CDA Fire Protection Services

07/08/2025

Annual fire damper inspections might not grab headlines—but they’re essential for protecting lives and controlling fire and smoke spread through your HVAC systems.

Fire dampers are designed to automatically close when high heat is detected, sealing off air ducts and preventing dangerous conditions from worsening. But like any mechanical system, they need regular attention.

Annual inspections, per NFPA 90A and referenced in NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, should include:
- Visual checks for obstructions and corrosion
- Testing of activation mechanisms and fusible links
- Verification of proper installation and labeling
- Documentation of each damper’s location and test results

Facilities seeking AAAHC accreditation or operating under NFPA compliance frameworks must treat fire dampers as a core safety priority—not a background task.

✅ Tip: Schedule damper inspections alongside HVAC maintenance with other life safety tasks, like emergency lighting checks or fire barrier reviews, and ensure every component functions as designed.

07/08/2025

Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspections: are yours in check?
In healthcare facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, residential care and assisted living settings, fire extinguishers are frontline tools for emergencies but only if they’re fully charged, properly placed, and ready for immediate use.

NFPA 10 requires annual inspections by qualified personnel to ensure extinguishers are:
- Mounted correctly and clearly accessible
- Free from damage or corrosion
- Fully pressurized with intact safety seals
- Tagged and documented with inspection dates
- Suitable for the specific fire hazards in the area
Monthly visual checks are required, but an annual professional inspection is key to compliance and accreditation, especially under AAAHC standards and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

Schedule your fire extinguisher inspections with other life safety tasks, like emergency lighting checks, fire door inspections, or fire barrier reviews. It builds a stronger safety culture and keeps your facility survey ready. We offer a "bundled" discount for services conducted annually.

07/08/2025

Annual Fire Barrier Inspections: are you covered?
In healthcare and residential care settings, fire and smoke barriers are silent protectors—preventing the spread of fire and smoke and giving occupants critical time to evacuate. But these barriers only work if they’re properly maintained. Annual inspections are not just recommended—they’re required under NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and referenced in NFPA 80, especially for facilities seeking AAAHC and TJC accreditation.

What inspectors look for:
- Breaches in rated walls and ceilings
- Unsealed penetrations around pipes or cables
- Firestop systems and their integrity
- Proper labeling of smoke and fire-resistive assemblies
- Signs of wear, damage, or unauthorized alterations
Fire and smoke barriers include not only walls but also horizontal separations, floors, and protected openings. Even a small gap can compromise the structure’s rated performance.

✅ Tip: Coordinate inspections with your Life Safety plan and document all repairs. Maintaining your barriers protects your people—and your accreditation.
Have your fire and smoke barriers been inspected this year? Prevention is protection.

07/08/2025

Are your facility’s fire doors ready for an inspection? Each year, healthcare facilities and commercial occupancies must perform annual fire door inspections—not just for compliance, but for patient and staff safety. These doors aren’t just barriers; they’re lifesaving components in the event of a fire.

What gets checked?
- Door and frame condition
- Proper labeling and clearances
- Functional hardware (hinges, latches, closers)
- Gaps, seals, and signs of damage
- Positive latching and self-closing mechanisms

A detailed inspection is required by NFPA 80 and enforced under NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, especially in facilities accredited by AAAHC and TJC. Documentation isn’t optional, each finding needs to be logged and addressed.

✅ Tip: Add fire door checks to your life safety compliance calendar. A missed inspection can lead to a cited deficiency and a compromised safety condition during an emergency.

Have you done your fire door inspection this year? If not, let’s get it scheduled.

07/08/2025

At CDA Fire Protection Services, we specialize in comprehensive fire extinguisher solutions, annual fire rated assembly surveys, and mock life safety code surveys that meet NFPA standards and AAAHC Life Safety Code requirements. Whether you're a healthcare facility preparing for a survey or a business prioritizing safety and compliance, we've got you covered with reliable service, prompt support, and tailored fire protection strategies that won’t break your budget.

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