Preventive maintenance (PM) of Fire Sprinkler System

Preventive Maintenance (PM) of Fire Sprinkler System 

Preventive maintenance (PM) is the regular and routine maintenance of equipment and assets in order to keep them running and prevent any costly unplanned downtime from unexpected equipment failure. Testing, servicing, calibration, inspection, adjustment, alignment, and installation are the seven elements of a preventive maintenance plan.

Regular maintenance and inspection of fire sprinkler systems are crucial to ensure their proper function in the event of a fire emergency.

According to NFPA 13 - 2022 edition (28.5.2.1.1), Branch lines shall not exceed eight sprinklers on either side of a cross main and shall be sized in accordance with light and ordinary hazard occupancies.

Where more than eight sprinklers on a branch line are necessary, lines shall be permitted to be increased to nine sprinklers by making the two end lengths 1 in. and 11∕4 in. , respectively, and the sizes thereafter standard.

Ten sprinklers shall be permitted to be placed on a branch line, making the two end lengths 1 in. and 11∕4 in., respectively, and feeding the tenth sprinkler by a 21∕2 in. pipe.

The distance between sprinkler deflector and the ceiling shall be (1 in) minimum and (12 in) maximum throughout the area of coverage of the sprinkler.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to check your fire sprinkler system effectively.

1.         Check Water Supply

Verify that the water supply to the fire sprinkler system is turned on and that the main control valve is fully open.

Monitor the water pressure gauge to ensure that it indicates adequate pressure within the system.

Inspect any water storage tanks, fire pumps, or pressure-reducing valves for proper operation.

2.         Conduct Flow Tests

Perform flow tests on selected sprinkler heads to ensure they activate and discharge water as intended.

Use a flow test valve or flow meter to measure the flow rate from individual sprinkler heads.

Compare the observed flow rates with the system's design specifications to identify any deviations or irregularities.

3.         Visual Inspection

Start by visually inspecting all components of the fire sprinkler system, including sprinkler heads, pipes, fittings, valves, and alarm devices.

Look for signs of damage, corrosion, leaks, or obstruction that may affect the system's performance.

Ensure that there are no obstructions blocking the sprinkler heads and that they are free from dust or debris.

4.         Test Alarm Systems:

Test the functionality of alarm devices, including water flow alarms, pressure switches, and supervisory signal devices.

Activate the alarm system manually or simulate a flow condition to trigger alarms and verify their proper operation.

Ensure that alarm signals are transmitted to the building's fire alarm panel or monitoring service as required.

5.         Inspect Control Valves:

Check all control valves, including main control valves, zone control valves, and test valves, for proper positioning and operation.

Exercise control valves periodically to prevent them from seizing or becoming stuck due to lack of use.

Verify that valve tamper switches or supervisory switches are functioning correctly.

6.         Document Findings:

Maintain detailed records of all inspection and testing activities performed on the fire sprinkler system.

Document any deficiencies, repairs, or corrective actions taken during the inspection process.

Keep inspection records readily accessible for review by building owners, fire officials, or insurance representatives.

How to Check a Fire Sprinkler System

1.   Review System Documentation:

• Start by reviewing the system documentation, including the original design drawings, hydraulic calculations, and maintenance records. Understanding the system layout and components will help guide the inspection process.

2.  Inspect Sprinkler Heads:

• Check each sprinkler head for proper orientation, alignment, and clearance. Ensure that there are no obstructions, such as storage shelves or decorations, blocking the spray pattern.
• Look for signs of physical damage, corrosion, or paint buildup on the sprinkler heads, which can affect their operation.

3.  Examine Piping and Fittings:

• Inspect all piping and fittings for leaks, corrosion, or signs of deterioration. Pay close attention to areas where pipes pass through walls, ceilings, or floors, as these are common locations for leaks to develop.
• Verify that pipe hangers and supports are secure and properly spaced to prevent sagging or misalignment.

4.  Check Valves and Water Flow Devices:

• Test all control valves, including main control valves, zone control valves, and alarm valves, to ensure they open and close properly.
• Verify that water flow devices, such as water flow switches or meters, are functioning correctly by simulating a flow condition and observing the response.

5.  Test Alarm Systems:

• Activate the fire alarm system to ensure that it triggers audible and visual alarms throughout the building.
• Test supervisory signal devices, such as tamper switches and low air pressure switches, to ensure they transmit alarm signals to the monitoring station.

6.  Verify Water Supply:

• Check the status of the water supply, including the availability of water sources such as municipal water mains, water storage tanks, or fire pumps.
• Monitor water pressure and flow rates to ensure they meet the system's design requirements and local fire code regulations.

7.  Perform Flow Tests:

• Conduct flow tests on selected sprinkler heads to verify that they activate and discharge water at the expected flow rates.
• Use calibrated flow meters or flow test kits to measure and record the flow rates from individual sprinkler heads.

8.  Review System Labels and Signage:

• Ensure that all system components are properly labeled and identified, including control valves, alarm devices, and sprinkler zones.
• Check for missing or illegible signage and replace as necessary to facilitate quick identification in an emergency.

9.  Document Findings and Recommendations:

• Document all inspection findings, including any deficiencies or areas requiring corrective action.
• Provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades based on industry best practices, code requirements, and the system's current condition.

10.              Schedule Regular Maintenance:

• Establish a schedule for regular maintenance and testing of the fire sprinkler system, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that maintenance activities are performed by qualified technicians trained in fire protection systems and equipment.

Regular checks and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems are essential to ensure their reliability and effectiveness in protecting life and property from fire hazards. By following these steps and conducting thorough inspections, building owners and facility managers can identify potential issues early and take proactive measures to keep their fire sprinkler systems in optimal condition.

The SPRINKLER FIRE SAFTEY AWARENESS AND WELFARE FOUNDATION was founded in 2022 at India by a group of eminent Security Safety & Automation professionals. Anyone can contacts them to provide training or consulting about Fire safety.

FIRE ERUPTS IN INDIA WHERE IS LACKING

 FIRE ERUPTS IN INDIA WHERE IS LACKING

Over the past year, there have been deadly fires in various type of buildings, according to the latest Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) Report, released by the National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB), as many as 7,435 people were killed in over 7,500 fire accidents in 2022.

As many as 101 people died in a total of 106 incidents of electrical short circuits across Uttar Pradesh in the year 2022, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This included a total of 83 men and 18 women while five people were injured in similar incidents including four men and a woman. Women are more safer in all aspect in this India.

Leading Cause:

Electrical faults are cited as the leading cause of fires but State governments are widely criticised for being lax with building safety laws and for failing to equip public buildings with modern technology.

Hospital ICUs (intensive care units) are a great fire risk because they are oxygen-suffused, and need to meet high standards.

Provisions in India Related to Fire Safety:

Constitutional Provision:

The Fire Services is a State subject and has been included as a Municipal function in the XII-th Schedule of the Constitution of India under Article 243 (W).

The National Building Code (NBC) of India, 2016:

Part 4 of the NBC is titled 'Fire and Life Safety'.

NBC, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards, is a “recommendatory document”, and States have been asked to incorporate it into their local building bylaws, making the recommendations a mandatory requirement.

All existing and new buildings are classified by nature of use, such as residential, educational, institutional, assembly (like cinemas and auditoria), business, mercantile, industrial, storage and hazardous.

The code broadly covers the following areas:

Fire Prevention: This covers aspects of fire prevention pertaining to the design and construction of buildings. It also describes the various types of buildings materials and their fire rating.

Life Safety: This covers life safety provisions in the event of fire and similar emergencies, also addressing construction and occupancy features that are necessary to minimise danger to life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic.

The Model Building Bye Laws, 2016:

The Ministry of Urban Development has devised a circular called “Model Building By Laws 2016” which states the regulatory mechanism and engineering parameters to keep in mind before starting any construction project in India.

Point-specific responsibility for all fire-related clearance rests with the Chief Fire Officer.

The concerned Development Authority shall refer the building plans to the Chief Fire Officer for obtaining clearance in respect of buildings.

Guidelines by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):

It has also stipulated requirements for fire safety in public buildings, including hospitals, which incorporate elements of the NBC, besides design guidelines on maintaining minimum open safety space, protected exit mechanisms, dedicated staircases, and crucial drills to carry out evacuations.

The Central Government has also circulated ‘Model Bill on Maintenance of Fire & Emergency Services 2019'.

Although in December 2020, the Supreme Court directed all States to carry out fire safety audits of dedicated Covid-19 hospitals, it has become evident that State forces lack the manpower to inspect and ensure compliance with safety codes, including the NBC, where it is mandatory.

Therefore one option is to make heavy fire liability insurance compulsory for all public buildings, which would offer protection to occupants and visitors and bring about external inspection of safety.

Still incident happens. In the month of May 2024, three trajik incident happened in various city of India.

1. Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire (29 Dead including 09 children)

- Possible Causes: Inadequate fire exits, Welding time selection faults.

Gujarat High Court has called this a “man made disaster” taking suo motu cognisance.

2. Dombivli Chemical Factory Blast (08 Killed, 60 Injured In Explosion)

- Possible Causes: Handling and storage of hazardous materials.

3. Neonatal hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi Child/Infant Care Hospital Fire (07 newborns died and 05 were injured)

- Possible Causes: Non-functional fire detection and suppression systems. Careless attitude of owners & authorities

Apart from Provisions in India related to Fire Safety public awareness is play very important role to reduces the fire incident. Fires are caused by human actions. People being aware of their responsibilities regarding fire safety is therefore of the utmost importance. You might be knowing Safety starts from Home or residential place. The role of education in fire safety in the residential environment is, thus, extremely important because, in the end, people make the difference. Technical fire safety is, of course, very important but it is people who have to safely use the equipment and products, who have to close fire doors, and who have to respond to a smoke detector in case of a fire breaking out, etc. The social dimension of fire safety is therefore not to be underestimated.

Fire hazards in the any occupancy environment cause deaths, (disabling) injuries and hospital visits that could have been avoided through behavioural and environmental modifications. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about household safety practices and procedures. Many adults are not aware of how to minimise the fire risk in their leaving area, something which is reason enough to raise the awareness about occupancy safety hazards and to teach people fire safety techniques to prevent fires from breaking out. It is also crucial that people know how to react effectively in the stressful situation whenever a fire occurs, something which is essential for their survival.

Both water and electricity are essential to our lives. Conserving both leads to conservation of resources that we are rapidly running out of and that are non-renewable. Fire safety is same essential in a home/ building / workplace / commercial complex, loss of precious lives and damage to property & materials can be avoided by, Designing fire safe structures in line with mandatory safety regulations and relevant standards. Fire safety awareness training plays a crucial role in preparing individuals to prevent, respond to, and mitigate fire incidents effectively. It also equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to handle fire emergencies. We need to increase public awareness through conduct regular workshops/road show and training sessions to educate local people about fire hazards, prevention, and response.

Another point, person in post of Fire Officer or safety officer having poor knowledge about Fire Fighting & Detection system. They Control Vendor in wrong way during PM service or on call service, Like vendor don’t have any knowledge. They also not interested to get knowledge.