As a facility manager, fire safety is one of your main concerns for your building and its occupants. But whether your facility is a new building or has just recently undergone renovations, there may be a few fire hazards hidden right above your head.
Unfortunately, contractors will often leave work performed above ceilings looking less than adequate. And although a mess above the ceiling may not seem like something you need to worry about, it can be full of fire hazards. There are numerous things that could be going on up there and here are a few of the top issues:
- Faulty Wiring
- Missing Junction Box Covers
- Unsealed Penetrations
Faulty wiring is one of the top reasons for a fire starting and the wires above your ceiling are no exception. In fact, wires wrapped around sprinkler lines and hangers can be a potential fire hazard, and should be removed using zip-ties to connect. However where wires are joined together heat is created, and if too much heat is built up it can cause sparks, which can create a fire. Therefore preventing fire and smoke from spreading by containing it to its original origin will help keep everyone inside safe.
The first line of defense against the spread of fire above ceiling is the junction box covers. If the junction box covers are missing, fires started can continue to grow and spread. Another way to prevent the spread of fire and smoke is making sure that your facility’s fire walls, ceilings, and floors are properly firestopped.
Gaps and holes from penetrations allow easy access for fire and smoke to spread quickly throughout the building. Firestopping above the ceiling will help contain both fire and smoke by preventing it from spreading throughout the building giving everyone inside plenty of time to evacuate to safety.
