Ways That Your Fire Protection System Violates Local Fire Code
Regardless of whichever type of facility you may be running, you should be familiar with the fire codes and regulations set by your fire marshal and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). While these will differ based on the state you may be in, there are some basic fire safety practices you should be incorporating into your business operations. These local fire code violations can be serious and may cost you hefty fines if you do not meet the criteria and standards during a fire safety inspection. In the event of a fire, this could cause lives to be lost and your property to sustain more severe damage. These are some local common fire code violations that you should be paying close attention to.
Overusing Extension Cords
One local fire code violation that many commercial businesses might be doing is overusing extension cords as a permanent solution for all your electrical needs. Extension codes are designed to be a temporary fix and shouldn’t be used as a permanent solution to resolve the lack of having sufficient electrical outlets. From a fire safety perspective, they are extremely dangerous, and if not managed properly, can become a fire safety and tripping hazard. Avoid attaching extension cords to one another and using them as part of a permanent fixture. Instead, install more power outlets and remove all the extension cords.
Faulty Exit Signs & Lighting
Do you know that your flickering exit signs and faulty emergency lights are local fire safety violations? You should always ensure all your exit signs are clearly illuminated and visible to your employees, customers, and clients. These minor issues can be easily fixed with a call to the electrician yet they are one of the most common reasons why many businesses are being fined.
During a power failure, commercial buildings are required to have fully lit exit signs (with backup batteries) and emergency lighting that can last up to 1 hour 30 minutes. Additionally, these should be inspected, tested, and certified every year to meet the fire safety regulation and criteria. Maintenance and repairs should also be done regularly to replace batteries and address any faulty components.
Fire Safety Doors and Exits
While these might be common sense, it is critical to ensure that your fire doors and exits are unblocked by any objects such as equipment, merchandise, and deliveries. These are life-threatening fire hazards that will not only cause lives to be lost but could also expedite the rate of the fire spreading. Therefore, you should make sure that all stairways, pathways, hallways, and fire safety doors are always kept clear and unobstructed.
As a rule of thumb, all exits should be easily accessible and should not require any tools, keys, or pins to open. According to the 80 codes by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire safety doors should be self-closing and be closed at all times, and can only be propped open by an approved device.
Outdated and Unsuitable Fire Sprinkler System
Are you aware that your fire sprinkler system might be outdated or unsuitable for your business operations? If you have just moved into a new location, you should check if your fire sprinklers align with the local codes for your business purpose. Many people tend to take it for granted that all types of industries and businesses will use the same fire sprinkler system. When in fact, different types of businesses will require sprinklers to meet certain criteria and standards to be suitable for the space. Consult with your local fire protection company to ensure that your fire sprinklers are up-to-date and suitable for your business’s hazard classification.
Consult with ASCO Fire for Your Fire Protection System Requirements
ASCO Fire is highly qualified and experienced in meeting all types of fire protection needs for all residential and commercial properties. We also offer value-added services such as testing, inspection, maintenance, and repair services for all types of fire protection systems and equipment to help be proactive in preventing any fire incidents. Moreover, our professional team of experts will provide engineering services that adhere to the fire code requirements, such as hazard analysis, hydraulic calculations, and fire plan review.