How To Make Sure Fire Sprinklers Function

7/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire sprinklers should be regularly tested and maintained

Commercial fire sprinkler system design must comply with fire codes and function properly in the event of a blaze. Property owners need to schedule regular sprinkler inspections, tests, and maintenance at a building in Palos Park, IL. These checks can ensure sprinklers operate as intended when the temperature inside spikes due to the presence of open flames.

Have Sprinklers Tested

Depending on the usage of a commercial building, a fire suppression system may need to be tested more or less frequently. Test the following components every year:

• Fire pump
  
• Main drain
  
• Control valve trip
  
  

The National Fire Protection Association recommends testing water flow and alarm operation on a quarterly basis. Local fire departments may mandate hydrostatic testing every five years. Regional fire codes may also require visual inspections on a monthly, quarterly, biannual, or annual basis.

Adjust for Changes In Use
If the layout of your operations has changed significantly, your fire safety needs may also change. Consult with a fire sprinkler company about options for ensuring that sprinklers are as effective as possible throughout a commercial building floorplan.

Maintain Fire Safety Equipment
Fire sprinklers, extinguishers, smoke detectors, and alarms should be regularly tested and maintained. In addition to regularly scheduled sprinkler inspections and testing, it is also important to make sure that extinguishers are charged and of the right class to suppress the most likely causes of fire. Smoke detectors should be effective for the use of the structure and alarms should sound throughout the location and provide emergency notification.
Regular fire sprinkler inspections are necessary to ensure safety equipment will activate during a fire. To limit water damage, only the sprinkler heads that detect temperatures higher than about 155 degrees Fahrenheit will burst and activate. Timely mitigation and fire sprinkler cleanup can stop water from intensifying fire damage or supporting mold growth at a commercial property in Palos Park, IL.