INTEGRATED LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE TESTING AND ITS PROCEDURES

INTEGRATED LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE TESTING AND ITS PROCEDURES By: Mehrdad Ghods Integrated Engineering Student Sept. 06, 2002 University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC i

PREFACE: The purpose of this document is to provide the reader with an introduction to the Integrated Life Safety Compliance Test, its advantages over the current testing strategies and its procedures. This report was prepared with the intent of familiarizing individuals with some technical background in building systems technologies with a preamble on Integrated Life Safety Compliance Test and its procedures. It was prepared using the information provided to the author by one of PWGSC s Project Managers (Lyle Anderson) and contains information that was presented by this individual in the form of presentations, manuals and a business case. ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has a mandate for ensuring that buildings it is responsible for are managed such as to minimize risk to occupants. Recent events have emphasized the critical importance of Life safety Systems being both individually functional and that they are operated as an integrated whole during an emergency. Currently individual system testing is being conducted unevenly and there is evidence that even though individual systems have been maintained and tested, the aggregated systems do not necessarily function as intended. In new facilities or those just completing a retrofit, individual systems are the responsibility of various individual specialty contractors who are required to test and demonstrate their systems. The responsibility for the overall performance of these systems operating as an integrated whole could be easily overlooked, unless specified as a commissioning element. Commissioning teams, as presently constituted, find it difficult to access the operationally experienced skill mixes needed to carry out a fully integrated Life Safety Compliance Test. Specialist in each of the individual systems such as electrical, elevator, voice communication, HVAC, sprinklers, fire alarm etc. are already resident within PWGSC. These specialists provide expert guidance for the particular requirements and particular servicing/maintenance needs of these systems. The function of the Life Safety Compliance test will be to integrate the inputs of these specialists to ensure the total system function in the event of an emergency. On behalf of the operating organization, this test as a routine element of project acceptance also ensures that all life safety requirements are met and additional non-project costs are avoided. In 1995, a pilot study was carried out to determine weather or not the life safety systems in some 14 high-rise buildings would function together under emergency conditions. This study concluded that these types of tests, carried out under pre-planned. Set-piece conditions were operationally comprehensive, cost-effective and would ensure that building occupants were fully protected by building s life safety system. In carrying out these Integrated Life Safety Compliance Tests, PWGSC can ensure integrated system functionality and demonstrate due diligence in its responsibility to minimize risk to occupants. iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE...ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS... iv LIST OF FIGURES...v 1.0 INTRODUCTION...1 2.0 WHAT ARE LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS?...2 3.0 THE REVISED LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE TEST...2 4.0 LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM TESTING PRCEDURES...3 4.1 Fire Fighter s Copy...4 4.2 Life Support System (LSS) Log Book..4 4.3 Fire Evacuation Plan...4 4.4 Emergency Lighting...5 4.5 Fire Exit Signage...5 4.6 Emergency Power (2-Hour Load)...6 4.7 Fire Alarm System...7 4.8 Voice Communication...7 4.9 Elevator Service (Emergency Power)...8 4.10 Fire Pumps...8 4.11 Sprinkler System...9 4.12 Stairwell Pressurization...10 5.0 CONCLUSION...11 REFERENCES...12 iv

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Interdependence Between the Systems Being Tested Figure 2. Fire Exit Signage Figure 3. Emergency Power Equipment Figure 4. Fire Alarm System Figure 5. Main Level Elevators Figure 6. Mechanical Fire Pumps v

1.0 INTRODUCTION High-rise office buildings by their nature are densely occupied, requiring complex heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to support the building population. In the event of a fire or similar emergency, these air handling systems, if they were to continue to operate normally, would increase the danger to occupants by intensifying fire and circulating smoke. Designers have dealt with this problem through a complex system of controls and procedures whereby fire suppression systems automatically attempt to extinguish local fire, shut down air circulation systems, pressurize stairwells and elevator shafts and return elevators to the ground in anticipation of the arrival of the fire crews who have been summoned automatically From Building Evacuation Plans, evacuation information is provided to the building occupants through a voice communication system from the building control room where individual building systems and life safety systems functioning can be monitored and controlled. In the event of power failure, an emergency power generator automatically energizes those systems necessary to manage the emergency and evacuate the building. These life Safety Systems are individually complex involving system elements on each floor and in equipment spaces each requiring specialized maintenance and testing to ensure availability. All the individual systems also need to work as an integrated system to ensure the integrity of the building in case of an emergency; hence they need to be tested as a whole. At present integrated system tests are not being conducted even though there is clear evidence, during system testing for year 200 compliance and a pilot study conducted in 1995, that the systems can fail when required to function together in the event of an emergency. To minimize risk to building occupants and to demonstrate due diligence on PWGSC s behalf, a new Integrated Life Safety Compliance test has been developed which has the following advantages over the current testing methods: All the systems are tested as a whole which ensures that the individual systems will operate as an integral life safety system if called upon; Life Safety Systems are tested on Emergency Power; Only one entity (team) undertakes the responsibility and a single report is developed; Maintenance of major systems has been added to the testing procedures. 1

2.0 WHAT ARE LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS? Life Safety Systems are the building systems installed, the equipment made available on site and the building design features that are present for the safety of occupants and for the assistance of fire fighters during a building emergency. These systems include: Fire alarm and voice communication systems; Emergency lighting systems; Elevators for emergency use; Sprinkler systems; Smoke control systems; Fire water supplies (pumps, standpipe, and hose); Emergency power supplies including generators and transfer switches; Special fire protection systems (e.g., carbon dioxide and dry chemical); Fire extinguishers; Fire separators; Fire dampers and fire stop flaps; Sump and ejector pumps; areas of refuge. HVAC and related control systems that a) Trigger electronically controlled fire dampers b) Pressurize stairwells and elevator shaft The testing procedures for insuring the integrity of these systems are discussed later in this document. 3.0 THE REVISED LIFE SAFETY COMPLIANCE TEST Recent events such as the 1998 Ontario Ice Storm, the tests that have been done during the Y2K Rollover period and the events of September 11 th have emphasized the critical importance of ensuring all Building Life Safety Systems are in optimum operating condition and will function at their full potential during an emergency. At present, the Life Safety Compliance Testing of PWGSC owned/managed facilities are conducted individually by third party contractors. No integrated system tests are being conducted even though there is clear evidence, established during system testing for year 2000 compliance and a pilot study conducted in 1995, that the systems can fail when required to function together in the event of an emergency. Knowing this information, PWGSC as owner/custodian of the Crown-owned facilities would be held accountable in the event of an injury or death to a building occupant as a result of system failure during an emergency situation. As it was mentioned, one of the disadvantages of the current testing procedures is that life support systems are tested on a stand-alone basis. There is no mechanism currently in place that will provide managerial assurance that these individual systems will operate as an integral life safety system if called upon. The other disadvantage is that 2

the life safety systems are not tested on emergency power. Testing the system while on emergency power ensures that they could operate under emergency conditions. Furthermore the current test procedures do not ensure total system reliability and operation. To minimize risk to Building Occupants and to demonstrate due diligence on PWGSC s behalf, a new Integrated Life Safety Compliance Test has been developed. This is a complete test done by the SWAT team which includes the Property manager, Building Systems Technicians and Life Safety Technicians (technical specialists in different areas such as elevators, fire alarm, electrical systems, etc.). The major advantage of the new test is that it is done by one team (SWAT Team) under the supervision of the SWAT Team Leader. This method guarantees that the Life Safety Systems are tested as a whole as opposed to being tested independently. In this case, only one entity undertakes the responsibility and a single summery report/action plan is developed and submitted to the property manager. The new Integrated Compliance Safety Test also includes testing the system on emergency power and maintenance of major systems has been added to the testing procedures. Figure 1 illustrated the interdependence between testing procedures in the revised Integrated Compliance Safety Test Figure 1: Interdependence Between Testing Procedures 4.0 LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM TESTING PRCEDURES The Life Support Systems Test (Integrated Life Safety Compliance Test) procedures are generally tailored to the specifics of each building facility to be tested prior to the test. Before the test is conducted the following tasks are completed: Site visits are conducted to familiarize the personnel with the building parameters. A meeting is set up with the Property Manager, District Head and Technical Services and Building Systems Technicians (Operators). Documents Such as the Life Safety Systems (LSS) Logbook, Fire Fighters Copy and the Fire Evacuation Plan are reviewed. 3

A detailed Test Schedule is established. Approval is obtained from the Project Management Services and the local authorities including the fire department. The following are the generic testing procedures for the Life Support Systems. 4.1 Fire Fighter s Copy Upon entering the facility, a copy of the Fire Fighters Copy is requested from the appropriate personnel. This data is reviewed to ensure that all Life Safety Systems are included and the information is correct. A site tour of each item is undertaken to confirm accuracy of information. All the items that are missing or are incorrect are recorded. 4.2 Life Support Systems (LSS) Log Book The LSS Log Book is checked to ensure that proper records are being maintained regarding inspection and testing of all Life Safety Systems, and that these records are itemized in the Fire Fighters Copy of the Building s Fire Protection and Life Safety Facilities. Upon entering the building, a copy of the LSS Log Book is requested from the appropriate Personnel (e.g. Property Manager, Building Operators, Security Personnel). The Book is checked to see if a section for each LSS is outlined in the Fire Fighter s Copy, and to make sure that all required tests and inspection have been recorded with appropriate dates and signatures. Items where information is missing or is incorrect are recorded. 4.3 Fire Evacuation Plan Upon entering the facility, a copy of Fire Evacuation and Emergency Evacuation Plans is requested. The Fire Safety Plan is reviewed for the emergency procedures in use in case of fire including: Sounding of the fire alarm; Notifying the Fire Department; Instructions to employees on procedures to be followed when alarm sounds; Alerting against the use of elevators during a fire alarm. Fire Safety floor plans are reviewed for following information: Location of exits, refuge areas and elevators Location of fire protection equipment; alarms, extinguishers and hose stations. The Emergency Evacuation Plan is reviewed. All missing or incorrect information is reported. 4

4.4 Emergency Lighting Emergency Lighting is verified to ensure that emergency lighting is installed at exits and principle routes, providing access to exits in open floor areas. A floor-by-floor site survey is performed at night to identify areas in the building where emergency lighting does not meet base level requirements identified for the building. Two to three floors are selected at random to establish base level requirements. All normal lighting on selected floors is shut off using quarter floor or appropriate circuit breakers. The floor is divided into equal zones of +/- 300 m 2 and a workstation is selected in each zone. From each workstation, the designated emergency route is taken to the emergency exit. 5 to 6 equally spaced light meter readings are taken one mater above the floor level along the route, and the average for these readings is calculated. The routes and the average are marked on reflective floor plans. The remaining floors are surveyed following the same procedure, but without taking meter readings. The areas that do not meet the requirements are indicated on the reflective floor plans. During the 2 hour Life Support System Test, the Stairwells are surveyed for required light levels and the operation of battery pack units is confirmed. Furthermore, prior to or during the LSS test, all the mechanical rooms, service areas and parking areas are surveyed to confirm that they meet required light levels. At the end, all observations are reported. 4.5 Fire Exit Signage This procedure is carried out to ensure that sufficient exit signage is provided where necessary to indicate the direction of exit travel and that signs are illuminated continuously. During the Emergency Lighting Survey or the 2 hour LSS Test, the exit signage is checked in the Office Areas, Service Areas, Mechanical Rooms and Parking Areas. It is verified that, in each area, the exiting signage clearly directs the individuals to the designated emergency exit. The emergency exit routes are checked to make sure they are not blocked by new workstation layouts. It is noted if the signs are illuminated while on emergency power, and while on normal power and also if they are bilingual. All the observations are reported. Figure 2: Fire Exit Signage 5

4.6 Emergency Power (2-Hour Load) This test is done to determine if the standby generator supply unit will supply will start automatically on loss of power and has sufficient electrical capacity to supply all electrical requirements connected to it. The normal hydro power to existing transfer switch is opened and isolated via nearest upstream breaker unless total power shutdown is required for maintenance. Operation of existing transfer switches are confirmed by checking the time delay to start the generator, time delay to transfer load and the operating lights. The operation of the emergency generator is confirmed by checking: Establishment of the power supply; Operation of the ventilation support system; Proper lubrication levels; Proper coolant levels Operation of the fuel delivery system; The recorded loads The electrical loading on generator is verified by attaching a voltage meter to the unit and comparing meter results with existing log book readings. The operation of the generator is monitored and recorded. The installation is inspected for operational and electrical deficiencies. At the end of the test period, all shutdown procedures are monitored and the observations are reported. Figure 3: Emergency Power Equipment 6

4.7 Fire Alarm System The existing Fire Alarm Systems are verified to determine if they operate as designated and to applicable codes. The monitoring agent and the Fire Department are notified of the test. The system is entered into general alarm condition. Fan shutdown, bell operation and voice communication are verified. Ancillary systems such as door release, stairwell pressurization, smoke control and elevator recall are verified to ensure that they are connected to the Fire Alarm Systems. The observations and operational irregularities are reported. 4.8 Voice Communication Figure 4: Fire Alarm System To confirm that the voice communication system operates as designed on both emergency and normal power the following procedures are carried out: The voice communication is used at the start of the LSS test to make a general announcement. Twoway communication is confirmed on emergency telephones by randomly selecting phones on different floors and checking connection to central, clarity of signal and correct address of phone location. Alarm silencing feature on single stage fire alarm systems are verified by: Initiating an alarm signal; Attempting to make an announcement during the first minute of alarm signal. In this case announcement should not interrupt signal; Attempting to make an announcement after the first minute of the alarm signal. In this case, voice instructions should be transmitted to selective zone or zones while maintaining an alarm signal to the other zones in the building. An alert signal is also verified following the procedures above. All the observations are reported. 7

4.9 Elevator Service (Emergency Power) To confirm elevator operation during normal and emergency power conditions: Elevator operation is initiated on normal power. Establishment of emergency power is confirmed once normal power is interrupted. Individual elevator s sequence to lobby and the parking lot is confirmed. Each elevator is individually operated under emergency power. The functionality of the emergency lighting units and lighting in all machine rooms and secondary areas are verified. Observations and recommendations are reported. 4.10 Fire Pumps Figure 5: Main Level Elevators The Fire Pumps are verified to ensure that they will operate under load under both normal and emergency power, and that they would provide an essential load for the emergency generator for a period of 2 hours. The Fire Pump is started automatically prior to the building life safety equipment being switched from normal power to emergency power. This automatic start should be accomplished by flowing water at the pump test station, 2 or 3 sprinkler test stations or standpipe outlet at high point of system. Prior to starting the fire pump a visual inspection should be made to confirm: The condition of pump; Condition of fire pump controller; That valves are in open position; That pressure release valve is open; Whether there is written instructions on the operation of the pump; Whether the run time clock, located in the control panel, is set to the recommended time (10 minutes). Inlet pressure (city pressure) and system pressure is recorded. The operation of manual emergency start mechanism is checked and the fire alarm running status point is 8

confirmed at fire alarm panel. The power to fire pump is shut off and power status point is confirmed at fire alarm panel. Once fire pump is operating the following is carried out: The amperage reading is taken to determine load on pump; Discharge of water is monitored to avoid property damage; Pump operation is monitored; It is ensured that pump properly transfers under load from normal to emergency power and back to normal. The observations are reported. 4.11 Sprinkler System Figure 6: Mechanical Fire Pumps The following procedures are carried out to verify the level of sprinkler coverage and level of fire fighter service in the building: During the emergency lighting survey or the LSS test, The building is surveyed by walking all floor areas and noting the extent of sprinkler cover, type of sprinkler system, fire hose outlet size and location of test drain solutions. During the LSS test, a random test is performed which includes: Supervised valves: The valves are closed and it is verified that the fire alarm system is monitoring the trouble and that the address of the trouble is correct. Flow Switches: Water is flown at test drain station and it is verified that the zone alarm is received at the fire alarm panel and that the address is correct Main Drain Test is conducted to confirm that there is no restriction in the water supply to the fire protection system. All observations are reported. 9

4.12 Stairwell Pressurization Stairwell Pressurization test is conducted to ensure that these systems function properly on normal and emergency power. After a general alarm on the fire alarm panel is activated, all the aspects of stairwell pressurization system are inspected. It is confirmed that the pressure in the stairwells, developed by stairwell pressurization system is not too high to prevent the opening of the stairwell doors. A spring gauge or similar device is attached to stairwell door closest to air supply to measure the resistance. System is transferred from normal power to emergency power while it is operating. All aspects of the stairwell pressurization system are inspected and all observations are reported. 10

5.0 CONCLUSION A Life Safety Systems Policy was introduced by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) in 1992 to ensure that all real property assets, for which it is custodian, are managed so as to minimize the risk to the health and safety of their occupants in accordance with the requirements of all applicable codes, standards and regulations. To implement this policy, in 1995, PWGSC undertook a main electrical power shutdown test in a selected number of buildings to determine weather the emergency power generator comes on and powers the Life Safety Systems i.e. the readiness of the Life Safety Systems and equipment to respond to an emergency situation. The objective of these tests was to ascertain the readiness of the emergency power generator and Life Safety Systems and equipment. These tests demonstrated that systems involved could fail when required to function together in the event of an emergency. This Integrated Life Safety Compliance Test contributes to minimizing the risk to the health and safety of building occupants and to ensuring that PWGSC custodial office buildings are safe. However at present, the Life Safety Compliance testing of PWGSC owned/managed facilities are conducted individually by third party contractors; as a result, there is no mechanism currently in place that will provide assurance that these individual systems will operate as an integral life safety system if called upon. Therefore, it is foreseen that the Integrated Life Safety Compliance Test will be replacing the current testing methods in a very near future 11

REFERENCES Lyle Anderson, Senior Electrical Technologist (PWGSC Project Manager), interviews with the author, Ottawa, ON, July 2002. Lyle Anderson, Life Support Systems Testing Procedures. Consulting and Audit Canada, Evaluation of Public Works and Government Services Canada s Life Safety System Policy, Project No. 550-0417, Dec, 1995. Lyle Anderson (Presentation), Life Compliance System Testing: Preventive Maintenance Support Systems, Real Property Services, Mar. 1, 2000. Canadian Standards Association, Emergency Electrical Power Supply for Buildings, Toronto, ON, May 1989. 12