Duct Smoke Detectors for HVAC systems

Fire and life safety systems are comprised of many components that must cohesively work together to save lives and protect assets. The importance of commercial buildings having custom fire safety plans and working with a company with the knowledge and expertise of compliance with all regulations is crucial. Included in customized commercial fire and life safety systems are duct smoke detectors that are placed in the HVAC system.  Oxygen feeds fire and an HVAC system can spread smoke, fire, or gas throughout a building.  Duct smoke detectors can detect a fire and save lives by shutting that down.

How Duct Smoke Detectors Work

Duct smoke detectors can detect if fumes or smoke are present in air handling equipment and if smoke or fumes are detected, they will close the dampers on the duct and will shut down the blowers and fans that circulate oxygen throughout the building. This prevents the fire’s distribution by removing the source of oxygen. In addition, there will be a visible and audible signal sent to the fire control panel.

Duct smoke detectors come outfitted with two alarms: a trouble condition, which can be triggered when there is a malfunction in the power running to the detector, and a fire condition alarm which detects smoke causing the alarm to be triggered. The implementation of these two alarms helps decrease the frequency of false alarms.

Do I Need Duct Smoke Detectors for My Fire Detection System Design?

The requirement for duct smoke detectors with HVAC systems is for airflows that exceed 2,000 cubic feet per minute. This includes commercial buildings that have multiple air handling systems if they share ducts with a combined design capacity that is greater than 2,000 cfm. The location of where duct smoke detectors are installed will depend on the governing codes in your area.

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, provides fire safety consulting with fire and life safety experts trained in customizing integrated fire safety systems for your commercial building needs. Our experts are trained on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requirements to ensure your commercial fire and life safety system meets all mandated regulations, such as the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

Duct smoke detectors should never be a replacement for area smoke detectors. In contrast, they should work together to complete your fire detection system design. Commercial buildings still need area smoke detectors to meet fire safety requirements because if the air-handling unit is not up and running, the duct smoke detector will not be able to detect smoke.

Inspection of Your Commercial Fire Safety Duct Smoke Detectors

Just like the rest of your fire alarm system, duct smoke detectors should be inspected by trained and licensed fire safety experts at least annually, or more depending on your property and business operations. HRSS includes comprehensive commercial fire safety system services which include inspection of your fire safety system to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

HRSS fire and life safety professionals are trained in conducting all required inspections on your duct smoke detectors. These inspections should include:

• Ensuring the smoke detector has no signs of damage, is unobstructed, and is firmly mounted to the duct
• Making sure there are no signs of damage to the circuit board
• Ensuring clear visibility of the control unit trouble signals
• Checking that the in-line filters are clean
• Checking that the sample ports are unobstructed, and the sampling pipe is conspicuously identified
• All sampling system fittings and piping are airtight and firmly fixed
• Checking that the remote annunciators are free of damage and in good operational order
• Ensuring there are no interferences in the smoke detectors vicinity affecting the duct’s airflow

In addition to inspections of your duct smoke detectors, there also must be annual testing and inspections of all fire alarm safety systems. These must be conducted by licensed professionals who are knowledgeable of all code regulations. NFPA Code 72 requires:

• Conducting testing of sampling tubes to ensure the airflow in the ducts will be properly sampled. All tests must adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation for the specific make and model of the duct smoke detectors being tested.
• Testing to ensure the right pressure differential between the outlet and inlet tubes is within the allowed range as stated by the manufacturer.
• Testing the sensing chamber of the detector to guarantee smoke can physically enter the detector.

When conducting these tests, HRSS’ knowledgeable team of experts will alert the proper authorities to inform them the smoke alarm system is having maintenance and testing performed and will be temporarily out of service to avoid unwanted false alarms.

HRSS is fully equipped with the knowledge and experience to fully customize your integrated commercial fire safety system and perform all necessary testing and maintenance to adhere to NFPA regulations.  We offer quality UL-listed fire alarm equipment including duct smoke detectors from the best names in fire safety.  Contact our fire safety consultants today for a comprehensive consultation to receive the best commercial fire and life safety system for your needs.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/commercial-fire-alarms/duct-smoke-detectors-for-hvac-systems/

Why Invest in Your Fire Prevention Plan?

Protecting your commercial building and assets from fire involves much more than just having a fire alarm and sprinkler system. The ability to maintain safety and security involves the cooperation of you and your employees, working cohesively to meet a common goal: fire safety and security. Creating a fire prevention plan for your business is the best and most effective way to meet this goal.

Unfortunately, fires affect thousands of people and companies each year, and the results are devastating. Fires result in loss of life, injury, building damage, and the loss of your customers’ trust. Creating an effective workplace fire prevention plan provides vital protection against expensive damage, injuries and fatalities to employees or residents and possible fines to your business.

Training Employees in Fire Safety is Key 

Many of us will never experience a fire while at work and take on the notion that these things happen to other businesses and other people. This is completely the wrong attitude to have when it comes to fire safety. When employees attend safety meetings with a disinterested and unengaged attitude, it not only affects the morale of the entire group but can also put people’s lives in jeopardy.

The best way to reduce these influences is to hold regular fire safety meetings and demonstrations. Doing this communicates to your employees the seriousness of fire safety and demonstrates that it should be taken seriously. Additional ways to keep your employees safe and informed on fire safety are:

• Ensure each employee is trained on how to use a fire extinguisher
• Reinforce that fire safety protocols are understood by all employees
• Employees who smoke should only smoke in designated areas
• Train employees on the correct way to store flammable materials
• Educate employees on keeping exit pathways clear
• Ensure employees have a firm understanding of fire alarm monitoring protocols

More Tips for a Commercial Fire Prevention Plan 

The following fire safety tips help ensure workplace safety and strategies to prevent fire damage as much as possible.

• Always have your company’s evacuation route easily accessible to employees. All employees should know where to find the company’s fire safety plan and what their evacuation route should be.  For example, employees located in upstairs offices should have access to an escape ladder that can be hung from a window to escape a fire if the stairs are inaccessible and should know how to use it.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers fire safety resources, including Standards, Hazards, and Possible Solutions, Additional Resources including training and education, and information on Workers’ Rights.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides leading information and knowledgeable resources on fire, electrical and related hazards, including a list of Codes and Standards that reflect changing industry needs and evolving technologies to help ensure safety in the workplace.

When creating a fire prevention plan, employers must make sure they are meeting all fire safety requirements issued by OSHA and NFPA. Speak with a commercial fire alarm and life safety specialist to ensure you are code compliant with all OSHA, NFPA, and building code requirements in your location.

Inspections of Electrical Equipment 

Faulty electrical equipment is a primary cause of hazardous fires in the workplace. These fires can quickly become unmanageable and can be the result of overloaded plugs, loose or faulty wires, or bad connections.

Having your electrical equipment regularly inspected by a commercial fire alarm specialist is the best option for keeping everyone safe. All employees should be educated on how important it is to keep equipment in good operating condition. Do not use broken or frayed electrical cords, and do not overload extension cords or outlets.

Why Choose HRSS for Your Fire Safety Planning 

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, employs fire safety specialists with vast experience and in-depth knowledge of all fire, life, and safety code requirements. We work with your business to design the best commercial fire alarm system for your unique building and property. HRSS offers commercial fire alarm system design services to meet all safety code requirements by OSHA, NFPA, and other regulations, including the International Building Code (IBC), Chicago Building Code, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

HRSS provides commercial fire alarm system design and comprehensive fire safety services such as regular fire alarm inspections, maintenance, testing, and monitoring 24/7/365. We are equipped to handle emergency response needs promptly, keeping your safety and protection as our main priority. HRSS will assess your commercial fire safety needs and design a commercial fire alarm system that meets your requirements, including assessing any future updates or possible expansions.

HRSS offers commercial fire alarm and life safety inspections and provides recommendations for your commercial fire prevention plan. We use reputable, high-quality equipment known for delivering consistent and dependable fire detection and notification. HRSS prioritizes saving lives and protecting your property as an important part of your commercial fire prevention plan. Contact us today.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-and-life-safety/why-invest-in-your-fire-prevention-plan/

NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem: 8 Key Components

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.

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.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-and-life-safety/nfpa-fire-life-safety-ecosystem-8-key-components/

Advantages of POE Security Cameras

One of the most important benefits of having video surveillance in your commercial fire and safety system is the ability to detect dangers and take prompt action to protect your assets and save lives.  Most security systems today need an internet connection to function properly, which provides total connectivity to monitor the security of your property from any device. Additionally, internet connectivity provides numerous storage options and infinite access for viewing images in real-time.

The innovation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) security cameras allows businesses to retrieve their power and data from a single cable. This is a game-changer.

Why Choose Wired PoE Security Systems

People tend to choose wireless security and surveillance systems because they are simpler and less expensive to install. Choosing a wired security surveillance system such as a PoE over ethernet provides commercial buildings more flexibility, stability, and reliability. In addition to more reliable protection, PoE systems also provide many added benefits.

Benefits of Wired, Ethernet PoE Security Systems

Wireless security surveillance systems may seem more convenient and easier to install, but commercial security systems with wired ethernet connectivity provide many advantages. The benefits of having a wired video surveillance system are extensive, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems are enhancing those benefits, which include: 

• Superior surveillance video resolution
• Higher quality surveillance
• Options for remote power
• Straightforward management
• Speedier data transmission
• Adaptable scalability
• Better reliability without unexpected downtime

Having a security system that does not look for or broadcast a signal is safer and more efficient for commercial security as they are:

• More difficult to hack
• More difficult to tap
• More dependable
• Less vulnerable to interferences

Connecting PoE cameras and recording stations to wired, ethernet data transmission is more dependable than wireless systems that can experience glitches in connectivity.  Wireless equipment can become disconnected much easier, which leaves buildings unprotected.  Even a short period of non-connectivity for security equipment leaves buildings and people at risk.

PoE Security Cameras Do Not Require WiFi

IP cameras, such as PoE security cameras, refer to standard wired security cameras that require the internet to transmit video surveillance and data transmission.  PoE cameras communicate with users with an Ethernet cord to transmit and collect data without using WiFi. This proves to be much more reliable than devices that search for a wireless signal and can go down if the WiFi signal goes down.

Wired Video Surveillance Systems: Reliable and Convenient Security

PoE cameras for commercial fire and life security systems allow electrical connection coupled with data connection using one single Ethernet cord. What this means is a single cord can provide an IP, wired, or PoE camera security system with all necessary elements to be entirely functional.

The need for a second cord carries the stigma of requiring more time, money, and hassle for your commercial video surveillance and security system. PoE cameras give you all the power and versatility your security system needs with a single cord.

Thanks to the introduction of PoE security cameras, wireless security systems no longer provide the less expensive, easiest, and faster choice for installation. Furthermore, wired commercial security systems can deliver convenience and user-friendly options for your security needs.

PoE Security Systems: An Important Part of Integrated Security

Businesses look for security systems that are fast, safe, and can meet their commercial security needs. PoE security systems are the fastest and safest on the market today that deliver adaptability and scalability both outside and inside commercial structures.

PoE camera security systems can reach distances from 100 – 300 feet and 100mb/s, making them the ideal option for commercial businesses looking for a new security system. High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, prioritizes the safety and lives of your occupants by providing commercial fire alarm and life safety systems, including all-inclusive video surveillance security systems. The addition of PoE security cameras provides many benefits with reliable, convenient video security. HRSS works with you to fully customize your commercial fire, life, and safety system, including integrated security with PoE video surveillance.

HRSS is a leader in providing commercial fire and life safety systems in the Chicagoland area. We offer high-quality fire and life safety systems from the best names in fire safety and comprehensive services, including custom system design, maintenance, testing, inspections, consultation, and monitoring.  Contact us to speak with a fire safety specialist about upgrading your commercial fire and life safety system with PoE security cameras.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/commercial-security-systems/advantages-of-poe-security-cameras/