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Tag: NFPA

The Human Element in Fire Sprinkler Monitoring

Sprinkler Head in Facility

In a recent article from NFPA, it states, “three out of every five fire incidents where sprinklers fail to operate, the system has been shut off.” This is especially troubling because this can be easily fixed by added checks to the system.

Not all valves are supervised, so it is very important to make sure that after inspections or any other work, the valves are turned back on. Both contractors and staff have a part in making sure the valves are ready in case of an emergency.

For valves that are not supervised NPFA has certain allowances. “In lieu of electronic supervision, NFPA 13 also permits valves to be locked, sealed, and tagged to prevent unauthorized closing.” Seals must be checked weekly and locks monthly to assure no one has tampered with them.

The overall message of the article is that whether a valve is supervised or not, a visual check is truly the best way to assure that your system will work when it is called upon. Protegis Fire & Safety is equipped to help with your valve and sprinkler needs.  

1 NFPA – In Compliance | NFPA 13 – Monitoring the status of a sprinkler system by Brian O’Connor

Fire Escape Planning

This is Fire Prevention Week and one of the main topics this year is fire escape planning.  Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

SAFETY TIPS

  • MAKE a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
  • KNOW at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
  • HAVE an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
  • PRACTICE your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
  • PRACTICE using different ways out.
  • TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
  • CLOSE doors behind you as you leave.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS…

  • If the smoke alarm sounds, GET OUT AND STAY OUT. Never go back inside for people or pets.
  • If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO under the smoke to your way out.
  • CALL the fire department from outside your home.

If you want to learn more about fire escape planning and more fire prevention tips, Click the link below.

https://www.nfpa.org/fpw

References
1 – National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)

Is Your Fire Alarm System Tested Regularly?

NFPA’s National Fire Prevention Week is next week and it shows the importance of fire escape planning and knowing what to do during a fire. Even though it is very important to have a plan without a regularly tested and inspected fire alarm system you may still be in danger.

The worst time to find out that your fire alarm system is not able to perform its designated function is during an emergency. Regular testing and inspection of your fire alarm system will guard against such an occurrence. Our technicians use the most current procedures and equipment on every inspection we conduct, thoroughly testing and inspecting every component in your system for correct operation. In addition to identifying unseen deficiencies, regularly-scheduled inspections can reduce false alarms by ensuring your smoke detectors are optimized to the correct sensitivity level. Our technicians are supplied with mobile devices for access to previous inspection reports and pertinent, site-specific data. Your benefit as a Protegis Fire & Safety customer is in receiving a clear, concise, professional inspection report for your records.

When it comes to protecting your property and the people in your facility from fire, early warning and fast response alarms can make the difference in preventing a catastrophe. A properly installed, maintained and inspected fire alarm system is essential to instantly alert occupants of a building and summon emergency personnel when necessary.

Today’s fire alarm systems are increasingly technological. Protegis can help you with all your fire needs. Contact us today.

Emergency Lighting Can Save Lives

emergency-lights-thumb

Emergency lights can save lives in the event of an emergency, providing illumination and direction when the power goes out, allowing people to exit the building safely.

Periodic testing of emergency lighting equipment is required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA requires an annual test of emergency lighting equipment in commercial facilities in which the lighting stays functional for 90 minutes in duration. Additionally, it calls for functional testing of exit illumination and signs at 30-day intervals for a minimum of 30 seconds.

What does this mean to you? It means you need a service organization that you can trust to schedule, perform, and document the necessary inspections of your entire fire protection system, as well as emergency lights.

If our inspection of your emergency lighting uncovers any deficiencies, we can provide a prompt repair quote, and perform or schedule the work that will get you back in code compliance quickly. Our emergency repair services include battery replacement, bulb replacement, and repairs to all emergency lights and signs.

Fire Alarm Testing

emergency buzze

When it comes to protecting your property and the people in it from the dangers of fire, early warning and a fast response can make a critical difference in avoiding a catastrophe. A properly installed, maintained, and inspected fire alarm system is essential to alert and evacuate the occupants of a building and summon emergency personnel in the event of a fire emergency.

From smoke, fire, and heat detection and suppression to voice evacuation and mass notification, the capabilities of your system will match the unique requirements of your operation and your facility.  That is why it’s so important to have your fire alarm system tested & inspected annually in accordance with NFPA 72 standards, and to have any identified deficiencies corrected in a timely manner. Protegis Fire & Safety has the experience, workforce, and capability to perform these inspection and remediation services in facilities of any size and type.  We also provide 24/7 emergency service to take care of the unexpected!