FPASA BULLETIN FP 14

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS – MAINTENANCE

The efficacy of automatic sprinklers as fire suppression systems cannot be disputed. The operation of the system to control or extinguish fire successfully, is statistically invariably high. Factory Mutual System records show a success rate of 85 % using data collected over two years. The NFPA quotes 96 % success based on data collected over 39 years and Australian records show an impressive 99,8 % success rate from date collected over 82 years.

The reliability of the approved sprinkler systems is attributable to the following main reasons:

Design codes

- the systems must be designed correctly and in accordance with a complex set of rules.

- only good quality approved components may be used

- an effective maintenance programme must be followed.

The NFPA studied records of fires recorded between the years 1925 and 1959 in order to establish the predominant reasons for sprinkler failure. The conclusions reached bear out modern experience (see table).

Reasons sprinklers fail

Total No incidents studies 67 457Total No where system failed 2 554

Failure rate of 3,7 % where causes of failure were:

Valve shut 36,0 %Partial protection 7,9 %Inadequate water supply 9,6 %System frozen 1,1 %Slow operation 1,9 %Defective dry pipe valve 1,9 %Poor building construction 6,0 %Water distribution obstructed 8,4 %Hazard of occupancy 13,1 %Exposure fire 1,8 %Inadequate maintenance 3,4 %Blocked pipe work 4,8 %Antiquated system 2,5 %Miscellaneous 1,8 %

It is not unreasonable to assume that a planned inspection and maintenance scheme would have eliminated many of the faults in this table.

Inspection procedure

To avoid the possibility of the system being rendered inoperative due to valves being inadvertently left closed, etc. inspection should only be carried out by personnel who have an intimate knowledge of the system.

Alterations and maintenance should only be carried out by approved sprinkler installers.

Prior to carrying out test inform the:

Water authority if necessary Building owner or occupier Local fire brigade, particularly when the installation is connected to the brigade control

room

A permanent record of all inspections and maintenance should be kept and the following recorded:

Date and time of inspection Name of person carrying out test Result of test Factors which may have affected the test Recommendations and follow-up action.

When the system is to be shut down for maintenance or any other reason ensure that:

downtime of the system is kept to a minimum fire prevention facilities are increased by

- providing additional hand equipment - affected areas are regularly patrolled - all fire doors, etc in the areas are closed - declaring affected areas ‘no smoking’ areas for duration of shut down

the local fire department, insurance company and brokers should be informed.

Testing of the systems will include an acceptance test on completion of the installation. Thereafter regular inspections should be instituted. Examples of checklists which should be used whenever possible follow. Some adaptation to fit unusual circumstances may be necessary.

Sprinkler monitoring body

The Automatic Sprinkler Inspection Bureau (Pty) Limited (ASIB) is an approval, inspection and monitoring body concerned with all aspects of sprinkler installations.

There were two main reasons for ASIB’s establishment.

1. Concern with the increasing number of unsatisfactory automatic sprinklersystems being installed.

2. The overwhelming demand by insurance companies and owners of sprinklerSystems for an unbiased, non-commercial, professional inspection service.

The objects of ASIB are to ensure that sprinkler systems are installed in accordancewith the current rules so that fire losses and water damage are reduced to a minimum.

To assist architects, consultants, installers and owners of sprinkler systems in theinterpretation of the rules and to promote good fire protection in general.

Method

In order to achieve these objectives, ASIB approves and lists sprinkler installers who can prove that they comply with the current requirements which include, inter-alia:

1. A workshop registered as such by the municipality2. Adequate design personnel3. A 24-hour emergency service

Sufficient spares to enable immediate servicing.

Once an approved sprinkler installed has completed an installation or extension, thedetails ie: drawings and hydraulic calculations, are submitted to ASIB.

An inspector then checks the system and a report is sent to the owner and the installer advising whether or not the system is in order or, if not, requirements are listed.

Once the system complies with the rules, a certificate is issued. Certificates are issued for premises that are fully protected. Partially protected premises do not qualify.

Half-yearly inspections

Insurance companies require that an ASIB inspection report and certificate are providedevery six months.

The inspection covers: Water supply tests to ensure that the flow and pressure is in accordance with design

requirements Tests of alarms, pumps, annunciator panels etc. The condition of all pipe supports and an evaluation of any building alterations which

may impair the efficiency of the system.

References:

NFPA 13A Sprinkler Systems Care and MaintenanceNFPA 20 Fire Pumps, CentrifugalFire Surveyor, April 1976, The Reliability of Sprinkler SystemsFPIS (Pty) Ltd – Australia – A Guide to installation of Automatic Fire Sprinkler SystemsAutomatic Sprinkler Inspection BureauSABS 0287: Automatic Sprinkler Installations for fire-fighting purposes.

Published by:Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa(Incorporated Association not for Gain)(Reg.No. 73/00022/08)P O Box 15467Impala Park1472