If you are a business owner of any type, you likely have a fire system installed into your building. You are aware that this fire system requires regular fire sprinkler maintenance and inspections, but you might not know why. You might find it a hassle to regularly test this system that you never use. Routine inspections and fire sprinkler repairs are needed for the following reasons.
To ensure that they are still working
Fire alarms and sprinklers, fortunately, do not often get used. However, you don?t want to need it one day and find that it is not working properly. For this reason, routine inspections and fire sprinkler repairs are needed. These fire sprinkler inspections are completed by a local fire protection company. Sometimes, they also include a test. Fire tests run the system through the real thing and they can be a great way to prepare employees and guests for an actual fire.
To identify any needed repairs
Fire sprinkler repairs can prevent the system from working. Because fire sprinklers are so effective in reducing fires, it is important that any and all fire sprinkler repairs are immediately completed. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has no record of a fire killing more than two people in a completed sprinklered building where the system was properly operating. In order to ensure that the system is properly operating, however, fire protection companies need to complete a full inspection and service.
To know when updates are needed
Updates are constantly made to improve the efficiency and safety of fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems. A fire system that sits in a building, untouched, for years, can quickly become outdated. Eventually, that system will no longer meet minimum safety standards for the city and state. Because many restaurant and commercial building owners are not keeping up with the latest news on fire systems, they may not even be aware of the need for an upgrade.
Routine inspections inform owners when newer and better equipped fire protection is available. Fortunately, these upgrades reduce fire damages even more. The combination of automatic sprinklers and early warning systems in all buildings could reduce overall injuries, loss of life, and property damage by at least 50%.
It prepares workers for a real fire emergency
Preparation is the best way to prevent damages when a fire does occur. Scheduling routine fire alarm drills can also be helpful. The fire drill allows the property owner to test that their fire service is working properly. During the test, it also allows employees to mimic what they would do in the event of a real fire. Fires often cause panic, which leads to mistakes. When employees are used to the drill for an emergency, such as a fire, they are more prepared and calm. Fires are a reality and preparation is needed. The Fort Lauderdale Fire Department, for example, responded to 48,460 total calls in 2014, 531 of which were fire calls.
Your properties service to your fire sprinkler installation service should not stop at the installation. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems also require routine inspections, upgrades, and tests. These tests and inspections look for problems and needed repairs. They also prepare employees and property owners for what to do in the event of an actual fire. Never skip these inspections and ensure that you are trusting the job to a qualified and professional company.