What Are Fire Department Connections?

When speaking of fire protection systems, we often think of fire sprinklers and extinguishers placed strategically throughout the workplace.  These pieces of equipment are the typical “go-to’s” for business owners looking to protect their place of business from costly and deadly fires. While these parts of fire protections systems do help reduce the spread of a fire, there is also a lesser known tool that can provide life-saving protection should a fire occur in the building. The little-known fire department connections are also helpful in reducing the spread of a fire.

Fire department connections, also known as FDC’s, consists of brass fittings located in the building that allow firemen to connect two hoses to the unit and provide a water supply to put the fire out. In fact, as fire codes continue to evolve and expand, many municipalities require fire department connections for both large to small buildings. What was once commonplace only in vast structures can know be found in smaller offices and outlets.

In this article, we take time to learn more about the types of fire department connections available and how these fire protection systems work.

Exposed FDC
The most common FDC, the exposed unit is mounted on the outside of the building and are typically backed by a stamped plate explaining what it is. For example, the plate could read: automatic sprinkler, standpipe, or automatic sprinkler & stand pipe.

Free Standing FDC
These units are placed on the ground and can typically be found on or around a sidewalk area. The connections are top-mounted at a 90 degree angle and a decorative plate may be placed at its base.

Flush Mount FDC
A flush mount fire department connection is mounted on the inside of building. In this design, only the plate and inlets are typically visible on the outside wall.

Another aspect to be aware of when speaking of fire department connections is why they can be helpful when other tools cannot. Hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and other natural disasters can interrupt the water flow to sprinkler systems making these fire protection systems less effective.  In this circumstance, the fire department connection is the first, and only, line of defense in providing much needed water to extinguish the blaze.

If you already have a fire department connection in place, make sure it is clearly marked so that those that would need to access it know where it is. While many have stamped markings on the unit, you may want to consider adding additional signs.  A clearly-marked placard or a free-standing sign near the area are both good ways to let the fire department know where your FDC is. Ensure that it is not covered or blocked by big, heavy items so it can tapped into quickly should the need arise.

Having a fire department connection at your place of business is not only a wise decision but often one necessary to comply with local codes. Knowing how these fire protections systems work and why they are so important will provide a first-line of defense for business owners in both small and large buildings.

6 Point Checklist When Hiring a Fire Protection Contractor

Many business owners lack the time and energy to invest into learning extensively about fire protection in the workplace.  While it is important to understand the basics, these entrepreneurs respect their limits and often hire a professional to lend their expertise in fire safety. These contractors can assist with all fire protection services from sprinkle installation to fire evacuation training. Below are some tips for hiring a fire protection contractor at your workplace.

1. Evaluate Your Environment – Before they can help you, a fire protection contractor will need to understand your environment to provide services necessary for your unique situation. Does your business come in contact with hazardous materials?  Are you a restaurant using oils and fats?  These are important questions to ask yourself and ones that a professional will as well.

2. Know Your Needs – For the most part, you know you will need a fire sprinkler system and extinguisher in your place of business, but what else?  Knowing your needs will help the provider prepare a comprehensive package of fire protection services. During this time, you should also evaluate your limits. If you are under-informed on the subject, you may need to rely on your contractor more to perform necessary maintenance and inspections.

3. Follow Code – While you may not need to know every code and law out there, knowing the basics of local and municipal fire codes is a must for any business owner. An experienced professional will be able to help you meet these requirements while also making sure you follow the lesser-known guidelines as well. This partner can prove invaluable in providing expertise in a difficult to understand aspect of fire protection.

4. Experience Is A Must – When hiring a fire protection contractor, you will want to find one with experience in the field.  You will also want them to have exposure to working in a setting similar to yours.  This will assure that they can address concerns relevant to your industry.  You can also research their credentials and fire protection services online. Many reputable businesses now have at least a basic website that lists their certifications, specialties, and offerings.

5. Bundle Services – Providing further cost-savings to their customers, many fire protection contractors offer bundled services. These comprehensive programs typically include installation, maintenance, and inspection of all fire protection tools. By securing an on-going relationship with the fire safety expert, business owners can provide a safe environment for their employees for years to come with little effort scheduling appointments and up-keeping a system.

6. Include Training In The Contract – Ask your fire protection contractor if they also provide training. Workshops for employees that include fire extinguisher instructions and fire evacuation procedures are invaluable in establishing a sound safety program. If you don’t feel comfortable conducting these sessions or lack the knowledge to do so, hire the professional to do the work.

Leaving the fire protection at your place of business to chance is a dangerous endeavor. Hiring a fire protection partner that can assist you in your system for years to come will not only offer security in the building but also piece of mind.  Using these 6 tips when hiring a contractor, you are sure to find a professional that is a perfect match.

How Fire Protection Systems are Safeguarding Hospitals

Hospitals are places where people go to get well and receive life-saving procedures. While in the staff’s care, these patients are often very helpless and unable to take care of themselves. During this vulnerable time, the overall fire safety of all those in the building must be of importance to hospital executives and staff.  For decades, fire protections systems have been safeguarding the hospital industry against deadly fires. While a hospital fire sprinkler system is a necessary tool there are many more pieces of equipment that can be employed in the hospital setting. Let’s take some time to learn more about what steps the hospital industry must take to ensure the safety of the patients and staff should a fire occur.

First and foremost, all hospital executives must ensure that they have in place a quality, working fire sprinkler system. The system should be all-encompassing and cover the entire building.  The system should also be flexible enough to handle varying areas.  For example, a system designed for the restaurant industry may be needed for larger kitchen areas and facilities. One may also want to consider a voice evacuation system in multiple languages.  This system will be able to effectively guide employees and staff out of the building during the event of a fire.

Second, fire doors are also an important tool of defense and the type of door installed can make all the difference.  Fire doors at hospitals must be easy to open and operate as well as able to protect against quick spreading fires and the smoke that comes along with them. A higher rated door will be more able to keep smoke and fire from spreading from room to room. All corridors should also be protected using strong fire doors fitted for this setup. When discussing hospitals, we must also take into consideration that certain doors must remain locked for the patient’s safety.  While these doors serve a security function, care must also be taken to ensure they are able to be opened in case of any emergency.

Finally, hospitals should be hiring professional fire protection contractors to assist them in the fire safety installations and maintenance. These professional in the field can provide information on local and industry-specific ordinances and laws as well as fire safety inspections on the property. The contractor can also suggest the latest in a hospital fire sprinkler system, fire doors, and other equipment that one may not be aware of.  Lastly, they can offer guidance on proper maintenance needed on the equipment explaining how the process works and how often it should be completed.

Hospitals often are a sanctuary for those without the ability to help themselves during a critical point in their lives. During this time, it is of the up most importance that those running these facilities take all necessary steps to protect them from the threat of fires. A hospital can benefit from a quality fire sprinkler systems as well as many other pieces of equipment all designed with the hospital industry in mind.

7 Tips for Fire Safety in the Workplace

Back in a previous life, I worked in retail. You could hear the serious gulps from my manager anytime he saw a certain person walk in the door – a firefighter.  He would dart his eyes my way and I knew what to do.  I would quickly, but discreetly, make my way to the back room and shove as many boxes away from the service door as I could.  I didn’t care where they went or how they landed; I just wanted us to pass inspection.  Looking back, this was not a safe practice for the employees, the customers shopping, or our merchandise.  Fire safety in the workplace is serious business.  How does your business rank on its fire safeguards?

Below I cover seven tips for fireplace safety in the workplace.

Never Block the Exits – Every business, including retail stores in the mall, should follow this rule every single minute of every single day.  Blocking the exits with garbage, boxes, or displays prevent people from getting out in the event of a fire.

Keep It Clean – Debris on the floor can make someone trip or fall if heading to the exit during a fire.  Also overflowing garbage or dust and other rubbish near electrical outlets and electronic machinery can create prime conditions for flames to start.

Use a Fire Sprinkler System – A good quality fire sprinkler system can help your business put out a fire during its early stages resulting in less fatalities and property damage.  Smothering the fire before it can grow, a fire sprinkler system is an effective and reliable tool to implement.  Not sure what your need?  A fire safety contractor can help find a model right for your needs.

Hire Out – Hiring a fire safety contractor to address safety concerns, train your employees, and devise fire plans in case of an emergency can be helpful for those without a safety manager on staff. 

Assess the Risk – Either your own EHS professional or a reputable fire safety contractor should complete a fire risk assessment at your place of business.  During this time, they will check for potential hazards, evaluate your fire suppression tools, and offer suggestions on how you can better protect your building.

Have a Plan – Devise a practical plan on what to do if a fire should occur at your business.  Address different scenarios and places of fire origin as well.  Make sure to inform your employees of the plan and have them practice it.  This practice will help them feel confident in following through with the correct steps you have set forth. 

Train your Employees – Provide education and training to all employees, not just managers, on correct fire safety procedures.  Make them aware of local laws and ordinances that affect your company and show them how to conduct their own fire safety checks on a regular basis.

If you are a small business owner, follow these seven fire safety tips at your workplace for a safe, hazard-free work environment.  When in doubt, reach out to a professional for help.  And always make sure to follow your local laws and ordinances.