A fire safety system is as important as any other safety system to protect your assets, people, and building. The installation of fire alarm systems is imperative to keep your property and employees safe from the risk of fire or smoke and possible injuries resulting from both. In a dangerous situation, every second count, and making the most of the time you have, is the first in emergency response procedures.
Fire alarm systems are cost-efficient devices that warn you in case of danger and help you prepare for possible countermeasures on time. If you are alerted of the impending danger, its highly likely that your response will be more efficient, and you will be able to minimize the damages and avert the danger timely.
Main Functionality of Fire Fighting Systems
These systems have built-in sensors that detect smoke or combustible particles and the notification devices installed inside these systems send signals via strobe lights, speakers, etc. these systems can also help send signals to authorities alerting them to take proper actions. Having a proper system installed in your building can alleviate fire.
Fire system Installation Guide:
The installation of commercial alarm systems requires special attention because specific guidelines have to be followed to ensure that the installation follows the required safety codes. The following guidelines must be followed while installing a commercial fire alarm system:
Step 1: Choosing the right alarm system:
Choosing the right alarm system from a reputed company is a first to ensure full-fledged safety.
Step 2: Cover all locations:
Make sure that there are no blind spots and every room and the floor has fire alarms installed and no place is left out.
Step 3: Distance from cooking appliances:
To make sure that there are no false alarms, make sure that the fire alarms are installed at least 10 feet away from these appliances.
Step 4: Mounting Fire Alarms:
Smoke rises to the top so it should be made sure that all the systems are installed on the ceiling and the ones mounted on the wall should have a distance of 12 inches from the ceiling. In attics or rooms with an oblique ceiling, a minimum distance of 4 inches should be maintained from the peak of the apex.
Step 5: No alarm near windows:
To make sure that the flow of air does not interfere with the working of alarm systems, do not install them near windows, ducts, or doors.
Step 6: Do not paint fire alarms:
Painting fire alarms might hinder their operation so make sure that the sensors are not covered with anything.
Step 6: Interconnection:
Interconnect all fire alarms in the building so that when one detects smoke or fire, the whole building gets alert. This will help in taking proper countermeasures.
Make sure that all the alarms are from the same manufacturer and are compatible with each other otherwise they might not work efficiently.
Step 7: Dual sensor fire alarm systems:
There are two different types of fire alarms; photoelectric alarms are sensitive to smoldering flames while ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires. It is advised to install a dual-sensor fire alarm to ensure the best protection.
Step 8: Follow instructions:
Follow instructions provided by the manufacturer to make sure the fire alarm works efficiently.
Maintenance of Commercial Fire Alarm Systems:
Proper maintenance guarantees foolproof protection and no last-minute frenzy. Below are important guidelines for the maintenance of a fire alarm system:
- Keep a check on the alarms, record any failures or faults, and take proper actions whenever required.
Calibrate fire alarms weekly and test the efficiency of the detectors every week.
- Fire alarms installed in different locations need to be checked separately to make sure that every alarm works fine and there are no faults.
- Record the defects in the system weekly and inform the concerned personnel to take proper action.
- After every quarter check the batteries and the connections and repair the parts that need repairing.
- Make sure that the fire alarm works perfectly, and all the sensors and detectors are in perfect condition and none of its parts are malfunctioning.
- Get proper reviews from a professional on the proper working of the fire alarms besides the quarterly check. Expert opinions can help ensure safety.
- Obtain a certificate after yearly inspection so that you have proof of the functioning of the fire alarms.
- The proper installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems can save you from a lot of struggle and take a lot of stress away from your shoulders.
Having an efficient commercial fire alarm system will equip you for emergency situations and you will be able to combat the dangers more efficiently.