Primary Steps to Planning and Implementing a Successful Fire Protection System Upgrade

Buildings can only remain functional and safe if they utilise various types of systems.

One of these systems is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This specific system is responsible for regulating the indoor temperature of rooms and spaces. Another system that can be found inside these properties is the plumbing system. What makes this system relevant to the buildings is it can transport clean water to the taps and move wastewater away from their pipelines. The electrical system is another system that buildings utilise. This specific system provides the needed power for equipment pieces, devices, and many more.

But one more system that plays a pivotal role in buildings is the fire protection system.

The Primary Purpose of Fire Protection System

A fire protection system intends to protect a building from getting destroyed by fire. So, if a fire occurs, its components can effectively suppress or remove the fire source as quickly as possible. This system can also notify the occupants about the presence of fire, smoke, and changes in the temperature, which help them carry out steps that will put themselves to safety.

Many fire protection devices and tools can be added to a building system. Some of them include fire suppression, fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, sprinklers, standpipe and hose systems, and portable fire extinguishers. These things may work differently, but they can all be effective in detecting, slowing down, and putting out property fires.

Take note, however, that these devices may not work if ever a fire has already spread to multiple areas of a property. It would be safer for one to call for professionals’ help.

Why Fire Protection System Must be Updated

A fire protection system upgrade is necessary to ensure that a building can meet various code requirements of its respective state and location. This type of upgrade can likewise make sure that property owners can prevent people from getting injured, protect their assets from being damaged, and keep the environment safe from fumes and other harmful elements.

If you are one of the property owners that want to upgrade your fire protection system, you must ensure that you plan and implement its upgrade carefully.

Planning the Fire Protection System Upgrade

The first step in planning your upgrade is to conduct a fire system assessment. This type of assessment is conducted through an on-site walkthrough by a fire protection engineer. As the said expert walks around the property, they can effectively list down all its existing fire protection system components and their current state. Upon reviewing the listed components, they can then suggest what devices and components must be altered or not.

Subsequently, the next step in planning the upgrade is to review the code and insurance requirements of the property. These requirements may vary from one building to another. Knowing the requirements intended for your building type can help you and fire safety experts install the compatible fire protection system components on the property.

Ultimately, the budget for your fire protection system upgrade must be planned thoroughly. All the servicing that will be done during the upgrade can be expensive, especially if numerous upgrades and retrofits have to be done. However, these expenses can be worthwhile if the added systems make your property safe, long-lasting, and code-compliant.

Key Compliance provides professional building inspection and audit services with respect to fire safety matters, Contact Us.