When are Strobe Lights Required in Fire Alarm Systems?

Strobe lights provide valuable visual alert that something is wrong, alerting people and individuals with hearing impairment that an emergency situation exists.  Building owners and contractors must provide adequate protection to occupants through mandated fire alarm system requirements which are detailed in several regulatory manuals.  The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, outlines these requirements in NFPA72 and NFPA101 standards, the International Building Code, IBC, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, also provide direction as to when and where strobe lights are required in buildings as part of the emergency and fire alarm system.

All documents require that strobes be installed in public areas such as hallways, lobbies and restroom so that any hearing-impaired person would be alerts to a fire emergency when visiting public buildings.  Common areas such as classrooms, cafeterias, conference rooms, and employee break rooms which are not designated as employee work areas must also be equipped with strobes.  Individual employee work areas such as offices and workstations are not required to have visual strobes, unless accommodating hearing impaired employees and they must contain audible alarms and notifications.

The primary method of notification is typically audible with proper audio notification throughout an entire facility.  When employers and building owners are aware of a hearing-impaired employee or resident, they must make accommodations to provide visual alerts.

HRSS Offers Fire Alarm System Design to Meet all Code Requirements

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire and safety system specialists with decades of experience in providing safe and compliant fire alarm systems to all types of commercial buildings.  We offer skilled design with CAD to ensure proper placement of all sensors and notification devices including the proper type and location of portable fire extinguishers.  We are often called upon by electrical contractors and building owners for our expertise in fire alarm system design and knowledge of all local and federal safety regulations.

HRSS offers skilled fire alarm system design, UL listed equipment from the most well-known names in fire safety, inspections, maintenance, repair and system monitoring 24/7/365.  We are experienced in all regulations and code requirements assisting building owners with required data sheets for code approval.  Contact us today to learn more about your fire alarm system design requirements and placement of all audible and visual alerts including requirements for strobe lights with fire alarm systems.

Commercial Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements

Fire extinguishers are a critical piece of an overall fire alarm and safety system as they provide the first line of defense to extinguish a fire before it becomes uncontrollable, dangerous and deadly. It is important for all commercial properties to maintain recommended extinguisher inspection requirements so that your extinguisher will be ready when needed.  

All fire extinguishers are required to be inspected internally on a monthly basis and annually by a professional and licensed fire extinguisher service company.  Monthly inspections should be recorded on the back of the tag with the initials of the person doing the internal inspection. Fire extinguisher professionals should record their inspection on the tag with their annual inspections.

Monthly internal extinguisher inspections must include:

• checking the pressure gauge to be sure it is pointed to green and ready to go
• a visual inspection to be sure there is no rust or corrosion on the extinguisher
• verification of overall readiness and easy access

Annual extinguisher inspection requirements from a licensed professional must include:

• Overall visual inspection of the unit and components for readiness
• Verifying the pressure is adequate with the pressure gauge
• Locking pins and valves are in place and undamaged
• Verification of the chemical compound and weight of the extinguisher
• Any required six-year inspections on extinguishers six years old from the manufacture date
• 12 year required inspections that include in-depth service and recharging

High-Rise Security Systems Offers Licensed Extinguisher Inspections

HRSS provides licensed fire extinguisher inspections for all types of commercial properties in and around the Chicago area. We offer professional extinguisher services for all types of extinguishers including those rated for class A, B, C, D, and class K fires.  We make sure that your fire protection system is ready to use and provides a reliable protection intended to contain any fires before they become an uncontrollable.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety systems provider, offering professional and licensed inspection and testing services of your fire alarm system including portable extinguishers. Contact us today to learn more and to speak with a fire protection specialist for all your extinguisher inspection requirements.

What Type of Fire Extinguisher Do I Need?

Fire extinguishers provide the first line of defense and controlling flames before they turn into an uncontrollable, destructive or deadly blaze.  They are a critical component of any fire prevention system but battling a fire with the wrong type of extinguisher could be completely ineffective and a dire mistake. Know exactly what type of fire extinguisher you need for the type of fires that could erupt in your building or on your property based on a thorough risk analysis.

A knowledgeable fire and safety systems provider can help in your risk analysis and determination of the correct type of extinguishers needed, and the proper locations according to code requirements.

Classes of Fires

The various types of fires are referred to as classes and are as follows:

·         Class A fires erupting from ordinary combustibles such as paper, cloth, wood, rubber and many plastics are labeled as class A fires.

·         Class B fires include flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, oil-based paints, petroleum greases, alcohol, solvents, and flammable gases such as butane and propane. Class B fires do not include fires from cooking grease and oils.

·         Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, appliances, and computers.

·         Class D fires include combustible metals such as lithium, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

·         Class K fires referred to fires starting from hot grease or oil in a commercial kitchen setting

Types of Extinguishers for the Different Classes of Fires

• Dry Chemical fire extinguishers are the most widely used type of portable extinguisher found in businesses and public places, and is effective on Class A, B and C fires. The dry chemical extinguisher is effective by creating a barrier between the fuel elements and oxygen. Be sure your dry chemical extinguisher is rated for class A, B and C, as some ordinary dry chemical extinguishers are effective on only class B and C fires.
• Water and Foam extinguishers are effective on Class A fires only and will not be effective and should not be used on Class B or C fires.
• Carbon Dioxide extinguishers work by removing the oxygen elements and also removing the heat with an extremely cold discharge. I went outside extinguishers are effective and can only be used on Class B and C fires and are ineffective on Class A fires.
• Dry Powder fire extinguishers should be used for Class D combustible model fires only and will be ineffective on all other classes of fire.
• Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are typically used in commercial cooking facilities and kitchens were deep fat fryers are used. These are effective by removing the heat in creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen elements.

It is vitally important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for the class of fire creating potential risk. Contact an experienced and knowledgeable fire and safety systems expert for the proper type of extinguisher and correct placement to meet all code regulations.

High-rise security systems is and experienced and knowledgeable fire and safety system design, integration and consulting firm offering high-performing, reliable equipment and monitoring 24/7/365. We are knowledgeable on all classes of fires and proper portable extinguisher placement. Contact us today to speak with a fire detection and prevention specialist experienced in all commercial applications.

Fire Inspection Companies Provide Reliable Alarm Systems

Inspections to the fire, life and safety systems of any commercial property is necessary as building owners have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their occupants with a fire detection system in good working order.   Regular inspections by a qualified fire inspection company can detect a problem before it causes a malfunction or worse, a loss of life.   

Only certified fire inspection companies should perform these inspections, with further requirements outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  The NFPA details the minimum requirements for fire alarm system inspections, which can vary by structure.  High-rise buildings, hospitals and universities will have specific requirements when it comes to fire safety system inspections.

Certified Fire Inspection Companies Ensure Compliance

Regular inspections provide peace of mind and protect the property and people on the premises, while ensuring that buildings are in compliance with all local and national code requirements.   Fire inspection technicians must have a working knowledge of all components of the fire detection system including sensors, fire alarm panels, audible alerts, and visual strobe lights.  

Qualified fire system inspectors must also know the required placement of equipment such as strobe lights in public areas where the hearing impaired may frequent such as rest rooms, hallways and stairways.   Accessibility to portable fire extinguishers is also a critical component of any fire, life and safety program as fire extinguishers can be the difference between life and death by preventing a fire from becoming uncontrollable, or deadly.  

Even smart systems that can self-monitor and alert technicians to the specific area of potential malfunction must still be inspected by a certified fire inspection company.  Finding any problem areas before the system alerts you is the key to maintaining a properly working fire detection system that will perform in time of need.

High Rise Security Systems is a leader among fire inspection companies, providing full comprehensive fire and safety system services.  We will design, inspect, test and repair any fire alarm system to ensure compliance with local authorities.  Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable fire systems expert and let us help you ensure your building is a safe environment for your occupants.  

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Service Requirements

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Service Requirements

A fire extinguisher service company must be knowledgeable about the different classes of fires, and the portable fire extinguishers that are rated to suppress them.  Locating an adequate fire extinguisher in the right location, with the right type of extinguishing agent is crucial.  Extinguishing a fire while it may still be controllable is critical to preventing the spread of a dangerous fire, saving equipment, structures, and lives.  

Type of Fire Extinguishers

An experienced and reputable fire extinguisher company has the knowledge and capability to service all extinguishers, rated for Class A,B,C,D, or K fires.  

The majority of portable fire extinguishers located in public places and businesses are rated for Class A, B & C Fires.  These multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction happening in the fire.  

Carbon Dioxide extinguisher are rated for Class B & C fires only, and will be ineffective on Class A fire.  NFPA12 details the suggested guidelines for the use and maintenance of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. These should be used on Class B and C fires only, and will not work on Class A fires.  

Class D Fire Extinguishers are similar to the dry chemical extinguisher except that it is a Dry Powder, and works by separating the oxygen from the fuel source, removing the heat.  A Class D fire extinguisher only works on Class D fires, and would be ineffective at suppressing any other type of fire.

Class K fires are fires that ignite from hot grease or oil such as in a restaurant kitchen.  A wet chemical fire extinguisher is used to treat Class K fires, which are often used in an automatic fire extinguisher system such as an overhead kitchen hood.  NFPA17A details fire code guidelines for wet chemical extinguishers.  

All fire extinguisher services must adhere to NFPA10, which details the guidelines for portable fire extinguishers to obtain optimum performance in time of need.  

Expert Fire Extinguisher Service from High Rise Security Systems

HRSS has vast experience with fire safety systems, including following a detailed checklist for fire extinguisher service inspections by licensed technicians.  Our Fire Extinguisher Service includes a visual inspection, checking the weight of the extinguisher for proper chemical level. Checking the pressure gauges, valves and locking pins, check the manufacture date and provide hydrostatic testing when necessary.  All fire extinguishers are required to have a 6-year thorough maintenance service and again at 12-years from manufacture date, including a hydrostatic test.  

HRSS is certified to NICET, the National Institute for Engineering Technologies, and provides complete fire and safety system design for new and existing construction, working with contractors to obtain proper permits related to fire and safety systems.

High Rise Security Systems, LLC is a leader among fire extinguisher companies, providing added services of design and preparation of all data sheets for code compliance and permit approval of your fire detection system.  Contact us today for superior fire extinguisher service in the Chicago area and surrounding localities.

Why You Want a Fire Alarm Inspector to Be Certified By NICET

NICET is the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. Achieving NICET certification requires more than attendance at a series of classes. Certification is achieved by passing an extensive test of job knowledge, verification of performance, and evaluation of your work experience. NICET certification represents a career level in an engineering field, not just the completion of a few courses.

Fire Safety Device Inspection

Local fire protection authorities require clear documentation of at least annual fire alarm system inspections. Building owners and facilities managers may prefer more frequent inspections and maintenance to ensure the system will work precisely as planned in case of an emergency. Since certain parts of any system may wear out or accumulate dust and grime, a careful testing and regular inspection are warranted, even in addition to the usual checks.

Importance of NICET Certification

Teams of experts in the field of electrical engineering developed the NICET certification testing to ensure they are sufficiently challenging to separate serious certification candidates from those who are not willing to perform the necessary work and study. Achievement of NICET is an accomplishment that stands out as a hiring qualification for some companies.

NICET certification can be upgraded at different points in your career. The program involves Levels 1-4, with Level 4 reaching the top of the profession. These individuals are qualified for the most complex assignments and can troubleshoot even the most complicated electrical systems.

Play It Safe

A NICET certified fire alarm inspector assures you that your systems are operating as planned. Checking every device and simulating potential problems can help the inspector to identify any underlying or developing problems. Malfunction of your fire alarm devices can be disastrous.

Working with a NICET certified fire safety company will provide peace of mind that your system will be properly designed, installed, tested, and maintained. NICET certified experts at High Rise Security Systems work with Chicago area hospitals, universities, high-rise residences, and commercial buildings to ensure the safety of the occupants and assets while providing ongoing fire alarm maintenance and testing.

Failure of a fire security system is not permissible. Knowing that the inspectors of your fire safety system’s detection and notification devices are NICET certified means that every element of the system will work when needed. Local fire protection authorities recognize the professional qualifications of NICET experts as the top performers in their field.