October is Fire Prevention Month. It’s a great time for businesses in Wisconsin to examine their fire safety practices more closely. According to the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation, over the past 30 years, the number of fire-related deaths in Wisconsin has been cut in half. That’s a wonderful statistic, but significant risks remain. Companies tend to ignore fire code violations that are commonly found everywhere. By ignoring the obvious employees and customers end up being at risk. Adhering to the below violations by learning more about them, you can keep your business out of harm’s way!
What Does a Fire Code Address?
Businesses in Wisconsin must adhere to regulations set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and local authorities. These regulations ensure buildings have essential safety features, like fire alarms and sprinklers. Regular inspections and maintenance keep these systems working properly, and fire drills can help people stay calm and safe in emergencies. Before diving into the seven common fire code violations to avoid, consider these statistics from the NFPA:
- Peak time of day for office fires: noon – 2 p.m. (a.k.a. lunchtime!)
- 29% were caused by cooking equipment.
- Electrical equipment is the second leading cause of office fires.
- 69% of fires happened between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- 90% of fires were large enough to activate sprinklers (effective 88% of the time).
- Deaths per 1,000 stores were 62% lower in offices equipped with sprinklers.
Now, take note of the violations below so you can better prepare for an emergency!
1. Faulty or Disconnected Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm that does not function correctly or is not connected will not be helpful. Dangerous faulty connections can endanger lives and cause fire code violations. Test the smoke alarms in the house and replace their batteries consistently. Consider setting up a calendar reminder so that no reminder is surely forgotten!
2. Improper Fire Equipment Maintenance
Neglecting regular inspection and maintenance of your fire safety equipment puts your business at risk and may lead to fire code violations. One way to do that is to regularly check your fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and alarm systems according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations. Do not forget to repair or change any equipment that is not functioning properly! Collaboration with fire safety experts will make this job much easier, and they will be able to verify that your systems are always up to code and ready to respond in an emergency.
3. Blocked or Obstructed Exits
Fire exits must stay clear at all times. For instance, a single desktop or cabinet placed in a fire exit door, even just momentarily, can obstruct the escape and be catastrophic during a fire or other emergency. Clogging these exits is the action that can pave the way for the slowing down of evacuation processes and putting each person’s life in jeopardy at stake. Always ensure that paths to fire exits are unobstructed so everyone can exit quickly and safely when it matters most.
4. Misuse of Extension Cords
Many people often plug multiple devices into a single extension cord without realizing that it can overload the circuit and cause overheating, which could lead to a fire. Additionally, old or damaged cords can be even riskier. Instead of depending on extension cords for everyday use, hiring a licensed electrician to install additional outlets where you need them is much safer.
5. Missing or Damaged Fire Extinguishers
Don’t overlook fire extinguishers. Studies show that fire extinguishers can effectively extinguish up to 80% of fires. They must be readily accessible, properly maintained, and inspected annually to be prepared to fight small fires. Most importantly, your staff should be trained on using a fire extinguisher, including pulling the pin and aiming the hose correctly.
6. Lack of Egress Drills
Fire drills done regularly are essential for ensuring that employees know what to do in an emergency. Skipping these drills can lead to confusion and delays when every second counts. Practicing escape routes and procedures helps everyone feel more confident and ready to act quickly if a fire occurs. Make it a point to schedule these drills at least twice yearly to keep safety in mind.
7. Failure to Keep Safety Records
Filing comprehensive fire safety inspection and maintenance records is necessary for adhering to the rules and regulations, and proper maintenance is also essential. It becomes a challenge when safety protocols should be exercised, but no one provides evidence to show that the systems are running well. Creating a system for regularly disclosing the necessary information will allow you to provide exact details as needed and stay organized. Always keep an up-to-date file that practically “speaks” to you about the new inspections or changes in the facility. This will make it easier to keep track of the necessary adjustments and also a bit of fun for you!
Partnering with Martin Systems for Fire Safety Excellence
Fire Prevention Month serves as a timely reminder of the significance of fire safety in every business. While adhering to fire codes may seem straightforward, ensuring continuous compliance and maintenance is vital for a safe environment. This is where the expertise of a trusted fire protection partner, like Martin Systems, becomes invaluable.
Martin Systems, with its long-standing reputation, is a reliable partner for installing top-tier, code-compliant fire protection systems. Their team of experienced professionals offers guidance, installation, and maintenance to keep your fire alarms, sprinklers, and other safety systems in peak condition. By partnering with Martin Systems, you gain expert support, ensuring your business is well-prepared and compliant with fire safety standards. This partnership not only helps you avoid common fire code violations but also instills a sense of confidence in your business’s safety measures.
From free consultations to comprehensive fire safety solutions, Martin Systems is here to help Wisconsin businesses meet and exceed fire safety standards. Reach out today to learn how they can make your business fire-safe!