A–D
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) The local agency (fire marshal, building dept., inspector, insurance agent, and other) that enforces fire codes. Why it matters: AHJ approval determines compliance; Icon coordinates with the AHJ for inspections and permits.
- Annual Inspection A full, professional and annual inspection of fire extinguishers, alarms, exit lights, etc., done once per year by a certified technician. Why it matters: Confirms equipment functions and maintains compliance; Icon performs and documents these inspections.
- Class A / B / C / D / K (Fire Classes) Standard categories for fires (A = ordinary combustibles, B = flammable liquids, C = electrical, D = combustible metals, K = cooking oils/grease). Why it matters: Choosing the correct extinguisher type prevents ineffectiveand dangerous use. Icon recommends and supplies correct class-rated extinguishers.
- Clean Agent A gaseous fire suppression agent (e.g., FM-200, NOVEC) that extinguishes fires without water and leaves no residue. Why it matters: Best for server rooms or sensitive equipment; Icon inspects, services, and coordinates clean-agent system compliance and maintenance.
- CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Extinguisher Uses CO₂ gas to displace oxygen; good for electrical and some flammable-liquid fires. Why it matters: Effective for electrical equipment; Icon advises correct placement and recharge/inspection schedule.
E–H
- Emergency Lighting / Egress Lighting Battery-backed lights and exit signs that operate during power loss to guide occupants to exits. Why it matters: Required for safe evacuations and code compliance; Icon installs and inspects these systems.
- Exit / Means of Egress A continuous path from any point in a building to a safe public area (including exit doors, corridors, stairs). Why it matters: NFPA Life Safety Code defines egress requirements to keep occupants safe; Icon checks egress lighting and signage during inspections.
- Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) The central “brain” of a fire alarm system that monitors inputs (detectors) and controls outputs (sirens, notifications). Why it matters: If the FACP fails, detectors may not notify occupants; Icon tests and maintains FACPs.
- Fire Drill / Evacuation Drill A practiced evacuation to ensure occupants and staff know what to do in an emergency. Why it matters: Regular drills reduce panic and improve egress times; Icon can advise on drill frequency and documentation.
I–M
- Inspection Tag / Compliance Tag A physical tag or label attached to extinguishers or equipment showing last inspection date, license number inspector initials, and status. Why it matters: Proves compliance during audits and for insurance purposes; Icon supplies and updates tags after inspections.
- IP (Inspection, Testing & Maintenance) Records Documentation of all inspections, tests, maintenance, and repairs on fire protection equipment. Why it matters: Required by code and helpful at claims time; Icon provides complete documentation after each visit.
- Hydrostatic Test A pressure test done at certified facilities to check the structural integrity of extinguisher cylinders at specified intervals. Why it matters: Prevents cylinder failure; required per OSHA/NFPA schedules; Icon manages hydrostatic testing and replacements.
- Monthly Visual Inspection A quick, on-site check (typically by building staff or a technician) to verify the extinguisher is in place, accessible, charged, and undamaged. Why it matters: OSHA/NFPA Standards require monthly checks to ensure readiness; Icon offers monthly inspection programs and training.
- NFPA StandardsThe National Fire Protection Association standard sets fire extinguisher requirements (selection, installation, inspection, maintenance). Why it matters: The primary standard for extinguisher compliance; Icon follows best practices of NFPA Standards, as well as local city and State requirements for all inspections and recommendations.
N–S
- Notification Appliance Devices (horns, strobes, speakers) that alert occupants when the alarm system activates. Why it matters: Ensures occupants hear/see alarms; Icon tests and certifies notification appliances.
- Pre-Action / Deluge / Wet / Dry Sprinkler Systems Different sprinkler system types for various hazards (wet = water in pipes; dry = air in pipes for freezing locations; pre-action = two-step release for sensitive areas; deluge = flood the hazard immediately). Why it matters: Choosing correct system reduces collateral damage and improves suppression; Icon works with a preferred vendor, and contracts work out on sprinkler system selection, installation, and maintenance.
- Portable Fire Extinguisher (PFE) A handheld fire extinguisher designed for initial (first-aid) response to small fires. Why it matters: First line of defense—proper selection, placement, inspection, and training are required; Icon supplies, fire extinguisher tags, and services PFEs.
- Rated Capacity / Ratings (e.g., 2A:10B:C) Numeric and letter ratings indicate extinguisher effectiveness against specific fire classes (A = wood/paper, B = liquid, etc.). Why it matters: Ratings help select appropriate extinguishers for hazards; Icon will size and place extinguishers to meet ratings and travel distances.
- Service Contract / Maintenance Agreement A recurring agreement covering scheduled inspections, maintenance, and emergency service. Why it matters: Keeps equipment compliant and reduces downtime; Icon offers service contracts with documented visits.
- Smoke Detector (Photoelectric vs Ionization) Photoelectric sensors respond well to smoldering fires; ionization respond quicker to flaming fires. Why it matters: Using the right detector type improves early detection; Icon designs and tests detector layouts.
T–Z
- Tamper Seal / Pin A device that prevents accidental discharge of an extinguisher; it shows whether the extinguisher has been used. Why it matters: A Missing seal may indicate discharge and requires immediate service; Icon manages inspection and replacement of tamper seals and pins.
- Travel Distance The maximum allowed distance occupants must travel to reach an extinguisher of the appropriate class. Why it matters: Determines extinguisher placement; Icon evaluates facilities and places extinguishers to meet travel-distance rules.
- UL / Listed Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing indicates a product has been tested to recognized safety standards. Why it matters: Use listed equipment for insurance and code compliance; Icon stocks and installs listed devices.
- Wheeled Extinguisher A large-capacity extinguisher mounted on wheels for hazards where hand-portable units are insufficient. Why it matters: Used in industrial hazards and large areas; Icon supplies, inspects, and services wheeled units.
- Zone / Fire Zone A designated area of a building covered by a fire protection/detection system; used for alarm panel zoning and response. Why it matters: Zoning helps responders find the fire quickly; Icon programs and documents zone layouts.