Signage Requirements for Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers provide a valuable first line of defense against controlling a fire and preventing a raging blaze.  The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, and the Occupational Safety and Hazard Association, OSHA, outline requirements for the location and service of portable fire extinguishers including signage requirements and mandatory inspections.  According to OSHA standard 1910.57, fire extinguishers must have visual inspections monthly and certified inspections from a licensed fire extinguisher professional annually.

Signage requirements for portable fire extinguishers are detailed in NFPA10 within four basic categories:

• Monthly inspections
• Annual inspections
• Hydrostatic testing
• Six-year testing

Monthly Visual Fire Extinguisher Inspections

The monthly visual fire extinguisher inspections can be performed by the business owner or employee designated to perform the inspections and must be recorded on the attached tags. Every portable extinguisher should have attached tags to record a full year of 12 monthly visual inspections.  Maintaining visual inspections and recording the service is required by OSHA and helps to ensure a safer work environment.

• Monthly visual inspections should include:
• Ensure the hose is not blocked   
• Check to be sure the safety seal is not broken
• Check the pressure gauge to be sure it is completely charged
• Make sure the instructions are still legible

Annual Certified Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Licensed and certified fire extinguisher professional must perform the annual inspections which is more in-depth and detailed.  Professionals check the mechanical parts of the extinguisher itself along with the delivery system of the fire suppression agent.  These annual inspections must be documented and recorded on the tag for compliance.

Certified Fire Extinguisher Inspection Companies in Chicago
 Certified fire extinguisher inspection companies must be licensed in the state of service to perform service to portable fire extinguishers.  High Rise Security Systems is licensed in Illinois to provide portable fire extinguisher service, with in-depth knowledge of all inspection and testing requirements.
HRSS offers decades of experience in protecting commercial properties with code compliant fire and safety systems and inspections.  We provide fire alarm system maintenance, repairs, testing, inspections and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us today to learn more about our fire extinguisher services.

Strobe Light Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems

Strobe lights are required in fire alarm systems to provide a visual alert of an emergency to people with a hearing loss.  Owners of commercial property are required to equip their buildings with fire alarm systems which provide detection and notification to all occupants, ensuring that all people will receive adequate protection from emergency situations.  Building owners are required to meet the guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Building Code (IBC), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other local code requirements.
 
These publications detail the code requirements as to when and where strobe lights are required in fire alarm and life safety systems, specifically in NFPA72 and NFPA101.  All regulations require the use of strobe lights in public hallways, restrooms and lobbies so that any hearing impaired individual would receive notification of an emergency.  Educational facilities require strobe lights in classrooms and cafeterias while places of employment are required to install strobe lights in employee break rooms and conference rooms.  Companies are required to accommodate hearing impaired employees with strobes in individual work areas in addition to audible alerts throughout the facility.

Fire Alarm Consultant Provides Detailed Life Safety Design

Seeking the advice from an experience fire alarm system consultant and designer will provide many benefits in ensuring that your system is completely code compliant and that strobes are installed according to the latest regulations.  Fire alarm system designers have experience in all fire code regulations and create a system design that meets the requirements of unique building structures and local code requirements.  The City of Chicago has regulations required for high rise or commercial office properties in addition to federal regulations. 

High Rise Security Systems has a high reputation for skilled fire alarm system design with vast experience in all local, state and federal life safety system regulations.  We work with building owners and electrical contractors to design and recommend the most effective fire detection and alarm system from the most trusted manufacturers of fire alarm equipment.  As an independent fire and safety consulting firm, we provide the best safety solutions that meets your unique objectives.

HRSS is a recognized leader in fire alarm system and life safety systems, offering skilled design that meets all code regulations.  We provide ongoing service including fire alarm inspections, testing, repair, maintenance and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us today to learn more about fire alarm system regulations in the City of Chicago.

Honeywell Offers the Notifier Addressable Fire Alarm System

Honeywell is a recognized global leader in fire safety, with life safety systems protecting lives and property on every continent.  Notifier® provides protection to buildings of all types with programming options customized to unique building structures.  Addressable fire alarm systems protect mass complexes and large structures with sophisticated detection and early warning of fire, smoke and gas.

Addressable systems utilize smart control panels which is the heart of any fire alarm system, gathering information and identifying locations. The monitoring system integrates with the control panel to dispatch emergency personnel and alert them of precise locations of fire or the source of the fire.  Fire alarm systems may have onsite monitoring provided or utilize an outside fire alarm monitoring company.  

ONYX Series by Notifier Fire Alarm Control Panels

Notifier ONYX Series fire alarm control panels provide capabilities to network up to 318 addressable devices and auxiliary equipment including annunciators for voice evacuation. ONYX control panels include First Vision, a valuable tool which assists firefighters and first responders with a graphic display showing a fire’s current status and how quickly it is spreading.  First Vision gives firefighters a tool to help them determine their most appropriate plan of attack.

The addressable ONYX series from Notifier also provides network capabilities such as linking additional devices with closed-circuit TV, motion sensors to identify stranded occupants and with centrally controlled locking or unlocking of doors.  This provides the ability to lock or unlock specifically determined doors in emergency situations and cases of a security breach.  Many valuable tools are available to alert first responders with early warning and additional information which helps them to identify emergency situations.

Honeywell leads the industry with smart, sophisticated fire alarm and life safety systems utilized in various building structures and types of industries worldwide.  Notifier by Honeywell offers several benefits with smart, sophisticated addressable systems that meet the needs of unique building structures.

High Rise Security Systems is certified Notifier® by Honeywell dealer, providing UL listed equipment designed around your unique building structure.  HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety system consultant and service provider, protecting lives and property in and around the Chicago area.  Contact us today to learn more about the Notifier addressable fire alar system.