Parking Garage Cleaning. Issues that may arise from the cleaning.....

There are so many issues that may arise from a Parking Garage Cleaning. I have been asked " What issues can arise in a Parking Garage Setting?"

Boy, is that a loaded question....

Today and Tomorrow ( if I have time ) I will try to submit two areas of Garage Cleaning that I have not witness being discussed since I have been on the boards almost 1.5 years now. Many have asked, only a few know the answer !

One issue is the Fire Sprinkler Systems.....

Sprinkler heads, other than ornamental or plated heads, should be color coded, as outlined in NFPA 13, subsection 6.2.5 . The color identification may be by a single dot on the deflector, painting of the toggle arms, or for bulb type sprinklers, the color of the glass bulb.

The Color-coding by the temperature-classification is as follows....

Ordinary, 135-170 degrees: Uncolored or black arms; Orange or Red Glass Bulb.

Intermediate, 175-225 degrees: White arms; Yellow or Green Glass Bulbs

High, 250-300 degrees: Blue Arms; Blue Glass Bulbs.

There are more classifications, but one of these is always in a parking structure.


WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Simple, for those of use who use a high BTU boiler inside a garage, you will find that the heat rise is substantial. With just 1 of our boilers on, we have managed to reach over 175 degrees at the ceiling level thus exploding the glass and have the fire sprinkler system activated. We have done this 3 times within the 21 years since we have been in business cleaning Parking Structures.

I suggest getting a Fluke 62 Mini Infrared Thermometer. They go for about $100. It is a necessary piece of equipment if you want to clean garages with extreme heat. ( Meaning above 160 degrees ).

Since we have bought 5 of them, One for each team leader, we have not had a problem with the sprinklers going off.

Another way to "dissipate" the heat is by using huge floor fans.

Jon,

Here is where you can find the fluke temp meter.

http://www.fixittoolsstore.com/store.php/FixItTools/pd136091/Fluke_62_Mini_Infrared_Thermometer

Good info Jim, I'm not there yet but I'll put that in my kit for use later maybe.:clap: