Spring is almost here, which means warmer weather and blue skies are right around the corner. However, that also means it’s a sign to bust open the cleaning supplies closet because it’s time for spring cleaning. And whether you work in Healthcare, Education, Industrial, Long Term Care or the Commercial business, spring cleaning can help your work environment feel refreshed and ready for another year. But one area you don’t want to neglect is your facility’s fire barriers. Yes, they need a little spring cleaning too!
Not only did we have to put up with the bitterness of the cold, but your building’s fire barriers had to suffer through the cold as well. With freezing 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 issues that could have gone wrong over the winter months. That’s why spring cleaning is the perfect time to make sure your facility’s fire barriers are up-to-date with the codes and working properly. If not, your building and its occupants may not be safe in the event of a fire. To help you get started, here is a list of your facility’s fire barriers, and what the code says about maintaining it.
Your Fire Barrier Spring Cleaning Checklist:
- 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 must be tested and inspected every 4 years, except in hospitals, which is every 6 years”.
- Fire Doors prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a facility, while allowing occupants a means of egress. 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-rated walls and ceilings. 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”.
