We can all agree that one of the most stressful and upsetting experiences a business can have is a destructive fire.
Since it is nearly impossible to predict when a fire will occur, it is paramount to always be prepared. Regular fire system inspections are key to fire prevention and protection. When researching fire system inspection companies in South Jersey, look for a company that is trusted in the community.
Keystone Fire Protection Co. is more than just a well-known name to many businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey areas. We have the experience needed to ensure your fire system can detect, prevent, and counter fire hazards, and we have a track record of providing high-quality, responsive service that business owners like you look for in a vendor.
You know that you need a reputable fire protection company like Keystone to service your life safety systems, but when should you schedule an inspection? Before checking on how often to inspect fire safety systems, it helps to understand what constitutes “fire protection equipment”.
What Is A Fire Safety System?
A fire safety system refers to a network of fire suppression equipment like extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke detection devices, or clean agents.
Every building should have fire extinguishers throughout, placed in key locations (determined by code) that are easily visible and accessible. As for sprinkler and suppression systems, different environments call for appropriate protection. 
For example, a wet sprinkler system would be a terrible choice for a freezer; you would want a dry sprinkler system or suppression system here instead.
Exit lighting, signage, and doors also serve a key role in fire protection, too, as they are designed to indicate egress routes in case of a fire. Strobes accompany audible devices that alert to emergencies and are connected to the building fire alarm system.
Businesses stand to gain a lot from an operational fire safety system. This not only protects your building but also your clients/visitors and employees. Ensuring your system is always ready to go not matter the situation is not just best practice but often required by building code and local laws.
When to Inspect Fire Safety Systems
We recommend getting into the habit of inspecting your fire safety systems every month; this type of inspection does not necessarily require a professional since it is as easy as having a member of your staff or maintenance team check for things like broken tamper seals or missing pull pins on fire extinguishers. Also look for physical damage like broken nozzles on a kitchen suppression system, painted over sprinkler heads, detectors hanging with wires exposed, or emergency exit signs that need new lightbulbs. 
Check inspection stickers and tags to see when the next 6-month or annual inspection is, depending on the piece of equipment.
Fire safety system annual inspection requires a professionally trained and certified individual like a Keystone technician. They are able to perform routine maintenance as defined by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and local code regulations, as well as onsite repair where necessary.
Finally, for some equipment, a major internal inspection must take place every five years. Some businesses may prolong this period by up to twelve years, depending on their fire safety system and guidance from their Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Scheduling a Fire Safety System Inspection
With a reputable fire protection company like Keystone, you will never have to worry about remembering to schedule your next inspection. Our customer service team keeps track of your inspection schedule and reaches out to let you know ahead of time. Then, they work with you to find a convenient time for a technician to visit your facility to perform the inspection and any necessary repairs.
If you have any questions, we always have a member of our team on standby to help – 24/7. For quick questions and answers, we encourage you to try our Life Safety Lifeline live chat right here on our website. But if you would like to discuss your fire safety systems in greater detail, please call 215-641-0100 or email [email protected]. We’d be happy to help!