Benson Tower

Building Fire Safety Features

• The building is constructed of structural steel and concrete and is fully sprinkled to inhibit the spread and minimize the effects of fire on the building's structure.
  
• There are an adequate number of sprinkler heads on each floor. The system is activated when a metal attachment to a sprinkler head is melted by approximately 130 degrees of heat. The system is only activated in the immediate area where the affected disconnect value is located. The water flow can be stopped with the use of the disconnect values located at the floor’s stair landings.
• Tenants should become familiar with the location of all exit stairwells on their floor. Each floor has at least two stairwells identified numerically as either stairwells A, B, C, D, or E. Each stairwell is equipped with a public address speaker system. The enclosed exit stairwells are constructed of fire resistant materials. Stairwell doors must not be blocked open because this may allow the spread of fire or smoke into the exit stairwells.
  
• Evacuees must move away from the building. Do not concregate in the vicinity of the building. It may obstruct the flow of fire engines trying to reach the building and could pose a threat due to any falling debris.
  
• When the fire alarm is activated, the stairwells become pressurized by a fan system that is automatically put into operation. Each stairwell contains standpipes that include 2 ½” hose connections at each stair landing. These connections are for the fire department’s use only.
  
• ABC fire extinguishers are located throughout the building in all tenant suites on each floor. Tenants should become familiar with the exact location and the proper use of these devices. Instructions on how to use these extinguishers are listed in the Fire Extinguisher section, and are usually provided on each extinguisher.
  

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Multi-purpose "ABC" extinguishers can be purchased to handle all classes of office fires. These chemical-based extinguishers can cause damage to electronic equipment. However, water extinguishers must not be used if an electrical current is present because of the danger of electrical shock. A fire in electronic equipment rooms will almost always require the use of an "ABC" rated fire extinguisher: "A" because there is likely to be paper nearby, "B" because there may be oil or grease involved and “C because it is electrical equipment.

Tenants are responsible for making arrangements with Building Management to protect areas such as computer rooms, mailrooms, duplicating, and storage areas with fire rated enclosures and fire extinguishers. Depending on the size and value of these areas, smoke detectors or automatic extinguishing systems are recommended.

Fire Extinguisher Operation

When using a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS.

• PULL the pin. Some extinguishers require releasing a latch or pressing a puncture lever.
  
• AIM low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.
  
• SQUEEZE the handle. This releases the extinguishing agent.
  
• SWEEP from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the fire area in case fire breaks out again, and repeat the use of the extinguisher if necessary.
  

Most portable extinguishers work according to these directions, but some do not. Be prepared by making sure you read the directions on your fire extinguishers before a fire emergency happens.

Fire Communications System

Per NFPA Life Safety Code Handbook, the fire alarm voice EVAC system and the fire alarm strobes will be activated on:

• The alarming floor
  
• The floor above
  
• The floor below
  
• The stairwells
  

If a full building evacuation is determined to be necessary by the New Orleans Fire Department, the fire alarm voice EVAC system and the fire alarm strobes will be activated on all floors.

Voice communications are available from the fire control room to one or all floors by use of the public address speakers which are located in a number of areas on each floor and in the stairwells.

The building fire alarm system consists of detection, reporting, and control functions. When an alarm is activated, certain automatic responses take place; some involve shutting down equipment. All provide notification to the fire control room on the 2nd floor and an automatic alert is transmitted to our alarm monitoring company which then notifies the fire department.

There are a number of types of alarms, which are recognized by the fire command station, and each type has a specific response. Alarm types and responses are listed on the following page.