Fire Alarm Codes in Houston
Running a business, managing a building, or operating a warehouse takes a lot of your time. When was the last time you thought about fire safety? This issue may rarely cross your mind, but it’s important to follow Houston fire alarm codes to ensure your employees, customers, and inventory are properly protected.
Do you have the right number of fire alarms installed in your building? If so, do you give them the maintenance they need? If you’re not sure what Houston fire alarm codes entail, brush up on them now. If you discover your building falls short, contact Kauffman Co. to request fire alarm services.
Where Fire Alarms Are Required
All new buildings and structures must have manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarms installed in accordance with NFPA 72 Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23. A minimum of one manual fire alarm box must be installed in an approved location so building occupants can initiate the fire alarm system if they spot a fire before smoke detectors go off.
Fire alarms are required in certain buildings based on occupancy, classification, size and construction. In general, your building requires a fire alarm system if one or more of the following conditions apply:
- The building has an occupant load of 300 or more.
- Dwelling or sleeping units are located three or more stories above ground level.
- Dwelling or sleeping units are located below ground level.
- The building contains more than 16 dwelling or sleeping units.
- The building is a public educational facility or child care center.
Exempt Locations
In general, you are not required to install fire alarms in the following locations:
- Open buildings.
- Occupancies with a load of less than 50 people.
- Buildings protected throughout by automatic sprinklers and local alarms to notify all occupants.
Fire Alarm Testing
NFPA 72 requires fire alarms to be tested at least annually by a qualified, licensed fire alarm service company. Note that any heat, flame and vapor detection devices should be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Testing includes all components and auxiliary functions of a fire alarm system, including but not limited to:
- Smoke detectors
- Manual pull devices
- Annunciator devices (testing must be done at least once every three years)
- Visual indicators and strobes
- Control units
- Voice/alarm communication systems
- Electronic exit egress control devices
- Automatic fire and smoke doors
- Automatic fire and smoke dampers
You must keep written documentation of all tests and repairs to prove your system meets NFPA 72 requirements.
Fire Alarm Services in Houston, TX
If you don’t have the time or knowledge to ensure your building complies with Houston fire alarm codes, don’t fret; Kauffman Co. specializes in fire safety so you don’t have to. Let us handle all your fire alarm service needs, from installation and maintenance to testing and repair. Our services ensure you comply with Houston fire codes and help keep building occupants safe if a fire should start on your property.
Contact Kauffman Co. to schedule fire alarm services in Houston today.
