16 March 2020
The Scoop on Workplace Fires
When we're talking about the majority of fires, data tells us that most occur at home. As much of our time is spent there, this shouldn't surprise us. After home fires, the next location that has the most is the workplace. Again, no surprise there because usually, if we aren't at home, we are probably at work. And when humans are factored into the mix, you have human error...and well, we all know how that goes. When we get up for work, we don't typically think we'll encounter a fire once we get there. However, that is the case for some. Having some extra knowledge about workplace fires can help us prevent them.
Read more...07 March 2020
Fires that Involve Upholstered Furniture
Running a business can sometimes be all the logistical nuts and bolts, but something that contributes to the aesthetics, such as decorating, can break up some of the monotony. And the feeling a customer gets from the atmosphere of a business space shouldn’t be underestimated. However, what should also be considered is that often, many of those decorations can be a fire hazard. And often, upholstered furniture is the main culprit.
Read more...16 February 2020
The Impact of Industrial and Manufacturing Fires
The businesses that are located here in NYC play such a big role in the economy - not just the local economy but the national and global ones as well. Industry and manufacturing here in the Bronx and in all of NYC and the Greater Metro NY area provide goods and services, which is why it is so important that these businesses are thoroughly protected from the threat of fires. Today, we are going to take a look at the occurrences of industrial and manufacturing fires in the hopes of better protecting ourselves from them.
Read more...08 February 2020
A Secret Weapon in Fire Protection: Fire Resistant Paint
Fires are one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. Sometimes the cause is very clear and preventable, and other times, it's the perfect storm of coincidental events. Most people have the basics covered when it comes to fire prevention - smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc. - but did you know there's something else, too? A little-known secret weapon? That's flame-resistant paint.
Read more...20 January 2020
Your Role in Fire Safety When In Public Places
Most people will concede to the fact that it's incredibly important for those who are trying to achieve a similar goal to cooperate and work together - whether that's a developing a project, implementing a new strategy, or instituting a major change that has far-reaching impacts. The same applies when we are talking about community safety. It takes the whole village to participate and be on the lookout if we all are to remain safe from every kind of risk and threat.
Read more...07 January 2020
The Life Cycle of a Fire
If you've ever been in the unlucky position where you've experienced a fire firsthand, you know exactly what a devastating and traumatic event that can be. You may have questioned, after the fact, "Where did that fire come from anyway?" While there are many sorts of items that can be the impetus for a fire, a few distinct parts of the fire puzzle need to be present if a blaze is really going to have a life of its own. While you may feel blessed to just escape with your life, knowing precisely how a fire acts and grows can help you stop one in the future.
Read more...21 December 2019
A Real Look at Fires in America Today
In our busy world, there are a lot of thoughts fighting for the front burners in our minds. We have a lot of immediate concerns, and we aren't always thinking about things that aren't urgent needs. Because of this, we likely don't think about fires on a daily basis, because, thankfully, for most of us, they are more the exception than the rule. However, it's worth giving a little thought to the occurrences of fire, for the sole reason that if one did occur, the result could be absolutely horrifying as well as devastating. Because of this reality, we are going to take a real look at fires in America today, so we can be better prepared to prevent them.
Read more...08 December 2019
Guidelines for Fire Safety in Hotels
As New Yorkers, we have some of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels on the planet. People from all over the world come to New York City to experience our tourist attractions as well as stay in our hotels. However, because there is such a high number of people crossing in and out of hotels on a daily basis, it’s imperative that hotel owners are in compliance with FDNY fire codes and regulations and that their fire safety protection mechanisms are up to date. Today, we’ll be discussing what a hotel owner needs to be responsible for and what hotel guests can expect in terms of fire safety.
Read more...20 November 2019
The Finer Details of Protecting a Theater from Fire
One thing that New York City is most famous for its outstanding theater industry. People travel from all over the world and stand in long lines just to get the chance to see our city's famed theater performances. The architecture from these theaters also attracts many visitors. As a huge contributor to our local economy, those involved in running the theater industry have a lot on their shoulders. Owners of these great buildings must see that it is safe for the visitors who come from all over the world as well as the local patrons. Included in their safety responsibilities is protection from fire. Today, we're discussing what's involved in protecting a theater from fire.
Read more...04 November 2019
How Flameproofing Has Progressed Throughout History
When people hear the word ‘flameproofing, most probably get a picture in their heads of the largely modern technique of soaking or coating materials with very advanced and specialized flame repellent chemical compounds. And that wouldn't be wrong. We don't really think of flameproofing as something that occurred during times in the ancient past. However, it didn't take humanity long to realize the strength of fire and come up with ways to protect themselves from it. Today, we will look at some early methods of flameproofing and how it has developed to what we know today.
Read more...21 October 2019
Flameproofing and Its Role in Saving Lives
When someone determines to take a risk and launch a business, he or she quickly discovers just how many tiny particulars must be addressed. There are innumerable legal, practical and safety issues that occur just in the early stages alone, before the business can even be up and running, and just as many - or more - in the everyday functions and growth periods as well. Fire prevention and flameproofing fall under the 'safety' category, and a business owner could wonder, even though it’s a legal requirement, if flameproofing treatments really work or if they’re just another money-draining hoop you’re forced to jump through. Today, we intend to demonstrate just how important flameproofing really is for a business and the saving of lives.
Read more...06 October 2019
Is There a Difference Between Flameproofing and Fireproofing?
One of the first things you learn when you are studying any field or industry is key terms – those words or phrases that are of particular importance to the work you’ll be doing. Once you become an expert in that field, that terminology almost becomes your second language and may sound foreign to an outsider. Others may even misuse some of those terms, not too unlike someone who is just a beginning to learn a different language. In the field of flameproofing, we often hear a few terms used incorrectly. While we can still decipher the meaning, we want to clarify two important terms that many people use interchangeably, but are actually fairly different. Those terms are ‘flameproofing’ and ‘fireproofing.’
Read more...24 September 2019
Important Fire Safety Tips for Business Owners
One of the most disastrous events for a business owner is a fire that breaks out at his business location. Not only is there the possibility of devastating loss of life and injury for the patrons and employees on-site, but there’s also the potential for catastrophic property damage and loss of resources. One of the most important steps a business owner can take is to do everything in his power to protect all of his assets from the risk of a fire. Today, we want to highlight some important recommendations for business owners to see that your business location is well-protected from fire.
Read more...06 September 2019
Where Flameproofing and the Field Flame Test Fall Short
It might seem strange that we're posting an article about the limitations of flameproofing and the field flame test. But at Bronx Flameproofing, we believe in full disclosure. And yes, flameproofing and the subsequent field flame test fall short in certain ways. We'd be lying if we said they didn't. And today, we're going to explain how.
Read more...20 August 2019
What You'll Find on the Materials Data Sheet
One of the less than shining qualities in our current culture is our inability to wait. We are used to getting everything we need, from food to information, in a nano-second. However, the positive side of this is that we probably have more access to data and knowledge than ever before. And hopefully, that makes us a little wiser and more prepared for whatever situation is at hand. When it comes to flameproofing, having information readily available is not only helpful but can also give peace of mind as well.
Read more...08 August 2019
What You Should Know about the Affidavit for Inherently Flame Resistant Materials
Having a business can be overwhelming in many ways`- from the start-up to the daily operations. Business owners know there’s really no time off; the to-do list is always growing. The issue of safety is something that always needs to be revisited, especially fire protection. Under that umbrella of fire protection is flameproofing. There are certain requirements that need to be adhered to in order for the business permits to be issued. In terms of flameproofing, decorative objects and materials must either be treated with flame repellents or they must be inherently fire resistant. Business owners need affidavits to demonstrate that they are in compliance with these requirements, and the affidavit we’ll be discussing today is the Affidavit for Inherently Flame Resistant Materials.
Read more...23 July 2019
What are Best Practices in the Flameproofing Industry?
In every business or industry, no matter what it is, there’s a set of rules, written or unwritten, for the best way of performing tasks or meeting goals. This is known as ‘industry best practices.’ The experts in a certain field have tested certain methods and come up with what works best. In flameproofing, this is true also. There are a certain set of standards in the flameproofing industry that yield the best results. While not everyone really needs to know flameproofing best practices, if you are needing flameproofing services, it’s definitely a good idea to have some inside info so you know you’re getting a first-rate job.
Read more...08 July 2019
Important Flameproofing Terms You Want to Know
No matter what kind of work you do, there’s something of an ‘insider’s language.’ You know - it’s terms and phrases that people in the field completely understand, but it’s something of a foreign language to an outsider. When you’re hiring someone to do work for you, it’s easy to feel a little out of your element when they start speaking in a language you don’t understand.
Read more...19 June 2019
All the Details of the Field Flame Test
When we think about flameproofing, we usually just think about the actual flameproofing process - the soaking or coating of materials and objects in fire retardant chemicals. But really, that’s just Phase 1. There’s actually a second part that is just as vital as the first. That’s the field flame test. The field flame test ensures that items that have been treated are actually fire resistant. It’s the only way to truly know if they are properly flameproofed and will do what they were treated to do in the event of a fire. You definitely don’t want to wait until an actual fire to see if they will hold up!
Read more...06 June 2019
An Inside Look at the C-15 Checklist
As someone who runs his or her own business, you're familiar with all the big and small things needed for your company to be open to the public. Safety and fire safety is probably written on a scrap of paper in your big pile of things to do. But a smaller subset of fire safety is flameproofing, and that might not have made it to the list. It's required by the FDNY, the Building Department, and the Health Department (as well as your insurance carrier, by the way) to have certain materials and objects treated with fire retardants, if they aren't inherently non-combustible. If you're unsure about what's involved, taking an inside look at the C-15 Checklist can shed some light.
Read more...22 May 2019
What Business Owners Should Know about the Affidavit for Flame Retardant Treatment
I wonder what the number would be if we counted each piece of paper our hands come in contact with each day. Chances are, it would be so many that we’d lose track. We are swamped with papers everywhere, and if you’re a business owner, you can multiply that by infinity. However, having paper records of important documents is critically important. One document that is essential for your business to be up and running is the Affidavit for Flame Retardant Treatment. You can’t have a valid Certificate of Occupancy without this piece of paper (among many others). Today we’ll discuss what’s involved for this particular affidavit.
Read more...06 May 2019
The Requirements for Flameproofing Scenery
One of the things that make New York City "New York City" is the theater. As residents and workers in the city, we are proud to be home to one of the greatest theater industries in the world. As a result, many business owners have connections to performances and theater. If you happen to be a theater owner, worker or own a location where there are various types of performances, there are several flameproofing regulations that have more specific relevance and application to you. While the theater itself has both fireproofing (structural) and flameproofing (interior) regulations, there are some requirements that apply very specifically to the scenery that is used for performances.
Read more...18 April 2019
Flameproofing Regulations for Temporary Events
One of the most exciting things about being in business is hosting a special event. A promotional event breaks up the monotony in running a business and adds a new buzz and interest among the community. There’s so much involved in a special event, and it’s important that all safety regulations have been followed, including fire prevention. When you’re coordinating a special event, the temporary scenery, decorations, and structures need to be treated with flame repellents in order for the event to be compliant with FDNY standards.
Read more...07 April 2019
Specific Requirements of Flame Repellent Treatments
As a business owner, you have a very long list of things to manage in order for your business to be up and running. Some of those things take care of themselves naturally and intuitively, and other things require proactive action. One thing that may fall under the radar that may not naturally be attended to is flameproofing. The FDNY, Building Department, Health Department and your insurance carrier all require certain items inside your building to have flame retardant treatment. Today, we’ll discuss some of those particulars.
Read more...21 March 2019
What's Required for Flameproofing Decorations
In our society, style means a lot. When you're a business owner, the look and feel of your business site is often the customer's first impression. When an office or property is aesthetically pleasing, the customer subconsciously has positive feelings about the business, which typically means a potential customer or client. While the attractiveness of your property is important, so is the safety of it as well. There is no reason why a business site can't look amazing and be thoroughly safe at the same time, especially from the threat of fires. The FDNY recognizes this and has mandates in place to make sure that decorations and artistic items on site are both beautiful and safe to the public. This is accomplished through flameproofing items used for artistic enhancement.
Read more...07 March 2019
Lessons from Chicago: The Iroquois Theater Fire
As we've been studying fires from our nation's past and learning some lessons, today we will conclude by looking at one final fire, perhaps one of the most deadly and tragic fires in all of American history. It is a difficult experience to look back and see the devastation and loss of life that occurred, but in order to do better in the future, it's a critical exercise to participate in. The fire we are looking at today took place in the famous city of Chicago, right around the turn of the century in 1903.
Read more...19 February 2019
Tragedy in Atlanta: The Winecoff Hotel Fire of 1946
America is no stranger to tragedy. For as long as we've been in existence, devastating events have dotted our history. Certainly, tragic fires would fall under that category. The comprehensive damage that unravels from a fire is sometimes hard to fathom - from loss of property to loss of life. However, these tragedies serve to teach us important lessons, if we are willing to learn. Such a fire is the one that occurred in Atlanta, Georgia in 1946.
Read more...07 February 2019
Lessons We've Learned from the Station Nightclub Fire (W. Warwick, RI)
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Those who don’t learn from history will be doomed to repeat it?” Those are the wise words of George Santayana which have a broad application to many circumstances. Being in the fire protection industry, we have taken that truth and applied it to fire safety. By looking at fires in our nation’s history, we can learn lessons from tragic mistakes and do better. Lives are at stake, making it vitally important not to repeat the errors of the past. One tragic event we can learn from in the not-so-distant past is a fire that occurred in West Warwick, Rhode Island at the Station Night Club.
Read more...20 January 2019
A Local Tragedy: The Brooklyn Theater Fire of 1876
While there have been a great many tragedies in United States history, a study of those events can offer us valuable lessons. This universal truth applies to the occurrences of disastrous fires in our country. There have been several fires over the course of our history that can be classified as devastating events. However, as a society, we have learned a great many lessons in fire protection and prevention from those awful circumstances. One fire we have learned a great deal from is a fire that occurred right in New York City almost 150 years ago: the Brooklyn Theater fire of 1876.
Read more...06 January 2019
Fire Retardants: How Safe Are They?
There's no argument about the vast amount of information we have at our fingertips today. Back in the day, obtaining information required a trip to the library and a perusal through the card catalog, at the very least. Now, we have access to every minute piece of data in mere seconds. With this information has come more knowledge about what is safe and healthy for us, especially relating to the materials we physically come in contact with, such as lotions, soaps, detergents, and even candles. In the same way, many business owners have similar concerns and reservations when it comes to the safety of the fire retardants used to flameproof items on their business properties.
Read more...20 December 2018
The Guarantees of a Quality Flameproofing Company
The task of having your business location flameproofed is a vital, potentially life-saving one, one that requires careful research. These critical procedures should not be entrusted to just any flameproofing company. The FDNY has outlined certain regulations in regards to both the process that must be followed as well as the qualifications of the ones performing the flameproofing treatments. As a business owner, there are certain things you want to look for when choosing a flameproofing outfit to treat the required objects on-site at your facility. The difference in choosing well could possibly be the difference between life and death in the unfortunate incident of a fire.
Read more...06 December 2018
Why It's So Important to Flameproof
When someone starts a business, the list of what needs to be done seems like it goes on forever. There are degrees of importance, from the greatest to the least. Somewhere on that list is 'public safety.' Under the umbrella of public safety is fire safety - and part of that is flameproofing. While flameproofing often boils down to legal requirements, there are many reasons why this is so important to have done at your place of business.
Read more...20 November 2018
Legal Ramifications Associated with Flameproofing for a Business Owner
When it comes to beginning a business, there are several phases involved. One phase usually includes the flow of creative ideas and brainstorming exciting future plans. The other phase is just slightly less exciting and involves the logistics of budgeting, organizing, and addressing legal issues. A well-rounded and successful business needs to address all of these phases, even if some are more tedious than others. One legal (and practical) issue to address is fire safety- and even more specifically - flameproofing. Flameproofing involves the FDNY requirement that a business has decorative items at their location treated with flame repellents so that they do not support combustion or contribute to the spread of fire. If this requirement is not taken seriously, there could be some serious legal ramifications for business owners.
Read more...03 November 2018
The Devastating Effects of Secondary Losses from a Fire - and How to Protect Yourself
When we hear about a fire occurring, it always leaves a knot in the pit of our stomachs. We wonder if there if there were casualties, if there were survivors, about the condition of the firefighters and the extent of the damage. Whether the fire was a minor event or an enormous tragedy, we all know the devastation that a fire can cause. In a best case scenario, everyone survived and there was minimal damage. However, it is very rare that there are zero losses when any kind of fire occurs. Even if a business has a fire and they seemingly got through it relatively unscathed, there are typically some kind of secondary losses to deal with.
Read more...19 October 2018
A Breakdown of the Flameproofing Process
At Bronx Flameproofing, we field a lot of questions from business owners about the process of flameproofing. Many times, there's confusion about what is actually involved when we arrive to treat an establishment with flame repellents. Business owners have concerns about the procedure itself, the time it takes, and if they will have to shut down their business while the treatments are taking place. Today's discussion is meant to alleviate any concerns you might have in regards to the flameproofing process: we will break it down step by step.
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