LOSS CONTROL TECHNICAL BULLETIN

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 14 Safety Practices Fire Protection Equipment Cold Weather Cold weather freeze-ups can damage or place vital fire protection systems out of service. Past losses include a single freezing-wind and snow storm which caused $880 million of property damage in 41 states. If preventive maintenance is not perform on your automatic sprinkler system, cold weather may result in sprinkler pipe breakage, major water damage and an impaired automatic sprinkler system. A preventive maintenance program should be ongoing; however, it is particularly crucial during cold weather where there is a need for "winterizing" automatic sprinkler systems through basic steps of preventive maintenance. To maintain sprinkler protection in your property when cold weather has approached, here are some areas of concern to investigate: WET PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS All portions of the building which are sprinkled, including attics, hallways, stairways and areas above ceilings should be heated to at least 40 o F. Windows, skylights and doors should be in good repair, tight fitting and weather-stripped where feasible. Ventilators in attics or concealed spaces should be closed if not needed in cold weather. A special thermometer may be used to obtain a record of minimum temperatures. Special anti-freeze systems should be properly serviced and maintained. Cold-weather valves, if present in your system, should be closed. All other normally open control valves should remain open. DRY PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS All piping should drain properly back to the dry valve, or to auxiliary drains if installed. Water trapped in a dry system may freeze and cause breakage and the entire system to be shut down. All auxiliary drains located in cold places should be checked frequently during freezing weather to be sure they contain no water. The dry-valve enclosure should be kept in good repair. The heating arrangement for the dry-valve enclosure should be safe, and adequate to at least 40 0 F. WATER SUPPLIES Check pressure, ground storage tanks, and gravity tanks to see if tanks, supports and boxing around riser and expansion joints are in good condition. The heating facility for tanks should be in safe condition, and should be of adequate size to prevent freezing. The heating facility for the fire pump installation should be maintained and tested before cold weather arrives. It is recommended that the temperature of a pump house or room not drop below 70 0 F. GENERAL Extinguishers which will freeze should not be exposed to cold. Listed non-freeze extinguishers should be hung in those locations. All heaters and flues should be in good operating condition; repair if necessary; clean out smoke and vent flues if necessary. Oil burners should be checked and serviced if necessary for proper performance. For more information on establishing a "winterized" sprinkler protection program please contact our Loss Control Department at or , ext 240. To help you keep your fire sprinklers, water tanks, or other fire protection equipment from freezing during cold weather, Philadelphia Insurance Company has included the attached preventive maintenance checklist. We ask you to review the list and pass it along to the individuals in your organization who are responsible for the maintenance of your fire protection equipment. The list includes basic precautions. Depending on the complexity of your sprinkler systems, additional precautions may be needed. We hope you find the checklist useful.

2 Page 2 of 14 Freeze Protection Checklist---General Items General Items Present Not Present Is there an Inspection program to ensure adequate building heat? Are all building openings covered, sealed and secured? Is the building temperature monitored? Security personnel trained regarding freeze-up potential? More frequent watch rounds and checks during periods of extreme cold? Low temperature alarms in buildings? Contingency plans for alternate fuel supplies? Portable heaters used UL approved and properly serviced? Alarms on heat exchanger pumps? Heat tracing equipment used on pipes, equipment and instrumentation exposed to potential freezing? Heat tracing equipment checked prior to cold weather with regular follow-up inspections? Outside process lines drained during shutdowns? Exposed process lines and boiler feed water pipes insulated? Management concern and awareness, and communication with maintenance personnel? Management reviews winterization procedures months before cold weather? Individual department responsible for preparation of shutdowns as related to freeze precautions? Existing effective, active freeze-up prevention programs? Prompt corrective action when deficiencies are found? Computerized preventive maintenance checklist programs? Air-drying equipment provided for all shop air? Dry instrument and process air closely monitored with back-up moisture separator on site? Permanent buildings constructed around key equipment?

3 Page 3 of 14 Water Supplies Freeze Protection Checklist--- Water Supplies Present Not Present Fire hydrants checked for proper drainage? Are identification markers provided at buried sprinkler control valves or valve pits subject to heavy snow covering? Heating systems for water storage tanks should be checked for proper operation and placed in service. Insulation on water tanks or stand pipes checked for good repair? Jacket heaters for diesel engine driven fire pumps operational? Wet Pipe Sprinkler System Present Not Present All portions of buildings that are sprinkled including above suspended ceiling should be heated to at least 40. Antifreeze systems checked for proper strength? Heat tracing provided on any piping subject to freezing? Dry or Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems Present Not Present Dry lines should be carefully inspected to make sure that the piping is properly pitched for drainage. (Look for broken hanger and repair) Any condensation that collects at the low points should be drain/removed. Drain auxiliary drains and all low points Dry pipe valves properly set? Excess priming water should be removed. Low air pressure alarms calibrated and connected to constantly attended location (low pressure switches should be set about 5 psi above trip point of dry pipe valve). Air pressure checked regularly with records maintained to indicate normal pressure? Heated, insulated enclosure provided for dry/deluge or pre-action valves. (Flood lamps are not recommended.) Thermostatically controlled heating system should be provided. Low point drains provided with drum drips and records maintained of regular inspections? Air drying equipment provided to supply air to system? Small hose stations located in areas subject to freezing should be supplied from dedicated dry pipe valve. If stations are supplied from wet piping, the control valve should be shut in winter. Double interlocked pre-action system should be provided for freezer areas. A dry pipe valve or single interlock pre-action system not recommended. Notes: Dry pipe valves should be installed in accordance with NFPA 25. If a building is normally heated, a wet pipe system is preferred. If a wet pipe system has been converted to a dry system, piping should slope to a drain and fire department and two inch drain connections should be piped in below the valve. What to do if you discover your sprinkler system frozen? 1. Shut the control valve to the affected sprinkler system. 2. Place plastic tarps in the area of any actual pipe breakage and in area of high valued commodities to help limit water damage to stock and supplies. 3. Then open the 2-inch drain on the riser and any low point drains on the system. 4. Notify the local fire department at that the system is out of service. 5. Notify the Philadelphia Insurance company Loss Control Department at or , ext Indicate that the system is out of service, and: You have notified the fire department, That your sprinkler impairment program will be followed

4 Page 4 of 14 That the Sprinkler contractor has been called Rough estimated of time expected before the system is placed in service What Immediate action should be taken to limit the exposure of breakage/damage? 6. Restore heat in the area. Do not attempt to thaw out piping in the building by using a torch or open flame device. 7. If temporary heat is necessary, use only portable units listed by Underwriter s Laboratories or approved by Factory Mutual. Additionally these units should have constant supervision. 8. Electrical resistance heating should not be directly attached to overhead piping. If it is used to thaw underground piping, it should only be used by well-trained personnel. What action should be taken to reduce the possibility of fire when the system is impaired? 9. All or any Cutting and Welding or other operations employing an open flame should be prohibited in the area where the sprinkler system is out of service. 10. All or any Hazardous operations such as spray painting, dipping or others using flammable liquids or producing a combustible dust should be suspended while the sprinklers are out of service. 11. A strict No Smoking policy should be enforced throughout the affected area. 12. Extra fire extinguishers should be distributed throughout the area. 13. If extensive repairs are required, efforts should be directed toward restoring as much protection as possible by plugging or blocking of the damaged section. This should be done by your Sprinkler Contractor. Example: If a single branch line breaks, it is often possible to blank off that one line and return the rest of the system to service until permanent repairs are completed. Be sure to keep records of all plugs or blind flanges used so you can check they have all been removed when repairs have been completed. 14. Watch service should be provided on a 24-hour basis until repairs are completed and all valves have been reopened. In the event of a fire, the watchman should be instructed to first notify the public fire department and then reopen any closed valves. 15. Before the sprinkler system is restored to service, examine the system for cracked fittings, split pipes or leaking sprinkler heads. 16. Finally, open all control valves and notify the local fire department and Philadelphia Loss Control that the system is back in service.

5 Page 5 of 14 Other Preventative Maintenance and testing activities of Fire Protection equipment Weekly Fire Protection Inspection Fire Pump - Test run by starting the fire pump by operating the test valve on the water pressure test line to the fire pump controller. Diesel driven fire pump should be allowed to run 20 minutes. Electric driven fire pumps run five to seven minutes. - Complete the fire pump checklist - Dry Pipe Sprinkler System - Inspect air pressure and water pressure gauges. Be sure that air and water pressures are within the normal range for that particular system. Record pressure readings. It is recommended that the normal pressure be noted on the gauge or a tag attached to it. A loss of pressure of more than 10% should be investigated. Monthly Fire Protection Inspections The following inspections and tests should be performed monthly. The results should be recorded on the monthly fire protection equipment report form. Repairs and corrective action should be completed promptly. a. Fire Extinguishers.- Check all to be certain they are accessible, not damaged, hung properly, charged with the seal intact and current annual inspection tag is in place. Initial this tag monthly. b. Sprinkler Control Valves - Check and test all sprinkler riser control valves, yard main divisional valves, and water supply pit valves to make sure they are accessible, open and sealed or locked. Sprinkler control valves accessible to the public should be locked open. All other sprinkler control valves should be sealed open. c. Fire Hoses - should be checked to insure the hose is ready for use, mounted on its rack (or reel)with nozzle attached and the hose should be visually inspected as to condition (creases are not worn or split and there is no water in the hose). d. Fire Hydrants should be visually inspected to make sure they are unobstructed, undamaged and ready for use. e. Fire Department Connections - check to see they are unobstructed, caps are in place and couplings are free to rotate f. Fire Safe Conditions (1) Smoking is limited to designated areas. (2) Stairwells and corridors free of obstructions. (3) Emergency lights and exit lamps in working order. (4) Evacuation Drawings are posted (5) All flammable and combustible liquids and aerosol cans are stored in approved flammable liquid cabinets with the doors kept closed. Liquids stored outside of cabinets do not exceed one days supply or 25 gallons of Class IA liquids (flash point less than 73 o f) or 120 gallons of Class IB, IC, II or III liquids (flash point less than 200 o f). Safety cans with self-closing lids are used for the handling and storage of small amounts of gasoline and other flammable liquids. Oxygen and acetylene cylinders are chained in the upright position, separated by 20 feet or a noncombustible barrier, and protective caps in place when not in use. (6) In sprinklered buildings, no combustibles should be stored in areas shielded from automatic sprinklers. Likely shielded areas are: under conveyors in the pit beneath stairwells (7) General Housekeeping There is no storage in electrical rooms or on electrical equipment Waste combustible materials are kept in proper containers Excess pallets are stored outside 50 feet from buildings Packing materials, such as cardboard boxes, Styrofoam filler and plastic bags, are stored in a clean area away from possible ignition sources. In packing areas materials kept to a minimum and the area is clean and free of clutter

6 Page 6 of 14 Used rags contaminated with grease, oil or solvents are stored in an approved fire can with a self closing lid while awaiting pick up from the vendor. Materials are kept clear of light fixtures and bulbs. Wire mesh guards are provided to protect bulbs and fixtures from damage where needed. Quarterly Inspections Prior to performing the following test call the alarm company to alert them you are testing. Verify all alarms tested were received by the alarm service. a. Sprinkler water flow - test each sprinkler system water flow alarm by operating the inspector s test connection on wet pipe systems or the alarm by-pass valves on dry pipe systems. The alarm by-pass valve may be used on wet pipe systems. However, it is preferred that the inspector s test connection be used since this simulates the operation of one sprinkler. b. Valve Tamper Devices - Test each valve tamper device by turning each control valve three complete turns. c. Two-inch drain test - This involves noting and recording the pressure on the gauge on the lower side of the sprinkler valve (static water supply pressure). Open the 2-inch main drain fully; after the flow has stabilized, note and record the pressure on the gauge again (residual water supply pressure). d. Dry pipe system - Determine priming water level by slowly opening the priming water level test valve. If only air escapes, close the test valve and add priming water. This is done by closing the lower priming valve, opening the upper priming valve, and adding approximately 1 quart of water through the priming funnel. The upper priming valve is then closed and the lower priming valve opened, which allows the water to run into the dry pipe valve. Again, check the test valve. If water dose not run out, repeat the procedure. When sufficient water has been added so that water drains from the test valve, allow it to drain until air begins to escape, and then close the valve securely. Also be sure that upper and lower priming valves are closed securely. Annual Tests Fire Extinguishers: Annually all fire extinguishers should be serviced by a fire extinguisher service contractor. Also, depending on the type of extinguisher, discharge and hydrostatic tests are required at specific intervals. The National Fire Protection Association Code 10 gives the recommended intervals for each type of extinguisher. The extinguisher contractor should be able to show you the test intervals for the extinguishers. All Sprinkler Systems: Lubricate all valve stems. Graphite or graphite in light oil should be applied to the valve stem. The valve should be fully closed and reopened to test its operation and distribute the lubricant on the valve stem. Clean strainers if provided. This will generally involve shutting off the water supply and removing the strainer to clean it. Some strainers are self-cleaning and simply require rotation of the operating wheel. Fire Pumps: Full water flow tests are performed annually to evaluate performance of the fire pumps. A maximum load is induced on the pump and driver to make sure the unit is ready and able to perform under an actual fire load condition. Pump capacity tests are performed by discharging water through an approved meter or through hoses attached to a hose header or through yard hydrants. Most installations have a test header. The test should be performed by a qualified fire pump service contractor or your Philadelphia Loss Control representative. It should be performed when a high volume of water can be discharged into the yard. A copy of the manufacturer s test curve and previous test results, including the field acceptance tests, should be available for comparison of results. Should the annual results not be within 10 % of previous test results an investigation should be made to determine the problem. Corrective action should be implemented as soon as possible. Equipment needed to perform this test may include: 50-foot length of 2 1 /2 lined hose with underwriter s playpipe nozzle. A length of hose and play pipe is needed for each test header outlet. Also, a method to secure the hose and pipe is needed. Pitot tube with gauge and test pressure gauges Previous test data, field acceptance data sheet and manufacturer pump curve

7 Page 7 of 14 RPM meter and amp meter Hose wrench and spanner During the pump performance test the all controller functions and alarms should be tested and verified and the strainer should be dismantled and cleaned. For additional maintenance needs consult the manufacturer s guidelines. Dry Pipe Valves: Trip test the dry pipe valve. Before the trip test, the main drain valve should be fully opened and the water supply flushed out until the water flows clean. If a hydrant is located on the system supply, it should be flushed before the main drain is flushed. This flushing will help to reduce the amount of debris getting into the dry pipe system. Each dry pipe valve, including quick opening devices if provided, should be trip tested. This test should be done in the spring after freezing weather, with the water supply control valve only partially open. Once the valve trips, the water control valve can be quickly closed so that the system is not filled with water. (Caution: some dry pipe valves will not operate properly without an adequate flow of water to fully lift the clapper valve.) The valve is tripped by opening the inspector s test valve which release air pressure within the system. After the test, open the 2-inch main drain valve to drain the system. Remove the valve cover and thoroughly clean the valve interior. Renew worn or damaged parts as required, reset the valve, and replace the cover. Add priming water and open the air supply to fill the system with air. When the air pressure has reached its proper level, open the 2-inch drain to reduce the chance of a water hammer tripping the system, and then slowly open the water supply valve. When the water supply valve is fully open, slowly close the 2-inch main drain. Every three years fully trip test the dry pipe valve with the water supply valve fully open. The test should be terminated when clean water flows from the inspector s test connection. A full trip test should also be conducted whenever the sprinkler system undergoes a major alteration or extension. Water should reach the inspector s test connection within 60 seconds. If greater than 60 seconds then an accelerator may need to be provided. In addition, at 10-year intervals (at five year intervals if a full flushing is ever required) a flushing investigation should be performed by a qualified sprinkler contractor in accordance with NFPA 13A. The insurance carriers local fire protection office should be notified in advance so they may have a representative present during the testing. Hydrants: Inspect dry barrel yard hydrants to be sure the barrel is drained. Inspect wall hydrants to be sure the pipe to the outside outlets is free of water. All hydrants should be flow tested every three years to make sure they are working properly and to keep the threads and working parts free of foreign material. Fire Hose: Hydrostatic test by a service contractor five and eight years after installation and every two years thereafter.

8 Page 8 of 14 INSPECTION FORMS SAMPLE 1 (Inspect these items at least weekly) SPRINKLERS Automatic Sprinklers Present Not Present Spare heads available? Obstructed by high piling? (18-36 inch clearance) Adequate heat to prevent freezing? (40 min. temp) Water pressure (from sprinkler riser) lbs. at yard level Comments: (note any broken windows, disconnected or missing heads, etc.) DRY PIPE VALVES Valve Room Temp/Air Pressure Temperature (42 F) Air Pressure Measured No. 1 F lbs No. 2 F lbs No. 3 F lbs No. 4 F lbs Comments: WATER SUPPLIES Fire Pump pressure (start automatically at pressure drop) Start Stop Jockey Pump pressure Start Stop Packings cool? Yes No Properly ventilated? Yes No Fire pump in automatic mode? Yes No Pump room properly heated? ( F) Yes No Pump running alarm activated? Yes No Fuel tank level (3/4 Minimum) Comments: Full? Heating system in use? Circulation good? Time to overflow tank? (minutes) Temperature at cold water return? (42 minimum) Comments: TANK/RESERVOIR Yes No

9 Page 9 of 14 INSPECTION FORMS SAMPLE 2 (Inspect these items at least monthly) MANUAL PROTECTION Fire Extinguishers/Hoses/Hydrants Yes No All extinguishers charged? Any extinguishers missing? All extinguishers accessible? Hoses in good condition? (Inside/Outside) Are hoses accessible? (Inside/Outside) No. 1 hydrant in good condition? No. 2 hydrant in good condition? No. 3 hydrant in good condition? No. 4 hydrant in good condition? No. 5 hydrant in good condition? Hydrants drained? Comments: (note any units missing, poor condition, etc.) HOUSEKEEPING Yes No General order and neatness good? Combustible waste removed on schedule? 3 ft clearance around electrical and/or combustible? Combustible dust, lint, or oil within allowable limits?? inches Comments: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS Yes No Defects noted? Safety cans used? Stored in flammable liquid cabinet? Excess supply in manufacturing area? Grounding straps, self closing faucets, safety bungs in use? Drainage provided? Vent fans on? Comments:

10 Page 10 of 14 Locations where violations are noted: SMOKING REGULATIONS Corrective actions taken against violations: Permits issued for all hot work applications? Listed precautions taken? Well arranged? Aisles Clear? Maintain flue spaces in racks? Clear of lamps, heaters? (minimum 36 inches) In good condition? Close properly? Obstructed? Blocked open? Comments: INSPECTION FORMS SAMPLE 2, pg. 2 (Inspect these items at least monthly) HOT WORK YES NO STORAGE YES NO DOORS AT CUT OFF WALLS YES NO SPRINKLER ALARMS INSPECTION FORMS SAMPLE 3, pg. 2 (COMPLETE THIS FORM QUARTERLY) Water flow alarm tested? Time for alarm? Yes No Tamper alarm tested? Time for alarm? Yes No Main 2inch drain test Static Residual Water gong working properly? Yes No Operation Satisfactory? Yes No Comments:

11 Page 11 of 14 FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTION FACILITY LOCATION DATE VALVE INSPECTIONS Visually inspect all locked valves monthly. All inside and outside valves controlling sprinklers or fire protection water supplies are listed below. Check the condition of the valve as found. Physically try gate valves including non-indicating and indicator post gate valves. Do not report a valve open unless you have personally tried it. Factory Mutual approved post indicator-valve assemblies, IBV s (Indicating Butterfly Valves) and standard outside screw and yoke valves do not have to be tried, but should be visually checked at close range. NO VALVE LOCATION AREA CONTROLLED OPEN SHUT LOCKED SEALED Were any valves closed since the last inspection? Yes No Is Impairment Program followed? Yes No Was the valve(s) reopened fully and a 2 inch drain test made before the valve(s) was relocked or resealed? Yes No COMMENTS:

12 Page 12 of 14 Fire Extinguisher Inventory Facility: Location: Date: Inspector: No. Location Fully Charged Check lock pin and seal Inspected w/i last year Problems Found: Date problems repaired:

13 Page 13 of 14 DRY PIPE VALVE TRIP RECORD Name: Location: Valve Location: Area Protected: Valve Manufacturer: Size: Year Manufactured: Model Number: *Low Air Pressure Switch Yes No Calibrated to actuate at psi Accelerator Yes No An individual record should be maintained for each valve. The records should be maintained on file for review by the visiting Royal representative. Date Normal Air Pressure Time for Valve to Trip Time for Water at Inspector's Test Normal Water Pressure Valve Tripped at (psi) Accelerator Tripped at (psi) Notes *Note #1: The low air pressure switch should be set to actuate about 5 psi higher than the trip point of the dry pipe valve without the accelerator in-service. Note #2: Dry pipe valves should be trip tested annually. Throttle test should normally be conducted with full flow test being made every third year. (Refer to NFPA 25 section for details)

14 Page 14 of 14 Snow Loading Precautions--Roof Collapse Potential Has the live load roof design been reduced due to: installation of new equipment on the roof: new roofing system such as stone ballast type; additional interior loads suspended from the roof? Has a new building addition been constructed which has a higher roof elevation than the existing adjacent roof level? Drifting can occur on the older roof areas which normally did not occur in the past. Are building support columns in good condition? Are signs of buckling or fatigue evident? Has the building structure been altered such as the removal or relocation of a structural member? If the answer to any of the above questions is "yes", a structural engineer should be consulted to determine if reinforcement should be provided. If reinforcing is impractical or conditions indicate the potential for roof collapse exist due to snow loading, the following precautions should be taken for effective manual snow removal: Yes No Pre-emergency planning should consider: a Acquiring snow blowers of sufficient size to handle the volume of snow a Provision of dependable means of transporting the blowers to the roof a Maintaining a stand-by crew when storm warnings exist a Determination of when snow removal should begin (i.e., 50% of live load design) a How to transport snow from the roof. Avoid relocating to another portion of the roof. Roof hatches or making a new opening should be considered. a Set snow blower blades to maximum height to avoid damage to the roof covering. Date Review Performed