Unplanned downtime is something all businesses dread. And they should since it means they will lose out on revenue-generating opportunities as clients go elsewhere for what they need.
Unfortunately, there are many potential causes of unplanned downtime. Non-residential fire incidents are one reason businesses might have to shut their doors for weeks or months.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were an estimated 129,500 fires, 140 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and more than $3.74 billion in losses due to non-residential fires in 2022. Looking at statistics from 2013 to 2022, the organization says there was a 27% increase in fires, an 83% increase in fatalities, a 21% decrease in injuries, and a 23% increase in losses.
Such statistics highlight the importance of fire safety — something businesses can’t take lightly.
Training employees on what to do if there’s a fire, ensuring they know what precautions to take to prevent fires, and having an escape plan if a fire ensues are important. But businesses must go further than this and have the right fire safety system.
Here are five things your business should do to keep the sprinkler system in good shape.
1. Physically Assess the System to Ensure It Passes the Eye Test
Conduct a physical inspection to ensure your company’s sprinkler system passes the eye test. Does anything look out of sorts or broken? You’ll want to get up close and personal. If the nozzles are obstructed with dust or debris, take notice. Such issues can jeopardize the performance of your sprinkler system when you need it to be at its best.
2. Report Damage to the Sprinkler Provider
When you notice physical damage that could compromise the effectiveness of the sprinkler system, that’s the time to call the company that installed it for you. You can get the defective components replaced so the integrity of your sprinkler system is restored.
The last thing you want is for your company to be another statistic concerning fires at non-residential buildings. In addition to having to shut down if there’s fire damage, there’s the risk of injuries and fatalities, the destruction of assets, and reputational harm.
There’s too much at stake. While buying and installing a quality sprinkler system is vital, it’s equally important to maintain and repair the system as necessary.
3. Avoid Keeping Things Too Close to the Sprinklers
You must also avoid keeping things too close to the sprinklers. The rule of thumb is there should be at least one and a half feet of distance between the sprinklers and anything else. That’s something to be mindful of because people in the workplace might store things without thinking about how these things may reduce the effectiveness of the sprinkler system.
4. Keep Spare Sprinker Heads on Hand
It’s also a good idea to keep a few sprinkler heads on hand…just in case. Things happen. Someone might accidentally smack one of the sprinkler heads using a ladder, for example. If you have some spare sprinkler heads and the tools to remove the broken one and install the new sprinkler head, you won’t have to book a service call.
5. Monitor the Control Valves
You must monitor the control valves. If they are in poor shape, your sprinkler system won’t function properly. When assessing them, ensure they’re not leaking and are open. Call a sprinkler services company if there are any deviations.
If you have an old system, consider upgrading so you don’t compromise the safety of your staff members and building. Look for a company offering a wide range of fire safety products such as stainless steel pumps for fire sprinklers.
Your company must maintain a quality sprinkler system. Consider these tips as your business creates a comprehensive strategy to safeguard its interests.
