According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), reports of
nonresidential building fires increased from 98,500 to 99,500 between
2011 and 2012. Property and facility managers must remember and comply
with a multitude of standards and codes to keep building occupants safe
and reduce the risk of fires. Just starting your management career or
simply need a quick refresher on code compliance? Cintas
Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), a leading provider of fire protection
services, shares six strategies to make sure you pass the test.
“Too often we’re focused on the big picture that we forget about the
little issues that can render a piece of fire protection equipment
noncompliant,” said John Amann, Vice President of Operations, Cintas
Corporation. “Whether you’re new to the job or you’ve been in the
business for many years, it’s always important to stay on top of code
compliance.”
Cintas suggests the following tips to stay code compliant and ensure the
safety of your building occupants:
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Test, inspect and maintain all equipment – To keep your fire
protection program code compliant, not only must you regularly test,
inspect and maintain all equipment, but you also need to maintain
records of each test and inspection. Check with your authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ) to find out how often and which tests and
inspections need to take place in your local municipality. Also
consider working with a fire protection provider that offers complete,
easy to understand inspection reports. This will help you keep track
of all completed tests, inspections and maintenance records, allowing
for quick reference when needed.
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Don’t decorate or obstruct equipment – While you’ll
obviously want your facility and property to look their very best,
it’s important to keep in mind which interior design choices will
render equipment noncompliant. Sprinkler heads should not be painted.
Exit signs must not be decorated or obstructed from sight. And the
path of egress and all exits must also not be obstructed in any way.
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Replace light bulbs and backup batteries – Missing or burnt out
light bulbs and backup batteries tend to go overlooked when it comes
to everyday maintenance. Unfortunately, forgetting to replace a light
bulb or backup battery could result in a fine once inspection time
comes. Be sure to replace any missing or burnt out light bulbs and
backup batteries regularly.
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Consider all needs when developing emergency exit plans – According
to NFPA 1, a complete and comprehensive emergency exit plan should
incorporate the needs of all building occupants. This includes the
elderly and people with all types of disabilities. Don’t forget to
regularly reference and review NFPA requirements when creating an
emergency exit plan and going over it with your employees.
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Promptly correct deficiencies – If you receive a fine for a
deficiency, the inspecting fire marshal will advise when it needs to
be corrected. Immediately create an action plan to remedy the issue
and engage the proper departments to assist with the updates. You
don’t want to risk the chance of getting fined again for letting it
slip your mind. A certified fire protection provider can keep track of
all inspection dates, promptly schedule a time to remedy any
deficiency and help you avoid these deficiencies in the future.
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Encourage and provide training – Never underestimate the power
of having a well-trained staff in an emergency situation. While not
required by the NFPA, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) requires that if a fire extinguisher is
available to employees that education on how to use the extinguisher
be provided as well. Training will help to ensure your employees have
the confidence and skills necessary to react should a fire occur.
Consider working with a fire protection provider who can give an
overview of the equipment in your facility and hands-on experience
with the equipment for your employees.
“The small details may often go undetected, but ensuring your building
and fire protection programs are code compliant is the best way to
guarantee the safety of your buildings occupants,” added Amann.
For more info on Cintas fire protection services, please visit www.cintas.com/fire.
About Cintas Corporation:
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly
specialized services to businesses of all types primarily throughout
North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate
identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom cleaning
and supplies, tile and carpet cleaning, promotional products, first aid,
safety, fire protection products and services and document management
services for more than 1 million businesses. Cintas is a publicly held
company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol
CTAS and is a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
Copyright Business Wire 2014