Fire System Specialist Bill Sadowski tests a smoke detector as part of the Questar III Fire Systems Maintenance Service.
Since 2000, Questar III BOCES has offered quality annual inspection and diagnostic testing of school district’s fire systems. Now, in an effort to meet the needs of districts, the Fire Systems Maintenance service has expanded to a first-line of service to not only inspect the systems, but to make repairs and replacements as needed.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of school districts to ensure that their fire systems (including alarms and fire extinguishers) are working properly, as mandated by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
Prior to the 2012-2013 school year districts could utilize the Questar III service to perform these inspections and to make recommendations for improvements, but would then need to contract a private firm to service the system.
Now, with the addition of more experienced staff members, Questar III is able to provide the inspection and the service on all non-proprietary systems and equipment, in accordance with New York State code and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“The idea of a one-stop-shop makes it easier on the district so they don’t have to contract between several different vendors,” said Craig Hansen, Director of Health and Safety/Operations and Maintenance at Questar III. “It provides an ease with the confidence of a quality end product.”
And, since the service is BOCES aidable, the service comes in at or below market cost. In fact, Questar III’s alarm testing costs is less than those of private companies.
This year, Catskill Central School District switched from a private company to Questar III’s fire systems management services for their buildings’ annual maintenance. According to Director of Facilities John Willabay, the initial decision to switch was for the state aid, but the district quickly realized the other benefits.
“Once they came and started work it was really more about their abilities than the aid,” said Willabay. “They found items that weren’t working that the previous company missed. I wouldn’t ever go back.”
In addition, Questar III mapped out the entire system for the district, providing the facilities staff with a thorough understanding of their own system, something Willabay says was not done with the previous vendor.
According to Hansen, most districts have well designed systems and simply require routine maintenance. However, even the best systems are rendered ineffective if improperly maintained.
“Our priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff,” said Hansen. “Making sure the system works properly is essential to providing a safe learning environment.”
Questar III’s Health and Safety Service also offers Backflow Prevention Survey and Inspections Service (BPSI), to ensure required cross connection control devices are functioning properly to protect potable water systems in schools in accordance with New York State Department of Health regulations.
With recent tragic events, the consultation service side of Questar III Health and Safety Services has also been busy in assisting schools districts in reviewing current protocols and plans for school safety. Questar III has been collaborating with law enforcement officials to ensure schools and emergency responders are consistent with best management practices in their responses. Meetings and trainings have also been held to enforce this message.
For more information on Questar III’s Fire Systems Maintenance service or one of the 14 Health and Safety Services, please visit old.questar.org/hs/.
