Why do I need to have my Fire Safety Equipment inspected?
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards require all life and fire safety related equipment to be inspected by qualified personnel at specific intervals. These standards are typically adopted and enforced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Who is the AHJ?
The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is your local fire department or district. In some cases another entity such as an insurance carrier or state or federal department serves as the AHJ. For example, in a health care facility in the State of Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is the AHJ.
How often are services needed?
NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers: fire extinguishers shall be inspected when initially placed in service and maintained at intervals of not more than one year.
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm Code: Fire Alarm Systems require a complete functional test annually and a visual check and battery test semi-annually. If your system has smoke detectors they are required to be sensitivity tested one year after installation and every other year thereafter.
NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems: T here are many periodic requirements for testing based on the equipment installed in your facility. Typically, the AHJ enforces only annual requirements.
What are the qualifications of THE AEGIS personnel?
All employees of The Aegis are required to have qualifications and certification in accordance with NFPA. These qualifications include but are not limited to:
1. Factory trained and certified for the specific system and equipment in question
2. NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology) certified
3. IMSA (International Municipal Signal Association) certified
4. Certified by a state or local authority such as the AHJ
5. Trained and qualified personnel employed by an organization listed by a national testing laboratory for the servicing of a specific product.