Tel: 630.960.5060
Your "Total" Source For Fire Safety & Security

  1. Five Reasons Why Employees Should Have First Aid Training

    February 26, 2016 by Total Fire and Safety

    You may think you know the importance of first aid and fire safety, but the real impact of first aid and fire equipment training in the workplace is often overlooked. Whether your business is a high or low-risk environment, there are always risks that can lead to medical emergencies.

    1. Increasing profitability. A safer workplace means less missed workdays due to injuries. According to the National Safety Council, in 2012, nearly 5 million workers were injured at work, which costed employers a total of $198.2 billion.

    2. Saving your employees time and money. It is proven that businesses and employees will save money if accidents are handled quickly and effectively. The National Safety Council attests that 25 percent of all emergency room visits can be avoided with basic first aid and CPR certification.

    3. It really does save lives. If your employees don’t know how to handle injuries, the condition of the victim could worsen before the ambulance arrives, and cause further trauma and debilitation, not to mention medical costs and possibly, even death. Having a commercial first aid kit on the job sends a message to your employees that you value their health and well-being and are doing all you can to mitigate any injuries that occur on the job. It also shows that you never want your employees to be vulnerable to unattended injury.

    4. It is required by law for many workplaces. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires businesses to provide first aid and CPR training to employees if there is no nearby clinic or hospital. Make sure you also have a commercial first aid kit available in your workplace. Obviously, if your business deals with risky materials or conditions, having a commercial first aid kit makes sense whether or not you are bound by law.

    5. Teach your employees how to use emergency equipment. You spend money keeping your workplace up to code with commercial fire extinguishers and first aid kits, but these things don’t handle emergencies by themselves! Your employees need to know how to work fire extinguishers and use first aid supplies correctly. The investment need not be costly; a simple on-site class with the staff in attendance should suffice.

    Total Fire & Safety can handle all your needs whether it be fire extinguishers, first aid kits, fire extinguisher training, or first aid training. For more information, visit our website or you can contact us at 630-960-5060.


  2. Answer These Five Questions and Prevent Water-Based Sprinkler System Freeze!

    February 9, 2016 by Total Fire and Safety

    It’s the time of year when temperatures drop and things get icy, but don’t be fooled. Fires still pose a very serious threat even in winter! Even though it’s been a milder winter than normal here in the Chicago area, it’s still important to make sure your water-based commercial sprinkler system is bullet-proof from the elements and always ready. In the Midwest, where subzero temperatures can hit at any time, it makes sense to be prepared.

    A commercial fire protection company can provide winter fire protection, but building owners need to do their part too!  So how do you know you’re prepared? If you can answer these five questions affirmatively.

    Are your water-based sprinkler system pipes insulated? Even indoors, if the weather gets cold enough, your sprinkler system can be compromised and a small freeze within a fire protection system will compromise the system’s efficiency. If your building has a water-based fire system, the key is to block all cold air flow to the pipes. All pipes should be properly insulated, especially those in the ceilings and exterior walls of the building. Pipes that are close to the ceiling should have insulation above them, since cold air can enter between small caps in exterior sheathing and insulation.

    Have you installed a dry system in your most vulnerable areas? In places that are perpetually vulnerable to cold, such as attics and garages, it is best to replace your water-based sprinkler with a dry one. Special dry systems or dry sprinkler heads can be installed so that the sprinklers will continue to work in cold conditions, and you will never again have to worry about a freeze in a water-based system.

    Has your sprinkler system been inspected lately? When it comes to your commercial sprinkler system, an ounce of prevention is key. Make sure your sprinkler system is functional before the dangerous weather hits and there is a possibility of a pipe breaking.

    Do you know where your water shut-off valve is?  If you have a water-based sprinkler system, there is always a chance of a pipe freezing and bursting. Know how to stop the leak and react fast in an unexpected situation.

    Do you know who to call for help? Have the number of your commercial fire protection technician handy. They can prevent problems with timely inspections, repair a faulty system or update your water-based system to a dry one.

    If you’ve answered yes to all questions, your water-based sprinkler system is in good hands at your facility. If you answered no, we at Total Fire & Safety are at your service to help you install or maintain the best possible system for your building. Contact one of our qualified sprinkler professionals today at Total Fire & Safety.