Fire Prevention Division News Fire Alarm Systems We are always getting questions about what facility staff should or should not be expected to perform when inspecting fire alarm or sprinkler systems. Over the next few months, we will take each of these systems and identify what inspection schedule is required, which parts require the use of “qualified personnel” and what our inspectors will need for documentation when we arrive at your facility. This month, we will cover “Fire Alarm Systems.” What code does OSFM use? For non-healthcare facilities, OSFM will be referencing the 2007 edition of NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code, for all healthcare facilities who receive a federal (CMS) inspection; we will reference the 1999 edition of NFPA 72. What is required? Weekly Visual inspection of Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) for trouble signals – all staff should be trained to recognize alarm trouble signals are part of continual monitoring. Quarterly Visual inspection of all sprinkler devices connected to the Fire Alarm system; water-flow and tamper valve switches. Semi Annual Test of sprinkler waterflow switches (if not already completed by testing of sprinkler system). Test of sprinkler valve tamper switches (if not already completed by testing of sprinkler system). Visual inspection of lead-acidy batteries. Test of batteries (secondary power supply) Annual Test and visual inspection of Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP). Test FACP battery charger. Battery discharge test. Test and visual inspection of all horns, strobes, chimes, bells, etc. Test and visual inspection of all smoke, heat and duct detectors Test and visual inspection of all electromechanical releasing devices Test and visual inspection of all voice evacuating equipment February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2
Other Replace FACP panel batteries every 5 years per manufacturer recommendations Smoke detectors be replaced or scheduled for replacement after 10 years of service per OSFM recommendation. Sensitivity testing of smoke detectors (per manufacturer recommendations) – This is to be completed by a trained service technician. The annual testing documentation must meet the minimum requirements as outlined in NFPA 72. This is a 4-page form which is provided in the code. Use of any documentation which does not meet the minimum requirements as outlined in NFPA 72, shall not be accepted. 8.5.5 Record Keeping and Reporting. 8.5.5.1 A permanent record of the time, date and location of all signals and restorations received and the actions taken shall be maintained for at least 1 year and shall be provided to the authority having jurisdiction. 10.3 Inspection. 10.3.1* Visual inspections shall be performed in accordance with schedules in Table 10.3.1 or more often if required by the authority having jurisdiction. Exception: Devices or equipment that is inaccessible for safety considerations (e.g. continuous process operations, energized electrical equipment, radiation, and excessive height) shall be inspected during scheduled shutdowns if approved by the AHJ. Extended intervals shall not exceed 18-months. 10.3.2 The visual inspection shall be made to ensure that there are not changes that affect equipment performance. The OSFM has a Fire Fact which also outlines these requirements. This document is available on the OSFM website at http://www.ksfm.ks.gov/fire-facts/, look for Fire Fact #60 – Fire Alarm. The annual testing should only be completed by qualified individuals as defined by NFPA 72 in Chapter 10.2.2.5* If you have questions about what your staff is able to perform as part of the inspections for your system, please do not hesitate to contact the Prevention Division at (785) 2963401.
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