Rapid Transit Station Fire Protection

Fire Alarm Systems April 20, 2021 June 24, 2021

Rapid transit stations like subways in busy cities serve millions of commuters on a daily basis. If a fire breaks out in any of these underground mass transit systems, the consequences could be catastrophic. Fire alarm regulations exist like NFPA 130, the Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems Scope.

Catastrophe in Mexico City Subway Station

According to a recent article in NFPA today on January 13, 2021, a fire at a Mexico City Metro A substation raised a lot of questions about fire safety for rapid transit stations. The fire damaged six service lines, three of the busiest that could take up to three months to repair. One police officer perished and several people were treated for smoke inhalation. It was revealed that this subway station had not been properly maintained and obsolete systems were not replaced. As is true with all commercial fire alarm systems, fire alarm preventive maintenance is critical in mass transit systems to mitigate risk to all passengers.

NFPA 130 for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems

So what are the fire alarm regulations for rapid transit stations? The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, has issued NFPA 130 Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems, with the scope to cover life safety and fire protection requirements for fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems. This includes trainways, stations, emergency ventilation systems, emergency procedures, communications, and control systems.

NFPA 130 was first adopted by the NFPA in 1983, which has seen several revisions since with the most recent being the 2020 Edition. In 1975, a Fixed Guideway Transit Systems Technical Committee was formed and began development of NFPA 130, with the main concern centered on the potential for large numbers of people to become entrapped in these types of mass transportation facilities. Several revision were made over the years with the 1997 Edition including a new chapter on emergency ventilation systems and the 2000 Edition addressing passenger rail systems, thus the change to the title of NFPA 130 to the Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems.

Any type of commercial fire alarm system requires fire alarm preventive maintenance with internal, visual inspections and regular inspections from qualified fire alarm providers.

Commercial Fire Alarm System Maintenance and Inspections

All commercial properties must maintain fire alarm systems according to their state and local fire alarm regulations. The city of Chicago has specific commercial fire alarm regulations which all commercial properties are required to adhere to as well as the International Building Code (IBC), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable NFPA standards. High-Rise Security Systems is a leading provider of fire and life safety systems in and around Chicago, with decades of experience and expertise in providing code compliant commercial fire alarm systems. We ensure that your commercial property meets all code regulations and first and foremost, provides protection and mitigates risk to the public.

HRSS is a leading fire alarm and life safety system provider in and around Chicago, Illinois. We offer fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, testing, inspection, maintenance, repairs, and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us to learn more about maintaining your commercial fire alarm system and to ensure compliance with all fire alarm regulations.

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Reasonable Bids and High Quality Work

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group.

- Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:27:09+00:00

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group. - Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/reasonable-bids-high-quality-work/

Always Responsive & Fair Pricing

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS.

Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:42:47+00:00

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS. Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/always-responsive-fair-pricing/

Trusted Notifier Partner

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs.

Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:45:20+00:00

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs. Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/trusted-notifier-partner/

Thanks for making this project a success

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project.

Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise.

Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent

Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent

Nick U. ECI Superintendent

Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

High Rise Security Systems

2016-11-11T14:06:54+00:00

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project. Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise. Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent Nick U. ECI Superintendent Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/thanks-making-project-success/

You guys did an outstanding job!

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff.

You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Dave R
Senior Project Manager

High Rise Security Systems

2017-01-09T14:53:11+00:00

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff. You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future. Dave R Senior Project Manager

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/guys-outstanding-job/

Battaglia Industries

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs.

-Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

High Rise Security Systems

2020-09-28T12:28:31+00:00

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs. -Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/battaglia-industries/

High Rise Security Systems