Hi,

Just a short one could anyone tell me how often a store sprinkler system should be tested/serviced/checked in their opinion or reality of their own business premises.

Thanks in advance

Alan

I can't refer to any legislation but can only say what my old company used to do on a wet system with storage tanks.

there used to be a weekly check to ensure engines where on standby by and pressure in the system was correct (although this was displayed on a computer as well. both electric and diesel generators would be run up every 2 weeks to ensure correct operation.

once a month water would be discharged at each fire valve around the site to ensure the bells at each valve wear operating every 6 months the diesel generator would be serviced. there may have been additional checks above this but these where the only ones i was aware off.

phil

Just to give a littel more background, could i canvass peoples opinion on the statement passed onto us below please!!!!!

"Please find below a more in depth section of the rules & regulations regarding flow switch testing for your records.

When a fire certificate is issued to a sprinkler protected premises, it stipulates that the system must be maintained & tested to the British Standard. Currently this is BS EN 12845:2003. These rules make the quarterly flow switch test mandatory.

Flow switches installed in a sprinkler system are required to be tested on a quarterly basis, and for that test to be valid, sufficient water must pass the flow switch to activate it, (equal to one sprinkler head in operation).

Prior to a conventional routine test the pressure on both sides of the flow switch is equal, maintaining an equilibrium with no water flowing.
During a routine test, water is discharged from the downstream end of the pipe, causing a drop in the pressure. This pressure difference across the flow switch generates a water flow causing the flow switch to operate.

To comply with the legal obligations of the Workplace Fire Regulations Act 1999 (amended) the quarterly flow switch testing must be completed & recorded as a successful test.

Spud, I think you realise this is old info. Suggest you go back to whoever issued this and request clarification.

So apart from the statement being incorrect regarding the legislation, I am still seeing some info talking about quarterly sprinkler testing, so is that correct?

Fire Regulations Act 1999 (amended)? I thought I knew them all but never heard of that one.

I would ask your insurers as it is usually them that calls the tune?

Thanks again for input everyone, I am guessing its the usual case of applying the servicing frequency to the hazard on site which is why its so ambiguous. Most high street stores i have spoken to seem to say six monthly, the government produced fire risk assessment guidance booklet states the same six months but the actual Standards state the below for quarterly testing and from my reading who else could do this quarterly test but the competent person?

20.3.2 Quarterly routine

20.3.2.1 General
The following checks and inspections shall be made at intervals of no more than 13 weeks.

20.3.2.2 Review of hazard
The effect of any changes of structure, occupancy, storage configuration, heating, lighting or equipment etc. of a building on hazard classification or installation design shall be identified in order that the appropriate modifications may be carried out.

20.3.2.3 Sprinklers, multiple controls and sprayers
Sprinklers, multiple controls and sprayers affected by deposits (other than paint) shall be carefully cleaned. Painted or distorted sprinkler heads, multiple controls or sprayers shall be replaced. Any petroleum jelly coatings shall be checked. Where necessary the existing coatings shall be removed and the sprinklers, multiple controls or sprayers shall be coated twice with petroleum jelly (in the case of
glass bulb sprinklers to the sprinkler body and yoke only).
Particular attention shall be paid to sprinklers in spray booths, where more frequent cleaning and/or protective measures may be necessary.

20.3.2.4 Pipework and pipe supports
Pipework and hangers shall be checked for corrosion and painted as necessary.
Bitumen-based paint on pipework, including the threaded ends of galvanized pipework and hangers, shall be renewed as necessary.
NOTE Bitumen-based paint may need renewal at intervals varying from 1 to 5 years according to the severity of the conditions

Tape wrapping on pipes shall be repaired as necessary.
The pipework shall be checked for electrical earthing connections. Sprinkler pipework shall not be used for earthing electrical equipment and any earthing connections from electrical equipment shall be removed and alternative arrangements made.

20.3.2.5 Water supplies and their alarms
Each water supply shall be tested with each control valve set in the system. The pump(s), if fitted, in the supply shall start automatically and the supply pressure at the appropriate flow rate shall be no less than the appropriate value in accordance with clause 10, recognizing any changes required by 20.3.2.2.

20.3.2.6 Electrical supplies
Any secondary electrical supplies from diesel generators shall be checked for satisfactory operation.

20.3.2.7 Stop valves
All stop valves controlling the flow of water to sprinklers shall be operated to ensure that they are in working order, and securely refastened in the correct mode. This shall include the stop valves on all water supplies, at the alarm valve(s) and all zone or other subsidiary stop valves.

20.3.2.8 Flow switches
Flow switches shall be checked for correct function.

20.3.2.9 Replacement
The number and condition of replacement parts held as spare shall be checked.

"once a month water would be discharged at each fire valve around the site to ensure the bells at each valve wear operating"

Sorry i meant flow switch. all we used to do was open the drain valve until the bell operated and registered on the computer display it normally only need to be opened for a few seconds 30 seconds at most.

maybe look at contacting who installed the sprinklers originally or who currently maintains them for their advice as they should know the current best practise.

But agree with earlier comment fire certificates are no longer in use.


Phil