Section 3 — Process Safety & Loss Prevention
Testing, Inspection and Maintenance of
IPE Engineering Practice IPE-EP-3-5-7
Document number: IPE-EP-3-5-7 · Section: 3 — Process Safety & Loss Prevention
SCOPE
- This Practice details the testing, inspection and maintenance requirements as applied to fire protection systems and equipment at applicable Inflection Point Engineering, LLC facilities.
- Any deviation from this Practice must be approved by the procedure detailed in EP 1–1–3.
- The intent of this Practice is to provide IPE personnel with a structured program of inspection, testing and maintenance activities to be performed on fire protection equipment and systems.
- The requirements in this Practice shall be considered the minimum requirements for meeting all legal and applicable codes as defined by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the policies of the Inflection Point Engineering, LLC.
- Recognized Federal and/or local codes shall be followed, unless the requirements of this Practice are more stringent. If Federal or local requirements are more stringent, the requirements of this specification may be followed, if the approval of the authority having jurisdiction is obtained.
2.0 REFERENCES
The latest edition of the following, codes, standards and publications are referred to and shall be used in conjunction with this Practice.
STANDARDS AND PUBLICATIONS
| IPE Engineering Practices |
|---|
| EP 1–1–3 Deviations to IPE Engineering Practices EP 3–5–2 Firewater Systems EP 3–5–3 Fixed Water Spray Fire Protection Systems EP 3–5–4 Foam Fire Protection Systems EP 3–5–5 Testing of Fire Pumps Both Fixed and Mobile |
| NFPA |
| Portable Fire Extinguishers Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent Systems 11A Medium and High Expansion Foam Systems Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems 12A Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems 12B Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems Installation of Sprinkler Systems 13A Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems Standpipe and Hose Systems 14A Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Standpipe and Hose Systems |
STANDARDS AND PUBLICATIONS (CONTINUED)
| NFPA (Con’t.) |
|---|
| Water Spray Fixed Systems Deluge Foam–Water Sprinkler and Spray Systems 16A Installation of Closed–Head Foam–Water Sprinkler Systems Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems 20 Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps 22 Water Supply Tanks 24 Installation of Private Fire Mains Service 26 Supervision of Valves Controlling Water Supplies 69 Explosion Prevention System Installation, Maintenance and Use of Signalling Systems for Central Station Service Installation. Maintenance and Use of Protective Signalling Systems 72E Automatic Fire Detectors 72H Testing Procedures for Local, Auxiliary, Remote Station and Proprietary Protective Signalling Systems 80 Fire Doors and Windows 90A Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems 96 Vapor Removal Cooking Equipment 101 Life Safety Code 291 Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants 1901 Pumper Fire Apparatus 1904 Aerial Ladder and Elevating Platform Fire Apparatus 1911 Service Tests of Pumps on Fire Department Apparatus 1914 Testing Fire Department Aerial Devices 1932 Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders 1962 Care, Use, and maintenance of fire Hose Including Connections and Nozzles |
| OSHA |
| 1910.155 Scope, Application and Definitions Applicable 1910.157 Portable Fire Extinguishers 1910.158 Standpipe and Hose Systems 1910.159 Automatic Sprinkler Systems 1910.160 Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General 1910.161 Fixed Extinguishing Systems, Dry Chemical 1910.162 Fixed Extinguishing Systems, Gaseous Agent 1910.163 Fixed Extinguishing Systems, Water and Foam 1910.164 Fire Detection Systems 1910.165 Employee Alarm Systems |
DEFINITIONS
- Alarm Signal – A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action, such as an alarm for fire from a manual box, a waterflow alarm, or an alarm from an automatic fire alarm system.
- Alarm Test – A test that is conducted by opening the remote inspectors test valve or a test valve near the riser used for testing the sprinkler systems.
- Automatic Fire Detector – A device designed to automatically detect the presence of fire and to initiate action.
- Central Station Supervisory Service – A system which involves complete, constant, and automatic supervision of valves by electrically operated devices and circuits continually under test and operating through an approved outside central station.
- Circuit Interface – A functional assembly that interfaces one or more initiating device circuits or indicating appliance circuits with a signalling line circuit in a manner that permits the central supervising station to indicate the status of each of its initiating device circuits or indicating appliance circuits.
- Controller – The cabinet, motor starter, circuit breaker and disconnect switch, and other control devices for the control of electric motors and internal combustion engine driven pumps.
- Control Valve – A valve that may be opened or closed to regulate the flow of water to all or part of a fire protection system using water from either a private or public fire water main.
- Dry Chemical – An extinguishing agent composed of very small particles of chemicals such as, but not limited to, Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate, etc.
- Fire Protection System – Any fire alarm device or system, or fire extinguishing device or system, or combination thereof, designed and installed for detecting, controlling, or extinguishing a fire, or otherwise alerting occupants, the fire department or both that a fire has occurred.
- Flow Pressure – The water pressure of a system while it is under full flow conditions.
- Indicating Appliance Circuit – A circuit or path directly connected to an indicating appliance(s).
- Indicator Post Valve – A valve equipped with a control mechanism extending above ground or through a wall to allow operation of the valve and provide indication if the valve is open or closed.
- Initiating Device Circuit – A circuit to which automatic or manual initiating devices are connected where the signal received does not identify the individual device operated.
- Inspection – An activity to check that design, materials, fabrication, and testing comply with the requirements of the specification including:
- All components are in position, in good condition and properly connected to the system.
- A check for proper designation and instructions has been made.
- A check that the system has not been tampered with, and that there is no obvious physical damage or condition to prevent operation.
- Maintenance – Repair service, including periodically recurrent inspections and tests, required to keep the system and its component parts in an operative condition at all times, together with replacement of the system or of its components when, for any reason, they become undependable or inoperative.
- Main Drain Test (Riser Test or 2 in. Drain Test) – A flow test used to determine if obstructions or closed valves are present in sprinkler or water spray systems.
- Mechanical Emergency Manual Release (MEMR) – The purpose of the MEMR is to enable an operator to discharge a special extinguishing system in the event of automatic operation failure.
- O. S. & Y. Valves – Outside stem and yoke valves.
- Proprietary Supervisory Service System – A system where the operation of a valve produces some form of signal and record at a common point by electrically operated devices and circuits continually under test and operating through a central supervising station located at the property being protected.
- Protective Signalling System – Electrically operated circuits, instruments, and devices, together with the necessary electrical energy, designed to transmit alarms, supervisory, and trouble signals for the protection of life and property.
- Roadway Box – A sleeve providing access to an underground control valve.
- Tamper Switch – An electrical device for control valve supervision that initiates an alarm when the control valve is moved from its normal position.
- Trouble Signal – An audible signal indicating trouble, such as a circuit break or ground, occurring in the wiring associated with a protective signalling system. The audible signal may be supplemented with a visible signal that gives a continuing indication of the trouble condition after the audible signal has been silenced.
- Waterflow Alarm – A listed device so constructed and installed that any flow of water from a sprinkler system equal to or greater than that from a single automatic sprinkler will result in an alarm signal.
- Zone – A defined area within the protected premises. A zone may define an area from which a signal can be received, or an area to which a signal can be sent, or an area in which a form of control can be executed.
PURPOSE
- Regular inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment is critical to assure reliability. As fire suppression, detection and alarm systems are generally not used on a daily basis, their state of readiness is in question. These systems must be able to respond instantly, when required. It is for this reason that a comprehensive program shall be in place to frequently inspect and test the system for readiness, operability and effectiveness. To ensure that the equipment is reliable, a jointly executed and regularly scheduled maintenance program shall also be in place.
- Initial acceptance testing of a new system shall be performed to ensure that the system has been properly installed and performs as expected.
DOCUMENTATION
- The checklist included with or referenced by this Practice shall be completed for fire protection equipment. This checklist covers the minimum activities required to properly inspect, test, and maintain the equipment. The checklist is designed on a system basis and covers specifically defined time frames as required by codes and industry experience. A listing of industry codes related to inspection is given in Table 2.
- Completed checklists shall be maintained on file for 5 years. All sections shall be properly completed and signed off in the appropriate location.
- For some systems, an inventory list shall be created. See Table 1 for an example.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Each location shall establish its own standard or procedure designed to meet the requirements of this Practice and suited for their particular situation.
- The required standard or procedure shall include the following:
- Development of a matrix that defines the various positions and the level of responsibility assigned to that position for the activities covered under this Practice.
- Assignment of a competent, reliable and qualified employee(s) to a position responsible for the regular inspection, testing and maintenance of the system. The individual(s) shall be responsible for completing the checklists as scheduled, reporting any troubles or defects found and record keeping.
- Development of formal notification sEPs to be followed when conducting inspections, testing or maintenance. These notifications may vary widely in scope, depending upon which system(s) are involved. Examples of plant departments that may require notification are as follows:
- Plant Fire Department
- Operations Department
- Safety and Loss Prevention
- Security
- Individual area where activity is to occur.
- Public Fire Department (only applicable if the plant system is interconnected with the local system)
- Those plant departments requiring notification shall be specified for each system involved. Also to be included are time frames specifying the amount of advanced notice each plant department must be given prior to commencement of the activity.
- Formal sEPs to be followed in the event that problems or defects are encountered during the inspection, testing or maintenance. These sEPs shall define who is responsible for the correction of problems identified and the time frame that these corrections must be made in.
- A formal policy outlining follow–up activities and responsibilities shall be defined.
7.0 TABLES
TABLE 1
EXAMPLE OF INVENTORY LIST
| SV–101 | City water supply to Bldg. 18 hydrants and sprinklers. |
|---|---|
| V–102 | Cross connection from plant city water header at Bldg. 18. |
| SV–103 | Valve after city water at Bldg. 18. |
| 157–A | Backflow preventer to Bldg. 18 fire water system. |
| 157–B | Backflow preventer to South of Bldg. 18. |
| SP–104 | PIV to Bldg. 18 West sprinkler control. |
| SP–105 | PIV to Bldg. 18 East sprinkler control. |
| SP–106 | PIV to Bldg. 1 and Bldg. 3 sprinkler controls. |
| SP–107 | Wall indicator valve to Bldg. 3 sprinkler control. |
| DV–108 | Pit valve south of Bldg. 4. |
| DV–109 | PIV Northwest corner of Bldg. 4. |
| DV–110 | PIV Northwest corner of Bldg. 4. |
| SP–111 | Wall indicator valve to Bldg. 15 sprinkler control. |
| SP–112 | PIV to Area 14 deluge. |
| SP–113 | Block valve in Area 14 deluge house. |
| DV–114 | Pit valve on 7th. Street at Area 14. |
| DV–115 | Pit valve at 7th. and ”A” Streets. |
| DV–116 | Pit valve at 7th. and ”A” Streets. |
| CV–117 | Pit valve North of Area 13. |
| DV–118 | Pit valve North of Area 13. |
TABLE 2
REFERENCE GUIDE FOR FIRE EQUIPMENT INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE
| Item | NFPA No. |
|---|---|
| Supervisory and Fire Alarm Circuits | 71 / 72 / 26 / 72H |
| Fire Detectors | 72E / 72H |
| Manual Fire Alarms | 71 / 72H / 72 |
| Sprinkler Water Flow Alarms | 13A / 71 / 72H / 72 |
| Sprinkler and Water Spray Systems | 15 / 13 A |
| Foam Systems | 11A / 11C / 16 |
| Halogenated Agent, Chemical & CO2 Systems | 12 / 12A / 17 / 12 B |
| Fire Pumps & Booster Pumps | 20 |
| Water Tanks & Alarms | 13A / 71 / 22 / 72 |
| P.I.V.s and O.S. & Y. Valves | 13A / 26 / 72H / 72 |
| Fire Hydrants and Associated Valves | 13A / 24 / 26 |
| Fire Hose and Standpipes | 14/ 1962 |
| Portable Fire Extinguishers & Hose Nozzles | 10 / 1962 |
| Fire Brigade Equipment | 1972 |
| Fire Doors | 80 |
| Smoke Vents | 204 M |
| Emergency Lighting | 70 |
| Radio Communication Equipment | 1221 |
| Audible and Visual Signals | 72 / 72G |
8.0 FIGURES
FIGURE 1
CHECKLIST FOR INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
| Equipment | NFPA | Description of Test / Inspection | Frequency(1) | Date | Sign–off(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Extinguishers | 10 | Mounted in appropriate location, no obstructions, visible, with operating instruction in–place |
30 days | ||
| Fully–charged. Pressure reading OK | 30 days | ||||
| No apparent damage, tampering, leakage or corrosion. Tamper indicators and seals in–place |
30 days | ||||
| Threads and other mechanical components undamaged | When recharged | ||||
| Hydrotested | 5 to 12 years | ||||
| Low Expansion Foam Systems | 11 | Water supply is available and system is in good condition | 1 year | ||
| Foam has not sludged or deteriorated. Laboratory performance test. Adequate foam quantity on hand |
1 year | ||||
| Piping is not damaged or corroded | 1 year A/G 5 years U/G (3) |
||||
| Strainers are clean | After each use | ||||
| Pumps and foam–making equipment is in good condition | 1 year | ||||
| Labels, instructions, training are up– to–date and/or posted | 1 year | ||||
| Medium/HighE xpansion Foam Systems | 11A | Foam generators, valves, proportioners, educators, controls and shutdown equipment are in good condition | 1 year | ||
| Piping is not damaged or corroded | 1 year | ||||
| Foam has not sludged or deteriorated. Laboratory performance test. Adequate foam quantity on hand |
1 year | ||||
| Discharge test, when other inspection results indicate need | As needed | ||||
| Strainers are clean | After each use | ||||
| Labels, instructions, training are up– to–date and/or posted | 1 year |
FIGURE 1 (CONT.)
CHECKLIST FOR INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
| Equipment | NFPA | Description of Test / Inspection | Frequency(1) | Date | Sign–off(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 Extinguishing Systems |
12 | Cylinders are in appropriate location, no obstruction, accessible | 30 days | ||
| Hoses tested | 5 year | ||||
| Cylinders in good condition | 30 days | ||||
| High pressure cylinders weighed refilled as needed | 6 months | ||||
| Low pressure cylinders liquid level OK | Weekly | ||||
| Appropriate instructions and training in–place | 30 days | ||||
| Halon Systems | 12A, 12B |
Containers’ location and accessibility OK, marked correctly | 6 months | ||
| Containers, piping and discharge devices in good condition | 6 months | ||||
| Alarms in working order | 6 months | ||||
| Quantity or pressure in containers is adequate | 6 months | ||||
| Containers tested | 5 years | ||||
| Hoses inspected. Tested if suspect. | 1 year | ||||
| Sprinkler Systems | 13A | Tanks water level, condition, exterior coating and other corrosion protection in good condition | 30 days | ||
| Pumps in good condition and lubricated per manufacturer | 30 days | ||||
| Pumps operated at rated speed | Weekly | ||||
| Valves operable, sealed, accessible, operating devices in–place | 30 days | ||||
| Post indicator valves inspected | 90 days | ||||
| Operate underground valves with T– handles | 90 days | ||||
| Flow test at main valve | 90 days | ||||
| Condition of fire department connections, caps, plugs, threads | 30 days | ||||
| Rerack hose | 1 year | ||||
| Test sample of solder–type sprinklers | 5 years | ||||
| Gages in wet–pipe systems checked with inpsector’s gage | 30 days | ||||
| Inspectors | |||||
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