Safety and security is one of the prime concerns in buildings with a lot of human presence, especially in business establishments and commercial areas. These are the places where there is usually a lot at stake in the event of a disaster, and this is why managers of commercial establishments invest a lot of time and effort ensuring that these places remain well protected.
One of the most common safety issues that needs the right protective measures is the event of a fire breaking out. Fire protection is one of the most important things that should be adequately present in any commercial establishment, and if you already have the right system in place, going in for regular fire sprinkler inspections are a must if you want your fire protection system to be ready to go at all times.
Fire Sprinklers and How They Work
Fires can be devastating in many ways. In commercial areas, fires can not only cause massive property damage, but can also be a viable threat to human life. In hotels and motels alone, fires cause over $75 million worth of damage to property and are responsible for 15 deaths and 150 accidents every year, according to statistics. In factories and warehouses, restaurants and commercial kitchens, apartment building, shopping centers and office buildings, it is crucial to have fire sprinkler systems installed properly, so as to neutralize the threat if a fire does eventually occur.
Fire sprinklers are typically fitted to a ceiling and connected to each other by a network of pipes. The moment a fire breaks out, these sprinklers come into action and douse the flame through the use of water or chemicals that are fire retardant. While this is a great way to ensure that the fire gets put out fast, it can also help minimize damage to property and go a long way to ensure general safety for people in the vicinity.
Regular Fire Sprinkler Inspections
Commercial fire sprinkler systems are quite good at doing their job, provided they receive adequate care and regular maintenance. Like other machines, sprinklers can develop problems over time with wear and tear, exposure and material building up inside pipes and holes causing them to malfunction. It would indeed be unfortunate if you have spent a lot of resources on fire sprinkler installation, but when a fire occurs you find them to be non-operational.
To prevent this and to ensure full and optimum function of your sprinkler system, it is very important to go in for regular professional fire sprinkler inspections. It is a good idea to involve professionals in the process from the very outset. For example, having a professional fire protection services company to do your risk assessment can help you decide what kind of sprinklers would be best for your requirements, and how many you would need to cover your entire area. If you are concerned about water damage, quick response sprinklers might be a good fit as they utilize far less amounts of water than a fire hose, and rely on maintaining water pressure and increasing coverage for maximum effect.
If you take your fire safety seriously, regular fire sprinkler inspections can save you a world of trouble in the event of a fire. Professionals inspect your sprinkler system thoroughly, finding out problems areas, carrying out essential repairs and replacements and ensuring that the system functions optimally at all times. This way, no matter when you face a fire hazard, you are more likely to be adequately prepared to handle the situation.
Fire safety is one of the most important measures that a commercial establishment can implement. To ensure that your system works fine in the unfortunate event of a fire, regular fire sprinkler inspections can really be a good decision to make.