There is no greater priority in maintaining a building than ensuring the facility’s fire detection and notification systems are in top condition. Too many lives are lost and billions of dollars in property disappear because of potentially avoidable fire situations. The major reasons for these losses is the inadequacy or poor maintenance of fire detection systems.
While the causes of these conflagrations are usually diagnosed after the catastrophe, the critical responsibilities of building management are:
- The facility has the right detection and notification devices for the configuration and use of the building
- All equipment is functioning perfectly
- All occupants are aware of fire evacuation procedures
Why Worry About Fire System Inspection?
Because lives are at stake, fire detection and notification systems must be checked and tested, repair and maintenance services performed, and records maintained. Local codes, fire departments, and even insurance carriers require that fire system inspection be performed on a regular basis by a licensed, qualified fire inspection service.
In addition to the essential importance of protecting the lives of employees, residents and visitors, efficiently operating systems do reduce financial liability, avoid the potential that insurance companies may not cover damages because of malfunction, and eliminates the possibility of emergency services arriving to false alarms.
How Often Should Your Systems Be Checked?
The National Fire Prevention Association recommends inspections and maintenance services be performed on regular cycles. The NFPA-72 Fire Alarm Code recommends the following activities be performed by a licensed fire system inspection company:
- weekly inspection of panel LED warning lights
- quarterly inspection of all sprinkler or retardant systems to ensure all valves are operating properly
- semi-annual testing of water flow and sprinkler valves
- semi-annual testing and cleaning of batteries
- annual test and check of all LED lights, fuses and battery chargers
- annual test of audible and visual notification systems such as horns, strobes, bells and voice evacuation systems
- annual test and inspect all smoke and heat detectors
- annual inspect and clean all elements, checking for grime build-up and worn parts
All maintenance and testing must be documented and available for review by local fire authorities.
High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) in Chicagoland
Fire detection and notification devices are technical instruments. Only trained and certified experts should be performing these inspections. Fire authorities and insurance companies require expert inspection and maintenance to certify compliance. HRSS has decades of experience maintaining state-of-the-art fire systems equipment.