust and dirt. Your fire protection system can only function when you maintain smoke detectors properly and clean or change air filters in the ductwork as scheduled.
Blocked Fire Exits
Maintaining clear and accessible fire exits in your building is essential for public safety. Ensure the area surrounding all fire exits is free of clutter, especially near the emergency exits.
Restaurant owners must ensure nothing is blocking any secondary exit doors in customer-accessible areas or employee work areas. Maintaining clear and accessible fire exits is a simple way to ensure your fire protection measures will pass inspection.
Blocked Fire Alarm Pull Stations
Most modern buildings have fire alarm pull stations. Still, people sometimes block these pull stations with furniture, plants, or other objects without even realizing it.
Make sure the areas around all fire alarm pull stations are clearly labeled so that people can quickly locate them in case of an emergency. If someone does block the area, move the obstruction, and remind them that those places must remain open. Having clear access to a fire alarm can save lives.
Air Diffusers Near Smoke Detectors
Following HVAC renovations, air diffusers may be placed near the smoke detectors in your building. Having air diffusers too close to smoke detectors causes excessive dust and dirt build-up on the smoke detector sensor. The resulting contamination can cause false alarms. Be sure you keep a reasonable distance between air diffusers and your fire safety system's smoke detectors.
Fire Protection Services from Frontier Fire
Frontier Fire has six locations in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. We provide smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and expert automatic sprinkler system installation.
Frontier Fire has been Colorado's leading fire sprinkler installation and service provider for over 50 years. We provide superior customer service, expert installations, and quality service and maintenance for all commercial fire safety systems.
Call Frontier Fire today at 303-629-0221 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
