Automatic Sprinkler Systems Care and Maintenance

Transcription

1 0-0.0 January 2012 Country of Origin: United Kingdom Automatic Sprinkler Systems Care and Maintenance Introduction...1 Weekly Inspection and Tests...2 Monthly Inspection and Tests...3 Service and Maintenance Schedule...3 Quarterly Inspections...3 Half-Yearly Inspection and Tests...4 Annual Inspection and Tests...5 Three-Yearly Inspection and Tests...5 Ten-Yearly Inspection and Tests...6 Twenty Five Year Inspections...6 Planning for Repair or Extension Works...7 Action on Alarm and/or Sprinkler Operation...8 Summary...8 Useful References...9 Introduction Automatic sprinkler systems form a vitally important part of fire protection, and a properly installed system is an extremely effective means of fighting fire and protecting life and property. The management and maintenance of fire water supplies and sprinkler systems are essential risk control measures. To ensure that sprinkler performance is not impaired, it is essential that designated staff are given the responsibility of overall care and maintenance standards and that faults are identified, reported and acted upon immediately. A competent person should be nominated to undertake specified tasks relating to the care and maintenance of the sprinkler systems. Only appropriately trained personnel shall be permitted to undertake testing of the sprinkler systems or emergency actions.

2 Weekly Inspection and Tests The following checks are to be performed by trained staff or an approved contractor on at least a weekly basis or more frequently as required. All valves, especially the main stop valve and alarm isolation valves, are in the correct standby position and secured by padlocks and straps. All gauges showing correct pressure and indicator lamps showing normal condition. Pump and valve rooms kept clear of combustible storage and are readily accessible. Water in private reservoirs, rivers, canals, water storage tanks and pump priming tanks are at correct levels. Visual inspection of sprinkler system. Sprinklers, pipework and hangers undamaged. Each water motor alarm bell tested to ensure they provide a good continuous ring for no less than 30 seconds. Check functionality of remote signalling to alarm monitoring control room and, ensure this is reset following the tests. Complete sprinkler test card for each main installation valve. Any unusual deviations which cannot be easily corrected should be reported to management, and if unresolved to Zurich or your insurance advisor. On air pressure tanks, the air compressor and water make-up pump should be tested to ensure they are operational. The water level and air pressure needs to be checked and the sight level glass drained and isolated. The whole system should be checked for leaks. On water storage tanks the water level indicator should be checked. If low, the operation of the ball valve should be tested and the tank water level verified and topped up as necessary. In winter, the pipe insulation, electric trace heating cables and immersion heaters should be checked for being operational. Tests on the automatic pumps should include the following: Check the fuel and lubricating oil levels. The automatic pumps should be individually started by reducing the pressure on the pump initiation pressure switch and the pressure at which each pump activates should be recorded. Check the cooling water from the pump cooling system. On engines with closed cooling systems, the coolant levels should be checked. Check the diesel pump oil pressure. If automatic ventilation louvres are fitted, check that these open when the diesel pump starts. 2

3 Immediately after the pump start test, each diesel pump is to be run for 30 minutes or the time recommended by the pump manufacturer. After the test the engine is to be stopped and immediately restarted using the manual start test button. NOTE - Any anomalies found during this testing should be reported and if significant, rectified by an approved fire pump specialist. Heating Systems and Pipework Trace Heating Wet systems are susceptible to frost. Freezing of a small part of the system may result in water damage that could render the protection inoperable. During the winter months, all localised heating and trace heating systems, fitted to prevent freezing of the sprinkler systems, are to be checked for correct function. The temperature is to be maintained above 4 C in all areas where wet sprinkler systems are fitted. In pumphouses containing diesel pumps the temperature must be maintained above 10 C, at all times. Dry and alternate valves are to be checked to ensure that they are protected from frost. Monthly Inspection and Tests To be performed by trained staff, or an approved contractor, at least monthly, or more frequently as required. The electrolyte level of all batteries is to be checked including the diesel engine starter batteries. The water storage tank is to be externally inspected ensuring that the ball float housing is locked and the access ladders are secured against unauthorised use. Service and Maintenance Schedule The tasks identified below should be undertaken by a competent person such as from a sprinkler servicing contractor or fire pump specialist. Quarterly Inspections Review of Hazard A review of any changes to the structure, occupancy, storage arrangements, heating or equipment of a building should be carried out in order that the appropriate corrective action may be taken. The review should include the following: Have there been any building alterations, such as: new mezzanines, offices, ceilings or have there been any changes to the occupation with different plant or machinery? All these may necessitate alterations to the sprinkler protection to ensure the protection remains effective. Is the ambient temperature of the building and pumphouse within the acceptable limits for the design of the sprinkler system? Are other frost protection measures adequate and has the electrical supply feeding trace heating cables been checked? 3

4 Has there been any painting or redecoration works undertaken since the last inspection and have any sprinkler heads been contaminated? Is the storage type still consistent with the sprinkler system design i.e. free standing storage has not been changed to rack storage? Are rack flues (both longitudinal and transverse) being maintained as designated by the design requirements. Are adequate clearances being maintained below the sprinkler heads? Clearances should be 1000mm for high piled storage, 500mm for normal ordinary hazard areas and 150mm for in-rack sprinklers. Has the nature of stored goods or packaging materials changed? This may alter the category of storage. Have there been any changes to the storage arrangements i.e. plastic pallets, shelving, boxes or totes? Have there been changes to the storage heights? Is a suitable maintenance contract in force for any smoke or heat detection systems that interact with a sprinkler system (e.g. pre-action valves)? Have there been any alterations to the sprinkler system? Have there been any problems with the sprinkler system? Additional Checks All sprinkler heads, multiple jet controls and sprayers should be inspected for deposits. Any fly, dust or debris, with the exception of paint deposits, should be carefully removed or cleaned. Painted or damaged sprinkler heads, multiple jet controls or sprayers will need to be replaced. Flow switches on life safety systems need to be checked for correct function and operation. Half-Yearly Inspection and Tests The moving parts of dry valves, pre-action valves and any accelerators should be exercised at intervals of no more than six months, in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Alternate valves are deemed to meet this requirement as they are by their very nature exercised twice yearly when they are changed from air to water, in the spring and water to air for the winter. Where flow-test equipment is installed at the main control valve sets they should be tested to verify the specified flows and pressures are achieved. Each sprinkler pump set should undergo a minor service by a fire pump specialist, in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations. Each water supply pump needs to be tested at the full load condition, by use of the flow meter test line normally provided in the sprinkler pumphouse. Each pump should be able to achieve the pressure/flow stated on the pump data plate and the maximum calculated flow demand (if available) as determined by the sprinkler system design criteria. Low water level switches in the suction pump priming tanks should be tested for correct operation. 4

5 All stop valves, controlling the flow of water to the sprinkler systems, should be fully exercised to ensure they are in full working order and securely fastened in the correct position. Annual Inspection and Tests Each sprinkler pump set should undergo a major service by a fire pump specialist, in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations. All float valves should be inspected in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and be checked to ensure that they operate correctly. The valves should be exercised and greased as appropriate. Each sprinkler alarm valve to be internally inspected and cleaned. Any defects to be rectified. Alarm valve rubbers should be replaced at least every third year. Pipework and supports need to be checked for integrity and condition and rectified or replaced as necessary. Pipework found to be rusting should be cleaned and suitable red oxide paint applied. The electrical installation necessary to provide a remote alarm signal should be checked at least annually. The settling chambers, screens and filters on natural water supplies i.e. fed from rivers, canals and reservoirs, should be inspected and cleaned as necessary. Additional Measures for Foam Enhancement Systems Fire fighting foam induction facilities (bladder tanks, proportioners and associated trim) should be inspected and serviced by an approved specialist contractor. Checks and tests to include: A check for the presence of foam in the water surrounding the bladder. Samples of the foam concentrate to be taken and tested for correct composition, deterioration or solidification. Verification of the correct foam induction rate. That the foam bladder tank is full. That all valves and actuators are in good condition and in good working order. Three-Yearly Inspection and Tests The settling chambers, jackwells and screens, on natural water supplies i.e. fed from rivers, canals and reservoirs, should be inspected and cleaned. Pump suction foot valves should be removed and serviced. 5

6 Ten-Yearly Inspection and Tests Water Storage Tanks At no more that ten-year intervals water storage tanks need to be: Fully drained. Examined internally and externally for corrosion and fitness for purpose. Any corrosion or pin hole leaks should be repaired. Cleaned, as necessary. If the tank is fitted with a butyl liner then this should be inspected and fixed or restored in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Additional Measures for Foam Enhancement Systems Foam tank sight glass shall be removed & cleaned. The proportioner and all associated components to be inspected, removed if necessary, and checked for corrosion and correct operation. Any defective part subsequently found will need to be refurbished or replaced as appropriate. Twenty Five Year Inspections After 25 years the pipes and sprinkler heads should be inspected. The pipework should be thoroughly flushed and hydrostatically tested to a pressure equal to the maximum standing pressure or 12 bars, whichever is the greater. The pipework should be externally & internally inspected. At least 1 metre of range pipe for every 100 sprinklers should be taken out of the system for inspection. A minimum of two 1 metre sections for each diameter of pipework should be inspected. In the case of wet systems, at least 1 sprinkler installation per building should be checked up to a maximum of 10% of installations for large buildings with multiple systems. A sample of sprinkler heads should be taken from the system and sent to an approved testing laboratory to establish that the sprinklers installed still function correctly. The number of sprinklers chosen to be sent for testing should be based on the total number of sprinklers installed at the site and a sample should be taken from differing areas of the building. The table below shows how many heads should be tested. Total Number of Sprinkler Heads Number of Heads to be Tested Up to 5, Up to 10, Up to 20, Up to 30, Up to 40, Should any of the tests show serious defects in the pipework or the sprinkler heads, further investigations should be carried out to determine the best course of action, which may ultimately include the replacement of all the sprinkler heads of a given type in a particular area or even the replacement of complete sections of the system. 6

7 Planning for Repair or Extension Works Where maintenance of a sprinkler system or building fabric is anticipated that will result in impairment of the sprinkler protection, a written maintenance plan should be prepared by the user prior to commencement of the work. Before Work Begins The following procedures should be included in the plan: Notification of the works provided to the authorities (including the insurers) and any central alarm station. Designation of named person to undertake specified tasks, liaise with contractors and relevant authorities. Identification of resources required for the maintenance period. Inspection, review and repair of passive and other fire protection measures including doors, gaseous extinguishing systems and portable fire extinguishers. Reduction of stocking levels of hazardous goods such as flammable liquids and aerosols. Notification to the sprinkler contractors of the company procedures and regulations with which they are required to comply e.g. work permits, hot work prohibitions etc. Considerations to minimising the area of protection isolated at any one time. Review of a written method statement prepared by the sprinkler contractor. Ensuring that all necessary tools, equipment and trained personnel are available. Consultation with staff about the work plan, increasing awareness and precautionary measures. Procurement of additional portable fire extinguishing appliances in the affected area and ensuring that personnel are trained. Issue of work permit to commence. While Maintenance Work is in Progress Suspension of operations, in particular any hazardous processes, machinery or plant. Implementation of regular fire patrols. Before and After Re-commissioning the System Hydrostatic pressure testing of the modified pipework or pipe extensions. Water supply performance tests to be carried out if changes have been made to the water supply. Notification of all key personnel, authorities and the alarm receiving station of the reinstatement of the sprinkler protection. 7

8 Checks to ensure that all valves, switches and control equipment have been restored to their correct setting. Provision of a written statement or certificate by the sprinkler contractor that the work has been completed and the system is fully operational. Action on Alarm and/or Sprinkler Operation When the Alarm Sounds Staff should be instructed to call the fire and rescue service on hearing the alarm and follow the normal fire procedures for the premises. The fire and rescue service should be called, even if there is an automatic remote alarm station connection, in order to confirm that an alarm has been received. Only after contacting the fire and rescue service should the cause of the alarm be investigated, if it appears safe to do so. On no account, other than the express command of the fire and rescue service, should sprinkler isolating valves be closed unless it is certain that there is no fire or that it has been extinguished. Even if the fire has been extinguished in one area, the entire building should be searched before any valves are closed as there may be more than one seat of fire. The decision to shutdown a sprinkler installation, zone or pumped water supply, which has operated because of a fire, should only be taken by the fire and rescue service. Reinstatement Following the shutdown after operation of an installation, the operated sprinklers are to be replaced by heads of the correct type and temperature rating. The water supply can then be restored. Unopened sprinklers around the area in which operation took place shall be checked for damage by heat or other causes and replaced as necessary. False Alarms Damaged pipework, leaks and sprinkler heads can cause alarms to sound. Repair and reinstatement should be carried out immediately. Action Following Sprinkler Operation Components removed from the system should be retained by the user for possible examination by an authority or insurance company. Incident Report The building and contents insurers should be informed of any incident whether or not an insurance claim has been made. Summary Once installed, sprinkler systems can provide fire protection to a building for many years. Maintaining the system is essential to ensuring that the installation continues to operate effectively. Like any working system, a sprinkler installation is more likely to fail if it is not being maintained. This Risktopic includes details on a range of maintenance details of weekly tests that can be undertaken by a trained member of your own staff, through to 25 yearly checks that should be undertaken by a specialist sprinkler engineer. By following the recommendations in this Risktopic your sprinkler system is more likely to operate effectively in the event of a fire. 8

9 Useful References 1. BS EN Technical Bulletin 203: 2009: 1 9

10 The information contained in this document has been compiled and obtained from sources believed to be reliable and credible but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Zurich Insurance plc (UK Branch) or any of its associated companies (collectively the "Zurich Group") as to their accuracy or completeness. Please note that some of the information contained herein may be time sensitive. Information relating to risk engineering is intended as a general description of certain types of risk engineering services available to relevant customers. The Zurich Group does not assume any liability of any kind whatsoever, resulting from the use, or reliance upon any information, material or procedure contained herein. The Group does not guarantee particular outcomes and there may be conditions on your premises or within your organisation which may not be apparent to us. You are in the best position to understand your business and your organisation and to take steps to minimise risk, and we wish to assist you by providing the information and tools to assess your changing risk environment. CONTACT Risk Engineering Risk Support Services 126 Hagley Road Edgbaston Birmingham B16 9PF Phone +44 (0) For more information please visit: Zurich Management Services Limited, Registered in England and Wales no , Registered Office: The Zurich Centre, 3000 Parkway, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 7JZ UKGI484 01/12