Building Operating Management September 2011 - FacilitiesNet

82 buildingoperatingmanagement
SEPTEMBER 2011
It is important for facility managers to understand the
building and fire code requirements in place in regards
to building security. Although avoiding the installation of
padlocks on exit doors seems to be one of the most fundamental
rules of life safety, locked exit doors still exist. At
the same time, other security measures such as exit control
devices and the locking of doors inside an exit stair
have more complicated life safety implications. When
designing a security system for a building, it is possible
to protect life and property from fire while also ensuring
a secured building. It’s up to facility managers to coordinate
the design of security systems with a fire protection
engineer so that the security and life safety considerations
do not conflict with each other.
q
Make
4.
Sure the Fire
Protection Systems Work
Inspecting, testing and maintaining fire protection
systems is essential to ensuring these life safety systems
respond properly during a building fire. An inspection,
testing and maintenance program needs to be part of any
facility’s fire protection program.
There are numerous types of active and passive fire protection
systems. Active fire protection requires some kind of
“action” or a “response” to a fire for it to provide protection.
Examples of active fire protection systems include: fire sprinkler
systems; special hazard fire protection systems; smoke
management systems; fire alarm and emergency communication
systems; and explosion protection systems. Passive
systems do not need any type of action to protect people and
property from smoke or fire. Passive fire protection systems
include: structural fire protection; fire barriers (e.g., fire-rated
walls, floors and ceilings); opening protection (e.g., fire doors
and windows); and firestopping materials.
Each type of system has its own set of inspection, testing
and maintenance requirements, which makes a comprehensive
program critical. This program should include
type of system, proper procedures, procedure intervals,
who performs the procedure and documentation to show
that the procedure was performed properly.
q
Bring
5.
in an Expert When the
Building Changes
Any time a building’s use, occupancy or layout changes
as a result of a building modification (e.g., renovations
and additions), it is essential to ensure that the facility’s
fire protection system is not compromised and the most
efficient fire protection is still being provided. Something
as simple as applying the wrong type of wall finish can
have significant life safety consequences. For example,
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