Although restaurants contain many of the same building systems found in other commercial buildings, the cooking operation introduces additional equipment, hazards, and safeguards that require specific attention. High temperatures, grease-laden…
Tragedies in commercial buildings have directly influenced changes to locally and internationally adopted building codes. In 1993, a bomb detonated at the World Trade Center, cutting both normal and emergency…
Exit Signs vs Emergency Lighting Exit signs mark the path to safety. Emergency lighting illuminates the path to safety. In the hotel inspection video below, exit signs are installed in…
In basic terms, smoke control systems manage the movement of smoke and air within a building and vary based on its design, use, and occupancy. These systems contain or exhaust…
Commercial property inspectors who adhere to the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties, known as the ComSOP, recognize that several critical elements must be identified during every exterior…
Learn how to inspect swinging doors from identifying hardware, closing mechanisms, and the fire door inspection procedure. Below are key highlights, expanded topics, and additional training resources. Fire doors are…
Fire doors play an important role in fire protection and life safety in commercial buildings. They are designed and manufactured to compartmentalize smoke and flames to effectively prevent the rapid…
Understanding the Scope of a Fire Sprinkler System Inspection The scope for inspecting fire sprinkler systems for commercial property inspectors is specific and minimal. The ComSOP inspection requirements include verifying…
Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. Commercial building owners and managers must ensure the proper implementation of safety features to protect occupants. For instance, exit signs and emergency…
A firestop is a passive fire-protection method designed to diminish the opportunity for fire to spread through unprotected openings in a rated firewall. Such openings are found around the perimeter…
Fire extinguishers are devices commonly found indoors and are used to douse fire and prevent its spread. They are small metal canisters that contain compressed gas (usually nitrogen) that, when…
Fire alarm systems are designed to protect people and their property from fire and smoke, but they cannot be relied upon unless they are routinely inspected by professionals. Regular inspection…