INTRODUCTION
Quick-response residential sprinklers have proven to be extremely effective in protecting lives and property. More cities are adopting residential sprinkler ordinances as a cost-effective way to manage their residential fire risk. As consumers become aware of residential sprinklers, more are asking for them when building new homes.
But if a quality control program is not in place, the ordinances and voluntary installations may not guarantee that the systems are reliable and effective. Jurisdictions need to ensure that the sprinkler systems are installed correctly, are operational and maintained so that they will be effective in the event of a fire. This pamphlet covers the elements of a quality control program that will ensure residential sprinkler reliability and effectiveness.
This document is divided into six sections:
Plan preparation.
Plan review.
Installation.
Inspection, testing and approval.
Maintenance.
Accountability/liability.
Taken together, these elements are essential for a local sprinkler program. Some of these functions may be combined, some may operate informally, but all successful programs address these six elements.
The material in each section will give general guidance and suggest alternatives that a local government might wish to adopt. But local factors will dictate what works best. By adapting the material to match their organizational structure, local governments can establish a strong program to manage the growth of residential programs in the community.