When it comes to Health and Safety, nothing should take on a higher priority including profits!
Incidents can quickly turn into tragic accidents many of which fire is the cause which is why it is so important to make sure your fire protection equipment has been inspected and tested regularly.
If you are opening a new commercial business, taking over ownership and/or management, getting familiar with the fire suppression system is a good start and it all starts with the meat and potatoes of your system which is your fire pumps.
Importance of Fire Pumps in Fire Protection System
Fire pumps can be electric or diesel and connect to the regular public underground water pump or another source like a reservoir or a lake.
The pumps are then connected to other piping or risers associated with your sprinkler system.
Failure of your piping system and pumps can result in tragic death on a large scale and that is why it is so important to keep them maintained and inspected on a regular basis.
Importance of Correct Installation of Fire Protection Systems
The installation and inspection is governed by National Fire Protection Association under code NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire Protection.
Not only should business owners and management be familiar with their fire pumps and sprinkler system for the protection of employees and patrons, at any moment inspectors can drop in to inspect your fire suppression equipment.
Failure to be prepared for such an event is preparing to fail.
An inspector has the right to shut down your business for days while you get your Fire Protection System up to code and up to date!
That can cost a business owner thousands of dollars in lost revenues and profits and if you are the manager, the last thing you want to explain to ownership is why you were under-prepared and why the business is out thousands of dollars!
Regular Inspections of Fire Protection System Equipment is Vital
Keep your fire systems inspection records up to date.
This can include tags that indicate the last date the fire suppression system was inspected and can also include other separate documentation that is kept in a file.
Keep these records in an easily accessible area to ensure that everybody knows where they are.
After all, it could be your day off or you might even be on vacation!
Just make sure that you take seriously the maintenance of your Fire Protection System.
Your life is on the line, the lives of your employees and customer is on the line and your profits too!