 Where There's Smoke....Detect It! By Robert L. Wasserman, CPCU |
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Fire is a serious threat and claims thousands of lives each year in this country. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that you're twice as likely to die in a fire if smoke detection is not present.
Most fire deaths happen at night while people are asleep. This makes early fire detection and warning especially important. An array of detection devices is available that can provide this early warning if properly selected, installed, tested and maintained.
Smoke detectors respond reliably and quickly to the majority of fires and are available at a reasonable cost. There are two primary types of detectors: ionization and photoelectric.
Ionization detectors sense both visible and invisible smoke particles. Smoke reduces the electric current within the unit which, in turn, starts the alarm. Photoelectric detectors also sense smoke particles, but only those large enough to "seen" by the unit. The smoke blocks the path of a light beam within the unit and activates the alarm.
Either type of smoke detector can provide an early warning of fire and there are combination units available that improve detector reliability by reducing the incidence of false alarms. A false alarm can be initiated by small dirt particles, smoke from cooking, dust or temperature extremes which may be present in garages, kitchens or attics.
Whichever detectors are chosen, be sure they're approved by a recognized testing laboratory. The most prominent of these are the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM). Listed units will display the UL or FM identifying symbol.
In commercial settings, building codes requiring smoke detectors vary by type and size of occupancy, with the most stringent requirements applying to apartment houses, residential board and care facilities, hotels and motels and other situations where people live on the premises either on a regular or transitory basis. Readers should consult the Life Safety Handbook published by the NFPA for further details.
Smoke detectors must be maintained periodically in accordance with the manufacturers' specific instructions and a modicum of common sense. All units should be tested by utilizing the test switch AND by exposing the unit to smoke. Units should be periodically cleaned to remove dust, which can interfere with proper functioning.
If the detectors are not "hard-wired" (connected directly to the building's electrical system), batteries must be replaced at regular intervals. Units listed by UL or FM will emit a periodic beeping sound when the batteries need replacing.
By identifying and controlling fire hazards, fires will be less of a threat to lives and property. Should a fire occur, properly installed, tested and maintained smoke detectors used in conjunction with an escape plan, will help reduce the incidence of injuries and the severity of property damage.
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A loss control representative can confirm the presence and condition of smoke detectors during an on-site inspection.
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