If it is required by the Michigan Building Code to have a fire alarm system installed in your commercial business, you are also required to have periodic fire alarm inspections/testing. It can often be a large investment, but acts as a critical life safety measure for your business. Moreover, having your fire alarm system tested once or even twice a year can seem like such a hassle for a system running in the background. However, regularly scheduled fire alarm inspections are not only required, but can end up saving a commercial business a lot of money with insurers if a claim needs to be made due to fire damage.
Here are a few major points to consider when scheduling fire alarm inspections and testing.
Know what your local ordinance requires:
Each local ordinance requires businesses to follow unique fire inspection codes. Depending on where your business resides, you may have to test your systems annually, semiannually, or even quarterly. These codes may even differ as a result of the type of facility that you are running. In many cases hospitals, banks, and manufacturing companies or organizations dealing with hazardous materials have stricter rules about fire alarm inspections. More complicated systems require more comprehensive testing.
Regulatory agencies such as Underwriting Laboratories (UL) have specific codes and guidelines as well for a number of different types of commercial organizations. While these requirements mostly focus on ensuring accurate forms and documentation, it’s important to know where your company fits into these codes and ordinances. Contact your local municipal office to answer any questions you may have concerning fire alarm inspections.
Know what your insurance requires:
Many insurance providers require fire alarm system inspections on a routine basis. Some insurers, such as Factory Mutual Insurance, require compliance with their own inspection standards before they will agree to insure you. Without proof that your business has been regularly tested by a certified and licensed technician, your insurance provider may not pay for fire damage. It’s critical to the life safety of employees and customers to know that your system is reliable and ready to perform in the event of a fire.
What does a fire alarm system inspection look for?
First and foremost, an inspection’s primary goal is to ensure the system is functioning properly and as intended. Fire inspection technicians will often check for a few key variables
- Are the devices installed, programmed and responding correctly?
- Are there any environmental factors such as dust build up, nearby heat sources, or moisture that may affect the operation of fire alarm devices?
- Is the system aging? What concerns may be developing due to the age of the system?
Fire alarm systems can perform adequately for many years, but only if proper maintenance and testing are done periodically by licensed, trained and certified life safety professionals.
False Alarms:
In addition, fire equipment testing is very important in ensuring the reliability of your system, not only in instances of actual fire, but to prevent false alarms as well. False alarms can be costly to a business. Multiple false alarms can trigger municipal penalties and fines along with straining fire department resources. Fire alarm testing is a necessary cost of doing business, but one that will ensure the safety of your facilities and the people who use them each and every day.
How can EPS Security Help?
Knowing all these codes, rules, and regulations can be like learning a new language. Thankfully, our EPS Security technicians and engineers know this language and we are more than willing to help!
Our attention to detail and knowledge of fire safety code is exceptional. We live test each device as if it is actually being used, going out into the field and ensuring your system is programmed to function as intended. Whether your system is old or new, complex or simple, we have the capability and equipment to test all aspects of your fire alarm system. EPS Fire alarm technicians are also keenly aware of local ordinances and any extra qualifications that may be needed to complete an inspection to the letter of the law.
By never cutting corners, and providing our customers with comprehensive reports we have been able to create long-lasting partnerships, and we hope to earn your trust! For more information about fire alarms and voice evacuation systems click the link below.