Fire Protection Systems

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are used to put out fires within a building so as to reduce the damage of the fire and help firefighters to better control a fire once they arrive.  Ninety-four percent of fires in buildings protected by a sprinkler system are contained in their room of origin, leaving only six percent of fires to spread.  There is also a lower death rate from fire in buildings with fire sprinkler systems.

The National Fire Protection Association has developed NFPA Standard 25 entitled “Standard for the Inspection, Test and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems”.  This document establishes the minimum requirements for the periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, including land-based and marine applications.  Periodic inspection and testing determines what, if any, maintenance actions are required to maintain the operability of the system.

This standard calls for an annual inspection by a person who has developed competence through training and experience. During the survey of your facility it was unknown when the system was last inspected.  The agency should provide documentation of the last test results to VFIS.  

Manual (or pull) fire notification systems provide mass notification in structures for fire emergencies, weather emergencies, terrorist events, biological, chemical, and nuclear emergencies, and other threats.  The National Fire Protection Association has developed NFPA Standard 72 entitled “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code”.  The Standard covers the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components.

This standard calls for an annual inspection by a person who has developed competence through training and experience.  During the survey of the your facility it was unknown when the last inspection was conducted on the system.   The agency should have the system inspected and provide documentation of the results to VFIS. 

Fire Sprinkler Inspection

Automatic sprinkler and fire alarm systems are important components in protecting against losses from fire.  However, they are only effective when well maintained.  Both systems require annual inspection and testing by approved and qualified contractors.  The air/water ratio of the sprinkler is  generally 5:1 or 6:1 water to air.  Deviations could either be a result of a faulty gauge or increased water pressure from the municipal water source.

Fire Sprinkler Testing

Automatic sprinkler and fire alarm systems are important components in protecting against losses from fire.  However, they are only effective when well maintained.  Both systems require annual inspection and testing by approved and qualified contractors.  At the time of this survey, it was unclear if this testing has been performed as there was no system tag or report visible. 

Your organization should arrange for the required annual maintenance of these systems and provide VFIS with copies of the reports of inspection.  Should this work have been completed within the past 12 months, submit copies of those reports of inspection.  In either case, include copies of documentation showing repairs (if necessary).

Available Resources

• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 25 Inspection of Water Based Fire Protection Systems