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Important announcement regarding MSO Inspection Services

MSO inspection services are now available to other carriers and agencies, as well as subscribing companies!

Do concealed spaces increase fire hazard?

September 13, 2023

A concealed space is a void or unoccupied area in the construct of a building, not readily visible and with no easy access. While seemingly innocuous, these gaps can add to fire risk, delay detection, and complicate suppression efforts.

How can fire risk be reduced in concealed spaces?

September 13, 2023

Concealed spaces in architectural design add complexity to fire risk. Insurance inspection organizations acknowledge the concealed space hazard with an additional rating factor. Yet steps can be taken to reduce risks associated with concealed areas.

What measures are necessary for code based central station monitoring of fire alarms?

August 9, 2023

Regular testing and maintenance of the alarm system are very important. Thorough documentation is vital so an annual certificate can be provided to the building owners and AHJ’s (authorities having jurisdiction), such as the insurance company.

What are the general standards for central station monitoring of fire alarms?

August 9, 2023

Initial alert and warning of occupants in a building of possible fire or other hazard is the first line of security. This is provided by detectors and other local alarms. The next step is the signaling or reporting of the incident to the first responders who can provide aid.

What types of smoke detectors should be used in habitational risks?

July 11, 2023

Early fire detection is extremely important. Seconds count in effective firefighting, and time to flee can be the difference between life and death for residential occupants. NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code, provides guidance in selecting smoke alarms, including for habitational risks.

What types of fire alarms should be used in commercial risks?

July 11, 2023

An understanding of loss control devices is helpful in underwriting commercial coverage. National Fire Protection Association Code 72, Fire Alarm & Signaling, as well as Underwriters Labs UL 827, 268, and 217, detector standards, provide guidance when evaluating insured properties.

What are the different classifications of occupancies and contents?

June 14, 2023

NFPA identifies different classes of “hazard of contents” that reflect the relative danger of various contents in a building depending on how they may start and spread a fire.

How are the different classifications of hazard of occupancies and contents used?

June 14, 2023

Various NFPA Standards and Codes use occupancy and contents hazard classifications to determine the amount of fire protection to be provided in a building.

Why is it important to control use of electric space heaters in commercial settings?

May 10, 2023

According to the CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) there are approximately 1,700 fires caused by portable space heaters each year, resulting in about 80 deaths.

Why is it important to control smoking in residential buildings?

May 10, 2023

According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), there are 7,600 smoking-related fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking each year.