The LWF Blog

Facilities Management & Fire Safety – Sprinkler System Checks – Part 14

June 29, 2017 1:01 pm

In LWF’s blog series for those who work in Facilities Management and who have a responsibility for or interest in fire safety, we have recently been looking at fixed firefighting systems and the performance of sprinkler systems. In part 14, we are going to give an overview of the daily and weekly inspection and test routine requirements, as per BS EN 12845, which can be carried out in-house and of the quarterly maintenance and testing requirements which must be carried out by a specialist.

 

On a daily basis

– Any unmonitored means of relaying fire signals to the fire service should be checked to ensure they still work.

 

On a weekly basis, the following parts of the system need to be checked to see that they are operating within normal parameters:

– Pressure gauge readings.

– Water motor alarm and any equipment used to relay signals to the Fire Service.

– Fuel level pumps, oil level pumps and other tests as laid out in BS EN 12845.

– Vented batteries.

– The monitoring of stop valves of life-safety systems.

– Heating systems designed to prevent sprinkler systems freezing in cold weather.

 

On a quarterly basis, the following maintenance and inspections need to be undertaken. If there is no suitably qualified person on site, then a sprinkler maintenance specialist must be hired for the purpose on a contract basis.

– Checking the pipework for damage and that the sprinkler heads and pipes are free from leaks.

– That all stop valves are secured in the open position.

– That nothing is stacked too close to the sprinkler heads and that there are no obstructions.

– That no unprotected areas of the building have been created.

– That there is no change to the risk of the building which would affect the hazard classification.

– That the sprinkler heads have not been painted.

 

Without adequate maintenance, a sprinkler system can fail to perform adequately in case of fire. In addition to the potential for loss of life and property if the system is not properly maintained, the sprinkler system itself can cause damage to the building or its contents through leakage.

 

In Part 15 of this series, we will be looking at Drencher and Water Spray Systems and how these particular systems can work to protect your buildings, even from fires in adjacent buildings and in the case of high risk and flammable substance storage situations. In the meantime, if you have any queries about your own facilities or wish to discuss this blog series, please contact Peter Gyere in the first instance on 0208 668 8663.

 

Lawrence Webster Forrest is a fire engineering consultancy based in Surrey with over 25 years’ experience, which provides a wide range of consultancy services to professionals involved in the design, development and construction and operation of buildings.