FPS4 APPENDIX A (INTERIM) SPECIFICATION FOR THE INSPECTION AND TESTING OF AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS To be used in conjunction with the Fire Protection Association Australia FPS4-2000: Agreement for the Inspection and Testing of Fire Protection Systems. All sprinkler systems shall be inspected and tested at the periodic intervals as required by AS1851.3: Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment (Part 3: Automatic fire sprinkler systems) and as specified in the following Clauses. Inspections and tests shall be recorded in a manner specified in the relevant Australian Standard and kept at the control valve for this purpose. Details of all service calls required or undertaken shall be recorded in this log book. Tests shall be conducted in a manner acceptable to and conforming with the equipment and practices of the local fire brigade. SECTION A SCOPE OF WORK For the purpose of this specification Inspection and Testing routines shall be carried out as defined. Level 1 Routine Weekly Level 2 Routine Quarterly Level 3 Routine Annually Level 4 Routine Three Yearly Level 5 Routine Six Yearly The Contractor shall carry out all Routines during normal working hours. If work is required outside normal working hours this will be subject to a separate quotation and authority by the Client. LEVEL 1 ROUTINE - WEEKLY 1.1 All Wet Pipe Systems (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) Check that control valve/pump areas are unobstructed and are not used for storage. Notify fire brigade of intention to simulate a fire call where applicable. Record reading on all pressure gauges in log book. Operate alarm valve by opening the 15mm test valve or by other approved means. Check for correct operation of external and/or local alarms and direct brigade alarms and record results and activation times in log book. Close 15mm or other test valve and ensure that the alarm valve has reseated. Check that the simulated fire call has been transmitted to the fire brigade, indicated on the test apparatus and record result in log book. Restore installation pressure where necessary. Again record in log book reading on all pressure gauges. Check for correct operation of any facilities installed for the continuous monitoring of stop valves. Reset and secure all valves in the open or closed position as appropriate. Particular attention shall be given to the Main Stop Valve(s) and alarm cocks.
FPS4: Appendix A (Int.) Page 2 (l) (m) Check that stop valves on town main connections, pressure tank deliveries, pump suctions and deliveries are secured in the fully open position (with the exception of underground and elevated valves - refer Level 2 routine - item2.1. Check that spare sprinklers and sprinkler spanner(s) are on hand. 1.2 Additional Requirements where Remote Initiation Facilities are Installed Check the initiation facilities to operate remote control functions in accordance with the appropriate codes. It is recommended that where air-handling plant shutdown facilities are provided, these should be operated as required by the relevant Australian Standard. The client, however, shall be notified prior to shutdown and it shall be the responsibility of the client to provide qualified personnel to be in attendance to restart the plant. (Refer Section B - Client s Responsibilities Clause 7) 1.3 Additional Requirements Where Pump Suction or Pressure Tanks are Installed. 1.3.1 Pump Suction Tanks. Check that pump suction tank is full. Check for correct operation of automatic inflow valve(s) and water level indicator device(s). Visually check for obvious obstruction at the drain point from the tank overflow. Check that spare engine components are on hand. 1.3.2 Pressure Tanks Check for correct water level. Check for correct air pressure. Check air pressure and/or water level warning device(s) for correct operation. Check air compressor and water pump for correct operation. 1.4 Additional Requirements where Automatic Pumps are Installed. 1.4.1 Batteries and Equipment Check for correct operation of any facilities installed for the continuous monitoring of valves. Where installed, check the batteries and battery chargers for the following: (i) Freedom from corrosion in battery cabinet or compartment and security of battery in its position. (ii) Electrolyte level. Top up if necessary, neutralise and clean up any spilt electrolyte. (iii) Serviceability. (iv) Ventilation openings are clear. (v) Battery connections for tightness and cleanliness. (vi) Battery voltage. (vii) Check and record the corrected electrolyte density of each cell. 1.4.2 Pumpsets Start each pump set by reducing the applied water pressure to starting device(s). Where more than one starting device is installed for each pump set, this test may be carried out on a weekly rotating basis for each pump, but in no case shall the period between the exercising of each starting device exceed one month. A period of not less than 5 minutes shall elapse between successive starts on compression ignition driven pump. Compression ignition driven pump sets shall be run for a least 10 minutes and electric motor driven pump sets for at least 3 minutes continuously. /cont. FPS4 APPENDIX A FOR USE BY
FPS4: Appendix A (Int.) Page 3 1.4.3 Electric Motor Driven Pump Pump starts at the nominated starting pressure. Pump gland and drain operate efficiently. Excessive vibration or noise is not evident. Both local and remote pump running alarms operate. (e) Phase failure alarm is operating correctly. (f) Water in priming tank is at correct level. 1.4.3 Compression Ignition Driven Pump Sets Check water, oil and fuel level prior to running, then check that: Pump starts at nominated starting pressure. Pump gland and drain operate efficiently. Both local and remote pump running alarms operate. Out of balance condition is not evident. (e) Running speed, oil pressure and temperature are correct. (f) Water, oil and fuel leaks are not evident and fittings on ancillary equipment are secure. (g) Engine stop mechanism automatically returns to the start position. (h) Battery charging alternator-generator is operating correctly. (i) Belt drives are in good conditions and correctly tensioned. (j) Battery charger power failure alarm operates correctly. (k) Water, oil and fuel levels are fully topped up. (l) Water in priming tank is at correct level. LEVEL 2 ROUTINE - QUARTERLY Level 2 routine consists of Level 1 routine together with the following: 2.1 All Wet Pipe Systems (e) Check correct operation of indicator panel. Test water flow alarm switches by the operation of a 10mm or 15mm test valve to simulate a sprinkler operation. NOTE: These may be tested on a weekly rotating basis, however, each switch must be tested quarterly. Operate and check to ensure that all street isolating valves on the town main connection, ring and loop mains and elevated tanks are fully open. Check to ensure that all water non-return valves are correctly seated. Clean the strainer and oil the external alarm water motor and gong. 2.2 Where Spray Booths are Internally Protected by Sprinklers. Check condition of sprinklers in spray booths to see that accumulated spraying residues have been removed and that protective coating such as petroleum jelly are in a satisfactory condition (refer Section B - Client s Responsibilities Clause 2). 2.3 Additional Requirements where Automatic Pumps are Installed. Electric Powered Pump. Where alternative power supplies are provided, the pump shall be run off the alternative supply. The pump shall be run for not less than three minutes. NOTE: The pump should be run under load where practicable. Compression-Ignition Engine Driven Pump. The engine shall be run at rated speed for a period of not less than 30 minutes and the operating temperature, oil pressure, tachometer reading and FPS4 APPENDIX A (Int.) FOR USE BY
FPS4: Appendix A (Int.) Page 4 water temperature shall be recorded just prior to completion of the run. NOTE: This test should be carried out at not less than 60 percent of operating load where practicable. After stopping, restart the engine using the manual control to check for correct operation of the manual start system. LEVEL 3 ROUTINE - ANNUALLY Level 3 Routine consists of Levels 1 and 2 routines together with the following: 3.1 All Wet Pipe Systems (e) (f) (g) Carry out water supply periodic check test in accordance with the Rules under which the installation is installed to verify that the system pressure/flow requirements are satisfied. Check wiring connection to all direct brigade alarm units and that fire line is adequately supported and in good condition. Physically check all pressure switches to ensure that components are free of corrosion, securely mounted and in working order. Operate all pressure reducing valves to the full extent of piston movement and check for correct operation under flow conditions. Check readings in the low pressure side of the valves for deterioration from the original test readings. Check that block plan, location plate, and emergency instructions are legible and that all required information is incorporated. Check legibility of fire brigade booster connection markings. Check electric signal is generated at output of auxiliary start, shutdown and alarm switches. 3.2 Additional Requirements where Automatic Pumps are Installed. Service electric motor driven pump sets in the following sequence: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Check circuit breaker and/or fuses protecting pump motor circuits to ensure that this equipment is of the correct type and rating as originally installed. With electrical equipment isolated from all power supplies, the motor starter shall be cleaned and the condition of all heavy-current-carrying contacts checked (any item showing signs of wear or corrosion should be immediately repaired or replaced). Check electric pump starter operation to ensure that the starting sequence is completed and the pump fully operational within 30 seconds. Check for correct rotation of pumps. After items (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above have been completed run the electric pump for a minimum period of 30 minutes under load conditions and check the load current per phase for variation from original test readings. Check that phase failure alarm is operating correctly. Service compression-ignition engine driven pump sets in the following sequence: (i) Check, clean and replace if required, engine fuel sludge and sediment trap and fuel, oil and air filters. (ii) Change engine oil. (iii) After items (i) and (ii) have been completed, run the pump for a minimum period of 30 minutes under load conditions and check as per Level 1 routine - 1.4.3. (iv) Check that - * the installed heating for maintaining engine room temperature above 10 o C is operating correctly; and * the ventilation for engine aspiration and for limiting room temperature rise to less than 10 o C above ambient temperature is satisfactory. FPS4 APPENDIX A FOR USE BY
FPS4: Appendix A (Int.) Page 5 3.3 Additional Items as Applicable. Examine all water storage tanks and report on their condition. NOTE: Draining is not normally required for this inspection. Inspect all anti-freeze installations and devices including tail-end valve sets and check antifreeze solution levels, where applicable. 3.4 Sprinklers Under Cooking Hoods Sprinklers installed under cooking hoods should be replaced annually. This work will be subject to a separate quotation and authority by the client. LEVEL 4 ROUTINE - THREE YEARLY Level 4 routine consists of Levels 1, 2 and 3 routines together with the following: 4.1 All Wet Pipe Systems (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) Renew alarm valve seatings and/or port seating, check and clean annular groove and outlet ports, polish and lubricate seating spindle/shaft and check operation of compensator valve if fitted. Renew alarm valve face plate gasket. Renew drain and test valve washers and examine seatings. Remove alarm and plug cock barrels, clean, lap-in grease and replace. Replace pump path cock washers and inspect seatings. Renew gland packing for path cocks, drain and test cocks, main stop valve and hand pump. Clean out well of D.B.A. clean water jet, renew gasket, flush drain pipe, remove gear train, check operation of main spindle, remove excess grease and lubricate where applicable. Clean strainer and orifice points on local and brigade alarms, clear water jet, flush drain, renew gasket, check operation of main spindle and striker, remove excess grease and lubricate where applicable. Renew water supply check valve seatings and gaskets, check seating and spindle. Remove and clean strainer and check operation of retard chamber, drain pipe and orifice points. Check recording gauges against a known tested gauge. Overhaul in accordance with the supplier s specifications all pressure reducing valves, deluge valves, tail-end dry pipe valves and any other special valves that may be installed. 4.2 Additional Requirement where Automatic Pumps are Installed. Replace booster pump gland packing to manufacturer s requirements and clean gland drain. Check pump coupling alignment and coupling. Compression ignition engine driven pumps: (REFER SECTION B: CLIENT S RESPONSIBILITIES CLAUSE 4 & 5) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Service pump motor in accordance with manufacturer s specifications. Flush cooling system to motor. Replace oil, fuel and air filters. Replace lead acid control and starter batteries. Clean valves, repaint if necessary and remove unnecessary equipment/rubbish from valve room. FPS4 APPENDIX A (Int.) FOR USE BY
FPS4: Appendix A (Int.) Page 6 4.3 Additional Requirements where Water Supply Tanks are Installed. Inspect, internally and externally, for freedom from corrosion and internal accumulation of foreign matter including strainers and foot valves where fitted. NOTE: While this has normally required draining of the tank, it is recognised that there may be other means of complying with this requirement. For pump priming tanks inspect internally and externally for freedom from corrosion and internal accumulation of foreign matter. NOTE: Client is responsible for ascertaining structural integrity of water supply and priming tanks. 4.4 Fire Brigade Booster Coupling Check Operation of Fire Brigade booster coupling. 4.5 Anti-freeze Systems Drain tail-end anti-freeze systems including individual sprinkler heads on droppers and refill with new solution. 4.6 Recommissioning Recommission system ensuring that all valves are in the operational position and that the system is operational. 4.7 Maintenance Log Record three-yearly overhaul and maintenance in log book. LEVEL 5 ROUTINE 6 Yearly Level 5 Routine consists of levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 routines in addition to: For sprinkler heads 24 years or older remove a representative sample of not less than 10 sprinkler heads from each control valve installation and replace with new sprinkler head. Inspect, pressure test and test for operating characteristics of the sample sprinkler heads and submit report to client. For high temperature sprinkler heads 24 years or older with a nominal temperature rating exceeding 182 o C all sprinkler heads should be replaced SECTION B CLIENT S RESPONSIBILITIES It is required that the client assume the following responsibility and involvement to enable compliance with AS1851.3: Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment (Part 3: Automatic fire sprinkler systems). 1 Drainage The client is to ensure that all floor, waste and test drains and the like are kept clear of obstructions and are of adequate capacity to discharge water under all conditions (refer Items 1.1 - Level 1 routine; 2.1 and 2.3 - Level 2 routine; 3.1(iv) and (iii) - Level 3 routine; 4.2(ii), 4.3 and, 4.4 and 4.5 - Level 4 routine. /cont. FPS4 APPENDIX A FOR USE BY
FPS4: Appendix A (Int.) Page 7 2 Spray Booths The client is to frequently clean all sprinkler heads installed in spray booths and connected exhaust ducts - ensuring that all accumulated spraying residues are removed and that all protective coatings such as petroleum jellies are in satisfactory condition (refer Item 2.2 - Level 2 routine). NOTE: The frequency of cleaning and re-coating of the sprinklers is dependent upon the amount of spraying and should be carried out on a once or twice weekly basis (but not less than quarterly) - during cleaning of the booth, exhaust ducting and motors (as may be required under spray-painting regulations). 3 Deep Fat Fryers / Exhaust Ducting Client to clean all sprinkler heads, in and over deep fat fryers / exhaust ducting. Sprinklers should be cleaned at the same time intervals as duct cleaning. (Refer Item 3.4) 4 Pumps Compression engines shall be overhauled in accordance with the manufacturer s requirements and any items showing signs of wear or corrosion should be immediately repaired or replaced. This overhaul and any subsequent repairs or replacements shall be subject to a separate quotation by the contractor and authority by the client. (refer Item 4.2 - Level 4 Routine). 5 Batteries The contractor will replace lead acid control and starter batteries during the Level 4 Routine (ie. three yearly) where necessary. If a battery requires replacement prior to or after the Level 4 Routine becomes due, this shall be subject to a separate quotation by the contractor and authority by the client (refer Item 4.2 - Level 4 Routine). 6 Pump, Valve and Tank Rooms The client is to maintain all pumps, valve and tank rooms in a clean condition and clear of obstruction (refer Item 4.2 - Level 4 Routine). 7 Remote Control Functions Where initiation facilities to operate control functions (such as smoke exhausts, stair pressurisation fans, air conditioning shut-down, automatic door closers, etc.) are installed - it shall be the client s responsibility to co-ordinate these tests and provide qualified personnel to be in attendance to reset such services (refer Item 1.2 Level 1 Routine). 8 Inspections The client is to arrange an examination of the exposed water distribution system including pipework, pipe supports, sprinklers, valves and heat collectors. Where corrosion, rusting, lack of supports or other damage is indicated, a more extensive examination of the distribution system shall be carried out, viz check within ceiling and floor spaces and ducts. Clean and rectify defects as required. Fit new sprinklers in place of sprinklers corroded or contaminated by paint. The costs of this examination and subsequent repairs or replacements shall be subject to a separate quotation by the contractor and authority by the client. /cont. FPS4 APPENDIX A (Int.) FOR USE BY
FPS4: Appendix A (Int.) Page 8 9 Alterations Whenever alterations, change of occupancy/storage/processes or rearrangement of premises is contemplated, the Client shall seek the advice of the Contractor as to the effect such alteration(s) may have on the sprinkler installation(s). 10 Special Quarterly Testing. At remote locations where it is not practicable for the Contractor to provide a weekly test, the Contractor shall not be obligated to do so. In such instances the Level 1 routine should be carried out by a nominated Representative of the Client after receiving instructions from the Contractor. Not withstanding this arrangement, the Contractor shall at quarterly intervals carry out full combined Levels 1 and 2 routines. Such testing to be known as Special Quarterly Testing and the Agreement shall be endorsed accordingly. 11 Notification The Fire Alarm Monitoring Station and Insurers shall be notified when any portion of the system is isolated for maintenance and likewise when this portion is reconnected. Where required by a relevant authority a copy of the Inspection and Testing Agreement contract form shall be filed with that Authority. The Authority shall be notified in the event that the contract is cancelled or lapses. Certification of compliance to maintenance standards when required by various authorities to be arranged by client. This Contract Document Is Copyright 2000 Fire Protection Association Australia ABN 30 005 366 576 www.fpaa.com.au For questions concerning the application and use of this document please consult your legal advisor. All questions on reproduction of the document should be addressed to the association s national office at PO Box 1049, Box Hill, Vic, 3128 FPS4 APPENDIX A FOR USE BY