As a responsible business owner, you should have the following fire protection devices to not only protect your business establishment but also your personnel and the visiting people:

Fire alarms and smoke detectors
You should install high-quality fire alarms and smoke detectors within the workplace to ensure early fire detection and provide warning to members within the building. These systems also allow you to contact the emergency services quickly that every second counts. It is also necessary that your business carry out a fire drill at least once a year, or more often to ensure that your fire alarm is regularly maintained. The results of your fire drill need to be recorded as part of your fire safety and emergency evacuation plans.

Fire sprinklers
Your installed fire sprinklers help prevent the spread of a fire by extinguishing it as soon as it has been detected. There are many different types of fire sprinklers and each one is built to complement the infrastructure in which it is housed. The spread and power of these systems extinguish a fire in the most effective manner. You should have fire sprinkler servicing at least twice a year and the level of maintenance is subject to the type of system that is installed.

Fire extinguishers and suppression systems 
Depending upon the type of fire extinguisher you have installed, it is a legal requirement to replace them every 5 to 10 years. These should also be serviced after installation to ensure that they are working properly. It is crucial to the safety of your staff and workplace that your fire extinguishers and suppression systems are serviced annually by someone from the BFP to ensure they are in working order.

Emergency lighting
The installation of emergency lighting helps to guide your staff to their nearest fire exit, allowing for safer movement and providing a clearer route when planning your emergency evacuation. Function testing of your emergency lighting should take place every month to ensure the signs are properly illuminated. Thorough testing should take place at least once a year.

Fire doors
Fire doors in your establishment are a legal requirement in most commercial buildings. They should remain closed at all times except when being used to exit the building during a fire. Fire doors should also automatically close or lock once opened. The implementation of fire doors is imperative to preventing the spread of a fire. These doors are very resistant, prolonging the time it takes a fire to burn through, and also act as a barrier against the spread of toxic smoke.

Fire security app linked to your fire protection system
To enhance your fire protection and safety system, you can use a modern fire security app from 8E-Emergency that can be linked to fire smart devices such as a wireless smoke detector.

An understanding of the different types of fire protection systems for your business is of the utmost importance. Your fire department depends on these systems for the basic needs of fire protection and fighting fire. Your ability to identify the various components of these systems and to inspect them for operational readiness may mean the difference between life and death should the systems be needed.