Commercial Fire Alarm System Requirements

Qrfs explains how the rules differ for one and two family dwellings lodging and rooming houses hotels and dormitories apartments residential care facilities inpatient and outpatient healthcare occupancies and daycares.

Commercial fire alarm system requirements.

Nfpa 72 provides the latest safety provisions to meet society s changing fire detection signaling and emergency communications demands. Codes and regulations dictate the functionality of commercial fire alarm systems including what type it is and what monitoring procedure must take place. These commonalities are what help us understand how fire alarm systems work. The national fire protection association nfpa sets forth requirements for testing inspection and maintenance of a commercial fire alarm system.

For example section 13 7 2 13 1 of the code requires smoke alarms or a smoke detection system in new and existing one and two family dwellings. The national fire protection association has unique fire alarm requirements for each occupancy type. These are listed under the national fire alarm code also known as npfa 72. When a fire alarm is pulled the alarm must create an audible signal heard throughout the building.

All fire alarms must be clearly visible to occupants of the building as well as accessible to people with disabilities. Fire alarm systems in healthcare childcare and residential buildings each have distinct requirements. Typically smoke alarms are required where we expect to find occupants sleeping. Fire alarms must be located throughout the building and clearly marked with red paint.

In addition to the core focus on fire alarm systems the code includes requirements for mass notification systems used for weather emergencies. Qrfs details nfpa code for fire alarm initiation occupant notification and monitoring of educational detention and correctional assembly mercantile business storage and industrial facilities. This article deals exclusively with requirements for fire alarm systems but consider there are only among many fire protection systems for buildings. Section 13 7 2 of the code addresses the occupancy specific requirements for fire alarm and smoke alarms.

Uk fire alarm regulations only state that your fire alarm system must be adequately maintained however bs 5839 recommends that a fire alarm system should be inspected by a competent person at least every 6 months and the government recommends following this standard.