Fire safety code regulations are in place for a reason and endorsed by many different agencies. In Chicago, businesses must comply with safety regulations as outlined in the:
- Chicago Building Code
- International Building Code, IBC
- National Fire Protection Association, NFPA
- Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA
Commercial properties must meet the safety regulations set forth by these organizations and other applicable agencies. Working with an experienced commercial fire alarm system consultant and provider is the best way to ensure code compliance, protection for your property and people and is the best way to avoid common fire code violations.
How to Avoid Common Fire Safety Code Violations
Business owners must have protection systems in place to ensure the safety of all customers and employees at all times in the event of an emergency or a fire. Even when business owners think they are doing everything right, mistakes can happen that leave them in violation of fire safety code regulations. The following are some of the most common fire safety code violations and how to avoid them:
Faulty smoke detectors – smoke detectors need to be inspected regularly as faulty detectors are one of the most common issues that fire inspectors find. Battery-operated smoke detectors can develop issues with amplification of sound or needing new batteries. Faulty smoke detectors are found in many instances of catastrophic fires where lives are lost. All smoke detectors must be inspected regularly to ensure they are always operating properly.
Blocked fire alarm pull stations – the manual pull stations to sound a fire alarm in commercial properties are there for a reason, although are often overlooked until an emergency occurs. Many businesses with manual pull stations inadvertently pile up storage, boxes or other debris that may conceal or block the manual pull alarm. Manual pull stations where access is blocked is one of the most common, quickest, and easiest ways businesses fail an inspection and will be an instant violation. Always keep manual pull stations free and clear with easy access in case of emergency.
Improper fire safety equipment inspections- all fire safety equipment including portable fire extinguishers require regular inspections. Business owners who fail to maintain inspections on fire extinguishers and replace expired extinguishers will quickly fail a fire safety inspection. Always be sure that you have the right type of fire extinguisher to use in your place of business and for the materials on-site. Be sure to inspect them monthly and document internal inspections as well as maintain required annual inspections from a commercial fire alarm system inspection company.
Improper use of humidifiers – humidifiers and air diffusers should never be placed near smoke detectors as the mist that they emit can affect the proper performance of smoke detectors. This may cause an alarm to not sound at all or can lead to false alarms. Make sure that your smoke detectors are not located near humidifiers and that they are inspected regularly and working properly.
Commercial Fire Safety Consultant Prevents Violations
HRSS is an experienced commercial fire alarm and life safety system provider, offering consultation, inspections, and solutions for businesses to maintain code compliance. We offer high quality UL listed fire alarm system equipment from the top manufacturers, customized fire alarm systems designed to meet your unique building requirements, regular inspections, testing, maintenance, and upgrades to ensure maximum protection.
HRSS is a leading fire alarm safety consultant for commercial properties in and around Chicago. We help businesses to maintain complete code compliance to all local, state, and national building and fire safety code regulations. Contact us to make sure your property is protected and to avoid common fire safety code violations.