A fire alarm is a life-safety device that should be maintained regularly to ensure proper functioning. Your insurance company or local authority has set standards for these systems. However, regular testing and maintenance require budgetary and staffing resources. If you don’t have time to handle the task, contact a contractor specializing in fire alarms.
Regular testing ensures your system is in good working order
Fire alarm testing involves checking that the system is working correctly. The testing process includes a series of tests that monitor sensitivity and range. First, the technician will use a metering device and a preset amount of smoke to test the system’s sensitivity. The results are then compared to the manufacturer’s range. The fire alarm technician will also record all the test procedures so that future inspections can see how the system works.
Regular testing is vital to keep employees and visitors safe in a fire. It will also alert authorities if a fire occurs outside of business hours. Depending on the size of your business, a fire alarm inspection can take a day or two. For example, a small facility with a contained area may only require half a day of testing. However, larger establishments with several buildings may require more time.
The benefits of a commercial fire alarm system
Installing a commercial fire alarm system is an excellent way to protect your property. It will alert firefighters to fire as soon as smoke or flames are detected. By doing so, you’ll be able to minimize the damage to your assets and the disruption to your business. In addition, a monitored fire alarm system can help you cut insurance costs and overhead. And it’ll save you from fines during fire inspections.
The fire alarm control panel manages all the information and communication from all the devices in the building. It also allows you to monitor the status of each device and receive messages that can help you resolve problems. Fire alarm control panels can also be linked with other systems within the building, reducing the number of false alarms.
Even a small fire can pose a huge risk to your business. Damage caused by a fire can take months to repair and cost thousands of dollars. Some businesses never recover from a fire. Businesses that don’t have a fire alarm system can also face costly fines, be forced to close, or face lawsuits. A quality system is the best way to protect your property and employees.
Preventative measures ensure your business is prepared for a fire
Preventative measures like installing and maintaining fire alarms and sprinklers will ensure your business is ready for a fire. These systems are inexpensive and effective in fighting a fire. They are responsible for keeping 97% of fires in the rooms where they started. Business owners should place appliances and furniture far enough away from flammable materials to allow them to cool down and stop a fire before it spreads. In addition, every business should have working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire alarms. Larger operations, like restaurants, may also benefit from specialized fire suppression systems.
Keeping your business fire-safe is not as complicated as you might think. The key is to follow industry safety standards to minimize your risk of a fire. In addition, proper installation and maintenance of fire alarms will help you stay within regulations and protect your employees and assets from loss.
Risks of a malfunctioning system
Many risks are associated with having a malfunctioning fire alarm system in your business. These dangers include legal repercussions, safety risks, and financial implications. Not only could you face legal proceedings, but you could also put your employees and business at risk of injury or death.
One of the biggest risks is that your business may not be able to get help in time. A malfunctioning alarm system can shut down your entire operation or facility. It is, therefore, important to have your system inspected regularly and tested for proper operation. It is recommended that you schedule testing every two or three years.
Another major risk is the occurrence of a natural disaster. For example, if the area you are in experiences flooding or heavy rain, the water can leak into the fire alarm panel. Lighting strikes can also damage the fire alarm system, causing electrical components to malfunction.
