Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems: Inspection Schedule

Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems: Inspection Schedule

The Importance of Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems Inspections

When people engage in commerce—buy, sell, or trade products or services—there is an understanding that the space providing the commerce will be safe for the people involved. After centuries of experience, regulations have been formed to help owners keep others safe, resulting in fire protection equipment and plans for various spaces and situations. These regulations and codes are also designed to keep equipment that remains totally inactive for years ready for emergencies at any time. Understandably, all these codes and regulations can get quite confusing.

Each commercial location utilizes a network of smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and more. Codes also regulate occupancy and require evacuation plans. There are so many important things involved, and it can get overwhelming. Here is some information that can help clarify the requirements.

Inspections and Testing Your Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems

These words are often used interchangeably, but in the world of fire code, there is an important distinction.

• An inspection includes visually observing equipment, and looking for leaks, corrosion, or damage.
• Testing includes observing the proper function of the equipment, and ensuring the parts are ready for action whenever called upon.
• Both inspection and testing differ for different fire protection equipment, so the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides regulations for every type of equipment. Here is a link to the various NFPA codes:¹

Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems Inspection

Inspection requirements are more frequent than testing. Often, inspections can be completed by a building owner or staff. It is important to:

• Follow the regulation guidelines, which can call for weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual inspections.
• Assign the task to a person to ensure the tasks are completed
• Be sure to document inspections to comply with regulations and ensure you keep people safe.

Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems Testing Schedule

Testing often requires tools, training, and expertise that are not common among building owners. Important factors include:

• Follow the guidelines for testing equipment and systems. Usually, testing is completed after longer time intervals—1, 3, or 5-year spans.
• Chose a fire protection company and build a relationship to ensure quality testing over many years.
• File the testing documents to comply with regulatory requirements and to ensure you keep people safe.

Regulations for Different Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems Equipment

Since no two facilities are alike and no two businesses are alike, a fire code exists for every type of building and equipment. Codes exist for:

• Water-based fire sprinkler systems—look for NFPA 25
• Wet-chemical Fire suppression systems–look for NFPA 17A
• Dry-chemical fire suppression systems–look for NFPA 17
• Clean agent fire suppression systems–look for NFPA 2001
• Smoke and fire alarms—look for NFPA 72
• Fire extinguishers—look for NFPA 10

Pay attention to code requirements for your location. While the general code requirements are consistent, state, county, and municipal codes may vary slightly. Your fire protection contractor can help ensure your business remains compliant with all the regulations.

Have Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems questions, we can help!

Call Fire Safe Protection Services today at 713-722-7800 or visit our online form and we will be in contact as soon as possible about your questions regarding Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems.

¹ https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards/All-Codes-and-Standards/List-of-Codes-and-Standards