Fire sprinkler systems have long relied on steel piping because of their strength, durability, and well-established performance. However, ongoing issues such as corrosion, internal scaling, and maintenance demands have led to increased interest in alternative materials. Two areas receiving growing attention are self-healing materials and advanced polymer piping systems. While still developing, these technologies offer […]
Originally founded in 1682, Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the country. Given its age and significance in the founding of our nation, there is no shortage of historical buildings in the city. Whether it’s to bring a building up to code or simply to protect the building’s patrons and contents, installing a […]
Opening a new retail location comes with a long checklist of tasks from design and permitting to layout and staffing. One area that cannot be treated as an afterthought is fire protection. From minimum code requirements to life safety system performance, planning your fire protection early helps avoid delays, surprises, and unnecessary expense. It also […]
Article by Matt Heiser – Safety Committee Chair In the fire protection industry, ensuring the safety of employees and the integrity of systems is paramount. One of the most critical safety protocols that contribute to this goal is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). This procedure is essential for preventing the accidental energization or startup of machinery and equipment […]
If an incident happened at your school today, would your security system detect it or just record it? That’s the question many school administrators are asking right now. For years, cameras were installed simply to review incidents after they occurred. But today, schools need something very different. They need technology that helps stop incidents before […]
I was recently asked about plans to develop an apartment building: “It’s only 2 stories—does it need sprinklers?” If you are planning or developing a new 2-story apartment complex, the short answer is almost always yes. The “Group R” Rule Under the International Building Code (IBC) Section 903.2.8, an automatic sprinkler system must be provided […]
When working at heights, safety is not optional — it’s a requirement. For those in construction, fall protection is a critical component of maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. Under 29 CFR 1926.501, fall protection is mandated at specific heights, and failure to comply can lead to costly penalties and, […]
When it comes to fire protection and fire codes, the details matter—especially the language used in the codes and standards that govern life safety systems. At Oliver Fire Protection, we often encounter questions from building owners, contractors, and even industry professionals about the difference between the words should and shall in fire codes. It might […]
At Oliver Fire Protection & Security, we’re proud to recognize Women in Construction Week (WIC Week™) and the incredible contributions women make to the industry. Established by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) in 1998, WIC Week has grown into a nationwide celebration that highlights the critical role women play in shaping the […]
When evaluating a video surveillance system, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether cloud-hosted or cloud-managed is the better fit. While both leverage the flexibility of the cloud, they’re built for different operational needs. The right choice depends on your site size, bandwidth, retention requirements, compliance considerations, existing infrastructure, and long-term growth […]
In the late hours of Saturday, February 23, 1991, a fire ignited on the 22nd floor of One Meridian Plaza, a 38-story office building situated in downtown Philadelphia. This massive blaze, escalated to a 12-alarm fire, ravaged 8 floors of the Center City office structure, spanning a harrowing 19-hour period. Tragically, three brave Philadelphia Firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty during this catastrophic event.
Fire sprinkler systems are built to respond quickly. In many cases, they control a fire before it has a chance to spread, limiting damage and protecting the people inside the building. For them to work the way they are intended, though, they need one simple thing that is easy to overlook in day-to-day operations: a […]