Professional Advice: Our Fire Sprinkler System Checklist
We’re happy you’ve found this article – because it means that you’re seriously considering the essential factors needed for a dependable fire sprinkler system. Fire safety is our passion, and in this article, we’ll give you some tips on a proper fire sprinkler system inspection checklist.
Before we begin, a point on ownership.
Picking Proper People Prevents Potential Problems
Whether you’re protecting your residence or a commercial building, it is essential that someone is accountable, and ‘owns’ this responsibility. We’ll leave it up to you who the best person to own a fire sprinkler system maintenance checklist would be, but proper diligence and keeping up with regular monthly, quarterly, or annual inspections could save lives. If your system isn’t properly maintained, it may result in damage to property or loss of life.
We believe the safest approach is for a trusted person to take on this duty and be clear on the possible repercussions of a mistake.
I’m afraid to say, that if you’ve taken the time to look into this, the best person to be responsible for these checks may be you! Don’t despair though, we’re experienced experts, and we’re always happy to support you with advice on the maintenance, inspection, upgrades and general upkeep of your system.
If you have any questions about the age, suitability, or general ‘fitness for purpose’ state of your system, we’re here to help. Hit the contact link above for an informal conversation around your needs.
Weekly Inspection Testing:
- Gauges. If you have a dry system, a ‘pre-action’ system or a deluge system, air and water supply pressure readings should be checked for a normal reading on a weekly basis. Please check with the manufacturer or any supplied documentation to understand correct pressure readings.
- Control Valves. These ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ pipe valves should be accompanied by proper signage to ensure anyone reading understands which part of the sprinkler they control. They should be locked, sealed, and in the ‘open’ position. Remember that leaks from ANY part of your system must be assessed and repaired by a professional if they should ever occur.
Monthly Inspection Testing:
- For your monthly inspection, check that the water pressure is maintained (on wet pipe systems) and that there is no sign of physical damage.
- Alarm valves should be externally inspected to ensure that they are in good condition. A simple visual check that there are no leaks or signs of corrosion and that pressure values are within expected range (again, refer to provided documentation or contact the manufacturer).
Annual Inspection Testing and Beyond; Time to Call In a Professional:
The BAFSA (British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association) recommends that an Annual, 3-yearly and 10 yearly service is carried out. All maintenance, repair, and servicing work should be undertaken by a third-party certified installation or maintenance company listed by a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) approved accreditation body.
Here is some of the annual work that your service professional should carry out:
Annual Service Processes:
- Pump service
- Check tank ball float valves
- Engine service,
- Valve service/inspection
3-Yearly Service Processes:
- Inspect tanks
- All valves & non return valves to be inspected, serviced and overhauled as necessary
10-Yearly Service Processes:
- Proper sprinkler head performance testing to ensure continued compliance with current rules.
- Consider full drain-down and clean/flushing of system.
Post Service. What to do if your system is no longer fit for purpose or up to modern safety standards:
We’re here to help! Our experts are often called in on some of the most difficult cases. It’s always our aim to provide the most cost-effective solution that will keep you compliant. It’s entirely possible that we can get you back ‘up to code’ without the cost of an entirely new system.
Get in touch today, and join the thousands of customers who’ve worked with us to solve similar challenges. Follow us on Facebook for more updates.
