It’s just a regular day at your business. People are working, customers are shopping – typical stuff. Suddenly, blood-curdling screams erupt as flames burst from the stockroom.
Thick nasty smoke fills the air as fire devours everything in sight. People panic and make a run for it while employees scramble for extinguishers. In minutes, your precious company goes up in catastrophic flames.
This scene happens way too often in real life. But tragedy doesn’t have to strike your place. Your trusty built-in sprinklers can save the day if you keep ’em primed and ready.
Don’t let your sprinkler system become a dusty decoration!
In this guide, we’ll cover key tips to keep your fire sprinklers primed and flowing freely when it counts most.
You’ll also get helpful pointers to teach employees their part!
Crucial Tips to Maintain Your Sprinklers
It’s mega important to periodically inspect all the system parts to check they’ll work right. Follow these maintenance guidelines:
Do Visual Checks
Put up signs near sprinkler valves as a bold reminder to keep them open. Include clear wording that the valve must remain on. You can also add images showing what happens if they get shut off. People often respond better to pictures.
Use Lockout Devices
Prevent anyone from messing with valves by installing locks to keep critical ones open 24/7. Some devices let authorized staff briefly switch valves off if needed. Make it impossible for just anyone to kill the system.
Follow the NFPA 25 Rules
Abide by the guidelines in the 25th edition from the National Fire Protection Association for inspection frequency. Their codes spell out the minimum standards to stick to. Know the rules and follow them religiously.
Replace Batteries Regularly
Sprinkler control panels with boxes stacked nearby should get fresh batteries more often. Contact with heat sensors can drain power faster. Relocate boxes if you can to avoid early battery death.
Use the Right Sprinkler Heads
Swap standard heads more frequently in hot zones like kitchens or bakeries. Or install heavy-duty high-temp heads built for 500°F environments. Use the right gear for each location.
Do Yearly Inspections:
- Verify water pressure and flow to meet your system’s specs.
- Confirm alarms, backup power, remote monitoring all work right.
- Check control valves open and close as they should. Fix any problems immediately.
- Ensure sprinkler heads have needed clearance, aren’t damaged or painted over.
Replace Parts Per Code
- Inspect pipes and water supply every year. Replace gauges every 5 years.
- Swap fast-response sprinkler heads every 20 years, standard ones every 50 years.
- Put in new fire department connections every 5 years or as required.
Get Employees Up to Speed on Sprinkler Safety
Staff education is just as key to keep systems maintained right. Make sure employees know:
- Disabling sprinklers temporarily, even briefly, has severe consequences. Don’t do it.
- How to manually kick the system on if they can’t reach alarms in an emergency.
- The proper steps to shut off the water supply and assist fire crews.
- Rules about keeping minimum clearance below sprinkler heads. Don’t block ’em!
- Their duty to report any sprinkler damage or issues immediately.
- Penalties for violating safety protocols around the sprinkler system.
Final Thoughts
Use these tips to keep your systems ready for anything. Schedule professional inspections and repairs every year without fail. And after any fire, demand a full evaluation before putting sprinklers back in action.
FAQs
What’s the deal with “fast response” vs. standard sprinkler heads?
Fast response sprinkler heads activate much quicker when exposed to heat. They use a smaller liquid-filled glass bulb or fusible link that breaks faster. Standard heads take longer to activate but are less prone to accidental discharge. Use fast response in high fire risk areas.
Do I need special wrenches or tools to inspect my system?
Yes, you’ll need specific sprinkler system tools like a head wrench, piston wrench, and test gauges. Never use pliers or pipe wrenches on sprinkler components as they can damage elements. Invest in the right equipment.
How often should I have my backflow preventer inspected?
Backflow preventers, which stop sprinkler system water from flowing back into mains, should be inspected annually at minimum. Critical components like check valves wear over time. Catch issues before they result in failure.
What training or certifications should my maintenance team have?
Technicians should be certified by programs such as NFPA’s Certified Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Professional. Proper credentials ensure they have the required expertise. Don’t cut corners here.
Are there high-rise building requirements we need to follow?
If your building exceeds 75 feet in height, more stringent inspection rules apply per NFPA 25. This includes extra checks of pressure tanks, pumps, and rooftop water storage tanks. Know the rules for high-rises.
Should we keep spare sprinkler heads and components on hand?
Yes, it’s smart to stock extra sprinkler heads, gaskets, gauges, and other parts to minimize downtime if repairs are needed. Storing common components helps speed up fixing issues.