New York Fire Pumps: Most Common NFPA Fire Code Violations to Avoid

December 13th, 2024

Fire protection is a cornerstone of public safety, especially in a bustling metropolis like New York City. This requires ensuring compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fire codes. One critical component of fire safety infrastructure is the New York fire pumps. This equipment acts as a lifeline during those fire emergencies.

However, many buildings fail to maintain fire pumps properly, resulting in fire code violations. This is why you must know the most common fire code violations when planning fire safety for your building.

The Most Common Fire Code Violations to Spot and Fix

New York City’s fire code integrates NFPA standards that require strict adherence to ensure public safety. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, increased insurance premiums, and failure to protect lives and property during a fire emergency. Luckily, fire code violations are easy to identify and fix.

Let’s take a closer look at the most frequent fire pump violations that property owners and facility managers encounter in New York:

1.Fire Pumps Not Tested

NFPA recommends installing New York fire pumps on the bottom floor of the building. A dust layer on your pump indicates that you need to perform the monthly churn test. Neglecting can lead to fire pump repair costs that may feel heavy on your pocket.

Luckily, a pump expert can help perform this monthly test. You can also decide to have this test done in-house. Be sure to double-check with the authority with jurisdiction over their requirements for personnel performing the fire pump test.

2.Expired Fire Extinguishers

Whether it’s in your business facility, residential building, or somewhere else, you need to ensure all your extinguishers stay up to date. Hiring a fire protection professional to perform the monthly fire extinguisher inspection is best.

Additionally, the fire extinguisher must be in plain sight so that nothing is blocking it. This can be easily fixed by moving the obstacles out of the way.

3.Painted Fire Sprinkler Heads

Please note that only manufacturers can paint fire sprinklers. Perform a simple visual inspection at ground level. Painted fire sprinkler heads will need to be replaced by a professional.

Also, be sure to check your fire alarm panel regularly. When there’s a problem, don’t wait. Get in touch with a fire alarm professional immediately to fix the issue.

4.Obstructed Exits

According to NFPA 101, you should not have any items impeding the pathway to any exit. Since these exits are often used frequently, items will end up stacked in front of them. In the worst cases, emergency exit doors may get locked or blocked.

In a fire emergency, people won’t be able to get out. Consequently, you’ll find yourself with a lot more to deal with. So, clear the pathway to the emergency exit door and unlock it. Nothing should impede the fire exit path.

5.Improper Fire Pump Room

A poorly ventilated or obstructed fire pump room can lead to overheating or delayed access during emergencies. So, it is vital to maintain proper temperature and ventilation. It should remain free of clutter and obstructions.

Ensure your New York fire pump room meets environmental or accessibility standards outlined in NFPA 20. This includes making it easily accessible to firefighters and maintenance personnel.

6.Inadequate Relief Valve Settings

Relief valves set at incorrect pressure levels are a big no! It can lead to potential pump overpressure, damaging the fire pump or the connected fire suppression system, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

Ensure you verify relief valve settings against NFPA 20 specifications during routine inspections. Also, regularly inspect and replace corroded or damaged parts as part of your fire pump maintenance schedule.

7.Deficient Power Supply

Lack of a reliable power source or a generator that doesn’t meet NFPA standards can lead to violations. In the event of a power outage, the fire pump may fail to operate, leaving the building vulnerable during a fire.

The best solution is to install and test backup generators regularly to ensure they meet NFPA 110 and 111 requirements for emergency power systems.

So, these are a few fire pump violations to keep in mind when ensuring fire protection. Remember, fire pumps are a vital part of your building’s fire safety ecosystem, and neglecting their compliance can have serious consequences. Thus, always invest in high-quality New York fire pumps that perform better and stay longer without failing.