International. The NFPA released new guidance for government officials related to fire and life safety systems regardless of occupation status.
Given the COVID-19 crisis, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges officials to ensure that the fire protection and human safety systems of all multi-occupancy commercial and residential buildings are being maintained; and to classify as essential the personnel and suppliers that carry out the service of these systems.
"We cannot put additional pressure on our already overwhelmed emergency response capabilities by failing to ensure that buildings are protected with that same life- and property-saving equipment," said NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley. "First responders rely on multi-occupancy commercial and residential buildings in their communities to have a full range of fire protection and life safety systems such as operating fire detection systems, alarms and sprinklers."
To avoid endangering human and fire safety, and to leave buildings vulnerable to vandalism, refer to the new data sheet, Guide to maintaining fire and life safety systems regardless of occupancy status, which includes the following points:
- All commercial or residential buildings of multiple occupation, should keep their fire protection and human safety systems fully operational as required by applicable codes and standards. (NFPA 25, NFPA 72, NFPA 101)
- Building managers should adhere to planned schedules for inspection, testing, and maintenance (IPM) that are essential to their operation.
- Public and private employees who carry out the inspection, maintenance, and other responsibilities of these systems should be considered essential.
- Most IPM requirements can be executed by a single IPM service provider, limiting the need for face-to-face interaction.
- Systems in places under construction that are being temporarily abandoned should remain in operational condition as specified in the construction safety plan (NFPA 241).
- Leaving fire and smoke doors open can jeopardize the integrity of the building's compartmentalization plan. Keeping them operational is critical, especially in healthcare occupations. (NFPA 80)
- IPM requirements for healthcare systems, including medical gas systems, that require IPM as outlined by the risk assessment performed for the building and in compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations should continue. (NFPA 99)
- Without emergency power systems in proper working order, fire alarm systems may not function properly. (NFPA 110)
Learn more at www.nfpajla.org/coronavirus.
