Preparing for the Fire Safety Inspection

There are several things that building owners can do to prepare for a commercial fire safety inspection.  Understanding which fire and life safety codes apply to your building and location as well as communicating with your local fire department are just a couple of things to help you prepare to pass your fire inspection. Working with a reputable fire and life safety system company is another way to help prepare yourself.

Know the Fire Safety Codes and Ordinances Applicable in Your Area

Fire safety codes and ordinances will highlight the types of fire safety equipment that must be in place in your building for your location and will dictate the building requirements that must be adhered to.  Building owners must be aware of international fire and safety codes such as those detailed in the International Building Code (IBC) as well as all national fire codes issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  NFPA 101 is applicable to all commercial properties with varying regulations enforced on a local level. Different local jurisdictions enforce their own building codes such as the Chicago Building Code. Additional codes and regulations also apply such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Form a Relationship with Your Local Emergency Rescue and Fire Departments

Rescue teams and fire departments do their best to help civilians in emergency situations, and they benefit greatly from knowing the floorplans of your building. Fire department personnel cannot possibly know specific things about your buildings and property unless you share with them. Building owners should provide their local fire department the floorplans of their building and property layout, along with any security alarm access codes. These documents will provide emergency rescue teams with the best method of entering your building to quickly and safely respond to an emergency.

A fire and life safety consulting firm can help you with providing necessary information about your commercial building fire alarm including the fire alarm system design.  The make and model of your commercial fire alarm panel is also beneficial to communicate to emergency crews. Information that should be provided includes locations for the following:

• Exterior windows and doors
• All emergency exits
• Fire alarm pull stations
• Fire extinguishers
• Meeting area for all personnel

Your building safety manager should have procedures in place to quickly provide an attendance list of everyone that should be present in the building at the time of emergency. 

Communicate Emergency Exit Plans to All Employees

Make sure that all emergency evacuation plans are current, posted throughout each facility and communicated to all personnel. Your egress plan should include a map of the facility with evacuation paths indicated. Occupants should have a clear visual representation of how to exit the building safely even if no fire drills have been conducted.

According to a fact sheet on Emergency Exit Routes by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most workplaces are required to have at least 2 exit routes. More than two exit routes may be required depending on the size and layout of the building and the number of employees.  Make sure that all exit routes such as hallways are never blocked with clutter and are clear for evacuation.

Partner with an Experienced Fire and Life Safety Company

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is an experienced fire and life safety company providing comprehensive services to businesses in and around Chicago, IL.  We offer complete commercial fire alarm system design, testing and maintenance to help companies prepare for fire safety inspections.  Our team is vastly experienced with all applicable fire and life safety codes, helping companies to maintain compliance and pass fire safety inspections.

HRSS provides comprehensive fire and life safety services to commercial properties in and around Chicago.  We offer UL listed equipment, maintenance, testing and inspections along with fire alarm system design.  Contact us with any questions on fire safety compliance and how to prepare for a fire safety inspection.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-inspection/preparing-for-the-fire-safety-inspection/

Top 5 Causes of Industrial and Manufacturing Fires

Industrial and Manufacturing Property Fire Facts

Fires occurring in industrial and manufacturing properties cause an estimated $1.2 billion of damages, 279 injuries and 18 civilian deaths every year. According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are more than 37,000 industrial and manufacturing fires occurring every year.

Types of Industrial and Manufacturing Fires

Industrial and manufacturing properties include various property uses such as agriculture, manufacturing, laboratories, energy production, utilities, woodlands, forests, quarries, and mines.  Fires occurring on these types of properties either occur to the structure itself, outside or considered unclassified, or occur in vehicles.  Out of the more than 37,000 fires that occur each year, 71% occur outside or are considered unclassified, while 20% occur in structures and the remaining 9% are vehicle fires.

These types of fires often cause large-scale losses and even though structural fires account for only 20% of industrial and manufacturing fires, they are the cause of the greatest losses. Structural fires are the cause of nearly half of all civilian deaths, 80% of civilian injuries and account for the greatest losses in property damage.

Top 5 Causes of Industrial and Manufacturing Fires

According to the NFPA, the leading cause of structural fires in industrial properties was due to electrical distribution and lighting equipment. The top five causes of industrial and manufacturing fires includes the following:

1. Electrical hazards
2. Machinery and equipment
3. Hot Work
4. Combustible dust
5. Flammable liquids and gases

1. Electrical Hazards

Faulty electrical equipment such as faulty connections, overloaded outlets and circuits, and loose wiring or wiring not up to code top the list as the single biggest cause of workplace fires. This is a common cause of structural fires due to the fact that every building has electricity and this can happen anywhere, in warehouses, retail stores, and business offices.

You can help to prevent electrical fires with awareness and prevention methods such as maintenance and training. Best practices to implement immediately include:

• Unplug temporary equipment when not in use
• Do not use extension cords and never consider them a permanent solution
• Do not overload electrical circuits or equipment
• Maintain good housekeeping practices and do not allow hazardous materials or combustible dust near machinery and equipment
• Use antistatic equipment when required by OSHA or NFPA

In addition to these general best practices, maintaining your fire and life safety system is key to prevent catastrophic consequences and loss of life.

2.  Machinery and Equipment

Machinery and equipment are a leading cause of industrial fires and include fires started by lighting and electrical equipment, heating equipment, cooking equipment, shop tools and other industrial equipment.  Furnaces that are not properly installed and any type of electrical equipment from pencil sharpeners to industrial presses weighing several tons can be a fire hazard. Anything with friction and moving parts, or equipment that uses hot oils like hydraulic fluids, or any machine that can create a spark or malfunction can potentially be a fire hazard.

You can help to prevent fires caused from machinery and equipment by maintaining awareness, good housekeeping practices and routine maintenance.

3.  Hot Work

Hot work is one of the leading causes of industrial fires in all industries and includes welding and torch cutting, but also includes soldering, heating, burning, or brazing.  All of these activities pose a fire hazard, especially when used in the vicinity of combustible dust, hot oils, or flammable materials. Sparks can travel more than 35 feet and great caution must be used during hot work processes.

4.  Combustible Dust

Combustible dust is a major cause of fires in many industries such as metalworking, woodworking, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing and many others. Materials such as metals, chemicals, food, and dyes and even materials that may not be combustible in their original larger form can be highly combustible in dust form.  Just about any material can generate combustible dust, making it important for every business to practice good housekeeping and keep areas clean and clear from dust. This is especially important around electrical machinery and hot work tools.

5.  Flammable Liquids and Gases

There is always a risk when working with flammable liquids and gases. You can mitigate risks by following all safety precautions and wearing protective equipment. Always be aware of the types of liquids on your property and know where to find Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Control all ignition sources and keep them far away from flammable liquids which should be stored according to OSHA compliant procedures.

By knowing the top causes of industrial and manufacturing fires and following all safety precautions to prevent them you can help to reduce devastating loss of life and property damages.

Fire and Life Safety Systems for Industrial and Manufacturing Properties

Making sure your fire and life safety systems are in proper working order and code compliant is critical to protecting your property and the lives of employees, tenants, or occupants. High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire and life safety systems provider in the Chicagoland area, offering decades of experience in protecting industrial and manufacturing properties.

HRSS offers commercial fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment, fire alarm inspections, testing, maintenance, repairs, and monitoring 24/7/365.  We help property owners to make the best decisions for fire and life safety with consultations from experienced fire safety specialists. Contact us to learn more about protecting your commercial property with a fire safety consultation, risk assessment and recommendations for your business.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-safety-consultants/top-5-causes-of-industrial-and-manufacturing-fires/

Do You Need a Fire and Life Safety Inspection?

All commercial buildings are required to have a fire and life safety system inspection and testing every year to ensure compliance to life safety codes. The main purpose of having annual fire and life safety system inspections is to prevent the loss of human life and/or lost property.  The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, issues life safety codes including NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code® that sets the standard for both existing and new structures.

NFPA 101 Life Safety Inspections

A building must meet all code requirements of NFPA 101 to pass a fire and life safety inspection.  The inspections will evaluate the construction and layout of the building, fire protection systems, and all features that provide safety from smoke, fire, and emergencies. NFPA 101 is revised every three years with some regulations varying in different states. Building owners can check with their local fire Marshal to determine their building needs for compliance and may contact local fire and life safety service companies for assistance.

What Is Looked at during a Fire and Life Safety Inspection?

While specific inspections may vary per building construction, state and local code regulations, a typical fire and life safety inspection should include the following basic inspection requirements :

Safety devices – all safety devices such as sprinkler heads, fire extinguishers and any other fire prevention devices will be inspected and/or tested.

Safety systems – the entire fire alarm system, heat and smoke detectors, emergency lighting and sprinkler system should all be inspected.

Building Safety Requirements – inspectors look at specific requirements per building construction such as where fire doors are located, which way doors open to emergency areas, clutter that may hinder access to fire extinguishers, and a variety of other circumstances related to the specific building.

Following a Fire and Life Safety Inspection

You will receive an inspection report after your fire and life safety inspection is complete. This report will give you details about your compliance to NFPA 101 and any action items that must be taken to achieve compliance.  A specified date should be provided as to when all action items should be completed and then another inspection will be conducted to ensure that your building meets all requirements of applicable fire and life safety codes. 

Following all fire and life safety code regulations is the best way to pass your inspection and protect your property and occupants.  Many businesses find it difficult or impossible to continue after experiencing a natural disaster or a fire.  Preventing a fire in the first place is the best way to protect your business from potential failure and prohibitive expenses.  Insurance may not cover all of the expenses necessary to resume business operations such as ensuring integrity of the structure, recovering from smoke damage, recovering a lost customer base and much more.

How to Prepare for Your Fire and Life Safety Inspection

The best way to prepare for your fire and life safety inspection is to speak with a fire and life safety consultant.  High-Rise Security Systems, HRSS, provides fire and life safety consultations and comprehensive services to commercial properties in and around Chicago. HRSS is recognized as a leading provider of fire and life safety to all types of businesses in various types of building structures.

We offer UL listed fire alarm system equipment from the best names in fire safety, commercial fire alarm system design detailing proper placement of all detection and notification devices as well as all maintenance, testing and inspections. When you need to pass a fire and life safety inspection and you want the best professionals on your team, you need to contact HRSS.  We help companies with all aspects of fire and life safety including datasheets necessary for compliance with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

HRSS is a respected and experienced commercial fire alarm and life safety system provider in northern Illinois.  We ensure that your business is compliant to NFPA 101 and all applicable fire and life safety codes including local building ordinances like the Chicago building code. Contact us with any questions and for assistance with fire and life safety system inspections.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-inspection/do-you-need-a-fire-and-life-safety-inspection/