Zero Tolerance

Monitoring TechnologyA few articles ago, I discussed implementing technology to reduce inspection times and increase staff time to tackle other life safety issues in your schools. I don’t often dedicate another article so soon to a subject recently covered, I am breaking this rule and want to revisit monitoring technologies available for fire extinguishers, electrical panels, coolers and egress systems and their ability to reduce inspection citations from fire or OSHA regulators.

I just returned from a conference where fire prevention and OSHA regulators were in attendance. During a break, the topic of common violations between fire inspections and OSHA inspections came up. The discussion determined that obstructed extinguishers, electrical panels and exit routes, as well as fire extinguishers not being inspected on a monthly basis, were in the top 10 most frequently cited violations. Both fire and OSHA staff agreed that it is possible to always find an obstructed extinguisher or one that has not received its monthly or yearly inspection.

The OSHA inspector indicated that first-time offenses for violating an OSHA regulation are capped at $7,000, unless it is found to be a willful violation. A repeat violation increases the penalty to $70,000. The inspector was quick to rattle off locations where fines exceeded $233,000 and $144,000 for repeat violations for buildings.

I shared with both inspectors that there is technology that can eliminate first-time violations for extinguisher, exit system and electrical panel obstructions, as well as missed monthly inspections. I told them about a location that installed 14 monitored points covering extinguishers, electrical panels and a temperature sensor alarm in a pharmacy refrigerator (while not typically found in K-12 facilities, there are other temperature sensitive locations that the technology would be applicable too). The devices were part of a seven-month facility test to demonstrate that active monitoring of these locations would reduce or eliminate obstructed devices, and in the case of the temperature sensor, protect extremely costly medicine.

The fire extinguisher monitoring devices can produce an alert and a trouble signal. The alert signal is produced when the extinguisher is removed from is designated location (this also cuts down on tampering). The trouble signal is activated when the extinguisher, exit or electrical panel is obstructed.

The trouble signal is also activated when there is abnormal pressure in the extinguisher.

Data gathered from the seven months clearly showed the benefits of the monitoring technology. During the first four months all the fire extinguisher monitoring devices had at least one obstruction trouble alarm and several had multiple troubles. At first, the obstruction troubles were concerning, but after the first few months the obstruction troubles became less frequent. Employees went through a learning curve and then realized obstructions were not going to be overlooked.

The inspectors both agreed that these violations are low hanging fruit and with monitoring technology any school can eliminate the need for inspectors to cite for obstructions and improper inspections. One of the inspectors said a Joint Commission Inspector had told him that extinguishers are expected to be written up, regardless of if only one extinguisher of 1,000 is unchecked. It’s a 100-percent compliance item — 99.9 percent could be in compliance — but you will still be cited.

Installing monitoring technology takes hundreds or thousands of points of regulatory risk down to no points of risk for monitored locations. You will eliminate one of the simplest items for an inspector to question or find a deficiency. In addition your egress routes, electrical panels and extinguishers must all accessible for use in an emergency.

One inspector asked if the technology to monitor these items is available from multiple companies. The answer is yes, all major fire alarm companies have the ability to install this equipment.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Mike Halligan is the President of Higher Education Safety, a consulting group specializing in fire prevention program audits, strategic planning, training and education programs and third party plan review and occupancy inspections. He retired after twenty six years as the Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management at the University of Utah. He frequently speaks and is a recognized expert on residence hall/student housing fire safety and large scale special event planning. He also works with corporate clients to integrate products into the campus environment that promote safety and security.

Featured

  • Los Angeles City College Breaks Ground on New Administration, Workforce Building

    Los Angeles City College (LACC) in Los Angeles, Calif., recently broke ground on a new $72-million administrative facility, according to a news release. The Cesar Chavez Administration and Workforce Building will stand four stories, cover 67,230 square feet, and play home to a wide variety of the school’s educational and administrative services.

  • Image credit: O

    Strategic Campus Assessment: Moving Beyond Reactive Maintenance in Educational Facilities

    While campuses may appear stable on the surface, building systems naturally evolve over time, and proactive assessment can identify developing issues before they become expensive emergencies. The question isn't whether aging educational facilities need attention. It's how institutions can transition from costly reactive maintenance to strategic asset management in a way that protects both budgets and communities.

  • Kimball Showroom Earns WELL Certified Platinum Distinction

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced that its showroom in New York City has achieved WELL Certification at the Platinum level as dictated by the International WELL Building Institute, according to a news release. The certification demonstrates a continuing commitment to creating environments that promote health, well-being, and productivity.

  • Recent University of Pennsylvania Projects Receive LEED Certifications

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently announced that three of its recent construction projects have earned LEED certifications, according to university news. The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) received a LEED Platinum certification, Amy Gutmann Hall a LEED Gold, and the OTT Center for Track and Field a LEED silver.