With non-essential employees working from home, buildings have been left empty. Of course, the most important thing to do is to protect your employees and follow government guidelines, but don’t forget about the health of your building as well. When buildings are empty, they are at risk for fire and vandalism.
Recently, NFPA has recommended “All commercial and multi-occupancy residential buildings should maintain fully operational fire and life safety systems as required by the applicable codes and standards. (NFPA 25, NFPA 72®, NFPA 101®) .” Whether your building is occupied or not, it is important to keep these systems maintained.
NFPA went on to say, ” Those responsible for these buildings should adhere to the expected schedules for inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) that are vital to their operation. If they are unable to do so, they should contact their local authority having jurisdiction.”
Since fire protection has been deemed essential, fire protection companies can continue to inspect, test and maintain your buildings. This way, when your business is ready to resume operations, you will be all set.
Besides NFPA, FM Global agrees about the importance of maintaining fire protection. They say, “It’s important to keep fire protection in place. Have maintenance staff check daily to ensure sprinkler valves are locked open. Remove debris and ignitable liquids, and closely monitor any welding or other ‘hot work’ taking place on the property. Alert the local fire department of the building’s change in use.”
Unsecured properties are more susceptible to incendiary fires than secured properties, so please continue to maintain your fire protection systems. This way, your building will remain safe and be ready when your business resumes normal operations.
If you need help maintaining your fire protection needs, please contact Protegis Fire & Safety.