Fire System Inspections
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How often do commercial kitchen fire suppression systems need to be inspected in Texas?
In Texas, commercial kitchen fire suppression systems must be formally inspected every six months (semi-annually) by a licensed fire protection technician. In this article, we will break down the NFPA codes that enforce this inspection requirement, outline what technicians evaluate during the test, and explain how our bundled services can keep your restaurant fully compliant.…
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Is an Annual Fire Line Backflow Test Required in Austin?
Yes, an annual fire line backflow test is strictly required in Austin to ensure that stagnant, contaminated water from your commercial fire sprinkler system does not reverse flow back into the city’s clean drinking water supply. TXT In this post, we are going to discuss exactly what a fire line backflow preventer is, why it’s…
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What is Required for Annual Fire Pump Testing in Austin?
An annual fire pump test in Austin is a mandatory, full-scale inspection where a licensed fire protection technician runs your building’s fire pump under full load to ensure it can successfully deliver the required water flow and pressure during an actual fire emergency. In this blog post, we are going to discuss the vital differences…
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The Knox Box & FDC Clearance Trap: Pass Your Exterior Fire Inspection
When the local fire marshal arrives for an annual inspection, property managers usually worry about the fire panel or the sprinkler heads inside. However, fire marshals heavily scrutinize the exterior of the building first. A marshal can fail your building before they even walk through the front door because of unforced errors on the outside.…
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Do I Need an ERCES or BDA Radio System for My Commercial Building?
The short answer is Yes. If your new commercial building or major remodel blocks police and fire department radio signals, you are legally required to install an ERCES (Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System) to get your Certificate of Occupancy. In this post, we will explain exactly how modern construction creates radio dead zones, break down…
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Demystifying NFPA 72 for Austin Property Managers
If you manage a commercial property in Central Texas, you have probably heard the term “NFPA 72” tossed around by local fire marshals, insurance underwriters, and safety inspectors. It sounds like a highly complex, intimidating legal document. For many facility directors, just seeing those letters on a compliance checklist is enough to cause an immediate…
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What Are the Fire Code Requirements for a Change of Occupancy in Austin?
The short answer is that your fire protection system must match the hazard level of your new business. If you are taking over a commercial space and changing its purpose, for example, converting an old clothing store into a busy restaurant or a brewery, your existing fire alarm and sprinkler system is likely no longer…
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Are Voice Evacuation Systems Mandatory in Austin?
Are voice evacuation systems mandatory in Austin? Yes. If you manage an assembly occupancy, a downtown high-rise, or a large educational facility, the Austin Fire Department enforces the adopted International Fire Code and NFPA 72, which require a working voice evacuation system to pass your annual inspection. In this post, we’ll break down exactly which…
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Why Does My Austin Building Need a 5-Year Internal Pipe Inspection if We Pass Every Year?
Passing your annual fire inspection doesn’t mean your pipes are clean. Discover why Austin commercial buildings require a 5-year internal pipe inspection to prevent catastrophic sprinkler failures.
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The Inspector-Proof Walkthrough: A Pre-Inspection Checklist for Austin Managers
When the local Austin fire marshal arrives for an annual inspection, property managers collectively hold their breath. However, failing a walkthrough is rarely due to a massive system failure. Specifically, failing a fire inspection is like failing your car’s registration over a burnt-out taillight. Most citations are unforced errors. Therefore, they take ten minutes to…