fire sprinkler

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and Fire Protection

· ·

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.

Check out our social channels!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Walkthrough: Why You Deserve an On-Site Consultation

· ·

APFP associate looks through jobsite plans on a walkthrough

In order to come up with the best game plan, preparation is key. Providing contractors with access to the project can provide better bids, as the contractors who have access to the site have greater confidence in the size and scope of the project. The most important aspect is to get a clear and precise indication of what the project requires in order to put together the best possible bid. At A P Fire, we will always provide a complementary walkthrough to get you the most accurate bid for your job.

What Happens During an On-Site Consultation Visit?

A comprehensive consultation includes:

  1. An on-site appraisal of all present fire protection systems conditions and placement in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Code Council (IBC & IFC) codes.
  2. A verbal outline of deficient areas that will need to be brought up to code and a description of what those services will entail.
  3. A written report of recommendations and agreements.
  4. Training and assistance with implementing recommendations.
A P Fire Protection conducts a walkthrough on a food truck.
APFP associate checks out a fire panel
APFP associate takes pictures on a job walk

During the walkthrough

During the walkthrough, the A P Fire associate assigned to your project will learn about your process and begin formulating a plan for how to execute.  At this stage, you should ask questions about our process and fire protection itself.  This is not only a good way to get a feel for how fire protection devices work, but also an opportunity to learn about the life safety they provide.

The On-Site Consultants Will

  • Help you recognize hazards in your workplace.
  • Suggest general approaches or options for solving a safety problem.
  • Identify kinds of help available if you need further assistance.
  • Provide you a written report summarizing findings.
  • Assist you to develop or maintain an effective safety and fire protection program.
  • Provide training and education for you and your employees.

The On-Site Consultants Will Not

  • Provide or guarantee project pricing.
  • Issue citations or propose penalties for violations of codes or standards.
  • Report possible violations to enforcement staff.
  • Guarantee that your workplace will “pass” an inspection.

After the walkthrough

Once we’ve examined the job site, we will discuss our plan for execution.  During this conversation, you should also be covering some of the key points that will be included in the contract.

  • Regulatory challenges – What permits and inspections will be required and who will handle them? 
  • Materials – What materials will be required and who will be responsible for their selection and acquisition?
  • Subcontractors – What subcontractors will be involved (if any) and what is the process for hiring subcontractors?
  • Mechanic’s Lien – In many states, anyone who has done significant work to a property has the right to place a mechanic’s lien on it.  You should ask about how they handle mechanic’s liens and whether they have ever filed one in the past (and under what circumstances).

After the walkthrough, we will send you a quote containing a general description of work, specifics on the timeline and the cost.

Product Demo

In some cases we can provide product demonstrations with certified representatives from our product manufacturers. If you would like a product demo, please reach out to our office, so we can schedule it for you!

Request a Product Demo

Fire Protection for Schools & Universities

· ·

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.

Schedule Now!

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. 

For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on all our social media channels!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fire Protection Monthly Inspection Checklist

· ·

Fire Protection Readiness

One of the most costly and devastating events for a company or organization is a fire. Scheduling regular fire protection monthly inspection and tests overseen by you or someone in your business can help ensure that your fire prevention systems are ready when needed. Conducting preventive maintenance tasks can also help make sure your fire protection systems are in good working order and make yearly testing and inspections a breeze!

Every business should establish its testing schedule to comply with external regulations or internal procedures. A fire protection monthly inspection checklist is a form used by property owners or managers to verify the operational reliability of fire protection devices installed in their properties. It aims to ensure national fire safety code standards are observed.

Download yours here!

Visual inspections are part of the inspection, testing, and maintenance required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and each area within your system has different guidelines and timelines. NFPA defines an inspection as “a visual examination of a system or portion there of to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.” As a general rule, make sure all fire protection equipment is unobstructed and accessible. A fire protection expert from A P Fire Protection can help point out what else you need to look for in a monthly inspection. However, for annual, semi‑annual, or quarterly inspection requirements, we will need to send out an experienced, certified technician to your business.

Training Panel: Fire Alarm Panel, Smoke/Heat Detectors, Horn Strobe, Pull Stations, Duct Detectors & Alarm Bell

Pulls Detectors, Notifiers & Emergency Lights

Often your first line of defense, pulls, detectors, notifiers (horns, strobes & sounders)  and emergency lights are the first to know when a fire has ignited. Pulls or detectors send a signal to your fire panel which raises the alarm, sending an internal signal to your alarm system and an external signal to first responders and your monitoring company. When these devices are obstructed, dirty or not working properly, this could cost you valuable seconds in response, creating more time for the fire to spread. at each monthly inspection you should take the steps below to provide the quickest response possible.

Testing

Schedule tests of smoke detectors, fire alarms and emergency lights at least once a month per the U.S Fire Administration. Set a calendar reminder to check the performance of these items on a day or week when you are generally less busy. By scheduling in your downtime, you can negate any potential to put off your testing because another task is demanding your attention.

To test, hold the test button on each device and wait for the signal. If the light is weak/does not illuminate or you do not hear anything after a few seconds, take note of the location on your report. Batteries must be replaced every 6 months in smoke detectors not connected to a fire alarm panel. It is important to make sure the new batteries inserted are fresh, so it is always important to test a smoke detector once the batteries are replaced. It is also important to note that emergency lights are required to be equipped with a battery backup, however, these will need to be tested by a professional during an annual inspection.

Cleaning

In addition, detectors, notifiers and emergency lights should be cleaned at least quarterly to prevent dirt and dust build-up and obstructions moved out of the way. This will help ensure the quickest detection and warning in case of a fire. Be sure to use only a soft cloth and light pressure when cleaning to avoid damaging your equipment. Dampen the cloth with warm water when needed.

Follow up

Lastly, confirm that fire departments and your monitoring company are properly receiving notifications when your fire alarm system is being tested. After you’ve completed these steps, schedule work as needed with the fire protection professionals at A P Fire Protection for further testing and troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs to ensure sensors and wiring are all functioning correctly. 

Butterfly Valves on a Fire Riser

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Visual Inspection

NFPA 25 provides the criteria for the routine activities that must be conducted to ensure that water-based fire protection systems, such as automatic sprinklers systems, can be relied upon in the event of a fire. It also outlines the required areas for visual inspections on sprinkler systems as valves, backflows, gauges, standpipes, fire pumps and sprinklers. During your monthly inspection you should be looking for:

Corrosion on Sprinkler System
  • • Leakage
  • • Corrosion detrimental to sprinkler performance
  • • Physical damage
  • • Loss of fluid in the glass bulb heat-responsive element
  • • Loading (dust and other environmental debris) detrimental to sprinkler performance 
  • • Paint other than that applied by the sprinkler manufacturer
  • • Sprinklers installed in the incorrect orientation
  • • Minimum clearance to storage is maintained 

Any signs of physical damage or noncompliance could affect the effectiveness of your system. Monthly visual inspections should be carried out on all parts of the system you can access and/or see from the floor. This means that typically there should be no special equipment needed for these routine inspections such as ladders or lifts. Furthermore, NFPA 25 clearly states that sprinklers located in concealed spaces such as above suspended ceilings do not require inspection though any sprinklers that cannot be accessed for inspection should be noted on inspection reports. On the other hand, make sure escutcheons (sprinkler covers) are flush to the ceiling (they serve a purpose beyond looking pretty!). 

Cleaning

In most instances, loading on fire sprinkler components can be cleaned using a dry soft cloth or one dampened by warm water. Nonetheless, you may want to leave this step to the professionals as sprinkler head bulbs can be easily damaged when appropriate care is not taken.

Kitchen Hood Nozzles with Caps Removed

Kitchen Hoods

Visual Inspection

Kitchen fire suppression system inspections are vital to safety. In any size kitchen, the restaurant hood fire suppression systems acquire a grease and grime build-up. This build-up, when not cleaned regularly, will eventually clog the nozzles meant to disperse wet chemicals over the source of a stove, fryer, or grill fire to put the fire out. This causes a serious fire hazard in commercial kitchens. During your visual inspection, make sure caps are in place, check system pressure and note any build up on nozzles and hood filters. You should also verify that no appliances have moved or changed positions, as the nozzles installed are designed for use over specific appliances and determined area. Depending on use, you may need to perform a weekly visual inspection.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Likewise, maintenance and cleaning schedules are also determined by frequency of use; every six months is typical for most facilities, every three months for heavy use, annually for low use (e.g., event spaces, seasonal facilities, etc.). APFP does not provide cleaning services for kitchen hoods, but we do provide other maintenance services. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of fires, accounting for three out of five structure fires.

Different Use Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers

OSHA regulations mandate that commercial businesses must inspect their portable fire extinguishers monthly. Sometimes referred to as a visual inspection, monthly inspections can be executed by employees who have received proper training. Every month, you should complete a visual check of your fire extinguishers to make sure that they are still functional in the following areas – 

Location & Accessibility

Example: Fire Extinguisher Signage

All portable fire extinguishers should be unobstructed, easy to see, and easy to reach. If the extinguisher is blocked or unreachable, any obstructions should be moved or the extinguisher itself should be relocated where it will be more accessible. 

Gauge Pressure Reading

A disposable fire extinguisher has a plastic head with a gauge that reads “full” or “empty”. Rechargeable extinguishers have a metal head with a gauge that shows the level of charge.

For a rechargeable extinguisher, the needle of the pressure gauge should be pointing to the green indicator, known as the operating zone. If the needle is below the operating zone, the extinguisher has lost pressure and needs to be recharged by a professional. If the needle is above the operating zone, it has too much pressure and is at risk of a leak or a cylinder failure (read: explosion). Call us right away if the pressure gauge is outside of the operating zone in either direction for service.

Fire Extinguisher Gauge Reading Low Pressure

Inspection Tag

Extinguisher Inspection Tag – Front & Back

Check the inspection tag to see when the last annual inspection took place. If your inspection date is getting close, make a note to call and schedule this year’s maintenance and inspection. If there is no tag, the extinguisher should be inspected to avoid any issues. After your inspection is complete, our technician will attach an updated inspection tag punched with the month, year, the type of extinguisher and the service performed.

Finally, the exterior of the extinguisher needs to be checked thoroughly for damage or corrosion. Check that the instruction label is present and easy to read. The serial number should also be legible. Look for dents and punctures, as well as paint removal and rust. The hose should be unobstructed, securely fastened to the side of the extinguisher and free of cracks or other damage. Tamper seals are required and indicate if anyone has attempted to use or discharge the unit. Tamper seals are placed around the locking pin and secured around the handle. They may look similar to a zip tie, but they break easily with a little bit of force. You cannot secure an extinguisher with a zip tie!  If any extinguishers are damaged or tampered with, have them inspected immediately.

Document Your Findings

Most inspection tags provided space to record monthly inspections. Sign your name or initials and date of inspection to confirm that it has been done. After you’ve completed your inspection and signed off, write a report detailing any issues and whether any actions have been taken to remedy them. Your report should include your name, date, and location of the extinguisher that needs service.

Example: Egress Map

Egress & Evacuation

OSHA strongly recommends (and in some cases requires) businesses to have an emergency action plan in place. EAPs designate roles and responsibilities to employees during emergencies, and are designed to help organizations facilitate safe evacuations.  If you have more than 10 employees your plan must be written, kept in the workplace, and available for employee review. In certain instances OSHA standard also requires that an egress map be posted throughout your facility,

If an evacuation from your building is required due to an emergency such as a fire alarm, gas leak, natural disaster or any other reason, occupants should always remember to stay calm, do not rush, and do not panic. The best way to achieve this is to practice. Fire alarm drills should be implemented on at least a monthly basis. 

Furthermore, it is recommended that each department/business unit in a building identify a few department members who will act as evacuation coordinators. These evacuation coordinators should:

  • • Assist other department members, including those needing assistance, in evacuating the building, including – if safe to do so – checking restrooms as they are exiting; and
  • • Be able to do a “head-count” of evacuated personnel and identify to Emergency Personnel any individuals who do not appear to be present at the evacuation assembly area.

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. Each egress map should designate two assembly areas that are at least 500 feet away from the building where employees and others should assemble upon evacuation as a “Main Assembly Area” and an “Alternate Assembly Area”, in the event the Main Area cannot be used. 

Preventing Fire Damage with a monthly inspection

You can prevent fire damage, injury and death with these maintenance tips. Contact A P Fire Protection to discuss these services. A representative will work with you to schedule services to meet the code requirements, the requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), and your facilities’ particular needs. 

If your business has been damaged by fire or smoke, contact APFP for reliable service to replace damaged or deployed fire protection units. Our emergency response technician can be reached 24/7 at 623-772-5344 and we can be onsite within two hours to help mitigate any damage and work towards a smooth recovery.

Whether you own a business or manage a building, maintaining the safety of employees, clients and all other occupants is paramount. Having a network of fire detection and prevention equipment is key, but they must work properly in order to do so. Make a monthly check-in with your fire prevention systems a to-do and be one step ahead when disaster strikes.

Fire Extinguisher with APFP Tag

AZ Monsoon and Fire Safety

· ·

AZ MONSOON & FIRE SAFETY

Although the Monsoon Season brings rains and relief from the summer heat, the thunderstorms that come with monsoons bring their own hazards. In fact, this is the most dangerous time of year weather-wise in the Southwest. So as this season gets underway, and the increased threat of fire comes with it, we would like to remind you of a few ways to stay weather wise in Arizona.

What is a Monsoon

The term “monsoon” refers to a seasonal time of year where thunderstorms are more likely to occur. A monsoon is NOT a thunderstorm. A monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the winds of a region that can create conditions for a thunderstorm. The summer monsoon is associated with heavy rainfall. As winter ends, warm, moist air from the south brings a humid climate and torrential rainfall to the area.

Arizona’s monsoon season begins in June and continues through September. With it comes higher humidity, which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, flash flooding, dust storms and extreme heat, however, the Arizona monsoonal circulation does not produce thunderstorms every day and storm cells here are generally short-lived. In general, for Phoenix, the temperature limits for the production of monsoon thunderstorms are 100° to 108°F. Although tornadoes are rare in Arizona, strong winds resulting from downbursts are quite common during the summer thunderstorm season in the desert. 

Despite Arizona being described as a dry heat, monsoon thunderstorm activity in the hottest months of the year accounts for roughly half of the annual precipitation in central and northern Arizona, and two-thirds to three-fourths of the annual precipitation in southern Arizona. The short-lived, intense monsoon thunderstorms can often cause flash flooding in areas of steep terrain, low-lying roads, or normally dry washes. This year, the National Weather Service predicts that Arizona will have a very active monsoon.

Fire Risk

Although all of these weather events can be damaging to your business, there are three main areas of concern when it comes to fire protection this time of year: heat, lightning and fire. After a long winter with very low relative humidities, gusty winds and lightning, accompanied by little rainfall can lead to rapid fire growth and dangerous conditions for firefighters and the general public.

Heat

Although the monsoon is generally associated with slightly cooler temperatures and rainfall, excessive heat is still by far the number-one, weather-related killer in the Southwest. Unfortunately, the excess moisture also creates the reverse effect as humidity becomes a factor.

The hotter the air is, the more water vapor it can hold.  The higher the air temperature and/or the higher the relative humidity, the higher the heat index is and the hotter it feels outside.

Lightning

Lightning can strike up to 60 miles away from the nearest rainfall. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm for lightning. Inside is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity such as corded phones, electrical appliances, wires and cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and windows.

Fires

Weather plays a key role in the growth and vitality of fires across the southwest. Persistent drought conditions and summertime heat waves significantly drain shrubs, grasses and trees that become the dry fuels needed to feed a fire.

National Weather Service offices predict the weather conditions that may lead to the development and spread of fires. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions supporting extreme fire danger and/or fire behavior is expected within 12 to 72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions supporting extreme fire danger and/or fire behavior is imminent or occurring.

Damages

Without a doubt, any and all weather created by monsoons can structurally harm your business. Excess moisture, whether it is saturating the air or the ground, can damage interior structures like drywall and lumber causing them to deteriorate and mold, high winds and dust storms can topple trees, remove roofs and launch debris, but what sort of damages actually heighten the risk of malfunction or failure for your installed fire protection systems?

Batteries in a Fire Panel
Hydrant in the AZ heat

Water Systems

Did you know water expands when it heats up? Wet elements like sprinklers, backflows and hydrants are built to withstand the constant, regulated pressure needed to evacuate water as quickly as possible in the event of a fire. When the water in the system heats up day after day in the extreme Arizona summer heat, this can cause stress on critical components in the system, eventually causing leaks or even complete failure.

Electrical Systems

Wires and metal pipes conduct electricity. A fire riser room where a fire panel is most likely installed, is filled with both and is usually located towards the exterior of a building, increasing the risk that it could be severely damaged in a storm.

Power outages caused by lightning strikes and other storm damages can leave you without power for hours or days. Fire panels and emergency lights have backup battery power, but long months exposed to the elements can drain the battery’s life faster. 

Take Action

Now that you know the risks, prepare your business against disaster during Arizona’s monsoon season. Taking steps to minimize your fire risk and maximize your fire response can go a long way in laying the groundwork of a favorable outcome.

First thing’s first, complete a visual inspection. If you notice any cracks, leaks, flashing lights or anything that just doesn’t seem right, make a note. Because fire protection is such a normal part of life, small things like this can often go unnoticed or be put off to deal with later. In fact, nearly two thirds of fire system failures happen because the system was shut off. Before the monsoon season, it is a good idea to schedule your system testing and maintenance so any repairs can be made. During these evaluations, we make sure all your fire protection components are in top shape; checking pressures, evaluating control functions and testing battery life. You should also develop an evacuation plan in case you need to leave in an emergency. Contact us and we can help you prepare for Arizona’s monsoon season today!

Additionally, most fire protection systems are designed to keep fire damage on the inside of a structure to a minimum, not the exterior. Take these steps to minimize fire hazards around your building. Clear the brush at least thirty feet away from your business and remove anything blocking access to hydrants, fire department connection lines and fire riser rooms. Trim tree branches away from chimneys and electrical lines. Enclose roof eaves and crawl spaces with fire resistant materials. 

In the event of an emergency, get inside. The vast majority of people are killed or injured in severe thunderstorms by trees falling, from flying debris, or from downed power lines. Unplug unnecessary appliances and avoid windows. If anyone is injured or a fire ignites, call 911.

Schedule Now!