The bookshelf

Sep 1, 2000 12:00 PM, Jeanne Bonner

Fire Safety Handbook.

Safety Media Inc., 2000. 126 pages, $58.95.

The handbook was written to provide building owners, managers and security personnel with information on fire prevention, safety codes, procedures and techniques in commercial, institutional and industrial buildings.

The book is a desk reference handbook that provides specific instructions on fire safety. The first section gives an overview of fire prevention guidelines in the workplace. It lays down rules for occupant load, waste disposal and commonly used flammable and combustible items at work. Prevention tips for overloading electrical outlets and handling coffee pots and other appliances may prove useful to all staff members.

The second section of the book details maintenance procedures for fire safety equipment. The table of contents divides the maintenance chapters by equipment and the subchapters by inspection schedules, such as monthly, annually, and semi-annually. Chapter Six give guidelines on exit, stairwell, elevator and smoking signs, among others. The guidelines include, in addition to verbiage, letter height and width and degree of visibility from given locations; for example, view of emergency lighting and exit signs cannot be obstructed. The book lists problems to look for in monthly inspections of, for example, wet and dry chemical extinguishing systems. Emergency power systems are described. The book lists tests to be performed on batteries for central station and fire alarm batteries.

The handbook recommends visually inspecting various pieces of equipment semi-annually, including batteries, smoke detectors, and fire alarm boxes. Sample record-keeping forms for fire pumps, sprinkler systems and ventilation provide a good template for readers. The book even suggests procedures to be followed when fire protection equipment is not fully operational.

Safety Media Inc., is headquartered in Buffalo, N.Y. It has published the Fire Safety Handbook to complement its Fire Log Book 291, which is used by building owners and managers to record fire protection equipment maintenance and inspection duties. To order the book, call 800-286-4425.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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