Latest Blogs & Updates from Pallex

The Importance of Fire Exits in Public Buildings: Are You Prepared?

Posted on September 25, 2024October 3, 2024 by palladiumSS_blog

In our everyday lives, we often visit public places such as shopping centers, cinemas, work buildings and educational institutions. When we are involved in our activities there, most of us don’t notice an essential element of these structures – the fire exit doors. Even though they appear unimportant, when a crisis occurs, these simple exits can determine whether we live or die. This article investigates the critical importance of fire exits and illustrates why readiness is fundamental for everyone’s safekeeping.

The Life-Saving Role of Fire Exits

Fire exits are lifelines made to give a secure and effective way of escape in the time of emergencies. During an uncontrolled situation like fire or other disasters, properly kept and well-planned fire exits can significantly improve chances of survival. These provide a direct, open route towards safety when main exit routes possibly cannot be used or reached.

Key Features of Effective Fire Exits

Fire exits that function well have a few important features. They need to be marked in an obvious manner with lighted signs that can still be seen when there is smoke. The symbols on these signs must be understood by everyone, usually showing a person running and an arrow pointing towards the exit’s location. It is necessary that fire escape routes are always easy to reach, not being hindered by things like furniture or any other barriers.

Construction and Placement

Doors for escaping fire are usually constructed with materials that resist flames and aim to decrease the quick spreading of smoke or flame. These doors must have a panic bar for simple opening, always open towards the outside so as no crowd gets stuck. It’s necessary according to building rules that these escape routes should be placed in such a way throughout any structure making sure there isn’t too long a distance from an exit anywhere inside it.

Maintenance and Inspection

Maintaining the fire exit regularly is very important for its effectiveness. This involves ensuring that doors can be opened without problems, alarms are in working condition, and routes of escape are unobstructed. Managers of buildings must carry out inspections often and quickly fix any issues so exits will work right when required.

Legal Requirements and Building Codes

In the majority of nations, it is a legal requirement to have and look after fire exits. The laws about making buildings include particular details for fire exits like how many should be there, where they need to be placed, their dimensions and the way they are built. This law depends on elements such as how large the building is, what kind of activities take place inside it and any possible risks relating to fires.

Compliance and Responsibility

Following fire exit rules is not only a legal duty, but also an ethical necessity for those who own and manage buildings. It helps to have routine checks by officials of fire safety that are ensuring continuous compliance. However, the final accountability rests with individuals supervising the operations of the building.

The Role of Public Awareness

Through good design and upkeep of fire exits are important, their usefulness also relies on people knowing about them. We each hold a duty to know where the exits are when we go inside a public building. This small habit could help save valuable time during an emergency situation.

Individual Preparedness

Preparation involves more than simply knowing the locations of exits. It is about complying with emergency guidelines, taking part in fire exercises, and reporting any noticed safety concerns. One should not obstruct fire exits or disregard safety meetings – such minor behaviors can lead to serious outcomes during an urgent situation.

Technology and Fire Exit Safety

Progress in technology is improving safety of fire exits. Intelligent evacuation systems utilize live data to direct individuals towards the safest way out. Even in dark or smoke-filled conditions, glowing indicators can assist people find their escape route. Modern alarm systems can automatically unlock fire exits and communicate with first responders.

Innovative Approaches

Nowadays, some public buildings give apps to people that show the building designs, places of exits and instant guidance during emergencies. These advancements in technology can enhance safety a great deal but they must serve as additional aids rather than substitutes for usual fire protection practices and awareness among the public.

Also read : Why You Should Install Fire-Rated Doors in Your Buildings

Final words: A Shared Responsibility

Fire exits in public buildings hold great significance. These are vital structures capable of rescuing many lives. The effectiveness of these exits depends on good planning, routine upkeep, obeying the law and people knowing about them. As part of the community, our role in maintaining fire safety is very important. By being conscious about where we are and adopting the right processes, we support a culture of safety which benefits us all. The next occasion when you go inside a public structure, spare some time to find out where the fire exits are located.

Evaluation Factors to Choose the Top Fire Protection Companies

Posted on May 10, 2023July 29, 2024 by palladiumSS_blog

If you are reading this article, then it is obvious that you are aware of the importance of fire protection which is why you are planning to hire a fire protection company. With multiple fire protection companies in town, choosing the reliable one might sound hard. So in this article, we have come up with some best evaluation factors that will help you choose the top fire protection company. Ensure that the company gets a tick mark of all the features given below. Now let’s get started. Whether you are installing the fire safety system for the first time or have already installed one, and it just requires a regular check once in 6 months or 12 months, you can count on the below-given points.

Previous Work Records

The most crucial thing you need to check. Though there are multiple fire safety companies are in business for many years, they might have a poor track record. So it is crucial to ask for the previous work records which would talk about their experience. Only if the company has an excellent track record, then it means they have been providing a great service.

Quality Products and Quality Work

The products here refer to the fire equipment. While hiring a company for fire safety analysis, ensure that the equipment used to check the different fire safety equipment is in good condition. If this equipment doesn’t work correctly, then it would be a waste of time and money. Also, pay attention to the quality of work they do.

Check if the Company Specializes in Fire Safety

Check whether the company’s specialty is fire safety. This is because there are companies that have security equipment and electricians carrying that equipment, but that doesn’t mean they are trained to check fire safety in your house or any place. A top fire safety company that specializes in fire safety will have in-depth knowledge about what they do, and they also know how to use all kinds of tools. So these people will provide optimal solutions to your needs.

Price

It is important to consider the price that these fire safety companies quote. But choosing the fire safety companies mainly based on a budget will not fetch you the best service. If a company is quoting a price, first analyze whether their service is worth it. You can consider the experience in this field, the tools they use, etc. When installing the fire safety equipment for the first time, it will cost you a bit. But it is a one-time investment, and only the maintenance cost will be added in the future. Installing the fire protection system pricing can vary depending on the number of factors like

Size and age of the building
Features and functions that need to be tested
Off-hour inspection requirements
Specialty system testing equipment.

Customer Service

If the company doesn’t respond to your emergency calls, then it will lead to some mishappenings. So the customer service and its response time are very important in this business. So check if the company has strong customer support where the technicians will be available to attend emergency calls 24/7/365. Also, ensure that they can fix the issues all by themselves, or they only offer inspections.
Also read :Fire Safety for Renters: Protecting Your Home and Belongings

Final Words

You can also check the reviews of their previous customer to get more info about their work. That’s all about the different factors to check or consider while hiring the top fire safety companies. We are hoping that this article helped you to make an informed decision. Thanks for reading through. Cheers!

What are Fire Rated Doors and Why are They Important

Posted on November 10, 2022July 29, 2024 by palladiumSS_blog

A unique fire-rated door helps prevent fire and smoke from spreading through different building parts. People typically install them in areas with higher fire risk, such as stairs, lifts, and engine rooms. Fire-rated doors are made of solid materials that resist fire and heat. Fire-rated doors are typically constructed with tested and rated materials for their ability to withstand exposure to flames and heat. These materials can include steel, wood, and glass, and they are selected based on their ability to maintain their structural integrity during a fire. In addition to their fire resistance properties, fire-rated doors have other safety features, such as automatic closing mechanisms and seals to prevent the spread of smoke and toxic gases.

Types of Fire-Rated Doors

There are several types of fire-rated doors available for different applications. Some of the common types of fire-rated doors include:

Hollow Metal Doors: These are the most commonly used fire-rated doors, and they are made of steel or other metal materials. They are durable and offer excellent fire protection.
Wooden Doors: Fire-rated wooden doors are available in various designs and finishes to match the building’s decor. They provide good insulation and can resist fire for up to 60 minutes.
Glass Doors: Glass doors with fire ratings suit buildings requiring great natural lighting. These things are made from solid glass that can handle scorching temperatures for an hour without breaking.
Steel Doors with a Glass Panel: The doors have see-through parts made of glass that let sunlight come through and brighten up the area around them. These objects exhibit impressive fire resistance, enduring flames for as long as 90 minutes.
Sliding Doors: Fire-rated sliding doors are ideal for buildings with restricted space. They come in various materials, including steel, glass, and wood.
Double Doors: Fire-rated double doors have two that meet in the centre and provide additional fire and smoke protection.

The kind of fire-rated door used for a building will rely on several elements, including the facility’s occupancy, design, and purpose. Contacting an expert to choose the best fire-rated door for a particular application is crucial.

Importance

Here are some key points on why fire-rated doors are essential:

Fire Protection: During an emergency, persons and property are protected by fire-rated doors.
Building Safety: Fire-rated doors are crucial for security, particularly in high-rise structures and buildings with numerous people.
Safety Features: Additional safety elements included in fire-rated doors include automatic shutting mechanisms and seals that stop the spread of hazardous gases and smoke.
Proper Installation and Maintenance: Fire-rated doors must be properly fitted and maintained to ensure their efficacy in the case of a fire.

Also read :Why You Should Install Fire-Rated Doors in Your Buildings
In conclusion, when considering safeguarding measures, one must consider fire-rated doors. Fire suppression systems’ primary objective is to prevent fire propagation and smoke release, thereby protecting people and property in unanticipated contingencies. Property owners and facility managers must ensure appropriate installation and maintenance of their fire-resistant doors in adherence to building codes and regulatory norms to ensure optimal efficacy.

Types and Classification of Fire Extinguisher

Posted on January 25, 2022November 25, 2024 by palladiumSS_blog

Before you choose an extinguisher, the first thing you have to do is identify which rooms are in your house or office needs one. You should keep at least one on every floor of your home and office. Ensure that fire extinguisher are handy, as in the kitchen and garage, where fires most frequently originate.

Classification of fire Extinguisher

The fire extinguisher classes A, B, C, and D are available, and each category can extinguish a completely different type of fire.

Class A:

Class A extinguishers are used to extinguish fires on flammable materials (flammable solids). Example: wood, paper, rubber, textiles, etc.

Class B:

Class B extinguishers are used on flame retardant fluids such as fat, petrol, oil, paint, etc.

Class C:

Whenever there is a fire due to hydrogen gas, butane gas, methane gas, etc., it comes under Class C.

Class D:

Class D extinguishers for combustible metals are designed. For example, Magnesium, Aluminium, Potassium, etc.

Class E:

If the electrical appliance is powered on and a fire occurs for any reason, it comes under the Class E category. Example: Computer, Generator, etc.

Class F:

If there is ever a fire in the kitchen, it will come under class F fire, for example, cooking fire. There is a significant variation in the prices of all extinguishers, so buyers should check around. The future service costs must also be taken into account. Some companies charge for installation and commissioning, but a 5-year warranty should be provided.

5 Types of Fire Extinguisher

Water ( Water Mist, Water Spray)
Foam
Dry Powder
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Wet Chemical

Water Extinguishers

Water extinguishers are the most common type for class A fire risk. Water is written on it. With this, you can quickly identify.

● Label Color – Bright red.

Use For:

Organic Materials Example: Paper, wood, etc.

Do not use for:

Fires involving electrical equipment
Kitchen Fires
Flammable gas and liquids

Foam Extinguishers

A foam extinguisher is the most common fire extinguisher for Class B fires. Find a good Fire Extinguisher manufacturer who could give you a good quality fire extinguisher. And safety can be guaranteed.

Label Colour: Cream
Use For:

Organic Materials Example: paper, cardboard, wood also Flammable liquids example: paint and petrol

Do not use for:

Kitchen Fires
Fires involving electrical equipment
Flammable metals

Dry Powder Extinguisher

Standard dry powder extinguishers are also called ‘ABC’ because they tackle class A, B, and C fires.

Label Colour: Blue
Use for:

Organic Materials Example: Paper, Cardboard, Wood Flammable liquids example: paint and petrol
Flammable Gases Example: liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and acetylene

Do not use for:

Fires involving cooking oil.
Fires involving electrical equipment over 1000V.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers

CO2 Extinguishers are mainly used in electric fire dangers and are usually the primary fire extinguishers in computer server rooms.

Labour Colour: Black
Use For:

Flammable liquids, for example, paint, and petrol
Electrical fires

Do not use for:

Kitchen fires
Combustible materials example: paper, wood, or textiles Flammable metals

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are used in cooking oil and fat fires.

Label Colour: Yellow
Use for: Cooking Oil/ Fat fires

Also read :Surviving A Fire: What To Do Before, During and After An Emergency

Do not use for:

Flammable liquids or gas fires
Electrical fires
Flammable metals

How to Prevent EV Fires in Your Business Garage?

Posted on February 10, 2021September 25, 2024 by palladiumSS_blog

Fire protection for underground business garages is currently a big topic of discussion because of the increase in the number of fire accidents with electric vehicles. You would have seen a lot of pictures of cars burning on the internet recently. These reasons contribute towards the unpopularity of the brand doubt the safety of electric vehicles. The vehicle even if not electrical can catch fire. These defects are caused by mechanical damage and electrical faults.

Why are Smoke Gases Harmful?

Every type of vehicle faces a similar type of vehicle fire. During the process of combustion, the plastic parts release toxic fumes and high temperatures. These days cars have a lot of plastic installed in them which increases the chances of a great fire than it was twenty years ago. In such cases, it gets difficult for the brigadier to extinguish the fire.

Monitor Room Install Extinguishing System

Here, plant fire protection plays a major role. All the major extinguishing services should come in handy when the fire breaks. This will save you both money and time both. Along with it, it will also protect your buildings, business, garage, and assets. Property and garage owners should consider automatic extinguishing systems.

Why do Batteries Catch Fire?

It is important to understand the reason why lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to fire. You must have heard people saying that this smartphone, laptop, the tablet has a lithium-ion battery installed in it but the batteries used in the EV are different from them. EV batteries have the potential to save three times more energy than phones or laptops. Along with it, they also have to withstand the abuse of extreme temperature, dust, humidity, and vibrations.

Learn more about the Palex 6 zone detection system and how it can help you.

Now, if you want to increase the driving range of a vehicle needing high capacity. Flammable batteries are very vulnerable if the vehicles are being operated within confined spaces.

A Global Issue

Battery related fire is not an issue faced only in India but worldwide. With the rise in demand of the electric vehicle, the number of fire incidents has also risen considerably. The good news is that India’s AIS 156 standards provide protection from these fires. Also, it is up to the manufacturer to adhere to it. They can either side with AIS 048 or 156. 048 were recently updated to include the nail penetration test in full charge. Earlier full charging wasn’t made necessary. Businesses who were already using 048 continue running their business as usual.

Water as an Extinguishing Agent

Water is a nice choice when it comes to extinguishing fires and especially while extinguishing electric vehicle fires. Also, a huge of amount is required to cool it down which in turn prevents thermal runaway which occurs when fire inside gets 10 times more aggravated because of sparks and tends to get out of control.

The fire brigade use a different and special equipment to cool down fires in such cases. In the electric cars, the batteries are located in the under body. The frames protect them from damage during the accident. So, sufficient water protects the cars and underground garages.

Also read :Evaluation Factors to Choose the Top Fire Protection Companies

Conclusion

The owners shouldn’t park defective cars of bikes in garages and only original charging cables should be used. The fire risk associated with electric vehicles and combustion vehicles is usually the same. They already have a Fire Safety Equipment installed that pre detects the problem with the hardware and shuts them down.