4 Building Fire Code Violations that Could Cost One’s Life

Fire safety is essential to buildings as they are normally filled with people who are living, working, visiting, or carrying out other activities. Without adding and prioritising fire safety measures, these buildings may easily be engulfed with fire, smoke, and other harmful elements, which can then risk the lives of everyone inside the affected rooms and spaces.

Buildings can achieve fire safety if they are equipped with a wide array of fire safety devices and measures. Some of these things may be part of the active fire protection system, which intends to put out a fire as soon as possible. Others, alternatively, are categorised under the passive fire protection system, which prevents the spread of fire between rooms and spaces.

Most elements that are part of active and passive fire protection systems should always be checked to ensure that they can work optimally. Failure to have them checked will only lead to fire code violations, which could cost one’s life. Some of these violations are as follows.

1. Damaged Smoke Detectors

One building fire code violation that can cost injuries or even deaths is damaged smoke detectors. Smoke detectors have components that can sense the presence of smoke. Without checking the conditions of these helpful devices, they might not function optimally once a fire occurs. And since the spread of smoke and flames has not been detected early, occupants might end up getting stuck inside the property.

2. Clogged Sprinklers

Smoke detectors often work alongside alarms and sprinklers. Once they detect some smoke, the alarm systems would notify all users about a potential fire, while the sprinklers would release water to put out the fire as soon as possible. Now, if the sprinklers are clogged with excessive dust, dirt, and adhesives, these devices will not be able to function properly during fire incidents. Clogged sprinklers can then lead to fire spreading more quickly to other places.

3. Blocked Fire Extinguishers

One initial activity that can help put out an early fire is to use a fire extinguisher. Using the right fire extinguisher against fire can ensure that the property will be safe from its potentially damaging effects. But if the access to fire extinguishers has been blocked by furniture, plants, and other large obstructions, it would be difficult for occupants to access them right away. Failure to access them right away will only lead to further growth and the spread of fire.

4. Faulty Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is crucial whenever an evacuation must take place due to a fire. Since the power supply often cuts out during a fire incident, vital building areas are expected to be dark. Emergency lights, at this point, must then guide people toward the nearest fire emergency exit. Now, the lack of functional emergency lights and other illumination around the property will only make it difficult for people to vacate. Worse, it could only lead to more chaos.

Some more building fire code violations that could cost one’s life include missed fire alarm inspections, faulty hood suppression systems, outdated pressure gauges, obstructed passageways and exits, open fire doors, and missing signage. To know if your building complies with fire safety codes, you can contact us at Key Compliance.