As a Owner/Operator, it’s imperative to protect your investment of valuable rooftop assets, while keeping a safe environment for your guests and staff. Rooftop fires originate from mishandled grease, ignored rooftop HVAC/R units, faulty electrical systems and several other reasons. We’re here to provide you with actionable changes to ensure that you and your rooftop contractors are working together to help prevent fires.
HOW TO PREVENT A GREASE FIRE:
Schedule to have your kitchen exhaust system cleaned regularly by a professional cleaning service. Quarterly cleanings are considered best practice.
Address any and all deficiencies in regards to your kitchen exhaust system and its components. This includes the exhaust fan(s) on the rooftop, hood filters, and fire suppression systems.
Establish a rooftop grease containment program to ensure FOGs are quickly removed from the rooftop, or prevented from ever reaching the rooftop in the first place. If you have grease already present, make sure to use a qualified contractor to remove it properly from your rooftop so as not to cause further damages.
HOW TO PREVENT A HVAC/R UNIT-RELATED FIRE:
Hire certified technicians to service your rooftop units quarterly. Having your unit serviced by untrained technicians can lead to personal injury and increase the chance of fire through bypasses and improper installation.
Follow all industry standards when installing a gas packaged HVAC system. Checking connections for gas leaks using the soap and bubbles method or an electronic leak detector will ensure everything is sealed tight. Even a small leak can cause your combustion chamber to fill up with gas, potentially causing an explosion.
Install an internal smoke detector. These are in place to shut down the system and close dampers to prevent a fire from spreading.
Install a rollout switch. Bypassing this switch can lead to fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Inspect the heat exchanger for any damages. Cracks and abrasions can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and also have the potential to start a fire.
Service components & test safety switches regularly. Neglecting this can cause overheating and catch fire.
OTHER CAUSES: ELECTRICAL, HUMAN ERROR & SECURITY
Repair damaged, exposed and frayed wires from conduits and junction boxes that are powering signage, lights and rooftop units.
Lock access ladders & keep hatches secured. Only allow roof access to service vendors and management
Enforce SOPs for service vendors and management: no smoking on the roof, no gas-powered equipment and no open flames without proper fire prevention.
Install camera and security systems to prevent and detect unauthorized personnel trespassing.
Rooftop safety inspections are no additional cost and included in RoofCare.
Learn more at http://www.roofingsource.com/roofcare