Which fire extinguishers should you use for extinguishing a kitchen fire?

Commercial kitchen fires amount to millions of dollars of property and equipment loss every year. They are very volatile and ignite in the blink of an eye. These fires can spread rapidly and are considered highly dangerous as they can be tough to extinguish. However, as a large amount of cooking occurs in commercial kitchens every day, there is a constant threat of kitchen fires. Therefore, as per the NFPA regulations, commercial kitchens must be equipped with Class “K” fire extinguishers and a fire suppression system. In addition, business owners must ensure fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance by certified professionals periodically. 

 

Why is a Class “K” fire extinguisher used to extinguish the kitchen fire? 

Whenever there is a fire accident, your first thought might be to use any fire extinguisher to suppress the fire. However, a Class “A” fire extinguisher is a water-based fire extinguisher. Thus, contrary to extinguishing the fire, it will probably make it worse. On the other hand, a Class “B” fire extinguisher can effectively eliminate an inflammable liquid-based fire such as those caused by petroleum or alcohol. But, they cannot be effective in suppressing a kitchen fire fueled by grease and cooking oils. Similarly, Class “C” and “D” fire extinguishers are not suitable for kitchen fires as they can only be used for electric or combustible metal-related fires.  

Commercial kitchen fires are classified as Class ‘K’ fires as these cannot be extinguished using any ordinary fire extinguisher. A special kind of fire extinguisher is needed for these types of fires, which is classified as a Class “K” fire extinguisher. A class “K” fire extinguisher is explicitly designed to extinguish any fires unique to cooking accidents in the kitchen. It contains a wet mist of chemical extinguishing agents to separate the oil from the fire, cool it, and prevent it from reigniting. It quickly smothers the fire with a foam blanket and effectively cuts off the fire’s oxygen supply. 

So, if you want to make your commercial kitchen safer for your staff, make sure to choose fire extinguisher service from a reliable fire protection company. 

The Consequences of Skipping Fire Inspections

Fire protection equipment installation is one of the most important features for the health and safety of any industry. So whether it is a residential building, a college dorm, or your house, fire protection is vital, inclusive of all the main deterrents. These may comprise fire alarm & detection systems, fire sprinklers, or fire hose reels in extinguishers for commercial buildings. However, simply having these kits installed and training your employees about their operations is not enough. Annual inspections are a must to ensure that these equipment perform their best when in need. 

In the past decade, structural fires stemming from ignored areas of the buildings such as attics in the houses, basements, etc. have increased by 18%. As a result, automatic fire alarms and smoke detection systems have also been upgraded and designed with better notification systems. So, when the fire alarm sets off, it notifies the fire department immediately to ensure maximum occupant and property safety and damage prevention.  

Although fire suppression systems are installed primarily in compliance with OSHA and state fire department regulations, the chances of fire still remain high for a number of reasons. Therefore it is important to have the equipment well-maintained and inspected duly to avoid following repercussions in event of a fire. 

Fire Alarms:

These are the great warning systems that alert the occupants of the building of early signs of fire. However, if monthly or annual inspections are skipped, these fire alarms may develop power failure which may go undetected. The fire alarms system may be required to be reset or the batteries need to be replaced depending on the damage. Hence, if the fire alarms are not operational when it is needed, it may cause mayhem as the occupants of the building will not be warned in time to evacuate. This increases the chances of life-threatening injuries or fatalities drastically. Hence, monthly visual inspection and annual fire protection maintenance and servicing runs must be administered by licensed engineers to ensure fully operational systems.  

Sprinklers heads:

Sprinkler heads are highly advanced and can detect heat emitted from a number of angles in the area and turn the taps on to tackle the blaze. If the sprinklers have been unused for years on end, rust may develop on the components. Additionally, if you live in a cold climatic area, the chances of water freezing in the sprinkler system may also increase leading to the sudden bursting of pipes. Therefore, an annual fire protection system inspection will indicate any issue or help technicians determine if any components need replacing, saving you a lot of damages and downtime in a commercial property.  

Fire Extinguisher:

These little wonders can be perceived as portable firefighters that can help tackle a fire at a controllable level. However, if the fire extinguishers are not in use or maintained properly, these are most prone to rusting and the pressure of its components inside the extinguishers gets weakened as well. Therefore, fire extinguishers need to be monitored and ensured that the cabinets and devices are easily accessible and have not been tampered with. Moreover, if you manage a commercial building such as a restaurant or a factory, the type of fire extinguishers in your facility may require refilling after some time. 

At Fire Serv, we not only provide fire protection installation but our experts are also equipped and trained to conduct complete fire protection maintenance and serving for residential and commercial property. So, call our experts if your fire protection systems have not been inspected by professionals in the past year.

 

Top fire extinguisher problems you shouldn’t ignore

Fire extinguishers are the most reliable active fire protection devices that serve as the first line of defense against any type of emergency in a residential or commercial space. These are primarily used to extinguish or control small fires to protect the people and your property from damages. However, over time your fire extinguishers may deteriorate and develop various problems if they are left unused and poorly maintained. Therefore, regular fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure your home’s safety in the event of a fire. 

Following are the top problems that require regular fire extinguisher services to avoid costly damages:

1. Fire extinguisher not working 

When the fire extinguisher has not been used for a long time, it may develop blockages, or the nozzle pin may become stuck, ultimately resulting in an inoperable fire extinguisher. In that case, it may become ineffective during a fire emergency. Thus, it is recommended to conduct semi-annual or annual fire extinguisher maintenance by a certified professional in addition to monthly visual inspections.

2.                  Fire extinguisher not recharged 

If the fire extinguisher has been used once, it needs to be recharged. If it is only half full or you have used most of the extinguishing liquid during another fire emergency, it becomes difficult for the fire extinguisher to maintain sufficient pressure. Due to lack of pressure, the fire extinguisher may fail to work when needed.

3.                  Fire extinguisher gets dented  

Although a fire extinguisher cylinder seems tough, it may not seem such a big deal if it falls from your hands and gets dented. However, it has many delicate parts, such as the nozzle and valve, which may get damaged during the fall. So, if you see any dents or loose parts on the extinguisher, make sure to contact fire extinguisher service professionals for expert repairs.

4.                  Blocked hoses 

When the fire extinguisher has not been inspected and well-maintained regularly, the debris may accumulate and cause blockages. Moreover, extreme temperature changes, especially during the winters, may also affect the nozzle and make it more brittle and susceptible to damages. 

5.                  Malfunction of the fire extinguisher 

Sometimes, the fire extinguisher may also malfunction due to a leakage issue or faulty parts. It may result due to imbalanced pressure in the fire extinguisher or other underlying causes. Thus, if you see the pressure needle on the fire extinguisher fluctuate from its central position, it is best to hire professional fire extinguisher services for expert assistance. 

If your fire extinguisher has not been inspected in the previous 6 months or more, make sure to schedule a certified fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance service in NY.

 

Why It Is Important To Call Experts for Fire Alarm Maintenance

Fire alarms are a crucial protective barrier between you and the dangers of a fire. A fully functional fire alarm system can alert people about a fire by detecting increasing smoke and prevent significant loss to life and property. Hence, it is vitally important to keep all fire alarm systems up and running by servicing them routinely. 

Regular fire alarm maintenance is essential for the system to detect a fire in time. If any component of a fire alarm stops working or is damaged, it might not detect fire, leading to terrible consequences. Thus, fire alarm inspections are critical and should always be performed by licensed fire safety experts for the following reasons.

• Above all, fire alarm maintenance is a legal requirement for all commercial properties. So, if you have recently upgraded your fire alarm system, ask your fire alarm installation technician to update you about the maintenance procedure and how often you need to call in the professionals. In addition, most fire alarm companies offer comprehensive packages that include installation, maintenance, and fire alarm repair services which are hassle-free and cost-effective in the long run.
• Secondly, the safety of the occupants of a building should be the primary goal of every building owner or manager. Thus, a fire alarm system is worth installing only if it remains in good working condition and works optimally in case of a fire.
• During a fire emergency, if the alarm system detects fire and alerts everyone in time to give them enough time to evacuate, there will be a significantly lesser loss to property and assets. This will result in lesser downtime in repairs, saving a lot of money even after a potential safety hazard.
• A lesser-known benefit of a fire alarm system is that a code-complaint fire alarm system installed qualifies your property and assets for a significant fire insurance discount. It’s a win-win situation for any property owner as not only will you be protected by fire insurance but you will also have to pay low premiums. 

So, don’t wait for a disaster to happen and call FireServ’s certified fire safety experts for cost-effective and complete fire alarm system maintenance and repair services.

 

Fire Safety Service Feature You Cannot Ignore in Your Building Blueprint

All new constructions begin with an exquisite structural design, top-quality material, and the owner’s glorious vision. You ensure to get everything done to perfection. And a crucial step in achieving the desired outcome is to prepare for any unforeseen mishaps or disasters. One such disaster every building must be equipped to fight, by law and otherwise, is fire.

Over the year, fire incidents have reportedly caused thousands of dollars worth of damages to properties not equipped to conquer the raging flames. However, this can be easily avoided by installing the needful fire safety feature in the building. Hence, hiring a company that can provide a comprehensive plan for a fire protection system, that includes everything from fire alarm system services to a careful evacuation plan, will save you time and money. Following are the required fire safety features your building needs:

1.    Fire Alarm System. All commercial buildings have a legal requirement of establishing fire safety in their building plans. A loud alarm in the event of a fire can initiate immediate evacuation saving lives and significant loss of property.

2.    Exit Signs & Emergency Lighting. Unfortunately, many fatalities are caused by a mismanaged evacuation plan leading to stampede than by the aftereffects of smoke inhalation. Proper exit lighting installations can best avoid such hazards.

3.    Fire Extinguisher System. Portable firefighting systems in place will speed up the work of the firefighters arriving at the scene. In fact, any bigger blazes can entirely be avoided in the first place if fire extinguisher systems are used effectively and in time by a trained occupant of the building.

4.    Fire Sprinkler System. As swift as your city’s fire department may be, it still may take them 10-20 minutes to reach the scene depending on various factors. In the meantime, relatively minor fires can be controlled by a fully functioning sprinkler system. However, it is vital to set up regular fire sprinkler system inspections to ensure they work efficiently when needed.

It is paramount that your building is affixed with these systems to prevent any fire hazards from getting out of hand. Consult with industry experts at FireServ to get a quote for your commercial building.

Types of fire alarm services every property owner should hire

 In the United States alone, fire departments respond to more than 3,500 fires in hotels and motels every year. While it’s a small percent of overall structure fires across the country, that’s still a huge number and results in hundreds of deaths and millions of dollars worth of property loss. Therefore, it is crucial for commercial property owners to have a fire detection and prevention system in place to protect the occupants and the property against fire accidents.  

Fire alarms are a critical first line of defense against fire accidents. They are one of the best fire detection systems that notify you at the earliest sign of trouble before the fire ignites, gets out of control, and causes catastrophic loss.  

Thus, fire alarm installation is the most prudent measure a commercial property owner can take to deal with fire accidents. A fire alarm system helps make your building safe for its occupants. A combination of heat and smoke detectors, strobe lights, and sirens and bells detect fires and notify the occupants, giving them enough time to evacuate in a well-organized and controlled way.  

Fire alarm services - 

Fire alarm installation 

Every building is different and so are its fire alarm requirements. Therefore, you cannot expect that a ready-made fire alarm system will work efficiently for every type of building. Whether you are running a restaurant, a hotel, or a business space, it’s crucial to install a fire alarm system that’s designed specifically for your building as per its layout. Thus, you need to invest in a customized fire alarm system that fits your needs. There are many companies out there that can provide a customized alarm system after carefully determining your business’s fire security weak points. 

Fire alarm inspection and maintenance 

Your job doesn’t stop after installing a customized fire alarm system. It’s an ongoing partnership that involves regular fire alarm inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system. Commercial fire alarm systems require regular maintenance and inspection for them to function properly in case of an emergency. Moreover, according to fire safety codes and regulations, your system must be regularly inspected and maintained to avoid hefty penalties. 

Fire alarm repairs and servicing  

In a standard commercial building, fire detectors and alarms are susceptible to damage as they are exposed to elements like dirt, dust, and other types of sediments. This not only affects its ability to detect traces of heat or smoke but also to alert the occupants in an event of a fire accident. Therefore, it is important to identify and repair any defective equipment and ensure they are functioning properly at all times. This is why every commercial building owner needs to hire fire alarm repair services. 

 While fire alarm installation is the first step in preventing fire accidents, underestimating the significance of ongoing fire alarm inspections and testing can fail you in protecting life and property. 

Overlooking the importance of fire alarm maintenance can result in deaths and serious property damage. FireServ has a team of experienced and professional contractors who provide quality fire alarm maintenance services at competitive rates. Our contractors visit your property to inspect and maintain your fire alarm system and ensure they are ready-to-use during a fire emergency. 

Different types of fire sprinkler systems and their applications

A fire sprinkler system is one of the most important fire fighting equipment that is designed to effectively and quickly battle the fire triangle. They control or eliminate the heat source, thus preventing a fire incident from converting into a disastrous accident. A fire sprinkler system installation in your building is activated automatically when the room temperature increases enough to trigger the heat-sensitive element in one of the sprinkler heads. 

Some of the advantages of a fire sprinkler system 

• Triggers automatically within the first few minutes of a fire breaking out without human intervention

• Also automatically sends an alert to the local fire department

• Reduces the production of smoke and limiting the spread of flames

• Limits property damage

• Protects the occupants 

• Usually reduces insurance premiums for properties that have a well-maintained sprinkler system

Since fire can be classified into different categories depending on the agent that fuels them, there are different types of fire sprinkler systems available to deal with specific fire categories. 

• Wet pipe systems 

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are one of the most common types of sprinkler systems. These types of systems use water to combat a fire. Thus, they are simple and reliable. Moreover, a wet pipe fire sprinkler system’s maintenance is usually low. However, buildings using wet pipe systems must maintain a temperature of at least 40 years to prevent the water in the pipes from freezing during the colder months. They are most commonly used in schools, office buildings, and high-rise buildings with ordinary hazards. 

• Dry Pipe systems 

These are the second most commonly used types of sprinkler systems. Unlike wet pipe systems, they use pressurized air or nitrogen to fight a fire. They are often used in unheated buildings such as parking garages. If there is a sudden increase in the temperature of the room, the sprinkler system is activated and drops the air pressure in the system. 

• Foam water sprinkler system 

This type of sprinkler system contains a mixture of foam and water concentrate to deal with fire. They are often installed in areas where there can be a case of high-challenge fire accidents like fires caused by flammable liquids. 

• Deluge systems 

Deluge systems have open sprinkler heads that discharge water quickly in case of a fire emergency. They are most commonly used in high-hazard buildings. Moreover, unlike other types of sprinkler systems, the sprinkler heads in deluge systems always remain open and all are activated at once. 

• Pre-action systems 

These are hybrid fire sprinkler systems that make use of the complexity of dry pipe systems and the flexibility of wet pipe systems. However, they are expensive to install and demand high maintenance. They are often used in buildings such as data centers, museums, and libraries. 

Remember, while it’s important to know the different types of fire sprinkler systems, the fire sprinkler system inspection, installation, and maintenance should always be handled by a certified and trained professional.

Why every commercial building should have a fire sprinkler system?

Fire accidents are more common in a commercial building such as a restaurant, or a hotel. Having a fire protection system in place not only prevents a small spark from turning into a wildfire but also ensures the safety of your occupants during a fire mishap. Commercial businesses lose millions of dollars in damages as a result of fire accidents. In fact, fire is one of the largest contributing factors to financial loss for commercial buildings and businesses.  

Having a well-equipped fire protection system is the first step towards alleviating a potential disaster. Fire sprinkler systems are one of the best ways to protect your commercial property and occupants against fire accidents. They are extremely effective in mitigating small fires and prevent them from spreading. 

 If you still haven’t considered fire sprinkler installation, here are some reasons you should. 

• They reduce the risk of death 

Having a fire sprinkler system in place along with traditional fire protection systems like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers will reduce the risk of property damage and death. Commercial buildings that use suppression systems and fire alarms minimize the risk of death caused by fire accidents by 82%. 

• A cost-effective fire protection system 

As compared to the damages caused by a fire accident, a fire sprinkler system is a cost-effective method of minimizing the risk of fire accidents. The vast majority of sprinkler systems do not cost more than 2% of the entire property value.

• Reduce insurance premiums 

If you are paying large insurance premiums for your commercial building, you should consider investing in the fire sprinkler system. A fire sprinkler system can actually help you save money on your insurance premiums since they prevent fire mishaps while keeping your building and occupants safe. 

• Low maintenance 

Once you have installed a fire sprinkler system, you don’t have to invest a lot of effort, time, and money in maintaining them. They are relatively low maintenance. Having said that, you do need to hire fire sprinkler services such as inspection and maintenance to ensure they are in pristine condition and ready-to-use in case of a fire emergency. 

Fire safety is one of the most important aspects of every commercial building. Therefore, you should not overlook the importance of fire sprinkler installation. 

 

Signs it’s time for fire sprinkler system repair or replacement

Fire safety is the topmost priority for every commercial property. Thus, the fire protection system in place should competently be able to identify potential fire and extinguish it before it turns into a wildfire. This implies that your system should be dependable and up to date.  

When it comes to fire safety, a fire sprinkler system acts as the first line of defense against fire incidents. In case of a fire, a fire sprinkler system reacts rapidly to extinguish and prevent it from spreading to other areas. Even though fire sprinkler systems are durable, they tend to leak or corrode over time. This is because fire sprinkler systems develop unavoidable issues with time. If these issues are not fixed early on, they can lead to serious problems, which could result in the need for fire sprinkler system replacement services.  

Thus, it’s important to get your sprinkler system inspected and repaired before it’s too late. Fixing problems in the early stage can not only save you money in the long run but also ensure that your system is available and safe to use in case of an emergency.  

Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to repair or replace a fire sprinkler system  

Head or pipe damage 

The head or pipe of the fire sprinkler system can get damaged due to an accident that happened during construction or building renovation, typical wear and tear, and vandalism. If you observe problems in the sprinkler system due to vandalism or tampering, you must consider adding a protecting cage around the heads of the sprinkler. However, if you are unable to identify the issue with the head or the pipe of the system, it’s best to call the professionals. A certified professional will be able to help you identify the problem and propose a suitable solution. Remember, the problem in the sprinkler heads can go unnoticed for months or until there is a fire breakout and they fail to function.  

Corrosion

Corrosion is a common problem in any system that uses water. However, if you don’t pay attention to the problem, it could result in leaks. As a matter of fact, corrosion tends to deteriorate the pipes, weakening them and causing holes in them. If you notice signs of rust, a rotten egg smell, or the sprinkled water is discolored, you should get your pipes checked for corrosion. It can be prevented by getting fire sprinkler system repair services.  

Leaks 

While leaks in the sprinkler systems are fairly common, they are more serious than other issues and can be an expensive affair. Any sight of water leakage in the system may imply that the equipment is defective or damaged. Poor maintenance, improper installations, or tight fittings can also result in leaks.  

If you find any of the above-mentioned problems in your sprinkler system, contact a professional immediately.  

How often does fire extinguisher testing need to be conducted?

If you own a residential or commercial building, you must know how important it is to get regular fire extinguishers inspections. The inspection of your building’s fire alarm system, fire extinguisher, fire sprinklers, etc., is essential for all occupants’ safety. The fire extinguishers need to be cleaned, shaken, and regularly tested to ensure there is no blockage, damage, etc., which may render the fire extinguisher useless in an emergency. 

So, how often should you schedule fire extinguishers inspections and maintenance services to ensure they are well-operational? 

It is recommended that a complete fire alarm system testing, fire extinguisher testing, fire sprinklers inspections should be conducted at least once every six months by a licensed professional. It is essential to book regular inspections twice a year by certified professionals for your residential or commercial building’s safety as per different state and federal fire safety guidelines.  

It is also recommended that the building owner or manager should also perform a visual inspection every month to check there are no damaged nozzle caps or any other parts. It is recommended to replace the fire extinguishers every five years. 

Extra tips to ensure safety 

Here are a few safety tips you should follow to make sure your fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment will be operative in case of any emergency:

• Make sure to train your employees on how to use fire extinguishers. You should ensure every person knows how to safely use fire extinguishers and when to call a professional fire extinguisher service company.
• Make sure the fire extinguisher is easily accessible. It should not be hidden behind something as it can cause a problem accessing the fire extinguisher during a fire emergency. 
• Make sure that fire extinguishers are available on every level of the commercial or residential building. 
• Remove any dust, oil, etc., that might be on the surface of the extinguisher. Make sure the extinguishers are clean and well-maintained.
• Your extinguishers might need to be shaken monthly and pressure tested by a professional every year. So, make sure to regularly schedule a visit from a licensed professional from a fire extinguisher service.
• Make sure the can, hoses, and nozzles aren’t damaged, dented, or rusted. 
• Ensure to replenish or replace the extinguisher after it has been used. 

Following the above tips and scheduling regular fire extinguisher maintenance services from certified technicians will ensure your property’s safety.  

If you want to book a fire extinguisher testing and inspection from a certified technician, get in touch with our team.