Guide to Life Safety Systems and Services

Table of Contents

Life safety systems are essential for the protection of personnel and visitors to your property. They ensure that, in the event of an emergency, your occupants can get out of harm’s way quickly and safely.

A life safety system is a mechanical or structural system that provides warning of an emergency, assistance with an emergency, or a safe exit route. Examples of systems that warn would be fire alarm systems and emergency communication systems. Systems that provide assistance during an emergency include smoke control systems and emergency lighting systems. And those structural systems that provide a safe exit route are all methods of egress from the building, including stairwells, hallways, and exit doors.

What are Life Safety Systems?

These are systems that are designed to protect lives primarily, and property secondarily in the event of a fire or other emergency. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code requires fire protection such as fire extinguisher installation, fire sprinkler installation as well as fire alarm systems and smoke control systems. It also calls for emergency communication systems and emergency lighting systems. Well placed fire extinguishers and trained employees can save lives and buy time in an evacuation by putting out small fires before they get out of hand. Fire sprinklers help prevent extensive damage and fire spread. These sprinkler systems are invaluable because they will be triggered without user intervention to put out a fire in its beginning stages. And fire alarm systems can do much more than just sound an alarm, they have many capabilities including calling the fire department.

Of course, life safety systems aren’t just confined to buildings. Marine fire suppression systems can save both lives and property on boats and ships of all sizes. And vehicle fire extinguishers are essential in commercial vehicles.

What is a Life Safety Plan?

This plan lays out the building’s current life safety systems and procedures as well as the egress path from all parts of the building, egress path lighting, and all exit signage. This plan should provide evacuation strategies, including how differently abled individuals will be accommodated, and a procedure for practice drills. A life safety plan requires regular review and updating, and everything must be documented.

A life safety plan example would be a plan that contains a schematic drawing of the building with exits, exit routes, and all life safety systems clearly marked. It would contain a document showing regular inspections and maintenance of each life safety system, as required by NFPA 101. This plan would provide for safety and evacuation drills, safety training, such as fire extinguisher training, and all would be well documented and kept up to date.

Types of Life Safety Systems

There are many types of life safety systems, such as building access control systems and fire sprinkler systems. Many life safety systems, including emergency lighting systems, smoke control systems, and emergency communication systems can be integrated into your fire alarm system, itself an essential life safety system.

Fire Alarm Systems

These systems are essential to alert people in time to evacuate a building safely. Fire alarm systems can be automatic, activating upon receiving a signal from a fire detector (e.g., smoke or heat or carbon monoxide sensors), manual, as by a pull station, or both.

Fire alarm systems are either conventional, or addressable. Conventional systems receive signals from the sensors and sound an alarm, or flash or strobe a light, or both. They consist of:

  • The fire alarm control panel
  • All detectors and bases
  • Call points/pull stations
  • Sounders and flashers
  • Power supply accessories (fire alarm batteries—or, pursuant to the NFPA, batteries and a standby generator, or an Energy Storage System)

The addressable fire alarm system is different in that every device in the fire alarm system has its own dedicated address. This allows the fire alarm control panel to pinpoint the specific sensors that sent the signal, thus providing valuable information about where the threat is located.

As mentioned above, comprehensive fire alarm systems can, among other things

  • Detect smoke and heat
  • Send you notifications
  • Call the fire department
  • Close fire doors
  • Pressurize stairwells
  • Unlock doors
  • Turn on egress lighting.

Most of these additional functions are accomplished through the fire alarm control panel. This panel is the brain center to which signals are sent from sensors and detectors. It then triggers alarms, flashing lights, voice systems and any other life-saving systems that have been integrated with it. Sprinklers can be triggered by sensors or by the control panel.

Emergency Lighting Systems

If the power goes out in your building due to fire or other emergency, or visibility is affected by smoke, emergency lighting systems can help the occupants get to safety, and get there faster. These systems include not only emergency pathway lighting, but also exit sign illumination.

OSHA’s standard, 29 CFR 1910.37(b) details how exit routes and exit signs are to be illuminated. NFPA 101 requires adequate lighting for exit access, exits and exit discharges. Signs must be lit in the event of a power outage either internally or externally.

Lights along exit routes, including designated stairs, aisles, corridors and passageways must give an average of one foot-candle of light at floor level. Emergency egress lighting requirements are addressed in the International Building Code (IBC) 1008.3.4 and 1008.3.5 and are substantially identical to the NFPA’s standards.

And one foot-candle (intensity) is equal to one lumen (quantity) of light per square foot. Since lumens are a measure of how much light is coming from the source, more lumens means it will be brighter, and less, dimmer.

Pursuant to NFPA 101, there are two ways to provide emergency lighting to allow people to escape the building safely. You can either provide for an emergency generator and automatic transfer switch which powers part of the building’s lights in a power outage, or provide separate lights that are connected to the building’s power supply to charge the batteries unless and until needed.

Emergency exit lighting must come on automatically and stay on for at least 90 minutes. And, pursuant to NFPA 101, 7.9.1.3, it should come on within 10 seconds of the power failing.

Although the NFPA has been adopted in many states, and is incorporated into OSHA by reference in part, it is prudent to check state and local building codes to ensure your building is in compliance with emergency lighting system requirements.

Finally, NFPA 101 has specific maintenance requirements you must adhere to and keep records of with respect to all of your emergency lighting systems. Detailed requirements are listed in the National Electric Code (NFPA 70) in addition to those listed in NFPA 101.

Smoke Control System

Smoke control systems are life safety systems because they manage or contain smoke to help occupants get out of a building quickly and safely. The smoke from fires not only obscures vision, but it is toxic, and it is hot.

There are two types of smoke control systems: smoke management systems and smoke containment systems. These systems are sometimes called mechanical and passive. The requirement for design, installation, and testing of these systems is found in NFPA 92, Standard for Smoke Control Systems. But you must look to NFPA 101 and local building and fire codes to see if you are required to have one in your building.

The smoke containment system is what is found in most buildings with smoke control systems. It keeps smoke from coming into certain areas, like stairwells, through pressurization. They are sometimes referred to as mechanical smoke control systems because they achieve this pressurization using a mechanical fan. This pressurization keeps the smoke out and give people time to evacuate.

The smoke management system is more often found in warehouses and other large open buildings. This system uses the smoke’s tendency to float to vent it from the building. Then propellers push the smoke out. Since air is leaving with the smoke, these systems also add fresh air at the same time. This also keeps the pressure from becoming too great.

Both types of systems are activated automatically by sprinklers, smoke or heat detectors, or other fire detection devices.

Emergency Communication Systems

These systems, sometimes abbreviated as ECS, or MNS, for Mass Notification Systems, alert occupants to a number of threats, including fire. These can be integrated into the fire alarm system so that when the fire alarm control panel receives a signal from a fire detection device, such as a smoke or heat detector, it will set off the ECS.

Once triggered, the ECS delivers voice and visual messages to the occupants to move them to the safest exit. You can use a pre-recorded message sent to the PA system as well as LED signs or digital screens. And if you have continuous monitoring service, these messages can be delivered by a live agent with access to all your security apparatus for the best-case scenario.

NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, at 24.5.16.1 requires that where audible notifications are provided, MNS (ECS) “shall also provide visual notifications to serve the deaf and hard of hearing and for high noise areas.” And these visual and audible messages must be simultaneous.

These clear messages reduce fear and confusion by guiding occupants through the safest way out rather than just blaring a horn or siren. Further, they combat occupants’ tendency to think the sirens or horns are just false alarms, thereby getting them to safety faster.

Finally, after doing a risk assessment of your property, and so as not to confuse people, you can decide which type of signal will have priority, Fire or ECS.

Why Life Safety Systems are Needed

Life safety systems are necessary to protect people, primarily, and also property. While it is necessary to comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to life safety systems, the fundamental goal is the protection of life. Having these systems in place does provide added benefits though, like minimizing disturbances in your business flow and increasing the value of your property.

Protection of Occupants

These systems, alone, or working together, mitigate the risk to the occupants of buildings during emergencies. Fire alarm systems not only alert you of danger, but they can also start fighting the fire through integrated sprinkler systems and other suppression systems. Emergency lighting systems show people how to quickly find the closest exit, while smoke control systems make it easier to see and breathe as they exit. Finally, emergency communication systems help to control fear and confusion, while leading everyone to the safest exit through voice and visual commands.

Individually, each of these life safety systems is a powerful tool to save lives and prevent injury during emergencies. Think of what it could mean for your business to have all these systems working together to protect your employees and visitors at the same time.

Compliance with Regulations

The laws and building codes that mandate life safety systems can get confusing, depending on what jurisdiction you are in. But it’s safe to say that the NFPA’s Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) is vitally important to know. Some edition of it is used in all 50 states, at least in part, and 43 states have fully adopted it. Furthermore, NFPA 101 is incorporated by reference into other laws and regulations, such as OSHA.

In addition to installing several life safety systems under NFPA, you are required to inspect and maintain them. For example, to be in compliance, you would need professional fire extinguisher service and fire sprinkler inspections at the appropriate intervals. To be in compliance with the IFC, you must also maintain certain life safety systems in an operable condition at all times, including fire-extinguishing equipment. Where maintenance is concerned, the IBC incorporates provisions from both the IFC and NFPA.

Once you have familiarized yourself with your jurisdiction’s codes and regulations, you can ensure that your facility’s life safety systems comply.

Business Continuity

Life safety systems protect your business as well as the lives of your employees and visitors. Not only do they protect tangible property, but they also protect intangibles like your time. Fire extinguishers put out small fires. Fire sprinklers stop fires before they can get started. Your fire alarm system notifies the fire department in the event of a fire. And emergency lighting, smoke control systems, and fire alarm systems with ECS quickly and safely evacuate personnel. Working together, these life safety systems can minimize your downtime and operational disruptions.

Enhancing Property Value

An up-to-date array of life safety systems that meets the needs found in a thorough risk assessment can only make your property more valuable. Potential buyers will be relieved that they will not have to do costly renovations to the building to meet code requirements. And, they will have peace of mind that their personnel and business will have a heightened level of safety from the beginning of occupancy.

Integration and Design Considerations

The fire alarm system can integrate multiple systems into its system. This can streamline the entire design and ensure that your system meets the safety needs of your business and occupants.

Holistic Approach to Building Safety

Life safety systems must be integrated to provide comprehensive protection. This means that your systems need to work together as a whole to meet emergency situations. For instance, in a fire emergency, your fire alarm system, through its fire control panel, will receive a signal from one or more of its sensors, smoke, heat, or flame. In response, it can trigger your sprinkler system. And, if it is an addressable alarm system, it can turn on sprinklers in just the affected areas.

Simultaneously, the fire alarm system will activate an audible and visual alarm, signaling an evacuation. Depending on your risk analysis, NFPA 72 allows you to prioritize a verbal (and visual) command—via a mass notification system, or emergency communication system, versus the horn or siren signal.

And when smoke control and emergency lighting systems work in concert with these, you have the kind of dynamic coverage that can meet the life safety needs of your business.

Customization and Scalability

Of course, what works for a small business probably won’t work for a multibuilding enterprise. Life safety systems can be customized for these needs. For instance, with complexes and larger facilities, addressable fire alarm systems work better because they can pinpoint the problem. This avoids unnecessary reactions and allows for immediate action to be taken precisely where needed.

And because so many other life safety systems can be integrated into the fire alarm system, those systems will also be targeted to the specific area of concern. Recall a few of these customizable systems—smoke control systems, emergency lighting systems, sprinkler systems, and emergency communication systems.

Also, occupancies matter. For example, an ECS for a business may be different from one for a hospital where panic is a real possibility. In the latter case, ECS notifications can go out to select personnel only, who then proceed with the evacuation of the sick and injured in an orderly manner.

For scalability you want either an addressable fire alarm system or a wireless system. Both allow you to make the changes you need as your business grows or your needs change.

Maintenance and Testing

All of your life safety systems should undergo regular inspection, testing and maintenance (ITM) to ensure that they will perform properly when needed. The NFPA requires an acceptance test when the system is first installed and daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections, with testing thereafter.

Inspections and testing should be done by a professional to ensure not only compliance with codes and regulations, but also safety and reliability of the system.

NFPA 72 also details the documentation required to be kept regarding these inspections, testing and any necessary maintenance. Maintenance must be done swiftly to ensure safety and reliability. Even if a component continues to pass inspections, there may come a time when its age requires its replacement for safety considerations.

And preventative maintenance, such as updating fire safety software, will keep your systems running smoothly and dependably.

You should always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for inspections, testing and maintenance as well. Also check your jurisdiction for any additional requirements.

Choosing Ideal Life Safety Systems

In deciding on the ideal systems, you must know your risks. This requires an analysis of the hazards you are facing with your particular enterprise. From there you can take stock of the life safety systems you already have in place and renovate as necessary to meet your specific needs.

Assessment of Needs

When assessing your building or business needs you must consider the hazards to safety that exist and what systems you already have in place to protect your property and personnel. For example, if your company stores flammable liquids, you will need different detection and suppression systems from that of an office building. Your other life safety systems, such as smoke control systems may also differ.

You will need to consider codes and regulations, such as NFPA 101 and OSHA in your assessment, as well as any local laws or ordinances.

But designing a life safety system for your business or building is more than just code compliance. It is about protecting your personnel, visitors, and the business you have built. Current life safety systems allow you to customize your comprehensive system to your exact needs. And your system can grow and change as you evolve and your needs change.

Selecting Reliable Providers

When deciding on a provider to design and install your life safety systems, there are many factors to consider. You will want someone with experience in the systems you need. For example, if you want an addressable fire alarm system, you would not want to hire someone who only deals with conventional zone-type fire alarm systems.

Reputation is also important to consider. One way to accomplish this is to tour facilities like yours, and ask about their provider. Once you get good word of mouth reviews, you can check the online reviews as well. Chambers of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau can also give you valuable feedback.

The NFPA offers a number of certifications which may be relevant to you, depending on what you are looking for. One of them is the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS). One of the groups it is specifically intended for is designers and engineers.

NICET, National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, a non-profit division of the National Society for Professional Engineers, offers four levels of certification in Fire Alarm Systems.

A provider with employees carrying these certifications demonstrates a commitment to service and excellence.

Cost Considerations

When designing your original system, or renovating an existing system, you want to consider the long term. These systems should last for many years, especially if maintained properly. Use quality, proven systems, and upgrade the existing systems to seamlessly integrate with your new components.

 Choosing systems that are customizable and scalable, such as addressable or wireless systems may be more expensive at the outset. But they will pay off in the long run with their flexibility and the fact that they will not easily become obsolete.

Conclusion

Businesses face many threats today—fire, theft, intruders, natural disasters, explosions. A comprehensive, customized life safety system is vital to keeping personnel and visitors safe. The most important thing you can do is know your risks, then plan for them.

Have a professional design, install and maintain your entire system to ensure it will perform when needed and that it complies with all applicable codes and regulations.

Building management should begin with life safety measures. Code compliant egress, exit signage, fire alarm systems integrated with all additional systems needed to address your specific risks must take priority. Lives depend on it.