So, you’ve checked off your yearly fire inspection on your to-do list. You may think that you’re fine to just “set and forget” until next year rolls around. However, this lackadaisical approach to the management of your building’s fire protection systems is not only frowned upon, but it’s also dangerous. After all, these systems, whether they’re fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, or suppression systems, are your first line of defense in the event of a fire. However, like any safety-conscious system, they require consistent care to remain effective and ensure your building’s occupants of their own welfare. Regular maintenance isn’t just a box to check; it’s an essential investment in safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
Why Consistent Fire Protection System Maintenance Matters
Fire protection systems, even in their simplest forms, are meticulously designed to save lives and minimize property damage, but only if they function appropriately in an emergency. These systems involve a substantial number of moving parts and mechanisms. Over time, without regular maintenance, these parts can degrade, batteries can die, and equipment can become obstructed. Without routine inspections and upkeep, you run the risk of undetected faults that can lead to system failure when it matters most.
Staying in Compliance with Fire Codes and Regulations
Even though fire protection systems can vary based on the building they’re designed to protect, fire alarm companies in NJ are subject to regulatory standards designed to apply to the vast majority of systems. Most jurisdictions require regular inspections and maintenance of fire protection systems in accordance with codes set by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Not only does neglecting these requirements put the occupants of your building into the firing line, but compliance failures can also result in fines, legal liabilities, or even the closure of your building. A certified fire inspection professional can ensure that your building is up-to-date and secure.
Everyday Maintenance Steps that Owners Can Perform
Commitment to a system inspection regimen isn’t just limited to visits from safety professionals. There are a variety of simple steps you can undertake to establish a healthy routine and future for your fire protection system.
These can include:
- Regularly Inspect Fire Extinguishers: Regularly inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged, easily accessible, and not obstructed by any objects. This goes beyond the annually scheduled visit from an inspection authority. Employees should be well-educated on how to properly use them, and the extinguisher should be visually inspected monthly.
- Test Building Fire Alarms: While this is not as convenient as a simple visual check of a fire extinguisher, test fire alarms at least once a month to verify their operation is vital in making sure they’re there when you need them most. This includes checking the sound, ensuring smoke detectors are free of obstructions, and verifying that the system is connected to a central monitoring station. Try to find time during a slow day for your business’s operation in order to avoid potentially panicked customers or employees. If your business cannot accommodate this during the day, a reputable fire alarm company in Philadelphia can efficiently perform this operation for you.
- Maintain Your Building’s Sprinkler System: This step can involve tending to the sprinkler heads to ensure they are not blocked or impeded by equipment, furniture, or other debris. Check for leaks and ensure the water pressure is adequate. While this is another process covered during your yearly inspection visit, it pays to do your part to help avoid any complications down the road.
- Ensuring the Functionality of Fire Doors and Emergency Lighting: Checking on the building’s required fire doors to make sure they close completely and the seals are intact is also an advisable practice. As you can likely imagine, fire doors should never be propped open or ajar, as they could lose their effectiveness. Additionally, check for any visible damage or wear on the door’s hardware. Should you find any defects, immediately schedule repair or replacement for any faulty components. Include the emergency lighting to your monthly testing checklist to be sure that they activate when needed, and exit signs should always be visible and illuminated.
In many instances, maintaining fire protection systems is not just a legal requirement, it’s an essential step toward safeguarding your occupants from hazards and your business from property damage. Contrary to popular belief, you can take critical steps toward preserving the functionality of your building’s system. By staying proactive and committed to routine maintenance, you not only comply with fire safety regulations but also invest in the long-term safety and peace of mind of everyone in your building.
Still, as stated earlier, every property poses its own set of challenges and certain repairs and inspections still require professional expertise. That’s where Keystone Fire and Security can help. If you have any questions about procedures and regulations or you want to inquire about necessary repairs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your leisure. We’d be happy to help and keep you and your business safe and secure.