Why Fire Protection Equipment Maintenance Matters:
At A&A, we believe it is unacceptable to cut corners when it comes to life safety. We prioritize the protection of our customers and employees. Maintaining fire protection equipment with routine inspections can prevent hazardous situations and protect people. If extinguishers, alarms, and sprinklers are regularly inspected and maintained, you will be better equipped to handle accidents when they occur. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to equipment failure, increased liability, and potentially devastating losses.
To help you better understand your responsibility, here is a routine inspection checklist:
- Fire Extinguishers: Inspect monthly for pressure, accessibility, and physical condition. Annual professional servicing is required.
- Fire Alarms: Test all alarm systems at least once a month; schedule comprehensive inspections annually.
- Sprinkler Systems: Conduct quarterly visual checks for leaks or obstructions and arrange for annual professional inspections.
Common Equipment Failures: What to Watch For:
Neglecting regular maintenance on your fire protection equipment leads to system failure during emergencies. You could be looking at fire extinguishers losing pressure or becoming obstructed, alarms with dead batteries or faulty wiring, and sprinkler heads that are blocked, corroded, or painted over. All of these failures can result in ineffective safety systems when you need them most.
The Importance of Fire Code Compliance:
Staying compliant with local and national fire codes is not only a critical part of protecting your business and employees, but it's also a legal requirement. Fire codes, established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and enforced by local authorities, set minimum standards for the installation, maintenance, and emergency preparedness of equipment.
Protect Your Business—Stay Compliant and Prepared:
Regular maintenance is the backbone of any reliable fire safety plan, protecting your people, property, and business. We follow the NFPA’s rules and guidelines. Visit their website for more information on how you can be NFPA compliant. NFPA 25 and Properly Maintaining a Sprinkler System. Contact A&A Fire and Safety to help safeguard your business and ensure compliance with the NFPA.