Duct Smoke Detectors for HVAC systems

 

 

Fire and life safety systems are comprised of many components that must cohesively work together to save lives and protect assets. The importance of commercial buildings having custom fire safety plans and working with a company with the knowledge and expertise of compliance with all regulations is crucial. Included in customized commercial fire and life safety systems are duct smoke detectors that are placed in the HVAC system.  Oxygen feeds fire and an HVAC system can spread smoke, fire, or gas throughout a building.  Duct smoke detectors can detect a fire and save lives by shutting that down.

How Duct Smoke Detectors Work

Duct smoke detectors can detect if fumes or smoke are present in air handling equipment and if smoke or fumes are detected, they will close the dampers on the duct and will shut down the blowers and fans that circulate oxygen throughout the building. This prevents the fire’s distribution by removing the source of oxygen. In addition, there will be a visible and audible signal sent to the fire control panel.

Duct smoke detectors come outfitted with two alarms: a trouble condition, which can be triggered when there is a malfunction in the power running to the detector, and a fire condition alarm which detects smoke causing the alarm to be triggered. The implementation of these two alarms helps decrease the frequency of false alarms.

Do I Need Duct Smoke Detectors for My Fire Detection System Design?

The requirement for duct smoke detectors with HVAC systems is for airflows that exceed 2,000 cubic feet per minute. This includes commercial buildings that have multiple air handling systems if they share ducts with a combined design capacity that is greater than 2,000 cfm. The location of where duct smoke detectors are installed will depend on the governing codes in your area.

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, provides fire safety consulting with fire and life safety experts trained in customizing integrated fire safety systems for your commercial building needs. Our experts are trained on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requirements to ensure your commercial fire and life safety system meets all mandated regulations, such as the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

Duct smoke detectors should never be a replacement for area smoke detectors. In contrast, they should work together to complete your fire detection system design. Commercial buildings still need area smoke detectors to meet fire safety requirements because if the air-handling unit is not up and running, the duct smoke detector will not be able to detect smoke.

Inspection of Your Commercial Fire Safety Duct Smoke Detectors

Just like the rest of your fire alarm system, duct smoke detectors should be inspected by trained and licensed fire safety experts at least annually, or more depending on your property and business operations. HRSS includes comprehensive commercial fire safety system services which include inspection of your fire safety system to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

HRSS fire and life safety professionals are trained in conducting all required inspections on your duct smoke detectors. These inspections should include:

●       Ensuring the smoke detector has no signs of damage, is unobstructed, and is firmly mounted to the duct

●       Making sure there are no signs of damage to the circuit board

●       Ensuring clear visibility of the control unit trouble signals

●       Checking that the in-line filters are clean

●       Checking that the sample ports are unobstructed, and the sampling pipe is conspicuously identified

●       All sampling system fittings and piping are airtight and firmly fixed

●       Checking that the remote annunciators are free of damage and in good operational order

●       Ensuring there are no interferences in the smoke detectors vicinity affecting the duct’s airflow

In addition to inspections of your duct smoke detectors, there also must be annual testing and inspections of all fire alarm safety systems. These must be conducted by licensed professionals who are knowledgeable of all code regulations. NFPA Code 72 requires:

●       Conducting testing of sampling tubes to ensure the airflow in the ducts will be properly sampled. All tests must adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation for the specific make and model of the duct smoke detectors being tested.

●       Testing to ensure the right pressure differential between the outlet and inlet tubes is within the allowed range as stated by the manufacturer.

●       Testing the sensing chamber of the detector to guarantee smoke can physically enter the detector.

When conducting these tests, HRSS’ knowledgeable team of experts will alert the proper authorities to inform them the smoke alarm system is having maintenance and testing performed and will be temporarily out of service to avoid unwanted false alarms.

HRSS is fully equipped with the knowledge and experience to fully customize your integrated commercial fire safety system and perform all necessary testing and maintenance to adhere to NFPA regulations.  We offer quality UL-listed fire alarm equipment including duct smoke detectors from the best names in fire safety.  Contact our fire safety consultants today for a comprehensive consultation to receive the best commercial fire and life safety system for your needs.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/commercial-fire-alarms/duct-smoke-detectors-for-hvac-systems/

 

 

Why Invest in Your Fire Prevention Plan?

 

Protecting your commercial building and assets from fire involves much more than just having a fire alarm and sprinkler system. The ability to maintain safety and security involves the cooperation of you and your employees, working cohesively to meet a common goal: fire safety and security. Creating a fire prevention plan for your business is the best and most effective way to meet this goal.

Unfortunately, fires affect thousands of people and companies each year, and the results are devastating. Fires result in loss of life, injury, building damage, and the loss of your customers’ trust. Creating an effective workplace fire prevention plan provides vital protection against expensive damage, injuries and fatalities to employees or residents and possible fines to your business.

Training Employees in Fire Safety is Key 

Many of us will never experience a fire while at work and take on the notion that these things happen to other businesses and other people. This is completely the wrong attitude to have when it comes to fire safety. When employees attend safety meetings with a disinterested and unengaged attitude, it not only affects the morale of the entire group but can also put people’s lives in jeopardy.

The best way to reduce these influences is to hold regular fire safety meetings and demonstrations. Doing this communicates to your employees the seriousness of fire safety and demonstrates that it should be taken seriously. Additional ways to keep your employees safe and informed on fire safety are:

●      Ensure each employee is trained on how to use a fire extinguisher

●      Reinforce that fire safety protocols are understood by all employees

●      Employees who smoke should only smoke in designated areas

●      Train employees on the correct way to store flammable materials

●      Educate employees on keeping exit pathways clear

●      Ensure employees have a firm understanding of fire alarm monitoring protocols

More Tips for a Commercial Fire Prevention Plan 

The following fire safety tips help ensure workplace safety and strategies to prevent fire damage as much as possible.

●      Always have your company’s evacuation route easily accessible to employees. All employees should know where to find the company’s fire safety plan and what their evacuation route should be.  For example, employees located in upstairs offices should have access to an escape ladder that can be hung from a window to escape a fire if the stairs are inaccessible and should know how to use it.

●      The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers fire safety resources, including Standards, Hazards, and Possible Solutions, Additional Resources including training and education, and information on Workers' Rights.

●      The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides leading information and knowledgeable resources on fire, electrical and related hazards, including a list of Codes and Standards that reflect changing industry needs and evolving technologies to help ensure safety in the workplace.

When creating a fire prevention plan, employers must make sure they are meeting all fire safety requirements issued by OSHA and NFPA. Speak with a commercial fire alarm and life safety specialist to ensure you are code compliant with all OSHA, NFPA, and building code requirements in your location.

Inspections of Electrical Equipment 

Faulty electrical equipment is a primary cause of hazardous fires in the workplace. These fires can quickly become unmanageable and can be the result of overloaded plugs, loose or faulty wires, or bad connections.

Having your electrical equipment regularly inspected by a commercial fire alarm specialist is the best option for keeping everyone safe. All employees should be educated on how important it is to keep equipment in good operating condition. Do not use broken or frayed electrical cords, and do not overload extension cords or outlets.

Why Choose HRSS for Your Fire Safety Planning 

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, employs fire safety specialists with vast experience and in-depth knowledge of all fire, life, and safety code requirements. We work with your business to design the best commercial fire alarm system for your unique building and property. HRSS offers commercial fire alarm system design services to meet all safety code requirements by OSHA, NFPA, and other regulations, including the International Building Code (IBC), Chicago Building Code, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

HRSS provides commercial fire alarm system design and comprehensive fire safety services such as regular fire alarm inspections, maintenance, testing, and monitoring 24/7/365. We are equipped to handle emergency response needs promptly, keeping your safety and protection as our main priority. HRSS will assess your commercial fire safety needs and design a commercial fire alarm system that meets your requirements, including assessing any future updates or possible expansions.

HRSS offers commercial fire alarm and life safety inspections and provides recommendations for your commercial fire prevention plan. We use reputable, high-quality equipment known for delivering consistent and dependable fire detection and notification. HRSS prioritizes saving lives and protecting your property as an important part of your commercial fire prevention plan. Contact us today.

This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-alarm-and-life-safety/why-invest-in-your-fire-prevention-plan/