LA Chief regulation #4: protect yourself from fire

Posted by maryparker on November 18th, 2013

Chief regulation #4 in the LAFD (or Los Angeles Fire Department) states that fire protection is an essential part of building maintenance and upkeep. Fire equipment is available in any building, but as time goes by the equipment can malfunction, deteriorate or break. As such, preventive measures have to be taken to maintain optimal fire protection.

Testing the fire equipment in a building, especially public buildings where fire risks are higher, is an essential part of preventing danger. Naturally, the places where people cohabit and work will be subjected to various dangers, because of the frequent use of the various systems and equipment in a building. Thus, fire protection under LA’s Chief regulation #4 has to be performed every few months to ensure that the equipment is in good condition and that it can be used easily in the case where a fire ignites in a building. Proper maintenance can save people’s lives and can prevent damage to goods or to the actual buildings.

Testing the fire equipment in a building is a multiple phase process that requires rigorous checking of various equipment pieces, like hydrants, fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler systems, emergency fire alarm systems, fire signaling systems, valves, smoke management systems and a whole range of other systems which are essential in fire protection. Checking all of these takes some time and naturally, proper knowledge of each of these systems and the regulations stated by law, so the easiest way to make sure all are working fine is to hire an authorized company, which take a professional approach to preventing danger, under the requirements stated in Chief Regulation #4. Hire specialists to do this job for you on a regular basis, and you will always have peace of mind knowing that you fire protection systems are working optimally and can be used at any time with efficiency, should the situation demand it.

Before choosing a company, look if they have the authorities’ authorization to work in this field;  it would be recommendable to choose a company which can also help you with other services. For example, some companies can also offer emergency services, having a fleet of fire trucks which will immediately be sent to your help, if an emergency appears. Private and public buildings, institutions, schools and universities, residences, warehouses and other commercial buildings can use these services to enable a better protection against fire. For new buildings, some companies can also offer equipment for fire protection, from simple fire hydrants to complex and complete safety systems, including emergency non-stop services.

If you have ever worked with a fire protection company before, you will know that not all companies across California can provide all of these, but if you get a full package from a licensed company, you will be able to have better protection. When it comes to preventing danger, no efforts are in vain, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Fire protection requirements are stated in LA’s Chief Regulation #4: choose a company which is licensed to perform testing services and provide complete safety systems.