After long harsh winter months comes warmer weather, blue skies and of course spring cleaning! Whether you work in Healthcare, Education, Industrial, Long Term Care or the Commercial arena, spring cleaning can help your work environment feel refreshed and ready for another year. But as you clean up your work space don’t forget to include fire protection systems in your spring cleaning checklist.
Not only did we have to put up with the bitterness of the cold, but our fire protection systems had to suffer through the cold as well. As we tried to stay warm from the low temperatures outside, pipes may have frozen, dampers could have rusted, doors might have become deficient, and firestopping materials may have chipped off or worn away. These are only a few things that could possibly be an issue with your facility’s fire protection. So, Spring cleaning is the perfect time to make sure your facility’s fire protection systems are properly working. If not, your building and its occupants may not be safe in the event of a fire. To help get you started, here is a small reminder of what your facility’s fire protection systems do, and what the code says about maintaining it.
Fire/Smoke Dampers prevent the spread of fire and smoke within the facility’s ductwork. According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 80 and 105, “Each damper shall be tested and inspected every 4 years, except in hospitals, which is every 6 years”.
Fire Doors similar to dampers, prevent the spread of fire and smoke between the facility’s fire barriers. NFPA 80 requires that, “Fire door assemblies must be inspected and tested annually, with a written record of the inspection signed and kept for the inspection by the AHJ”.
Firestopping is the maintenance of the facility’s fire barriers. According to the 2009 International Fire Code (IFC), “Firewalls, partitions, smoke barriers, ceilings and floors) must be maintained annually and properly repaired, restored or replaced when damaged, altered, breached or penetrated”.
Photoluminescent Egress Path Markings and Exit Signs simply help guide the facility’s occupants to the nearest exit in smoky or blackout conditions. The 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) requires that, “Approved luminous egress path markings outlining the exit path shall be provided in buildings having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle”.