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Does Smoke Set Off My Fire Sprinkler System?

It's easy to take fire sprinklers and fire protection systems for granted, but these devices are complex and amazing pieces of engineering which are far too often misunderstood and potentially misused, to the detriment of those operating near them. One of the most common and potentially problematic misconceptions people have…
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Fire Protection for Steel Structures

Our office building is a steel structure, and because steel doesn't burn I shouldn't have to worry about fire protection, right? That's a common misconception. Damage can definitely be done to steel structures and the extent of damage depends on the size and temperature of the fire. It is always…
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How Long Should Your Fire Alarm System Last?

While not exactly a trick question, most people do not know the answer to the question of "how long should my fire alarm system last?" The answer to this question depends on a few factors. Full inspection by a qualified professional is needed regularly to keep it operating at peak…
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Emergency Lighting Requirements for Your Building or Structure

The purpose of emergency lighting is to ensure adequate illumination is provided when the power supply to the normal lighting fails. Emergency lighting is key in making sure people can exit a building safely in the event of an emergency. Emergency lighting illuminates the means of egress which includes stairs,…
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Are You Compromising Fire Suppression in Your Server Room or Data Center?

Technologies evolve regarding data centers and server rooms and, therefore, engineering systems that enhance them change as well. As an example, the HACA containment system, which stands for "hot aisle cold aisle," was initiated to address the problems associated with small server rooms whose equipment may run too hot. Many…
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Fire Inspection Survival Guide for Restaurants

Local fire department officials perform annual inspections to assess and eliminate potential fire and life safety hazards in restaurants. One of the primary goals of inspections is to ensure that all required codes and standards are being followed by the eating establishment. NFPA 101, International Fire Code and NFPA 96…
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Fire Protection System Design: Five Steps to Project Success

A big element of running a successful business is ensuring that it is safe and secure in all aspects. This includes preparing your business for emergencies that haven't occurred yet, such as fires. When starting the design process, your primary goals with a new fire protection system are to safeguard…
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Planning a Successful Fire Alarm System Upgrade

It's a common scenario: a facility's fire alarm system comes to the end of its operational life, necessitating an upgrade. For that upgrade to be a success, the new system must meet the budget, the code requirements of local and state governments, and the organization's goals. If you are in…
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Fire Extinguishers and the Five Classes of Fire

As the owner of a business or commercial property, you have the responsibility to provide employees, customers, and guests with protection from fire hazards. You may think that if you have a fire extinguisher, you have what you need to put out most kinds of small fires. Unfortunately, that's not…
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Emergency Evacuation Procedure Tips for Businesses

It's mandatory for businesses to have a systematic response process in place for emergency situations. However, it's not enough to just write down a procedure. Every employee in your building needs to know the emergency plan like the back of their hand in order to ensure safety. Here are some…
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