Fire Protection System Maintenance Requirements PDF

Fire Extinguishing OBJECTIVE • Chapter 5 4 Discuss the maintenance requirements of standpipe and sprinkler system components. The NFPA 25 - Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems is recognized by the National Fire Code of Canada. It has also...

Fire Extinguishing OBJECTIVE • Chapter 5 4 Discuss the maintenance requirements of standpipe and sprinkler system components. The NFPA 25 - Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems is recognized by the National Fire Code of Canada. It has also been adopted by the various provincial and territorial jurisdictions. This standard requires regular testing of standpipe and sprinlder system components, to ensure their reliable operation. While various jurisdictions may modify these rules, generally the requirements are similar. A typical description of maintenance for standpipe and sprinlder systems is described below. FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSPECTIONS AND TESTING Fire systems should be tested annually to ensure that they work properly when needed. There are checks to be performed on a regular basis on all parts of the fire system, such as those described below. a) Fire pump tests, which include checking the operation of the driver (usually an electric motor or internal combustion engine). For most plants, this test should be conducted weekly or monthly. b) Testing water flows to ensure they are adequate to supply all the sprinlders if they are activated in a large fire. Depending on the jurisdiction, these tests may be conducted quarterly or yearly. c) Alarm tests. d) Activating the wet, dry, preaction, and deluge valves, and checking operation of the flow switches and other attached devices. e) Ensuring a signal is sent to alarm panels if the sprinlders or standpipes are activated. f) Keeping written records of all the tests. Daily and Weeldy Checks could include: a) Visual inspections of equipment for cleanliness and rusting. b) Removal of stored equipment or debris that could restrict access to the fire equipment. c) Inspection of lighting systems to verify that the lighting is adequate for operation of fire equipment, even in emergency conditions. d) Cold weather enclosures are adequately heated and sealed. e) Fire hoses are properly coiled and ready to use. f) Equipment is not stored in any manner that would affect the operation of sprinlders. g) Visual monitoring of alarm panels connected to the sprinlders and standpipes and other fire detection systems to ensure that they are operating properly. Monthly Checks could include: a) All of the daily and weekly checks. b) Verify that water supply valves for the fire suppression systems are open (and locked open if required). c) No damage has occurred to any of the equipment due to accidental contact to equipment such as panels, wiring or valves. Breakers should be checked to ensure they are supplying equipment with power at all times. 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 5-23 Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety ======================================== d) The proper air pressure is maintained on systems such as a dry standpipe, and the small air compressors are functioning properly. If the air compressor is running repeatedly or starting and stopping in short cycles, this would indicate a leak that should be located and repaired. e) Visual checks of all pressure gauges on the system including standpipe and sprinlder supply water pressure, and pressure in wet and dry sprinlder systems. f) Visual inspection of piping to check for leaking air or water. g) Operation of fire pumps to verify that they are able to start automatically and supply required pressure. h) Check to ensure sprinkler heads have not been painted or otherwise compromised. Annual Checks could include: a) All daily, weeldy, and monthly inspections. b) Calling in an authorized company to do an inspection and testing of all devices connected to the fire alarm system, including activation alarms from sprinlders and standpipes. c) Full flow testing on sprinlders and standpipes. The fire inspector will use flow-measuring equipment to do this. This is particularly important when commissioning sprinlder systems. d) Draining the low points of a dry system, particularly before cold season. e) Testing and replacing fire hoses if necessary. Every three and five years: a) A dry testing trip in which the whole system is activated, with the control valve open and the water flow tested. b) A wet system flow test under the same conditions. c) A hydrostatic test of sprinlders and standpipes, depending on location. :s: s-24 f- -----------------------4th Class Edition 3 • Part A