Fire Sprinkler Inspections: Two Questions for Building Owners

During every annual fire sprinkler inspection, there are two important questions that the building owner needs to be able to answer.

Question #1: “Has the occupancy and hazard of contents remained the same since the last inspection?”

Fire sprinkler systems are not ‘one size fits all.’ Changes in the occupancy and/or the hazards related to the contents can result in fire sprinkler systems which are no longer adequate to control a fire in the building. [Fire sprinkler systems are to be evaluated prior to changes in the occupancy, the use or process, or the materials used or stored in the building. (NFPA-25,4.1.5, 2008 edition)]

Remodeling, such as changes to location of walls, can also obstruct critical spray pattern requirements of fire sprinkler systems. [Fire sprinkler systems are to be evaluated prior to changes in the occupancy, the use or process, or the materials used or stored in the building. (NFPA-25, 4.1.5, 2008 edition)]

Question #2: “Is the building adequately heated?”

The most common type of fire sprinkler systems are wet-pipe systems, meaning that water is present in all piping, all the time. Freezing of water in pipes may not just cause extensive water damage; it may render the fire sprinkler system inoperable in a fire event. Keeping all heating systems well-maintained, and verifying adequate insulation is in place is critical to maintaining a reliable fire sprinkler system.

Annual inspections of your fire sprinkler systems by a trained professional are vital to the safety of your facility! To schedule your inspection, contact Ahern today.