May marks International Code Council© (ICC) Building Safety Month, a time to reflect on the importance of safety in our built environment. According to the ICC website, “The Code Council is developing a guide to provide the framework to assess whether an unsafe condition exists. The guide will cover regular inspection of structural elements, egress components, active and passive fire protection systems, the building envelope (including the roof), electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas equipment and systems.” They also reference the importance of “maintaining the integrity of the structural, fire/life safety, envelope, plumbing, mechanical, electric, and fuel gas equipment” throughout a building’s life.
The elements and equipment they refer to include many products and services offered by DH Pace. From swinging entry and automatic sliding doors, fire doors, fire and life safety inspections, warehouse safety, sectional and rolling doors, and electronic security, DH Pace is available to help you celebrate this Building Safety Month by inspecting your building for potential hazards and providing solutions to reduce or eliminate them.
Automatic Doors
It’s important to keep your automatic doors safe to prevent customers or employees from being struck by them. The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) recommends a certified inspection of all automatic doors be inspected immediately following installation and annually thereafter. DH Pace has AAADM-certified technicians on staff that are experienced with all types and brands of doors to quickly identify and repair any issues or potential issues.
Swinging Doors
Swinging entry doors may seem simple but there are important safety factors in play. It is vital to ensure that doors are opening and closing smoothly so that employees or customers don’t get trapped behind a door that won’t budge. Many buildings are required to use fire-rated doors in certain openings. Knowing that the door is rated properly and functioning correctly can mean the difference between a safe exit or not.
Similarly, keeping doors’ hardware in proper working order also helps to ensure safety within the building. Tragedies continue to occur due to noncompliant and improper functioning doors and hardware in the path of egress.
Fire and Life Safety Inspections
It’s important to note that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes standards which require building owners and managers to have all types of fire and smoke-rated doors inspected and tested at least annually and have a written record available for the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
DH Pace provides the FireCheck® program to inspect and test fire doors for compliance with NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Utilizing code requirements, this program provides the customer with a comprehensive report on deficiencies and proposes needed repairs and replacements. DH Pace local offices are then available to perform repairs or other necessary work. DH Pace Compliance Services division can facilitate field re-labeling of doors, frames and some hardware items that have missing or illegible fire-rated labels.
Warehouse Safety
The warehouse is certainly not exempt from safety hazards. In fact, the loading dock is one of the most dangerous places in a building. Systems such as vehicle restraints, communication lights, and master control panels help to keep dock workers safe while loading and unloading trailers. Protective systems including visual barriers, bollards, column protectors and security gates help keep employees safe from injury and your building safe from damage.
Gates may also be placed at dock doors to enhance safety. Dock impact barriers can provide protection from forklift traffic while work safe gates, whether they’re a full gate or a set of chains, span across the dock door opening to draw attention to the open door and create a barrier for pedestrians to ensure their safety when working near an open door.
Security Grilles and Rolling Doors
Security grilles can create a safe barrier, such as between employees and the public at a store or restaurant, before and after hours. These can move vertically or horizontally to open and close.
Rolling steel doors can be fire-rated and drop from the ceiling to create separation in the event of a fire. This can create vital time for occupants of the building to escape. These doors are also required to be inspected regularly.
DH Pace offers the Fire Door Drop Test (FDDT) program for fire-rated rolling doors, counter doors, shutters, accordion doors, sliding doors and fire curtains which includes a code-mandated inspection that follows testing procedures per NFPA 80. These inspections are performed at least annually with a copy of each inspection ticket given to the customer for their records.
Electronic Security
At DH Pace we understand that safety is paramount, which is why our Integrated Security Solutions are designed to be cornerstones of a comprehensive building safety plan. Our portfolio includes cutting-edge security camera systems, access control systems, and intrusion detection systems, all working together seamlessly to protect your property and occupants.
Our security camera systems serve as vigilant eyes, deterring crime and providing crucial footage for incident investigation. Strategically placed cameras monitor entryways, common areas, and perimeters, allowing for real-time monitoring and rapid response to potential threats. Similarly, our access control systems ensure that only authorized personnel can enter designated areas, safeguarding sensitive equipment and restricting access to restricted zones.
A Comprehensive Approach
By integrating these solutions with other safety technologies, you can create a layered security approach that promotes building safety and provides peace of mind. Join us in celebrating ICC Building Safety Month by prioritizing safety in your building with our Integrated Electronic Security Solutions, or any of our other safety and security solutions.
No matter the area of the building or type of facility, DH Pace offers solutions to ensure your building and its occupants are safe. Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about how we can enhance the safety and security of your facility.
