Fire Safety

Food Trucks: Fire and Life Safety

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Food trucks have been gaining popularity and until recently, there were no NFPA codes, standards, or guidelines to provide the minimum fire safety requirements.  Many food trucks have a “DIY” feel, but what isn’t so DIY about food trucks is the safety and requirements to properly run the kitchen and serve customers. With a tank full of gas and a truck full of cooking oils and heating implements, it’s no secret that food trucks are fire hazards on wheels.

Mobile food trucks are bringing delicious fare to more cities and communities nationwide, with thousands of vehicles now in operation. What are the most reliable ways to protect vendors and patrons from a host of unique fire and life safety hazards? To keep up with the rapidly growing industry, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has created new food truck fire safety requirements. Fire protection equipment on a food truck is now required to be properly inspected and maintained by experienced fire protection service providers. This includes the fire suppression and ventilation system, and all fire extinguishers on the truck. Food truck operators need to be aware of these new regulations so they can proactively partner with an experienced fire protection company to procure the necessary equipment, stay in compliance, and ensure the safety of their customers, employees, and business investment.

Fire is a serious threat to food trucks because of all of the possible fuel sources they carry.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF FOOD TRUCKS

Food trucks are full of potential fire hazards that can cause a fire to quickly spiral out of control: open flames, hot equipment, propane tanks, gas generators, electrical connections, cooking oils, splattered grease, cleaning chemicals, paper products, gasoline or diesel fuel, and engine oil. In fact, the potential fire hazards look very similar to those found in commercial kitchens. Business owners that understand the fire risks they’re up against will be better positioned to proactively address these risks to avoid costly damage or human life.

Food trucks pose unique hazards due to their limited space and custom nature, providing even more of a reason for food truck operators to be extra cautious. To ensure these hazards remain minimum, or better yet, nonexistent, food trucks should implement fire safety and suppression systems. Fires can spark from the stove, oven, and bubbling fryer, but it is fuel sources like propane tanks, cooking oils and fuels needed to run the food truck that carry the greatest potential for inflicting destruction and casualties.

Propane Tanks

Propane poses the most significant risk of fire in a food truck. NFPA asserts that 68 percent of food truck fires are related to leaks or structural failures in propane tanks. Propane explosions were behind almost every food truck fire involving injuries and deaths in recent years.

While cooking with propane is generally considered safe, just a small, 20-pound propane cylinder attached to a backyard grill contains the explosive power of 170 sticks of dynamite – generating more than 425,000 BTUs of energy.

Food trucks can carry 100-pound propane cylinders capable of exploding with more than 2.5 million BTUs. The very nature of food truck use amplifies the risk, as trucks are commonly parked at events or lined up along streets where large numbers of people congregate, cramming an enormous explosive potential into a small, heavily populated space. In fact, the FDNY (New York City’s fire department) considers food trucks a potential terrorist threat due to the explosive power of their propane tanks.

In addition, food trucks are constantly on the move and the connections and fittings are getting jarred with every bump and pothole. This can lead to connections becoming loose or causing other structural damage. Also, the tanks are getting swapped out frequently, which can lead to the potential for leaks to occur from fittings that may not have been tightened sufficiently.

Since propane is heavier than air, an undetected leak on a tank inside a truck will pool near the floor, and a single spark from the oven or stove can ignite the gas. Carrying propane tanks on the outside of trucks decreases the risk posed by leaks—but increases the risk of tanks exploding on impact in even minor collisions.

Fire Suppression Systems

NFPA estimates that cooking equipment causes 61 percent of fires in eating and drinking establishments, and fire codes have long required hood suppression systems over ovens, burners, grills, and fryers in commercial kitchens. The 2018 edition of NFPA 1 (50.7.3.3) states that food trucks are not exempt from being “protected by an approved hood fire suppression system or other approved means of extinguishment in the event of fire”, however, automatic fire suppression systems are often absent in older food trucks or vehicles converted into mobile kitchens. While most food truck operators carry portable fire extinguishers, many don’t realize that they need both a Class K extinguisher for suppressing grease, fat, or cooking oil fires and an ABC extinguisher for putting out fires involving paper products or other types of fires.

Portable Generators

Portable generators used to run electricity to a food truck can also create fire risks. Generally, the danger is greatest in older and converted food trucks rather than newer food trucks specifically built for cooking operations.

Without proper ventilation, trucks can fill with dangerous carbon monoxide gas created by the generator. Plus many cramped food truck spaces do not include a place to properly store the fuel required to run the generator safely away from ignition sources.

NFPA requirements are making it easier for AHJs to implement comprehensive fire safety regulations for food trucks. 

REGULATIONS FOR FOOD TRUCKS

Local Governments

Previously, with no national code or standard to address the issues, every city had simply created whatever food truck regulations it thought best. The number of different regulations for each Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)  led to confusion over the best fire safety practices. Truck operators needed to grasp a hodge-podge of rules about how to prepare and serve food, where to park, what permits were needed, and how often inspections were required, and the instant they crossed city lines, everything could change.

In many cities, food trucks fell into a gray area of fire safety regulations that made the situation even worse. Requirements for brick-and-mortar restaurants didn’t fit the size and structure of a mobile kitchen, and food trucks’ mobility also prevented them from fitting the definition of temporary structures covered by fire codes. As food truck popularity continued to grow, so did concerns from local governments in the areas where trucks were operating. 

NFPA

Meeting city regulations and inspections can add another “to-do” for food truck operators, but new codes from the National Fire Protection Agency are helping ease the process. Through Section 50.7 of  NFPA 1, Fire Code, and Adoptable Annex B of the 2017 edition of NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, food trucks are given the first fire safety code designed specifically for them. From installation to inspection, maintenance and testing, installation of containers and storage, and use and transport of gasses, this new code impacts many safety aspects of a food truck. Not only does this provide a sense of ease for local governments, but also the necessary safety and security to food truck operators and customers. 

FOOD TRUCKS AND COMPLIANCE

Understanding food truck fire hazards is the first step to ensuring a successful operation. All fire and life safety equipment must be properly installed, regularly inspected, and consistently maintained by a professional fire protection service provider in order to stay compliant with NFPA code requirements. Here are the main fire and life safety systems food truck owners need to properly test and maintain to ensure regulatory compliance – and most importantly – the safety of their customers, employees, and business assets.

Fire Suppression System

The majority of local and state municipalities require food trucks to have a professionally installed fire suppression system. Some governments will take this requirement a step further and specifically require an automatic fire suppression system. An automatic fire suppression system rapidly detects fires and quickly shuts down the fuel or electric supply to nearby cooking equipment to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Since many food trucks work with cooking oils, propane and natural gas, it is imperative that food truck owners partner with a fire protection company that has the ability to design and install a kitchen fire suppression system tailored to alleviate the fire hazards unique to their operation. Industry best practice highly recommends food truck fire suppression systems be professionally inspected semi-annually to ensure proper functionality.

Fire Extinguishers

When it comes to fire extinguishers, there are two main types food truck owners need readily accessible: Class K and ABC fire extinguishers.

Class K Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers that are designed to put out fires caused by substances with high burn temperatures such as grease, fat, and cooking oil. Keep in mind that Class K fire extinguishers should only be deployed after the activation of an integrated kitchen hood suppression system.

ABC Fire Extinguishers

Often overlooked, food truck owners also need a versatile ABC fire extinguisher to handle all other types of fires including paper, wood, plastic, electrical, and more commonplace hazards.

Ventilation Systems

The need for efficient ventilation systems is accentuated more for food trucks than any other food establishment due to limited space. Space limitations cause smoke and vapor to build more rapidly, which quickly can make it hard to breathe. A proper food truck ventilation system will help mitigate smoke build-up and dispel hazardous oil and grease particles that could lead to a fire.

Like other fire and life safety equipment in food trucks, ventilation systems need to adhere to local and state regulations. The NFPA requires all frequently used food trucks to receive ventilation system inspections on a quarterly basis at a minimum. Food trucks should partner with a kitchen exhaust specialist to perform more frequent inspections and routine cleaning to ensure functionality, compliance, and safety.

Continual Employee Training

While not considered a fire and life safety system in the traditional sense, a food truck’s employees can be the most effective fire hazard deterrent when appropriate proactive training is conducted. Food truck fire and life safety training is required to  be conducted each year to keep employees up to date on the fire prevention and suppression best practices. A robust employee training program should cover:

  • · The emergency procedure for notifying the local fire department
  • · The different types of fire extinguishers and the types of fires they suppress
  • · How to properly and effectively use the specific fire extinguishers in the food truck
  • · How to manually turn off fuel sources and safely refuel as needed

Put Food Truck Fire Hazards in Your Rearview Mirror

Food truck owners and operators must stay vigilant and resist falling victim to the “set it and forget it” mentality. It is not enough to simply procure fire and life safety equipment and call it a day. Similar to the fire and life safety systems you may have in your brick and mortar location, food truck equipment must be professionally inspected and maintained by experienced fire protection service providers in order to consistently ensure functionality and regulatory compliance.

Keep in mind that as you travel, you are responsible for adhering to the varying codes and regulations of each location you operate in. For any NFPA code compliance questions, our fire and life safety specialists are available 24/7 365 days a year, or visit our Quick Tips blog and the National Food Truck Association (NFTA) fire safety page.

Hit the road safely

Delighting the public with high-quality, delicious fare is the priority of food truck operators. But keeping themselves, their workers, and their patrons safe remains an ongoing concern due to the fire hazards that can exist on their trucks. Fortunately, new NFPA regulations have reached the intersection of food and wheels, creating awareness of the risks food operators face and providing a single source they can turn to for guidance on hitting the road safely.

In the market for fire protection equipment for food trucks? We carry a  selection of ABC fire extinguishers, and Class K extinguishers that handle grease fires are available on special order.

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Food Trucks: 10 Quick Tips for Enhancing Fire Safety

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Adding fire safety requirements in Section 50.7 of  NFPA 1, Fire Code, and Adoptable Annex B of the 2017 edition of NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations for food trucks makes adoption of enforceable code easier for local governments and fosters public safety. But if regulations aren’t in place within a jurisdiction, there are many steps food truck operators can take to prevent and mitigate fires.

· Schedule regular inspections and maintenance of equipment and keep an eye out for hazards like frayed wires or combustible items near power sources.

· Train employees to never throw water on a grease fire. It can cause the grease to splatter and spread, making the fire worse. Class K fire extinguishers are best for fighting grease fires. Food trucks need two types of fire extinguishers: Class K extinguishers for fighting grease fires and Class ABC extinguishers for putting out standard fires, such as those involving paper products.

· Follow NFPA regulations for hydrostatically testing fire extinguishers and propane tanks. Make sure the equipment is stamped with the testing date to ensure it remains in proper working order.

· Regularly inspect kitchen exhaust systems within the truck for grease build-up. The frequency of inspections is defined in NFPA 96 (Annex B), based on the volume and type of cooking.

· Clean up grease at least once a day, concentrating on walls, work surfaces, ranges, fryers, broilers, grills, convection ovens, vents, and filters. Pay extra attention to exhaust hoods, where grease buildup can restrict air flow. NFPA 96 (Annex B) provides extensive instructions for cleaning food truck exhaust systems.

· Keep the food truck as tidy as possible to reduce fire hazards. Keep paper products, linens, boxes, and food away from heat and cooking sources. Properly dispose of soiled rags, trash, cardboard boxes, and wooden pallets at least once a day.

· Remove ashes from wood- and charcoal-burning ovens at least once a day. NFPA 96 (Annex B) provides extensive guidance for ash removal.

· At least one employee on every shift should know how to shut off propane and electrical power in case of an emergency. Also designate one worker per shift to act as an evacuation manager with duties that include calling 911, determining when an evacuation is necessary, ensuring that everyone exits the truck safely, and leading customers a safe distance away. Along those lines, ensure that everyone on your staff knows the location of all exits on the truck.

· Store flammable liquids in their original containers or other puncture-resistant, tightly sealed vessels. Food truck kitchens are small, but operators must do their best to store these liquids in well-ventilated areas away from combustible supplies, food, food preparation areas, or sources of flames.

· Use chemical solutions in well-ventilated areas and immediately clean up any spills. Never mix chemicals unless instructed by the manufacturer’s directions.

To make its new requirements easily digestible by the food truck industry, NFPA created a free downloadable fact sheet that maps out specific areas of a truck with corresponding tips and information on proper usage and care.

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Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape

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NFPA Fire Prevention Week

No matter what kind of building you manage, you must maintain multiple safe and efficient means of egress for your occupants. Egress is essential to protecting your occupants from harm when they need to exit your building in a hurry. That is why it is the focus of the National Fire Prevention Association’s Fire Prevention Week this year – “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape.” As a building manager you will need to know what means of egress are, how they become obstructed, and how to maintain safe and efficient egress out of your building.

What Are Means of Egress?

Egress is the action of going out of or leaving a place.  It is used in International Building Code (IBC Chapter 10)  to refer to the means by which somebody can exit a building. “Means of egress” are continuous and unobstructed paths of travel from any point in a building to an exit out of that building. For example, a fire escape is defined as a “means of egress” because that’s how somebody can get out of a building in the event of an emergency. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for occupancies and buildings where required by the International Fire Code (IFC Sections 401.2 and 404). Occupancy load determines means of egress by specifying measurement requirements based on the type of occupancy. While occupancy load is based on the floor area, the function of the space also plays a part. Most businesses are designed with this in mind. Occupants should never walk through a kitchen, storeroom, restroom or any tight, secluded spaces to reach an exit.

Egress often becomes obstructed when the exits are poorly maintained, or the path to the exits is not well lit. Additionally, if exit access and exits themselves are not designed and arranged to be recognizable, egress can be severely impeded. 

Maintaining Safe & Efficient Egress

Develop an Evacuation Plan

Anytime is a great time to create and practice your escape plan. Having a plan in place will decrease confusion and panic when a real emergency occurs. If occupants know where the nearest exits are, what their means of egress will be, and the protocol during an emergency, they will be able to exit with greater speed and safety.

First, you need to provide at least two ways out in case one escape route is blocked. Next, you will need to post emergency egress signage near exits and in assembly areas showing all doors and windows of your building. In addition, each egress map should designate two assembly areas that are at least 500 feet away from the building where staff should assemble upon evacuation as a “Main Assembly Area” and an “Alternate Assembly Area”, in the event the Main Area cannot be used. Once your plan is complete, you will also need to educate occupants about the plan and conduct drills on a regular basis to learn and maintain awareness of exit routes and best efficiency practices. 

Keep A Clear Path to All Exits

Do regular checks to ensure egress pathways do not have litter, clutter, and debris that could stand in the way. In some cases, obstructions can’t be easily moved, like pillars and standpipes. Mark these obstructions with luminous egress path markings so occupants can avoid injury during emergencies. Luminous markings are ideal because they keep the obstruction visible in dark or low-light environments. They work by absorbing light from external sources, which keep them lit when all other lights lose power.

Emergency Lighting

During emergencies, buildings sometimes lose power. This can increase panic while the lack of light might cause difficulty for emergency responders. To ensure everyone gets out safely, your exit pathways must be lined with adequate emergency lighting. This includes signs marking directional changes in your egress path.

If you manage a high-rise building, international building, fire and life safety codes require luminous egress path markings. These markings must be installed along the egress pathway and on step edges, handrails, and exit doors. As discussed above, luminous markings must also be placed on any exit path obstructions.

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Clearly Mark Your Exits

The final key to maintaining safe and efficient egress is to ensure all exit doors are marked and easy to see. Remember to remove any obstructions or decorations that block your exit markings. And you must place “not an exit” on any doors that your occupants could easily mistake for a way out.

Your exit markings should be large with strongly-contrasted letters stating “Exit.” Exit signs leading to the exit doors will have arrows indicating the egress path. Additionally, your final exit doors – the last doors an occupant passes through before exiting – should have the emergency exit symbol.

Need your exit lights tested to ensure they are visible and up to code? Contact us to get on our schedule.

Need your exit lights tested to ensure they are visible and up to code? Contact us to get on our schedule.

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Now you know how to maintain safe and efficient egress out of your building. With this knowledge, you can create an even safer and more prepared environment for your employees.

The next step is to implement these strategies. It can be difficult to know which markings to purchase, where to place them, and how to properly install them. You’ll also need to ensure you’re following all national and local emergency exit requirements every step of the way. Let APFP help you install and maintain emergency egress lighting and markings tailored to your building’s exact specifications and unique needs.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and Fire Protection

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The authority having jurisdiction, or AHJ, plays a crucial role in ensuring fire/life safety in buildings, and it’s essential that facility managers understand what the AHJ is and the role it plays throughout the life of a building.

The concept of an authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has been included in safety standards for years. The first thing to understand about an AHJ is that it is not a single entity. Depending on the jurisdiction your facility is in, the type of facility you’re in, and who owns your facility, you may be visited not only by the fire marshal, but by a variety of individuals, referred to as “the authority having jurisdiction”, who ensure your fire and life safety programs are within their standards of operation.

Defining the Authority Having Jurisdiction

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701 codes define the AHJ as “an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.” Specifically, under the NFPA 701 annexes, it is distinguished that “where public safety is primary, the AHJ may be a federal, state, local, or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department; building official; electrical inspector; or others having statutory authority.  For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau, or other insurance company representative may be the AHJ.”

Essentially, this means that the AHJ serves primarily as an official responsible for code interpretation, enforcement, and implementation. It also means your AHJ is most likely more than a single person, office, or entity. The requirements your AHJ is employed to enforce depend mostly on the type of building or property. Their main objective is to evaluate the overall condition of the fire and life safety performance on your property and to confirm or request that it meets those up-to-date expectations. For example these could include:

Local Government

  • Building Department
  • Fire Departments & the Fire Chief
  • Zoning Departments

State Government

  • State Fire Marshal
  • State Health Department

Federal Government

  • Government Service Administration
  • Federal Programs
    • OSHA
    • JCAHO
    • BIA

Private Sector

  • Insurance Company
  • Third-party Certification & Accreditation Organizations

The United States’ codes and standards development process can be confusing. Unlike many other countries, there is no federal government code, so your AHJ requirements may differ depending on where your building is located. Furthermore, the codes your AHJ is employed to enforce can differ depending on which edition of the code your jurisdiction has adopted. It’s essential to recognize that once a code is adopted by a jurisdiction, it essentially should be noted as law for that jurisdiction.

With each of these sectors, various disciplines, or AHJs with unique or specialized areas of focus, might be present. An AHJ with overall knowledge of building and fire code issues, or one with special knowledge of plumbing systems and electrical systems, are a few examples of whom you might encounter.

International Code Council and National Fire Protection Association Code Books
Examples of Code Books Enforced by AHJS

Understanding Codes Enforced By AHJS

The codes and standards development process in the United States is managed almost entirely within the private sector. While the processes used to develop the code-based provisions have some differences, the NFPA code development process uses the principles of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These principles include:

  • Consensus must be reached by representatives from materially affected and interested parties.
  • Standards are required to undergo public reviews when any member of the public may submit comments.
  • Comments from the consensus body and public review commenters must be responded to in good faith.
  • An appeals process is required.

Transparency, openness, and inclusion are at the center of this process. NFPA uses a model of balanced committees; a mix of materially affected, interested parties derive requirements and develop the standards. In regard to the building, those who have to do the enforcing (the AHJ), pay for the building (the building owners), maintain it (the owners/contractors), install it (the contractors), design it (the architects/engineers), and insure it (the insurance company), all have a perspective on what the “requirement” should be, and they work together to find that balance.

Code Adoption

Once a code is adopted by a jurisdiction, the Authority Having Jurisdiction and the building owner are obligated to follow and it is what the AHJ is obligated to enforce. Finding out which code is applicable can be a bit tricky. A state or local jurisdiction may be several editions behind in adopting the most current code. For instance, the current edition of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, is from 2021. Although this code is updated every three years, some jurisdictions may be using a 2015 edition or even a 2009 edition. Furthermore, a particular edition may be adopted at the state level but Home Rule (where county or municipal governments implement principles of a local self-government) may allow the code to be adopted at the local level.

The AHJ is the best person to ask to learn which edition and what local amendments are in effect. This approach is also a great way to strike up a relationship with the AHJ. Doing so can give you a better understanding of expectations and requirements.

A Critical Role

On occasion, there are stories about the fire marshal controlling or setting limits on the way a building can be used. Contrary to some popular myths, fire marshals and other Authorities Having Jurisdiction do not make up their own rules. One of their primary jobs is to enforce the locally adopted codes and standards in the jurisdiction. The restrictions, limits, or changes in your building that the AHJ has identified are there to protect the owner, the building occupants, first responders, and the community at large.

It might be helpful to think of AHJs as customer service representatives. They help with carrying out the “policy” (adopted code) for the jurisdiction. During construction or renovations, they are also allies of the building owner. The AHJ is usually involved in the plan review process. This process helps ensure that the building and its related systems meet the requirements of the adopted code or standard and that the building’s construction features, systems, and architectural features are in compliance, thereby assuring the building owner that he or she is paying for a code-complying structure.

AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management logo
The Fire Marshal in AZ is under the Department of Forestry & Fire Management

It is their duty to verify your building is safe for everyone. In case of an emergency, any requested modifications also benefit the first responders. For instance, if a fire starts in your building, first responders are going to assume your life safety systems are up to date. If you have failed to follow AHJ instructions, a first responders’ ability to take control of a possibly dangerous situation could be compromised. Not only is this a disservice in respect to overall safety, but potential legal ramifications may follow.

Your Responsibility

However, even with a government AHJ responsible for the initial installation and an assigned facility AHJ for subsequent facility installations, there is an obligation for an employer to verify that maintenance, repair, or modification of the initial equipment does not create unsafe conditions. 

Tips for Working with the Authority Having Jurisdiction

When it comes to your fire code and safety inspection services, the AHJ plays a vital role in certifying that the fire and life safety systems in your building are up to date and up to the NFPA codes standards. Many of us generally don’t know who their AHJ is, let alone what fire codes and standards apply to our buildings.

The NFPA requires fire inspections primarily where public safety is at potential risk. Inspections are not to assign blame. They confirm that equipment is installed and maintained in a manner that safeguards persons and property from hazards arising from everyday use of the facility as well as in emergency situations. Without verifying compliance, employees, customers and anyone else who enters your building are at risk. 

At A P Fire Protection we believe it is our responsibility to make sure you know what to do when the AHJ for your business comes into the picture. The following tips will help you know what to expect and prepare for so that you can go in feeling confident and comfortable with the fire inspection process.

Get to Know Your AHJ 

In the most general sense, if you’re a building owner, your AHJ is an ally, so it’s important to treat them as such and take them seriously when they perform inspections. Keeping an open mind and providing the upmost transparency when relaying information pertaining to the building is crucial in maintaining a positive relationship with your AHJ, as well as the safety of anyone who goes into your building.

Sustaining a positive relationship with your AHJ(s) additionally provides you the opportunity to know your building inside and out in a way that will help you to conserve the integrity of the building and therefore your business. It will also help you in case something goes wrong, you’ll be able to effectively communicate where the issue is so as to provide the persons in charge of fixing or inspecting the issue all of the facts. Good for you, but also good for your AHJ to know too.

Remember, your AHJ isn’t your enemy, your AHJ is your friend! It’s up to you to maintain a good rapport, no matter the condition of your building(s), a good relationship with the AHJ can only improve the situation.

Document Inspections/Correspondences and Follow Up

It is as beneficial for you as it is the AHJ when you both are on (literally) the same page. Take notes during inspections, save all paperwork, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Chances are, if you lack the knowledge, you’ll be left wondering what to do when your Authority Having Jurisdiction shows up. At APFP, we don’t want that to happen. After all, your success is our success, and we all can agree a safe building is the best kind of building.

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Fire Protection for Schools & Universities

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The first step in keeping students, faculty, and visitors protected in the event of a fire involves fire protection systems and fire safety protocols for schools and universities. Fire protection systems can help to extinguish a fire and provide building occupants the time they need to evacuate safely, but only when they are well-maintained and functioning. It is extremely important to uphold established fire safety protocols to keep everyone informed and prepared so that they know what to do and where to go in the event of a fire.

Fire Protection Systems

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), code officials, field inspectors, and school districts have the responsibility to ensure each school building is built and maintained properly. Set your year up for success by ensuring your fire protection systems are up to code and ready to deploy in the event of an emergency. Each level of your fire protection systems is a critical component of fire safety on your campuses. Be sure to have your  inspections and maintenance items scheduled early and A P Fire Protection can work with your school calendar to have your fire protection in tip-top shape.

Fire Alarms

The International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) provide minimum requirements for fire alarm systems such as automatic detection and manual fire alarm boxes throughout a school. A school fire alarm system can be set off in one of two ways: a system will automatically sound if smoke or high heat is detected, or it can also be manually started through a pull lever.

Smoke detectors are constantly testing for combustion particles in the air, while heat detectors measure air temperature. Depending on the installation areas and code requirements, each type could be installed on your campuses to reduce nuisance alarms while still providing reliable early detection. Early detection and notification also offer ample time to locate and extinguish a fire before it spreads.

The control panel is typically located in the front office, but not always.The panel is programmed to be able to tell the staff where the fire is happening, whether a fire alarm lever was pulled or automatically activated by the presence of heat or smoke.

Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers should be located in accessible locations in accordance with the AHJ requirements for your region. Staff should know where the closest extinguisher is located at all times and how to operate it. APFP offers onsite training courses and certification where staff can operate a real extinguisher to put out a live flame. Trained personnel can use fire extinguishers to quickly stop a small fire from spreading or to create a path for escape. 

Fire Sprinklers

Quick response (QR) fire sprinklers are preferred in systems for facilities with high occupancies like school buildings and dormitories. Their smaller bulb size speeds up thermal responsiveness. Additionally, quick response sprinkler deflectors discharge water higher on the walls to keep the fire from climbing and maintain lower ceiling temperatures (heat rises!). Cooler ceilings reduce the likelihood of flashover and slow a fire’s rise within a building, improving the odds for survivability. These elements give occupants time to evacuate. 

Fire Damage at School

Fire Safety Plans

Unfortunately, statistics indicate that most school fires are started while school is in session, meaning the occupants are responsible for most school fires. Staff training and fire drills are essential in educating our children about fires and keeping them safe. Even with the best fire protection systems in place, it is important to have emergency operation plans that are organized to provide quick and orderly evacuation. These plans should be reviewed frequently and updated to reflect any building modifications or changes in occupancy.

Mass Notification System

Depending on one form of emergency communication, such as a PA system or text messages, can be incredibly unreliable during an emergency. NFPA 72 recommends using at least two of the four layers of communication – indoor, outdoor, personal, and public alerting. A mass notification system allows building occupants to be promptly and clearly alerted to a variety of emergency situations. This includes fires, severe weather, active shooters, or any other emergency requiring immediate communication to many people. Internal speakers, outdoor blast speaker systems, mass text messages, and e-mails can all be utilized to alert everyone to the specific danger and provide instructions on how to remain safe.

An egress map showing evacuation routes and fire protection unit locations held down by a detector.
Emergency Action Plan: Example Egress Map

Fire and Evacuation Drills

Fire and evacuation drills are the most important fire safety exercise you can do. Conduct drills on a regular basis to learn and maintain awareness of exit routes and best efficiency practices. An egress map should be posted in each classroom and near each building exit. Each egress map should designate two assembly areas that are at least 500 feet away from the building where students and staff should assemble upon evacuation as a “Main Assembly Area” and an “Alternate Assembly Area”, in the event the Main Area cannot be used. 

Drills can be used as an opportunity to identify problem areas and egress choke points and to ensure occupants understand any directions given by the fire alarm or mass notification system. In addition, it is important that all employees be aware of the locations of alternate exits and keep exit routes free and clear of obstructions. Drills should be used to update plans as needed to account for new or renovated buildings, student growth, and other changes that might affect emergency egress.

Dormitory Checks

September is Campus Fire Safety Month, and that’s a great time to review best practices for fire safety in dormitories. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,840 structure fires in dorms, fraternities, sororities, and other related properties, resulting in annual averages of 29 civilian injuries and $11 million in direct property damage. Most campus fires happen in dormitories between the hours of 5-11 p.m. Of these incidents, 6 out of 7 are related to cooking. While it is important to enforce policies that reduce risks including unattended cooking, candles, and the disabling of smoke alarms, it is vital to ensure that all dormitories are fully sprinklered and have an operable fire alarm system that has been inspected in accordance with local fire codes.

Fire Protection Services 

Working with APFP

Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your school facilities, A P Fire Protection is here for you. We have been protecting Arizona from fire damage since 2008 and we have over a century of combined experience! Known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability, we understand as school systems it is imperative to complete most maintenance while students and staff are off campus and will do everything in our power to schedule around your breaks and holidays.

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In preparation for your services, you should check in with a couple of departments so you are ready to go. Facility directors/managers should be able to tell you if their monthly inspections have detected any problem areas or changes to structures or occupancies. If this is your first time partnering with APFP, we encourage you to reach out to your previous fire protection company to see what reports they can provide you with, or at the very least, collate your campus maps in preparation for a walkthrough where we will mark each device location. Working with the procurement office ahead of time can also save you time when it comes to getting purchase orders after an estimate has been approved. You can also check out our list of common

Typical school Fire Code Violations

System Reports

We will do our best to provide our customers with job reports containing device counts and placement, outlining deficiencies and needed repairs and compiling previous repairs and notations. Not only does this make you more aware of your fire protection capabilities and needs, but it also sets you up for success by establishing verifiable numbers needed to project more accurate pricing for upcoming maintenance.

Fire alarm systems in schools, like other buildings, generally are not mandated to be updated or replaced to meet current code requirements unless the system is no longer operational or if buildings are being modernized. Although codes are developed to improve safety, these modified codes also have increased the cost of building and installing systems.

These cost restraints are the primary reasons that many school districts simply have not been able to budget for new or upgraded fire alarm systems. While school administrators would like to upgrade or replace obsolete fire alarm systems, often funding is not available to do so. Sadly, this fact could result in a school having an obsolete and possibly non-operational fire alarm system, which is unacceptable when the protection of our children is at stake.

School fire protection systems do not need to have all new top of the line equipment; however, it should be stressed that obsolete and out of date equipment that does not meet applicable code requirements puts lives in danger. First and foremost, we should be able to keep our children safe from fire while they are in school. 

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