Glossary

A

Alarm Systems – Devices that detect and alert occupants to fire or smoke in a building.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing fire safety codes and regulations.

B

Backflow Preventer – A device that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply, required in sprinkler systems.

Building Fire Code – A set of regulations governing fire safety in construction and occupancy of buildings.

C

Clean Agent Suppression – A fire suppression system using environmentally safe agents that leave no residue.

Commercial Fire Protection – Fire safety services and systems designed for business properties.

Commercial Fire Safety Plan – A document outlining procedures, equipment, and responsibilities for fire emergencies in a business setting.

D

Deluge System – A sprinkler system where all heads are open and water is released simultaneously, typically in high-hazard areas.

Dry Pipe Sprinkler System – A system filled with pressurized air that releases water only when sprinkler heads activate.

E

Emergency Lighting – Lighting installed to provide illumination during power outages or evacuations.

Emergency Fire Evacuation Plan – A written procedure for safely evacuating a building during a fire.

Extinguisher Service – Maintenance, inspection, and testing services for fire extinguishers.

F

Fire Sprinkler System – An active fire protection method that discharges water when heat is detected.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection – A routine check to ensure extinguishers are charged and ready for use.

Fire Alarm Inspection – The process of evaluating fire alarm systems to ensure proper operation.

Fire Inspection – A formal examination of fire safety equipment, systems, and compliance with codes.

Fire Load – The total amount of combustible materials in a space, affecting fire severity and system design.

Fire Marshal – An official responsible for fire code enforcement, inspections, and investigations.

Fire Resistance Rating – The time a building material or assembly can withstand fire exposure.

Fire Suppression – Systems and actions designed to extinguish or control fires, such as sprinklers or chemical agents.

Fire Protection Engineering – The science of designing systems to protect people and property from fire.

K

Kitchen Fire Suppression System – A system installed in commercial kitchens to detect and suppress grease fires.

M

Maintenance – Routine upkeep of fire protection systems to ensure functionality and compliance.

Manual Pull Station – A device that allows building occupants to manually trigger a fire alarm.

P

Paint Booth Suppression – Specialized fire suppression systems designed for flammable spray environments.

Pre-Action Sprinkler System – A hybrid system that requires both a detection signal and sprinkler activation to release water.

Protection System Installation – The process of designing and installing fire safety equipment in a facility.

R

Restaurant Fire Protection – Systems and protocols tailored to the specific fire risks in food service establishments.

S

Sprinkler Inspection – A routine assessment of fire sprinkler systems to ensure they are in good working order.

Suppression Systems – Equipment that detects and automatically suppresses fires, including chemical, gas, or water-based systems.

Smoke Detector – A device that senses smoke as an indicator of fire and activates an alarm system.

Standpipe System – A fixed piping system in buildings that provides a water supply for firefighting hoses.

W

Water Mist System – A fire suppression system that uses fine water droplets to cool flames and limit oxygen.

Workplace Fire Safety – Policies and practices implemented to reduce fire hazards in a commercial environment.

Z

Zone – A designated area of a fire alarm or suppression system monitored separately for better detection and control.