This month's fire safety tip discusses the difference between smoke alarms and a fire alarm system and describes the most common type of fire alarm systems found in multi-family housing. The intent is to help the tenants understand that smoke alarms and fire alarm systems operate much differently, but are both important fire safety systems.
The age of your buildings will determine the type of fire alarm system present. Local fire alarm systems are typically found on older buildings and are comprised of a fire alarm bell and pull stations on the outside of each building. These systems only sound an alarm on-site.
Newer buildings will typically have supervised systems that have pull stations and fire alarm horn/strobes, rather than bells. The horn/strobes may be on the outside of the building or inside the units. These systems will automatically call the fire department. Regardless of the type of system, always encourage your residents to call 911 in the event of a fire.
Remember, a fire alarm system can't be expected to work properly if it's not maintained. Fire alarm systems are required to be tested annually and documentation should be available on-site for your inspector to review.
Smoke alarms are mounted on the ceiling or wall and are designed to alert occupants of the presence of smoke. They will automatically activate sounding an alarm inside the individual living space only, not the entire building.
Smoke alarms have a life expectancy of about 10 years. Replace any alarm that's more than 10 years old, even if it seems to be working. This will ensure that the alarm will function when you need it. The date of manufacture should be located on a label on the back of the alarm. If you don't know how old the smoke alarms are, consider replacing them.
Click Here for a copy (PDF) of this month's safety tip to share with your staff and residents, Fire Alarm Systems in English, Spanish and Russian.
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Pool Chemical Usage and Storage
STORAGE AREAS
- Keep storage areas cool and dry
- Permit Required (IFC 105.6.20)
- Class II solids over 100 pounds needs permit
- Class III solids over 10 pounds needs permit
- Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Shall be included with permit application and maintained onsite. (IFC 2701.5.2)
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials shall be readily available on the premises. (IFC 2703.4)
- Identification (IFC 2703.5) Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or labeled.
- Hazard Identification Signs shall be placed at the entrances to locations where hazardous materials are stored, used or handled. (NFPA 704)
- All storage areas containing oxidizers shall be identified as to the hazard class by the words "Class [appropriate classification number] Oxidizers". Refer to MSDS. (NFPA 430)
- Only water-type fire extinguishers shall be installed. Multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers are prohibited. (NFPA 10)
- No Smoking Signs posted and smoking shall be prohibited. (IFC 2703.7.1)
- Separation of Incompatible materials is required. Refer to MSDS for information. (IFC 2703.9.8)
RESOURCES
- 2009 International Fire Code
- National Fire Protection Association Standards 10 & 430
- Environmental Protection Association Safe Storage and Handling of Swimming Pool Chemicals
- For more info: www.epa.gov/oem/docs/chem/spalert.pdf
Click Here for the full PDF.
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Home Fire Escape Plan
Click here to access a form (pdf) to create your Home Fire Escape Plan.
- Draw a floor plan or a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
- Mark two ways out of each room.
- Mark all of the smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
- Pick a family meeting place outside where everyone can meet.
- Remember, practice your plan at least twice a year!
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