As we know, fire emergencies do not come with warnings. This is why fire safety codes are imposed at the state and/or local level to ensure that all buildings are safe for occupants to work in. Inspections are required and the frequency varies. Any and all deficiencies that are found during inspection must be repaired as soon as possible. A facility inspection is just the first part of the process. Repairs should not fall off the priority list as the deficiencies within your fire protection system are serious and building occupants are at risk until resolved.
There is a hard deadline of when repairs must be completed from the time of inspection, deadlines are determined by the authority holding jurisdiction. The AHJ will enforce the code and will expect all their facilities to be in compliance at all times. If inspections and/or repairs are ignored, there could be costly fines.
One of the most important and complex devices within a facility fire protection system, fire doors. Fire doors work to keep fire and smoke from passing through to other areas of a building in the event of a fire. Keep in mind, the only way for fire doors to function as intended is if they are shut and latch properly. If any fire door deficiencies such as gap adjustments, installation of smoke seals, hinge replacements, silencer replacements, strikes for locksets are reported, it’s advised to put in an urgent request for repair as the building is not compliant with state/local codes.
To pass the fire door inspection, per the current NFPA 80 code
Fire and smoke dampers may be out of plain sight however, they play such a critical role in the effectiveness of a facilities pass fire protection plan. When triggered, fire and smoke dampers will shut and close off areas of a facility to avoid smoke and fire to pass through. This is important to allow building occupants to evacuate and allow emergency crews to enter and begin extinguishing the flames.
Fire and smoke dampers are commonly reported as faulty during the inspection process, which raises major concern. Repairs and routine maintenance must always be conducted with a sense of urgency due to their life saving role to the fire safety plan.
Firestopping is a passive fire protection method that consists of restoring the fire barrier integrity that was forfeited due to a variety of penetrations that are located within a facility. These penetrations consist of through penetrations, membrane penetrations, fire rated construction joints, blank opening and perimeter containments.
Compartmentalizing is the main goal when firestopping a facility, it allows for areas to be securely separated in the event of a fire. Preventing fire and smoke transferring from room to room, gives occupants additional time to safely evacuate.
Below is the firestopping code that facilities must abide by:
There is a common denominator between all of the fire safety system components; they are in place with the intention to save lives in the event of a fire. With that said, these safety features are no doubt a priority to all facility managers. LSS Life Safety Services takes your fire safety concerns seriously and we will place our own sense of urgency when getting facility repairs scheduled as we know how important it is to have a compliant and functioning fire safety system in place.
Contact Us today to schedule your inspection or repair services. You’re Safe with Us.