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Environmental Protection Agency

Safety, Health and Environmental Management Division

June 1994
 TABLE 01' CONTENTS

PAGE
l:NTRODUCTI:ON ...................... ............. 1

l'l:RB SAFETY SYSTEM COMPONENTS • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .~ 2

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS . 3

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 4

STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS 7

FIRE PUMPS . 11

FIXED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 11

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 12

l'l:RB ALARM SYSTEMS • • • • • • • • • • • • ... .. • 12

POWER SUPPLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ • 15

Ml:SCELLANEOUS l'l:RB SAFETY COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . • 15

HOUSEKBEPI:NG PRACTI:CES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • 16

l'l:RB SAFETY SYSTEMS CHECKLI:ST • • • . . . • 17

ATTACHMENT A: EXAMPLES 01' RECORD SHEETS A-1

- i -
 \'

INSPECTION, TEST AND MAINTENANCE GUIDANCE

FOR FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS
I:N'l'RODUCTI:ON

Fire safety systems (including fire suppression, detection and alarm) are crucial to
defend against fire. However, they are rendered useless if no routine maintenance or
testing is provided to assure their operation when needed. This document provides limited
guidance for periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire safety systems commonly
found at EPA laboratory facilities. The document is intended as a starting point to help
safety personnel focus on key aspects of fire safety systems maintenance. The user will
need to evaluate their facilities to determine other specific system maintenance
requirements.

The document is divided in two portions. The first portion describes fire safety
components and their functions. The second portion is a Checklist of inspection, testing
and maintenance requirements of specific components. The Checklist can be used
independently to ensure that fire protection components are evaluated on a regular
scheduling basis, or it may be integrated into a facility preventive maintenance program.
It can be useful in developing a fire prevention plan for the facility. The following
systems and components are discussed: water supply, automatic sprinklers, standpipe and
hose, fire pumps, fixed and portable extinguishers, fire alarm, fire doors, dampers and
emergency lighting.

Records of all testing, maintenance and inspection activities should be kept on file for
periodic review. Attachment A provides examples of how inspection activities can be
recorded.
Although facility personnel can visually inspect various system components, many of the
testing and maintenance and some of the inspection procedures require handling of the
equipment or component. Those procedures requiring handling should be performed by
qualified fire protection contractors. Any test or maintenance procedure having a direct
connection to a central station or fire department should be made only after proper notice
is given to the signal receiving station. Fire protection systems are required to be
acceptance tested upon their installation. This document does not address acceptance
testing of new systems.

- 1 - DRAFT - JUNE 199'

EPA policy requires that facilities follow the National Fire Protection Association {NFPA)
standards. This document was developed using the latest NFPA standards. Requirements
that are imposed by other iocal authorities should also be observed. At the end of each
fire safety component discussion, the reader is directed to the applicable NFPA
publications which the user will need to perform complete inspections. Fire Protection
Systems: Inspection, Test & Maintenance Manual and the Inspection Manual published by
the NFPA are excellent resources.

The following definitions provide the reader with generic fire protection terminology for
systems evaluation:

Inspection, the visual examination of a component to verify that it appears to be in

operating condition or is free from physical damage. In general, the component does
not need to be handled.
~esting, a physical check to verify that a component is functioning properly; it
requires handling the equipment. Manufacturer specifications must be followed.
Maintenance, the periodic service to keep the system equipment operable or to repair
the component. Manufacturer specifications must be followed.

FXRB SAFETY SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Each fire safety system component performs one or more functions of detection, suppres-
sion, or life safety. The water supply system is vital to fire suppression. Water which
may come from the city water system or water storage tanks, supplies automatic sprinklers,
standpipe and hose systems, and fire hydrants. A properly designed and maintained fire
alarm system will help limit loss of property and life by providing early warning. Life
safety features such as fire walls and enclosed stairways are normally designed into the
building construction. Several components of life safety systems need to be inspected and
maintained to ensure that people can escape a building safely. This portion of the
document describes key fire safety components and their operation.

- 2 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Water for fire protection is conveyed to a facility by various methods, including water
storage tanks, public water mains, dedicated fire mains and public water hydrants. At EPA
facilities, water is commonly supplied through storage tanks and public fire mains. Fire
hydrants are normally publicly owned and the local jurisdiction is responsible for their
upkeep. Fire hydrants are used in emergencies to obtain water from the public water
supply. The most common type of hydrant is the dry barrel; it is used in locations
susceptible to freezing. Wet barrel hydrants are used where there is no danger of
freezing. Different portions of hydrants (e.g., piping, monitor nozzles, hose, hydrant
house) require routine inspection, test, and maintenance.
Water storage tanks hold a specified amount of water to augment water supply to the
facility or serve as the primary water source in remote areas. Tanks typically are
provided with control valves, check valves (which direct the flow of water), heaters (in
freezing climates), fire department connections, ladders, drain outlets, water level
alarms, and level indicators. Fire department connections, commonly referred to as .
"Siamese connections," usually consist of a dual 2 1/2-inch outlet outside the building.
The fire department connections are interconnected to standpipes or automatic sprinkler
systems. The fire department attaches hose lines to these connections to boost the water
capacity during a fire emergency.
Refer to NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire
Prevention Systems, Chapter 6: Water Storage Tanks and Chapter 7: Private Fire Mains for
more detail.

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

A sprinkler system is an integrated system of small discharge nozzles (sprinklers), an
automatic water supply, and underground and overhead piping. The system is usually
activated when the heat from a fire fuses a metal alloy in the sprinkler. The water
within the system then discharges over the fire area.
The vertical piping which connects the overhead piping and the underground water supply is
called the system riser. The riser is usually between 4 and 8 inches in diameter and
normally painted red. System components or function indicators which need to be inspected

- 3 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

or tested (such as water control valves, alarms, pressure gauges) are normally located
close to or on the system riser. Figure 1 shows a layout of a typical sprinkler system.
Sprinkler systems and other systems directing water supply require valves at strategic
locations and intervals which control the flow of water. They may be needed to shut off
systems after fire operations, or to isolate portions of the system for repair or
maintenance. Valves (including control valves, Outside Screw and Yoke (OS&Y) or Post
Indicator Valve (PIV)) have a system to indicate whether the valve is closed or open.
Check valves are installed to isolate separate sources of water supply; they direct the
flow of water toward the system. Alarm check valves generate an alarm when water flows
through the system. Gate valves are normally found on both sides of a check valve and are
used to isolate check valves for maintenance operations.
Other system connections and drains are provided to test water supply. Water flow test
connections are provided at specific locations to allow flow tests of water supplies.
These test connections verify the operation of the water flow alarm devices such as water-
motor gong, pressure switch or flow switch. They also indicate the amount of time for
water to flow to the sprinkler. The fire department can pump water into the sprinkler
system through the fire department connection. These connections are used to supplement
the water supply. Drains are needed for maintenance operations such as flushing the
system.
The main types of sprinkler systems found at EPA facilities are discussed below. They are
wet pipe, dry pipe, and pre-action. Each type of system has unique function indicators or
components which require different treatments and frequencies for inspection or testing.
For additional information on automatic sprinkler systems refer to NFPA 25, Chapter 2:
Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Wet pipe sprinkler systems have their piping filled with water and the sprinklers are
closed. When the sprinklers reach their operating temperature, they open and water
discharges immediately. Wet pipe sprinkler systems are used only in heated buildings.
Some buildings may have small unheated areas, such as a cold room or walk-in freezer and
so an "antifreeze loop" or dry pendant sprinkler is selected. Figure 2 shows features of
a wet sprinkler control valve. Figure 3 shows more detail on the sprinkler riser.

- .. - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

CROSS MAIN t:::<:~ II '• lr\

BULK MAIN~
!RISER I

l• I ALARM VALVE

0. S. & Y. GATE VALVE

' I TO CONTROL WATER
SUPPLY TO SYSTEM

MAIN

Figure 1: Typical Automatic Wet Pipe Sprinkler System (Reprinted by permission of NfPA)
 ,., RISER

2" MAIN
DRAIN VALVE

SPRINKLER RISER
WATER
2" MAIN MOTOR----
DRAIN GONG INCOMING
WATER
PRESSURE
GAUGE

TO RETARDING
CHAMBER
PRESSURE SWITCH
AND WATER MOTOR
ALARM

MAIN WATFR CONTROL VALVE WATER SUPPLY PIPE

2" MAIN • Mi
DRAIN

NOH V I\LVP; NOS 1P., 2 NORMALLY OPEN CLOSE NO. 1 TO SHUT OFF WATER .
CLOSE NO . 2 TO SILENCE ALARM.

V ALVE NO . 3 NORMALLY CLOSED OPEN TO DRAIN SYSTEM INCOMING

WATER SUPPLY

Figure 2: Schematic of Wet Pipe Sprinkler Valve Figure 3: Photograph of Wet l'ipe Vi!lve
(Reprinted by permission of NFPA) (Reprinted by permission of NI:PJ\)
D~ Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Unheated buildings which are subject to freezing have dry pipe sprinkler systems instead
of wet pipe systems. However, the enclosure which houses the valves for dry pipe systems
must be heated. Dry pipe systems have their piping filled with air or nitrogen under
pressure. When the heat from a fire causes the sprinkler to open, the air pressure is
released. This permits the water pressure to push open the dry pipe valve. Water then
flows into the piping system and out the opened sprinkler. Dry pipe systems are often
less reliable than wet pipe systems due to additional maintenance requirements. Figures 4
and 5 show details of a dry pipe sprinkler and valve. Figure 6 is a schematic of a dry
pipe system.
Deluge Systems
In this system, the sprinklers are open; the water is held back by a deluge valve on the
system riser. When the fire detection system in the protected area activates, it trips
the deluge valve. This causes water to flow through all the sprinklers. These systems
are used in small areas such as cooling towers where water damage is not a concern.
Pre-action Systems
Pre-action syst·ems are similar to deluge systems, except that the sprinklers are closed.
If water damage is a concern, as in computer rooms, a pre-action system is employed.
When the fire detection system trips the deluge valve, water enters the sprinkler pipi ng .
However, water only discharges through the sprinklers which opened .
It is imperative to keep all records of sprinkler system evaluations on file. Records of
testing, if compared over a few years, will help determine if the system capacity has
diminished. Attachment A is an example of inspection activities that should be recorded.

STANDPIPE AND HOSB SYSTBMS

Standpipe systems are a network of risers, piping, hose connections, and valves that allow
the fire department or trained personnel to manually extinguish a fire. Water supply to
the standpipe system can be automatic through water mains or provided by the fire
department. See Figure 7 for a drawing of a fire department connection. Components such
as hoses, cabinets, and nozzles must be routinely inspected. Consult NFPA 1962, Care, Use
and Service Installation of Fire Hose Including Coupling and Nozzles, NFPA 25, Chapter 3:

- 7 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

 1\\.CE l[ll/\ T b H - - - - - - - .

, . - - - - - T O SPRINKLERS
PllfSSURF SWITCH-------.

PRIMING FUNNEL
/\Ill fl[Lifr V/\l.VF------,

CIIFU: V/\l V F - - - - - ,

\Ill f'flf:S~illf~r C./\UC.E

1\N il LOW /\Ill PflfSSUf1E
:WI Tell

IIJW/\lFFl
' .11lTOil GONr;----..t
t--..,.--'WMI....-1--+--~
PRIMING CHAMBER
II /\llt\1 ()fl/\lr~ "'I
I ll(lM 1\lrt
·:lll'f'l \
'I 1\l/\RMTESTCOCK
I'IIIMIN(i WATF II
I I Vf I lFO,I ~
V /\IVf WATER
7" MAIN DRAIN SUPPLY
Ill! If' r:II[(Y. V/\LVF------if'
FIRE DEPARTMENT
PRESSURE
GAUGE
CONNECTION~
WATFR l'f1EC.C.URF.
(;1\IJrif - - - - - <: I:r--1 t::I{).----
1w ;ci iAil<;r 1 o 0111 :.111r \cHEcK VALVE W / BALL
I Iff 1·K V/\1 V f - DRIP. PIPE BALL DRIP
TO OUTSIDE
., . . flfi/\IN V/\LVE
\___-TAMPER SWITCH

Figure ·1: Schematic of Dry Pipe Sprinkler figure 5: !'holograph of Dry l'ipe V,1lvc
(Reprinted by permission of NfPA) (l{eprinted by pcrmis.c;ion of NFI';\)
 }d!
(i i_!

~ . ~=::; ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ I~··
(ii) I J 7}

J.-lifi,
~
I II (lQI

~
(2~_,
l
(77)~ (7<!) (Jo1
~) @

I .___ _- t t _ 64.1

ITEM DESCiliPTION ITEM DESCniP liON ITEM llESCfliPT ION

1 City m;~in 11 Dry pipr viliVP. 13 0 .5 . & Y. villvP lortltnuall

~ill
2 rwnpP.r-type fuP. hydrant 13 Anti -llnod dP.vicP. lnruinnr.ll 14 ChP.r.lr v-.lvr
3 UndP.rQrnuncl lirP. main 14 Accelrq;:~torfoptiullill l 25 A i'iP.r to ~prirddr11 w~;trrn
4 t<rv v;:~lvl! Anrl road hn• 15 WatP.r motm rtl;urn rl•ilin 16 Thru~lil hlork
5 Pnu inrliLa tm valvr. 16 WatP.r moun illttrot 27 Orain ,.,;nlvr ;tnrl pltuJ
6 M;:~m dram 17 Crn~J main 28 Orumrfrip
7 Anll cfrip 18 0. v pipP. valve hou<:P. 29 Urutqht ~;prinldrr
(76) 8 rirP dr•p;utmPnl conner. l ion 19 W<ttPr motor nl alfn lin~ 30 Dry JlPtH1t•nt 'SPrinklrr
9 ChPd valvP. 20 PrP.1i,UtP. swi trh 31 lrispPcrm ·s teu villve
21 Alarm line strainrr 32 lno;pt•r: tnr · ~ tr•tl dram
10 Or ;tin cup
11 Main dr;ain valvP. n Alarm teSI vttlvP

Typical Dry Pipe Sprinkler System (Reprinted by permission of NFI' A)

Figure 6:
 ~~FIRE DEPARTMENT
SIAMESE CONNECTION
1
WATERPROOF MASTIC

CIIF.CK VALVE

l lrlliOIIFinE~
lfiiFCTION PIPING

1\UTOMJ\ TIC: BJ\1. L UniP

figure 7: Typical Fire Department Siamese Connection Figure 8: Photograph of Fire flose Cabinet
(Reprinted by permission of NFPA) (Reprinted by permission of NFPA)
Standpipe and Hose Systems for complete guidance. Figure 8 illustrates a fire hose
cabinet.

FIRB PUMPS

Fire pumps are provided to fire protection systems to boost the pressure of an existing
water supply. Fire pumps are designed to operate at various flows and pressures: rated
pressure (pump design), churn pressure (no flow), and overflow pressure (150% of designed
flow) . When the fire pumps are tested, performance at these flow rates is observed.
The pump may be housed in a cut - off room in the facility, or in a detached pump house.
The engine for operating the pump is typically a diesel engine or an electric motor.
Pumps can operate manually, as well as automatically if provided with pump controllers.
Pumps which provide primary protection for the facility normally start automatically.
A preventive maintenance program which complies with the manufacturer's recommendations
must be established and implemented. Maintain records on all work performed on the pump,
engine, controller, and auxiliary equipment. A routine review of test records can provide
clues to water supply or pump deficiencies. Refer to NFPA 20, Standard for the
Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps and NFPA 25, Chapter 5: Fire Pumps for additional
information.

FIXED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

Many types of automatic extinguishing systems other than sprinklers are available for fire
suppression. They are typically selected based on the hazard type that will be protected.
For protection of electronic equipment, EPA normally selects C0 2 extinguishing systems and
pre - action sprinkler systems. Foam water systems are selected to protect areas using
large amounts of flammable liquids.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems (C02 )
C0 2 systems have C0 2 agent under pressure in cylinders and tanks. The tanks are accessed
through hoses to nozzles in the protected area. The systems apply C0 2 gas to fill an
entire room (total flooding systems), or to a specific area (local application) ~

- 11 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

Additional information on these system can be obtained from NFPA 12, Carbon Dioxide
Extinguishing Systems. Figure 9 shows a typical C0 2 extinguishing system.
Foam-Water Systems
Fire fighting foam is used to combat fires involving flammable and combustible liquids.
Foam is a mixture of air, water and a concentrated foaming agent. Aqueous Film Forming
Foam (AFFF) is the most popular type of extinguisher used at EPA facilities. When AFFF is
discharged, it forms a blanket over the surface of the liquid, which smothers the fire.
Refer to NFPA 16, Chapter 8: Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems and
NFPA 25, Chapter 8: Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems for more information.

POR!l'ABL.B' FIR.&' .B'X!l'INGUISHERS

Portable fire extinguishers are required in most EPA facilities. Portable extinguishers
are selected according to the hazard they protect. The multipurpose dry chemical and
carbon dioxide extinguishers are most common at EPA facilities. The multipurpose dry
chemical can normally protect against most types of fires including electrical, ordinary
combustibles and flammable materials. C0 2 extinguishers are effective on electrical and
flammable liquid fires. The label on the extinguisher cylinder indicates what types · of
fires it can extinguish.

FIR.&' ALARM SYS!l'.B'MS

A_ building fire alarm system provides audible and/or visual alarm signals when alarm
initiating devices such as a manual pull station, sprinkler control valve, water flow
switch, or smoke detector operates. The alarm initiating devices are connected to the
fire alarm control panel, which continuously monitors these devices. Refer to NFPA 10,
Portable Fire Extinguishers for -more detail.
A common fire alarm arrangement is one where an alarm initiating device operates and a
general alarm sounds. All alarm indicating devices, such as bells, horns and lights
operate. Additionally, alarms sound at the alarm control panel. The alarm control panel
can be used to deactivate alarms during testing and maintenance operations. The alarm
annunciator panel indicates the location or type of device which activated. EPA
facilities usually have their fire alarm systems monitored by a central station. The

- 12 - DRAFT - JUNE 199,

 WIRE AND CONDUIT TO DETECTORS

TIT DISCHARGE
NOZZLE

PIPING

ACTUATION LINE

DISCHARGE CONTROL
VALVE- ~

NAMEPLATE WITH
SYSTEM DATA
I .. I
D D CYLINDER

WALL MOUNTING
BRACKET

Figure 9:
Typical Carbon Dioxide High Pressure System (Reprinted by permission of NFPA)
central station, upon receiving an alarm signal, will make attempts to verify the alarm.
If it cannot verify a false alarm, the Fire Department responds to the installation. Fire
alarm systems are connected to emergency power supplies, which must be inspected and
maintained, as well.
Smoke Detector•
Fires produce detectable quantities of smoke before any significant rise in heat. Smoke
detection devices respond when smoke particles enter the units~ Duct smoke detectors
cause the air handling systems of a buildings ventilation system to shut down, thereby
preventing the recirculation of smoke within the building. Magnets or artificial smoke
can be used to test smoke detectors. It is recommended that artificial smoke be applied
from a distance of at least 12 feet to avoid damage to the unit.
The following documents provide additional information: NFPA 101, Life Safety Code; NFPA
72 H, Guide for Testing.

Heat Detectors
A heat detector works when the fusible elements within the unit melt or when air or metal
in the unit expands in response to a predetermined heat level. Heat detectors are
provided on the initiating device circuits~ EPA facilities have fixed temperature, rate-
of-rise, or rate compensation heat detectors. Fixed temperature heat detectors must be
replaced if they are tested using heat. Other restorable detectors can be safely tested
with a hair-dryer, or shielded heat lamp. Rate-of-rise and rate compensation detectors
can reset themselves after testing. Any detectors which fail to operate during tests must
be properly replaced. Records for testing, inspection, and maintenance must be kept on
file.
Manual Stations, Bells, and Horns
Basically, manual stations are electrical switches housed in a red-colored box. They
operate upon breaking glass, pulling a lever, or using a key. Bells and horns generate
loud noises to indicate emergencies. Sometimes visual signals such as strobes and lights
are provided.

- u- DRAFT - jUNE 1994

POWER SUPPLY

Power supply to the alarm system can be provided by either commercial light and power
supply or an engine-driven generator. Secondary power supply to the alarm system must be
provided. It can consist of a storage battery and charger, or an engine-driven generator.
Secondary power supplies normally support other systems as well, including fire pumps,
exhaust hoods and emergency lighting. All power supplies, including uninterrupted power
supplies (UPS), have inspection, test and maintenance requirements. A routine maintenance
and operational testing program must be developed and implemented based on manufacturer's
recommendations.

NFPA 110, Emergency and Standby Power Supply and NFPA 72, National Electrical Code discuss
power supply requirements in detail.

MXSCELLANEOUS FXRE SAFETY COMPONENTS

Fire Doors
Fire doors are used to protect openings in fire-rated walls and partitions. They are
required to be self-closing or automatic closing (i.e., close upon activation of detection
systems). It is imperative that fire doors are not kept open with wood jambs or door
chocks. Doing so compromises fire safety and the design flow rates of ventilation
systems. NFPA 80, Standard on Doors and Windows provides details on door testing.

DamPers
Fire dampers are provided on some air distribution systems to limit the migration of heat
or flame across a fire barrier. They close automatically when they detect excessive heat
in the air distribution duct. Smoke dampers restrict the movement of smoke.
NFPA 90A, Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems and NFPA 101, Life
Safety Code discuss fire and smoke dampers.

Emergency Lights
Emergency lighting is required at most EPA facilities. Laboratory work units require at
least 10 candles of illumination on the face of the hood during emergencies. Emergency
lighting must operate automatically in the event of any interruption of normal lighting.

- 15 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

A secondary source of power is required. This can be sto~age batteries or emergency
generators.

Refer to NFPA 101, Chapters 5 and 31 for more information. Written records of testing
must be kept on file.

HOUSEKEEPXNG PRACTXCES

Good housekeeping is a continuous effort by management and staff to control sources of

ignition and to facilitate emergency evacuation. Managers must ensure safe storage and
handling of materials . A lack of facilities to store materials can result in blocked exit
ways, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers. In addition to adding to the fire load, the
accumulation of combustibles (outside the building as well as inside the building) may
hinder safe evacuation. The safe handling and storage practices for combustible and
flammable liquids must be observed.
There is no required evaluation schedule per se. However, individuals performing
inspections should keep good housekeeping practices in mind. Further information can be
found in the Fire Protection Handbook, 17th Edition, Section 2, Chapter 34.

- 16 - DRAFT - JUNE 1996

 FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS CHECKLIST

hydrant semi-annually & after each annually: Fully open ·and annually a
operation: Check all hydrants close private hydrants to lubricate private
near the facility for signs of ensure water flows hydrants and
damage or obstructions. Verify properly. provide other
that private hydrants are services according
visible and accessible and that to manufacturer.
caps are in place. Wet hydrants
require annual insoection.
hydrant annually: Inspect exposed 5 years: Perform flow
piping piping for leaks, damage, or tests; determine
corrosion. deterioration.
hose/hydrant monthly: Inspect for Test hoses per NFPA 1962. annually: Ensure
house accessibility, physical damage, all fire hose and
and missing equipment. other components
are in usable
condition.
hydrant semi-annually: Check for annually: Test similarly annually:
monitor leakage, physical damage, to hydrants. Lubricate to
nozzle corrosion. semi-annually: Oscillate ensure proper
and move nozzles through operation.
their full range.

- 17 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

fire monthly: Ensure connection is
department accessible and visible. Check
connection that caps or plugs are in place;
threads are clean, undamaged and
lightly lubricated.
control valve !weekly: Verify that sealed
control valves are open.
monthly: Verify that locked
valves or valves with tamper
switches are open.
check valves IS years: Inspect internally. Clean, repair or
V~rify components operate replace per
properly and move freely. manufacturer's
instructions.
other water !weekly: Ensure they are open. annually:
supply Exercise post
valves, indicator and
including outside screw and
post yoke (OS&Y)
indicator and valves. Fully
roadway valve close and reopen
each valve.

- 18 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

water storage monthly: Check that the proper Maintain tank at
tank wat.er level and condition are full or designed
maintained. Ensure that: water level.
heating devices are kept in semi-annually:
order; the tank roof is kept Drain or flush
tight and in good repair; ice sediments from
does not form on the tank tank.
surfaces; no dirt or rubbish is annually: Clean
piled near the base of the tank vents. .Fully
column. During freezing open and close
weather, check water tank drain valve.
temperature. Ensure that water
is maintained above 40°F.
5 yearsa inspect interior of
tank for corrosion.

control monthly: Verify that valves are annually:

valves secured in the open position. Lubricate all
weekly: Inspect sealed valves. valve stems on the
control valves.

- 19 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

sprinklers annually: Ensure sprinklers are 5 years: Test "Extra
free of corrosion, foreign High" sprinklers.
materials, paint and physical 10 years: Retest fast
damage. response sprinklers.
monthlys Verify that SO years: Replace
obstructions such as stock pile sprinklers or send
racks are at least 18" below the representative samples to
sprinklers. laboratory for
operational testing.

supply of monthly: Verify the proper type

spare and number of sprinklers and
sprinklers that a sprinkler wrench is
available.
piping annually: Verify that piping is
free of mechanical damage,
leakage, corrosion and
misalignment. External load
should not be applied to
sprinkler piping.
seismic annually: Ensure that loose
braces and braces and hangers are securely
hangers fastened.
alarm devices !monthly: Verify that alarm quarterly: Verify all
devices are not physically devices generate audible
damaged and that all electrical and visual signals.
connections are in place.

- 20 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

hydraulic quarterly: Ensure that
nameplate nameplate is legible and that it
is attached securely to
sprinkler riser.
water monthly: Ensure that normal 5 years: Replace with
pressure water supply pressure is new or recalibrated
gauge provided. Verify condition of gauges.
gauge.
main drain quarterly: Open the 2 11
main drain valve to
verify the flow of water.
Determine if the normal
water supply as indic;=ated
on hydraulic dataplate is
available. Check for the
presence of closed valves
or other obstructions.

antifreeze
loop

water flow monthly: Verify that alarm quarterly: Open the

alarm devices are not physically inspector's test
damaged and that all electr 1 connection to assure
connections are intact. sounding of alarms.

- 21 - - _JUNJ: 19U
building annually: Before the onset of
heating freezing weather, verify that
sprinklei piping will not be
exposed to freezing and that
adequate heat will be provided.

priming water quarterly: Slowly open

level test the priming water level
valve test valve to determine
the priming water level.
Add or drain priming
water.
air pressure weekly: Verify that the system 5 years: Replace with
gauge is supplied with air or nitrogen new or recalibrated
at the required pressure. gauge.
Normal pressure should be
verified initially with the
sprinkler contractor. A
pressure loss of more than 10%
should be investigated.

- 22 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

low air quarterly: Verify the
pressure transmittal of an alarm
alarm when test valve is
opened. Close water
supply valve, slowly
release air from the
system by gently opening
the inspector's test
valve.
dry pipe weekly: Ensure that the valve annually: During the annually: Clean
valve is free of physical damage. spring, trip test dry the interior and
Ensure all trim valves are in pipe valve with control replace or repair
the appropriate (open or closed) valve partially open. parts during
position. every 3 years: Perform a annual trip test.
annually: Inspect interior full flow trip test with
during annual trip test. the supply control valve
fully open.
valve daily: Inspect enclosure
enclosure heating equipment daily during
cold weather. Maintain
temperature to at least 40°F.
Inspect weekly if low
temperature alarms are present.
water flow quarterly: Open the alarm
alarm by-pass valve to assure
the sounding of the
alarm; do not use the
inspector's test
connection.

- 23 - DRAF'l' - JUNJ: 19 9 t
pre-action weekly: Ensure that the valve annually: During the annually: Clean
valve is free of physical damage and spring, trip test dry the interior and
that all trim valves are in the pipe valve with control replace or repair
appropriate (open or closed) valve partially open. parts during
position. Check that electrical every 3 years: Perform a annual trip test.
components are in service. full flow trip · test with
annually: Inspect interior the supply control valve
during annual trip test. fully open.
valve daily: Inspect enclosure
enclosure heating equipment daily during
cold weather. Maintain
temperature to at least 40°F.
weekly: Inspect if low
temperature alarms are present.
detection semi-annuallya Test fire
systems detection associated with
the sprinkler system for
proper operation.

-:a - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

water flow quarterly: Open the alarm
alarm by-pass valve to assure
the sounding of the
alarm; do not use the
inspector's test
connection.
air pressure weekly: Verify that the normal 5 years: Replace with
gauge air and water pressures are new or recalibrated
provided. (See dry pipe gauge.
system.)

hose monthly: Inspect hose rack, annually: Remove

reels and nozzle for damage. · and rerack hose.
Ensure that hose is properly Lubricate swing-
racked in cabinet and that out hose racks.
nozzle is attached.
hose cabinets !monthly: Ensure that cabinet is monthly: As
equipped with hose and nozzle. needed.
Inspect cabinet signs; ensure
they are conspicuous and
ropriate.
hose nozzle annually: Confirm that nozzles monthly: Verify that
can be easily opened and closed. nozzles operate smoothly.
Repair or replace.

- 25 - DRAFT - JUNE 199t

standpipe monthly: If standpipe does not 5 years: Perform
system require a hose, ensure that the hydrostatic and flow
2-1/2" valve is not damaged and tests of hydraulically
readily accessible. remote location.
alarm devices I !quarterly: Test water
flow alarm and
supervisory devices.

pump house !weekly: Ensure that the pump

house is kept clean, dry and
free of condensate. Verify
adequate heat and ventilation.
Ensure that environmental
conditions (ventilation, heating
and illumination) are adequate.
pump system !weekly: Inspect the condition
of the pump components such as
bearings, stuffing boxes,
suction pipe strainers, power
supply, storage batteries,
lubrication system.
pump !weekly: Ensure that the pump
controller controller is in the automatic
starting position.

- 26 - DRAFT - JUNE 199,

electrical weekly: Ensure all pilot lights weekly: Operate pump for annually:
system are illuminated. Check oil 10 minutes without Lubricate
level in sight glass. flowing water. mechanical moving
annually: Perform flow parts, calibrate
test at different loads. pressure switches
Compare with and grease motor
manufacturer's bearings.
specifications.
diesel engine weekly: Ensure tank is two- weekly: Operate pump for annually: Keep
system thirds full. Check battery at least 30 minutes. Do engine clean, dry,
readings. Check oil and cooling not flow water. and well
water levels. Check tightness annually: Perform pump lubricated.
of packing gland. performance test. Verify Maintain the
pump speeds at each flow. proper oil level
Verify setting of relief in the crankcase.
valves. NFPA 25 contains
other significant
details.
Fr

extinguishinglweekly: Check liquid level semi-annually: Weigh

cylinders gauges. cylinders. Operate
monthly: Check for signs of cylinder control head.
leakage and physical damage.
nozzles weekly: Check for physical
damage.

- 27 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

system weekly: Inspect entire system annually: Perform 5 years: Perform
for physical damage. actuating test of system . hydrostatic test
12 years: Perform on hoses.
discharge test. 12 years: Perform
hydrostatic test
on system, hoses,
cylinders.
general monthly: Confirm that S years: Perform annually: Examine
requirements extinguisher is in its proper hydrostatic test. mechanical parts
place and that it appears in 12 years: Perform thoroughly.
operating condition. Confirm hydrostatic test on dry
that extinguisher is visible and chemical type.
accessible and that seals and
tamper indicators are intact.
Verify that pressure gauge is in
the normal range. Note any
physical damage. Initial and
date inspection tag.

general monthly: Ensure that all

requirements equipment is in place and in
good condition. Determine if
components are free of
corrosion, foreign materials,
tampering, or physical damage.

- 28 - DRAFT - JUNE 199'

fire alarm annually: Inspect fire alarm annually: Test semi-annually:
control equipment for damage or supervisory device Remove fuses and
equipment, operability. Check illumination circuits; check primary check ratings.
including of fire alarm and enunciator and secondary power
fuses and panels. supplies. Test lamps and
light LEDs on annunciating and
emitting fire alarm control
diodes panels. Check initiating
(LEDs). and signaling device
circuits.
smoke semi-annually: Check all smoke annually: Verify Remove
detectors detectors for obstruction or sensitivity range of accumulation of
damage. Ensure the detectors device. Test device for dust and dirt.
are properly located. alarm response. Clean devices per
manufacturer's
specifications.
heat semi-annually: Check all heat annually: Laboratory
detectors detectors for obstruction or test and replace 2% of
damage. Ensure the detectors fixed temperature
are properly located. detectors. Heat test
others.
duct detector semi-annually: Ensure that annually: Verify that
device will sample the air device will sample the
stream. air stream. Verify
sensitivity range of
device. Test device for
alarm response.

- 29 - DRAFT - JUNE 199,

audible/ semi-annually: Determine if annuallya Measure sound
visible bells and horns appear levels through out
devices operational. protected areas.
batteries monthly: Inspect for corrosion monthly: Perform
and leakage. Ensure tightness discharge, charger and
of connection. Certain battery load voltage tests. Some
types require less frequent batteries require less
inspections. · frequent testing.
manual semi-annuallya Determine if annually: Activate the
stations manual stations appear station. Determine if
operational. bells and horns are
audible in all portions
of the building.

general annually: Test primary

requirement and secondary power
supplies.
emergency weeklya follow manufacturers monthly: Exercise under
power supply instructions. load. Follow
systems manufacturer's
instructions.
automatic weekly: Inspect for evidence of monthly: Operate transfer Follow
transfer overheating. switch from normal manufacturer's
switch position and return. instructions.
Remove dust and dirt. NFPA 110 contains
Replace contact when significant
required. details.

- 30 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

Fire doors !annually: Ensure that fire as needed:
doors are not blocked open. Lubricate door
Verify that the door is not guides and
damaged and that it closes bearings. Operate
completely and catches. automatic closing
devices.
Fire dampers !annually: Verify hinges and annually: Operate
other moving parts appear damper, lubricate
operable. mov arts.
Emergency monthly: Perform a functional annually: Test for 1 1/2
lighting test. Operate unit for 30 hours.
seconds.
Initial and date tags attached
to unit.

- 31 - DRAFT - JUNE 1994

Monthly Inspection Record Sheet

System/ Component: Automatic Sprinkler System, No. 1

Description: This is a wet pipe sprinkler system which serves the office portion of the building. The system capacity is
650 gpm at 45psi. System has 100 sprinklers.
date inspector control sprinkler alarm water water sprinkler
(initials) valve device pressure flow supply
gauge alarm
-- ------- - -

Quarterly Inspection & Test Record Sheet

System/ Component: Automatic Sprinkler System, No. 1

Description: This is a wet pipe sprinkler system which serves the office portion of the building. The system capacity is
650 gpm at 45psi. System has 100 sprinklers.

date inspector hydraulic test of alarm test of 2" test water flow
(initials) name plate devices main drain alarm
- - -- --~

Annually Inspection Record Sheet

System/ Component: Automatic Sprinkler System, No. 1

Description: This is a wet pipe sprinkler system which serves the office portion of the building. The system capacity is

Attatchment A
650 gpm at 45psi. System has 100 sprinklers.

inspector(initials) sprinkler seismic braces building heat

Attatchment A