Your commercial building’s automatic fire sprinkler system is the first line of defense when fire breaks out, so they’re an important fire safety measure in your building. Fire sprinklers can control a fire and keep it small while protecting occupants from harm and saving your business. So, how do you know your sprinkler systems will work when needed? How often should you have sprinkler system inspections? You must stay up to date on fire sprinkler testing and fire sprinkler maintenance.
Experts ensure they’re in working order with regular fire sprinkler inspections, as well as follow maintenance and testing timelines. When you follow the required fire sprinkler system inspections and testing, as well as sprinkler system maintenance schedules set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and your local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), you ensure your system operates as it was designed to minimize the risk of damage and loss of life should there ever be a fire. Familiarize yourself with the fire system inspection requirements below.
To stay on top of mandatory fire sprinkler inspections and testing, download our free, printable fire sprinkler testing table at the bottom of this article. The resource includes a timeline for all fire sprinkler inspection and testing requirements – annual, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly and other considerations.
The death rate per 1,000 reported fires was 87% lower in properties with sprinklers than in properties with no automatic extinguishing system (AES). – NFPA Report, U.S. Experience with Sprinklers, 2010-2014
The adopted codes require all commercial entities and nonprofit organizations follow NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. Each local AHJ may also have additional fire sprinkler inspection and testing requirements. Be sure to check with your area’s fire marshal for those local codes.
The NFPA25 Standard puts forth weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual fire sprinkler system inspection requirements:
A designated staff member who is trained in the proper NFPA25 Standards and local code compliance may perform weekly fire sprinkler inspections. This person should check for normal air and water pressure on the dry, pre-action, and deluge systems gauges. He or she will also make sure control valves are not leaking or locked, that they are sealed and open.
During monthly inspections, your on-site fire protection person should look at the wet pipe systems gauges, confirm water pressure is maintained and that there are no signs of physical damage. Alarm valves should also be inspected for physical issues.
The quarterly, annual, and every five- and ten-year fire sprinkler system inspection, along with system maintenance, testing, and repairs must be performed by a licensed fire protection technician. Comprehensive records must be retained for a minimum of one year, along with the ability to produce these maintenance records when requested. It is recommended to use fire sprinkler inspection companies that can service all your locations so records are easily accessible from one entity. Keeping these inspections up-to-date helps you avoid fire safety fails & code violations.
In 97% of fires with operating sprinklers, five or fewer heads operated. Reported sprinkler failures (660 per year) were twice as common as reported fires in which sprinklers were ineffective and did not control the fire. – NFPA Report, U.S. Experience with Sprinklers, 2010-2014
In addition to regular inspections, fire sprinkler system maintenance and testing are also vital pieces of the overall process. A test is a more involved physical check to make sure the fire sprinkler system not only looks like it’s functioning, but actually works as it should. Routine sprinkler maintenance and repair are critical to keep your fire sprinklers in good working condition. Be sure to do your research to find the best fire sprinkler maintenance companies to ensure your business is safe.
Quarterly inpsections, semi-annual, and annual fire sprinkler system testing and tagging must be performed and documented by a licensed technician in accordance with NFPA25 and your AHJ. Inspection tags for fire sprinkler systems must be current.
