Fire safety equipment can be extremely effective at extinguishing a fire before it becomes uncontrollable, or at containing a fire that has already begun to spread. However, if fire safety equipment is not properly installed, it might not have the same beneficial effects on fire when compared to another system that was installed correctly. For this reason, it is essential to make sure that your fire suppression systems installation is properly completed and working to their fullest potential. This is simple to do with Keystone Fire Protection Co. on your side. Below are some common mistakes we can help you avoid when installing fire safety equipment.
1. Hiring the Wrong Installation Company
Not all fire safety specialists offer the same support and full-service fire safety equipment installation. A good fire safety specialist will have an abundance of knowledge about the proper way to install safety equipment and can make appropriate recommendations for your home or office. Additionally, they will design the system and installation plan to alleviate any customer concerns. A poor fire safety specialist could require the customer to submit design parameters or specifications, oftentimes resulting in improper fire safety equipment design and installation. Keystone Fire Protection Co. has full-service fire suppression systems installation and design expertise to ensure your equipment installation is a success.
2. Disregarding Fire Safety Codes
Fire safety codes often regulate the design and style of the fire safety equipment directly. These codes dictate everything from what kind of fire extinguishers are required, to the water pressure in a sprinkler system, to the location and accessibility of these devices. As a result, local laws and OSHA codes must guide the design and installation of fire safety equipment. Failure to do so could not only have a negative impact on the ability of the equipment to efficiently extinguish a fire, but also could result in a fine or citation from a governing body tasked with enforcing those codes. Because Keystone has spent decades developing relationships with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and fire marshals, as well as keeping our team educated on the latest regulations, keeping your systems code compliant is simple.
3. Installing Fire Sprinklers Systems too Close to the Ceiling
When fire sprinklers systems are designed, the manufacturers designate an optimal height to mount the sprinkler head. Unfortunately, some people ignore that designation under the false perception that the sprinkler will work more efficiently if it is placed higher up or as close to the ceiling as possible. That assumption is simply not true. The designated height to mount the sprinkler head takes into consideration the spray pattern created by the sprinkler. If the sprinkler head is placed too close to the ceiling, that spray pattern could be disrupted, and the sprinkler system will not work as intended. This is just another reason why having a team like Keystone who is familiar with codes and manufacturers’ design specifications is so important.
4. Placing Equipment Behind Obstacles
Fire equipment isn’t necessarily the most attractive décor in your home or office. However, hiding fire safety equipment, or placing it being obstacles where it is hard to access or work effectively, can severely limit its ability to counter fire. In an emergency, you don’t want to scramble to find a fire extinguisher, and similarly, you don’t want obstructing furniture or objects to block the spray pattern of your sprinkler system. As a result, potential obstacles must be taken into consideration when installing fire safety equipment.
5. Discarding User Manuals
We understand user manuals will not be the first thing you turn to in the event of a fire emergency. At that point, there can be a lot of stress and chaos and it’s unrealistic to think that anyone is going to pull out the user manual to refresh their memory on how to operate a fire extinguisher. Nevertheless, it is important to keep those manuals nearby for two reasons. First, they can be helpful tools for training individuals on fire safety and prevention. Second, user manuals can also be great resources for troubleshooting problems with the safety equipment or for installing repairs. If reading instructions on how to properly use a fire extinguisher is not your first choice, Keystone Fire Protection Co. offers classroom and hands-on fire extinguisher training with a live burn so you can practice using an extinguisher and be ready should an emergency ever occur.
6. Failing to Test Equipment Shortly After Installation
Another common error that individuals can sometimes make is failing to test the equipment after the installation is completed. A test immediately the following installation is a prime indicator of whether the equipment has been installed correctly, and more importantly, can signal whether the equipment will perform to its highest potential in the event of a fire. By testing the equipment after installation, you can be much more confident that the equipment will respond correctly if a fire breaks out and assure you that you can rely on it in an emergency. This is one of the many reasons why Keystone does it all; not only does our team install fire safety equipment, our technicians also test, inspect and repair those systems. When you hire Keystone to service your fire suppression systems installation and other fire protection equipment, you will have the comfort of knowing the same team that installed and has experience with your system is the one also providing maintenance.
Keystone Fire Protection Co. has the equipment, service, and trained staff to support your fire safety equipment installation. With a variety of fire suppression, sprinkler, and detection systems to choose from, Keystone Fire will make sure that you are prepared for a fire emergency. Contact Keystone Fire to learn more about the equipment installation services.