Article by Dale Grant 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 […]
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Safety First: The Impact of Lockout/Tagout
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 […]
School Security: The Shift from Surveillance to Prevention
Article by Dave Stephenson 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 […]
Do Apartment Buildings Need Fire Sprinklers?
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 […]
Fall Protection: Ensuring Compliance and Safety on the Jobsite
Article by Dale Grant 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 […]
Fire Code Language: Understanding the “Shoulds” and “Shalls”
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 […]
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