August Newsletter

Igniting Fire Safety

According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2019, there were approximately 106,000 fires in non-residential structures, causing 90 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and a staggering $2.6 billion in direct property damage in 2020.

Fire Life Safety is more than just a legal obligation; it’s a critical aspect of facility management. Understanding the impact of maintenance and compliance can help you make informed decisions.

Did You Know?

  • NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, recommends that fire doors be inspected and tested at least annually. However, statistics reveal that less than 50% of fire doors in commercial buildings receive proper inspections.
  • A research study on fire incidents in buildings highlighted that improper fire stopping and cable management contributed to the rapid spread of flames and smoke in 80% of the reported cases.
  • An analysis of building inspections conducted across various industries revealed that more than 60% of buildings had compromised fire barriers, leaving them vulnerable to fire spread.

 

  • The NFPA recommends that fire doors older than ten years be replaced, as the structural integrity and fire resistance capabilities may be compromised over time, yet up to 40% of fire doors in commercial buildings surpassed the recommended replacement age.
  • A study conducted by the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) found that over 70% of inspected fire doors in various buildings required maintenance or repairs.
  • The USFA reported that 46% of inspected fire dampers in commercial buildings were found to be deficient and required immediate repairs or replacements.

Enhance Business Resilience

  1. Reduced Property Damage
  2. Employee & Customer Safety
  3. Compliance with Regulations
  4. Business Continuity
  5. Reduced Insurance Premiums
  6. Protection of Assets & Inventory

Compliance Codes: The Cornerstone of Safety

  • NFPA 1: Fire Code outlines general fire safety requirements for commercial buildings, covering everything from emergency planning to maintenance of fire protection systems.
  • NFPA 80: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives ensures the proper installation and maintenance of fire doors, fire windows, and other opening protectives, which are critical components for containing and preventing the spread of fires.
  • NFPA 101: Life Safety Code is designed to provide a clear path to safe egress during fires, ensuring occupant safety through proper building design and maintenance.
  • NFPA 105: Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives focuses on the installation, inspection, and maintenance of smoke door assemblies, which play a vital role in controlling the movement of smoke within a building during a fire event.
  • NFPA 241: Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations sets guidelines to prevent fires during construction or renovation projects in commercial buildings.