Building Compliance vs. Building Complaints (Not a Spelling Error!)
There’s a good reason for the codes and standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Compliance isn’t a punishment, it’s a roadmap to safety, protection, and long-term sustainability.
With over 300 codes written in “legal-ese,” it’s not always as intuitive as it should be to comply with fire safety codes. So, we’ve created a cheat sheet to steer you in the right direction— it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming.
300 Fire Protection Compliance Codes?!?
Do you think you know them all? If you dare, check out our latest quiz to test your fire code knowledge.
Unless you score perfectly on the fire safety quiz, it’s likely that your building does not have to comply with all 300 NFPA codes and standards. Searching the NFPA’s database here can simplify the process.
Codes you’ll regularly encounter, however, might include:
Health Care Facilities Code
National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®
And others that are very specific, such as:
Standard for Heliports
Compliance isn’t the goal. Safety is the goal, and—in that vein—we always recommend the following precautions be taken.
Dispose of Excess Packaging in Real-Time
It seems like the stuff of action moves, and yet, it happens all the time. Piles of boxes can fuel a fire that might otherwise be easily managed. Oily rags can spontaneously combust. Rag disposal is essential to safety. Ensure you dispose of excess packaging in real-time.
Don’t Put a Lantern in the Shed with The Cow.
Check your fire extinguishers. An expired extinguisher is not only frustrating, but it can be deadly. A popping sound when you turn on the light is a warning! Inspect electric lines that are old or unreliable. These tips and tricks might all seem out of pocket, but one day you might thank us for not putting that lantern next to your beloved cow, Betty.
Get Honest Regarding our Disaster Preparedness
Whether it be for fire, earthquake, flood, locusts, and any other eventuality, get honest about your current disaster preparedness.
If you haven’t already, make sure everyone knows what to do, who is in charge, how to get out, and where to go following. This is a serious one for anyone who owns a business in California especially. The earthquakes have already started and don’t seem to be slowing down.
Bring in the VFS Experts
We’ve seen it all. Our teams can ensure compliance and that it isn’t all you’re doing to prevent fires. We are a full fire and life safety contractor and after-market service, provider. Whether your fire prevention needs are related to fire sprinkler systems, alarms systems, extinguishers, backflows, fire pumps, suppression, special hazards, monitoring, DAS systems, emergency notification (the list goes on and on!), we can not only inspect and maintain those systems but also design, build, and install! With our inspections program, we manage, schedule, and track your inspections, deficiencies, and repairs so you don’t have to.
At VFS Fire & Security Services, we pride ourselves on the caliber of our team members, our commitment to a holistic understanding of your needs, and our-list wine collection (get to know our founder!). We are the team you want to bring to your project. Connect with us, take a look inside our new site!
