The fire protection systems need to be inspected regularly. It should be conducted by a trained professional. When regular inspections are conducted there are chances of causing sensors or sprinklers to operate at decreased efficiency. It may fail as well. So, fixing it regularly is required. By checking the performance regularly of smoke detectors, sprinklers and alarms are required.
The Right Guidelines for Inspection of Fire Protection Systems:
The schedule should be determined by local codes. The guidelines for inspection and testing have been published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Inspections always involve technicians like visually inspecting equipment like sprinklers and the major parts of fire alarms for leakages, corrosion, and damage. Testing is part of checking if that equipment functions properly and the integrated systems are working together.
How to Manage the Inspection Schedule?
One should follow the code. The fire code was laid down by the state governments in terms of NFPA standards. This specifies the schedule. There are many commonly used reference codes.
- NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
- NFPA 72 National Fire Alarms and Signalling Code
- NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
- NFPA 17A Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems (Kitchen Systems)
- NFPA 17 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems (Paint Spray Booths)
- NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
The inspections can be done on a weekly, monthly, six-monthly, annually, at different intervals. The fire protection company should be contracted to the fire system inspection. The building owners, Industries managements, Factories, and any large size establishments need to check the system regularly.
There are many employees, huge property, and residents living in the buildings that need to be protected. Once the property catches fire, even though protected by Insurance cover, still there could be loss of human lives. The property will be gutted. Better to take prevention and to avoid any fire calamities!
Engage the Services of the Right Technicians:
Many certified fire fighting professionals are available. They are rightly qualified to test and inspect the fire systems. The trained professionals need to get into a contract and should plan and adhere to the schedule. The repairing and overhauling need to be conducted periodically.
The Mock Drill needs to be conducted:
The testing is called a mock drill, where employees of a fire inspection company, Industry, and also residents of buildings are taught how to use the staircase and go down to the ground and assemble at a point decided earlier. They are taught not to use the lifts because they will get stuck in the fire.
The high-rise buildings have a designated refuge area in the building. This assembly of people helps the fire brigade and other rescue personnel to immediately rescue them. This drill also helps in checking the system.
Summary:
The checking of fire systems is followed by all globally. The fire disaster is very dangerous worldwide. The proper prevention always helps! The right scheduling of checking, inspection and repair, and maintenance periodically helps drive the fire threat away.
