To reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and deaths, every workplace must have “properly installed and maintained automatic detection devices,” according to the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.
And when indoor construction or renovations are being done, it’s important to take extra steps to make sure smoke detection systems will continue to work.
OCWR recommends covering all smoke detectors with temporary, easy-to-remove plastic bags that are colored to prevent dust buildup or paint contamination.
“New units come with covers to protect them from dust accumulation during shipping and while in storage,” OCWR notes.
Once work is done each day, remove the plastic covers. This helps ensures the system remains fully operational during non-work hours.
Repeat the process of covering the detectors during each shift and removing them at the end of the day until the construction project is complete.
