One thing property managers across every industry have in common is the need to meet or exceed relevant fire codes and regulations. Your fire safety, prevention, and action plan aren’t mere matters of compliance. Even a small fire can lead to costly damage, loss of inventory, and closures. Below we explore the essentials required to safeguard your business. These essentials are a proactive approach to keeping your employees, guests, tenants, and local community safe.
In addition to ensuring compliance with Colorado fire codes, you may be subject to industry-specific regulations. Factors such as the flammable materials you work with, building occupancy, location, and building size and layout influence what regulations you must meet. In addition, your insurance policy may require additional preventative measures.
#1 Fire Alarm Systems
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires all commercial businesses to have at least one smoke detector. Many businesses select dual smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The exact number required varies depending on the square footage and layout. A single-room business may only require one detector while expansive spaces require one or more in every hallway, room, and floor.
The larger the facility, or per industry compliance, your smoke detectors may need to be part of a building-wide alarm system. These multi-floor fire safety systems prompt building-wide alarms and evacuation when a detector goes off anywhere in the building.
Fire alarm systems may include any combination of:
- Manually activated fire alarms
- Wireless fire alarms
- Intercom systems
- Magnetic door releases
#2 Sprinkler Systems
If your facility is 5,000 square feet or larger or has ceilings that are 75 feet tall you must install a sprinkler system. You may also be required to install sprinklers depending on your industry or the types of chemicals, flammable goods, or inventory and supplies you work with. Beyond traditional ceiling sprinklers, special hazard systems are often required in high-risk areas. High-risk areas include switch gear rooms, server rooms, telecommunications rooms, and chemical storage areas.
Your sprinkler system may include:
- Traditional water sprinklers
- Foam sprinklers
- Chemical/clean agent sprinklers
- Dry air sprinklers
Also Read:
- Deploying Certified Fire Watch Guards as Part of Your Fire Prevention Plan
- Special Event Fire Watch Responsibilities and Requirements
- How to Choose a Fire Watch Company
- When to Hire Fire Watch Services For Your Colorado Company
- 11 Benefits of a 24-Hour Onsite Fire Watch Security Guard Service
#3 Fire Response Tools and Equipment
There are various tools and equipment you may need to install or keep on-site to meet or exceed local area fire codes and relevant OSHA and NFPA regulations. You’ll also need to inspect, test, and maintain your smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, heating and cooling systems, and all high-risk tools and equipment.
This may include any combination of:
- Exit signs and emergency evacuation lighting to guide the escape route.
- Mounted fire extinguishers mounted and spaced as required by fire codes or regulatory requirements.
- Self-cleaning commercial kitchen range hoods to minimize the risk of a grease fire when cooking.
- Ventilating commercial kitchen range hoods with a built-in fire suppression system.
- Fire axes to break down doors and remove obstructions during emergency evacuations.
- Fire doors, dampers, curtains, and canopies to minimize the spread of smoke and fire.
- Fire blankets to suppress small fires that ignite during welding or hot work.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) including helmets with face shields, heat-resistant gloves, flame-resistant suits, and fire-resistant boots.
- Onsite or remote monitoring, including a computerized geographic information system (GIS) to analyze smoke and fire in real-time.
- Built-in intercoms and emergency notification tools to communicate safe zones, evacuation routes, and real-time escape plans.
Dispatch Scout Security for an Added Layer of Fire Safety
In addition to the fire safety tools and equipment above, you will need to have a go-to fire watch provider. Scout Security’s fire watch guards are specially trained in how to reduce fire risk and respond when an emergency arises. Dispatch our safety professionals in Denver and Colorado Springs during water outages, repairs that require hot work, and when your fire alarm and suppression systems are down. We also provide daily services for businesses with high-risk goods or high-risk operations.
Reach out today to schedule Scout Security or add us to your emergency contact list!