Protecting your commercial building is a huge decision and financial commitment. Here are some of the best options in Southern California for fire prevention.
Autocall
Autocall believes that people and facilities everywhere deserve to be protected by fire detection systems that deliver unparalleled performance. Backed by a legacy of innovation and invention, Autocall is pushing the industry forward with feature-rich fire detection systems that help to ensure that our customers are safe and their facilities are secure.
AES Corporation
AES Corporation is the leading manufacturer of communication products and services designed for the fire, burglary, and facility applications. Learn how an investment in AES’s wireless mesh telecommunications technology can help you take control of your network, pricing, and future.
Ansul
ANSUL® is a global premium brand of Tyco Fire Protection Products. ANSUL special hazard fire protection products are designed and manufactured to strict standards and tested under the scrutiny of national and international independent testing laboratories and approval agencies.
Kidde Fire Systems
Since 1917, Kidde Fire Systems has been a global leader in fire protection, protecting people, property, and processes from fire hazards. Our fire protection solutions include conventional & intelligent detection and control systems that complement a complete line of fire suppression systems.
Potter
PotterToday, Potter is carrying on the legacy of Charles E. Potter by combining the latest technology in fire protection with the dedicated manpower for which they have been known for over one hundred years. With an unwavering dedication to their customers, Potter looks to continue as the industry standard in both product and service.
Valcom
Valcom’s long tradition of communication leadership and innovation addresses our customers’ most complex communication concerns. Our products are developed based on the customer’s need to relay information rapidly so individuals in various locations throughout an organization receive relevant instructions, and act upon them in emergency situations.
Learn what sprinkler system would work best for commercial buildings here.
Best Fire Safety Equipment
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/iStock-1227473374.jpg15002000Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-10-17 15:03:362021-11-05 09:37:55Choose your player… the Best Fire Safety Equipment of 2021
There are standard fire precautions that are taught since middle school. Unfortunately, “Stop, drop, and roll” isn’t enough to do if there’s an oil fire.
What is an oil fire?
There are different classifications of fires.UCLA Health lists an oil fire as “Class B.” This includes, “Flammable liquids such as alcohol, ether, oil, gasoline, and grease, which are best extinguished by smothering.”
An oil fire often starts in commercial kitchens, areas where spontaneous combustion can occur, or areas where hot work is done.
VFS specializes in Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems. Kitchen systems are essential to the safety of a commercial kitchen and the people that work within it. These systems release wet chemical extinguishing agents designed to put out the unique components of cooking fires.
As soon as the system is activated the gas line to the appliance will immediately be cut off depriving the fire of fuel and the chemical agents will be released covering the flames and depriving them of oxygen. It is much less expensive to invest in a commercial kitchen suppression system than it is to repair structural damage after a fire occurs.
What to Do
DON’T USE WATER. I REPEAT, DO NOT AT ANY COST USE WATER.
This can cause the flames to grow even faster. The goal is fire suppression — so try and smother the flames with a towel or fire blanket if it is safe to do so. Another option that will work is fire extinguishers. Having these tools (especially fire extinguishers) accessible throughout your commercial building is key to fire safety and fire protection.
If the fire is not smothered successfully, RUN!
Seriously, this could grow fast and is a danger to all your employees. There are ways to prepare for this so that the worst outcome doesn’t happen.
Preventatives
If your commercial building doesn’t have a hot work permit, you’re at a greater risk. A hot work permit guarantees that safety measures have been addressed and implemented throughout your commercial building. This means that your building and employees are prepared in case of an emergency.
As mentioned above, having fire extinguishers or fire towels around commercial kitchens and hot work zones is important.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/iStock-1067984634.jpg14142121Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-10-03 14:23:212021-09-28 12:54:32What to do in case of an Oil Fire (If you have time to Google what do I do in case of an oil fire you can clearly run and type at the same time very well– More power to ya!)
Commercial kitchens should be at the top of the priority list for fire safety management.
Educating your employees on proper fire safety protocols is essential to ensure their workplace safety. In order to keep them safe from harm, they need to know what steps to take in the event of a fire—and no, ‘fricken large ones’ is not correct. In an effort to help guide your fire safety training endeavors, we’ve put together a few tips to improve your employees’ education surrounding building fire safety.
Start With Necessary Information
We think it’s safe to say that most employees do not want to sit through a three-hour-long fire and life safety training. To start, ensure you’re touching on all the ‘need to know’ topics of fire safety.
As you dive deeper into fire safety training, you can go over additional topics that may not be as urgent. Urgent topics to review and discuss should include:
Types of fires that occur in the workplace
How to extinguish the different types of fires that may occur
Major causes of fire accidents in the workplace
The exits are available to employees in case of emergency
Make sure your employees know the various hazards in your workplace.
Cooking Equipment
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) claims that the main cause of fires in office buildings is cooking equipment. Office and commercial buildings typically have cooking equipment. Whether there is a mass amount of equipment or one small kitchen for employees, there are safety measures that should be taken as a part of fire prevention.
A few of these safety measures include:
Clean Grease Often
The office kitchen isn’t known for being the cleanest place to cook food, and grease build-up can cause fires to spread quickly.
Ensure Equipment is Maintained Regularly
Old equipment increases fire risk and puts employees and the building property at risk. There are specific commercial kitchen requirements that may apply to an in-office kitchen.
The precautions withgas-fired appliances include being installed by professionals, no oil with gasoline, and only specific locations within the building containing gas-fired appliances.
Kitchens are typically protected by et chemical suppression systems. These Extinguishing methods are specific to the type of cooking fires that may occur in a commercial kitchen. When triggered, the system discharges immediately with a liquid that, when sprayed onto the fire, cools the flames almost instantaneously.
When this liquid comes into contact with oils and fats it creates a foam, subsequently cooling the affected area and preventing the spread from reigniting.
At VFS, your building’s safety is our top priority. With over 25 years of experience, our fire and life safety experts are prepared to ensure your building remains safe from harm.
The equipment we install, inspect, and maintain is only one component of your fire and life safety initiatives. The other aspect includes employee training! Your employees must be educated on what to do in case of an emergency.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/iStock-613655646.jpg14142120The VFS Teamhttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngThe VFS Team2021-09-26 16:40:232021-09-27 14:35:45Kitchens: More Than a Place to Steal Your Coworker’s Lunch!
Your general thought process might look something like this: “Water puts out fires, so sprinklers must be a type of fire suppression, right?”
Wrong.
There is a difference between fire suppression and fire sprinklers, and VFS Fire & Security Services is here to help figure out which fire safety measures are right for your commercial building!
Fire Suppression
Fire suppression systems are considered one of our specialties at VFS. Fire suppression systems are used to extinguish or control fires and are activated by heat, smoke, or a combination of the two.
These systems are typically found in places like museums, libraries, data centers, and archives. Unlike wet-pipe sprinkler systems, suppression systems use gaseous, chemical or foam agents to suppress the fire, rather than water.
This aids in the preservation of sensitive equipment and content within a particular environment. There are many different applications of fire suppression depending on the area in which these systems are housed. There are various types of fire suppression systems.
Clean Agent
Clean agent fire suppression, is a term used to describe the use of inert gases to extinguish a fire. These systems all have three main components:
Smoke Detector
Control Panel
Notification Devices
When the smoke detector is triggered, it sends a signal to the control panel which then alerts the notification devices, activating the release device to suppress the fire.
Clean agent fire suppression systems are fast-acting and most effective in protecting sensitive equipment and environments because they are designed to suppress the fire in its incipient stage. They are electronically nonconducting and unlike water, they won’t ruin electrical components or electronics.
They are most often found in server rooms, record/file repositories, and data centers that require an increased level of protection to prevent unnecessary and accidental discharge of systems.
The Details
Inert gases: Nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide work together by lowering oxygen content in a room below the level that supports combustion, while still allowing a person to breathe keeping your environment and your personnel safe.
Fluorocarbon-based extinguishers are described as “clean agents” as they do not leave any oily residues, particulates or water damage and rapidly extinguish fires with a superb weight to effectiveness ratio. These extinguishing agents are also safe to use in occupied spaces and offer unique advantages in speed, performance, and safety.
CO2 Systems
C02 is an effective method of extinguishing a wide range of flammable and combustible materials in both surface and deep-seated fires. Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless three-dimensional clean agent. It is typically harmless to equipment, materials, and property preventing excessive damage to equipment to your facility in the event of a discharge.
There are high and low-pressure CO2 systems. High-pressure systems use individual storage cylinders ranging from 35 lbs to 120 lbs. Low-pressure C02 systems are ideal for non-occupied fire hazards requiring large amounts of extinguishing agents in a limited space.
Wet Chemical
Extinguishing methods of wet chemical suppression systems are specific to the type of cooking fires that may occur in a commercial kitchen. When triggered, the system discharges immediately with a liquid that, when sprayed onto the fire, cools the flames almost instantaneously.
When this liquid comes into contact with the oils and fats it creates a foam, subsequently cooling the affected area and preventing the spread and from the potential of reigniting.
Dry Chemical
Dry chemical is a type of fire protection system that makes use of a dry chemical powder to extinguish a fire. Most dry chemical fire suppression systems use a large tank that is filled with dry chemical powder, which is then pressurized.
There are other types of fire suppression systems (including pre-engineered system applications and water mist systems), but what’s the difference between suppression and sprinkler systems?
Fire Sprinkler Systems
The biggest difference between the suppression systems already mentioned and sprinkler systems is the use of water instead of foam.
All sprinkler systems are designed and engineered in different ways depending on the environment, the assets being stored in a particular space, and NFPA requirements and specifications.
The methods of activation vary depending on the system but one thing is for sure-fire sprinkler systems are designed to protect your assets by controlling and extinguishing fires!
The different types of fire sprinkler systems include:
Wet Pipe
Dry Pipe
Pre Action
Deluge
Foam Water Systems
Fire Pumps
Fire Backflow
There are a lot of factors that go into commercial sprinkler systems. Learn more details about the different types of sprinkler systems on our blog.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/iStock-152499297-scaled.jpg17002560Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-09-20 12:28:112021-12-22 13:21:07News Flash! Fire Suppression and Fire Sprinklers Are Not the Same!
We get it, you’re working with a tight budget and didn’t consider fire safety as a part of the bottom line. While each commercial building might have different needs and pricing, investing in a clean agent fire suppression system is cheaper than the financial consequences of your building burning down.
Fire Suppression Systems
Fire suppression systems are used to extinguish or control fires and are activated by heat, smoke, or a combination of the two. Suppression systems are typically found in places like museums, libraries, data centers, and archives.
Unlike wet-pipe sprinkler systems, suppression systems use gaseous, chemical or foam agents to suppress the fire, rather than water. This aids in the preservation of sensitive equipment and content within a particular environment. There are many different applications of fire suppression depending on the area in which these systems are housed.
There are different types of fire suppression systems that VFS can install.
Clean Agent Fire Suppression
Clean agent fire suppression is a term used to describe the use of inert gases to extinguish a fire. These systems all have three main components:
Smoke Detector
Control Panel
Notification Devices
When the smoke detector is triggered, it sends a signal to the control panel which then alerts the notification devices, activating the release device to suppress the fire.
Clean agent fire suppression systems are fast-acting and most effective in protecting sensitive equipment and environments because they are designed to suppress the fire in its incipient stage. Clean fire agents are electronically nonconducting and unlike water, they won’t ruin electrical components or electronics.
Clean agent fire suppression systems are most often found in server rooms, record/file repositories, and data centers that require an increased level of protection to prevent unnecessary and accidental discharge of systems.
The Details
Inert gases: Nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide work together by lowering oxygen content in a room below the level that supports combustion, while still allowing a person to breathe keeping your environment and your personnel safe.
Fluorocarbon-based extinguishers are described as “clean agents” as they do not leave any oily residues, particulates, or water damage and rapidly extinguish fires with a superb weight to effectiveness ratio. These extinguishing agents are also safe to use in occupied spaces and offer unique advantages in speed, performance, and safety.
Fun stuff, right?
There is a range of costs and options available when it comes to clean agent fire suppression systems. ContactVFS Fire & Security Services today to learn more!
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/iStock-1316906483.jpg14152120Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-09-13 11:51:452021-08-26 12:00:13Suppress Fires, Not Feelings
You’re not alone if you see all the abbreviations in fire safety and think, “How the h*ll am I supposed to know what that all means?”
DAS Explained
The amount of NFPA codes is a large number (like large as in over 300…), so we understand it’s hard to keep track of them all! Actually, are you trying to test your knowledge? Take ourNFPA Fire Codes quiz and see how you do!
Anyways, DAS stands for, “Distributed antenna system.” And no, we don’t mean the antenna for your cable TV.
TheNFPA requires that “Buildings and structures that cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with a radiating cable system or a distributed antenna system (DAS) with FCC-certified signal boosters, or both, or with a system that is otherwise approved, in order to achieve the required adequate radio coverage.”
There are additional factors of the distributed antenna system that any commercial property owner should consider (based on NFPA standards). This might include:
In other words, “no amplification system capable of operating on frequencies or causing interference on frequencies assigned to the jurisdiction by the FCC shall be installed without prior coordination and approval of the authority having jurisdiction,” according to the NFPA. “The building manager/owner shall suspend and correct other equipment installations that degrade the performance of the public safety radio system or public safety radio enhancement system.”
Let’s Talk ERRCS
So surprise, ERRCS is one in the same as DAS. An Emergency Responder Radio Communication (ERRCS) is crucial to have in commercial buildings. An ERRCS can also be identified as a Public Safety or First Responder DAS.
It turns out all of the fire protection abbreviations can be interchangeable!
How About AHJ?
AHJ, the last acronym to understand for today’s lesson! AHJ stands for, “Authority Having Jurisdiction.” It can be a common misconception that the local fire marshall is responsible for any updates in fire safety. But this is not the case. Oftentimes there are multiple people or authorities who have jurisdiction and are responsible for a facility’s fire safety standards and practices.
“In a commercial or industrial facility, subsequent installation of electrical equipment or modification of the distribution system is often not done under a government permit nor is this inspected by the government AHJ.”
A good question to keep in mind listed from the NFPA is, “Does your management invite a government AHJ to inspect and approve the installation of a new subpanel, the move of a production line, the retrofit for a breakroom, the extension of a circuit, or the addition of a backup generator in your facility?”
What is a Public Safety DAS? NFPA, ERRCS and AHJ (Plot Twist, these letters actually mean something…)
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/iStock-1057090346.jpg14142121Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-09-06 11:12:492021-08-26 11:28:56What is a Public Safety DAS? NFPA, ERRCS and AHJ (Plot Twist, these letters actually mean something…)
Are you smarter than a fire inspector? Test your knowledge in our NFPA fire codes quiz!
Our fire and life safety systems integrate every aspect of a building from security systems, to fire protection and suppression to alarm and communication systems. We operate nationwide through our partnerships with local experts. Contact us today for more information!
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/iStock-1263263083.jpg14562059Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-08-30 14:35:462021-08-02 13:33:53Are you Smarter than a Fire Inspector?
Depending on the size of your commercial or educational building, there are requirements set in place for the number of notification and detection devices needed for maximum safety.
A fire alarm system is a system of connected devices working together to detect and warn people when smoke or fire is present. Alarms can be triggered by smoke detection, heat detection, or manual pull stations. Alarms vary from traditional systems to motorized bells, wall-mountable sounders, and even to electronic notification systems, strobes, and voice alert systems.
The NFPA has over 300 different types of fire codes, butCode 72 is reserved exclusively for fire alarms.
Code 72
Code 72 is a great guide to follow when considering fire alarm requirements. TheNFPA states that “with today’s modern furnishings, fires can spread much more rapidly than in the past when more natural materials were used. Because of this, having a sufficient number of properly located smoke alarms is essential to maximize the amount of available escape time.”
In general, a good foundation to follow is to have fire alarms in:
Office rooms
Hallways
At least one on every floor
In addition, there are outdated smoke alarms that are no longer recognized by NFPA’s standards. This is another crucial reason that annual or monthly checkups on fire safety codes are essential. If the fire alarms in your commercial building have not been recognized by NFPA, then it’s time for a major update.
So… What About My Building?
Well, there’s no clear-cut answer for what fire safety system will work for your unique building. (In case you forgot, we haven’t seen it!) There are various factors that impact the number of fire alarms needed. Some of these might include:
Types of ceilings
Amount of square footage
Number of floors
Number and condition of stairwells
Window location
And more fun fire safety stuff!
A great standard to follow is to have notification and detection devices on every level in order to follow national fire protection standards. Fire prevention and safety tips should always be updated, and emergency exit signs and emergency lighting should become a focal point in a fire inspection.
Alarm and detection systems fromVFS Fire & Security Services address both internal alarms and the detection of fires in critical areas of your business. We provide top-of-the-line systems, installation, maintenance, and options for monitoring based on your risk and the complexity of your fire alarm needs.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/iStock-1263876616.jpg14142121Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-08-22 14:15:452021-07-28 14:23:12Sound the Alarm—How Many Notification and Detection Devices Do You ACTUALLY Need?
Although they are sometimes overlooked, emergency lights and exit signs actually should fall into regular fire safety maintenance rhythms. It’s actually aNational Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire safety requirement to keep up-to-date emergency lights and exit signs. So, stay up-to-date and understandNFPA 101.
The code states that “emergency illumination shall be provided for a minimum of 90 minutes in the event of failure of normal lighting. The illumination must not be less than an average of one foot along the path of egress at floor level.”
Here’s what giving some love and attention to your overlooked exit signs and emergency lights might look like.
Testing
Since there are clear NFPA codes in place, there are guidelines to follow for annual inspections and emergency protection. Professionals are trained to know what to look for when it comes to emergency illumination.
There are a few steps you can take in your commercial building to ensure that your inspection goes as smoothly as possible. For one, make sure all emergency exit signs are easily accessible for the fire safety professional.
This means making sure that the area surrounding the emergency illumination is free of obstructions for full access. For monthly inspections, some emergency exit signs have test buttons that can easily be pressed with the help of a ladder. Again, each commercial and educational building will have a different setup and might require specific inspections and maintenance.
Red flags to look for while testing includes dull lighting, light bulbs that have blown out, and flickering. Overall, there is an emergency light combo that will work for your commercial building.
What Could Go Wrong?
If you fail to have your emergency lights and exit signs checked monthly (or at least annually), lives could be at risk. These systems are essential to guiding occupants out of a building in an emergency situation. If the equipment in your commercial building malfunctions during an actual emergency, there is a huge liability risk. Fire prevention is our specialty, so connect with us to learn more about annual inspections.
We tell you what’s due when it’s due, and why it’s due. At VFS, we constantly communicate with your team to keep you up-to-date on the latest information within your facilities.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/iStock-1049579366.jpg14142120Aaron Looshttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAaron Loos2021-08-15 13:49:042021-07-28 13:58:43Emergency Lights and Exit Signs Deserve Love and Attention, too!
Erring on the side of caution when it comes to protecting your commercial property can help prevent damage to your building.
Your commercial property can suffer damage from a fire through:
Flames directly contacting your building
Radiant heat that can cause combustible materials to ignite
The wind blowing burning embers onto your property (the most common occurrence)
Fire season is unpredictable and frightening, but don’t worry, VFS is here to help prepare your commercial property for a potential emergency. Fire safety regulations for a commercial building may look different from one property to another.
Video Surveillance
VFS offers systems from video surveillance to business intelligence. This means that if a fire starts, your company will have access to visuals around the property. We design systems that optimize your existing infrastructure and augment them with the latest in proven technologies.
Adding this extra layer of security is just a stepping stone towards having a foolproof plan in place for fire season.
Outside the Building
Establishing fire protection elements outside your commercial property may save you from the unpredictable and devastating effects of a fire. When preparing the surrounding area for fire season, create three “buffer zones” that act as lines of defense. These areas outside of the building need to be free of flammable or combustible materials.
Zone Three
Typically, this region is the first line of defense against a fire. It ranges about 100 or more feet from the building depending on where the building is located. In the case of commercial properties built on a slope, buffer zones are recommended to extend further, about 150-200 feet total, due to faster and longer flaming fires. This buffer zone would help slow down the pace of the fire.
The surrounding area of any property should be cleared of extra brush, dead plants, and trees. This includes trees, shrubs, bushes, and dead grass. Keep shrubs trimmed and spaced out as well. Another good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure any tree branches stay at least 10 feet from any other trees.
If you need to keep a storage shed, wood, a trailer or other similar objects on your property, try to keep them in this zone.
Zone Two
This is the second line of defense against a fire. Its purpose is preventative damage control if the fire breaks through zone three. Zone two ranges about 30 to 100 feet from the building.
Buildings with grass surrounding the property should avoid tall grasses, also known as ladder fuels, because they make it easier for fires to climb trees. Any grass should be kept no taller than four inches high.
Any dead plants, bushes, or trees should be removed from this area. When maintaining the trees in this zone, prune the branches so they are at least ten feet from the ground, and remove any low-hanging branches.
Zone One
Zone one, also known as the last line of defense, includes the area up to 30 feet away from your property.
If your building has a deck or a porch, avoid storing any combustible materials like wood underneath it.
All dry or dead plants or dry vegetation in this zone must be cleared away. This includes:
Brush
Bushes
Pine needles
Dry leaves
When landscaping this area, it’s important to keep zone one in mind. It’s best to use noncombustible materials such as rocks or gravel to help keep flames at bay.
Cut down any tree branches hanging over the roof of the building.
Other Outside Hazards
Another hazard to be aware of is gutters. The key is to maintain a consistent routine of cleaning out the building gutters to avoid the build-up of dry leaves and other highly flammable materials.
The parking lot is another focus area for fire prevention. Depending on the commercial building layout, parking lots can become a hotspot for sparks to fly. To avoid this, inform your staff that they need to avoid parking over any grass or spilled oil.
Inside the Building
There are other steps beyond video surveillance that you can take to ensure your commercial building is prepped for fire season.
Any vents throughout the building should be cleaned consistently because they are highly flammable. Metal vents can be added to act as a temporary barrier between embers and the vent.
An evacuation plan should be perfected and taught to all employees. Performing practice drills with your company will ensure everyone understands their role in the event of an emergency.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/iStock-1318212900.jpg13792174The VFS Teamhttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngThe VFS Team2021-07-18 14:14:002022-02-25 14:19:01Prepping your commercial property for fire season! (Yes, you need to)
EYEWASH STATIONS ARE NOT JUST FOR GETTING DEL FUEGO OUT OF YOUR EYES (WE GET IT… WE LOVE TACO BELL TOO)
Commercial Property Owners: Ensuring your building remains safe from harm is essential to your ongoing success. The foundation of your building safety protocol is fire safety. According to Chad Connor at AZ Big Media, about 120,000 commercial property fires occurred in 2019, resulting in $4.3 billion in property damage, 1,200 injuries, and 110 deaths. In order to ensure your commercial property isn’t included in that number, you need to put the proper fire safety precautions in place.
START WITH REGULAR INSPECTIONS
Safety alert lights, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems must be inspected on a regular basis. Each fire protection system requires a different maintenance schedule. It’s important to stay on top of your inspection schedule in order to ensure your property remains up to code and safe for its occupants.
NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
NFPA 17A Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems (Kitchen Systems)
NFPA 17 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems (Paint Spray Booths)
NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
At VFS, we assist our clients in maintaining their inspection schedules to ensure ongoing fire and life safety success. As a business owner, it’s important that you or your facilities manager are present for all inspections. Knowing the overall health of your facility allows you to plan for future expenses and report accurate safety updates to your insurers.
ENSURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN PLACE FOR YOUR UNIQUE BUSINESS
Your commercial property is unique to the needs of your business. Similarly, the necessary fire protection is unique to your commercial property. Understanding what fire protection systems you need in place to ensure your building remains safe is essential. Here are a few fire protection systems you may need to consider:
Smoke management systems
Automatic closing doors
Private fire hydrants
Fire alarm systems
Communication systems
Emergency generator and standby power systems
Sprinkler Systems
Standpipe systems
Pressurized stair shaft
Elevators automatic Phase 1 & 2
Fire extinguishers
Fire pumps
MAINTAIN PROPER SIGNAGE THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING
Indoor and outdoor signage is essential to the safety of your building. Firefighters cannot do their job if they do not have access to equipment and pathways to access the emergency. Floors and rooms should be clearly mapped, access to specific areas like the roof should be clearly labeled, and fire safety equipment and hazardous materials need to be identified.
Occupants cannot get to safety without understanding where the nearest exit is. Exit lighting can be an overlooked area of your fire safety. When a fire begins, the conditions will likely induce chaos and confusion. Smoke can cause occupants’ vision to be obscured and make it difficult to navigate around the office space. Ensure all exit signs are illuminated and easy to read. Consider auditory alerts as well as visual alerts for those who are visually impaired or in the case of heavy smoke.
COMMUNICATE YOUR EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN WITH EMPLOYEES
Written emergency action plans are a vital part of ensuring your employees know what to do if an emergency occurs. These plans should cover actions both employers and employees should take to remain safe during fire emergencies. It should include the equipment that needs to be shut down, escape routes, and when and where manual fire suppression efforts should take place.
Ensure the management team occupying your building reviews the emergency action plan with all employees at various times throughout their time in the building. It should be reviewed when it’s developed, when employee’s responsibilities change, and when the plan changes.
ENSURE YOU HAVE SPECIAL HAZARD PROTECTION IN PLACE IF NECESSARY.
Special hazard protection is not a commonly discussed fire safety topic. Ensuring buildings are up to special hazard standards takes a very specialized skill set to perform.
Custom fire and life safety doesn’t stop with fire suppression and sprinkler systems. Emergency eyewash stations or emergency showers are a vital part of certain special hazardous situations. In cases where chemicals are in play, eyewash stations are a critical safety element.
At VFS, we pride ourselves on our expertise when it comes to special hazard protection. We understand that special hazard safety begins with the integration of custom fire sprinkler systems, special hazard solutions, and fire alarms.
It’s Lit! Holiday Fire Safety Tips for Roasting Chestnuts on an Open Fire
JK… Open Fires are Very Dangerous
It’s almost the New Year, and you know what that means… it’s time to light it up! But be careful. 2021 has shown us you can never be too careful when it comes to health and safety. In other words, don’t go out of 2021 with a literal bang…
Keep in mind a few fire safety precautions as you ring in the new year. We’re a fire prevention company, so what else would we be talking about going into the New Year? Here are some fire safety tips to consider.
YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR MAY BE ANNOYING, BUT THERE’S A REASON
We understand the ringing from a smoke detector is the last thing you want to hear during the holidays. (Depending on who you ask, it’s arguably better than hearing Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want’ for the 100th time though…)
Regardless, smoke detectors have a purpose and that purpose is to keep you safe. Be sure your smoke detectors are up-to-date and have working batteries as you ring in the new year.
JUST LIKE THE AIRPORT, UNATTENDED BAGGAGE – IN THIS CASE, POTS AND PANS – SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL
The holiday season brings about quite a few family dinners and get-togethers that are centered around a meal. With aunts, uncles, or even just your immediate family, the kitchen can get a bit chaotic during the holiday season. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and distracted, and potentially forget about a pan on the stove or a simmering pot. Yikes!
Did you know the majority of kitchen fires begin with unattended pots and pans? While you’re cooking it’s important to remain present and aware of your surroundings.
Another useful tip is to keep clutter to a minimum, especially in the kitchen.
ROCKIN’ AROUND AN OPEN FLAME JUST ISN’T AS CATCHY…
The glow of your Christmas tree is beautiful, we agree; however, be sure you take precautions to ensure your safety. Christmas trees are one of the most common fire hazards during the holidays.
Make sure your tree remains hydrated and away from heat sources. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 25% of the Christmas tree fires that occur do so because the tree was too close to a heat source, like a candle or space heater.
YES, WE KNOW IT IS COLD, YES, THE AMBIANCE OF YOUR FIREPLACE IS PERFECT, BUT PLEASE BE CAREFUL
According to the NFPA, heating equipment is the second cause of house fires each year. We understand that heating your home is important.
You want to stay warm and cozy during these cold months, but you also need to stay safe. The last thing you want is to be standing out in the freezing cold while the fire department hoses down your house…
When using a space heater, ensure it is at least three feet from flammable items, including decor, upholstery, and Christmas trees.
As far as your fireplace goes, be sure your damper is open, a protective screen is in play, and gifts and other items remain far away. Fireplaces can crackle and release embers that could spark into something more dangerous than being on the naughty list.
OVERPACKING YOUR OUTLET IS NOT LIKE OVERPACKING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY VACATION… IT’S WORSE!
While there are plenty of things that need to be plugged in during the holiday season, it’s important not to overcrowd outlets. Electrical shorts and malfunctions are some of the leading causes of electrical fires.
As you string your lights and plug more decor into an outlet, be sure the outlet’s total load does not exceed 15 amps. While it may be tempting to have your house shining at all times during the holidays, turn off your decor when you leave the house and when you go to bed as a safety precaution.
BE AWARE OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DECOR
As you decorate for each respective holiday, it’s important to test all lights and cords. Then, replace anything faulty prior to use. Candles should be placed out of reach of children and be sure to extinguish them before you leave the room.
As far as outdoor decor goes, only use extension cords and light displays intended for outdoor use. Those cords should be kept away from both snow and standing water to avoid damage to the insulation.
Cords should not be pinched in doors, windows, or placed under furniture. Keep in mind, metal ladders conduct electricity, so opt for a wood or fiberglass ladder instead.
THE LAST THING YOU NEED THIS YEAR IS TO LOSE A FINGER, BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR FIREWORKS
You may want to celebrate the start of 2022 with fireworks. We understand, it’s tradition. It’s important, however, to be aware of the safety hazards that come with fireworks.
Ensure any spectators stand well away from the site
Keep water or a fire extinguisher close by in case of emergency
As we Californians know, if you’re experiencing a drought in your area, it is recommended that you cancel the fireworks show altogether.
While all of these safety precautions may seem daunting or even annoying as you tackle the holidays, they are extremely important to your safety. From our team at VFS, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!
Speaking of stressful seasons, are you worried about preparing your property for hurricane season? Read how to prepare on our blog.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/iStock-1176252110.jpg12992308The VFS Teamhttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngThe VFS Team2020-12-13 13:19:422021-11-22 15:29:48Top 7 Fire Hazards Around the Holidays
While Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire is an extremely catchy tune, it’s not something you want to hear as a building manager. It’s important to have all the fire protection systems in place to ensure your building’s safety. Fire prevention should be your main priority.
Having all the important precautions in place is important, but you also need to understand why fires start in commercial buildings. Here are the top 5 causes of commercial fires, so you can be prepared when you need it most.
Cooking Fires
One of the most common causes of fires in commercial buildings are cooking fires. Any business that has a kitchen area is susceptible to cooking fires. Some of these fires begin by human error, while others stem from appliance malfunction. Your kitchen should be considered a high-risk zone and should be adequately protected with sprinkler systems, alarms, and fire extinguishers.
Here are a few of the leading commercial buildings affected by cooking fires:
64% of fires in healthcare facilities are related to cooking.
61% of fires in restaurants are related to cooking.
38% of fires in educational institutions are related to cooking.
29% of fires in office properties are related to cooking.
13% of fires in stores and mercantile properties are related to cooking.
Heating equipment-related fires
During colder months, most commercial buildings require additional heat in order for workers to remain comfortable. The equipment required to keep your building warm is susceptible to overheating and starting fires. This equipment might include central heating units, fireplaces, water heaters, and other heating appliances. Heating equipment accounts for 14% of fires in industrial/manufacturing properties and 11% of fires in office buildings.
Electrical and lighting equipment
Any electricity within your building carries inherent fire risks. Electrical fires can occur with overloaded circuits, loose connections, faulty fuses, imbalanced electrical loads, and other electrical and lighting problems.
Most electrical fires stem from older buildings’ electrical wiring. However, it is important to stay proactive and have your new building inspected. You should also perform preventative maintenance annually.
Intentional Fires
Intentional fires account for 10% of fires that occur in commercial buildings. These fires tend to cause the most damage and unfortunately, result in the most civilian injuries and deaths.
It is important to implement active fire safety measures and include fire safety in areas that may seem uncommon. These fires typically occur in bathrooms, trash bins, garages, or open areas like a lawn or field.
Human Error
Human error and unexpected fires account for about 10% of fires started in commercial buildings. Unplanned fires happen. They may stem from a variety of situations. For example, employees may leave a space heater on or plug too many things into an extension cord.
While you can’t stop carelessness, you can implement proper employee training programs. These programs help educate your employees on how to prevent fires and put them out when they do occur.
At VFS, we are dedicated to ensuring that your building and your employees remain safe from harm. We partner with our clients to develop the best fire protection solutions and safety training based on your business’s specific needs. Fortify your building, protect your employees and gain the peace of mind you deserve knowing that VFS is protecting your business.
Many business owners choose not to invest in fire protection services to cut costs and improve their bottom line. However, these business owners may not realize that the scope of fire protection goes beyond the event of a fire itself. In fact, fire protection services benefit businesses long before and well after an incident occurs.
Read on to learn how investing in fire protection services can protect your business and employees, cut insurance costs, and help your company survive business interruption and make a successful recovery.
Keep Your Business and Employees Safe
The most important reason to invest in fire protection service is to keep both your business and your employees safe.
Protect Your Business
Any fire can devastate your business. Small fires may damage your property enough to halt business operations for a few days. Large fires may result in the complete loss of your building, materials, merchandise, important documents or records and, in the worst cases, harm an employee or customer.
Each of these outcomes also carries major financial risk. Investing in fire protection services can help to reduce this risk and protect the business you worked so hard to build.
Protect Your Employees
According to OSHA, “businesses operate more efficiently when they implement effective safety and health management systems.”
Employees play an essential role in supporting your business. By making them feel safe and protected in their workplace, you are helping them to be more productive as well as treating them with the care they deserve. Your business is their livelihood and protecting it is not just about protecting your assets, it’s about protecting them too.
Be Prepared to Survive Business Interruption
Over 70% of businesses that experience a major fire either never reopen or close within three years of the event.
The high percentage of businesses that fail following a fire is largely due to the intensity of business interruption fires cause. If you are well-equipped to handle a major fire, you will be better prepared to survive business interruption. The 30% of businesses that survive fires likely recover because they had plans in place before the event occurred.
Mitigate Risk For Insurance Purposes
Insurance companies assess your potential risk when determining the cost of your coverage.
The cost of fire safety is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of recovering from a fire and subsequent increases in insurance premiums. Therefore, it is important to have all the precautions in place to reduce any potential risk. Additionally, fire safety services can help your business avoid potential workers’ compensation payments.
Reduce Liability Risk
Business owners can avoid potential liability by investing in proper fire safety insurance. If owners do not comply with regulations or keep their building up to code, they are vulnerable to potential liability. The best way to keep yourself and those in your building safe is to invest in high-quality fire protection.
How to Invest in Fire Protection Services
Business owners have a range of fire protection services to choose from to protect their businesses and employees. For example, fire safety services and solutions may include:
Fire sprinkler systems
Fire suppression systems
Fire alarm and detection systems
Portable fire extinguishers
And more
At VFS, we want to help protect your employees, your company, your assets, and your building from any potential fire risk.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and see how we can help.
https://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4-reasons-to-invest-in-fire-protection-services-today.jpeg10021920Amanda Rogershttps://www.vfsfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/logo.pngAmanda Rogers2020-09-15 17:49:572022-06-17 10:50:454 REASONS TO INVEST IN FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES TODAY.
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