Requirements for Installing and Maintaining Fire Sprinklers

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Any business that has a fire sprinkler system on its property, should be aware of the requirements, both legal and practical.

Requirements for Installing and Maintaining Fire Sprinklers

Any business that has a fire sprinkler system on its property, or is considering one, should be aware of the requirements, both legal and practical, for installing, maintaining and testing the system. These requirements will according to several factors: state and local jurisdictions, the type of commercial enterprise and the size of the building.
For example, facilities that are 55 feet tall or higher must have a sprinkler system on the property. General guidelines do not always have the force of law, but these best practices apply in most circumstances:

• Water supply valves should be easily accessible
  
• Valves should include information on what areas they service
  
• Sprinkler heads should be unobstructed for at least 18 inches
  
• Water pressure should be calibrated for optimal performance
  
  

Fire Suppression System Maintenance
Local fire safety codes in Round Rock, TX, and system requirements will drive inspection and testing schedules. Business owners and managers should make sure contractors follow these codes as non-compliance could lead to fines. Testing of the fire sprinkler system goes by component, with mechanical devices such as sprinkler heads calling for attention on a quarterly basis in most cases. Fixed equipment such as valves will have different time frames for maintenance, ranging from annually to every three to five years.

National Fire Protection Association Guidelines
The NFPA prints the Life Safety Code which contains pertinent information on the installation of water-based suppression systems. Once the system is installed, care must be taken to keep it up to date to make sure it works when needed. Business owners should also know that if the sprinklers do stop a fire, a fire sprinkler cleanup should be initiated. A professional fire mitigation company will send trained workers to clean up any water damage caused by the activation of the system.  
A fire sprinkler system is a smart investment and it is a requirement for some commercial buildings. Proactive maintenance will ensure the system works when needed to stop a fire.