Are you the owner or manager of a high-rise building? If yes, you need to get familiar with the new high rise building codes. These building codes are stricter on fire safety and not all cities have equally created building codes.
For example, building codes in Chicago and New York change frequently and the new building code requirements are expected to draw national attention to fire and life safety issues. One hot topic about the new building codes involves sprinklers in older buildings.
New building codes in cities nation wide require automatic sprinklers in high-rise commercial buildings no matter when they were built.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has revealed statistics that no more than two people have ever been killed by a high-rise building fire where automatic sprinklers were completely installed and operated properly in a high-rise building.
Within the new ordinance codes, all existing commercial buildings 80 feet above grade should be fully equipped with automatic sprinklers by the year 2017.
Previously, the original ordinance only required buildings constructed after 1975 to install a complete automatic sprinkler system.
The new building codes indicate the installment of a complete building automatic sprinkler system can be completed in four-year stages. Every stage will install one third of the building with sprinklers.
Residential and landmark buildings are the only high-rise buildings exempt from the new sprinkler provisions.
Automatic sprinkler systems can help tenants escape heavy smoke stairwells. The sprinkler systems can improve firefighting techniques by the fire department as well by creating a two-way communication between tenants and firefighters.
In addition to these new building code revisions, buildings 100 feet and above must have a full installation of automatic fire sprinklers by 2019.
Other provisions of the new building codes include exit lighting, photoluminescent exit signs, and backup power for exits in high-rise office buildings of 75 feet or more.
Install a reliable fire sprinkler system and have it regularly serviced by Fireline Corporation to keep your building protected at all times.
Fireline can design, furnish and install all types of fire sprinkler systems including wet pipe systems, pre-action systems and deluge systems as well as standpipe systems and fire pumps. Read about our sprinklers by clicking here.
We are a Maryland corporation founded in 1947 by John S. Waters. Fireline remains a pioneer in the fledgling fire equipment distribution business and we have grown to encompass all facets of fire protection. Our Totally Integrated Protection Solutions provide you with a wide variety of services. We can design, install, inspect, or service any type of fire protection system. From fire alarm to fire extinguisher, we do it all.
If you have any questions about Sprinklers, fire equipment, or other Fireline products and services, contact Fireline by calling 410.247.1422 or click here today!
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