The work that fire protection contractors do to assess risks and possible dangers in a business can mean the difference between a normal workday and loss of life. It's vital that fire protection contractors stay abreast of industry news so they can properly assess businesses' needs for the right sort of protection from a fire.

Your company safety supervisor or loss prevention specialist should develop a relationship with the professional fire protection company that you choose to implement your building fire protection. Your company representative may also find it helpful to read news relevant to fire protection companies to find out the latest hazards in the workplace, as well as effective products and techniques. Keeping on top of the news will help protect the company in their fire protection efforts.

To learn more about the fire protection industry, look at the following sources:

1. Check out associations for fire protection contractors to get industry news and spot trends.

2. Get the latest information by subscribing to free fire prevention newsletters.

3. Don't discount other news sources to spot trends in the fire prevention industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get free newsletters on fire protection contractors

It's imperative that fire protection systems installers stay informed with news from their industry. Free subscriptions to e-newsletters from fire protection contractors and fire sprinkler contractors can aid you in keeping abreast of news from the fire front.

I recommend: Fire Protection Engineering offers a free subscription to their "Emerging Trends" e-newsletter. Fire Sprinkler Installers and their clients use Flashpoint News from the U.S. Automatic Sprinkler Company.

Trust associations for information on fire protection companies

Associations are often reliable sources of information regarding fire protection contractors news and trends. Look for standards as well as technical information regarding professional fire protection.

I recommend: The National Fire Protection Association advocates codes and standards and supports research and training in the fire protection industry. HSB Professional Loss Control offers technical articles regarding fire protection.

Glean information on building fire protection from other sources

News about fire protection is not limited to fire protection associations and companies. Sometimes you can find the best news from sources in other related industries that have an interest in fire system contractors, such as building contractors and security companies.

I recommend: Read an article about current trends in building fire protection systems at Hi-Tech Security Solutions. Multi-Housing News features a case study of a builder selecting a fire protection construction company while renovating an apartment complex.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your fire protection company to share with you any news that is relevant to your line of business. This will indicate your interest in the subject and show that you demand a higher level of service from your fire protection consultant.

Your business might never recover from a fire, so it's important to plan ahead for such an emergency with professional fire protection. Each year, on average, an estimated 25,000 fires occur in businesses, many requiring the fire department. Property damage totals about $1.2 billion annually.

Stopping fires quickly can mean all the difference in saving your business and reducing potential harm to employees. Get professional help to find and install the fire suppression system that works best for your business and make sure that the system is properly maintained and updated as time goes on.

There are three general types of building fire protection systems to consider, including:

1. Fire sprinkler systems include wet, dry, pre-action and deluge systems. A fire sprinkler contractor can discuss with you which may be the best option for your business.

2. Fire protection contractors may suggest a foam fire system in which a fire-suppressing foam is generated from water, special detergents and air.

3. A fire prevention contractor may also sell you a waterless fire system.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for fire sprinkler contractors and providers of other fire suppression systems

A number of fire suppression contractors specialize in sprinkler systems for your business. From the complicated (a full range special hazard suppression system) to the simple (a fire extinguisher), options for fire protection are wide open.

I recommend: Cosco Fire Protection services the West Coast with fire sprinkler systems, special hazard suppression systems, restaurant kitchen hood systems and extinguishers. International Fire Protection technicians use Auto CAD software to generate drawings for fabrication of fire protection systems and alarms. All design work adheres to codes issued by the National Fire Protection Association.

Find professional fire sprinkler installers to handle the job

While some companies both design and install sprinkler systems, you may find that you need to hire an installer to place the system in your business. Make sure the installer is a licensed professional.

I recommend: Crest Mechanical Services, based in Hartford, CT, specializes in fitting commercial fire sprinkler systems. Grunau Company has experience with fire protection construction as well as installation. Offices are located in Indianapolis, IN, Milwaukee, WI, Orlando and Fort Myers, FL, Pittsburgh, PA, and Youngstown, OH.

Prepare employees with training by fire protection companies

Knowledge and hands-on training can prove to be helpful in protecting your company. Find the right resources to train employees on the right techniques to use in a fire emergency.

I recommend: Fire extinguisher training and videos from HRShopper.com will help you inform employees on how and when to use a fire extinguisher and other fire prevention techniques. First Response provides on-site training for employees in a number of training courses. You may even customize the training to areas that apply specifically to your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Providing fire protection equipment is legally mandated, so business and building owners must comply with the fire codes of their area. Considering the severity of damage caused by fires, you may want to evaluate your fire protection plan and even exceed the requirements of local codes for added protection. Fire system contractors can suggest different features to help give you that extra boost of protection.

When it comes to fire, the work that fire protection contractors perform can make all the difference between life and death. Fire protection system installers assess the unique needs of residences or businesses and design a fire protection system that will protect lives and property. Builders may require the services of commercial fire sprinkler contractors, for example, when they're planning a commercial building.

Requirements for fire safety contractors will vary from state to state and locality. Some states require the involvement of a licensed engineer in the safety plan approval process, while others do not. At minimum, fire system contractors must receive hands-on training and pass tests to earn certifications and licenses required by the particular state. In addition, the principal owner of fire protection companies must obtain a business license to operate in their state, and follow all applicable building codes per project.

Here are some ways to pursue a career as a professional fire protection contractor:

1. Contact a product manufacturer to find out about training they may offer to potential fire prevention contractors.

2. Pursue continuing education to learn more about fire protection system installers.

3. Take advantage of certifications as a fire protection contractor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Add to your knowledge of building fire protection with college courses

While you don't need higher education, a person interested in fire protection construction can pursue additional training in fire science and construction. As state and federal regulations change, pursuing more fire protection contractors education and training can add credibility to your business.

I recommend: Worcester Polytechnic Institute is one school that offers a comprehensive course in fire protection engineering. Oklahoma State University Continuing Education has courses in fire protection and loss control.

Gain certifications as a fire prevention contractor

Fire sprinkler installers have a fairly easy route to certification. Passing a written test is often all that is required to gain certification, which can give you a professional edge over others in the industry that may have taken an easier route.

I recommend: The National Fire Protection Association offers certification as a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) with a three-hour open-book examination. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies has a certification program for fire alarm systems installers.

Take advantage of training offered by manufacturers of building fire protection systems

To find out more about the local and state requirements for installing building fire protection systems, contact the manufacturers of fire alarms and sprinkler systems. They may offer training and certification for installing their products, and help you reach your goal of becoming a fire prevention contractor.

I recommend: Contact Harvel to receive biannual training by an authorized representative for fire sprinkler contractors. The Automatic Fire Alarm Association offers online training and continuing education credits.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pay a visit to your local fire department to find out more about becoming a fire protection contractor. The fire personnel may direct you to the best training in your area as well as preferred products.