-
November 29, 2017 by Total Fire and Safety
 Robin Jones, business development (left) and Jason LeGrand (outside sales) at the latest Co-op and Condo Expo at Navy Pier in Chicago. Did you stop by and see us at the latest Co-op and Condo Expo at Navy Pier in Chicago?
Our team was on hand to talk to condo owners, homeowner association board members, property managers and apartment building owners about their fire safety. We participate every year, not only to meet new prospective clients, but to see our many satisfied ones that come for the educational seminars and exhibit floors.
Visitors to our booth walk away with one of our fire extinguisher-shaped stress balls (if you don’t have one, ask your Total Fire & Safety technician!) and a better understanding of their fire safety responsibilities as property owners or managers. What were the most frequently asked questions?
- How do I know if I am in compliance? (We can help perform inspections to make sure buildings are up-to-date with NFPA requirements, which vary depending on your structure and occupancy.)
- What is this wireless fire alarm technology and will it save me money? (Besides making sure your fire alarms are inspected, in compliance and operational, we can update your old equipment to reduce maintenance costs and improve performance.)
- What do my tenants need to know about fire safety? (We offer solutions and fire safety training on a customized basis.)
- Do you offer first aid kits? (We offer a variety of commercial first aid kits based on your environment’s needs. A first aid kit can make a big difference in the comfort and safety of your tenants or employees!)
- Why Total Fire & Safety? (We are one of the most experienced commercial fire protection companies on the market and make use of some of the most technologically advanced reporting features available.)
We hope to see you at the show next year! Until then, if we can be of assistance with your fire safety needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at 630.960.5060.
Category: Business Safety, Client Events, Fire Safety, NFPA Compliance, Total Fire and Safety, Uncategorized Tags: client events, commercial fire protection, commercial fire safety, Events, fire and safety needs, Total Fire & Safety, wireless fire alarms | Comments Off on TFS at the Co-op and Condo Expo
-
April 19, 2017 by Total Fire and Safety
We cannot overstate the importance of first aid requirement for the workplace. If you read through the OSHA requirements for first aid kits and first aid training, and the ANSI minimum first aid equipment for businesses, you may notice that a lot of the details are left up to the business owner. That is because every business is different, and will have different risks depending on the equipment involved in the business. A simple office space might have a small, basic first aid kit, while a car mechanic would probably need a much more complex one. Here are five steps to help guide you through the process of determining what first aid kit and training your business and your employees need.
1. What are the most common injuries in your industry? Think about the equipment involved with your industry, and what kind of accidents can happen with that equipment. Make sure you satisfy the first aid requirement for workplace accidents to handle the most probable injuries within your specific business.
3. How close are you to the nearest hospital or medical center? In the event of an emergency, how long would it be until help arrived? If your business is in a remote location, you might need extra first aid materials to handle an emergency for a longer length of time.
4. How many employees do you have? Make sure there are enough first aid kits to handle an emergency where multiple people are injured. The more employees you have, the more first aid kits you should have.
5. Consider the layout of your workplace. Make first aid kits easy to get to, and easy to see. They must be clearly labeled, and all employees should know where they are. Also make sure that the first aid kits are accessible in the areas which are most prone to accidents, such as the kitchen in a restaurant.
There are a lot of options for both first aid kits and training. Make sure to think about restocking first aid kits and offering training to new employees. First aid requirements for workplace accidents can include portable kits or wall mounted kits, designed for indoor or outdoor use. For first aid training programs, make sure you go with a quality program that will teach your employees how to handle emergencies that are most likely to occur in your workplace. Cover the basics, and go beyond, to keep your employees healthy and safe.
If you have questions or concerns about first aid kit or training compliance, Total Fire and Safety is you one-stop source for all fire safety and first aid needs. Feel free to contact us at 630-960-5060.
Category: Uncategorized Tags: commerical first aid, commerical first aid kit, fire and safety equipment, fire and safety needs, fire safety, first aid, first aid kit, first aid safety, first aid supplies, safety, Total Fire & Safety | Comments Off on Five Questions to Ask to Assess Your First Aid Requirement for Workplace
-
March 24, 2015 by Total Fire and Safety
 Do you have a Kidde fire extinguisher at home?
The Kidde plastic valve disposable fire extinguisher has been recalled because of a faulty valve component that can cause failure to fully discharge when the lever is repeatedly pressed and released during a fire emergency. According to Kidde, about 4.6 million units in the U.S. and 175,000 in Canada have been sold with the faulty Zytel® black plastic valves. This affects 31 models of Kidde disposable fire extinguishers.
Kidde has received 11 reports of the recalled fire extinguishers failing to discharge as expected, but no injuries have been reported.
The recalled extinguishers are red, white or silver and are either ABC or BC rated.
The ratings can be found to the right of the nameplate. Manufacture dates included in the recall are July 23, 2013 through October 15, 2014. A 10-digit date code is stamped on the side of the cylinder, near the bottom. Digits five through nine represent the day and year of manufacture in DDDYY format. Date codes for recalled units manufactured in 2013 are XXXX 20413 X through XXXX 36513 X and 2014 are XXXX 00114 X through XXXX 28814 X.
A nameplate affixed to the front of the fire extinguisher has one of the following model numbers: FC10BC, 1A 10BC, 1A 10BCW, 2A10BC, 5BC, 5BCW, FA10G, FA110, FA5B, FC10, FC110, FC5, FH/RESSP, FX10, FX10BC, FX10K, FX210, FX210R, FX210W, FX340GW, FX340SC, FX511, KFH Twin, M110 Twin, M5 Twin, Mariner 10,Mariner 110,Mariner 5,Mariner 5 G,RESSP,XL 5MR, XL 5MR.
The extinguishers were sold at Home Depot, Menards, Walmart and other department, home and hardware stores nationwide, and online from August 2013 through November 2014 for between $18 and $65, and about $200.
Consumers with the recalled fire extinguisher should immediately contact Kidde for a replacement!
Their toll-free line is (855) 283-7991 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.kidde.com and click on Safety Notice for more information.
Category: Fire News, Fire Safety, Uncategorized Tags: fire and safety needs, Fire Extinguisher, fire safety recall, fire safety solution, Total Fire & Safety | Comments Off on KIDDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER RECALLED!
-
January 31, 2015 by Total Fire and Safety
 At Total Fire & Safety, most of our commercial fire protection service customers are based in the “snow belt”, which includes Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, where ice and sub-zero temperatures can cause troublesome pipe freezing.While most buildings take advantage of dry pipe systems, which are ideal for cold weather areas, building owners who have water-filled fire protection equipment need to take some cold weather precautions to stay safe.
It is the responsibility of every building owner with at-risk equipment to ensure that the building temperature remains at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above at all times. In buildings where there are sprinkler valve rooms and pump houses with small diameter valve trim piping, a freeze can occur within a few hours after the temperature falls below 32 degrees.
However, any commercial fire protection service company can help a building owner do all they can to keep their building’s fire protection service in working order despite the cold. For example:
1. Carefully testing fire equipment for the first time after the heating system has been turned on. In areas with smoke detectors, the fire detection system should be disabled so accumulated dust on the heat strips will burn off but not set off the alarm. In the worst case scenario, if smoke detectors activate unexpectedly, various sensitive electrical/data equipment rooms protected with the gaseous fire suppression systems (FM-200, Halon, CO2, etc.), could discharge.
2. Checking that all ambient heaters and heat tracing used for the fire protection equipment are operating for the cold weather.
3. Inspecting the integrity of the piping and equipment insulation.
4. Noticing and troubleshooting where residual discharge water or condensation may have accumulated on low point drains on dry pipe and in pre-action and deluge pilot systems before opening the drain valves.
5. Checking air dryers in your dry pipe, pre-action, or deluge pilot systems.
6. Checking antifreeze solution in your antifreeze sprinkler systems. These systems are still permitted until September 30, 2022 as long as they meet all NFPA requirements.
7. Checking that drip drains on your hydrants, FDCs, valve trims and similar equipment are evacuating water from the system.
8. Installing low temperature alarms in any location that could be subject to freezing temperatures.
9. Helping you devise a plan to shorten downtime and stay safe in case the fire sprinkler system freezes.
If you’re wondering if your fire protection service is ready for the cold, Total Fire & Safety has the guidance and expertise you need to protect your property this winter.
Contact us today at 630-960-5060.
Category: Fire Safety, Sprinkler Systems, Uncategorized Tags: fire and safety equipment, fire and safety needs, Firesprinkler, firesprinklerinspections, sprinkler, sprinklerinspections | Comments Off on COLD WEATHER PRECAUTIONS FOR WATER-BASED FIRE SYSTEMS
-
October 24, 2014 by Total Fire and Safety
 Halloween is upon us, and although we don’t light jack o’lanterns or don flammable costumes in our offices, it’s important for owners of residential buildings to be somewhat prepared for this fire prone holiday.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, decorations start more than 1,000 home fires per year. From 2006-2010, these fires caused an estimated average of six civilian deaths, 53 civilian injuries, and $16 million in direct property damage per year. For owners of residential buildings and their tenants, there are many good tips on Halloween fire prevention available from NFPA’s Halloween Safety Tip Sheet. It’s information worth passing on to your residents so they stay safe this holiday.
What can owners of residential buildings do to prepare for Halloween?
Fire Alarms in Residential Buildings
Make sure your fire alarms, including your wireless fire alarm monitoring systems, are in working order and in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, which provides the latest safety provisions to meet society’s changing fire detection, signaling, and emergency communications demands.
Fire Extinguishers in Residential Buildings
When is the last time you had your fire extinguishers inspected? NFPA 10 states that all portable fire extinguishers should be inspected on a monthly basis and maintained by a licensed fire protection company on an annual basis. Total Fire & Safety performs a multi-point check on all portable fire extinguishers:
*Visual Examination for dents, rust, corrosion, pitting or other shell damage
*Test/Maintenance History to determine the need for internal maintenance or hydrostatic testing
*Pressure Gauge check to insure proper pressurization
*Weight check to verify the correct amount of extinguishing agent
*Discharge Hose inspected for blockage or damage
*Locking Pin inspected so it can be easily deployed in an emergency
*Handle/Lever checked for smooth discharge operation
*Cleaning using a degreasing solution
*Inspection Certification documented by attaching a safety flag and service tag
*Mounting Bracket checked for proper installation on mounting hook or bracket
*Hazard Application reviewed so the fire extinguisher is the correct type for potential fire hazards
Residential Sprinkler Systems
In the event of a fire, the sprinkler systems are critical. Make sure they are recently inspected and ready to go in compliance with NFPA 25-2002. Total Fire & Safety does a comprehensive check of residential sprinkler systems, including inspection of functionality, control valves, and electric alarm operation.
If you own a residential building, be sure your fire safety is up to standard this Halloween. If you need assistance, feel free to call Total Fire & Safety at 630.960.5060.
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Fire Safety, Uncategorized Tags: fire and safety equipment, fire and safety needs, firesafety, holiday fire safety, holiday safety, safety | Comments Off on Halloween Safety Tips for Residential Buildings
-
August 19, 2014 by Total Fire and Safety
 Your commercial fire protection systems should be a “set it and forget it” situation, right? Perhaps, but just like everything, fire systems age too. By updating the system you have, you may be able to save considerable time and money, thanks to advances in the latest life safety technologies. So how do you know when it’s time to update your commercial fire protection? Here are the main telltale signs:
Overall age of the system. The industry has made great strides in fire prevention technology in the past decade. The industry continually makes equipment more efficient and reliable, so if it has been a while since you upgraded, chances are you’re missing something.
Changes in your business or areas of your facility. Have you had any changes that would affect the fire code in a particular area of your facility? For example if you have relocated your flammables to a different area of the building, you may need additional protection, such as additional fire extinguishers or alarm monitoring to remain compliant with fire code. A fire protection professional can help you make the necessary adjustments.
Too many service calls. Have you noticed you are calling more often for system malfunctions? Does it seem like you are constantly scheduling a service call from your fire protection service? Are service calls becoming more routine? Are the bills from your fire protection service inflating because of excessive service calls? These are signs that your older system needs an upgrade to function properly. As an added bonus, you will see a reduction in your service calls and maintenance fees!
And the most important reason for upgrading your system…
You are paying too much for your monitoring services. Many companies aren’t aware of how much they are actually paying their service company to monitor their fire safety every month. It’s possible a simple, inexpensive upgrade can result in a remarkable savings over time. For example, many companies are switching to wireless fire alarm monitoring systems, which allows them to cut their dual landlines and save 70% on their alarm monitoring services each month.
If you have an older building, or if you are wondering if an upgrade can save your business money each month, please call Total Fire and Safety at 630-960-5060 for a FREE evaluation of your current commercial fire protection service.
Category: Fire Safety, Uncategorized Tags: commercial fire protection, commercial fire safety, fire and safety equipment, fire and safety needs, fire and safety software, fire and safety solutions, fire safety software, fire safety solution, firesafetytraining, Total Fire & Safety | Comments Off on Four Telltale Signs You Should Update Your Commercial Fire Protection
-
May 21, 2014 by Total Fire and Safety
Total Fire & Safety is welcoming some new additions to our website, including the “Wireless Fire Alarm Monitoring” page!
More and more municipalities, particularly in Chicagoland, are looking to reduce costs and increase efficiency by mandating wireless fire alarm systems for the businesses in their service area. Wireless fire alarm monitoring is faster, safer, and more reliable than phone- based systems that can fail from environmental factors. Also, with wireless fire alarm systems, businesses can disconnect their unneeded landlines and realize a substantial monthly savings.
Our new page includes information about Vigilant™ fire alarm monitoring equipment, which is our preferred manufacturer of fire safety equipment. Vigilant is an industry leader known for its affordable, yet high-quality products that easily retrofit in single-unit facilities or multi-story office buildings.
We’ve also added new icons on our home page to signify three growing and very important parts of our business—life safety training, first aid supplies and emergency lighting.
A new icon on our home page indicates our established life safety code training service which prepares employees for fire scenarios and teaches them the correct use of fire safety equipment. For businesses where fire prevention is a priority, these classes prepare employees with the information they need to keep themselves, their co-workers, and the facility safe. Classes are held at your location in a classroom setting with a hands-on, live burn session so employees get firsthand experience in extinguishing a fire. Other classes we offer include: hood suppression systems, paint booth suppression systems, proper evacuation procedures, fire sprinkler systems proper apparatus usage and more.
Everyone knows the red cross means safety, and the recently added icon represents our first aid supplies. Our service protects your employees with stocked cabinets of quality first aid supplies that we routinely replenish. When a minor injury occurs, your business is prepared, with the the right supplies on hand. We make the program affordable by only charging for the products your employees use. Our service helps businesses meet OSHA Regulation CFR 1910.151 (b).
Our third new home page icon is the exit sign, which represents our emergency lighting and LED emergency lighting, including signs and combination exit sign and lighting units. We keep your emergency lighting in working order with regular inspections to ensure that all units are in compliance, mounted correctly and free of damage, with batteries charged and bulbs in proper working order. We are also specialists in helping companies convert their emergency signage from conventional light bulbs to LEDs, which has helped many of our clients reduce their service and supply cost.
We regularly provide free evaluations of your existing systems and can make recommendations on how to reduce costs for your company. For more information on our quality products and services, or to schedule an evaluation of your site, visit us at totalfireandsafety.com or call us at 630-960-5060.
Category: Fire Alarm Monitoring, Total Fire and Safety Tags: emergency lighting, fire and safety equipment, fire and safety needs, first aid supplies, life safety training, lifesafety, wireless fire alarm monitoring, wireless fire alarms, wireless fire alarms for business | Comments Off on Announcing….Our New Wireless Fire Alarm Monitoring Page!
-
November 4, 2013 by Total Fire and Safety
 Are you ready for a more convenient, easier way to manage your fire and safety needs?
For more than 20 years, businesses have looked to Total Fire & Safety for comprehensive, fire safety solutions. Recently, however, we began searching to make a good thing even better. We recognize that each day, our customers are challenged with keeping track of the installation, inspection, and maintenance of a growing inventory of fire and safety equipment in multiple locations. We wanted them to be able to see a complete picture of their entire fire and safety needs, all in one convenient record. We also wanted them to have an interface where they could access their own information and conveniently request and track service online. When we couldn’t find anything acceptable on the market, we decided to create something!
With the help of a software developer, Total Fire & Safety developed the Total Experiencesm software for our customers! The Total Experiencesm is a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind, customer interface that provides real-time, comprehensive information about a company’s entire inventory of fire and safety equipment from one convenient, online portal. The fire safety solution is only available from Total Fire and Safety and gives customers convenient access and unprecedented control of their information. Here’s how customers receive the Total Experiencesm !
- Customers login to the Total Experiencesm portal. Data for equipment can be requested by location, address, or managing agent.
- Customers can then drill down to request detailed status information for any piece of equipment. Each record shows date installed, inspected, serviced, and next date of service needed. If a piece of equipment needs service, schedule the appointment online from within the portal and even download the information to an Outlook calendar.
- Next, customers can set and customize “business alerts” by text or email to help remember appointments or times to order service. Business alerts can also give real-time progress updates of service technicians and even estimate their time of arrival on-site.
- Finally, customers can track financial data for each location and piece of equipment, and run valuable reports for making prudent purchasing and maintenance decisions.
Look for the launch of The Total Experiencesm in December! If you’d like to learn more about how the Total Experiencesm can help your business now, contact us at 630.960.5060 or at info@totalfireandsafety.com.
Category: Total Experience Tags: fire and safety equipment, fire and safety needs, fire and safety software, fire and safety solutions, fire safety software, fire safety solution, Total Experience | Comments Off on Coming Soon! The Total Experience: A Revolutionary Fire Safety Solution!
-
February 21, 2012 by admin
Welcome to the Total Fire and Safety Blog. Here you can get more information on keeping yourself, your children and your property safe from fire and disaster with easy preventative steps. Also should an emergency arise, Total Fire and Safety can educate you, your family or your employees on what to do, where to go and how to keep yourself and others safe in an emergency.
There is lots of safety equipment and technology that can prevent disasters as well as minimize the damages. These technologies are all available through Total Fire and Safety:
- Fire Alarms
- Sprinkler Systems
- Fire Pumps
- Backflow Prevention Plumbing
- Fire Extinguishers
- Emergency Lights
- Fire Suppression Systems
- First Aid
Also Total Fire and Safety offers full training courses on all of our technologies and equipment to be utilized properly in an emergency situation.
Category: Total Fire and Safety Tags: commercial fire protection, commercial fire safety, equipment, fire, fire and safety equipment, fire and safety needs, fire and safety solutions, fire safety solution, lifesafety, safety, technology, Total Fire & Safety, training | Comments Off on Total Fire and Safety Blog
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
