With more jurisdictions issuing “Stay at Home” orders, there are many questions regarding what industries and services are “essential.” The interpretation of what is “essential” varies widely. Recognizing this, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the global leader in developing codes and standards regarding fire and life safety, has issued guidance regarding the maintenance of these systems for all commercial and multi-residence buildings. Fire Smarts is hosting this free Fire & Life Safety and the COVID-19 Pandemic Webinar.
Fire & Life Safety and the COVID-19 Pandemic Webinar
Thursday, March 26, 2020
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern (including introduction and Q&A time)
The webinar features a panel of industry experts for a discussion regarding the following declarations from the NFPA published guidance:
- All commercial and multi-occupancy residential buildings should maintain fully operational fire and life safety systems as required by the applicable codes and standards.
- Those responsible for these buildings should adhere to the expected schedules for inspection, testing, and maintenance that are vital to their operation. If they are unable to do so, they should contact their local authority having jurisdiction.
- Public and private employees who perform the inspection, maintenance and other responsibilities for these systems should be deemed essential workers.
- Facility owner/manager
- Service provider/vendor
- Authority Having Jurisdiction
The Fire & Life Safety and the COVID-19 Pandemic Webinar will consider questions and answers for each of the stakeholders impacted by NFPA’s position:
The expert panel will focus on the practical application of what, how, and why these systems must be maintained along with the variety of present challenges. This includes considerations for limiting risk when a facility is unable to complete an inspection, when correction of deficiencies is deferred, or when a service provider is not available to handle system impairments.
The common goal of all stakeholders is to appropriately protect buildings and occupants, while understanding and managing the risk factors. This session will help all impacted parties gain a better understanding of how to move forward and work together during the COVID-19 pandemic.