It's easy to take fire sprinklers and fire protection systems for granted, but these devices are complex and amazing pieces of engineering which are far too often misunderstood and potentially misused, to the detriment of those operating near them. One of the most common and potentially problematic misconceptions people have…

Our office building is a steel structure, and because steel doesn't burn I shouldn't have to worry about fire protection, right? That's a common misconception. Damage can definitely be done to steel structures and the extent of damage depends on the size and temperature of the fire. It is always…

While not exactly a trick question, most people do not know the answer to the question of "how long should my fire alarm system last?" The answer to this question depends on a few factors. Full inspection by a qualified professional is needed regularly to keep it operating at peak…

The purpose of emergency lighting is to ensure adequate illumination is provided when the power supply to the normal lighting fails. Emergency lighting is key in making sure people can exit a building safely in the event of an emergency. Emergency lighting illuminates the means of egress which includes stairs,…

Technologies evolve regarding data centers and server rooms and, therefore, engineering systems that enhance them change as well. As an example, the HACA containment system, which stands for "hot aisle cold aisle," was initiated to address the problems associated with small server rooms whose equipment may run too hot. Many…

Local fire department officials perform annual inspections to assess and eliminate potential fire and life safety hazards in restaurants. One of the primary goals of inspections is to ensure that all required codes and standards are being followed by the eating establishment. NFPA 101, International Fire Code and NFPA 96…

A big element of running a successful business is ensuring that it is safe and secure in all aspects. This includes preparing your business for emergencies that haven't occurred yet, such as fires. When starting the design process, your primary goals with a new fire protection system are to safeguard…

It's a common scenario: a facility's fire alarm system comes to the end of its operational life, necessitating an upgrade. For that upgrade to be a success, the new system must meet the budget, the code requirements of local and state governments, and the organization's goals. If you are in…

As the owner of a business or commercial property, you have the responsibility to provide employees, customers, and guests with protection from fire hazards. You may think that if you have a fire extinguisher, you have what you need to put out most kinds of small fires. Unfortunately, that's not…

It's mandatory for businesses to have a systematic response process in place for emergency situations. However, it's not enough to just write down a procedure. Every employee in your building needs to know the emergency plan like the back of their hand in order to ensure safety. Here are some…