This section will provide guidelines to assure that residential sprinkler systems which were properly designed, installed and inspected continue to function as intended by the applicable standards.
The local authority's responsibility does not end with the final inspection and the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The fact is that a long-term commitment must be made to assure proper maintenance of the installed systems if those systems are expected to function as designed.
Required by Model Codes or by Local Ordinances?
The maintenance requirements for residential sprinkler systems must be identified for each community. The requirements should identify what is to be done, when it should be done, who is authorized to do it and how the local authority can be assured that it has been done properly. In the event that the maintenance requirements have not been established for a community, action to establish the maintenance requirement must be taken.
Initially, the local authority should research the state/local building and fire codes to determine if they contain maintenance requirements. A meeting with the city or county attorney or legal staff will be needed to determine enforcement powers and penalties for violations. The state fire marshal's office can be a good resource in researching these issues. Make sure review any applicable state laws or regulations with your city or county attorney for interpretation.
The next step is to check for any local ordinances that mandate inspections of installed fire protection systems. If none are available for application then these must be developed.
The development of a local ordinance requiring periodic inspection of fire sprinkler installations will require the cooperation and coordination with the local legal advisor, building official and fire official. The absence of such cooperation will make implementation difficult.
The language for the local ordinance should be very clear, concise and non-technical. There are several different approaches to establish a good ordinance. You should work with your legal representative to determine which approach is best suited for your situation. Operation Life Safety has ordinances on file that can be used as references.
Every effort should be made prevent conflict with existing federal and state laws and other local ordinances. Any conflict created by the proposed requirements will provide an excellent argument for the opponents. This will, at a minimum, make adoption more difficult.
The authority to enforce is a vital component of the ordinance. This assignment of authority should be in compliance with local charters and should not overlap or conflict with existing vestments of authority.
Most authorities who have been successful at developing local fire sprinkler ordinances of this type have addressed the following items or conditions:
1. Re-inspection of single family homes cannot be required by laws and ordinances.
2. Re-inspection may be accomplished by tax incentives or insurance credits.
3. Re-inspection may well be a voluntary program established through an education program for home owners.
4. Development of local ordinance in compliance with state and local codes, if such exist.
5. Development of the proper educational materials.
6. Development of a procedure for inspections to include properly designed forms, a record system and an inspection schedule.
7. Development of a trained inspection staff.
Assign Responsibility and Schedules for Testing and Maintenance
Local authorities must establish a control system to assure proper scheduling for testing and maintenance. The system should include a schedule, past inspections and problems, company performing the inspections, follow-up by local authority, and an on-site record of the inspection. Part of the inspection should check to assure that the design package for the system and previous inspection approvals are on-site.
Performance of Periodic Tests and Maintenance
The first phase is a visual inspection. If the system fails to pass, it may or may have to be taken out of service.
If the system does not have to be taken out of service, it should be fixed and the local authority should be notified. The problem and the fix should be a part of the inspection report. Following the system fix the visual inspection should be repeated before the flow and alarm tests.
If the system does have to be taken out of service, the local authority must first be notified. After the system is fixed the local authority should again be notified of the fix and the restoration. This information should appear on the inspection report. Again, following the system fix the visual inspection should be repeated before the flow and alarm tests.
The procedure to be followed for the flow and alarm phase, if the system fails for being out of service or other reasons, is similar to the visual phase. When the system passes both visual, flow, alarm and other requirements, local authority will approve a certificate of inspection that was prepared by the company providing the maintenance and inspection service.