Are you 100% sure that your fire detection and suppression system is ready to function as intended? Ask this question to yourself and your colleagues. All the offices are now opening up after 2 years of working from home due to covid-19 and it is very crucial that a thorough inspection and maintenance happens. This is the best method to guarantee the working of all electronics and provide continued safety and security for your employees and assets.

Periodic inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems like Sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire alarms are very crucial, and they should be done by authorized personnel only and as per the specified guidelines. When these fire safety equipment are designed, installed and maintained as per guidelines and standards (IS or NFPA codes), the probability of a fire accident is lowered to an insignificant level. Statistics show that property damage is reduced to two-thirds when sprinklers are present and working properly.

Risk of fire fighting system failure and ineffectiveness 

The danger due to the ineffectiveness or faulty Fire system can be humongous. Faulty systems create nuisance alarms and as a result, the systems get switched OFF.

Around 1 in 14 sprinkler failures happen due to damaged components, and around 1 in 10 sprinkler failures are due to a lack of maintenance. Total property damage in all fires where automatic extinguishing systems (AES) were not present was nearly 11 times larger than where AES were in place and operated properly.

Also, if the inspection and maintenance of the fire alarm systems are not done correctly, it can lead to false alarms or no alarms in case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers wind up inoperative, and a few of them can even become dangerous explosives.

Maintenance of Fire Detection & Suppression System

The chances of having the faulty or ineffective operation of an automatic fire protection system can be reduced if a sound inspection and maintenance program is developed and implemented in accordance with the standard for the maintenance of fire protection systems. 

For Fire Sprinkler System:

According to IS 15105, 

• Sprinkler systems require competent and effective care and maintenance to assure that they will perform their purpose effectively at the time of the fire. Systems shall be serviced and tested periodically by personnel trained in this work. An inspection contract with a qualified agency for service, test, and operation at regular intervals is recommended. 
• At weekly, or other frequent, regular scheduled plant inspections, equipment shall be checked visually for obvious defects such as broken or missing parts, external loading or other evidence of impaired protection.
• At least once a week, the system shall be visually checked, and the reading of various pressure gauges of each Installation valve shall be recorded. 

For Fire Alarm System:

According to IS 2189,

• Repair service, including periodic inspections and tests, is required to keep the fire alarm system and its component parts in an operative condition at all times and the replacement of the system or its components when they become undependable or inoperable for any reason.
• Detectors require periodic cleaning to remove dust or dirt. The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of detector and local ambient conditions. The interval should not exceed 3 months. The cleaning, checking, operating, and sensitivity adjustment for each detector should be attempted only after consulting the manufacturer’s instructions.

For Fire Extinguishers:

According to IS 2190,

• The owner or designated agent or occupant of a property where fire extinguishers are located shall be responsible for such inspection, maintenance, and recharging.
• Maintenance, servicing, and recharging shall be performed by trained persons having available the appropriate servicing manual(s), the proper types of tools, recharge materials, lubricants, and manufacturer’s recommended replacement parts or parts specifically listed for use in the fire extinguisher.
• A well-planned and approved maintenance schedule is essential to ensure that extinguishers,

1. will operate properly between the time intervals stipulated in the maintenance programme for periodical inspection/ maintenance; and
2. will not constitute a potential hazard to persons in its vicinity or to those who operate or recharge the extinguishers.

A fire prevention system that is damaged or poorly maintained can have the same impact as not having one at all, increasing the danger of a major, uncontrolled fire. Your equipment and systems will perform as planned when they are required the most, during a fire emergency, if you have a sound and resilient fire prevention system. If you want the installation or maintenance of fire fighting systems at your property, we at Ezone are experienced in providing cutting-edge fire safety solutions. Call us at 9848398483 Or visit www.ezonesecurity.com to protect people and assets.