Don't Be Left in the Dark
By Paul J. McGrath
New state fire prevention code regulations that took effect February 1, 2009 require building owners and facility managers to perform monthly inspections and annual tests of all emergency lights and exit sighs on their properties. However, some property owners and managers may be unaware of this requirement or simply overlook the inspections until cited by a fire code inspector.
The Fire Prevention Code Section 604.3.1.1 states: “Required emergency lighting systems, including exit signs, shall be tested for proper operation for a minimum of 30 seconds every month. An annual test shall be conducted for at least one hour. Equipment shall function properly for the duration of these tests.”
This can be an onerous task for many building owners and facility managers. Monthly inspections and annual testing can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Building maintenance staffs already have numerous daily responsibilities and have perhaps faced downsizing in today’s economy. Property owners and managers might be better served by looking outside for this service, because it has to be done and fire code inspectors will look for verification.
City Fire Equipment Company recently introduced a new service to help building owners and facility managers meet the fire code requirements. City Fire Equipment Company personnel perform the monthly inspections of the emergency lighting and exit signs; take any remedial action necessary on the equipment; adhere stickers certifying and dating the inspections; and provide documentation of the work and results. Once each year they perform the 60-minute test required by the fire prevention code. While on premise, the technicians can also check fire extinguishers, sprinklers and fire alarm systems.
Since the inception of this new service, we have found that many building owners and facility managers are relieved to have professional fire safety technicians perform these inspections and tests, make the necessary repairs and provide documentation they can show to the fire code inspectors. This is the perfect solution for building owners and facility managers who are committed to meeting their compliance requirements but do not have the resources themselves. This service is becoming very popular with our existing customers as well as with new customers. Many building owners and facility managers already know us as proven fire prevention professionals and experts in fire code compliance. We are simply extending that relationship while providing the peace of mind of relying on someone they know and trust.
In the 28 years that I have been in the fire protection business, I have never met a building owner or facility manager who does not want to comply with all fire codes. However, there are times when they simply aren’t aware of their obligations or are overwhelmed by them.