Article on Malfunctioning Sprinkler System Highlights Lesser Known Reasons Why Inspections are Crucial, Notes Fire Protection Group Inc.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 16, 2015 -- According to an article published September 2 on Oklahoma’s Own CBS affiliate, a fire sprinkler system in a Tulsa school malfunctioned and caused a large amount of water damage to a classroom. The local firefighters reported that there was no fire in the building, and that the release of water was strictly due to the malfunction. According to George Saadian, head engineer at Los Angeles fire safety firm Fire Protection Group Inc., this article describes an interesting example of one of the less commonly thought of reasons why it is essential that buildings keep their fire safety systems inspected and up to date. He notes that fire protection systems are incredibly effective and essential systems that can save lives and countless dollars in building costs, yet maximizing these benefits while preventing potentially costly malfunctions can only occur when systems are properly inspected. Mr. Saadian cites three crucial areas where inspections are needed:
• Fire Sprinklers – While many people assume that fire sprinklers are meant to completely extinguish a fire, their true purpose is to keep the fire under control and contained to a certain area so the fire fighters can fully extinguish the fire upon their arrival. Mr. Saadian notes that, in many cases, these systems are designed to detect the area of the building or room where the fire is strongest and divert the water to the area where it is needed. This adds an additional element of complexity to the system, calling for ongoing updates and maintenance.
• Fire Alarms – To ensure that building evacuations are as smooth and complete as possible, Mr. Saadian notes that fire alarms must be inspected as well. Especially for buildings with multiple levels these systems are essential in letting people on other floors or rooms know that a fire has broken out where they might not see it.
• Stand Pipes – Mr. Saadian notes that, although many people do not regularly think of stand pipes, or even know what they are to begin with, they are a crucial element of fire protection systems that must be inspected alongside other equipment. The standpipes are responsible for making sure water at a sufficient pressure reaches the intended fire sprinkler. Mr. Saadian notes that these pipes also serve as essential spigots for firefighters who need a water source for the hoses on the higher levels of buildings.
While the water damage will be certainly no easy repair for the Tulsa school system, Mr. Saadian notes that an equipment malfunction during an actual fire could have been far worse. Fire Protection Group Inc. works hard to ensure that all of their clients have the most up to date systems that will truly deliver when they are needed most. Any businesses or building manager interested in seeing what Fire Protection Group Inc. can do for their building can call the fire safety firm today at (888) 732-4200, or visit them online at http://www.firesprinkler.com.
Michael Clauw, Cyberset Corp, +1 (818) 883-7277 Ext: 121, [email protected]
Share this article