Smoke detectors and fire alarm systems are a staple in any establishment, regardless of industry. Ensuring building safety includes testing devices, like alarms and smoke detectors, to confirm their functionality during emergencies.
Testing these systems can be dicey when working with ladders or stools. This is where TESS (Tool Testing & Emergency Safety Systems) steps in to reduce risks and enhance productivity across industries.
The challenge of testing emergency equipment in building safety
Regular testing helps catch problems early and maintains high performance levels in a proactive manner. This can enhance safety measures and prevent expensive risks for businesses.
The importance of maintaining emergency equipment
To adhere to safety regulations and protect visitors from hazards, including fires or power failures, it is essential to test emergency systems like alarms and lights. Testing these pieces of equipment ensures they are working effectively during emergencies to prevent harm or loss of life.
Challenges with traditional assessment techniques
The risks of testing emergency equipment are apparent when using ladders and step stools. Using these methods to reach alarms and detectors could lead to employee falls. There were 161 workplace fatalities from ladders and 22,710 workplace injuries in 2020 alone. Challenges may also arise with high ceilings and hard-to-reach areas like being struck by objects or electrical accidents.
Employees can injure themselves if items become dislodged, striking them in the head, or they can encounter faulty wiring or other electrical components during manual testing, leading to electrical shocks. Incidents of this nature can incur significant costs for businesses, resulting in delays and potential legal consequences.
It’s evident there’s a need for a safer and more efficient testing method.
CrewSafe’s TESS Tool: crafted for safety and efficiency
TESS was created to address challenges related to testing emergency equipment. This innovative device allows safety managers to maintain safety protocols without encountering hazards or inefficiencies.
Design features
Telescopic extension: TESS reaches all the way from 14 inches to 50 inches, giving users a way to safely access equipment from the ground. Without the need for a ladder, the chance of employee falls is reduced significantly.
Rubber-coated testing head: The rubber-coated head provides insulation to protect users from electrical shocks while testing devices such as alarms or emergency lighting.
Universal compatibility: TESS is designed to be compatible with various buttons to support emergency equipment in any building, including offices, warehouses, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Benefits of using TESS to improve safety within buildings
1. Decrease ladder-related injuries
By eliminating the need for ladders in the workplace, TESS helps lower the risk of falls and associated injuries, reducing workers’ compensation claims and costly legal issues — while fostering a safe work environment for employees.
2. Improve time efficiency
TESS’s flexible design allows staff to conduct safety inspections quickly and efficiently without disrupting other tasks. Eliminating extra steps ensures facilities remain secure and meet standards without disrupting workflow.
3. Comply with regulations
Using the TESS Tool facilitates adherence to important safety standards, such as:
- OSHA Standard 29 CFR, 1910.154(d)(2): This standard requires testing of alarm systems to verify their effectiveness in emergency situations. Adhering to this standard shows a company’s dedication to ensuring a workplace and minimizing risks.
- NFPA Life Safety Code, Standard 101, Section 31-1.3.8: Emphasizes the need for testing emergency lighting systems to ensure they work when necessary. The TESS Tool helps safety managers conduct these tests effectively and precisely to adhere to fire and life safety rules.
CrewSafe’s TESS Tool meets these standards while helping companies commit to safety and quality testing solutions. CrewSafe ensures its products go through quality checks and are certified to meet industry regulations to provide safety managers with tools that comply with standards.
4. Make testing more accessible
TESS is crafted to be simple for nearly any staff member to use, ensuring tests can be conducted without hassle or difficulty.
CrewSafe’s TESS Tool is considered an asset for industries aiming to improve safety measures. Instead of climbing up high to reach alarm systems and detectors, users can simply use TESS. This tool simplifies the task, making testing safer and more efficient. It significantly improves safety by minimizing risks and upholding operational practices.
By eliminating ladder usage and minimizing risks of falls and electrical accidents, TESS contributes to employee efficiency by providing a method of workplace safety preparedness.
To learn more about how the CrewSafe TESS Tool can advance safety efforts, explore our website or contact one of our amazing distributors.