Tips for Developing Fire and Life Safety Systems and Programs

Fire and Life Safety protection is often overlooked and some people even see it as optional. It’s not. It’s a necessity, not a luxury. An alarming number of business owners believe a fire could never happen to them despite the frequency of which they occur. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that there are 90,000-100,000 fires in commercial spaces and businesses across the U.S. every year. 

*source: NFPA 2018 data

Such short-term, reactive thinking can snowball into something big, exposing your business to significant financial losses, or worse, liabilities that can result in irreparable damage to your reputation. Below are a few tips in developing Fire and Life Safety Systems right for the needs of your business.

Fire and Life Safety Protection For Offices

Nearly one-third of workplace fires occur in offices because of cooking equipment negligence and faulty electrical distribution, according to a recent study by the National Fire Protection Association. This is a risk you must be aware of at all times. Ensure that your fire protection systems are installed at easily accessible and strategic locations throughout your facility to create a safe working environment for all.

Installing fire and smoke detection systems, fire alarms, kitchen fire suppression systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting are investments worth making to protect your people and property. When it comes to commercial fire and life safety systems, one frequently neglected option is emergency exit lights. Its importance in guiding your employees to safety simply cannot be overlooked so if your office does not have exit lights, get them installed immediately.

Fire Protection For Restaurants

Not surprisingly, restaurant fires can cost a business catastrophic losses in both revenue and reputation. With open flames, flammable materials, and extreme temperatures, restaurant fires occur frequently and are notorious for not only causing significant interior damage, but also structural damage. Implementing the correct kitchen fire protection with a wet chemical suppression system over cooking appliances is an absolute must for all restaurant owners.

Having the proper fire extinguishers installed can provide additional protection should a fire break out. Class K extinguishers should be used in the kitchen area and ABC extinguishers can be used in the front of the house. Finally, properly cleaning your exhaust system can dramatically reduce fire risk in restaurants. See our best practices article in the 2018 RFMA Best Practices Book.

Fire Protection In Schools

According to nationwide fire safety studies, cooking related negligence is the leading cause of fires within schools. This is why having a comprehensive fire suppression and far reaching alarm system is a necessity. Not only is installing a fire protection and alarm system essential, but it is also important that students and teachers alike are trained in the proper fire safety protocols.

Installing fire alarms, smoke and chemical detectors, emergency exit lighting, fire sprinklers, portable fire extinguishers, and commercial kitchen fire suppression systems are all key pieces to include in your checklist. Frequent and regularly scheduled maintenance of these systems is also necessary to ensure that they will work properly in case of a fire emergency.

For more information and professional tips on choosing the right type of Fire and Life Safety System and Program, call Life Safety Engineered Systems today. We’re a nationally recognized leader in fire technologies. 800-263-1116