Fire protection has many aspects, including fire suppression, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, alarm systems, monitoring, inspections, and maintenance. Learn the importance of each component and how fire protection services can help your facility maintain compliance with local fire codes.
Sprinklers and Fire Suppression
There are four different types of sprinkler systems that the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has deemed safe for use in commercial settings: wet, dry, preaction, and deluge. The type of sprinkler system that’s best for your facility will depend on climate and the operations in your building(s). Some facilities may require more than one type of sprinkler system. However, not all fires respond well to water, creating the need for the utilization of suppressive agents like foam, CO2, or clean agents to extinguish fires instead of water.
When determining which type of sprinkler system or fire suppression system(s) your facility needs, it’s essential to consider the types of fire that may occur as well as damage that could happen to equipment in your facility due to water or suppressive agents. It’s not common for fire protection companies to offer both sprinkler and suppression systems. However, some all-services companies like Fire Systems will offer both.
Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is an essential part of fire protection and includes any lighting installed specifically to light hallways, stairwells, and exits in the event of an emergency to facilitate evacuation from the building. There are strict regulations for installing and inspecting emergency lighting listed in NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. Thankfully, many fire protection services will offer emergency lighting in conjunction with alarm systems, as fire code often requires that a triggered alarm initiate emergency lighting.
Alarm systems and monitoring
On a basic level, fire alarm systems warn your employees of fire while simultaneously notifying emergency services. Most fire alarm systems tie into sprinkler systems, suppression systems, emergency lighting, and more. Fire alarm systems are required to be tested and inspected annually. In addition, the National Fire Code will likely require your building’s alarm system to be monitored 24/7. Due to the extent to which alarm systems are involved in most aspects of your facility’s fire protection systems, finding a service provider that covers all components is a good idea.
Consider Fire Systems, Inc.
Fire Systems, Inc is an all-services company providing comprehensive fire protection services from design to installation, monitoring, and beyond. Our software can keep track of maintenance and inspection deadlines, ensuring your facility remains up to code. If you have questions, visit our website or call us at 770-333-7979.
