Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years

Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years

The 2002 edition of NFPA 72 requires smoke ALARMS to be replaced not to exceed 10 years from installation. The 2007 Edition of NFPA 72 required replacement within 10 years of manufacture. The requirement is only for installation in singe and two-family dwellings. 

Fire Prevention Week campaign’s focus is on smoke alarms, more specifically:

      ·        Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
·        Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home.
·        To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

Equally as important is to purchase a smoke alarm that has been approved by a nationally recognized third party testing laboratory, such as Underwriter Laboratories (UL) or Intertek/ETL. During the past few months, it has been discovered that online businesses have been selling inexpensive smoke alarms manufactured in China, that lack the proper testing. These untested products may not accurately detect fire, alert you properly, or perform other critical functions. Please do not confuse the household requirement for alarms with any for detectors (UL 268 type).  A few years back one unnamed manufacturer inadvertently stated in their technical data sheets that all detectors are to be replaced every 10 years. The Engineered Fire Alarm industry quickly responded that this statement was in error and the manufacturer immediately redesigned the spec data sheet for its detectors.  It is the intent of the Household Technical Committee that smoke ALARMS (UL 217) only are to be replaced within 10 years of manufacture.  One reason is that the sensitivity does change over time. NFPA 72 clause 29.10. 1 Unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer's published instructions, single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be replaced when they fail to respond to operability tests or within 10 years from the date of manufacture.

FAQ about Replacing Smoke Alarms

Why do I need to replace my smoke alarms every 10 years?

It is required that smoke alarms be replaced within 10 years according to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. They are not permitted to remain in use longer than 10 year from the date of manufacture. Also, the manufacturer’s instructions for most smoke alarms state they are to be replaced when they fail to respond or after 10 years. Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms must be replaced when the end-of-life signal sounds or 10 years after the date of manufacture, whichever occurs first.

How do I identify my smoke alarm’s date of manufacture?

Remove the alarm from the ceiling or wall. Look at the back or side of the alarm for the date of manufacture.

How do I replace a battery-powered smoke alarm?

Remove the smoke alarm from the ceiling by twisting the alarm to remove it from the ceiling plate. It is best to replace the alarm with the same manufactured alarm. The new alarm from the same manufacturer can be placed on the ceiling or wall plate. Twist to secure the alarm. Test the alarm to be sure it is working.

If you are replacing with an alarm from a different manufacturer, you will need to remove the old ceiling plate and install the new ceiling plate included with the new alarm. Place the alarm over the ceiling plate and twist to secure the alarm. Test the alarm to be sure it is working.

How do I replace a hard-wired alarm?

If you know how to work with electrical wiring, follow manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you have turned off the electricity to the smoke alarm before you begin replacing the alarm. Otherwise, contact a qualified electrician to replace hard-wired smoke alarms.

How do I install a hard-wired smoke alarm?

Contact a qualified electrician to install hard-wired smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms are to be replaced at 10 year intervals.  However Smoke detectors do not have a prescribed end of life and can stay in service as long as they past function and sensitivity tests. Please see http://www.systemsensor.com/en-us/Documents/Smoke-Detector_lifeExpectancy_techbulletin.pdf

We wish you a peaceful and safe holiday season, and an exciting, productive new year.

All about Internal Fire Hydrant System

All about Internal Fire Hydrant System 

We all dread unmanageable fire as it can cause destruction that is at times beyond repair. More awareness about the need to safeguarding our homes and valuable properties against any fire outbreak has encouraged people now to have fire alarm systems and other firefighting equipments at their homes or offices.

One of the necessary firefighting equipment is the fire hydrant. While it may not be seen as widely as an extinguisher, it is highly effective in dousing a full developed fire. Unfortunately, outdoor fire hydrants are fast disappearing from the Indian landscape as many civic authorities have failed to maintain and repair them on time.

So, should you invest in a fire hydrant? Yes, absolutely. In fact, you are legally obliged to do so. We are not talking about the vibrant red fire hydrants that is our usual image, but internal fire hydrants that are strictly required under the National Building Code. So, here is a short primer on fire hydrant systems India to help you along.

Nowadays, Indian manufacturers are offering such equipments of extremely good shelf life and affordable pricing. So, if you are on a hunt for firefighting equipments, then go for fire fighting equipments in India. Today, shops, educational institutions, banks, hospitals also have at least adequate number of fire extinguishers if not other comprehensive fire fighting equipments.

Need For Fire Hydrants

Fire hydrants act as a critical source of water when dealing with a developed fire. The location could be out of reach of sprinklers or it could be too developed for sprinklers or extinguishers to cope with. This is when firefighters step in. While firefighters have their own water tank, this can run dry very quickly. At such an eventuality, we need fire hydrants to boost the water supply.

Civic fire hydrants, run and managed by civic bodies, are found in public places. These are connected to the municipal water supply. Fire hydrants could be placed underground or overground. In India, the overground system is more common. Internal fire hydrants are different, placed in a building and often in-built in its construction. These hydrants are connected to the building dry and wet risers.

This is why fire hydrants are specifically mentioned in the National Building Code, which also specifies its supply mechanism, including water tanks and riser systems. High-rise buildings must, therefore, have an in-built fire hydrant system.

Parts Of Fire Hydrant Systems India

Water tanks: The fire hydrant system must have access to a water tank for a ready supply. The capacity of the tank is decided by the area and the number of risers. There are different type of tanks found on a property. These are:

1.   Static water tank: These are underground or on the surface and are built for water storage.

2.   Terrace tank: These tanks are made of plastic, concrete or cement. These are also meant for water storage.

3.   Priming tank: Unlike the other two tanks, the priming tank’s function is not water storage. This is a small tank, located above the firefighting pump. Its function is to ensure that the pumpcasing and suction is permanently flooded.

Pumps: The fire hydrants system cannot work without its pumps, which supply and regulate the water flow in the hydrant system. The various pumps here are:

1.   Fire pump: This is installed in the static tank to supply water to the wet-risers.

2.   Terrace pump: This is connected to the terrace tank. It has valves to regulate water supply from both ends. There should also be a pump panel attached to control its functioning.

3.   Jockey Pump: This pump is installed to regulate the water pressure. This is an automatic pump, which is triggered whenever there is a drop in the static pressure.

4.   Stand-by pump: As the name suggests, this is kept as an alternative in case of emergency. It has the same capacity as the fire pump.

Riser-system: These are pipes that run vertically through the building to carry the water required for the fire hydrant systems. The risers have a landing valve on each floor and at their ends to regulate the water supply. There are three types here:

1.   Wet riser: These are connected to the static water tank.

2.   Down comer: These are connected to the overhead tank.

3.   Wet-Riser-cum-Down-Comer: A combination of both types, connected to water tanks on both ends.

Hose reel: This is the tube attached to a pressurised water supply. It is the hose that ensures the water supply can be taken across a floor.

Air vessel: This is a small cylindrical vessel that is attached to the wet riser at the top and the bottom to nullify the water hammer effect.

Air release valve: This valve opens up the water supply to release the trapped air inside the riser as it is being charged.

Pressure switch: This is to regulate the functioning of the fire pump or the jockey pump as per the pressure in the system.

These are the essential parts of a fire hydrant systems. Check each part and ensure that these meet the required ISO standards before installing.

A comprehensive inspection and preventative maintenance program designed and conducted by an experienced fire protection company proactively locates fire and life safety issues and repairs these failures prior to an emergency event, ensuring all systems are operating at peak performance.

While each inspection and preventative maintenance program is different to accommodate a business’s or building’s unique needs, here is a general overview of the process:

1.   A physical inspection is conducted on each fire protection system in the facility.

2.   A detailed report is written outlining system deficiencies and recommended actions to ensure functionality and compliance.

3.   Maintenance and repairs are conducted on any fire and life safety systems that are broken or show signs of corrosion.

In terms of our fire protection inspection process, we provide building managers and business owners simple and easy-to-read inspection reports generated by intelligent Inspect Point software. Fire protection reports come with built-in NFPA forms to ensure compliance with the latest NFPA inspection requirements. Our fire and life safety inspection reports are optimized for NFPA inspection requirements including but not limited to:

·        NFPA 10

·        NFPA 13

·        NFPA 20

·        NFPA 25

·        NFPA 72

·        NFPA 80

Fire Exit Door Alarm

Fire Exit Door Alarm 

Fire Exit Door Alarm has proven to be a highly effective way to deter personnel and visitors from making unauthorised exits or entry through emergency exit doors or fire exit door. This versatile exit alarm can serve as an extremely inexpensive security device and also deter theft. Arming delay allows unit to arm following authorized exits.

How It Works
If the protected door is opened, the Electronic Exit Alarm emits an ear piercing alarm. Once the door is closed, it can be programmed to automatically reset or continue sounding the alarm until manually reset.

In exit alarm mode, alarm can be set to sound for 30 seconds, 3 minutes or indefinitely (unless disarmed with key supplied or until battery is drained).

A variety of alarm duration and automatic reset features are available. A key operated override facility will silence the alarm and allow authorised exits.

It can be integrate with local addressable fire detection & alarm system to get info at BMS / FACP, if your programmer enable logic program then you able to operate Strobe / Hooter accordingly.

It can be integrate with local access control system.

Easy to install
The battery provided with the exit alarm should be inserted into alarm unit. This red octagonal unit is then easily attached on the inside of the exit door using the four screws supplied. The small, corresponding magnetised piece is then attached to the door frame. When the door is in the closed position, the alarm unit remains silent. However, when the door is opened and the contact broken, the alarm will sound, thus deterring any unauthorised door use.

Being red, it is highly visible. As such, it also acts as a visual deterrent as well as an actual deterrent once the alarm is activated (unit also available in green) This product also comes with a strobe light so it can be easily identified in low-light areas.

You may need one or both types of system on the different doors within your building. Hopefully, this post has provided you with the information you can use to determine if the current system use for fire exit door monitoring are adequately meeting those needs and are compliant with all the relevant codes. You can not use EM Lock in Fire Exit Door with Access Control System. Panic bar is mostly use to protect unauthorized entry / exit.  If you’re not sure, SSA Integrate can help. We have Certified Access Control & fire experts that can help you determine the best solution to meet your security needs while keeping you compliant with all the relevant codes. Contact SSA Integrate today to learn more.

Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

 Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

What is a Two-Way Communication System?

A two-way communication system is a means of communication between a constantly attended support staff and building occupants unable to exit the building via the stairs due to injury or disability.  In short, two-way communication systems have two key components; a master station (typically installed in the fire command center or other approved location) and Call Boxes required to be provided at the landing of each elevator on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.  These areas provided with two-way communication systems are known as Areas of Refuge.  An area of refuge is a location in a building designed to hold occupants during a fire or other emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible. Occupants can wait there until rescued or relieved by firefighters or first responders. 

Just like it sounds, a two-way communication system allows stranded occupants to talk back and forth with trained personnel at said attended location.

Note:  When you come across the term one-way voice communication system, this is reference to a PA (public address) or fire alarm emergency voice/alarm communication system.  The term one-way means exactly that, the operator of the microphone can only communicate out.  There is no means for the intended listeners to communication back.

What Codes and Standards are Two-Way Communication Systems Noted in?

Two-Way Communication Systems are covered in a few different documents as broken down below:

·                  NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) Section 7.2.12 - 7.2.12.3.6

·                  NFPA 72 2016 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) Sections 24.10.1 - 24.10.8, 24.13.4 and it's noteworthy to mention sections 10.6.9.1, 10.6.9.1.1, and 10.6.7.2.1 for "Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies" 24.3.13.9.1, 12.4.3, and 12.4.4 for cable and survivability requirements.  Lastly Table 14.3.1 #25 for testing requirements.  

·                                      Important Note, NFPA 72 is NOT actually a code.

·                  International Building Code 2015 Sections 1009.6.5, 1009.8, 1009.8.1, 1009.8.2, 1009.9, 1009.10, 1009.11, and 403.5.3.1

·                  IBC 2015 Section 3008 under "Occupant Evacuation Elevators"

·                  ICC A 117.1 This applies to the visual characters for Directions and Signage

The International Building Code (IBC) now requires a two-way communication system in all new construction regardless if they have a sprinkler system or not.  Also, significant remodels or change of use of a building may require Areas of Refuge.  See the code adoption map below to see if your State is up to date!

Where to Start when Designing a Two-Way Communication System for Areas of Refuge.

Remember, CODES tell you when you have to install two-way communication systems and STANDARDS tell you how to install them.  This is important as it makes it easy to navigate to the appropriate document when you need information on either.  Example, if you need to know what height the call boxes are required to be mounted at, you are going to turn to the Standard (NFPA 72).  If you want to know what levels of a building require call boxes, you are going to turn to the Code (NFPA 101 or IBC). 

Two-Way Communication and the International Building Code 2015

Areas of Refuge are required to be provided with an approved two-way communication system complying with sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.  These two sections cover "system requirements" and "Directions".

As noted above in the introduction, two way communication system call boxes are required to be provided at each elevator landing on each accessible floor that is more than one stories above or below the level of exit discharge. 

Of course there are exclusions to this code.  See below:

1.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator where the two-way communication system is provided within Areas of Refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5

2.                two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.

3.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.

4.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving only freight elevators.

5.                two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator.

Two-Way Requirements

This is a big one that always come up.  Two-way communication systems are required to communicate between the required call boxes and master station installed in the fire command center or approved location.  If the master panel location is NOT constantly attended, the two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability.  The master station shall dial out to a monitoring location or 9-1-1,  Also note the two-way communication system shall have BOTH audible and visual signals.

Directions and Signage for Two-Way Communication

It is a requirement to provide directions on how to operate the two-way communication system.   These directions shall be placed adjacent to the two-way communication system and the signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 requirements for visual characters.  

Signage is obviously important for Areas of Refuge locations and shall be provided as follows:

1.  Each door providing access to an Area of Refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sin stating:  AREA OF REFUGE.

2.      Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating:  EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.

3.      Signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 and include the International Symbol of Accessibility.  Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated.  All doors used for Areas of Refuge and Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue shall have signage with visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A 117.1.

Directional Signage

In addition to the signage noted above, directional signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1.                Exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress

2.                Elevator landings

3.                at Areas of Refuge

Instructions

In Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue and Areas of Refuge, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted.  Again all signage shall comply with ICC A 117.1 and shall include the following:  

1.      "Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others."

2.      Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

3.      Directions for the use of the two-way communication system where provided.  This goes along with the "Directions" noted above.

International Building Code "Stairway Communication System"

If the stairway doors are locked, not less than every fifth floor shall be equipped with a telephone or two-way communication system connected to an approved constantly attended station.

What does NFPA 101 Have to Say About Two-Way Communication?

NFPA 101 (The Life Safety Code) basically covers the same requirements as found in the 2015 International Building Code and noted above.  In an effort to shorten this article, the key sections to review or note out of the NFPA 101 are as follows:

 

·                  7.2.12 

·                  7.2.12.1.1

·                  7.2.12.2.5

·                  7.2.12.2.6

·                  7.2.12.3.5

·                  7.2.12.3.5.1

·                  7.2.12.3.5.2

·                  7.2.12.3.6

Each of these sections cover the same requirements of Section 1009 in the 2015 International Building Code.

Mounting Heights for Two-Way Communication System and Area of Refuge Equipment.

Master Station = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Call Box = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Instruction Signage = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Tactile Signage = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Illuminated Sign = Between 60" - 80" Above Finished Floor

Let's Consult NFPA 72 to See How We Install Two-Way Communication Systems.  

Sections 24.10.1 through 24.10.8 briefly mention the same requirements found in the 2015 IFC and NFPA 101.

Supervision Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

As with anything related to life safety, all pathways between the remote Area of Refuge call boxes and master station shall be monitored for integrity.

Power Supply - Monitoring for Integrity

Unless otherwise permitted by or required by Section 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6 all primary and secondary power supplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage.  Loss of primary or secondary power shall initiate a trouble signal in accordance with Section 10.14.

Battery Backup for Two-Way Communication Systems

The secondary power supply (a.k.a. battery backup) shall have the capacity to operate the two-way communication system in a non-active condition for a minimum of 24 hours.  At the end of this period, the system shall be capable of operating in active status for 5 minutes.

 

Cable Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

NFPA 72 2016 Section 24.3.13.9.1 stated "Area of Refuge emergency communication systems shall have a pathway survivability of level 2 or level 3."  Level 1 is permitted when the building is less than 2-hour fire rated construction. 

Below are the Requirements for Survivability Level 2 and Level 3

Survivability Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:

1.                2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

2.                2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)

3.                2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

4.                Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Survivability Level 3 shall consist of pathways in the building that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 and one or more of the following:

1.                2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

2.                2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)

3.                2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

4.                Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Testing Frequency for Two-Way Communication for Areas of Refuge

NFPA 72 2016 Table 14.3.1 #25

Shall be tested at Initial Acceptance and annually thereafter.  Method of testing:  "Verify location and condition"

In closing we now know that two-way communication systems are required for areas of refuge and elevator landings on floors that are accessible.  These two-way communication systems are required to be installed with a pathway survivability level 2 or level 3 and the master station shall be installed in an area that is constantly attended.  Areas of refuge with two-way communication systems have been hot for some time now so make sure to read up and become familiar with the codes and standards for them. To know more on this contact SSA Integrate. SSA Integrate is Authorized service solution partner of Edwards Life Safety Product.