Why Restaurants Fire Protection Need To Upgrade

Why Restaurants Fire Protection Need To Upgrade 

On Oct 16, 2021 a fire broke out at a popular restaurant in the southern part of Kolkata during the busy hours on Saturday afternoon, police said. No casualty was reported. Three fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze, which probably started from the kitchen of the Mughlai restaurant at, a police officer said.

Restaurant or kitchen fires have always been some of the most dangerous because a fire can begin on a cooking appliance, or in a hood, or ductwork and quickly spread to involve the entire building. Statistics show that many restaurants never re-open after a fire. A kitchen fire suppression system is a fire safety system that prevents fires from travelling from your kitchen area to other areas in the building.

In 1994, Underwriters Laboratories released "Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Restaurant Cooking Areas," also known as UL 300. The standard outlines specific guidelines that fire protection equipment manufacturers must meet for systems to receive a UL 300 label.

Each manufacturer must submit their system to Underwriters Laboratories for testing, which includes real-world fire testing on commercial cooking equipment used in today’s restaurants. Fire suppression systems that meet the UL 300 standard are significantly more effective at controlling kitchen fires than systems designed to meet previous standards.

Most states have adopted NFPA 17A and NFPA 96 as a part of their fire code, requiring all commercial kitchen fire suppression systems to be UL 300 compliant. Additionally, most insurance companies require compliance with this standard as a prerequisite to coverage.

General Requirements

Egress

For restaurants with an occupant load of 50 or more, which would classify them as an assembly occupancy, the main entrance must be sized to be able to accommodate at least one half of the total occupant load. Other exits must be provided to handle the additional capacity with the total number being based on layout and maintaining acceptable travel distances.

Sprinkler Protection

Sprinklers have not traditionally been required for all restaurants. Beginning with the 2021 edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, restaurants that are assembly occupancies of new construction will require sprinkler protection. Like fire alarms, a lot of variables can play into the need for sprinkler protection, including construction type, height, other uses of the building, and more. Where considering a standalone building used only as a restaurant its classification as an assembly occupancy does not require sprinkler protection for any existing construction unless it can also be considered a nightclub, dance hall, or discotheque in which case they are required for occupant loads over 100.

Fire Alarm

Whether or not a fire alarm system is required can come down to many variables but if it is a standalone building it is only required to be provided with a fire alarm system where the occupant load is greater than 300. Where required, the system will need to be initiated by one of or a combination of manual operation (pull stations), automatic detection, or sprinkler system waterflow.  Notification of the occupants is required to be a voice announcement and include visible signals.

Wet-chemical extinguishing system

As referenced earlier, the majority of fires in restaurants are caused by cooking equipment. For this reason, any cooking equipment used in processes that produce grease-laden vapors must be provided with ventilation and a fire extinguishing system. The fire extinguishing systems must be listed to UL 300 or equivalent standards which is currently only achieved by wet chemical extinguishing systems. The wet chemical is able to separate the oil and air for a sufficient amount of time to allow complete cooling. These systems are most commonly activated automatically through the use of fusible links that are in the exhaust airflow and have a manual release that can also be used by staff in the area. The manual release should be located in the path of egress from the space to allow for safe use.

Some common issues with the fixed extinguishing systems include the caps on discharge nozzles being taken off for day-to-day use. These caps prevent grease from getting into and clogging the nozzles and are designed to blow off when the system activates. The rearrangement or replacement of cooking equipment can also be problematic as the systems are specifically designed for the original equipment, changing these out without analyzing the system could result in a failure to extinguish a fire.

Class-K Fire Extinguisher

While the fixed extinguishing system is intended to be the primary means of extinguishment, at least one portable fire extinguisher is also required to be provided in the kitchen area. Extinguishers in kitchens need to be Class K to be appropriate for use on the cooking medium. Signage is required at the extinguisher in the form of a placard that is conspicuously placed near each Class K extinguisher that states that the fire protection system must be activated prior to using the fire extinguisher.

Requirements for a UL 300

Fire suppression systems that are UL 300-compliant must use a wet chemical agent. Wet chemicals suppress flammable vapors but also cool the source so it can’t reignite. Remember that although a system may be labeled as a “wet chemical,” that doesn’t necessarily mean it is UL 300-compliant.

In addition to using a wet chemical agent, UL 300 systems must also include:

·        A manual pull station

·        An automatic fire detection system

·        Automatic fuel shut-offs for gas and electric

·        Nozzles located in the hood and duct

·        Nozzles located over each grease-generating cooking appliance

·        Wet chemical system serviced semi-annually by an authorized licensed service company

·        Hood and duct maintenance and cleaning semi-annually by an authorized licensed service company

Inspection and Maintenance

Routine inspection and maintenance of cooking equipment, the hood and exhaust systems, and fire extinguishing equipment (including fire extinguishers) are vital to ensuring that protection is maintained consistently for the restaurant. In addition, instructions need to be provided to new employees on hiring and to all employees annually on the use of portable fire extinguishers and the manual actuation of the fire-extinguishing system. Hoods need to be inspected for grease build-up at a frequency that is typically semi-annually for most restaurants but can be more or less frequent, depending on the type and volume of cooking. When that inspection finds grease build-up the hood and exhaust system must be cleaned.

NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2021

The fire extinguishing systems must be maintained at least every 6 months and all actuation and control components, including remote manual pull stations, mechanical and electrical devices, detectors, and actuators, must be tested for proper operation. Fusible links of the metal alloy type and automatic sprinklers of the metal alloy type must also be replaced at this interval.

Installing a UL 300-compliant fire suppression system is more than a requirement for your restaurant. It’s a critical step in protecting your employees, customers, and livelihood. Restaurant owners should partner with a qualified fire and security company to design and install a reliable and code-compliant fire suppression system that best meets their needs. For any code compliance questions, our fire and life safety specialists are available 24/7/365.

Pull Stations is a First Line of Defence

 Pull Stations is a First Line of Defence

Today, at least one fire alarm pull station is required for all public buildings, including, schools, hospitals, prison, daycares, hotels, businesses, and apartments regardless of the automated fire alarm systems and detection devices used. At JMAC, you can find all sorts of single and dual pull stations, including addressable pull stations. Quality pull switches usually have some sort of approval or listing, and feature a corrosion-resistant material along with a handle that can only be reset by an authorized person. A fire alarm pull station is normally the first line of defense to an alarm security system and will do a fantastic job of alerting authorities and bystanders regarding danger within your premises.

A working fire alarm pull station supports prompt evacuation and swift action from first responders

When somebody “pulls the fire alarm,” they’re usually talking about fire alarm pull stations. For more than 50 years, some form of these typically red boxes have been found on the walls of most large buildings in the United States.

In this article, we’ll cover how pull stations work, why they’re important, and what to look for when purchasing one.

How does a fire alarm pull station work?

Sometimes referred to as “pull switches,” fire alarm pull stations—often featuring a T-bar handle, as shown below—activate fire alarm systems.

Pull stations with a T-bar handle are easily recognized and activate with a single downward motion.

These systems can also be activated by other initiating devices, such as automatic heat and smoke detectors, but what follows is the same: indicating appliances, such as horns or strobe lights, direct occupants to leave the area. Pull stations send a signal to the control panel, and if the fire alarm is monitored, the control panel then usually sends a message to a company’s monitoring service, which transmits that message to first responders. In some cases, a signal is transmitted directly to a fire department.

The status of pull switches and other essential components are displayed on fire alarm control panels like this one.

It’s a less commonly-known fact that most pull stations don’t cause fire sprinklers to spray water. Many fire alarm systems may monitor fire sprinkler systems – and sound the alarm when sprinklers discharge – but their purpose is to alert bystanders and authorities to danger.

Pull stations are redundant—and that’s (part of) the point

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) authors guidelines used by state and local governments to write fire code. At the core of NFPA’s philosophy is redundancy – the effort to guarantee that when one life safety system fails, another takes its place.

From the 2018 edition of NFPA 101

4.5.1 Multiple Safeguards. The design of every building or structure intended for human occupancy shall be such that reliance for safety to life does not depend solely on any single safeguard. An additional safeguard(s) shall be provided for life safety in case any single safeguard is rendered ineffective.

Attacking the problem of fire safety from multiple angles makes buildings much safer. Safety features – from fire extinguishers to fire escapes – are redundant in the best possible sense of the word.

Working, fail-safe fire prevention systems have become more widespread as the frequency of fires has declined. But today’s fires, while drastically fewer in number, remain just as deadly and devastating when they occur, making these fail-safes as critical as ever.

Thomas Peele, a journalist with The Mercury News, reported on a 2018 fire in San Jose, California that injured 15 people and displaced more than 100. Peele learned that an untested and uncertified fire alarm system failed to activate when fire broke out in a second-story unit at Summerwind Apartments. Fire inspector Andrew Whyte uncovered several additional fire safety violations, including problems with exit signs, emergency lights, and other fire prevention equipment. An inspection in 2011 had found “that the alarm at Summerwind was not certified as working,” but the issue was never remedied.

Pull stations, required in nearly every building, must be nearby

Every fire alarm system can be activated in one of several ways, but according to NFPA guidelines, manual fire alarm initiation is a requirement common to almost every building requiring a fire alarm system. Automatic detection can be used in place of manual activation only when explicitly allowed.

As a general rule, all kinds of public buildings – theaters, schools, daycares, hospitals, prisons, apartments, hotels, and businesses – need at least one alarm pull switch, even when automatic detection devices are connected to the alarm system. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, available for free at NFPA.org, spells out these requirements.

From the 2018 edition of NFPA 101

9.6.2.6* For fire alarm systems using automatic fire detection or waterflow detection devices to initiate the fire alarm system in accordance with Chapters 11 through 43, not less than one manual fire alarm box, located as required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal.

When boxes are required, they must be placed near exits and along walls at a prescribed distance.

From the 2018 edition of NFPA 101

9.6.2.3 A manual fire alarm box shall be provided as follows, unless modified by another section of this Code:

(1) For new alarm system installations, the manual fire alarm box shall be located within 60 in. (1525 mm) of exit doorways.

(2) For existing alarm system installations, the manual fire alarm box either shall be provided in the natural exit access path near each required exit or within 60 in. (1525 mm) of exit doorways.

9.6.2.5* Additional manual fire alarm boxes shall be located so that, on any given floor in any part of the building, no horizontal distance on that floor exceeding 200 ft (61 m) shall need to be traversed to reach a manual fire alarm box.

9.6.2.7* Manual fire alarm boxes shall be accessible, unobstructed, and visible.

Where multiple doors are clustered together, an alarm box is required on each side.

From the 2018 edition of NFPA 101

9.6.2.4 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be mounted on both sides of grouped openings over 40 ft (12.2 m) in width, and within 60 in. (1525 mm) of each side of the opening.

NFPA provides straightforward installation guidelines

NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signalling Code establishes installation criteria for “initiating devices,” a term that covers everything from waterflow detectors to manual fire alarm boxes. First and foremost, only qualified installers should make changes to fire alarm systems.

From the 2016 edition of NFPA 72

10.5.2.1 Fire alarm systems and emergency communications systems installation personnel shall be qualified or shall be supervised by persons who are qualified in the installation, inspection, and testing of the systems.

10.5.2.2 State or local licensure regulations shall be followed to determine qualified personnel.

10.5.2.3 Personnel shall provide documentation of their qualification by one or more of the following:

(1) Registration, licensing, or certification by a state or local authority

(2) Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction

(3) Manufacturer’s certification for the specific type and brand of system provided

Further guidelines ensure the visibility, accessibility, and proper function of alarm activation devices.

From the 2016 edition of NFPA 72

17.14 Manually Actuated Alarm-Initiating Devices.

17.14.1 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices for initiating signals other than for fire alarm shall be permitted if the devices are differentiated from manual fire alarm boxes by a color other than red and labeling.

17.14.2 Combination manual fire alarm boxes and guard’s signaling stations shall be permitted.

17.14.3 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices shall be securely mounted. 17.14.4 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices shall be mounted on a background of contrasting color.

17.14.5 The operable part of a manually actuated alarm initiating device shall be not less than 42 in. (1.07 m) and not more than 48 in. (1.22 m) from the finished floor.

Two terms are introduced later in this section:

• Single-action boxes require only one action to operate (i.e., a single pull on a lever)
• Double or dual-action boxes require two actions – lift and pull.

The 2016 edition of NFPA 72 continues…………………

17.14.6 Manually actuated alarm-initiating devices shall be permitted to be single action or double action.

17.14.7* Listed protective covers shall be permitted to be installed over single- or double-action manually actuated alarm initiating devices.

17.14.8 Manual fire alarm boxes shall comply with 17.14.8.1 through 17.14.8.6.

17.14.8.1 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be used only for fire alarm initiating purposes.

17.14.8.2 Manual fire alarm boxes shall be installed so that they are conspicuous, unobstructed, and accessible.

17.14.8.3* Unless installed in an environment that precludes the use of red paint or red plastic, manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in color.

What features should I look for?

Listings are an indicator of a fire alarm pull station’s quality. A listing or approval from experts in product testing, such as UL, ensures that manufacturers have taken certain precautions against damage. A pull station meeting UL 38, the company’s Standard for Manual Signaling Boxes for Fire Alarm Systems, has been examined, tested, and confirmed to resist problems caused by impact, use, corrosion, weather, and other factors.

If the box features a metal body, it should be treated or coated with corrosion-resistant material. In most cases, a single-action pull station works, but a dual-action pull model – those that require two gestures to activate – may be best in areas where the alarm may be unintentionally activated by impact (or by a prankster). All boxes should feature a handle that cannot be reset, except by authorized personnel, when pulled.

Single-action pull stations basically made with corrosion-resistant cast-iron bodies that mount to a standard single gangbox – boxes sized for a single light switch or a pair of electrical sockets. These stations include a terminal block, allowing for wires to connect to alarms with no splicing required.

Fire is one hazard that can happen anywhere, anytime. Whether it is your home or office, effective safety equipment , is therefore, a must in all buildings, which is backed up by legislation. An attack from fire can create irreplaceable damage and loss of life. It is therefore crucial that you have systems in place to protect your assets from fire. So preparing yourself with quality safety equipment is a must. For consulting you can contact us.