Building Safety

A significant issue of concern is an updated fire alarm system. The alarm system must be working properly and tested periodically on a maintenance schedule. A properly functioning fire suppression system inspection includes inspecting fire sprinklers, fire hoses and standpipes. Inspect elevators and ensure that they have a current operating certificate. Walk through all fire exits and connecting stairwells and find the fire doors and firewalls to ensure that they are properly mapped out and posted.

Older buildings may not have the proper fire stops at the floor and ceiling penetrations where piping and conduits go through each floor and ceiling of the building.   A firestop is built into a building frame to block a concealed hollow space through which a fire might pass from one part of the building to another. Fire stops, fire doors and all stairways must be in good working order and never blocked by foreign items that should be stored appropriately elsewhere.