Fire and life-safety systems in and throughout a facility — regardless of it being one building or a multibuilding campus — are vital. Every person who sets foot in the facility depends on these systems being in place.

These systems reduce the impact of a fire and notify occupants to act when conditions are unsafe. They also protect people from areas of the most danger and can help limit the destruction caused by fire.

Facility managers wear many hats, but maintaining safety is the most important responsibility they face each day.

Questions to ask

In regard to fire systems and safety, facility managers must consider the following questions:

  • What fire and life-safety systems are in the buildings managed?
  • Are you trained in the inspection, testing and maintenance requirements of fire and life-safety systems?
  • How often do you test and maintain fire systems?
  • Do you know the life cycle of each system?
  • Are there local safety codes that affect these systems, or changes to safety codes that require you to examine the fire systems and their current state of readiness?
  • Do you understand operations within the facility impact fire safety?
  • Is there a fire safety plan for each building managed? Has the plan been tested and are those who may be impacted by fire understand the plan?
  • Are your fire systems clearly diagrammed and mapped for reference, if needed? Do you have a written, and practiced, fire safety plan? What emergency evacuation procedures and routes are in place?
  • Does the fire safety plan account for people with disabilities?
  • Who is responsible for different systems within the facility?

Taking safety steps

There are several steps to take on an ongoing basis for the maintenance of fire systems and the prevention of instances to be prepared in the event of a fire. Perhaps the most important ones for a facility manager, outside of managing and testing fire systems, are to ensure that the people within the facility are properly trained for how to respond in the event of a fire; that fire evacuation routes are clearly marked; that proper fire-fighting equipment is placed adequately throughout the facility and people understand how to use it.

Facility managers also should consider performing regular fire safety inspections; creating and updating a regular emergency evacuation plan; and training facility employees, customers and guests on how to react in the event of a fire.

Facility managers also must take responsibility over ensuring the facility has no fire hazards, and prioritize the safety of building occupants in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Finally, perhaps the biggest obstacle you’ll face as a facility manager is not a fire or your planning, but the complacency of the people in the facility. They see such as inconvenience. No matter, you must emphasize how important it is that everyone participate in these drills. You have their safety at heart.

Bring in some help

If you need help with the planning, consider bringing on a consultant to assist with creating the plan, conducting system inspection testing, and even performing maintenance of the systems.

Nevertheless, pay attention to and take action in regard to this most essential of facility managers’ roles.