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Tag: fire protection

5 Key Components of a Well-Designed Fire Protection System

One of the essential components of running a successful business is ensuring that your employees and the place they work is as safe and secure as possible. A major part of that is preparing for the things that haven’t happened yet or may occur in the future. That includes fires.

For a lot of people, fire protection system design is like learning a totally different language. So today, we’re going to drill it down into a few easy to understand components. That way when you’re speaking with your fire safety pro and/or contractors, you’ll have a guidepost as to what should be in a project, why certain aspects are included or not included, and a better overall awareness of the project.

Good decisions are almost always well-informed ones, so that’s why we’re here today. Here are the five secrets to success in fire protection systems.

Codes and Compliance

The first thing you’ll need to get a general grasp of are your local fire codes and the rules and regulations that you’ll have to abide by. This basically means that you’ll need to meet a minimum legal requirement for your specific building based on your building’s needs. This is a crucial aspect of the process, so make sure you spend the time getting to know the ropes before you put money down on a new system.

Detection Devices

Any good system should provide you with a means to detect the fire. The range of devices and technology in these detection devices has never been so comprehensive. Certain detectors can even differentiate between threat levels and can couple alarms to help audibly signal that there’s danger, but specifically – what kind of danger there might be.

Alarms and Notifications

Simply put, alarms notify people in your building that there might be an issue. Just as important, they notify emergency personnel so that they can respond as quickly as possible. These systems can also be used to convey messages – such as where emergency responders will be most needed, or even voice commands that can notify people where they can find exits. In specific situations, these systems can also be hooked up to a building’s ventilation system to help clear the room of smoke.

Fire Suppression

Whenever an alarm is triggered in a commercial building, it’ll trigger a suppression system that can help contain the fire until it can be extinguished. It also helps the fire from spreading too quickly and gives people a better chance of getting out safely. A sprinkler is perhaps the most common, but you can also choose from certain kinds of chemicals as well.

Maintenance

Regardless of what your plan might be, you should always make sure it is being routinely inspected. Nothing works well if you don’t take care of it, and fire suppression systems are no exception. Make sure your equipment is inspected by a certified fire safety professional at least once a year.

If you have any questions about your facility and what kind of design elements you need, please contact Protegis Fire & Safety.

The 5 Question Fire Alarm Quiz

smoke detector about to set off a fire alarm system

Whether you’re new to fire alarm systems, or you’re a seasoned pro, this 5 question fire alarm quiz will certainly heighten your awareness.
I will give you the questions first, and then in the next section,  I will give you the answers as well as an explanation as to why that’s the answer.
Good luck!
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The Importance of Testing Your Fire Pump

A fire pump is an integral component of a total fire protection system.  A fire protection system at a facility may include automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, hose stations, and/or fire hydrants.

FirePumpTraining

The purpose of a fire pump is to provide or enhance the water supply pressure from public mains, suction tanks, gravity/elevated tanks, lakes, and other bodies of water.

The building owner or a representative (e.g., management company) is responsible for the maintenance of the fire pump.  Fire pumps should be inspected, maintained and tested per the manufacturer’s specifications.  If the manufacturer’s specifications are unavailable, refer to the standard for the maintenance of fire pumps NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) or contact the Protegis Fire & Safety’s Automatic Sprinkler Systems Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing Department.

A comprehensive maintenance program is generally broken down into three components:  inspection, maintenance and testing.

Inspection.  A visual examination of the fire pump to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.  Examples include:

  • Heat in pump room is minimum 40 degrees F (70 degrees F for diesel engines)
  • Pump suction, discharge, and bypass valves are open.
  • Controller pilot light (power on) is illuminated.

Protegis also offers maintenance that is performed during this inspection.
Examples include:

  • Lubricate pump bearings
  • Clean pump room louvers
  • Clean coolant strainer in coolant system

Testing.  A procedure used to determine the status of the fire pump and auxiliary equipment by conducting periodic physical checks.  Examples include:

  • Conduct a routine churn test as required by NFPA 25
    (run pump without water flowing)
  • Conduct an annual full-flow performance test
  • Operate alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals

Measures should be taken during an impairment to ensure that increased risks are minimized and that the duration of the impairment is limited.  NFPA 20 provides a trouble-shooting checklist to help in identifying causes of pump problems.  Qualified personnel, such as Fireguard, must make the necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure proper pump operation.

Understanding the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of a fire pump can make the difference between business as usual and a catastrophe at a facility. Let Protegis Fire & Safety be there for you for all your needs. We are your one stop shop for all commercial fire protection needs. Our services range from the installation of fire protection systems in new construction projects to retrofits, to service, testing and inspection of fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, kitchen hood systems and emergency lights.