Glossary

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 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 requirements for portable fire extinguishers (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, 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.