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5 Steps To Keep Your for Fire Sprinkler System Working
5 Steps to Ensure Your Fire Sprinkler System Will Work When You Need It Most
There are some things people own but hope never to use; a life preserver, a spare tire, and a life insurance policy, to name a few. For commercial building owners, a sprinkler system would fall into the same category. While sprinklers are very effective for suppressing fires once they begin, one hopes for the system never to be used. However, do not neglect the maintenance of your Fire Sprinkler System, hoping they will never be used.
Commercial sprinklers work! In a study of 51,000 structure fires, when sprinklers were deployed, the fire was contained to the room it started in 95% of the time.1 However, sprinkler systems failed 8% of the time and the prime cause for failure was improper maintenance.
The most robust plan to keep your building, business, records, and most importantly, your staff and guests, safe in the event of a fire, is to keep your sprinkler system well-maintained. In this article, we are sharing the basic steps to keep your sprinkler system well maintained.
Three of these maintenance tasks can be completed in-house by a properly trained staff person but should be performed regularly. The last two tasks will benefit from the experience of a trained professional familiar with the specifications of your fire protection system.
- Ensure the Fire Sprinkler System Heads Are Clear
In order for the sprinkler heads to work as designed, they need a minimum of 18 to 24”, so a weekly visual inspection can ensure that adequate space is maintained. Guests and staff may be unfamiliar with these requirements and move items too close. A regular inspection can make corrections as needed.
- Watch for Damage to Your Fire Sprinkler System
Most sprinkler systems are charged, that is water is instantly available at each sprinkler head in case of fire. The plug that holds the water back is often made of glass and can be damaged easily. A little water leaking from a sprinkler head is a precursor to a lot of water coming from the sprinkler head. This inspection will prevent water damage and ensure the water is available when needed.
- Ensure Your Fire Sprinkler System Water Valves Remain Open
The sprinkler system is charged from the building water supply and water should be instantly available as needed. In a mechanical closet in the building is one valve that should remain open to operate the system properly. If for any reason, this valve is closed, the system is inoperable, and water is unavailable. Maintenance includes a routine check of the valve to ensure it remains open.
- Update Your Fire Sprinkler System as Needed
Commercial buildings vary in layout and utilization. Some buildings are rather static in usage and occupancy, others experience frequent turnover. A change in occupancy might require a new sprinkler system or code upgrades. New technologies might offer benefits whether occupants change or not. A professional will help keep your systems up to date.
- Annual Fire Sprinkler System Inspections
Building codes generally follow National Fire Protection Association guidelines, which call for an annual inspection of your sprinkler system by fire safety professionals. These inspections may include pressure and system tests, requiring specialized equipment and training.
Have Questions About Your Fire Sprinkler System?
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 Fire Sprinkler System inspections.
1 https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/files/news-and-research/fire-statistics-and-reports/suppression/ossprinklers.pdf