chapter 7
TRANSCRIPT
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Fire ProtectionSystems Testing
Chapter 7
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
•Describe the fire code official’s role in the inspection and testing of fire protection systems
•Explain the importance of systems acceptance tests, maintenance and periodic inspections, and retests
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Objectives (cont’d.)
• List four system elements that contribute to reliability
• Discuss the impact of unreliable fire protection systems on the public, the business community, and the fire service
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Active Fire Protection
• Have moving parts and perform operations
• Improperly designed/installed/maintained fire protection systems cause problems– For fire department, owner/occupant, public
• Public perception that signals are false alarm results in:– Genuine public apathy at best– Significant public danger at worst
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Fire Protection Systems
• Active fire protection features– Reduce property loss– Minimize business interruption– Protect lives of building occupants
• Effectiveness depends on reliability– John M. Cholin, P.E.:
• Reliability depends on design, equipment, installation, and maintenance
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2nd Edition
Which Buildings and Why
• Automatic sprinklers: most cost-effective and efficient method (trade-off incentive)– Chances of dying in a fire; average property
loss per fire: cut by ½ - ⅔– Completely sprinklered building
• Additional story in height; larger in size• Reduced fire resistance ratings of structural
members• Increased travel distance to exits
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2nd Edition
Which Buildings and Why (cont’d.)
• How much can be safely traded away?– Responsibility of local fire prevention bureau
• Fire protection systems required with:– High-risk occupants: hospitals, prisons,
schools– Large occupant loads: theaters, nightclubs,
passenger terminals– High fire loads: warehouses, stores
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2nd Edition
FIGURE 7-3Examples of model building code incentives for the installation of fire sprinklers (From the 2000 International Burning Code)
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Sprinkler Reliability
• Very reliable
• Top causes of unsatisfactory performance 1925-1969– Were identifiable by inspection/testing
• Water shutoff• System inadequate for level of hazard• Inadequate water supply and maintenance• Obstruction to water system• System only designed for partial protection
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2nd Edition
Fire Departments and Fire Protection System Inspections
• Fire departments inspecting new fire protection systems: fairly recent– Still in some cases, fire departments forced to
live with what building department approves
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2nd Edition
Fire Protection Systems Tests
• Fire Codes and Acceptance Tests
• Systems Testing Benefits
• Maintenance and Retests
• Contractor Oversight
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2nd Edition
Fire Codes and Acceptance Tests
• Mandated by model fire codes for all required fire suppression/alarm systems– Acceptance tests
• Included within the code-referenced standards for installation
– Contractor’s certification of completion
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Systems Testing Benefits
• Installation in accord with approved plans
• Conditions in the structure accurately reflect those used to design the system
• Additional set of eyes: construction safety
• Interaction between fire department and building department personnel– Increased cooperation and safer structures
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Systems Testing Benefits (cont’d.)
• Interaction between fire department inspectors and contractors– Better understand expectations/needs
• Valuable training for firefighters and prospective fire officers– Design/operation of fire protection systems
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2nd Edition
Maintenance and Retests
• Ensuring that systems are properly designed and installed, not enough– Must be adequately maintained and repaired
• Maintenance is cheaper than extensive repairs or replacement
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2nd Edition
Contractor Oversight
• Fire inspector: ensure the contractor performs job in accordance with the code– Not tell him how to perform the job
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2nd Edition
Contractor Oversight (cont’d.)
• Requirements: clearly spelled out, readily available, and fairly implemented– Plan submissions and permits, test protocols
and fees, and scheduling procedures– Playing favorites: illegal
• Delays in inspections and approvals slow down construction
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Developing an Acceptance Testing Program
• If contemplating a program for inspection and witnessing of acceptance tests– What agency has the oversight responsibility
for fire protection systems installation?– How many and what type of systems are
installed each year? Booms/busts?– Will fire department provide necessary
personnel, training, and resources?
© 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning
2nd Edition
Summary
• Active fire protection systems– Extinguishing, smoke control, alarm systems– Increase level of life safety, and minimize
property damage and business interruption
• If not reliable, systems can have negative impact (false function)
• Reliability: design, equipment, installation, and maintenance