Fire safety code regulations are in place for a reason and endorsed by many different agencies. In Chicago, businesses must comply with safety regulations as outlined in the:
● Chicago Building Code
● International Building Code, IBC
● National Fire Protection Association, NFPA
● Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA
Commercial properties must meet the safety regulations
set forth by these organizations and other applicable agencies. Working with an
experienced commercial fire alarm system consultant and provider is the best
way to ensure code compliance, protection for your property and people and is
the best way to avoid common fire code violations.
How to Avoid Common
Fire Safety Code Violations
Business owners must have protection systems in place to
ensure the safety of all customers and employees at all times in the event of
an emergency or a fire. Even when business owners think they are doing
everything right, mistakes can happen that leave them in violation of fire
safety code regulations. The following are some of the most common fire safety
code violations and how to avoid them:
Faulty smoke
detectors - smoke detectors
need to be inspected regularly as
faulty detectors are one of the most common issues that fire inspectors find.
Battery-operated smoke detectors can develop issues with amplification of sound
or needing new batteries. Faulty smoke detectors are found in many instances of
catastrophic fires where lives are lost. All smoke detectors must be inspected
regularly to ensure they are always operating properly.
Blocked fire
alarm pull stations - the manual pull
stations to sound a fire alarm in commercial properties are there for a reason,
although are often overlooked until an emergency occurs. Many businesses with
manual pull stations inadvertently pile up storage, boxes or other debris that
may conceal or block the manual pull alarm. Manual pull stations where access
is blocked is one of the most common, quickest, and easiest ways businesses fail
an inspection and will be an instant violation. Always keep manual pull
stations free and clear with easy access in case of emergency.
Improper fire
safety equipment inspections- all fire
safety equipment including portable fire extinguishers require regular
inspections. Business owners who fail to maintain inspections on fire
extinguishers and replace expired extinguishers will quickly fail a fire safety
inspection. Always be sure that you have the right type of fire extinguisher to
use in your place of business and for the materials on-site. Be sure to inspect
them monthly and document internal inspections as well as maintain required
annual inspections from a commercial fire alarm system inspection company.
Improper use of
humidifiers - humidifiers and air
diffusers should never be placed near smoke detectors as the mist that they
emit can affect the proper performance of smoke detectors. This may cause an
alarm to not sound at all or can lead to false alarms. Make sure that your
smoke detectors are not located near humidifiers and that they are inspected
regularly and working properly.
Commercial Fire
Safety Consultant Prevents Violations
HRSS is an experienced commercial fire alarm and life safety system provider, offering consultation, inspections, and solutions for
businesses to maintain code compliance. We offer high quality UL listed fire
alarm system equipment from the top manufacturers, customized fire alarm
systems designed to meet your unique building requirements, regular
inspections, testing, maintenance, and upgrades to ensure maximum protection.
HRSS is a
leading fire alarm
safety consultant for commercial properties in and around Chicago. We help
businesses to maintain complete code compliance to all local, state, and
national building and fire safety code regulations. Contact us to make sure
your property is protected and to avoid common fire safety code violations.
This article was originally published at: https://hrsschicago.com/fire-safety-consultants/how-to-avoid-common-fire-safety-code-violations/
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