What is the NFPA Fire & Life Ecosystem?
In 2018, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed a framework, titled the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem. This framework outlines and identifies eight components that, when working cohesively together, help to minimize the risk and assist in preventing loss, death, and injuries from electrical, fire, and other hazards. The key components are interdependent, if any of the components suffer a breakdown within the ecosystem, the result can be tragic.
After a tragedy occurs, the NFPA states the cause of the tragedy can typically always be traced back to a breakdown in the component(s) of the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem.
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The Fire & Life Ecosystem 8 Key Components
The 8 components of the Fire and Life Ecosystem include:
1. Government Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the Government to enforce both effective regulations and policies that boost and assist electrical, building, fire, and life safety. But it is the responsibility of the commercial building manager to make sure those regulations and policies are enforced and followed. The NFPA has stated that when you follow fire and life safety requirements, it has been proven to lead to a reduction in losses.
2. Development & Use of Current Codes
To keep the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem functioning properly, commercial property managers need to stay informed on the most up-to-date standards and codes put forth by the NFPA. These standards and codes are continuously updated to indicate the evolving needs for safety. NFPA offers a complete list of NFPA Codes & Standards.
High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, provides commercial fire safety consulting services to ensure your building is compliant with all local, federal, and national fire safety codes. We go above code compliance to ensure total safety unique to your building and property and assist with approval from your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
3. Referenced Standards
Compliance with the NFPA’s referenced standards and codes protects your commercial building’s property, occupants, and residents. Commercial property owners must also be compliant with the International Building Code (IBC), and state and local regulations such as the Chicago Building Code.
HRSS will work with you to customize your commercial fire and life safety system and ensure compliance with all referenced codes, standards, and regulations.
4. Investment in Safety
Engaging and investing in the education of your staff is an important step in creating and maintaining commercial fire and life safety. In addition to purchasing the most up-to-date fire safety equipment, creating a comprehensive commercial fire and life safety plan is the best way to reduce the risk of losses. The NFPA offers free educational resources on fire safety to share safety strategies with your staff.
5. Skilled Workforce
To guarantee your fire and life safety ecosystem is working properly, your commercial building’s staff needs to be educated and trained so they can effectively apply the codes and standards set forth by the NFPA. The NFPA offers educational classes and resources to further your knowledge of the fire and life ecosystem and commercial fire safety standards.
6. Code Compliance
To enforce the fire and life safety codes and standards incorporated in your commercial fire and life safety system, property owners need to have an in-depth understanding of them. The NFPA Handbooks are a wonderful tool and resource to use and share with staff that discloses the reason behind the codes and standards. These handbooks also provide diagrams, pictures, and case studies for a better learning experience.
HRSS is recognized as a leading provider of comprehensive commercial fire and life safety services in the Chicago area with in-depth knowledge of all code regulations. We provide fire alarm system design that is compliant with all fire safety and building codes along with quality, UL-listed fire alarm equipment, and services.
7. Preparedness & Emergency Response
One of the key components of the NFPA Fire & Life Ecosystem is making sure the needs of emergency responders can be met so they can perform their jobs as efficiently and effectively as possible. These kits should be suited with items that will aid and assist emergency responders to protect your commercial building and the lives of the occupants in the event of a disaster. Every company should have an employee roster and know who is in the building at all times and that all employees know where to go and how to respond in every emergency.
8. Informed Public
Educating the public about risks involved with electrical, fire, and related hazards is the final component of the NFPA Fire & Life Ecosystem. It’s important to educate your family, friends, and coworkers on how fires start and what steps can be taken to reduce your risk. The NFPA provides consumer-friendly, Public Education resources on fire safety, educational worksheets, tips, and more.
HRSS: An Important Part of Your Fire & Life Ecosystem
High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, can assist you in ensuring your commercial building is equipped with a comprehensive commercial fire and life safety plan that is fully customizable to fit your needs. HRSS ensures compliance with all fire and life safety codes and regulations to further safeguard the lives of residents and staff to reduce risk within your commercial building. By incorporating the ecosystem into your commercial fire and life safety plan, you are providing maximum protection for your commercial business.
High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, offers fire safety experts that provide a commercial fire alarm system that is code compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
The Bottom Line on Staying Involved in Commercial Fire Safety
Every person should be allowed to feel safe whether they are at work, at home, or out in the public. To accomplish this, commercial buildings must be involved in the creation of comprehensive and all-inclusive fire and life safety plans that protect the occupants of their buildings while also serving to protect their assets. Complacency drives unnecessary gaps and weaknesses in the Fire & Life Ecosystem, which in turn can cost people their lives.
The NFPA Fire & Life Ecosystem was put in place to identify the key components needed to ensure the safety and wellness of workers, occupants, and the public. Working with an experienced commercial fire and life safety provider like HRSS, whose team members are experts in commercial fire and life safety systems, is a vital step in saving lives.
HRSS has the knowledge and expertise to execute the full scope of your commercial fire and life safety system needs including consultation, system design, UL-listed equipment, maintenance, inspections, testing, and monitoring. HRSS understands and values the components necessary to keep you safe and protect your assets and the lives of everyone who works, lives, or visits your commercial building. Contact HRSS today to set up a comprehensive expert consultation to assess your commercial fire and life safety system needs.