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Fire Protection System Benefits and Features 101
The Benefits of a Commercial Fire Protection System
Firesafe is Houston’s premier full-service fire, security, sprinkler, and sound system contractor and fire protection system service provider. We help property owners and managers with a variety of fire protection systems. We help make sure fire protection systems meet fire code regulations and keep people and property safe during a fire event.
Why Is Constant Inspection Necessary?
Fire protection systems include multiple component systems that work together and communicate constantly with both in-house personnel and first responder teams. At the same time systems respond to smoke or heat with the proper deterrent—water or chemical, depending on the type of fire. Lights and alarms will guide staff and guests away from the danger areas to safety.
Each system is composed of hundreds of sensors, and electrical and mechanical components, and the systems work in tandem in the event of a fire. What could go wrong? Indeed, this is the reason for inspections and testing.
NFPA 25 Guidelines
The National Fire Protection Association provides the guidelines used by building codes nationwide to ensure each component system is tested properly. Some inspections of components will be scheduled monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
Some components are visible and readily accessible, such as pull stations and sprinkler heads. Some are in remote locations and require technical training. As fire protection contractors, Firesafe will train staff and keep a system testing/training schedule.
Building owners will take primary responsibility for some inspections. They will be responsible for:
- Proper signage, replacing bulbs in fire exit signs, backup batteries for signage during a power outage
- Visual inspection of sprinkler heads, noticing leaking heads or moving objects that obstruct sprinkler heads from properly functioning
- Ensuring the control valve remains open—closed valves are a leading cause of sprinkler system failure
- Keeping a wet sprinkler system at the right temperature to avoid frozen and burst pipes
We provide fire protection technicians to complete quarterly, annual, and 5-year inspections and testing. These are thorough and could involve company staff. These inspections are rather technical and require training. Excellent records will be made during the visit to provide verification for regulatory agencies.
The goal of meeting the NFPA 25 guidelines is to save life and property. During a fire event people, people are thinking and moving in panic mode. Signage and alerts are vital to keep people moving in the proper manner. In addition to keeping people safe, inspections also:
- Avoids fire protection system failures due to damaged or poorly maintained equipment
- Avoids fines, penalties, and shutdowns due to failing to comply
- Property damage due to false activation of fire protection systems
A fire protection system contractor helps keep your facility safe by meeting code regulations. Statistically, the chance of a fire event in your facility is very low. Statistically, in the event of a fire event, the chance of significant loss of life and property is very high without properly functioning fire protection equipment. These steps must be taken—it is an ordinance. Therefore,
- Be proactive, don’t wait for regulatory letters
- Be diligent, work with your staff and your contractor to complete inspection schedules
- Be smart, repairs on fire protection equipment are not DIY projects, call professional technicians to avoid water damage
Have Questions About Fire Protection Systems?
Call Fire Safe Protection Services today at 713-722-7800 or visit our online form and we will be in contact as soon as possible about your questions regarding Fire Protection Systems.