Take responsibility for your fire system

Could this happen to you?

Who’s responsible?

Property, Building or System Owner May delegate responsibility in writing

(ex. landlord to tenant)

Owner may hire a person or organization Written contract is required

14.2.2 Responsibilities. 14.2.2.1 The property or building or system owner or the owner’s designated representative shall be responsible for inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system and for alterations or additions to this system. 14.2.2.2 The delegation of responsibility shall be in writing, with a copy of such delegation provided to the authority having jurisdiction upon request. 14.2.2.3 Inspection, testing, or maintenance shall be permitted to be done by the building or system owner or a person or organization other than the building or system owner if conducted under a written contract.

Understand how your fire system works

Signals

Alarm

Trouble

Supervisory

Alarm Signal

Emergency Condition … there is a fire!

A signal indicating an emergency condition or alert that requires action. [NFPA 72 (2007) 3.3.172.1]

Temporal Code 3 tone

American Standard for Fire Evacuation

ALARM: PULL STATION I.C.U. WEST WING

VISITORS LOUNGE 11:55PM TUE 02-11-2009 2M147

Power On Alarm Pre Alarm

Trouble Supervisory Silence

Acknowledge

Scroll

Reset

Silence

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

0

Alarm Signal Acknowledge

“I acknowledge the cause of the alarm event.”

Only stops the panel beeping

Silence “I’m certain all is safe and ready for

people to stop evacuating.”

Stops the audible and visual devices

Reset “I’m ready to put everything back to it’s

normal state.”

Resets all devices impacted by the alarm (fire safety functions)

Trouble Signal

Fault Condition … something’s broken!

A signal initiated by a system or device indicative of a fault in a monitored circuit, system or component. [NFPA 72 (2007) 3.3.172.6]

Examples include…

Open Circuit, Loss of Primary Power, Loss of Data Transmission

TROUBLE: PULL STATION I.C.U. WEST WING

Z1 INVALID REPLY 11:45PM TUE 02-11-2009 2M147

Power On Alarm Pre Alarm

Trouble Supervisory Silence

Acknowledge

Scroll

Reset

Silence

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

0

Trouble Signal

Acknowledge “I acknowledge this trouble exists. I’m

working on it now.”

Stops the panel beeping.

Lamp remains illuminated.

Scroll View multiple trouble events

Troubles clear automatically Lamps turn off

LCD message returns to “All Systems Normal”

Supervisory Signal

Supervised System has Fault Condition … that system is impaired!

A signal indicating the need for action in connection with the supervision of guard tours, the fire suppression systems or equip., or the maint. features of related systems. [NFPA 72 (2007) 3.3.172.6]

Examples include… Sprinkler Valve Closed (Tamper), Agent Cylinder Low Pressure

SUPERVISORY ACTIVE TAMPER I.C.U. WEST WING

VISITORS LOUNGE 11:55PM TUE 02-11-2009 2M158 Power On Alarm Pre Alarm Trouble Supervisory Silence

Acknowledge

Scroll

Reset

Silence

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

0

Supervisory Signal

Acknowledge “I’m aware this supervisory condition

exists and taking appropriate action.”

Stops the panel beeping.

Lamp remains illuminated.

Scroll View multiple supervisory events

Supervisory Conditions clear automatically Lamps turn off

LCD message returns to “All Systems Normal”

Control Panel Types

Conventional

Responds to changes in electrical current flow

Zones = Separate Circuits

No history log

No software/programming

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Addressable

Responds / Communicates using data transmission

Each Device = Unique ID and Label

History Log

Programmable Logic / Levels by Device

SLC

1S101 1S102

1S103 1S104

1M243 1S105

Fire Alarm System

SLC NAC 1

Smoke

Detectors

Alarm

Typical Arrangement

Fire Suppression Systems

SLC NAC 1

Manual

Release

Station

Abort

Switch Smoke

Detectors

NAC 2

First Alarm

Second Alarm (Pre-discharge)

NAC 3 Discharge Alarm

Relay Outputs

HVAC Shutdown, etc.

Typical Arrangement

Releasing

Circuit

Maintenance Switch

Know the Inspection, Testing & Maintenance requirements

NFPA Standards

NFPA minimum standards Frequencies and Methods

Answers the question… “What is the minimum acceptable level of operational reliability for this Fire Protection System?”

Where to find the requirements: NFPA 72 (2013 Edition) National Fire

Alarm and Signaling Code

Chapter 14

Retroactive

What is an Inspection?

Verify that no changes have occurred that

would affect system performance

Good operating condition

Free from physical damage

Frequencies vary from weekly to annually

A visual examination… of the Fire Protection System

Inspections Smoke Detectors

Location and mounting

> 3 ft. from air supply diffuser.

> 4 in. from sidewall.

Sensing chamber > 1 in. from ceiling (no flush mount).

Sub-floor mounted high as possible facing down or vertically (not on floor)

Physical damage

Excessively Dirty / Obstructed

Increased airflow rate

Inspections

Manual Pull Stations

Location and Mounting

Horizontal (top of device 42–54 in. AFF)

Vertical (< 5 ft. from exit door)

Obstructed

Physical Damage

What is Testing?

Simulate Events/Conditions

May require measurement using

calibrated equipment

Frequencies vary from monthly to

12-years

Validate the functionality … of the Fire Protection System

Testing

Manual Pull Stations

Actually pull the lever

Will it pull open?

Will it pull loose from the wall?

Opening with a key to operate the switch

is not a sufficient test !

Testing

Notification Appliances Audible (Horns & Speakers)

Measure throughout protected area (occupiable).

Sound Level Meter (ANSI S3.41, “F”).

Never > 120 dBA

Voice messages must be “distinguishable & understandable”

Public Mode

• > 15 dBA above avg. ambient level

Private Mode

• > 10 dBA above avg. ambient level

Testing

Notification Appliances

Visible (Strobe Lights)

Using “approved” drawings…

• Locations verified

• Floorplan changes don’t affect layout

• Candela marking verified

Functional test

• Confirm each appliance flashes

Testing

Smoke Detector Smoke Entry Test All detectors

Software, test buttons, magnets, etc. are

not acceptable!

14.4.2.2 – Item 14 (g)(1) Smoke Detectors.

Smoke detectors/smoke alarms shall be tested in place to ensure smoke entry into the sensing chamber and an alarm response. Testing with smoke or listed aerosol, acceptable to the manufacturer of the aerosol or the manufacturer of the smoke detector/smoke alarm and identified in their published instructions, shall be permitted as acceptable test methods. more…

Maintenance

Smoke Detector Cleaning

When sensitivity is outside its listed range… • Clean and Recalibrate or… • Replace

Also, periodically • Manufacturer’s recommendations • Consider local ambient conditions

14.5 Maintenance.

14.5.1 System equipment shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions. … 14.5.3 The frequency of cleaning of system equipment shall depend on the type of equipment and the local ambient conditions.

Maintenance

Batteries

Permanently mark batteries

Month/Year Format

Mfr. Date

3-5 year replacement cycle

3- 5 years from date of mfr.

Train your people

Importance of Training

Who? Job classifications

“Train the Trainer”

When? New employee orientation

Annual review

How? Owner’s Manual

Service Provider

“Train the Trainer”

Clean Agent Training

Clean Agent Training Requirements:

Anyone expected to operate

Thoroughly trained in functions

Anyone working in a protected room

Training on agent safety issues

NFPA 2001 (2012 Edition) 7.6.1 All persons who could be expected to inspect, test, maintain, or operate fire extinguishing systems shall be thoroughly trained and kept thoroughly trained in the functions they are expected to perform. 7.6.2 Personnel working in an enclosure protected by a clean agent shall receive training regarding agent safety issues.

Pay attention to recordkeeping

Recordkeeping

Location of records Always maintained in a current condition

- Reflecting all system changes

At the Fire Alarm Panel …or…

Alternate location identified at the FACU

- Prominently labeled “SYSTEM RECORD DOCUMENTS”

NFPA 72 (2013) – 7.7.2 Document Accessibility 7.7.2.1 With every new system, a documentation cabinet shall be installed at the system control unit or at another approved location at the protected premises. 7.7.2.2* All record documentation shall be stored in the documentation cabinet. 7.7.2.3 Where the documentation cabinet is not in the same location as the system control unit, its location shall be identified at the system control unit. 7.7.2.4 The documentation cabinet shall be prominently labeled SYSTEM RECORD DOCUMENTS. 7.7.2.5 The contents of the cabinet shall be accessible by authorized personnel only.

Recordkeeping

“Completion Documents” available to service personnel Record of Completion

Record drawings

Written sequence of operation

Owner’s Manual / Manufacturer’s Published Instructions

Copy of site specific software (CD-ROM)

14.2.4 System Documentation. Prior to system maintenance or testing, the record of completion and any information required by Section 10.18 regarding the system and system alterations, including specifications, wiring diagrams, and floor plans, shall be provided by the owner or a designated representative to the service personnel upon request.

Recordkeeping

Retain ITM Records Most systems…

Until Next Test + 1 year

Systems with heat detectors… 5 years of Testing + 1 year (unless you test them all every year)

Paper or Electronic Media

NFPA 72 (2013) - 14.6.2 Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Records. 14.6.2.1 Records shall be retained until the next test and for 1 year thereafter. 14.6.2.2 For systems with restorable fixed-temperature, spot type heat detectors tested over multiple years, records shall be retained for the 5 years of testing and for 1 year thereafter. 14.6.2.3 The records shall be on a medium that will survive the retention period. Paper or electronic media shall be permitted.

Take responsibility for your fire system

Ignore reoccurring problems

Common intermittent troubles

Ground Faults

Circuit Problems (Open Circuit, EOL Issues, etc.)

Battery Faults

Device Failures

Trouble Conditions

Common Troubles

Cause: Ground Fault

Exposed wire touches grounded metal

Poor wiring installation

Shorts caused over time

Other trades tightening wires

Solution: Track it down

Experienced technician

Quality instrumentation

Common Troubles

Cause: Circuit Problems

Open Circuit (Broken/Disconnected Wire)

EOL Issues (Resistor Failed/Removed)

Incorrect wire types

Solution: Repair

Fix, don’t ignore

Check EOLs first

Use recommended wire types

Cause: Battery Faults

Bad battery – happens routinely

Charging problems

Reversed polarity

Solution: Inspect Replace

Check voltage

Replace battery

Use the correct fuses for system protection

Common Troubles

Common Troubles

Cause: Device Failures

Dust/Debris/Contamination of sensors

Intelligent systems self diagnose

Failures increase at end of useful life

Solution: Maintenance

Follow NFPA 72 requirements

Replace problem devices

In the case of an emergency, it might just prevent alarm operation

Detectors won’t report smoke

Notification appliances won’t operate

Life safety is at risk

Impacts business continuity

The real problem

Take responsibility for your fire system

Let building occupants become apathetic to fire alarms

How will building occupants respond?

Response to alarms

These people are reluctant to take action: Business occupants without training

Building visitors / Assembly occupants

Apathetic occupants

These people take action: Business occupants with assignments

Business occupants with training

Voice directed occupants

Occupants who see smoke or fire (too late)

Response to alarms

Typically before an occupant will take action:

Must feel responsible for the occupancy

Must have training to evacuate

Must have a second clue to the emergency (Smoke, Fire or Hear Siren)

Occupants may hesitate and wonder…

“What’s going on?” or “What’s wrong?

…before concluding there is a fire and evacuate.

Making it Worse

Multiple false alarms reduce confidence in the fire alarm system Increased feeling of apathy

Resistance to evacuate

Other issues with fire alarm signals: Failure to recognize the fire alarm

Failure to hear the signal

Occupants don’t know what to do

Why it matters…

“Specialists in the field tend to agree..that more than three nuisance alarms in one year can undermine the credibility of the system.”

Guylene Proulx, Ph. D. Fire Protection Engineering Magazine Winter 2007

What can you do?

In buildings with lots of visitors…

Use voice notification/communication

Train staff to give instructions

Be proactive in minimizing false alarms

Implement a proper ITM program

Evaluate detector placement, sensitivity, and type

Inform occupants

Cause of each false alarm

Rebuild system credibility

Develop and follow a plan

Facility Emergency Action Plan [NFPA 101 - 4.8]

Fire Prevention Plan [OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38]

Perform facility fire drills

NFPA 101 - 4.7

What can you do?

Why it matters…

Costly downtime

Public apathy

Service costs

Fire Department fines

Life safety compromised

The problem with false alarms…

Take responsibility for your fire system

Cause an accidental discharge

Accidental Discharges

Cause: Dirty environment Excess dust creation (operations/machinery, raised floors)

Air duct dust burn-off (seasonal changes)

Transfer from external areas (vehicle exhaust, manufacturing)

Solution: Housekeeping Maintain the environment

Maintenance procedures - Agent Disconnect Switch

Minimize transfer possibilities

Evaluate operational changes for possible impact

Accidental Discharges

Cause: Human error Release of refrigerant gas

Pipe welding

Manual release

Solution: Procedures, Policies and Training Agent Disconnect Switch (Maintenance Switch)

Access control

Written maintenance procedures

Training Sequence of Operation

NFPA 2001 requirements

Best Practice: Install a phone by any Abort Switch

Accidental Discharges

Cause: Malfunctions RF/EMI Interference

- medical equip., portable radios, etc.

Electrical Transients - lightning strikes, power company, etc.

Sometimes unpredictable

Solution: Implement safeguards Equipment compatibility (UL compatibility tested)

Proper shielding of panel and circuits

Surge/transient protection

Abort switch

Take responsibility for your fire system

Allow unqualified personnel to service your fire system

Who’s qualified?

Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Personnel

Qualified and Experienced

People who are one or more of the following…

Factory Trained on specific type/brand of equipment

Certified by nationally recognized certification organization (NICET)

State or Local Government License

UL Listed Service Organization

NFPA 72 (2013)

Can it be the system owner?

Owner permitted if qualified

Building Owner …or…

System Owner

…or…

Other Organization

14.2.2.3 Inspection, testing, or maintenance shall be permitted to be done by the building or system owner or a person or organization other than the building or system owner if conducted under a written contract.

Take responsibility for your fire system

Forget to consider the fire system when your facility changes

Manage Changes

When remodeling or expanding…

Consider Fire Panel capacity

Consider code requirements changes over time

Consider potential obsolescence of equipment

Ability to find old parts?

What are your options? Leave what you have alone and install a new panel

Major upgrade to new panel or devices

Total system replacement

Manage Changes

Fire Suppression Systems… Room integrity (Door Fan Testing)

New penetrations?

HVAC changes?

Agent Concentration

Room bigger or smaller?

Move interior walls?

Has the potential to

impact performance or safety.

Manage Changes

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems… Alarm notification

Floorplan changes?

Potential impact to…

… Visibility (strobe candela)

… Audibility (sound level)

Detection performance Increased airflow rates

Fire Hazard changes (more or less Mission Critical?)

Obstructions to Optical Detection (Flame or VISD)

Introduction of potential false alarm sources

Fire System Lifespan

Is the product still available? Backward compatibility of devices

Obsolete raw materials

UL864 9th Edition (in effect Dec. 2008)

Halon 1301 System parts depleting

Have your needs changed? Advanced features

Addressable devices

Time to replace? …it depends

Questions and Answers

? ?

? ? ?