Question:
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Ken,
I have installed a new fire alarm system as per Nassau County code.
The Nassau county fire marshal has reviewed the plans and has completed
a standard inspection.
The system requires smoke detectors inside all closets. There are many
closets that are set up as miniature kitchens, microwaves, coffee pots,
and some with refrigerators.
The building is a 4 story office filled with doctors and lawyers. There
are many elderly patients, using walkers, canes etc. Because of the
mini kitchens called lunch rooms there may be unwanted fire alarms.
My question is what happens when a disabled person, tries to exit using the stairs falls and gets hurt, because someone burned a cheese sandwich. The fire marshal has told them not to use the closets as they are.
But knowing human nature they will return. I have used your standard
fire alarm contract had you represent our corporation during all negotiations, and in our opinion the best money our corporation has ever spent.
Is there something else I can do to protect us from this type of
exposure?
George M.
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Answer:
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When it comes to fire alarms the AHJ is going to have the first and final word; in Nassau County, NY it's the Fire Marshal. You will need to install the fire detection devices required by the AHJ. Your question describes the building as an office building. Therefore, "cooking" is illegal. The use of ovens, microwaves, hot plates are all illegal. You do not have to anticipate that someone will violate the law by using those devices. It's the job of the Fire Marshal to enforce those laws.
Your concern about people responding to alarm conditions and getting hurt is valid. But keep in mind, if a cheese sandwich triggers the smoke detector there might actually be a fire. The alarm did what it was designed to do.
My office has been handling a lawsuit for some time now where a burglar alarm went off in an apartment and the occupant decided the best course of action was to jump out the window; third or fourth floor window - of course sustaining damages. Case is still pending so we'll have to wait for the outcome, but the lesson is that you cannot anticipate how people will react to an alarm condition.
So what should you do to protect yourself? Use the All in One Fire Alarm contract. It covers installation, monitoring, inspection and service, all services you should be doing and all services that are required for fire alarm systems in Nassau County. One of the more important features of that contract [also found in the Fire Alarm Sales Contract ] is that it calls for the filing of plans, permits, inspection and approval by the AHJ. Follow the contract provisions and you will be in compliance with local fire alarm laws and have the approval of the AHJ.
Better that a required smoke detector triggers because of a smokey sandwich than you disabling a detector in a room where a fire starts and then spreads. You do your job and you do have the right to expect that the landlord and the Fire Marshals will be their jobs.