Life Safety Best Practices

Life safety systems – including fire detection, alarms, emergency lighting, and communication systems – are critical for protecting occupants during fires or other emergencies. Adhering to NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) and related codes ensures these systems work effectively when seconds count. Important best practices include:

• Fire Alarm Compliance & Regular Inspections: Design, install, and maintain fire alarm systems in strict accordance with NFPA 72 (2022 edition and forthcoming 2025 updates) and local fire codes. Ensure your facility has adequate detection (smoke and heat detectors) in all required areas and audible/visual notification appliances that meet coverage and candela/decibel requirements. Have qualified professionals inspect and test the fire alarm system annually (as required by code) – this includes testing detectors, pull stations, notification appliances, and verifying off-site monitoring connections. Document all tests and promptly address any deficiencies found. Any non-functional or abandoned fire alarm equipment should be removed or clearly marked as out of service so it does not cause confusion during an emergency. (NFPA 72 now recommends tagging fire alarm devices/panels with status labels to track maintenance issues and ensure no required device is overlooked.) Staying up-to-date with code changes is also part of compliance – for instance, the 2022 edition introduced new chapters on remote access and cybersecurity, and the 2025 edition brings further changes, so plan upgrades if needed to remain code-compliant.

• Evacuation & Emergency Notification: Audible and visible alarms must be effective in alerting all occupants to evacuate. As a best practice, use layered notification methods: loud sirens/horns and flashing strobes as required, and consider adding voice evacuation capability for clearer instructions. Modern fire alarm systems can be equipped with Emergency Communication Systems / Mass Notification Systems (ECS/MNS) (NFPA 72 Chapter 24) that broadcast voice messages with evacuation directions or specific alerts (e.g. severe weather, security lockdowns). If you have a voice-capable system, ensure the messaging is pre-programmed and can be understood over background noise. All emergency notification systems and alarm control units should be listed to the appropriate standards (for example, UL 2572 for mass notification equipment) to ensure reliability under emergency conditions. Regular drills should be conducted so that building occupants recognize the alarms and know evacuation routes and procedures by heart.

• BDA/ERRCS (In-Building Radio Coverage): Many jurisdictions now require Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS) – often a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) system – to ensure police, fire, and EMS radios work inside the building. Evaluate your facility for radio signal strength and install a BDA/ERRCS if needed to meet code requirements (e.g. the International Fire Code Section 510). To be acceptable, the system must provide a minimum signal strength (for example, -95 dBm in 95% of all areas of the building, with 99% coverage in critical areas like the command room, stairwells, etc.). The ERRCS should be integrated with the fire alarm panel for supervision – NFPA 72 mandates that these radio systems be monitored so that any malfunctions (like amplifier failure or antenna fault) trigger a trouble signal on the fire alarm system. Best practices include testing the radio coverage after construction, during annual fire alarm tests, and whenever structural changes are made. Ensure the BDA has battery backup and is installed in a 2-hour fire-rated shaft/enclosure if required by code, to maintain operation during a fire. By maintaining reliable in-building radio coverage, first responders can communicate effectively in an emergency, improving response and safety for all.

• Battery Backup Power: All life safety systems should have adequate secondary power (battery or generator) to remain operational during power failures. Fire alarm panels, emergency lighting, illuminated exit signs, and ERRCS/BDA systems typically use batteries for backup. Use only listed, high-quality batteries that meet NFPA 72 requirements – as of 2024, NFPA 72 requires all rechargeable fire alarm batteries to be listed by a recognized testing lab (e.g. UL) to ensure reliability. Size the batteries to provide the required standby and alarm durations with a safety margin (NFPA 72-2022 increased the battery capacity safety factor from 20% to 25% to account for aging). Test batteries annually under load during inspections, and replace them proactively based on age and condition. The 2025 code update will require verifying that batteries have at least 60% of their shelf-life remaining during annual inspections (using the manufacturer “best by” date) – a best practice you can adopt now. In general, if a battery is past its service life or fails a load test, replace it. Also ensure battery terminals, enclosures, and charging circuits are regularly checked for proper function. Reliable backup power is critical – in a fire, the main power is often cut, and your life safety systems must continue running on batteries to evacuate occupants and help responders.

• Equipment Lifecycle Management: Pay attention to the recommended service life of life-safety equipment and plan replacements before devices become unreliable. Smoke detectors and smoke alarms don’t last forever – dust accumulation and sensor degradation mean they should be replaced approximately every 10 years of service. (Newer models often have end-of-life signals to alert you when ten years have passed.) Carbon monoxide detectors have a shorter lifespan, generally 7–10 years, and should be replaced as recommended by NFPA. Follow manufacturer and code guidelines for other components as well: for example, heat detectors, manual pull stations, and notification appliances should be refurbished or replaced at intervals if required by the manufacturer. Emergency lighting batteries typically last 3–5 years and need periodic replacement. Keep an inventory of system install dates and schedule upgrades accordingly. Proactively swapping out aging devices reduces false alarms and failures – a crucial step in sustaining a safe facility.

  📞 (203) 387-6664
  📧 support@myomnidata.com
  🌐 www.myomnidata.com

  Omni Data — Connecting the world to public safety through innovation.