Fire Prevention Coffee Break Training February 2015
Agenda Hood Permit Policy Amendment- Fire Marshal Lund FAQ s and Alternative Design FPE Phelan Coordination Issues During Final Testing Questions and Answers Open Forum
Previous Kitchen Hood Policy Section 7.3.1.1 of the 2009 edition of NFPA 17A reads as follows: The service technician shall possess a certification document confirming the requirements in 7.3.1 and issued by the manufacturer or testing organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. This section clearly states that individuals shall be certified by the manufacturer for the system they are working on (e.g. Ansul R-102 system work shall require an Ansul certification for the R-102 system). Therefore, it is the opinion of the Fire Marshal that any service professional shall produce a copy of his/her State Fire Marshal preengineered fire extinguishing installer/maintenance license, as well as, any manufacturer certifications (for specific types of systems) as proof of being qualified to perform maintenance and service work.
Kitchen Hood Policy Amendment This section does not clearly specify what written test is acceptable. Therefore, it is the opinion of the Fire Marshal that any service professional shall produce a copy of his/her State Fire Marshal pre-engineered fire extinguishing installer/maintenance license, as well as, any manufacturer certifications in addition to passing the DMFD hood suppression written test as proof of being qualified to perform maintenance and service work.
One issue the fire prevention bureau has been encountering frequently from contractors is: When can we tag a system with a problem? When should we not tag the system? When should we notify the bureau? This newsletter will attempt to clarify the fire prevention bureau s expectations.
Definitions The following are definitions from NFPA 25. Deficiency. For the purposes of inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, a condition in which a system or portion thereof is damaged, inoper-able, or in need of service, but does not rise to the level of an impairment. Critical Deficiency. A deficiency that, if not corrected, can have an effect on the performance of the fire protection system.
Definitions Noncritical Deficiency. A deficiency that does not have an effect on the performance of the fire protection system, but correction is needed for the proper inspection, testing, and maintenance of the system(s). Impairment. A condition where a fire protection system or unit or portion thereof is out of order, and the condition can result in the fire protection system or unit not functioning in a fire event.
Definitions Emergency Impairment. A condition where a water-based fire protection system or portion thereof is out of order due to an unexpected occurrence, such as a ruptured pipe, an oper-ated sprinkler, or an interruption of the water supply to the system. Preplanned Impairment. A condition where a water-based fire protection system or a portion thereof is out of service due to work that has been planned in advance, such as revi-sions to the water supply or sprinkler system piping.
NFPA 72 Testing Requirements The goal of the inspection, testing, and maintenance require-ments is to provide for an acceptable level of reliability for life safety by verifying that a fire alarm system is design, in-stalled, inspected, and serviced in compliance with codes and standards, so it will perform as required. All existing systems are required by NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) to have regular inspections that verify performance.
NFPA 72 Testing Requirements There is no "grandfather" clause or automatic exclusion that exempts an existing system, required by code or not, to fore-go code compliance as a minimum standard for life safety. To ensure operational integrity, the system shall have an inspection, testing, and maintenance program (NFPA 72, 14.2.2.1). The program shall satisfy the requirements of NFPA 72 and conform to the equipment manufacturers published instructions and shall verify correct operation of the system (NPFA 72, 14.2.2.1.1).
NFPA 72 Testing Requirements Fire alarm impairments such as systems defects and mal-functions shall be corrected (NFPA 72, 14.2.2.2.2). If a defect or malfunction is not corrected at the conclusion of system inspection, testing, or maintenance, the system owner and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) shall be informed of the impairment in writing within 24 hours.
NFPA 72 Testing Requirements The building owner or occupier of tenant space or building is legally responsible for maintaining a safe building for business invitees, and licenses. As such, the owner is responsible for maintaining the fire alarm system by contracting with any State Licensed and City of Des Moines Permitted Fire Alarm Company for the services of an inspection, testing, and maintenance agreement.
Impaired or Not in Compliance Systems Systems that are not functional or do not pass their required tests shall NOT be tagged. These deficiencies are a serious life safety issue and liability. If there are any impairments to the system that constitute emergency impairments as defined in applicable NFPA Standards, then a completed 'Red' /system out of service tag shall be attached to the fire protection system(s) in all required locations (as per NFPA standards).
Impaired or Not in Compliance Systems Major deficiencies that may constitute a "Red" tag if the primary function is impaired or the operation of equipment is in question due to lack of testing or inspection. Examples of major deficiency would include, but not limited to: 1. Audible or visual devices are not operational 2. The fire pump does not start 3. The sprinkler system is not functioning properly 4. Battery pack not functioning 5. Over 5% of the initiating devices not functional 6. System not tested in accordance with Fire Code and 6 months overdue 7. Fire system activated (hood system, clean agent, etc.)
Impaired or Not in Compliance Systems Systems found not to be in compliance or with minor deficiencies shall not be tagged. Systems found to be impaired should be tagged out of service, this tag must be completed at time of inspection in detail and placed in the plastic sleeve (recommended) attached to the front of Fire Alarm Control Panel door in front of any other tag. All tags shall indi-cate the technicians name and permit/license number, date and if applicable, the nature of the impairment or what corrective action is necessary, and shall remain attached until all conditions are corrected. DMFD appliance tags should be punched, with correct month and year, to indicate the date the servicing company placed the red tag on the system.
Impaired or Not in Compliance Systems Any inspection, testing, or maintenance that discovers a deficiency that is not corrected immediately shall be submitted (postmarked or hand delivered) to the DMFD Fire Prevention Bureau within 10 business days from the date of inspection. Any inspection, testing or maintenance that does not produce a deficiency or is corrected immediately does not need to be and shall not be forwarded to the DMFD Fire Prevention Bureau.
Inspection/Service Appliance Tags This tag is for Fire Department Inspection use for verifying qualified and licensed contractors are properly inspecting and testing the fire protection system according to the appropriate standard. This tag must be completed during inspection in detail and placed in the plastic sleeve (recommended) attached to the front of fire protection system in front of any other tag.
Inspection/Service Appliance Tags This tag must be completed at each inspection period and placed in the plastic sleeve (recommended) attached to the front of Fire Alarm Control Panel door, device, or riser. The tag should be kept current and marked by the Inspection Technician at each time of the NFPA required inspection schedule. The tag should be punched, with correct month and year, to indicate whether the system is current on its inspection, and has been tested in accordance with the appropriate NFPA standard. The inspected or serviced space shall be marked based on the test results of passing or failing. The appropriate NFPA Inspection form shall also be filled out and given to owner.
Notification of systems out of service The Fire Prevention Bureau shall be immediately notified by phone and/or email whenever a required fire protection or life-safety system is placed out of service for emergency or non-scheduled repairs, replacement, or service extending over 4 hours. NFPA 72 requires that if something is out of service over 8 hours that the Fire Department is notified immediately. The Fire Prevention Bureau shall again be notified when the system is restored to normal operational status.
Notification of systems out of service The Fire Prevention Bureau shall be notified, by e-mail, not less than 7 business days prior to any lengthy routine or scheduled repairs, or replacement time period. Certification and documentation of repairs and operational readiness of the system shall be provided to the fire code official upon request. No fire protection or life-safety equipment or system required by the Life Safety Code or IBC shall be placed permanently out of service unless prior written approval is obtained from the Fire Marshal.
Notification of systems out of service The Fire Prevention Bureau can be notified by email at: firedept@dmgov.org For additional information on impairments please consult with the 2012 International Fire Code or referenced editions of the NFPA 25 and NFPA 72.
Common Issues with Final Testing NFPA 72 record of completion. Not completed or submitted. (48 hours prior to testing) Inaccurately completed. Devices not installed Devices inoperable No coordination or notification of all necessary parties. Fire Alarm contractor necessary for... Hoods connected required to be connected to the FA. Sprinkler monitoring.
Common Issues with Final Testing Not properly prepared to complete the required testing Any pre-engineered system is required to demonstrate that the pipes are clear of obstruction and hold pressure. This includes hoods and paint booths. Entire system not completed. Intelligibility test locations and pre-test must be completed and submitted.
Common Issues with Final Testing No Knox Box (When final CO is being sought.) FA panel not on battery for 24 hours previous, or at all Not all components of the alarm system on battery, e.g. dialer or modem
Questions and Discussion What are your FAQ s? What else do we need to talk (more) about?