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Why Does My Bid Have a Compliance Engine Fee?

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Why Does My Bid Have a Compliance Engine Fee?

WHAT IS THE COMPLIANCE ENGINE

The Compliance Engine is a simple, internet-based tool for Fire Prevention Bureaus, Water Departments, and Building Departments and depending on where your business is located, it may be a required tool to help keep your business and your city up to date.

The Compliance Engine provides a secure environment for third-party contractors, like A P Fire Protection, who inspect, test, and maintain fire protection systems and backflows to submit their reports via BRYCER’s Web Portal directly to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in local municipalities. This facilitates a more efficient review, tracking, and follow-up process with occupants to correct deficiencies and maintain systems and allows AHJs to track and drive inspection and testing code compliance which ultimately reduces false alarm activity, ensures clean drinking water and provides a safer community.

While it may seem like this is just a way to generate revenue for contractors and the local AHJ, the single biggest reason we are starting to see the shift to a compliance engine is to make it safer for the people who occupy these buildings. Utilizing the compliance engine can play a considerable role in reducing the likelihood of a fire event and the damage it could cause if the fire protection systems are not being maintained properly. 

The compliance engine process

THE PROCESS

Property owners will receive timely, proactive notifications of their testing requirements by mail. If we have not already contacted you to get you on the schedule, please call our office. Once testing has been completed, we will provide you with our testing reports and suggested repairs for your systems. We are then required to submit all testing information and noted deficiencies to the AHJ via the compliance engine. If repairs have not been completed for required deficiencies and been reported back to the compliance engine within 30 days, the property owner will then receive an additional notice of deficiency giving them and additional 30 days from receipt of the letter to complete the needed repairs. Property owners do not need to submit any reports to the compliance engine. As the testing company, we do this for you!

Pressure gauge reading on fire hydrant

REPORTING & CORRECTING DEFICIENCIES

In the last few years, AHJs who have put more of an emphasis on the proper inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems have frequently found deficiencies that could impact the performance of fire systems that go un-repaired. We understand as property owners you may not want to pay for the correction of the deficiencies immediately because there is a lack of budgetary funding and there may not seem to be any urgency in doing so, but it is our job to communicate the impact of the deficiency in the event of an emergency can be devastating.

Now, with the utilization of compliance engines and having to submit the inspection reports along with the list of deficiencies, there is a priority to have these deficiencies corrected immediately in order to properly maintain fire protection systems and prevent major property loss. While the upfront cost may seem sizeable, the long-term savings is priceless.

RESULTS WE ARE SEEING FROM COMPLIANCE ENGINES

Having a compliance engine to keep track of code compliance aids the Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Bureaus by providing accurate data of which buildings have fire protection systems, when they were last tested, and if there are any open deficiencies that could hinder the successful deployment of their fire protection teams in the event of an incident.

As a service provider offering quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections and testing to our customers, we are seeing more and more local municipalities we serve adopting the compliance engine in an effort to track and drive responsible inspection and testing code compliance. Thanks to the database the compliance engines are building, we know that over 50% of all fire protection systems go untested and maintained annually, and together we are working to change that.

While this is generating more revenue for us, it is also giving us an opportunity to interact with our customers more than usual, ultimately building a much stronger relationship with you, and that is our ultimate goal.

SYSTEMS TRACKED THROUGH THE COMPLIANCE ENGINE IN OUR AREA:

CITIES & MUNICIPALITIES CURRENTLY UTILIZING COMPLIANCE ENGINES

Arizona Municipalities Requiring Compliance Engine Reporting

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Fire Prevention Week 2021

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Fire Prevention Week 2021

LEARN THE SOUNDS OF FIRE SAFETY

This week is Fire Prevention Week! This year’s FPW campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds fire protection systems make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you, your business and your employees safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

NFPA | firepreventionweek.org

This week we will be going over the different sounds of fire safety on our social media channels, and what to do when you hear them. As a business, you should schedule faculty training and establish staff responsibilities for the following:

  • Fire Alarms
  • Carbon Dioxide Alarms
  • Fire Bells
  • Water Gongs
  • Panel alarms

Don’t miss out!

ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance in 1925, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week children and  adults alike learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. You probably remember it from when you were a kid and firefighters came in to teach you about stop, drop and roll and maybe you even got to see a real firetruck.

Fire Prevention Week is observed every year during the week of October 9th to commemorate the  Great Chicago Fire. The Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

The Great Chicago Fire | Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.

IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and business are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COMMERCIAL FIRE PREVENTION

Fire Prevention vs. Fire Protection

Fire protection and fire prevention are both essential to keeping you and your business safe, but what is the difference between them. Fire prevention involves proactive steps taken to reduce fire hazards so that a fire does not have a chance to ignite. Fire prevention requires inspection, testing, and maintenance of systems to ensure they are operating properly and they are effective during a fire. Systems need to be periodically inspected for mechanical deficiencies, proper function, valve actuation, water flow, sprinkler clearances, etc., Fire prevention also involves eliminating the risks that may cause fire to occur.

These steps are guidelines to overall fire prevention:

  • Perform regular risk assessments, and identify the weak areas to improve safety.
  • Identify and resolve deficiencies sources within the facility that emit heat or are combustible, flammable, or make the building more susceptible to fire.
  • Adhere to fire regulations and NFPA standards.
  • Perform regular fire drills. Keep building owners, operators, occupants, and emergency personnel up to date regarding operation of fire protection systems.
  • Regularly train staff on fire prevention practices.
  • Keep systems in top working order with preventive maintenance contracts.
  • Utilize diagnostics and system analytics that can help predict trouble before it occurs.

On the other hand, Fire protection systems are a series of components that work together to detect fires and mitigate the negative impacts. Fire protection includes alarms, suppression systems, sprinkler systems, extinguishers, and any technology that allows you to alert people or monitor the fire. A P Fire Protection is dedicated and passionate about protecting your property and employees. We test, inspect, install and repair all fire protection related devices.

A full-fledged fire protection system includes:

  • Fire Suppression Sprinkler Systems (wet, dry, preaction, deluge, antifreeze, and fire pumps)
  • Special Hazards Fire Suppression Systems (foam, low and high pressure CO2, as well as clean agent systems)
  • Fire alarm detection system (control panel, flame detectors, heat detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors)
  • Mass notification (notification appliances, pull stations/call box points)
  • Emergency Exit Lights
  • Fire extinguisher, fire hydrants, and backflows
  • Fire alarm monitoring
  • Integrated security, access control, and video surveillance systems for appropriate actions from each system

The point of fire protection and fire prevention is to be proactive. This means implementing and monitoring a fire safety regime to reduce disruption and protect staff, visitors, and other occupants.

Why You Need Both Fire Protection and Prevention

Do you know the last time you checked the fire extinguishers? If so, you are neglecting your fire protection and require fire protection services. Do you feel confident your building is up to code on the amount and location for fire alarms and sprinkler heads, but your staff hasn’t been trained on fire prevention strategies? If so, you are missing an integral component of fire safety. Both fire protection and prevention are necessary for your business’s safety and security. Fire prevention is essential to limit risks and reduce hazards that could potentially start fires yet not all fires can be prevented because risks are almost never eliminated entirely. For that reason, fire protection is also necessary. Fire protection can lessen the damage of fire once it has ignited. Fire protection services such as a fire suppression system and routine fire protection system maintenance are integral parts of an effective fire protection strategy.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Fire prevention and fire protection are extremely important but can also be complicated with so many moving parts. That’s why it’s important to choose a fire protection service provider that is knowledgeable and experienced.

Here are some of the services we provide:

  • Fire Alarm Systems & Monitoring
  • Fire Sprinkler Suppression Systems
  • Emergency Exit Lights
  • Backflow Preventers
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Systems
  • Fire Hydrants
  • Fire Hoses
  • Fire Doors
  • CO2 Monitoring System

At A P Fire Protection we know the importance of providing quality service to the customers we work with. We make sure to work directly with you, answering any questions you may have so that your commercial buildings are compliant with Fire Code Standards. We ensure that all of your Fire Safety Systems are properly maintained and serviced.

A P Fire Protection Logo Shield with red background and Arizona state flag

Source: NFPA Fire Prevention Week

Do You Include Fire Protection Into Your Annual Budget?

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The need for buildings to be safe and the systems within them to be operational is and will continue to be critical to public and fire responder safety.”

– Jim Pauley, CEO & President of NFPA

Something very important to consider when developing your annual budget is Fire Protection for your business. This allows foresight into any issues that may arise throughout the year. To elaborate, this does not only include annual and semi-annual inspections, but also any maintenance and/or repairs needed throughout the year. In addition, if you are planning any tenant improvement projects, a detailed budget is essential for the success of the project.

Your budget is basically an educated guess based on your past revenue and expenditures that will help you see what the future of your business finances will look like. With that being said, the more detailed and accurate you can be, the more efficient your budget will be.

Conducting your own visual inspection will allow you to anticipate and account for possible repairs. A checklist is attached of some common items to look for when conducting your own visual inspection. Taking into account all of the annual inspections, semi-annual inspections and possible repairs will help you create a more precise budget. This will allow you to actually proceed with all of the necessary inspections and/or repairs through an A P Fire Protection licensed contractor. Failure to consider all the above will have a negative impact on your planned success and overall profitability. Trying to save a buck, because you didn’t plan for certain repairs, could have devastating consequences!

click here to download checklist

By taking the time to factor Fire Protection into your budget, you will be giving yourself the greatest chance of achieving your budgetary goals. Which in turn will make your business more successful. If you are unaware of how much it costs to get your systems inspected or which repairs could be needed, schedule a free walkthrough and A P Fire Protection will be happy to provide you with a free estimate.

Schedule a free walkthrough
Fire Protection Budget Checklist

What Does A P Fire Protection Do?

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We do it all!!

A P Fire Protection is dedicated and passionate about protecting your property and employees. We test, inspect, install and repair all related devices including but not limited to fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler suppression systems, fire extinguishers and backflows. In an ideal situation, you make one call to fix all of your fire protection needs. Not calling three separate companies, or even two, just one call and A P Fire Protection will do it all! We are committed to excellence while aggressively growing and maintaining the relationships we have fostered with our customers over the years.

1. Fire Sprinkler Suppression Systems

Fire Sprinkler Suppression System

The main job of the sprinkler suppression system is to slow the spread of a fire, allowing ample time for emergency responders to arrive. They are designed to react automatically in the event of a fire which allows for safe egress of anyone around. For the most part, inspections of your sprinkler system should happen annually. However, depending on the type of system you have, the frequency of your inspections could increase. For that reason, it is important to know exactly what type of system you have and what your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) requires. If you are unaware then an A P Fire Protection employee would gladly walk your property and provide you with a free estimate.

Schedule a free walkthrough

2. Fire Alarm Systems

Fire Alarms are so important because they provide prompt warning when a fire breaks out. If the building is occupied then the notifying devices will sound off, telling occupants to leave immediately. If there is nobody in the building and the alarm activates then the monitoring company will notify the appropriate people in a timely manner, including emergency responders. If a system or its connected devices are not properly maintained then it can result in unwanted, ‘annoying’ beeping coming from the panel. This can result in a negative response from the occupants and even diminish the effectiveness of the alarm when it is actually triggered. Any beeping from your panel means your fire alarm systems needs attention – do not put this off! The ability to detect a fire early is the difference between losing everything and keeping the damage to a minimum!

Watch to learn more about Panels
watch to learn more about initiating devices
Watch to learn more about notifying devices

3. Kitchen Hood Suppression System

Often times a kitchen is the heartbeat of a restaurant, but where there are high heats and grease there are also big risks for fire. A fire needs three things to flourish – heat, oxygen and fuel. The purpose of the suppression system is to starve the fire of its oxygen by smothering the flames with a wet chemical. As soon as the nozzles inside the kitchen hood exhaust detects a fire the gas line/electrical power automatically shuts off which deprives the fire of its fuel source as well. Kitchen Hoods need to be serviced semi-annually because if the grease build up gets too extensive then it will effect the performance of the fusible links, which need to pop in order to release the agent.

4. Fire Extinguishers

Although often times overlooked or forgotten in the corner of a room, fire extinguishers are a necessity when it comes to work place safety. They can be the difference between a small, localized fire and an incident that now requires the fire department. Similar to a sprinkler system, fire extinguishers are meant to assist employees in controlling the spread of a fire for a safe escape while emergency responders are deployed. Equally important to knowing how to use a fire extinguisher, is knowing which one to use for certain fires. There are multiple different classes of fires that all require specific extinguishers. Quick overview:

Class A – Ordinary Combustibles (wood and paper)
Class B – Flammable Liquids (gas, grease, oil and alcohol)
Class C – Electrical Equipment (computers, servers, motors and appliances)
Class D – Flammable Metals

If you don’t know how to properly use a fire extinguisher, schedule a training session with A P Fire Protection! Our team is ready to provide you with the highest quality training and services.

Fire Extinguisher Training

5. Backflows