Cheerful business owners standing with open blackboard
If you own or are opening a new business…Congratulations! Not everyone has what it takes to do what you’ve accomplished. Navigating through federal, state, and local regulations was tough but you’ve made it.
Before you have that Grand Opening though, have you ensured your fire protection needs are met? Perhaps you’re looking to get a certificate of occupancy but can’t because…surprise!…you didn’t meet safety codes. Or, perhaps you’re simply planning your budget for the year.
Either way, we want you to have the best possible start to your business so we’ve put together a short guide for some popular small businesses and what each of them can expect regarding fire protection purchases, inspection, and maintenance.
Restaurants and other Food Services
At minimum, a restaurant is required to have a kitchen hood fire suppression system(s) guarding the range and movable appliances. A note of caution: before moving appliances, such as commercial charbroilers, check with your fire protection service provider so that your system stays in compliance. Also, restaurants must have Class K portable fire extinguishers which contain a suppressive agent formulated specifically for grease fires.
While extinguishers are simple to install, a kitchen range hood installation encompasses design, installation, gas hookups, finishing work, AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) certification, and staff training. All of this is typically included in the quote your installer will provide. What may not be included is the cost of future inspections which are conducted semi-annually and required.
If your kitchen range is a workhorse, you may want to invest in Quarterly Hood Cleanings to prevent grease buildup in the hood and spray nozzles which can render a kitchen system ineffective. And, depending on your fire district codes, you may need additional equipment such as a sprinkler system and/or fire alarm system.
Automotive Repair and Body Shops
Shops specializing in automotive repair and spray painting require ABC Fire Extinguishers in every shop. Needless to say…but we’ll say it anyway…the “hotwork” done via welding and cutting should be conducted with plenty of distance between such work and flammables. Not all shops are the same size or configuration so how many extinguishers and where they’re placed will depend on your unique needs. There will be times that portable equipment gets moved to other locations within the shop, sometimes closer to flammables; so, situational awareness and, of course, the right fire suppression system are key to maintaining safety.
In the case of spray paint shops, the type and concentration of flammable chemicals call for a special type of suppression system called a paint booth system. Similar to other industrial suppression systems, this type will require semi-annual inspections and occasional maintenance.
Daycares
Since daycare facilities involve children, special care and regulation will compel you to have multiple fire safety components. In addition to fire extinguishers and kitchen hoods (if a range is present) a fire alarm and sprinkler system will add protective layers to your overall safety plan. Although this article discusses fire protection, it won’t hurt to consider access control and CCTV as part of overall safety in a childcare setting.
Healthcare / Assisted Living
Similar to daycare, facilities housing vulnerable populations such as the elderly and special needs residents will demand a variety of fire protection components to maintain safety compliance and keep property damage to a minimum.
According to a National Fire Protection Association report (https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Fires-in-Health-Care-Facilities), most fires in healthcare facilities start with cooking equipment. However, fires with the costliest impact start elsewhere in these facilities, usually due to electrical components and lighting. Even when fire sprinklers are present, their effectiveness can be diminished by inadequate coverage, inappropriate or painted sprinkler heads, and poorly maintained early warning systems such as heat and smoke detectors.
So what does all that mean for this type of business? Investment in kitchen hood fire suppression systems, sprinkler systems, and fire alarm systems should be at the forefront of your budget planning whether purchasing an existing facility or building new.
For hospitals, accreditation through HFAP or the Joint Commission will include an adequate fire protection plan.
Art Galleries and other Sensitive Environments
Setting up shop in an old turned trendy district lends itself to the art scene but while the buildings in these districts may be “grandfathered” against some fire codes they could be, in reality, a fire waiting to happen. Art Galleries and historical sites should consider clean agent systems such as FM-200 and Inergen and clean agent portable extinguishers that won’t damage works of art or sensitive materials. Naturally, this kind of specialized equipment is pricier for both installation and inspection/maintenance but well worth the investment.
On the other side of the spectrum, the last decade has seen a rise in data storage and archive centers for which the same principles of fire protection apply. Use a clean agent system that won’t damage electrical or sensitive materials and ensure access control egress (exiting) is working safely.
All Businesses
For all businesses, there are numerous things that can break a budget but fire prevention doesn’t have to be one of them. Avoid putting it on the side burner for the simple reason it’s a once, sometimes twice a year item to tick off the list because it isn’t really.
Equipment used in rough or poorly controlled environments will break down more frequently and require more extensive repair work and maintenance. Even then, there will be mandatory, additional testing.
Periodic testing of equipment integrity is necessary for fire alarms, fire extinguishers, kitchen range hoods, and industrial or clean agent suppression systems.
Fire extinguishers require 6-year maintenance and 12-year hydrotesting.
Fire Alarms receive a 2-year sensitivity test.
Sprinkler systems call for fire pump, 5-year Internal Pipe inspection, and backflow preventer testing.
Like fire extinguishers, kitchen range hoods, and industrial / clean agent systems require hydrotesting on every system tank every 12 years.
Other factors such as the physical size of your business, its location, and your insurance requirements all play parts in fire protection management too. Each of these can affect the quantity, placement, type of equipment, and frequency of inspections. Some insurers go so far as to require quarterly, monthly, even weekly inspections of sprinklers and fire extinguishers. But these inspections are less involved and often just visual inspections such as checking gauges and physical damage. Even though these “visual” inspections are more frequent they do not take the place of the annual inspection.
In between inspections, you can perform your own walk-throughs to make sure your equipment is accessible and ready to use.
Planned, timely inspections can help you stave off surprise expenses throughout the year in terms of both repair costs and AHJ fines but ultimately, the safety of your customers, yourself, and your business is paramount. In a matter of seconds, a fire can destroy all your hard work and put you out-of-business. But planning your budget with fire protection in mind and setting up a fire inspection schedule with a service provider you trust can extend a good safety net for whatever type of small business you open.
How important is the fire code for animal shelters? Deadly fires at kennels and animal shelters are not uncommon across the U.S. In the past year, over 100 dogs have died in kennel fires, including here near Chicago.
On the night of January 14, 2019, a West Chicago animal kennel went up in flames. Thirty-one dogs perished in the fire. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but investigators determined no staff was present at the time and no working fire sprinklers were on property. The kennel did have fire detectors, but no one was around to hear them.
The tragedy prompted lawmakers to come up with legislation to ensure such an event never happens again. The new law, signed in August, went into effect January 1. The legislation requires kennels to be staffed 24/7 or have sprinkler systems or alarms that alert local fire departments.
When it comes to arming animal shelters with lifesaving equipment, Total Fire and Safety can help with the installation of …..
Wireless Fire Alarms
Preferred by fire departments, they are more reliable than land-based systems for their quick and accurate response.
A working fire sprinkler is 96% effective in containing a fire.
Monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections are necessary to ensure safety and keep your building fire code compliant.
TFS uses the most up-to-date technology and thorough process to prevent sprinkler failure.
Working fire extinguishers can keep a small fire from getting out of control when someone is in the facility. Every business needs working fire extinguishers at the ready, and be trained to use them.
A fire extinguisher is your first line of defense, 24/7.
30% of fire extinguishers are not in working order. We complete a 12-point inspection to make sure they are fire ready.
On-site training is provided to guarantee proper employee usage.
All it takes is basic fire protection to save animal and human lives.
Illinois’ new fire code will help protect our furry friends from another senseless tragedy and prevent irreparable damage to lives, structures, and pocketbooks. Total Fire and Safety can equip your facility with the latest fire protection and help maintain the equipment installed. Give us a call today at (630) 960-5060.
We wish you the warmth and cheer of the season!
Thank you for your continued support throughout the year.
From all of us at Total Fire & Safety
Twelve Days of Fire Safety
On the first day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… A safe and code compliant facility!
On the second day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the third day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the fourth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me.. Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the fifth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the sixth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Six extinguishers inspected FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the seventh day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Seven exit signsSix extinguishers inspected FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the eight day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Eight backflow inspections Seven exit signs Six extinguishers inspected FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the ninth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Nine sprinkler systems Eight backflow inspections Seven exit signs Six extinguishers inspected FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the tenth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Ten safety trainings Nine sprinkler systems Eight backflow inspections Seven exit signs Six extinguishers inspected FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the eleventh day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Eleven fire pumps serviced Ten safety trainings Nine sprinkler systems Eight backflow inspections Seven exit signs Six extinguishers inspected FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
On the twelfth day of safety, Total Fire gave to me… Twelve new extinguishers Eleven fire pumps serviced Ten safety trainings Nine sprinkler systems Eight backflow inspections Seven exit signs Six extinguishers inspected FIVE WIRELESS ALARMS Four first aid kits Three eyewash stations Two emergency plans and a safe and code compliant facility!
Once again active shooting in public places is making headlines and making us consider our self defense options wherever we go. Unfortunately, our safety can be threatened almost anywhere, and self-defense is important. In your workplace or the facilities you manage, it’s important for the people inside to know how to react in the event of an active shooter or other attack.
In the case of an active shooter or other violent attack, potential victims have little or no advance warning. The sound of gunshots may be the earliest alert you receive, leaving little time to react. That’s why it is more important that you are prepared with a proactive plan of self defense, so you know how to respond immediately.
For years we were taught to shelter in place and wait for first responders. But studies have found that this line of defense results in increased casualties. Recently, offices and buildings have adopted the ALICE response plan. ALICE is an acronym for the five steps you can take to survive an active shooter attack. You may or may not use all the steps in the plan, but it’s nice to know that the fire extinguishers we regularly install and service, can actually be used effectively against an attacker in the “C” or “counter” step of ALICE.
So, in the event of an attack, remember ALICE:
Alert- Let everyone in the office or the building know what is going on when you hear gunshots, receive a warning or phone message, etc. The faster you communicate, the more lives can be saved.
Lockdown- If evacuation is not an option, lock the door, barricade it, and cover windows. Look for alternate escape routes, call 911, but do not open the door. Prepare yourself for the shooter to enter.
Inform- Pass on as much information as you can. Who, what, where, when! The more those around you know, the better.
Counter- Counter is one of the most dangerous but potential life saving strategies within the ALICE response. To counter is to fight back. Even in schools, there is one weapon, available to all, allowed and required in all buildings, and easy to use at your disposal against a predator. It’s your FIRE EXTINGUISHER!
While any object can become a weapon against the shooter, that five or ten-pound fire extinguisher on the wall can be very powerful. Remember that an armed assailant will not have a free hand to block counterattacks, nor will they be expecting one. Use your fire extinguisher to throw at the shooter or as a bludgeon when he comes through the door. Even if hitting him over the head does not knock him unconscious, it can buy you time to escape. You can also pull the pin and deploy the contents which can potentially blind or suffocate the shooter, or at the very least, startle him/her, long enough to disarm or tackle them.
To use a fire extinguisher, remember PASS:
Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
Once the can is empty, keep your grasp and ram the bottom of the can into the attacker’s face or body. Having training on how to correctly use a fire extinguisher ahead of time can ensure that your employees are prepared for more than fighting fires!
If you automatically locate the nearest escape doors when you go into a public place, it’s also a good time to note where the fire extinguishers are located, just in case.
The last letter in the ALICE acronym is “E.”
Evacuate- Escaping the danger zone is always the best self defense option in the event of a shooter. Total Fire & Safety offers emergency evacuation and fire safety training so your people are trained to respond in a productive, organized way should an emergency ensue.
Total Fire and Safety is committed to all areas of life safety, including self defense against active shooters. For more information on our training, see our website or give us a call: 630-960-5060.
According to legend, the cause of the greatest fire in Chicago was a cow kicking over a lantern in a barn. In 1871, the entire city of Chicago was engulfed in flames. The fire lasted two days, left 300 people dead and over $200 million in damage. The event changed Chicago. Stricter fire codes were implemented, structures were built with different materials, and fire departments were equipped with better equipment and advanced training methods.
Today, fires in Chicago rarely go unexplained due to investigative divisions within the fire departments. The investigative teams are well trained in how to identify common causes of fires in Chicago. The most common causes of fires in Chicago vary by type.
Whether it is a residential fire or industrial fire, criminal or accidental, fires in Chicago and around the country all have a determining factor. The responsibility for finding the determining factor is up to the fire department. From a public standpoint, finding a cause seems impossible. How do they do it?
Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters note the color of the flames, the amount of smoke, the rate at which the fire spreads, and the sound it makes. These are all clues as to what is burning and how it is burning. It is incumbent of the firefighters to protect the evidence at the scene by:
Limiting excessive fire suppression
Preventing needless destruction to a property
Using markers or cones to identify evidence
Writing notes or making voice recordings of observations
Covering areas that contain evidence
Preserve delicate evidence like shoe or tire tracks
Once the fire is extinguished, the fire investigators dig through the ashes. They take photographs prior to and during the investigation for documentation. The objective of investigators is to locate the point of origin. This is achieved through the char patterns, direction of melt, and heat shadows. The burn patterns are often “V” shaped like an inverted cone. The fire burns upward, in a V-shaped pattern away from point of origin. The location is usually the most damaged by the fire. Although most of the determination of origin is science-based, there is a little bit of guessing and witness accounts. Fires in Chicago are likely to have one of four reasons:
Electrical issues
Natural acts
Open flames
Human action
Fires in Chicago have decreased over the years with an average of eight fire per day. Fortunately, fatal fires are rare, but even one is too many. It’s important for residents and businesses to practice fire safety. Is your business well equipped against fires? Total Fire and Safety can help safeguard your building and those occupying it with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency lights and more. We’ll inspect your property to ensure it is up to code and even provide training classes for employees so they know how to use the equipment in an emergency. Give TFS a call today at 630-960-5060.
With the rise in popularity and construction of senior living centers, fire safety continues to be a concern to keep our grandparents, parents, and aging loved ones protected. According to the United States Fire Administration, in 2015, older adults represented 15 percent of the U.S. population and suffered 40 percent of all fire related deaths. They are also 2.7 times greater risk of dying in a fire than the total population. Those 85 and older were 3.8 times more likely to die in a fire than the total population.
The elderly in multi-level dwellings are at higher risk of dying in a fire for several reasons. They may be on medication that impairs them from taking stairs down to safety, or their mobility issues may prevent them from moving quickly enough. They may live alone or have no one to call for assistance. Educating property managers, caretakers, and the elderly on fire safety for senior citizens is one step we can take in protecting this aging generation. Below are some considerations for property managers and their tenants.
1. Test Smoke Alarms
Smoke is a silent killer. Senior citizens with hearing problems who sleep without a hearing aid could be killed in their sleep. Having a working smoke alarm in every room and hallway helps, but they should be effective for the user. Strobe alarms are best, and seniors can install alarms that shake their bed to rouse them in the event of a fire. Most importantly of all, make sure to test smoke alarms every month so they are always in compliance.
2. Sit Your Butt Down…in the proper place!
Smoking is the number one cause of fire deaths in the country. Remind senior citizens never to smoke in bed and especially not near flammable oxygen tanks. Seniors can use deeper or heavier ashtrays to avoid ashes flipping or falling onto the rug and starting a fire. The best way to put butts out is with sand and water.
3. Create a Fire Escape Plan
Seniors may have less than three minutes to escape danger in the event of a fire. They should have a fire escape plan and practice it, knowing all the accessible exits. For seniors suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s who have escape proof doors, it is important they have a prearranged escort in the event of a fire.
4. Stay in the Kitchen
Seniors should always stay in the kitchen when cooking. Most kitchen fires begin because food is left unattended, so if they must leave the kitchen while cooking they should turn the burner off. Even a short absence from the kitchen can unexpectedly turn into an extended amount of time away. If seniors must leave the kitchen, they should take a cooking utensil or potholder with them to serve a helpful reminder. Also, remind seniors to never cook with loose or dangling sleeves that can easily ignite and burn a senior, or potentially start a major fire.
5. Daily Necessities
Seniors should think about what they use to get around every day, like glasses, a wheelchair, a cane, etc. These items should be placed next to the bed for easy access in case of fire. A phone and a whistle should also be at bedside. The whistle lets people know where you are and enables you to warn others of the fire. Escape is always the priority; call the fire department later. If trapped, use the phone to call for help. Seniors with wheelchairs or walkers should check exit routes ahead of time to be sure they are accessible or plan an alternate route. Inform building managers or neighbors of the plan. If your impairment makes it impossible to escape in the event of a fire, discuss your concern with landlord, or check with the fire department.
6. Don’t Overload Outlets or Extension Cords
Inspect your extension cords regularly for fraying, exposed wire, or loose plugs. Unplug extension cords when not in use. If you need to plug in multiple appliances, use an extension cord approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
As their population begins to grow, fire safety for senior citizens cannot be stressed enough. Property managers, caretakers, the elderly, and their families should all be aware of the increased risk to the age group and try to protect them. The professionals at Total Fire and Safety are ready to help ensure your building has fire equipment that is working properly. We provide the life safety features that keep fire safety for your residents, including senior citizens, a main priority. Give us a call today! 630-960-5060
A brand new year is a great time for businesses to evaluate what they can improve upon, even in terms of their commercial fire safety. No business is completely immune to accidental fires and having the right equipment in place year round can prevent potential devastation.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 3,300 fires break out in office buildings across the U.S each year. The NFPA reports that a number of people are killed or injured with an estimated $112 million in property damage.
If you’re a business set on achieving your 2019 goal of reaching NFPA compliance, take a look at checklist of equipment you need below for commercial fire safety. Anything missing? Call Total Fire & Safety. We can help!
____ Alarms
Fire and smoke alarms are the first line of defense and should be regularly inspected and in working order.
Equipment is essential and necessary to prevent major damage but people are too! Whether it’s putting out a fire or tending to the injured, what good is the equipment if you don’t have employees able to use it?
____ First Aid
First aid kits and cabinets should be readily available for employees.
A comprehensive fire equipment training course on the use of fire equipment and first aid can place confidence in employees and keep everyone safe.
Training employees reduces the chance of small fires starting and spreading.
You could have all the equipment ready and employees trained to use it but they need something else.
____ Emergency Preparedness Plan
Remind employees to REACT-(remove from danger, ensure doors/windows are closed, activate alarm, call 911, treat as dangerous.)
Conduct fire drills.
Schedule inspections of all fire equipment.
Have employees trained on firefighting equipment.
Making sure you have commercial fire safety in place can seem a daunting task but the pros at Total Fire and Safety are here to simplify it. TFS covers everything including inspection, maintenance, training, and keeping your building up to code so you are well protected in the event of an unforeseen fire. Give us a call today at 630-960-5060.
Next to the everyday hustle and bustle of the average office, office kitchen fire safety is a secondary concern. However, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) reports that just over one-fifth of office fires begin in the kitchen or cooking area. Twenty-nine percent are started by cooking equipment, the leading cause of fires in the office. Although these fires started small, they caused major structure damage.
With the holidays on the way and more employee parties sure to take place, the office kitchen will be used more than ever. How can you prevent a fire from happening? How do you keep your employees safe and well fed at the same time? Here are four important safety tips to help you get started:
1. Replace worn or frayed power cords. Inspect power cords on the kitchen appliances. Are the wires exposed? If so, the cord can short out and cause a fire. Encourage your employees to keep an eye out for damaged cords. Be sure to replace them as soon as they are found. This one simple act will keep the office safe.
2. Watch food as it cooks. It easy to become distracted in the office, whether its fellow coworkers gossiping or doing too many things at once. You wouldn’t leave food unattended at home and the office should not be any different. To ensure food cooks properly, emphasize that employees must stay near appliances as they cook or heat food/beverage. Employees using the kitchen also need to watch for signs of smoke or burning. Doing so will ensure the safety of the entire building.
3. Regularly clean appliances. We’ve all been there. We stick a (insert food item) in the microwave, oven, toaster, etc., and it explodes or leaves spillage behind. However, we avoid cleaning, commonly thinking someone else will do it. Spills and baked-in foods left behind can cause a fire. Cleaning kitchen equipment after use will prevent grease from accumulating which prevents combustion. These hazards can be avoided easily so remind employees to wipe up spills, food particles left behind, etc.
4. Have employees trained to use a fire extinguisher. No matter how proactive you and your employees are, accidents still happen. Having staff trained to use fire fighting equipment could mean the difference between a catastrophe or a minor incident. Total Fire and Safety can train you and your employees to use a fire extinguisher, first aid equipment, and other lifesaving safety measures.
With most office fires starting in the kitchen, it is important to educate employees on office kitchen fire safety. Total Fire and Safety (TFS) offers a complete fire training program to educate employees on the proper techniques of fighting a fire. Not only can your employees use these practices in the office, they can also apply them in their home. Keep you, your staff, and your workplace fire safe. Give TFS a call today at 630-960-5060.
Fire prevention week was instituted in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 which burned from October 8-10, 1871 and took the lives of nearly 300 people. It burned nearly 3.3 square miles of Chicago and left over 100,000 residents homeless.
Forty years after the tragic blaze, the U.S. Fire Marshall used the anniversary to promote fire prevention and fire safety. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed fire prevention week as a national observance and it has become the longest running health observance in the country.
Even though we know more now about fire prevention than ever before and we have better equipment too, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) released a shocking statistic: if you reported a fire in your home, you are more likely to die today than you were a few decades ago. Today’s home fires burn faster, allowing occupants less than two minutes to escape without harm.
Although the messages of Fire Prevention Week primarily focus on home fires, their messages can be applied at any location including businesses, warehouses, and other commercial spaces. Fire prevention week is a time to draw attention to the fire safety practices within your company using the resources provided by fire departments, the NFPA, and companies like Total Fire and Safety.
The following are some initiatives companies can take to observe Fire Prevention Week:
Send emails and provide handouts detailing fire safety
Share safety information from the NFPA with your employees, including the campaign specifics
This year, fire prevention week runs October 7-13. The theme is Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware- Fire can happen anywhere. This year’s campaign focuses on basic but essential ways to escape your home fire safely with three simple steps:
Look for places a fire could begin. Identify potential fire hazards in your workplace and remove them.
Listen for the sound of the alarm. As soon as the alarm sounds, make your way out of the building at a safe distance from the fire.
Learn two ways out of every room. Make sure all exits leading outside are free of clutter, unlocked and have emergency lights if necessary.
Fire prevention week is also commemorated at fire stations all over the area with special open houses and related programs. Here’s a roundup of some of the events in the Total Fire & Safety service area. For more information, see the website for each individual fire department.
If we can ever be of help to you during fire prevention week or any other time during the year, call Total Fire and Safety to ensure your business in in NFPA compliance with all of your commercial fire protection at 630-960-5060.
Saturday, Oct. 6
Tinley Park Fire Department: 17355 68th Court, Tinley Park, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Schaumburg Fire Department: 950 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, 11 a.m. – 2p.m.
Clarendon Hills Fire Department: 316 Park Ave., Clarendon Hills, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Minooka Fire Department: 7901 E. Minooka Road, Minooka, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hazel Crest Fire Department: 2903 W. 175th St., Hazel Crest, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bensenville Fire Protection District: 500 S. York Road, Bensenville, 12 – 3 p.m.
Belvidere Fire Department: 123 S. State St., Belvidere, 1 – 4 p.m.
Evanston Fire Department: 1817 Washington St., Evanston, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.• West Chicago Fire Department: 200 Freemont St., West Chicago, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cissna Park Fire Department: 206 N. 2nd St., Cissna Park, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lake Zurich Fire Department: 321 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mokena Fire Department: 19853 S. Wolf Road, Mokena, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Peotone Fire Protection District: 7550 W. Joliet Road, Peotone, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 8
Western Springs Fire Department: 4353 Wolf Road, Western Springs, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 10
Downers Grove Fire Department: 6701 Main St., Downers Grove, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 12
Crete Fire Department: 524 W. Exchange St., Crete, 5 – 8 p.m.
Total Fire and Safety has a dedicated team of professionals that use the best technology to test and inspect fire safety equipment in any commercial building. TFS also provides training classes to educate employees both in the classroom and on-site. Knowledge is power and the more your employees know, the better they can protect themselves. What better time to spread the word than fire prevention week! If we can help you with your fire prevention in October or anytime, give Total Fire and Safety a call at 630-960-5060.
Most companies understand the mandate to have regular fire extinguisher inspections but many wonder why on earth a company could actually fail these inspections. After all, a fire extinguisher is rarely used so how can it need service?
Chances are you see a fire extinguisher every day, but how closely do you look at it? Even one dent in the tank can change the outcome. According to the NFPA, nearly 30 percent of fire extinguishers are not in proper working order. Total Fire and Safety’s twelve-point check can ensure your company’s compliance. However, there are five main reasons why companies fail a fire extinguisher inspection.
1. Unseen Damage– Corrosion or damage can occur over time in hard to see areas of the extinguisher, for example, rust within the tank. That is when a professional steps in and inspects the extinguisher inside and out. TFS will visually examine the extinguisher making sure it is free of dents, rust, or other hazards.
2. Potential Hose Blockage– Debris can clog the hose or deterioration of the O-rings can occur over time, rendering a fire extinguisher useless in an emergency. TFS will remove the hose completely to check for irregularities.
3. Possible Leaks– Whether large or small, a leak will cause the fire extinguisher to be inoperable. Anyone can check the pressure gauge to determine if there is a leak. However, if there is no pressure gauge, you will need a professional. TFS will confirm the compression in the tank.
4. Wear/Fading of Labels– Labels are vital when fighting a fire because they contain instructions on how to use the extinguisher. They also provide important information about the device’s maintenance history, which is needed by inspection professionals. Once your fire extinguisher inspection is complete, the labels will be updated, and an additional certification tag will be attached.
5. Recharging Needed– Once a fire extinguisher is used, even partially, it will need to be recharged immediately. If you fail to recharge the extinguisher, it will fail you in a fire.
Although these are common reasons companies fail fire extinguisher inspections, there are other possible hazards not listed. It is important to stay up-to-date with your fire extinguisher inspections. The NFPA requires inspection every month and maintenance every year by a professional. In addition, a stored pressure extinguisher requires internal maintenance every six years and a hydrostatic test every 12 years.
It takes a minute for a fire to spread and cause irreparable damage to your company—the same amount of time it takes to schedule a fire extinguisher inspection!
Total Fire and Safety can inspect your fire extinguishers to ensure they are unfailingly ready to fight fire at a moment’s notice. We also provide onsite training for your employees, including hands-on practice in the use of a fire extinguisher. Give us a call today at 630.960.5060.
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