When it comes to fire safety, compliance is key. Although commercial property managers may think their fire alarm systems are code-compliant, thinking isn’t knowing. There are many reasons why some systems, particularly outdated ones, can fall out of compliance and pose a serious life safety risk. Below are some significant causes to pay close attention to, put on your Check List, and remedy wherever and whenever needed.
Non-certified equipment is often a culprit. To meet local safety regulations, do not use out-of-date, faulty, or unapproved fire alarm components.
Installation is everything. An improperly installed system, or one installed by someone who isn’t licensed, typically won’t operate as required.
Ongoing maintenance matters. Neglecting to inspect, test, and maintain a fire alarm system can cause malfunctions and put you out of compliance. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, local building codes, and other industry requirements are put in place for a reason. Fire codes and standards need to be adhered to, and it is important to stay abreast of the latest ones, as well.
Some but not all simply doesn’t cut it; missing devices can cause non-compliance. Smoke detectors, alarms, and suppression systems need to be placed properly and adequately throughout a building. Also keep in mind that many systems require backup batteries or a secondary power source to work during outages. Visibility and accessibility can make all the difference in saving lives. Regulations dictate that fire alarms have visible indicators and accessibility features. In addition, stay on top of any potential notification issues. Some systems need to send alerts to emergency responders, so failures in communication links can be a big problem.
In addition to keeping a close pulse on these fire alarm issues, don’t underestimate the value of real-time reporting in keeping your fire alarm system compliant. Zeus Fire and Security offers this service, as well, with continuous monitoring, instant fault detection, and documentation. The added protection is well worth it, as real-time monitoring detects and flags faults or failures as soon as they occur, so problems can be addressed quickly, and compliance violations prevented.
Record keeping is streamlined significantly with real-time reporting, which automatically records events, maintenance checks, and alarms, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This is especially important, as many jurisdictions require detailed logs of system performance and inspections.
To keep in compliance, fire alarm systems must be tested and serviced regularly. Live reports enable facility managers to track these maintenance activities and confirm they’ve been completed. Another attractive benefit is that real-time reporting facilitates remote monitoring, providing needed peace of mind that fire systems function correctly without requiring physical inspections as often.
Compliance is key. PASS Security is here to help.
