Healthcare facilities, perhaps more so than other businesses, need to take essential steps to ensure they are utilizing the proper fire safety protocols for their buildings. Electing to go to the hospital or admitting our loved ones to assisted living facilities is never an easy decision. Once that decision is made, that particular healthcare facilities’ security and fire safety protocols are not typically the first things on the families’ minds. However, it is imperative that the owners and operators of healthcare facilities obtain and maintain quality fire prevention and suppression systems to ensure patients and staff are safe from fire emergencies.
Maintain Regular Fire Suppression Systems
One facet of a successful fire security system is the suppression aspect. Once a fire breaks out, the concern shifts from prevention to evacuation and suppression. Suppression systems are crucial to the survival of not only staff and residents, but also in reducing the decimation of the facility itself. Fire suppression systems include sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and fire hydrants. Sprinkler systems are the first line of defense covering the greatest affected area once the fire emergency commences. Fire extinguishers are a great tool for staff members to utilize should they become aware that a fire has started. In many instances, the use of a fire extinguisher is enough to fully suppress a small fire. Fire hydrants are another key component of a successful fire suppression system.
Conducting regular maintenance of sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and fire hydrants will aid in safeguarding patients, residents and staff from potential injury. Sprinkler systems should be inspected regularly for faulty valves and low pressure issues. Regular maintenance of fire extinguishers includes inspecting the pin and seal to ensure they are tamper free. Further, maintenance of the hose and nozzle are important in ensuring the device will function optimally when needed. Fire hydrants should be regularly maintained to confirm they are operating with the water pressure needed for the size of the facility and that they meet the requirements of the firefighters on site during the emergency. It is also important for fire hydrants to remain clear of debris. Debris can not only cause damage to the fire hydrant and its multiple mechanisms, but also may prove to be a hazard for fire fighters who are relying on swift access to the fire hydrant in order to save lives.
Monitor and Have a Service Schedule
Federal, state and municipal regulations require specific standards to which healthcare facilities must adhere in order to maintain facility certification and to pass inspections. Regular maintenance and monitoring of fire suppression systems is crucial to the success of any fire protection system. Generally speaking, fire protection systems should be fully inspected by a professional annually to reduce the potential of a failing system. Keeping a watchful eye on the various components of the systems for leaks and cracks will also help ensure your system is functioning optimally and ready to deploy in the event of a fire emergency.
Healthcare facilities are held to high standards. It is vital to the success of your system that it is installed by capable experienced technicians who hold nationally recognized certifications. One such company is A Total Solution. ATS technicians come with national certifications and years of experience in installing, maintaining, repairing and inspecting fire protection systems. Allowing one company to manage and monitor all aspects of a facilities’ fire protection system provides peace of mind to facility owners and operators in knowing they have one single point of contact to handle all of their needs. ATS also provides 24/7 emergency service for any system failures. Their technicians are on hand to help manage any emergency maintenance issues that may arise with fire protection systems.
Contact ATS today to inquire about the right fire suppression and alarm systems for your business. ATS can also work with any business to integrate fire protection systems with central station monitoring or access control systems, all working within any prescribed budget.