How to Conduct Effective Fire Sprinkler Inspections

Importance

Numerous documented instances show fire sprinkler failures contributed to significant fire disasters. In some cases, malfunctioning sprinkler systems would get activated in low temperatures, resulting in extensive water damage. Here are some reasons why conducting a comprehensive fire sprinkler system inspection should be part of the company’s fire safety plan:

• Saves lives – The primary purpose of installing fire sprinklers is to safeguard the well-being of a structure’s occupants. The system, meant to suppress fires, should be regularly checked to ensure it works as intended.
• Protects property – A well-maintained sprinkler system significantly mitigates the impacts of a fire, limiting its damage and associated costs for repair.
• Ensures compliance – Conducting regular inspections of fire sprinkler systems, making the necessary changes, and documenting the findings are standards under local and national fire protection agencies. By conducting this, companies can avoid fines and legal repercussions.
• Optimizes system longevity – Sprinkler systems can last up to 50 years on average, depending on their type, water quality, environmental conditions, and most importantly, maintenance. Regular inspection increases the lifespan and effectiveness of the system.
• Increases cost savings – Companies that conduct safety inspections demonstrate their commitment to safety. Aside from saving funds allocated for fire incidents, insurers offer lower premiums for policyholders with low-risk profiles.

What to Inspect in a Fire Sprinkler System

A fire sprinkler system is a complex network of integral parts working together to suppress fires. Inspecting every component is crucial to ensure the entire apparatus can prevent an extreme blaze and uphold fire safety. Here are what Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) personnel should scrutinize during a fire sprinkler system testing and inspection:

Water Supply

Water is an effective fire suppressant, making this component the lifeline of the entire system. Water supply should come from dependable sources, such as storage tanks, dedicated fire pumps, and most often, municipal water sources. Pressure fluctuations or supply interruptions could compromise the system’s ability to extinguish a fire.

• Pressure gauges measure the pressure in the system, ensuring an adequate water supply. Since most gauges are visible, in-house EHS personnel can inspect this monthly to ascertain the supply is within the required levels.
• Pumps, a must-have in tall buildings, boost water pressure to meet the demands of the sprinkler system. Most local codes require monthly testing and calibration to ensure they work well.
• Backflow prevention devices prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. A certified inspector must check this annually.

Pipes and Fittings

This component refers to the network of pipes and fittings that deliver water from the supply to the sprinkler heads installed throughout the building. Here are some parts that require inspection:

• Pipes should be visually inspected for leaks and corrosion, especially in areas with high humidity. The pipes should also have adequate support because mechanical damages and misalignments can result in erroneous water flow and dangerous collapse.
• Fittings, often made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and corrosion, should be checked monthly for wear and tear.
• Main and auxiliary drains should be tested quarterly, ascertaining there are no obstructions so they can effectively discharge water.

Control Valves

The valves regulate the water flow from the supply through the pipes and then into the sprinklers. This component is vital during inspection and maintenance, particularly when isolating a particular section.

• Check valves ensure the system remains pressurized and ready to operate. While these should be turned on at all times, turning them off now and then prevents seize-ups.
• Pressure gauges, located before and after the control valve, measure the pressure within the pipes and must be read monthly and calibrated annually.
• System air vents prevent air pockets in the pipes that hinder water flow. These are inspected monthly and tested annually.
• Flow switches detect water flow within the system, signaling the presence of a fire, obstruction, or system leak.

Sprinkler Heads

These are the end devices that discharge water when a fire is detected. Sprinklers have two crucial elements: the thermal link (i.e., glass bulb or fuse) that is triggered by high temperatures and the nozzle that disperses water.

There are different types of sprinklers:

• Pendants hang down from the ceiling, spraying water downward.
• Upright sprinklers are mounted upright and are often in areas with exposed pipes.
• Sidewall, as the name suggests, is mounted on the wall to cover spots where pendant types aren’t feasible.
• Concealed are hidden behind decorative covers and drop away once activated.

Under local and national fire sprinkler inspection programs, the component must be visually inspected monthly for obstructions, corrosions, or damage and then cleaned annually. Rarely is this tested, but it must be replaced after a set period, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Here are some best practices during inspection:

• Verify sprinkler positioning so it has adequate clearance based on local regulations.
• Make sure the spray pattern isn’t obstructed so it can discharge water effectively.
• Check for physical damage or signs of corrosion.
• Keep a log of sprinkler head location and conditions.
• Replace sprinkler heads were tampered with, such as getting painted over.

Alarms and Detectors

Alarms and fire detectors work in conjunction with suppressors, alerting occupants of the fire and giving them the chance to flee from danger, and emergency responders of the fire. Since these elements are rarely found in one system, companies should find ways to integrate the two to put out the fire effectively.

Another vital component that should be integrated into the company’s system is a digital tool for communication that immediately notifies the fire department about the incident. Informing the authorities enables them to act swiftly, and can be the difference between a small controlled fire and a catastrophic event.

Fire Sprinkler Inspection Report Requirements

Agencies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) require companies to submit a report as proof of compliance and commitment to fire safety. The following are some of the fire sprinkler inspection requirements:

• Detailed inspection findings – The report should contain clear and accurate documentation of the system’s condition, including inspection dates, clear photos with descriptions of the components, and observed deficiency, obstruction, and damages.
• Corrective action plan – It should also have specific recommendations for addressing identified issues, prioritization of repairs or replacements, and a timeline for completion.
• Inspection history – Full documentation of previous inspections and findings must be appended in the current submission. This is evidence of ongoing maintenance and system upkeep.
• Inspector qualifications – Whether the company chooses to hire a third-party fire safety expert or appoint the in-house EHS personnel, the fire safety training certification and licensing details of the inspector should be communicated clearly.
• Compliance with standards – The report should also reference applicable fire safety codes and standards, demonstrating their adherence to building codes and regulations.

Digital fire sprinkler inspection checklists help inspectors conduct visual checks and in-depth testing, whether this is done daily, quarterly, or annually. These are easily customizable to the company’s needs, may be securely stored for future reference, and easily shared with the team and external regulators.