One of the most important tasks for any building owner or manager is making sure your building meets fire code regulations. Meeting all the required fire code regulations not only helps to ensure that everyone in the building remains safe, but can also help protect your building and avoid liability. Below are five common fire code regulations that you should regularly inspect within your building.
Status of Equipment
Old equipment, or equipment that isn’t well cared for, is a common cause of fires. Over time, minor issues can build up within your equipment and eventually become a fire hazard. For example, an electrical machine with an air vent clogged with dust can overheat. In this case, a spark can ignite the dust. Creating a maintenance schedule for all of your equipment, and staying on top of that schedule, is a great way to ensure you’re meeting fire code regulations.
Electrical Wiring
Electrical wiring within your building’s walls is another common cause of fires. If your electrical system isn’t wired correctly or becomes damaged over time, it could end up causing a fire. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to see if you need to improve your electrical system until you experience a problem. The best way to ensure you have a safe electrical system, and one that meets all fire code regulations, is by hiring a professional electrician to conduct a full audit of your system.
Exit Strategies
One of the most important fire code regulations is ensuring that there are plenty of exits for people in the building. Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, a fire can still start. When this happens, the building’s residents need to have several options for how they can get out quickly and safely. This might include installing fire escapes, providing fire ladders, and clearly marking all fire exit routes.
Fire Alarms and Sprinkler Systems
In the event of a fire, a fire alarm system can alert building occupants that they need to exit immediately. It’s important that you regularly test your fire alarms and ensure they are properly working. In addition, most locations require large buildings to have sprinkler systems, which automatically spray water when they detect smoke. If your building has a sprinkler system, it’s a good idea to have it regularly serviced so that it works properly when needed.
Proper Storage
Finally, make sure you store flammable materials safely within your building. For example, if a business in your building uses gases or liquid marked “flammable” inside your building, you need to make sure you store these materials a safe distance away from any open flames.
Start Checking Your Fire Code Regulations Today
Every area has its own fire code regulations. The best thing you can do today is to research the laws and regulations in your local area. Then, once you know what’s required of you, you can make a checklist of all the things you need to do within your building to ensure you’re meeting those regulations. If you need assistance in conducting a fire safety audit of your building, please feel free to contact Michael Walker Construction at any time.