Parking garage fire safety is something all businesses need to be aware of. If your building has a parking garage, it requires precautions for safety and compliance with regulations. Protecting parking garages from fires keeps property and personnel safe. When it comes to parking garage fire safety, Code 4 Fire Watch recommends taking the following precautions.
Parking Garage Fire Safety Tips for Businesses
Air Ventilation
If you have an open parking garage, it most likely has good ventilation. Ventilation helps remove smoke and harmful fumes from the air. Enclosed parking garages need mechanical ventilation systems. If there is a parking garage fire, smoke inhalation is one of the main threats to anybody inside. Make sure your parking garage ventilation system is regularly serviced and operating.
Sprinklers and Fire Suppression Systems
Fire suppression systems are required in parking garages as well as buildings. These systems will help to extinguish any fires that may occur in the building. Parking garages can face fire threats if a car were to catch on fire. Fire sprinkler systems can help contain the spread of a car fire within the parking garage. Inspect and service the fire emergency systems regularly to keep them functioning.
Capacity Requirements
Parking garages can face capacity requirements when it comes to how many vehicles can be parked. We recommend checking local codes and laws to ensure you are aware of any restrictions.
Exterior Wall Fire Resistance Ratings
The fire resistance of parking garage walls is something to pay attention to. Fire resistance ratings are based on how resistant the material is from catching on fire. Parking garage exterior walls require fire resistance ratings of IBC 602.
Remove Any Flammable Materials
Inspect the parking garage for flammable materials. Remove trash or items left behind in the garage. Properly store any items for the business, especially flammable items. Items like gasoline, oil, wood, or cardboard may be stored in a parking garage. If the garage has trash cans, empty them on a regular basis. Check any electrical components in the garage for damage or signs of overloading.
Tow Cars Parked Improperly
Automobiles have a wide range of flammable materials stored inside. Always ensure improperly parked cars are removed. Oftentimes, broken-down cars are left inside parking garages. Pay attention to the duration of each car’s stay within the garage and remove any that don’t need to be there.
Clear Signage and Exit Markings
Assess the signage in the building and ensure exits are marked clearly. If there is a fire, smoke can obstruct the view of people evacuating. Exit markings and signage should be brightly lit and easily visible. They should direct people to the closest and safest fire exit to get out of the parking garage.
Vertical Openings
Vertical openings like staircases, need to have a door to close. By having a barrier in vertical openings, they can help prevent the vertical spread of fire in the garage.
Fire Extinguishers
Keep fire extinguishers in easy-to-see and accessible locations. If there is a small fire, fire extinguishers help put it out before it gets too large. Small car fires can oftentimes be put out with a fire extinguisher. Inspect the extinguishers to ensure they are in good condition.
Fire Safety Tips for Businesses
When building a fire safety plan for your business, keep in mind parking garages. If your business has a parking garage, take the necessary precautions to protect it. If your business needs fire protection or fire watch services, contact our team today. The experts at Code 4 Fire Watch protect your business from fires through a regular patrol of the property. Contact us today for more fire safety solutions!
