The importance of fire sprinkler inspection like fire sprinkler inspection and testing NYC cannot be overstated. Without fire protection, you are opening yourself up to the risk of hefty insurance claims and other property damage. Not only is it essential to keep your building safe, but it will also save you from expensive fines. NFPA 25 stipulates a schedule for inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Failure to perform these inspections on time could result in hefty fines.
NFPA 25
NFPA 25 is the standard for water-based fire protection systems. The document specifies the minimum inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for water-based fire protection systems, but authorities with jurisdiction may require additional testing and reviews. The document is intended to ensure the reliability of water-based fire protection systems and maximize system integrity. Although the document was written in 1992, the latest edition is currently available.
In addition to NFPA 25 requirements for water-based fire protection systems, NFPA provides contractors guidance. Contractors who install or maintain water-based fire protection systems must follow the schedule set forth in NFPA 25. Failure to follow the schedule may result in a false alarm, which could put emergency personnel in a precarious situation.
Quarterly inspections are required
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire sprinklers should be inspected yearly. The schedule depends on the type of system and occupancy of the building. First, a visual inspection is performed on sprinkler heads and other system components. An annual inspection is more detailed, involving the exercise of control valves and flow testing of fire pumps. In both cases, the sprinkler inspection is necessary.
Fire sprinkler systems should be inspected quarterly, and a licensed company should perform these checks. The inspection must include a comprehensive record of the findings. A fire protection company should keep these records for at least a year and be readily available upon request. A fire sprinkler inspection protects your property against code violations and fire safety failures. You can schedule one of these inspections in advance by choosing a company that offers multiple locations.
Failure to do so can result in hefty fines
Failing to inspect fire sprinklers can have severe consequences for a business, including hefty fines. Not only can fire sprinklers fail, but they can also be damaged when the building is not occupied. In addition, if the sprinkler system fails to operate, an AHJ will require an inspection. The fire code NFPA 25 also mandates regular testing of fire sprinkler systems to ensure that they will operate properly and minimize the length of sprinkler outages.
The NFPA 25 provides guidelines for annual or quarterly inspections for different elements of a fire sprinkler system. For example, control valves must be checked at least once a year, while sprinklers must be tested every five years. Other system components require annual or quarterly testing, while some are subject to manufacturer-specific guidelines. It is important to understand all of the requirements before beginning a sprinkler inspection.
Cost of inspections
The cost of fire sprinkler inspections varies based on the size of the building and the number of tampers and risers. For a typical 52,000 sq. ft. building with one fire sprinkler riser and 1-3 tampers, the cost is between $1,500 and $2,000 per year. Even for smaller facilities, fire sprinkler inspections are an excellent investment. While the cost may seem prohibitive, a fire can cost tens of thousands of dollars in damages, and it is well worth the cost to protect your commercial property.
In addition to a fire sprinkler inspection, the team must dispose of water. The easiest way is through a hose. However, some facilities do not have these facilities and require technicians to fill barrels with water before testing the system. This will increase the overall cost of the fire sprinkler inspection because it will take more time for the team to empty the barrels and then retest them. In addition, in some instances, fire sprinkler inspections will be more expensive if the fire sprinklers are connected to a pre-action system.