Our Life Safefy Services involved the following:
- FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
- FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS TESTING
- WET SPRINKLER SYSTEMS TESTING
- DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS TESTING
- STANDPIPE SYSTEMS TESTING
- SHAFT PRESSURIZATION TESTING
Periodic Service and Testing of Fire and Life Safety Equipment is required by all local municipalities. Local requirements are based on those outlined in related volumes of the National Fire Prevention Association. Fire Extinguisher service and maintenance is covered in NFPA Vol.#10. Fire Alarm Systems Testing and Maintenance is found in NFPA#72. Water Based Systems (Sprinklers, Standpipes, Fire Pumps) testing is covered in NFPA#25. While local codes are based on these volumes, it is left to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to finalize their own requirements. Your local Fire Marshal is the definitive source on testing periods and procedures, this outline is simply provided to allow you more information on general testing specifications.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Portable fire extinguishers in commercial structures require annual service. The tag on your fire extinguishers records the month and year of that annual service.Service is required one year from the date punched. Additionally, stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers are to be depressurized, dissembled and inspected every 6 years. A sticker as well as a collar ring is affixed to the extinguisher at this time. Every 12 years, stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers are required to be hydrostatically pressure tested. A separate sticker and collar ring are affixed to the extinguisher at this time.
CO2 extinguishers are required to be weighed every year and hydrostatically tested every 5 years.
Stored pressure wet chemical extinguishers require an annual visual check and a hydrostatic test every 5 years.
- FIRE EXTINGUISHER PLACEMENT, USE, MAINTENANCE AND TESTING — OSHA REQUIREMENTS
- NFPA – Fire Extinguisher Use
- BOATING FIRE EXTINGUISHER REQUIREMENTS
- WAC 296-800-300 – PLACEMENT, USE, MAINTENANCE AND TESTING OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS PROVIDED FOR THE USE OF EMPLOYEES.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS TESTING
In most municipalities, fire alarm systems are required to be tested annually. Some cities require quarterly tests by a licensed tester on any system not tested monthly by the owner. Buildings designated High Rise (over 75’ at floor level of top floor) are required to be tested quarterly.
A test is a simulated actuation of the system from every detection device, and audible and visual confirmation of all notification devices (horns, bells, strobes, sirens). Emergency power sources and batteries are also required to be functionally tested. Systems are tagged and stickered with the month and year of testing.
WET SPRINKLER SYSTEMS TESTING
Wet sprinkler systems are to be tested annually. Flow tests record the static and residual flow pressures of the city water systems feeding the wet sprinkler.Sprinkler heads are to be inspected for appropriate type, temperature rating, physical condition and placement.
All flow switches, pressure switches, supervisory and tamper switches are tested. Some cities require quarterly testing of these switches. Appropriate number and type of spare sprinkler heads as well as methods to remove and replace heads are required to be kept at the main control valve. Systems are tagged and stickered with the month and year of annual test.
DRY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS TESTING
Dry sprinkler systems are designed to provide protection in areas where temperatures might dip below 40 degrees F. A dry sprinkler system is pressurized with 30-45 lbs of air pressure, removing the danger of frozen pipes and water damage in low temperature conditions. Dry sprinkler systems are to be tested annually, with the test consisting of simulated actuation by releasing air pressure from the furthest point in the system, causing the main valve to trip, flooding the system with water. Every 3 years these systems must be tested by tripping and timing the water discharge to the furthest point. Dry systems require winterization in the late fall, removing any condensate or residual water from the piping prior to winter. Systems are tagged and stickered with the month and year of annual test.
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS TESTING
There are 3 types of standpipe systems, all of which are used to transport water to various levels of buildings for use in firefighting. All three types are required to be tested every 5 years.
Class I Standpipe: Commonly referred to as a dry standpipe, this is usually a 4” pipe rising vertically through a building with 2 ½” outlet valves on every ½ level of a stairway. At ground level a twin 2 ½” inlet allows the Fire Department to attach pumper hoses. When fighting a fire on an upper level of the building, The Fire Department can then carry coiled hoses up to the level and attach to the outlet in the stairwell. Class I Standpipes are hydrostatically tested every 5 years. Systems are tagged and stickered with the month and year of testing.
Class II Standpipe: Commonly referred to as a wet standpipe, this is usually a 2” pipe rising vertically through a building attached to 1 ½” fire hose racks in common areas, usually hallways. This pipe is fully charged with water at all times so the fire hose can be used by anyone at anytime. Class II Standpipes are also tested every 5 years. Systems are tagged and stickered with the month and year of testing.
Class III Standpipe: Commonly referred to as a combination standpipe, this is usually a 4” pipe rising vertically through a building, with both 2 ½” and 1 ½” outlets. This pipe may be the riser for a wet sprinkler system. Class III Standpipes are also tested every 5 years. Systems are tagged and stickered with the month and year of testing.
SHAFT PRESSURIZATION TESTING
Shaft pressurization systems consist of a fan or fans that raise the air pressure within a stairwell or elevator shaft in case of fire in the building. These systems are triggered by the fire alarm system which also causes any doors in the stairwell to close and recalls al elevators to the appropriate recall floor. Systems pressures are tested at various levels throughout the building with the fans running. Door closures and elevator recalls are confirmed and tested. Fan belts are checked and in the case of high rise buildings, fans are tested on emergency generator power. Systems are stickered and tagged with the month and year of testing.