Where Should I Place My Smoke Alarms?

Smoke alarms are proven to save lives, providing early warning to residents and occupants of a fire and the need to evacuate.  Smoke alarms must be operating properly, however, in order to perform their life saving function.  It is more than just placing a smoke detector on the ceiling, and hoping that it works properly, they must be strategically placed in the proper location, and serviced regularly to perform when needed.  

The National Fire Protection Association offers guidelines to follow when installing smoke alarms, these include:

• Choosing smoke alarms that bear the label of a reputable testing agency
• Install smoke alarms outside on every level of your home or building including basements.
• Smoke alarms must be installed a minimum of 10 feet from cooking appliances to reduce false alarms
• Smoke alarms should be mounted high on ceilings, or when wall mounted should be no more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Do not install smoke alarms near windows or doors where a draft could interfere with the proper operation.  
• Interconnected smoke alarms provide the best protection, that way when one goes off they all will sound an alarm.  

For the proper placement and installation of smoke alarms in commercial buildings, contact an experienced fire and safety system specialist like High Rise Security Systems.  HRSS has experience in designing the proper smoke and fire alarm system for a wide variety of commercial buildings.  We are recognized as leaders in the fire and safety industry, servicing low rise, high-rise, campuses and large complexes with reliable fire and smoke alarm systems designed to all required codes and regulations.  

HRSS employs skilled designers that utilize AutoCAD software to generate a 2D model of your building for accurate placement of all sensors, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.  Our design is compliant to all regulations including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the International Building Code (IBC).  We understand the requires of NFPA101, which is a widely used and accepted Life Safety Code aimed to minimize hazards of fires including property damage and loss of life.  

For answers to all your questions regarding fire and smoke alarms, contact the experts at High Rise Security Systems.  We are your full-service fire and safety consulting firm, providing system design, implementation, service, repair, testing and monitoring 24/7/365 to ensure your total safety.  

What are Fire Extinguisher Inspection Tag Requirements?

OSHA requirements for portable fire extinguishers are detailed in standard 1910.57 which states that a visual inspection is required on all portable fire extinguishers monthly, and a mandatory inspection performed by a certified and trained fire extinguisher professional annually.

NFPA10 also details the requirements for fire extinguishing systems as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association.  NFPA 10 outlines four categories of portable fire extinguisher inspections; monthly, annually, 6-year testing and hydrostatic inspections.  

Monthly Visual Fire Extinguisher Inspections

The monthly inspections may be performed by the homeowner or building owner, and should be recorded on the tags on the extinguisher.  Each fire extinguisher will have a tag for the annual maintenance check to be recorded, with the back of the tag showing a 12-month grid for recording monthly inspections, usually with the initials of the person doing the inspection.  It is important to be very diligent about the recording of these inspections, as OSHA will cite a company for lackluster record keeping.

Your monthly internal visual inspections should include checking the following:

• Hose to be sure it is not blocked
• Safety seal to ensure it is unbroken
• Pressure gauge to verity that your extinguisher is fully charged
• Instructions are still legible

Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspections

Annual fire extinguisher inspections are required to be performed by a certified professional licensed in your state to service portable fire extinguishing systems.  This annual inspection is more in depth than the monthly visual inspections with a professional required to check the mechanical parts of the extinguisher, the delivery system and the fire-suppression agent.  

Annual inspections are required to be recorded on the accompanying tag as evidence of compliance to these inspections.  

Fire Extinguisher Service Companies in Chicago

High Rise Security Systems is a fire extinguisher service and supply company licensed in the state of Illinois, providing experienced service for any type of commercial building and structure.  We have in depth knowledge of all national and local codes and requirements, ensuring that your building is protected above and beyond the required regulations.  

HRSS will design your fire and safety system, with the proper placement of sensors, alarms, evacuation procedures and location of portable fire extinguishers.  Servicing fire safety systems for commercial property in cities like Chicago requires additional experience in regulations required of high rise buildings and campuses.  

High Rise Security Systems is an experienced and knowledgeable fire and safety system consulting firm, providing system design, implementation, maintenance, repair and monitoring 24/7/365 to any size of structure in and around the Chicago area.  Contact us today for all your fire and safety system needs, including fire extinguisher inspection tag requirements.  

Top Notifier Dealers for Absolute Fire Protection

Honeywell is known for producing the most recognized fire detection systems in the world, with certified Notifier® dealers providing fire safety on every continent.  Notifier fire alarm systems protect buildings of any size, low-rise, high-rise and mass complexes, saving lives and property worldwide.  

Notifer fire alarm systems utilize smart sensors for fire and smoke detection with wireless technology, and all UL approved equipment which means all components meets globally recognized safety standards.  

Notifier Fire Alarm Panels

Notifier dealers are experienced with the modern fire alarm panels available with this stellar Honeywell fire alarm system.  Notifier fire detection system is available with conventional fire alarm panels suitable for single or multiple zones.   

Notifier is also available with Onyx fire alarm control panels which are utilized in addressable systems.  Addressable fire alarm systems are capable of detecting the source of the fire right down to the floor on a high rise building and even the particular room where smoke started.  

Audible evacuation procedures are helpful in public areas where it would be beneficial to conduct an orderly evacuation to prevent mass hysteria when exiting a building.  Audible evacuation instructions can direct a crowd to the safest exit, in an orderly fashion.  Strobe lights are required in public places where the hearing impaired may occupy, such as hallways, bathrooms and public buildings.  

Certified Notifier dealers are familiar with the requirements of your structure, and the best fire alarm system for your building.  

Certified Notifier Dealers in Chicago

High Rise Security Systems is a leader among Notifier dealers, protecting all types of commercial property in and around the Chicago area.  HRSS is experienced with installation, maintenance, service, repair, testing and monitoring of all types of Honeywell Notifier fire alarm panels.  

We work closely with electrical engineers, building owners, supervisors and safety consultants to provide a comprehensive fire and safety system beginning with a design of your system meeting all required codes and regulations.  HRSS assists you with providing all required data sheets for inspections and compliance to your local Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).  We make sure that your fire alarm system is up to code, and provide total safety beyond code requirements.  HRSS is known for developing and servicing fire and safety systems for single story buildings, high-rise structures and large complex arenas.

High Rise Security Systems is an experienced fire and safety system consulting firm servicing any type or structure of commercial property.  We provide comprehensive fire detection system design, implementation, maintenance, service, and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us today to speak with the leader among Notifier dealers to learn more about how we provide total fire protection to any structure.