Blocked Fire Alarm

Contingency planning must include the potential loss of electrical power to the facility so that emergency power is available if needed for the operation of sprinkler pumps, fire doors, or any other needed emergency device. 

The insurance carrier, often through the loss control representative, can provide assistance in the development of the emergency program. Also, professional fire organizations such as Factory Mutual or the National Fire Protection Association are very helpful. 

Each facility is required to have an emergency plan, which must be developed with input from many sources. Once on paper, it must be tested. If problems arise, correct them and test the program again. The program must be communicated to all of the employees. Employees should be an integral part of the program s development. 

Preplanning is vital for an emergency program. All facets of the program must be considered, and when an emergency arises, the plan should be ready to be put into action. If a plan is developed, not communicated to employees, and not tested, it may just sit in a binder on a shelf. There must be a constant evaluation of the plan to ensure it will function properly. 

and Jeffrey Moore. Warehouse Pre-Fire Planning and Fire Fighting Operations. Fire Protection Handbook. Seventeenth Edition. Quincy, MA National Fire Protection Association. 1991. pp. 8-26 to 8-31. 

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The L12-150 12 V battery weights approximately 1.05 kg and is stated to have good shelf life and an internal enclosed cell block resistant to ingress of moisture, and can be used for longer periods at higher current drains. Applications include intruder and fire alarm systems, portable fluorescent lighting, small d.c. motors, portable television receivers and toys. 

The plan must include a list of all emergency equipment at tlie facility (such as fire cxtinguisliing systems, spill control equipment, internal and external communications and alarm s> stems, and dccontmnination equipment). In addition, the plan must include for each item on the list a physical description, a brief outline of its capabilities, and its location The contingency plan must include an evacuation plan for facility pcrsoiuicl if the possibility exists that e acuation might become neeessary. The evacuation plan must describe signal(s) to be used to begin evacuation, evacuation routes, and alternate e acuation routes (in cases where priniiiry routes could be blocked by releases of hazardous wastes or fires)" ... 

Detection and alarm of a fire are important, but maintaining a clear and effective means of egress is just as important. Oftentimes, arsonists will block or obstruct the entrance/exit (NFPA 921, 2011). Therefore, every structure needs multiple means of egress. Depending on the occupancy type and the authority having jurisdiction, codes and standards may already require alternate means of egress. Smoke pressurization systems can be used to provide means of egress that are clear of smoke. 

When you hear the alarm, you should not stop to gather any belongings and you must not run. If you discover a fire, you must only try to fight the fire if it is blocking your exit or if it is small. Only when you have been given the all-clear can you re-enter the site or building. 

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