You definitely wouldn’t want people to lose their lives or sustain injuries in your residential or commercial building. You may be slapped with hefty lawsuits that could destroy your finances. Moreover, your property could also be destroyed when there’s a safety risk, such as fires, and a few things are more heartbreaking than watching your investment get destroyed before your eyes. Therefore, knowing what safety features to include in your structures is mandatory. Here are some you can consider.
1. Systems that protect occupants during a fire
Wouldn’t it be great for occupants to find protection in your building amid a fire outbreak? This is what passive fire protection features do! They are specially created to prolong how long your property can stand while preventing the flames from spreading rapidly. Not only will it prevent casualties, but your house or commercial spaces wouldn’t burn. And no, passive fire protection features aren’t foreign technological devices that could cost you fortunes. You only need to build with fire-resistant materials, so ensure your contractors know this. Experts could recommend fire-rated walls, stairwell doors, shitters, ductwork, and stop boards. Your interior decor can also be a passive protection system; flame-retardant furniture pieces are desirable.
2. Be prepared to combat fire outbreaks head-on
Don’t end up protecting people in your structures; get ready to combat and extinguish the fire for good. However, you can have a fighting chance if you already have active fire protection features. If not, waiting for the fire department is the next feasible option. You want an effective system in place, so opt for functional fire alarm systems so occupants can quickly leave the building before any injuries or casualties occur. You can take a step further by installing a sprinkler system because it can slow particularly severe flames from spreading through the building so that people can evacuate safely.
It can eliminate the threat completely, so you don’t have to wait for the fireman. However, this feature can cause leaking if not properly installed, translating to additional damage. Avoid this by using the right installers and materials like pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves. Speaking of valves, you can get durable, leak-resistant types from brands like Aquatrol. Your smoke sensors must be active, and place fire extinguishers in vantage positions.
3. Make provisions for carbon monoxide detection
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas, taking out approximately 420 people each year. This sneaky element is colorless and odorless; occupants may not detect its presence until it causes extensive damage. Don’t allow this gas to give you additional problems- stop it with carbon monoxide detectors. These helpful devices can enable people to run to safety while you think of solutions to stop the threat.
4, Make people with disabilities feel welcome in your building
People with disabilities would gladly live or work in a building that caters to their needs while ensuring their safety. Therefore, make your property accessible by investing in ramps, bathroom grab bars, and ramps. Illuminate walking areas to aid their vision and leverage non-slip flooring to prevent them from falling and injuring themselves.