Fire protection systems, when installed and maintained to proper codes and standards, should be fully operational, 24/7. Unfortunately, the news is too often full of reports of fires where building systems didn’t function as they should. Even more tragically, we hear of this most often in residential settings.
Your best defence against fire protection system failures is to partner with a trusted fire/life safety partner, who will inspect and maintain your building’s system to the applicable codes and standards. But, there are some items that can be highlighted as more common causes of systems not working as they should.
Wrong Protection Type
Building codes require a certain type and level of fire protection be installed, based on the use of the facility. For instance, manufacturing of highly flammable items requires a different level of protection than a regular office setting. This is because the flammability means a fire can burn faster and hotter, so early detection and appropriate suppression are key.
A landlord or facility manager needs to know who occupies the building and the kind of business done in every room or floor. They need to ensure the proper protection is adequate to meet the specific activities performed in the building.
Annual testing and routine maintenance should be performed by professionals to keep systems in top condition.
Painted Sprinkler Heads
Often, we see this code deficiency which occurs innocently enough but seriously impairs the function of a sprinkler system. During renovations, whether well-intending designers want them to blend in or painters don’t remember to properly cover a sprinkler head, the head can become painted along with the ceiling or wall. This can seriously affect the sprinkler’s ability to function.
Sprinkler heads are designed with tiny glass bulbs which break when heat rises to a specific temperature, letting a valve drop and the water in the piping behind the head to be released. If the bulb is painted, it can prevent it from breaking, thus the sprinkler head won’t function.
At home – replace your batteries!
Thankfully, few fire deaths occur each year in commercial settings. However, almost daily you can hear reports of horrific fires in homes – often while everyone is asleep. The most important step you can take for you and your family is to make sure you have operating smoke detectors in your home.
Changing the battery every time we ‘spring forward’ and ‘fall back’ will ensure your batteries stay fresh and don’t run out. Periodically using the ‘test’ function to ensure the detector is working and to ensure your family recognizes the sound of your alarm is critical.
Don’t give in to the urge to disconnect a smoke detector near a kitchen or bathroom where steam or cooking smoke regularly sets it off. Try repositioning it a few feet or using fans when cooking to avoid false alarms.
If you want to know more about what you can do in case of a system failure or how you can prevent one, contact Harding Fire Protection Systems today!