What’s the Cost of Aircraft Hangar Fire Suppression Testing? Aircraft hangars house aviation equipment worth millions to even billions of dollars. These facilities also contain highly flammable fuel that requires a foam fire suppression system capable of extinguishing this type of fire. The cost of aircraft hangar fire suppression testing depends on your Authority Having Jurisdiction’s requirements. They may require either activating and testing the system by utilizing water or an environmentally safe foam agent. PFAS Chemicals Many AHJs ban foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ..read more

How are Fire Protection Systems Evaluated During a Fire Code Inspection? A fire marshal can show up at your facility anytime to perform a fire code inspection. In some cases, they may contact a facility in advance to schedule their visit. But even if a facility is lucky enough to know when the fire marshal is coming there may not be enough time to put everything in order. Being unprepared for an unannounced visit could cost a facility thousands of dollars in violations. The following are ways your facility can prepare its’ fire protection systems for a fire code inspection. Inspection Records ..read more

Fire Alarm Elevator Recalls and Preparation for Facility Managers Fire alarm elevator recalls occur when the fire alarm system activates and initiates sending the elevator cab to the facility’s primary egress floor. If the activation device is located on the egress floor, then the elevator will recall to a predetermined alternate floor. This ensures elevator passengers exit on a safe floor away from the potential fire. Since buildings equipped with elevators require inspection and testing of fire alarm elevator recalls, it is important for facility managers to understand the inspection basics ..read more

The Value of NICET Certifications in Fire Protection System Services NICET is a nationally recognized certification for engineering technicians and utilized in the fire protection industry. This shows a technician’s capability to service a particular type of fire protection system including fire alarm, water-based, and special hazards. Facility managers, authorities having jurisdiction, contracting officers, and contractors use NICET to quickly identify a technician’s qualifications. The value of NICET certifications is that they provide proof of a technician’s knowledge and experience. Knowle ..read more

Facilities equipped with fire suppression systems usually have a specific hazard or items that fire sprinkler water would damage. In addition to a monthly owner’s inspection, these systems require semiannual and annual inspections by a fire protection system professional. The number of system detectors typically determines the cost of a fire suppression inspection. The Cost of a Fire Suppression Inspection The cost of a fire suppression inspection of a system equipped with less than 30 detectors is between $800-$1,000 annually. When two fire protection technicians examine this size of a system ..read more

What are the Differences Between Fusible Link vs Glass Bulb Sprinkler Heads? Both fusible link and glass bulb sprinkler heads activate independently. When these fire sprinkler’s heat-sensitive elements reach a certain temperature, they break, and this allows them to release water. What are the differences between fusible link vs glass bulb sprinkler heads? The distinctions between these two sprinkler heads are their heat-sensitive elements, temperature rating color designation, and application. Heat-Sensitive Elements A fusible link fire sprinkler head has two metal plates fused together by so ..read more

Preparing for Fire Protection System Remote Video Inspections It is understandable that during this time facilities have reduced the number of personnel and contractors in buildings. Due to current circumstances, many jurisdictions permit fire protection remote video inspections in lieu of in-person inspections. Contractors can perform some fire protection inspections remotely while on-site personnel shares a live video of the system’s devices, components etc. with the contractor. This allows buildings to remain code compliant and safe whether they’re closed or partially open. Currently, NFPA ..read more

Reopening Facilities and Fire Protection System Recommendations Many states are beginning to slowly allow businesses to reopen as states lift their stay at home orders. Since many facilities were empty or minimally occupied for weeks or even months, facility personnel need to reevaluate their facility’s fire protection systems. These systems must be fully operational before occupants return to the facility. The following are some recommendations on how to prepare your fire protection systems for your facility’s reopening. Owner’s Inspection Even though businesses were forced to shut down due t ..read more

How Long is a Fire Pump’s Lifespan? Fire pumps are an integral part of a facility’s ability to fight a fire. They ensure that the fire sprinkler system has adequate water pressure. These systems are pricey, but they do have a relatively long life expectancy. A fire pump’s lifespan is approximately 20-25 years and they can operate this long with the proper maintenance plan. Similarly, fire pump control’s lifecycle is 20-25 years but there are a few factors that can reduce its lifecycle. How to Maximize Fire Pump’s Lifespan? Performing regular fire pump maintenance is the key to meeting or excee ..read more

What Are the Requirements for Fire Hydrant Snow Removal? Whether you live in an area that shuts down under the threat of snow or looks like a winter wonderland, fire hydrants must remain unobstructed even during a snowstorm. Fire hydrant snow removal is critical because firefighters must be able to identify and quickly access a fire hydrant. Snow encapsulated and obstructed fire hydrant delays firefighting efforts. This gives a fire more time to grow. To ensure fire hydrants surrounding your facility remain accessible during the winter, follow NFPA requirements and recommendations on fire hydr ..read more