Fire systems
- Thread starter Grant
- Start date
Grant
Administrator
Are the companies you are using for the service also replacing old systems with UL300 systems for you? Have you noticed a lot of insurance company required upgrades recently?
How about K Class extinguishers? Do you think the insurance companies are becoming a little more agressive than the fire departments in the last year?
PS. I'm trying to spark some conversation here so elaborate on your yes and no's!
How about K Class extinguishers? Do you think the insurance companies are becoming a little more agressive than the fire departments in the last year?
PS. I'm trying to spark some conversation here so elaborate on your yes and no's!
Douglas Hicks
Member
Grant, in Eastern Oregon, the AHJ's, fire departments, building code officials don't know and don't care about UL300, or K. The insurance companies are driving the move to UL300. Last year we did about 30 upgrades and installs. This year is a bit slower , only about 5 so far, w/ 3 more scheduled for this month. The officials claim to be concerned, but do not follow up thier words w/action. We get no support if we try to do a 6 year/pressure test in a resturant. I do have a line on my service report that asks if the system is UL300 or not. I only have 2 departments in my service area that even want to see service reports. Both do inspections and will even ask questions about fire suppression systems & extinguishers. Sometimes we find if we install a K, the insurance co is happy.
The biggest enforcement problem is lack of interest of the AHJs. Resturant fires do not happen very often, probably 3 years since the last in my area. Too bad the resturandt chose the cheap outfit. the Amerex did not activate. The fire was hot enough that the fan actually melted. Another problem is the lack of education of the AHJs. They do not have funding to send someone to a class, and most of us do not have the time or expertise to teach a class. The one on one method is the best way to educate the AHJ.
I find that fire prevention/suppression in resturants is a multi-faceted disipline. Exhaust systems need to be installed properly, kept clean and have an adaquate fire suppression system installed. Reqular system manintence needs to be done, wiht nozzles cleaned and links replaced. Greasy systems that are lacking in adequate clearances and have leaks will overpower any fire suppression system/fx combinations. When a fire occurs, the owner needs to prove the system was serviced as per mfg requirements. The investigation process then needs to focus on the service agency. The service agcency need to show they have the expertise and have done the work properly. By service agency, I mean the fire suppression company, the extinguisher company and the cleaning company.
Our industry is rife w/rag & tag suppression comapnies and blow and go cleaners. Recently we ran into a hotel that had a competitor in to clean the exhaust system. They cleaned the hood only, claiming they had another crew that cleaned the duct work. In truth, they had never in 3 years cleaned the duct, or the fan. We clened the whole system, and I serviced the Ansul system. The nozzles had never been cleaned and The Ansul was not installed according to the manual. This from an Ansul distributor.
Enough ranting, I am off to clean a system, by myself, (sorry David). Then as it is Mother's Day, we are going to dinner at one of my beter customers.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
The biggest enforcement problem is lack of interest of the AHJs. Resturant fires do not happen very often, probably 3 years since the last in my area. Too bad the resturandt chose the cheap outfit. the Amerex did not activate. The fire was hot enough that the fan actually melted. Another problem is the lack of education of the AHJs. They do not have funding to send someone to a class, and most of us do not have the time or expertise to teach a class. The one on one method is the best way to educate the AHJ.
I find that fire prevention/suppression in resturants is a multi-faceted disipline. Exhaust systems need to be installed properly, kept clean and have an adaquate fire suppression system installed. Reqular system manintence needs to be done, wiht nozzles cleaned and links replaced. Greasy systems that are lacking in adequate clearances and have leaks will overpower any fire suppression system/fx combinations. When a fire occurs, the owner needs to prove the system was serviced as per mfg requirements. The investigation process then needs to focus on the service agency. The service agcency need to show they have the expertise and have done the work properly. By service agency, I mean the fire suppression company, the extinguisher company and the cleaning company.
Our industry is rife w/rag & tag suppression comapnies and blow and go cleaners. Recently we ran into a hotel that had a competitor in to clean the exhaust system. They cleaned the hood only, claiming they had another crew that cleaned the duct work. In truth, they had never in 3 years cleaned the duct, or the fan. We clened the whole system, and I serviced the Ansul system. The nozzles had never been cleaned and The Ansul was not installed according to the manual. This from an Ansul distributor.
Enough ranting, I am off to clean a system, by myself, (sorry David). Then as it is Mother's Day, we are going to dinner at one of my beter customers.
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc