Page 87 - AAGLA-JULY 2022

Property Management
Be Prepared: Maintenance of Fire and Life Safety
Systems Starts with the Property Management Team
Here’s a checklist for keeping your fire and life safety systems ready in the event
of a disaster.
FBy Steve Goyette, Vice President, Telgian Fire Safety Services
ire and life safety for small apartment Exit Signs / Emergency Lighting
buildings includes a wide variety of measures, many of which are more than capably handled by on-site management personnel. Here are some general categories to consider, along with specific actions that can improve preparedness in the event of an emergency.
Monthly –Perform a visual inspection to ensure the units are mounted correctly, have no obvious signs of damage, and the lenses are clear and unbroken. In addition, perform the “push button” test by holding down the test button for 30 seconds. During this time, the device should light up with full display, and if not, the unit should be serviced by a licensed contractor. Update the inspection log with
Fire Extinguishers results and any noted items requiring repair.
Monthly – Perform a visual inspection to ensure visibility / accessibility of the extinguisher, presence and correct position of the locking pin and an unbroken tamper seal. Inspect the extinguisher for any physical damage, leakage, corrosion, or a clogged hose or nozzle. Inspect the pressure gauge to ensure it is in the correct operating range. Pick up the extinguisher to ensure it is full, placing it back in the correct position when done, which includes making sure the stickers (typically “how to use” the extinguisher) are legible and facing outwards. Check the extinguisher tag and note when the annual inspection is coming due, then initial and date the back of the tag.
Annually – Hire a licensed contractor to perform an annual fire extinguisher inspection, which will likely include additional services (such as 6-yr and 12-yr) on some of the extinguishers in service.
Annually – Hire a licensed contractor to perform an annual emergency light/exit sign inspection, which may require additional services such as batteries, bulbs, or light fixtures for those that do not pass the inspection and test.
Housekeeping and Landscaping
Regular upkeep and maintenance of the property is crucial to allowing for an effective prevention of fire, as well as response when an emergency does occur. Be sure plants and landscaping are well trimmed and not impacting egress pathways, dead and down foliage is regularly removed from the property, common hallways and walkways are clean and free of debris/storage to maximize exit space for residents, and that stair rails and steps are in good condition with proper lighting.
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